Jumaat, 23 Mei 2014

Day 2 (Karimun Island & Kundur Island, Riau Islands Province, Indonesia - 28th February to 02th March 2014) - Kukup-Tanjung Balai, Karimun-Kundur Journey and Around Kundur Island.

Continue from Day 1.

If want to read: 
Day 3; or 
Itinerary.

Jika mahu baca dalam Bahasa Melayu: 
Hari 1 (bahagian ini);
Hari 2; atau
Hari 3.




01/03/2014 (Saturday)


All the way, because of this bus journey was at night, so automatically, I was zzzing... It so comfort, because I slept on single seat in a 27 seats bus. While I was sleeping, I felt the bus had been stopped. Oh, it has already arrived at Tangkak's toll plaza. My watch showed 01:00 am. I continued my sleeping, because I will use a lot of energy, at the day.   


Then when I was sleeping, again, I felt the bus stopped but this time longer. Oh, it stopped for break at a restaurant at Parit Jawa area, I think, not so sure because I felt my eyes so heavy. It was 02:15 am... Once again, I continued to sleep, felt lazy to eat. When arrive at Pontian, then I will eat.

At one time, when I semi-conscious, I flet I know the place, where the bus was stopping. There was on Jalan Rugayah junction in Batu Pahat. About 1 1/2 more hours, will arrive at Pontian. I did not looked at my watch at this time.

Finally, I woke up because I heard bus wind brake sound. The bus stopped in front of Pontian Hospital, to drop a passanger. This mean, I can not sleep anymore, because the bus will arrive to the destination any time. At last, at 04:25 am, the bus arrived at Pontian Public Transport Terminal at Pontian New Town (reclaimed area). This terminal is still new. I alighted from the bus.



When I looked around this terminal, oh o... All have been locked... Include prayer room and toilet... So, what to do next???


Hah, when the bus was on the way to the terminal, I saw a McDonald's brunch at the junction to ther terminal from the main road. More interesting, it is open 24 hours... Pontian become more developing town nowaday. So, I went there... To have breakfast, to get clean and others... There also has WiFi...


After had breakfast, my got the strength & freshness. But my heard said that I left something, oh just remember, my black leather hat, which bought at Suzhou, last November been lest in the bus. Huh, it not a big deal, not my rezeki. Then I back to bus terminal waiting for Pak Nasir. 



Among pictures that been taken at the terminal. Then at 06:20 am, Pak Nasir called me, he said he arrived already. He took me to his sister in law's car and went to Pontian Town Mosque to perfomed Subuh (Fajr) prayer. 




After performed the prayer, we immediately went to Kukup, about 26 km from Pontian. We needed to rush because infromation from internet mention that first ferry to Karimun will depart at 08:00 am from MV Tuah and next ferry will depart at 11:00 am. On the way, we looked some places affected with smog causing from open firing at Riau Province as been said, but I think there was also causing from local firing. We can smelled strong smoke smell. At 07:25 am, we arrived at Kukup. But, MV Tuah tickets for 08:30 am trip has already finished... Oh, we need to wait for 11:00 am trip. But fortunately, the counter clerk said that the next counter will be open soon for 08:30 am trip, which handle by another company, Ocean Indomal. Alhamdulillah... We went to a little restaurant near by to have breakfast, because Ocean Indomal's counter has not opened yet.



This is Pak Nasir. Still handsome and trendy... Hehehe... (While I was writing this posting, Pak Nasir has finished first part of this journey at 02th April 2014 (Wednesday). The blog can be read at Sepanjang Jalan Kehidupan.) While having breakfast, I surveyed at the counter, suddenly it was opened. I was at first in line and bought for myself on way ticket for RM95.00 only, which the fare is RM75.00 + RM10.00 for boarding fee and another RM10.00 for processing fee (filling in Arrival & Departure Indonesian Immigration form).




This Bording Pass will be colleted by ferry company, others can be kept... Fortunately I have taken this picture.





For return tickets as Pak Nasir bought, the price is RM110.00 only, which the price difference with one way is about RM15.00 only. The price comprised the fare, RM75.00 + RM10.00 for boarding fee and another RM10.00 for processing fee (filling in Arrival & Departure Indonesian Immigration form). But when want to depart from Tanjung Balai, Karimun jetty, there will port tax that we need to pay. I will mention after on. The ticket for return back to Kukup will open for a month. Obviously, return ticket is more profit than single journey. 




I took picture of Pak Nasir and his family, who want to bye bye as they said... Hehehe... About 08:15 am, we entered to Malaysian immigration counters for immigration procedure. 


As my turn at immigration counter, I asked to the officer to stamp my passport. Alhamdulillah, he stamped my pasport without ask...

Then Pak Nasir, other passengers and I rode into the ferry. This was my first time I rode a ferry to another country. Majority of passenger are Indonesian, and also some were Malaysia. Mostly male. Perhaps they will have good cause to come to Karimun. At 08:35 am, the ferry departed from Kukup jetty.









At 08:30 am west Indonesian time (WIB-Waktu Indonesia Barat) (08:30 am Malaysian time), the ferry arrived at Tanjung Balai, Karimun, Riau Islands, Indonesia. Hehehe... Alhamdulillah... As usual, we took some picture, selfie and posing...


Below is my profile picture in Facebook page of KembaraGD (but, without Instaweather additional graphics).



After posed for some pictures, then just remembered, all the people already at immigresion hall. So, we were last people in the line... There was a long que. We waited our turn quite long, and then next ferry arrived and its passengers arrived in the hall. The ferry maybe came from Singapore (because I saw there were a lot of Singaporean passport). Indonesian passport holder was given special treatment, through express lane. While we were waiting for our turn, one of the Indonesian immigration officer mingled with us. He was a warm man. His accent like Johorean Malay talk. But his warm had some agenda, he actually want to ask us to us "fast track", but with some money... Actually as usual, I did not liked this matter. He being bored with us, after we do nothing about it. That why there was only one counters was been opened even though there are four counters. Plus, the officer in express lane for Indonesian did not called us to go his counter, although no more Indonesian anymore. 

If a citizen from countries which require to have visa to enter Indonesia, Visa-On-Arrival (VOA) is avaiable at this port. With US$ 25.00 they will get 30 days visa. I saw some Indian nationalities applied for VOA at that time. Below picture was taken quietly, because picture taking is prohibited at any immigration counter all over the world.  


After 35 minutes waiting in the line, then I got the Indonesian passport stamp for first time after some long years.


Finally, we exited from the terminal bulding, then we're been crowded by tout, who keep asking for there service. Suddenly, Pak Nasir was been called by somebody. Oh, he was Azmi (Facebook idMuhamad Azmi), our new known friend who will bring us to travel here. He also will take Pak Nasir to his wife hometown at Kerinchi, Jambi (Sumatera) for next a week, which I cannot be together (because I not applied for job leave and also I need to be staff in charged for MARA Tower Official Ceremony by Malaysian Prime Minister).

After exchanging shake hands to each other, I asked Azmi, how to buy SIM card at Tanjung Balai. As he walked, he thought maybe for my favour. I saw many of eatery shop outside of the pier, most of it sold nasi padang. The foods looked very attracting and appetising, nyum nyum... Maybe when I back to KL, I will eat here, as my heart said...

As we arrived at road side of the pier, we actually already at Tanjung Balai town. The road quite narrow, like roads in Thailand's towns. There a lot vehicles in the town like motorcycle taxis which called ojek here and taxis from vans or small lorries which called angkot. Many of ojeks and angkots driver called for us but we just followed Azmi... Oh, Azmi brought me to a shop which sold SIM card. 

There are many type prepaid SIM card from a lot of provider (telco or MNVP) in Indonesia... This shop sold SIM card from TelkomselIndosatAxis & XL Axiata. Actually, there were more provider can be found elsewhere. From a provider, many prepaid products also need to be chosen eg from Telkomsel, have simPATIkartuHaloKartu As dan Loop. Loo... Pusing gue ("Ooh, it make me headache" in Bahasa Indonesia)... 

I asked which one is the best, to the seller (Indonesian Chinese with very fluent in Bahasa Indonesia without Chinese accent), he replied that Telkomsel have the best coverage. He asked me, how do I use, for internet, or just for call or use a lot of text? I just say I want all but more to internet use. So he suggested simPATI pack as below. The price just Rp 15 000 only (+- RM 4.50). But, it only has Rp 3000 preloaded value and internet allocation capacity not so much, if I want, can be add on Rp20 000 for 600MB for 30 days. I just accepted it, just like been mesmerised, huhuhu...

After that, we keep on waliking, then I just found on the pack, there was a promo, only Rp30 000 will get 2GB data! Just Rp10 000 difference only with big different in data capacity allocation, huhuhu. But actually, that 600MB, for twice trip to Indonesia within 2 weeks, the data plan still not been used entirely... After that, I need to cut the SIM card because it only have in Mini SIM (normal size), my phone use nano SIM format. Azmi invited us to get some drink. At the restaurant, insya Allah, it can be cut. I already brought a scissor.





Hah, here is picture of Azmi... Quite handsome, it is? Hehehe... He brought us to a restaurant, simple but have WiFi... Hehehe, so straight away we updated status & uploaded picture at Facebook. Then, I opened SIM pack that been bought and cut the SIM card to be nano SIM to be inserted into my iPhone5... 


Azmi asked us to order some food, but we shied. But, after keep asked many times, afraid that rezeki will not come to us if we refused, so we took the menu, what to find something different. Ayam Rawit, first time I heard it, I asked to Azmi to know further about it, but he said he did not know (but I liked to unbelieve it), he added it is people of Karimun's food. Azmi actually came from Daik, Lingga and stays in Kundur island. So, I ordered Ayam Rawit with teh oh beng (iced tea without milk). 

After 5 minutes, Ayam Rawit arrived on our table, with rice. At Indonesia, most of foods will come with rice. I tasted Ayam Rawit, emmm delicious... Like chicken soto, but tastier... After 2-3 spoons then, OMG, my mouth like been burnt, TERBAAABOOO!!! So hot, until my forehead become sweaty and my nose become watery... HAH!!! I ordered 2 more iced water...


After we finished our meal, Azmi brought us to get around Tanjung Balai township. We went to Pasar Sri Karimun, main spot for souvenir. I bought some T-shirt for my children here. At first, for 3 T-shirt, I been asked for Rp 200 000 (about RM60.00). I shocked, why so expensive (just in heart), but Azmi quickly bargained for me. At last, I just paid Rp80 000 (about RM24.00). Thank you Azmi.



Next, we rode an angkot to go to a market (I forgot the name), to see the activities inside. Just like at Malaysia, but I found, they less use coin money. May be this because the lowest paper money in Indonesia is Rp1000 equal as 30 Malaysian sen only. The highest value of paper money is Rp100 000 which value of RM30.00 only.


Actually Azmi want to find a pair of slippers for his son. So he brought us to the nearest supermarket. So we walked to there. While walking, I saw a nice bulding on the top of a hill. Azmi said that building is owned by a very rich man. Nice architecture. Then we entered to the supermarket, alhamdulillah, we were chill out after supermarket air conditioner. Pak Nasir was pay out for the slippers.  




Then, Azmi brought us to Sri Tanjung Gelam People Pier, which is a jetty for local ferry services, where he brought us to his house at Kundur island. Untul here, my mouth still felt so hot cause of Ayam Rawit...




This pier just looked like a market. Here, the sorrounding were less formal like ferry service pier to international or domestic destination. Alhamdulillah, we just bought the tickets and straight boarded to the ferry and the ferry sail on. Just like stage bus service.






Actually there were many local  ferry providers for Tanjung Balai to Selat Beliah route, MV Asia Permai was among them, with 3 trips in a day. Others, with their own schedule which were differ than MV Asia Permai. Can be said that every hour will have trips between Tanjung Balai and Selat Beliah.


After 20 minutes sailing, the ferry arrived at Tanjung Makan jetty or what been written here Tanjung Maqom. Locals prefer to call this place Selat Beliah.


Tanjung Makam village, Kundur Island, taken from the jetty.


On the top of this hill, there is a Islamic scholar or kiyai mausoleum (makam in Malay). From this, Tanjung Makam got her name.


A couple of goats at jetty area.


For information, while we were in Indonesia, there was in preparation to organise general election for local administrators like bupati (district officer), walikota (mayor) to representative to Dewan Perwakilan Daerah - DPD (Provincial Representative House), Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat - DPR (House of Representative) & Majlis Permesyuaratan Rakyat - MPR (Senate). So, there were a lot of parties' flags here. But the election will be held on 09th April 2014, so this time was campaigning time. But I shocked, at one of a dining shop at Selat Beliah jetty, showed a Malaysian parti's flag... I so curioused... Or they just putted it on... Obviously, this party got some fans in Indonesia.



At the jetty, Azmi's wife, Yanti and their sons, Arul & Irfan waited for us. Arul & Irfan was so happy when they saw their father. We straight away went to their house. 

Actually, Azmi originated from Daik, Lingga island, Riau Islands and work in PT Timah, one of Indonesian Government's company that involved in mining industry especially in tin mining. Azmi and family live at PT Timah's quarters area at Prayun, northern Kundur island. The infrastructures are very good. So lucky if live here, the water supply and electricity are no charge. But the supply always has been interrupted. 

As arrived at Azmi's house, we had our lunch, prepared by Yanti. We had been served like VIP. After we performed our Zohor & Asar jamak qasar prayer, I slept... Zzz..


At 15:30 (3:30 pm), I woke up and so do Pak Nasir. We chit chatted about 10 minutes, then Azmi asked us to get around the island. We rode two motorcycle, Azmi and Pak Nasir on one motorcycle and another one, I alone...

First location was settlement of Orang Laut (a native ethnic in Indonesia and Malaysia). Actually Orang Laut also can be found at Malaysia especially Batu Pahat, Senibong and Kong Kong in Johor state. 

First location was settlement of Orang Laut (a native ethnic in Indonesia and Malaysia). Actually Orang Laut also can be found at Malaysia especially Batu Pahat, Senibong and Kong Kong in Johor state. When I saw Orang Lauts' settlement in Indonesia very differ than in Malaysia. In Malaysia, their welfare are more concerned by government than in Indonesia. In Indonesia, the infrastructure are very poor condition. Maybe this matter cause from government (because Indonesia is very large country and mainly government focus more to Java island) or the Orang Lauts attitude itself.  

Orang Lauts believe that Kundur Islands own by them. Even small thing like pets and baskets will be taken by them as they want to. Even they walk with spears!!! Huh, very horror!!!

Main economy activity of the Orang Lauts is in fishery. Their house very simple, also their live.




But, on positive view, Orang Lauts live attracted me. Very peacefull, not to complicated and very simple. Maybe that they want and comfort with that way of live. For me, they are not lucky enough because they live in this country. If they live in Malaysia, maybe their live will be better, plus this people are "adopted: by Sultan of Johor...




I was very upset with Indonesian government, even though the houses are very simple (more to very poor conditioned), but there is a building that very strongly built, which is a CHURCH!!! As a country that comprised 90% of the population of 250 million people are Muslim, make as the most Muslim populated country, but the native do not been approched to become ummah of Prophet Muhammad pbuh!!! That so sad!!!



One of some school in Kundur, at the junction between main road and street to Orang Lauts' settlement.


Azmi take us further to Kundur island. The main road of this island is very good conditioned. Quite big enough compare to the density of the island. Azmi said that this road was just been paved recently.

As we reached at a row of shops, we stopped here to taste uniqueness of Kundur. This the my favourite time. Perhaps I will not get like Ayam Rawit previously. But Azmi said this stuff is also hot...

Lendot - Sago cooked with some local vegetables (like water spinach and fern butt), fresh sea prawns XL sized and mud sea snails (but when we arrive, mud sea snail had finished, huhuhu)... We drank coconut with melaka sugar (sugar made from coconut sap)... Perkhhh... Total for 3 lendots and 2 coconut drink was Rp44 000... About RM13 only... The name of the shop also very unique, Kedai Cik Qila Intan Payung at Desa Baru Sawang, not very far from Sawang town. Alhamdulillah, this stuff was not to hot. I think want to eat this meal again because my favourite vege, red fern butt among the ingredient. This among the reason to come Kundur again.


The journey been continued, reaching Sawang town. As usual, this town, the business activities dominated by Chinese. This town is in middle of the way to Tanjung Batu, which is main town of the island.

I just realised that no petrol station in the island. Just like villages in Malaysia 20 years ago or at Hulu Langat (15th Miles further). Azmi filled up his motorcycles at a shop. Just using mug and funnel only. 4 litres (2 litres each motorcycles) around Rp46 thousands, means a litre about Rp 11 500, about RM3.45 per litre. What I been told, here they called benzine for petrol...  

Beside that, other shops also sell petrol in this island just like picture below.


We rode until end of the town, then we turned back. At first, I think we can went to Tanjung Batu, but the sky want to be dark to dusk.

But, we turn to left to Sawang beach just before at other end of the town, on the way to Prayun. Maybe to see sunset, perhaps.

Just parked the motorcycles, we went to the beach. The beach seem like be divided by two. The sand very beautiful and whitely. But when reach with sea water, it become muddy. I thought it is natural but it is not. Azmi said that originately the beach very clean and whitely but because of tin mining offshore of the island, the beach become muddy. That the pay off for the rapid development and not balanced. That true, at middle of the sea, I saw some diggers. So thankful that Malaysia is not like that. We can not see any oil well on the land because of environment impact, so do tin mining at the offshore area. Obviously, Malaysian government not so greedy like Indonesian counterpart.


At the beach, there was a old wooden jetty. We went to the jetty with care. The arrangement of the wood, there got some holes, if we slip though it, only God can know how pain will we get. At the end of the jetty, we can saw horizon of the sky very clearly. Commercial ships sailed very congestly, because of this area is gateway to Strait of Melaka from South China Sea, the busiest seaway in the world. Plus, the seaway among the narrowest.

Here also, can be seen clearly, islands and mainland of Sumatera. The islands is not included into Riau Islands province but included in Riau province (please do not confiused, before 2004 the was no Riau Islands province, only have Riau province, but after 2004, Riau Islands province was created from Riau province). Azmi said that we (I believe he means to include me) will go there. Very psycho, actually I want to follow then, but I have duty at my office. Huhuhu.


When we back to our motorcycle, we passed through a group of productions crew. Maybe they want to shoot an advertisement for Indonesia market. We saw a person, quite high and close the head with a cloth. Then the cloth opened and then we know she is the model for the production. But we quetion to each other, whether the model is a guy or a women or "both" hehehe. Then we realised that Pak Nasir not with us. Oh, he actually with the model. I walked to him and suddenly, Pak Nasir asked me to take his picture with her. Oh, then I heard her voice, and there confirmed that she is a women. Very sweet and soft of her voice... After I took 2-3 pictures, then I asked to Pak Nasir to take mine... Hehehe... Thats come the picture as above. Pak Nasir actually already asked her name, Kiki Lova, from Java island. I guest from Jakarta.


The time showed nearly 18:15 (6:15 pm). Maghrib just near to come. Azmi brought us back to PT Timah staff quarters complex. We parked in front of Al 'Inayah Mosque. Before prayer call been called, Azmi showed his office. We took some picture here. The after the prayer call been called, we went to mosque to perform Maghrib prayer. 


Inside the mosque were very simple if compare to mosques and mushollahs in Malaysia. with no thick carpet, just three in front rows of prayer mats. Other rows, just enough tiles. But the jemaah quite big, about 30 people. Alhamdulillah

After prayer, we back to Azmi's house, about 1 kilometre from the mosque. 



At the night, Azmi and his family asked me to go out again. We went to a fun fair. Here I learned some Indonesian word that I never heard and used before like somey ikan, mean fish ball.


After that, Azmi brought us to more happening place to dine. I ordered asam pedas just to taste Kundur's one. The taste a little different  here than Malaysia, maybe because they used chilli powder not dried chilli.


This time Pak Nasir treated us... Hehehe... Our stomach became full, alhamdulillah. After our meal, we returned to Azmi's home to sleep, zzz...


To be continued in Day 3.

Or want to read:
Day 1; or 
Itinerary.

Jika mahu baca dalam Bahasa Melayu: 
Hari 2; atau

Khamis, 22 Mei 2014

Day 1 (Karimun Island & Kundur Island, Riau Islands Province, Indonesia - 28th February to 02th March 2014) - Towards to Pontian By Bus.

If want to read: 
Day 2
Day 3; or 
Itinerary.

Jika mahu baca dalam Bahasa Melayu: 
Hari 1 (bahagian ini);
Hari 2; atau 
Hari 3.


26/02/2014 (Wednesday)

At this day, while I was surfing my Facebook News Feed, I read Pak Nasir ( Facebook id: Mdnasir Ahmad), one of a coach of a government training agency under Prime Minister Department, which I worked once upon a time ago, told that he want to travel to some regions in Sumatera began 01/03/2014.



Actually he mentioned to do this journey a long ago. I interested to be with him in this journey. At the first, he planned for this journey will be held in May or June, but he took it earlier, because he will do a bicycle tour around Malay Peninsular (which this tour I cannot participate, number one, I do not have a bike (just an excuse), number two, my leg injury caused by a motorcycle accident 2 years ago, still can be felt under my knee, to do an heavy duty job like paddling the bicycle, I will feel the pain. That why, Pak Nasir decided make this journey earlier. After I knew he make the journey earlier, and my duty leave are not to much, I decide to not participate at first.

Then, on this day, my heart said, I need to participate this journey, even just untul to Karimun Island only. For the information, if I take this journey, this is my first time to Riau Islands Province (it a state level, if in Malaysia). There was a long time, I ever been to Indonesia, last time was 12 years ago, while worked with a Indonesian government related company. Poorly, when I worked at Johor Bahru after that, I did not went to Riau Islands Province, even though there already near by.


Before 2004, Riau Islands was a part of Riau Province in Sumatera, but at that year, both were seperated. For more information, can refer to Wikipedia about Riau Islands Province or Google. At below, there are some related maps for this journey for reference.

  Riau Islands Province, Indonesia's map.

Karimun Island's map.

I checked my schedule on this weekend, it was free, so I commented in Pak Nasir posting, that I will follow him but until Karimun only. From Karimun, I told Pak Nasir, I will back to KL via Singapore and Johor Bahru. He agreed and asked me to wait him at Kukup, Pontian, Johor, where is International Ferry Terminal is situated. I checked for bus ticket to Pontian for a night journey at TBS eTicketing website. Huh, there was a 23:30 (11:30 pm) trip. Normally, a bus journey to south Johor will take about 6 hour if in day journey, but if in night journey, it will be faster!!!. Insya Allah, I will arrive before Subuh azan. Suuddenly, I booken and printed eTicket first, after that I needed to bring that to be exchanged for real ticket at TBS soon. Now, to buy bus ticket so easy.


For the information. Pak Nasir is from Semerah, Batu Pahat, that mean, he and I came from same district, but he stay in Melaka very long time. He has already asked me for travelling, but only this time I accept it. I afraid that he will fed up with me and do want to offer me any more...

I can not wait for Friday night for trip to Pontian... PONTIAN!!! YOU WAIT FOR ME!!!

To tell about Karimun and Riau Islands, there are not much I can tell, because I do not ever been there. I felt a great lost, when I worked at Johor Bahru before, I did not went to these part of the world, even thought there already near by. But, what I know, people of Riau Islands' way of talk and accent are like Malaysian Malay (especially Selangorean, Melakan dan Johorean Malay). This for originated from Riau not from other region of Indonesia, who are emigrate to Riau Islands. As not mistaken, my late maternal grandfather said, I have relatives at this area. Wallahu a'lam...



Before this, I have already changed my money to Indonesian money (Rupiah or Rp) at my friend, Zul Khan, who has a money changer business, Akbar Money Changer Sdn Bhd at Jalan Melaka (in front of Bank Muamalat). Originally, the change was for journey to Batam on next week from this journey. But I have an oppotunity to Karimun, I used to use the money first. For RM300, i got Rp 1 047 000... I felt I was a millionaire!!! These are the Rupiah notes, that been received.

 Rp 1000 Note = +- 30 sen (Malaysian)

Rp 5000 Note = +- RM1.50 (Malaysian)

Rp 10 000 Note (2012 version) = +- RM3.00 

Rp 50 000 Note (2005 version) = +- RM15.00

Rp 100 000 Note (2004 version) = +- RM30.00

Rp 100 000 Note (2013 version) = +- RM30.00

Also, I brought also Singaporean money, which I saved from previous trips (I have relatives there, who I sometime visit them). This is because, I planned, from Karimun, I will back to KL through Larkin Sentral Bus Station, Johor Bahru, via HarbourFront, Singapore. At Larkin Sentral, there are more frequency of buses trip to KL than at Pontian. 

 5 cent (Singaporean) = +- 13 sen (Malaysian)

10 cent (Singaporean) = +- 26 sen (Malaysian)

20 cent (Singaporean) = +- 52 sen (Malaysian)

50 cent (Singaorean) = +- RM 1.30

SG$ 1.00 = +- RM 2.60

SG$ 2.00 (old (paper) still in use) = +- RM 5.20

SG$ 2.00 (new (polymer)) = +- RM 5.20

SG$ 5.00 (old (paper) still in use)  = +- RM 13.00

SG$ 5.00 (new (polymer)) = +- RM 13.00

SG$ 10.00 (old (paper) still in use)  = +- RM 26.00

SG$ 10.00 (new (polymer)) = +- RM 26.00

SG$ 50.00 (paper) = +- RM 130.00

After I made an arrangement with Pak Nasir and be verified, about 2 days, I was not patient to have this journey...



28/02/2014 (Friday)

The day that been waited is on... After back from work, I straight away packed up my Dueter Futura 28 liter bag, which been my companion for about 2 years... This bag is so durable... I should do this, because I need to go to TBS from home at 22:30 (10:30 pm) because my bus will depart at 22:30 (11:30 pm).

Exectly at 22:30 (10:30 pm), after did my Isyak prayer, dan got the forgiveness from my mum and all family members, then I went to TBS by motorcycle. Even though it already at late night, but traffic condition at DUKE & MRR2 still a lot of vehicles. May be because of that night was a Friday night, many people want to get to their house of back to their hometown.

As I arrived at TBS, I straight away went to 4th floor, alhamdulillah, there still have some motorcycle's parking space and there were covered parking. So, my motorcycle can be covered from heat and hot (at this time, KL was do not received any rain). The parking is also free of charge. Alhamdulillah...



(Latest update - 11th July 2104)
It is not fair if I do not put cars' parking rate, for those who want to park their car here. The rate is RM3.00 per entry per day. 


Then, straightly go to 3rd floor, to change my eTicket to the real ticket at a special counter. The real ticket look like this:



The time when I arrived at TBS just abour 23:99 (11:00 pm), so I just got arround the terminal, took some picture and bought minted Mentos as an solution for sickness or just wantt to eat. TBS, so great, bus terminal seem like an airport..



(Latest update - 11th July 2104)
Now, we can change money to foreign currency at TBS because it is a money changer, Sumber Jalur Sdn Bhd which is a Merchantrade francaisee has opened at lot 17, 4th floor (opposite of food court, above of TBS' tickets counters). Exchange rates (I take selling rate which is if we want to buy the currency) are very competitive, just like rate at Masjid India or Ampang Park, which is for US$1.00 = RM3.21 and ฿100 = RM10.20 (rate as on 11 Julai 2014).


Also,we can go to klia2 from TBS beside from KL Sentral. With only RM10.00, Jetbus bus services will depart from TBS every hour from 0300 (3:00 am) to 2300 (11:00 pm) every day.


At 23:15 (11:15 pm), I went to the platform at 2nd floor, to wait the bus to arrive. I gave my ticket to TBS' staff before took the escalator to be verified and stamped. My boarding gate was at Gate 1, just in front of escalator. There was a waited bus, but not Mayang Sari's bus. After that bus departed, the my bus parked at parking bay at Gate 1. ooo, this bus will stop over at Muar & Batu Pahat... That was ok, as long I will arrive at Pontian in very-very early in dawn...



OK, for next day journey log, insya Allah it will be continued in Day 2.

Or want to read:
Day 3; or 
Itinerary.

Jika mahu baca dalam Bahasa Melayu: 
Hari 1 (bahagian ini);
Hari 2;  atau 
Hari 3.

Ahad, 11 Mei 2014

Hari 4 (Kawthoung, Myanmar & Ranong, Thailand - 30 April hingga 03 Mei 2014) - Dari Hat Yai Pulang Ke KL.

Bersambung dari Hari 3.

Jika mahu lihat: 



If want to read in English: 

  • Day 4 (this part), 
  • Day 1, 
  • Day 2 or 
  • Day 3.



03/04/2014 (Sabtu)

Pada pagi ini, saya bangun pada pukul 04:30 pagi. Siap-siap mandi dan solat Subuh pada jam 5:00 pagi. Usai solat Subuh, saya pun tidur semula. Lewat lagi mahu daftar keluar, lagi 4 setengah jam lagi. 

Kemudian pada pukul 06:45 pagi, saya bangun dan ke kawasan Lee Gardens untuk mencari sarapan pagi. Saya hendak cuba pulut durian pula. Mahal juga harga di kawasan Lee Garden yang berharga ฿80 (+- RM8.00) berbanding semalam saya beli di penjaja di hadapan gedung Odean, hanya ฿50 (+- RM5.00) sahaja. Harga ini juga menyebabkan wang saya berbaki kurang ฿100 untuk masa sehingga tengahari ini. Huhuhu. Durian yang bersama pulut itu juga agak mengkal, menyebabkan saya ralat untuk memakannya.

Sementara menunggu pukul 09:30 pagi untuk daftar keluar hotel, saya membuat persiapan untuk pulang dan juga membaringkan diri di ata katil. Kalau keluar pun, pagi seperti tiada apa di kawasan sekitar Lee Garden kecuali pasar pagi yang berdekatan. 

Pada jam 09:20 pagi, saya mengambil keputusan untuk daftar keluar dan pada jam 09:30 pagi, saya sudah terpacul di hadapan pejabat Davis Tours & Travel ini. Terdapat beberapa orang sedang menunggu bas Sri Maju. Bas KKKL sedang menunggu. Saya memberikan tiket yang diberikan sebelum ini bersama pasport. Kemudian tiket tersebut dipulangkan. Selang 15 minit, saya diberikan tiket seperti di bawah ini dan slip perlindungan insurans.




Bas hanya sampai pada jam 10:20 pagi, dan bergerak menuju ke Dannok pada jam 10:35 pagi. Agak lambat. Saya percaya, saya tidak akan tiba jam 19:00 (7:00 petang) waktu Malaysia di Puduraya. Kami tiba di Pusat Pemeriksaan Sadao di Dannok pada jam 11:40 pagi. Pagi ini tidak seperti dua hari sebelumnya, agak kurang tapi masih ramai orang. Penumpang semua dikehendaki untuk turun bagi pemeriksaan imigresen. Alhamdulillah barisan saya agak cepat, namun RM1.00 perlu juga diberikan kepada staf imigresen bertugas. 



Walaupun sudah dicop keluar, namun saya "menyeludup masuk" ke Dannok untuk membeli pulut ayam untuk menghabiskan baht saya. Saya membayar dengan mencampurkan duit baht dan ringgit. Selepas itu, saya kembali ke dalam bas, dan masih ramai yang belum selesai.


Pada jam 12:05 tengahari waktu Thailand atau 13:05 (1:05 tengahari) waktu Malaysia, akhirnya bas kami melintasi sempadan. Papan tanda Selamat Datang mengalu-alukan kembali kami ke bumi bertuah ini. Alhamdulillah. Tapi tidak rasmi lagi, selagi urusan imigresen Malaysia belum selesai.


Kami semua turun bersama beg-beg dan barang-barang yang dibawa. Barisan agak panjang tapi teratur di kaunter Malaysia. Cuma 2 kaunter dari empat yang dibuka dan pintu Auto Gate ditutup. Barisan melimpah keluar sehingga keluar dari pintu (di mana di luar pintu ini tidak mendapat dingin pendingin hawa. Akibat sedikit kelalutan, saya dapat berbaris yang pendek (dikirakan saya memotong tapi sudah kalut). Tidak sampai lima minit maka sampai giliran saya. Saya tidak meminta untuk mengecop masuk Malaysia kembali di dalam pasport ini kerana pertamanya saya tiada cop keluar dan keduanya, orang agak ramai beratur di belakang, sudahlah saya "memotong" barisan, takkanlah saya hendak lebih-lebih lagi. Selepas pemeriksaan imigresen, kami perlu melalui pemeriksaan kastam pula. Alhamdulillah semuanya selesai.


Akhirnya pada jam 13:40 (1:40 tengahari) maka selesai semua penumpang bas kami dalam menjalani prosedur imigresen dan kastam. Maka kami bergerak dan kemudian berhenti selama setengah jam di restoran Naluri Aman Sdn Bhd di sebelah CTC. Naluri Aman ini lebih kurang sahaja perkhidmatan yang ada seperti CTC. Tambahan di sini ada kedai bebas cukai, tetapi harga saya lihat agak mahal, malah ada harga lebih mahal dari kedai biasa. Oleh kerana saya rasa tergoda, maka saya makan asam laksa di sini walaupun agak mahal. Rasanya oklah.

Bas meneruskan perjalanannya pada pukul 14:10 (2:10 petang). Dalam perjalanan, apabila tiba di Sungai Petani, baru saya teringat saya terlupa untuk solat Zohor ketika di Naluri Aman tadi. Astaghfirullah, macam mana saya terlupa. Saya mengambil wuduk secara spray air dan bersolat jamak qasar Zohor dan Asar secara duduk di dalam bas kerana saya menganggap bas tidak akan berhenti.

Apabila sebelum plaza tol Sungai Dua, bas berhenti di stesen minyak baru Shell untuk isi minyak. Kalau tahu tidak perlu saya solat duduk. Namun oleh kerana saya sudah solat secara duduk, maka saya tidak perlu bersolat lagi. Cuma membuang apa yang patut buang dan membeli makanan ringan di dalam bas. Ketika itu, waktu adalah dalam sekitar pukul 15:15 (3:15 petang).

Kemudian bas meneruskan perjalanan dan pada jam 17:30 (5:30 petang) bas keluar dari Lebuhraya Utara Selatan menuju ke bandaraya Ipoh. Ini adalah untuk menurunkan penumpang yang ingin turun di Ipoh. Bas ini berhenti di depoh bas Sri Maju di Jalan Bendahara, Ipoh, kira-kira 45 minit. Sempat juga saya makan aiskrim di sini.


Perjalanan diteruskan pada jam 18:10 (6:10 petang) dan akhirnya bas ini sampai di terminal Pudu Sentral pada jam 20:25 (8:25 malam). Saya segera ke atas 3 untuk membayar parkir motorsikal saya. Sejumlah RM8.00 perlu dibayar untuk parkiran selama 2 hari 21 jam 41 minit atau 57 jam 41 minit.


Saya sampai di rumah pada jam 21:15 (9:15 malam). Alhamdulillah selesai misi kembara saya pada kali ini.


Kembara GD - Terokai Dunia, Kenali Kehidupan...


Atau ingin melihat 


If want to read in English: 

  • Day 4 (this part), 
  • Day 1, 
  • Day 2 or 
  • Day 3.