Yogyakarta Pt 3

Yogyakarta Pt 3

Feb 16, 2025 | travel

Grab Charges

28 January 2024: The Great Temple Expedition Plan (or Lack Thereof)

After returning from Bukit Bintang, the three of us sat down for a serious discussion—our game plan for the next adventure. The mission? Borobudur and Prambanan temples. The problem? Transport.

A quick Grab check showed that a one-way ride to Borobudur alone was about IDR 300k (~RM90). That meant RM180 just for transport—not even including Prambanan yet! So, being the financially cautious (read: cheap) travelers that we are, we decided to ask some Grab drivers if they offered private hire for a whole day. Most of them quoted IDR 600k (~RM180) for the entire trip, including fuel. Not bad, but we weren’t ready to commit yet since we planned to go on Tuesday.

Pro tip: If you want to climb to the top of Borobudur, don’t go on a Monday—they close it for maintenance and cleaning. We didn’t want to be those clueless tourists who showed up only to take photos from the bottom.

29 January 2024: A Chill Day That Turned Into a Spa, Sambal & Shopping Adventure

We decided to have a free and easy day, where we each did our own thing:

  • Shahrul went for a morning jog and had breakfast at a roadside stall, where he tried Sate Padang—which he later described as “spicy, peanutty, and a little life-changing.”
  • Ainur, as expected, probably went café-hopping and “nongkrong” (chilling) with a good cup of coffee.
  • I, on the other hand, went on a mission—to find batik as souvenirs for friends and family back in Malaysia.

By midday, we regrouped and decided to visit the Affandi Museum, a gallery dedicated to Affandi, one of Indonesia’s most famous expressionist painters. The museum is basically his former home, transformed into an art space. The walls were filled with his raw, emotional paintings, mostly self-portraits that made me wonder if the guy ever painted anything other than thing related to himself

Fun fact: On our way there, we struck up a conversation with our Grab driver and casually asked if he’d be willing to take us to both Borobudur and Prambanan for IDR 500k instead of 600k. He agreed! And that’s how we met Febrian, who would later become a key player in my Jogja travel adventures.

Sate Padang purchased by Shahrul

Entrance of Affandi Musuem

Patung Kepala Affandi dan Kartika

Among arts produced by Affandi

Affandi Musuem

After two hours of appreciating art, the sky decided it was time for a monsoon-level downpour. Outdoor plans were officially canceled. But we still had to eat—so we made our way to Waroeng Sambal Spesial. This place? A sambal lover’s paradise. They had more types of sambal than we could count, and each one packed a serious punch. Our meal? Absolutely delicious, ridiculously cheap—the entire feast cost us less than RM50. If I could bring one thing home from Jogja, it would be their sambal.

With the rain showing no signs of stopping, we thought—why not pamper ourselves? Off we went to SPA De Wave at Lagensari. And before you ask—yes, this is a legit spa. No shady business here. I went all out and booked a full body massage + coffee scrub package for IDR 280k. Let me tell you—it was worth every rupiah. I walked out of there feeling like a brand-new person, possibly with the smoothest skin in all of Jogja.

Feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, we chilled at a nearby café to finalize our itinerary for tomorrow’s temple-hopping. Later, we had dinner at Loco Café, which had good food but was slightly overpriced (our wallets shed a tear).

To end the night, we made a mandatory stop at Malioboro Street, Jogja’s shopping heaven. Rows upon rows of stalls selling everything from batik, handicrafts, souvenirs, to street food. Then came the ultimate challenge: Shahrul suggested we WALK back to our hotel from Malioboro. Distance? Let’s just say it was “a good workout”. Ainur, being the wise one, opted for a becak instead.

That night, Ainur had a mild food poisoning scare from our late, spicy lunch. Thankfully, nothing too serious.

Spa treatment at De Wave

Hipster Cafe

Our table at Waroeng Sambal Spesial

Nasi Goreng and Coffee at Loco Cafe

Teras Malioboro

30 January 2024: The Temple Marathon Begins!

Bright and early at 7 AM, Febrian arrived at our hotel, ready to take us to Borobudur. After about 1.5 hours, we finally arrived at one of the greatest Buddhist temples in the world. This place was breathtaking. Massive stone structures, intricate carvings, and a mystical atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. We spent three hours exploring the temple, climbing up the terraces, and admiring the stunning Buddha statues overlooking the lush landscape.

After sweating buckets under the sun, we needed food—good food.

Lunch at Borobudur Silver Resto
This place looked fancy. A beautiful, elegant restaurant serving authentic Javanese cuisine. We went all out—ordering grilled chicken, spicy sambal dishes, vegetable soup, and an assortment of traditional desserts. The prices were surprisingly reasonable despite the posh setting. With happy (and very full) stomachs, we moved on to our next stop—Candi Prambanan.

Prambanan Temple
Unlike Borobudur, which is a Buddhist temple, Prambanan is a Hindu temple built in the 9th century. The architecture is jaw-dropping—massive stone towers decorated with intricate relief carvings depicting stories from the Ramayana. By this point, we were exhausted, so we didn’t stay too long before heading back to the hotel.

But of course, my day wasn’t over yet.

Yard of Candi Brobudor

Scriptures at Candi Brobudor

Candi Prambanan

The Great Laundry Hunt & Late-Night Café Hopping

Shahrul and I realized we desperately needed to do laundry. But here’s the thing—finding a self-service laundromat in Jogja is a challenge. Most places require staff assistance and close early.

After going from one closed shop to another, we found Digital Laundry Ekspress, but they had a water supply issue. While waiting for them to fix it, we decided to grab dinner at Pixel Coffee & Collaborative Space—a cool café with a cozy vibe.

Post-dinner, we returned to the laundromat. Still not working.

At this point, we were determined to find a working laundry. After what felt like an eternity of walking, we stumbled upon Papicilo Laundry Koin Express Prawirotaman—a semi-self-service laundromat. Success!

While waiting for our clothes, we ended up chatting with some fellow Malaysians who were also traveling. A nice little reminder that the world is small when you’re abroad.

Exhausted but victorious, we finally returned to the hotel.

Happiest Moment!

Nasi Gudeg

31 January 2024: Goodbye Jogja, Hello Bandung!

On our last morning in Yogyakarta, I had to try Gudeg, the city’s signature dish made of slow-cooked jackfruit in coconut milk. I ordered Gudeg Mbarek Bu Hj. Amad via Grab and it did not disappoint.

After checking out from our hotel, we took Grab to Stasiun Tugu and boarded a train back to Stasiun Gambir, Jakarta.

Here, we said goodbye to Ainur, who was staying in Jakarta for another day before flying off to Bangkok. Meanwhile, Shahrul and I were about to board Indonesia’s high-speed train, Whoosh, to Bandung.

Next stop: Bandung! Stay tuned for the next adventure.

Yogyakarta Pt 2

Yogyakarta Pt 2

Jan 27, 2025 | travel

28.01.2024 – Journey to Yogyakarta: Arrival and First Impressions

After a six-hour journey on the ARGO DWIPANGGA 10 train, we finally arrived in Yogyakarta. Despite the onboard food offerings, we found ourselves extremely hungry upon disembarking. After a brief rest of about an hour at our hotel, we decided to venture out and find something to eat.

Our hunger led us to search for a restaurant within walking distance from our hotel. We stumbled upon a charming café called “Secret Garden and Chocolate,” conveniently located near Jalan Gampingan. The café’s ambiance was inviting, with a cozy blend of traditional and modern decor, making it the perfect spot to unwind after our long journey.

The menu offered a delightful mix of local cuisine and western dishes. Famished, each of us decided to order two servings. I couldn’t resist the allure of nasi goreng ayam (fried rice with chicken) and a hearty grilled chicken. The dishes were beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The nasi goreng was perfectly spiced, with a delightful mix of textures and tastes, while the grilled chicken was tender and juicy, complemented by a rich, smoky marinade.

Menu - Part 1

Menu - Part 2

With our hunger satiated, we felt revitalized and ready to explore. We decided to take a leisurely stroll around the area. The evening air was cool and refreshing, a welcome change from the heat of the day. Our wanderings eventually led us to Bukit Bintang, a popular spot known for its stunning nighttime views.

Unlike its namesake in Kuala Lumpur, Yogyakarta’s Bukit Bintang offered a serene and picturesque setting. As we reached the top, we were greeted by a breathtaking panorama of the city’s twinkling lights. The sight was nothing short of magical, with the cityscape spread out before us like a glittering tapestry. The tranquil atmosphere was perfect for unwinding and taking in the beauty of Yogyakarta at night.

We found a small stall where we ordered some local snacks – jagung bakar (grilled corn) and pisang cheese (cheese-coated bananas) – along with a pot of hot tea. The grilled corn was sweet and smoky, a perfect snack to enjoy under the starlit sky. The pisang cheese was a delightful treat, with the creamy cheese adding a unique twist to the sweet bananas. The tea was soothing, providing a warm contrast to the cool night air.

As we relaxed, we couldn’t help but reflect on the day’s adventures. The journey had been long, but the experiences and sights we had encountered made it all worthwhile. With our bodies and minds refreshed, we decided to head back to the hotel. Tomorrow promised more exciting explorations, and we wanted to be well-rested for the adventures that lay ahead.

Back at the hotel, we settled into our comfortable beds, the anticipation of discovering more of Yogyakarta filling our thoughts. As we drifted off to sleep, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the memorable start to our Indonesian adventure.

Night view of Bukit Bintang

Stall at Bukit Bintang

Having Jagung Bakar and Hot Tea

As we relaxed, we couldn’t help but reflect on the day’s adventures. The journey had been long, but the experiences and sights we had encountered made it all worthwhile. With our bodies and minds refreshed, we decided to head back to the hotel. Tomorrow promised more exciting explorations, and we wanted to be well-rested for the adventures that lay ahead.

Back at the hotel, we settled into our comfortable beds, the anticipation of discovering more of Yogyakarta filling our thoughts. As we drifted off to sleep, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the memorable start to our Indonesian adventure.

Yogyakarta Pt 1

Yogyakarta Pt 1

May 24, 2024 | travel

28.01.2024 – Our journey in Indonesia continued to an exciting new chapter: Yogyakarta. We arrived at Gambir Station around 8:00 AM, eager to depart at 8:50 AM. The check-in process was straightforward. Locals could use facial recognition for a speedy check-in, though we weren’t sure if it worked for foreigners. To avoid any hassle, we opted for the manual passport queue.

Once our passports were checked, we weren’t entirely sure where to go next. Luckily, we found a porter (someone who helps carry luggage onto the train) and decided to use his service. For a small fee of IDR10k (RM3.00), he took care of our bags, placing them directly on the train for us. This little convenience felt like a luxury amidst the bustling station crowd.

As we waited for the train, Sharul and I settled on tickets for the executive class, while Ainur splurged on a luxury ticket. Ainur got to relax in an air-conditioned lounge with snacks, whereas Sharul and I made do with the regular waiting area, cooled only by fans. Envying Ainur a bit, we decided to grab some coffee and a light breakfast at a nearby café in the station. The anticipation of the journey ahead made everything taste a bit better.

Our train, the ARGO DWIPANGGA 10, arrived on time. Before boarding, we couldn’t resist snapping some photos and recording videos of the train’s arrival. It felt like the beginning of a grand adventure. The porter then helped us get our bags settled in our seats. We chose the executive class for a bit of comfort, even though there were cheaper options. The round-trip tickets cost us about RM400+, a reasonable price for the level of comfort promised. Sharul handled the train tickets, so I wasn’t sure about the exact IDR amount.

As we settled into our seats, the train began its journey precisely on schedule. The six-hour journey to Yogyakarta promised a mesmerizing array of views: bustling cities, serene villages, dense forests, and vast rice paddies. The changing landscapes were like scenes from a movie, each more captivating than the last.

The onboard experience was quite pleasant. The train was equipped with comfortable seats and ample legroom, making the long journey bearable. There was an onboard service offering food and drinks, which could be purchased from the crew or at the café. Hot meals and drinks were conveniently delivered to our seats to avoid any spills – a thoughtful touch.

I spent much of the journey observing the scenery and the passengers around me. The vibrant life outside the train windows and the varied human interactions inside kept me thoroughly engaged. The onboard food was slightly pricier, but the convenience made it worth it. At one point, I ventured to the café car for a change of scenery and to stretch my legs. It was fascinating to see how other passengers spent their time – some napping, others chatting animatedly, and a few like me, simply soaking in the views.

As the train sped through the heart of Java, we were treated to a panorama of Indonesian life: children playing in the fields, farmers tending to their crops, and the occasional bustling market near the tracks. It was a visual feast that kept me glued to my seat, camera in hand, ready to capture any particularly striking scenes.

Without realizing it, six hours flew by, and we arrived at Yogyakarta Station right on schedule. The station was bustling with people, as it connects trains from various parts of Indonesia. Navigating through the crowd was a bit challenging. The station was a hive of activity, with travelers hurrying to and fro, vendors selling snacks and drinks, and the occasional street performer adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

We called for a Grab to take us to our hotel. The wait for the Grab took about 30 minutes due to heavy traffic around the station, with many cars picking up passengers. The heat and the hustle of the crowd made us appreciate the air-conditioned comfort of our ride even more.

The drive to our hotel offered a glimpse of Yogyakarta’s charm. The streets were lively, with a mix of modern and traditional architecture, street vendors selling everything from fresh fruits to handcrafted souvenirs. We finally arrived at our hotel, exhausted but exhilarated. The day had been long, but the anticipation of exploring Yogyakarta rejuvenated us.

Stay tuned for more adventures in Yogyakarta in the next post!

Intermezzo: Preparations I Made as a Malaysian Traveling Overseas

Intermezzo: Preparations I Made as a Malaysian Traveling Overseas

May 21, 2024 | travel

Traveling overseas can be thrilling but requires thorough preparation. Here’s how I got ready for my trip, making sure everything was set for a smooth adventure:

Passport and Visa:

  • Passport: I checked my passport to ensure it was valid for at least six months beyond my travel dates. Luckily, it was, so I didn’t need to renew it.
  • Visa: I researched the visa requirements for Indonesia. Malaysians get visa-free entry for up to 30 days, so no extra paperwork was needed.

Travel Insurance:

  • I knew travel insurance was crucial, so I purchased it online through the Touch ‘n Go eWallet app. Alternatively, Etiqa also offers comprehensive travel insurance. It covered medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage, giving me peace of mind.

Currency Exchange:

  • I converted some Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) to Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Although I planned to use my card for most purchases, having cash was essential for smaller transactions and street vendors. I used Wise to get better exchange rates and lower fees. Wise is an app that lets you transfer money internationally with low fees and great exchange rates. You can hold and convert currencies in the app and get a physical card to use abroad. If you don’t have a Wise account yet, you can use my referral link to get a free card.

Medication:

  • I packed a small medical kit with essentials such as medication for food poisoning, flu, allergies, and muscular pain. Better safe than sorry, right?

Sunscreen:

  • Since the weather in Jakarta is similar to Malaysia, I packed sunscreen to protect my skin from the intense sun.

Packing Essentials:

  • Clothing: I packed light, layering my clothes to accommodate Jakarta’s hot weather.
  • Gadgets: I didn’t forget my phone, charger, power bank, camera and travel adapters. Different countries have different plug types, so I was prepared.
  • Travel Documents: I made copies of my passport, travel insurance, and other important documents. I also stored digital copies on my phone and cloud storage in case of anything.

Connectivity:

  • I considered getting an international SIM card but decided to activate international roaming on my Malaysian number instead. As back up plan, I have purchased eSIM before leaving Malaysia. Here’s the link to buy eSIM online, it is very easy to setup everything. You may also purchase a local SIM card for better rates and data coverage, when you arrive at the airport.

Transportation and Accommodation:

  • Accommodation: I booked my stay in advance using Booking.com. It was a mix of budget and comfortable hotels.
  • Transportation: I researched local transportation options. I downloaded the Grab app to use in Indonesia, as it’s widely available and convenient.

Travel Apps:

  • Navigation: Google Maps was my go-to for navigating the city.
  • Translation: Google Translate helped bridge the language gap whenever I needed it.
  • Currency Converter: XE Currency was handy for converting prices on the go.

Safety Precautions:

  • Emergency Contacts: I noted down local emergency numbers and the address of the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta.
  • Security: I was aware of common scams in Jakarta and stayed vigilant. I kept my valuables secure at all times.

Cultural Awareness:

  • I learned a few basic phrases in Bahasa Indonesia, which was appreciated by the locals. Simple greetings and thank yous go a long way.
  • Respecting local customs and traditions was important to me, so I researched them beforehand. Knowing the dos and don’ts helps in blending in and showing respect to the locals.

Social Media and Communication:

  • I shared my travel itinerary with my family and friends. Regular check-ins via WhatsApp kept everyone updated on my whereabouts.

Final Checks:

  • A day before my departure, I double-checked all my bookings, flight times, and transportation arrangements. I ensured all necessary documents were packed and easily accessible.

With all these preparations, I felt ready and confident for my adventure in Indonesia. Traveling is always an experience filled with learning and excitement, and being well-prepared makes it even more enjoyable. Safe travels to all!

Jakarta Pt 7 (Final)

Jakarta Pt 7 (Final)

May 19, 2024 | travel

27.01.2024 – Picking up from where we left off… Ainur and I headed to Grand Indonesia via Grab. True to its name, the mall was massive. I noticed that most malls in Indonesia have strict security checks at the entrance, likely due to past terrorist incidents. Grand Indonesia, one of the premier shopping destinations in Jakarta, boasts a sprawling layout with a mix of high-end and local brands, making it a must-visit. As with most malls in Indonesia, entering required a security check, likely a precaution due to past terrorist incidents. Despite the added security, the mall was welcoming, with its elegant design and extensive array of stores and eateries. Upon arrival, Ainur introduced me to her friend Avia, whom she met during her travels in Europe. As usual, I was a bit reserved with new people, so I mostly listened as they caught up. I didn’t say much initially, but I tried to be friendly to avoid making Avia feel awkward.

Our stomachs growled in unison, so we headed straight to Café Betawi for lunch. Café Betawi is a popular spot known for serving traditional Indonesian dishes in a cozy, modern setting. I decided to order Nasi Uduk Empal with Es Kelapa Jeruk. Nasi Uduk is rice cooked in coconut milk, served with flavorful fried beef (empal), and accompanied by a variety of side dishes like fried tempeh, sambal, and fresh vegetables. The Es Kelapa Jeruk was the perfect complement to the meal. The meal was delicious and satisfying, a perfect representation of Indonesian cuisine.

While enjoying our meal, Ainur and Avia shared their travel adventures in Europe. Their stories were fascinating, and before I knew it, my plate was empty. We finished our lunch and realized that Sharul had yet to arrive. So, we decided to explore the mall while waiting for him. When Shahrol finally joined us, we headed to Djournal Coffee. Djournal Coffee is known for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent brews, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. We continued our conversation, discussing our upcoming train journey to Yogyakarta.

Avia, intrigued by our plans, suggested another round of coffee at Senayan Park. Despite our full stomachs, we decided to check out Senayan Park. The mall offers a more relaxed shopping experience compared to the bustling Grand Indonesia. While Ainur and Avia explored more coffee options, Sharul and I, feeling the effects of our earlier meal and needing a bathroom break, decided to explore the mall instead of indulging in more coffee.

 

Feeling the toll of the day’s activities and my social energy depleting, I decided to head back to the hotel. I collected my premium laundry—still cringing at the high cost— and started packing my purchases from Tanah Abang into my luggage. Our train to Yogyakarta was scheduled to depart from Gambir Station at 8:50 AM, so I needed to be ready for an early start. The journey expected to take until 3:00 PM. Before calling it a night, I decided to try KFC Indonesia. The portions were slightly smaller, and the meals typically included white rice. The familiar taste with a local twist was a nice way to end the day. After eating, I just remembered that I have to buy Kopi Kapal Api for my brother and I just ordered it through Grab Mart, east right?. Then, I packed up the rest of my belongings, ensuring everything was ready for an early departure.

This concludes my Jakarta adventure. Stay tuned for my next chapter on Yogyakarta. Thanks for reading and following along on this journey!

@farid.ariffin Jakarta guys. #CapCut ♬ original sound - Farid Ariffin
@farid.ariffin Exploring Jakarta #CapCut ♬ Lampu Merah - The Lantis

Jakarta Pt 6

Jakarta Pt 6

May 18, 2024 | travel

27.01.2024 — Our last day in Jakarta, and we decided to go our separate ways to do our own thing. Shahrol took the MRT to explore popular hangout spots, Ainur planned to meet her friend Avia, whom she met during her travels in Europe, and I intended to shop for souvenirs to bring back to Malaysia. We had complained so much about the heat yesterday that the universe decided to balance things out with a heavy downpour that lasted from morning till noon. Despite the rain, I had a schedule to keep. I grabbed breakfast at Tomoro Coffee, conveniently located right below our hotel. My usual order—a latte and a cinnamon roll—hit the spot, fueling me for the day ahead. I then hopped into a Grab and headed to Tanah Abang, the largest textile market in Southeast Asia.

Tanah Abang is a bustling marketplace, a labyrinth of shops selling everything from fabrics and clothing to accessories and more. The atmosphere was electric, with vendors calling out their wares, the hum of bargaining in the air, and a sea of colorful textiles as far as the eye could see. However, it’s important to stay alert here. Scammers often approach tourists, offering unsolicited help or deals too good to be true, only to rob you later. My local friends had warned me to be cautious, describing Jakarta as a city of opportunists.

Navigating Tanah Abang can be tricky, especially if you’re not prepared. Here are some essential tips for shopping there:

  1. Payment Methods: Most vendors don’t have card terminals and usually accept payments through cash and QR code using QRIS.
  2. Using QRIS: QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) is a standardized QR code payment system in Indonesia. It allows payments from various e-wallets and banking apps. Fortunately, Touch ‘n Go eWallet and MAE by Maybank support QRIS, so you can use them seamlessly.
  3. Foreign Transfers: At that time, I wasn’t familiar with QRIS, so I decided to use the transfer function via Wise. Wise is an online money transfer service known for its low fees and competitive exchange rates. Instead of carrying a lot of cash, I converted my money to local currency using Wise, which offered better rates than money changers.
  4. Security and Convenience: Transferring money with Wise is secure and user-friendly. If you don’t have a Wise account yet, you can use my referral link to get a free card. [Link here.]

With these tips in mind, I navigated the market quickly, buying ten pairs of kain pelikat and ten batik shirts. Next on my list was coffee. My brother had specifically asked for Kapal Api coffee, but finding it in Tanah Abang proved challenging. I wandered around, unable to locate any grocery stalls selling the brand. Frustrated but determined, I asked a local where to find good coffee. They directed me to a traditional coffee shop where coffee beans were roasted on-site and ground fresh upon purchase. I selected two top-quality grades to bring back home. As for the Kapal Api coffee, I decided to try my luck at Alfamart or Indomaret later.

Feeling a bit uneasy and paranoid—perhaps from the sheer number of people and the bustling environment—I wrapped up my shopping and decided to head back to the hotel. The relentless rain meant I had to wait at the coffee shop for a while. When it seemed like my Grab wasn’t going to arrive anytime soon, I opted for a bajai (similar to a tuk-tuk in Thailand) for the experience, even though it wasn’t as comfortable as a Grab. The fare was IRD30k (about RM9.00), and despite the driver’s attempt to ask for more, Channeling my inner negotiator, I firmly refused to pay extra, surprising even myself with my boldness.

Back at the hotel around noon, I dropped off my laundry at the reception. With my clothes running low before our trip to Jogja, I had no choice. I had never used a hotel’s laundry service before, and the cost shocked me—over IDR502k (about RM150) for just a few items! I blamed Sharul for insisting on hotel laundry.

Once everything was settled, I checked in with the others. Ainur was still at the hotel, just about to leave to meet Avia. Sharul was still daydreaming at a café in M Block. After a shower and with no solid plans for the afternoon—and still a bit paranoid from the morning—I decided to join Ainur and Avia at Grand Indonesia.

Next up: Our final day adventures at Grand Indonesia and wrapping up our Jakarta journey. Stay tuned!