Untuk tulisan dalam bahasa Inggris bisa di baca di Backpacker Girls (ini blog gue dari tahun 2007) sebagian besar masih belum di Import dari sini.. thanks!!
For so many people Sumatra just a jungle, not very attractive, as some said. But its a totally wrong assumption.
Sumatra is the 6th largest island in the world. Its had longest coast lines for water sport such as surf, many dive spot and for snorkeling. Many people/western had been there want to keep this as secret because they don't want too many people went there and destroy it (a friend surfer told me so), but i guess these days this paradise can't be kept as secret forever, as its getting famous !
From the Top of Sumatra to the bottom edge there are so many hidden paradise waiting to be found ! There are 10 Province in Sumatra, from top to bottom:
Nangroe Aceh
Sumatra Utara/North Sumatra
Sumatra Barat/West Sumatra
Riau
Riau Islands/Kepulauan Riau
Jambi
South Sumatra/Sumatra Selatan
Bangka Belitung
Bengkulu
Lampung
You could do so many activity, start from trekking, historical trekking, nature trekking, surving (best from March to November for incredible waves)-most of the spot is for experienced wave riders (yepp... thats very cool !), diving, snorkeling etc in Sumatra.
And the best part is, its not so touristy or over crowded like Bali or Lombok or other famous places. Its not fun anymore to go to beach when you have to watch your step because so many people lying on the sand to get some sun tan.
This are some pictures of the interesting places in Sumatra:
Aceh-Singkil Island
A Surfing contest in Aceh
Orang Utan in Bukit Leuser National Park North Sumatra (86 kms from Medan-3hrs car ride)
Brastagi Medan
Toba Lake/Danau Toba-North Sumatra; one of 5 biggest Lake in the world
Mentawai West Sumatra
Mentawai-West Sumatra
Siberut Island-West Sumatra
Siberut Island Sunrise-West Sumatra
Mount Kerinci-Jambi; included on Earth Fifty Finest Peak (wanna check?)
Surfing in Sumatra (feeling want to ride something wild and pure adrenaline?) : 1. Mentawai: link 1, link 2, link 3, link 4 2. Bengkulu 3. Lampung, Link 2, Link 3, 4. Riau 5. North Sumatra (Telo Island-its between Nias and Mentawai Island)
You could complete your PADI here in Aceh-Pulau Weh/Weh Island or you could use this other dive operator. Since its not so touristy there are many good diving spot here in Sumatra too. Other famous diving spot is in West Sumatra-Mentawai Island. West Sumatra not only being famous because of the wave but also had 39 world class diving spots (another link for mentawai). Of 39 dive spots, 5 are just 10 miles of West Sumatra or only 30 minutes trip by boat. Other island off West Sumatra that good for snorkeling or diving is the Cubadak island. There are too many places to mention here ! but these are my fave...
Trekking in Sumatra
You will obviously find the most challenging trekking path in Sumatra. Beautiful scenery, high moutain to enjoy, the rain forest, animals.... its so beautifully green ! You could go to Kerinci National Park, the nearest city is Sungai Penuh. You could access this from West Sumatra or from Jambi. They do have flight from Jambi to Sungai Penuh (i post this on my previous post about Jambi).
Kerinci mountain is the highest peak on sumatra Island, the 2nd highest after mount Jaya Wijaya in Irian Jaya. The peak is said as one of the 50 finest peak on earth... could you imagine the feeling when you stand there? (haha i cant because never been there!). Oh i read some of the climbing here. And actually if y ou google it you could find many people already climb the peak.
I could say i am quite geeky/edgy. Its kind of weird for some girls (prefer shoes and bags?) but anyway i love those girlie things but we are talking about gadget that a traveler must have. I've been browse around and found things that i would really have during a long journey ! It should be very light and small, should had more than 1 function, and if its not too hard to ask... please.. i want something chick ! (wink wink). So here we go, the gears that i think travellers should consider to bring during traveling time.
1. Solar Power Backpack from Voltaic
I can't believe i never heard about this before (seriously). But this bag is awesome. I just hope its not as heavy as it look !
Solar backpack is a mobile solar power generator designed to charge virtually all handheld devices with natural sun light. Not only its environment friendly, solar bag charges GPS, Cell phone, PDA, most iPods and MP3 players.
The solar panels are fixed on outside of the bags. These panels are lightweight, waterproof and sturdy. These panels collect the sun energy to produce electricity. The electricity can be used to charge your devices. Some companies claim that the solar panels on their bags can charge a laptop. Some solar powered bags available in the market have foldable solar panels, so it will give you flexibility to get more sun light.
Solar backpacks are best for outdoor activities where it is difficult to get electricity. These bags are for everybody from students to messengers, hikers or boaters who uses their devices until the battery is drained out. They can be connected to their phone with charging by solar backpack. The backpack has different compartments too. You can store your cloths, laptop or any devices in them.
Could you imagine to have one of these bags, its very useful for traveling or hiking (especially maybe to third world countries like Indonesia.. hehe yupp we still have those electricity black out sometimes!!!). My fave Voltaic design ... hmmm you could check it on this website.
2. Solio Classic Solar Charger
Who needs a travel adapter for their iPod or digital camera when they could buy the Solio Classic Solar Charger. The Solio Classic Solar Charger is a pocket sized electronics charger that runs off of solar power. This little solar powered wonder can be used to charge almost any small, hand held device such as a digital camera, iPod, cell phone, and more.
The Solio Classic Solar Charger works by collection light via its solar panels and storing its energy in the inboard battery. Power that has been collected and stored in the battery will be good for at least a year. This way you could charge up the Solio Classic Solar Charger battery and save it for a rainy day if need be.
This charger comes to some chick colors too girls..(wink wink)
3. Doberman Bag Protector Alert
This gadget very useful for a solo traveler, especially girls. This tiny gadget not only could watch your bag when you left it on your hostel room, but it could also use as a panic alarm when you feel threatened on a danger place and could made sound as 100 decibel !!
The Doberman Bag Protector Alert is a uniquely designed dually triggered alarm device, including a motion sensor alarm and a pull pin alarm. The motion sensor is armed and disarmed via the Bag Protector Alert keypad. Use your preset personal security code and place the Bag Protector Alert on a bag or valuable. If the protected item is touched, the motion sensor will trigger the alarm to alert you of a possible threat to your valuable. Basically, it’s a like a car alarm for your bags. You set your bag down, set the alarm, and if the bag is moved it will set off a 100 decibel alarm, sure to put off any would-be t hieves. An added bonus too is that it has a special pull-pin feature that can be used as a panic button. Perfe ct, if you’re out wondering around some dodgy streets at night.
4. USB Rechargeable Battery
Allow you to plug in to your laptop so you can charge up your AA batteries without having to pack a charger. Simply pop off the lid to recharge by any powered USB Port. Ideal for use with wireless mice, keyboards, game controllers, and other household products with no need to carry or find a separate charger. Easily rechargeable on the go, in the office or at home. USBCELLs can be charged hundreds of times saving you money and helping reduce environmental waste. USBCELLs are NiMH 1.2v batteries with 1300mAh capacity.
5. Reef Stash Sandals
Its not a hi-tech kind of sandals, but its very thoughtful.. hehe.. i like beach, so i know how its hard to keep swimming and enjoy the water while we have to watch our things at beach ! They have a hidden compartment, just the right size for storing keys, credit cards and other essentials, while you’re out for a swim. It have different co lors, and available for women and men !
6. Sea to Summit Pocket Towel
I looovvveee this towel, its light, "towel like", soft, adsorb quick like 3 times than average towels and the size is tiny ! You could have a big size 24"X 48" to 16" X 32". It had its own pouch so i could search it easily on the back pack.
6. Video Camera from Flip Mino
A cigarette-pack sized video recorder (10 x 5 x 1,6 cm)and weight around 93 grams, that's basically built around a big, fat, red RECORD button: Better to have a cute video camera that you'll toss into your pocketbook and use, instead of a big, complicated beast that stays home. It had four gigab ytes of internal memory provide 120 minutes of record time. A rechargeable battery lasts around four hours and a USB plug built onto the device lets you plug it in to a PC or Mac and automatically upload your riveting movies to Mys pace, YouTube or AOL. With its modest 640 x 480 resolution, you won't be winning any Academy Awards for cinematography, but its good for capturing moments that we will never forget !
7. Universal Power Adapter
Most so-called universal plug adapters aren’t. Universa l, that is. They are capable of converting between the most common outlets like the C-type (used in much of Europe) and the A-type (North America and Japan). But your typical plug adapter can’t conform to the M-type of plug (southern Africa ) or L-type (northern Africa and the Middle East). Some even have a hard time with the “sunken” plugs used in Europe, like the J-type (common in Switzerland) or F-Type (found in Germany).
The APC is one of the few universal plug adapters that can handle every residential outlet type on the planet. And it is by far the smallest and most l
ightweight of those that can. The APC is so efficient because it consists of two parts, each of which can be twisted, turned and attached together in a multitude of ways such that its users can be forgiven for thinking that they are playing with a transformer robo toy!. The design is unusual, but it works. Always. Making the APC adapter one of Spot Cool Stuff’s must-pack items for any international trip.
8. Head lights from Petzl ZIPKA
The ultra-compact ZIPKA PLUS headlamp is equipped with the ZIP retractable cord system. This feature allows the headlamp to be worn on the head or wrist, or attached to any other support, like a tent pole, a bicycle seat post, etc. This headlamp integrates two light sources for versatility: one white, high-output LED and one red LED. The white LED delivers 50 lumens in maximum mode and lights up to 35 meters. In economic mode, it can reach a burn-time of 140 hours. The red LED provides lighting to preserve night vision or to become a blinking light for increased safety, for example in an urban environment, etc. The ZIPKA PLUS can be used with lithium batteries to decrease weight or increase performance in cold weather.
There are so many other gadget that i could write on here.... ill continue to the IInd part next time ok ?!! have a nice trip !!
Gak kebayang rasanya kalo sampe ada musibah kayak gitu.. kehabisan uang waktu jalan2 atau naas... uang hilang di copet atau di curi.. bablas.. hilang.. habis semua (hiyyy amit2>>>ketok kayu 3 kali..mit amiiitt...)
Tapi ini mungkin terjadi kok... untuk beberapa traveler kelas kakap.. jawaban terbaik adalah cari kerja sambilan untuk ngumpulin uang lagi (banyak bule yang gini), atau dengan cara menjual barang2 bawaan, laptop, mp3, walkman, pakaian etc (ada loh yang sampe jual backpack!!). Ada juga yang kelewat desperate akhirnya ngemper di jalan-luntang lantung gak jelas (idiihhh...). Its a scary thought !!Mungkin contoh di atas untuk orang2 yang bener-bener niatan backpacking yang sangat mandiri (pendapat ku loh !). Untuk beberapa orang yang masih tergolong baru ide2 di atas kayaknya gak bisa di laksanakan (kalau udah cemas-bingung, etc.. ngerti-lah!) pasti ujug-ujug ngandalin teman ataupun keluarga di rumah/daerah asal.. (hehe transfer dunks.. entar gue ganti daaahhh>>cengar-cengir)Ada cara lain selain nungguin bank transfer yang mungkin bisa makan waktu lebih dari sehari (asumsi transfer antar bank-antar negara). Cara itu yakni dengan pengiriman uang melalui WESTERN UNION. Kalau pake Western union (WU) bisa sampai dalam hitungan detik/kurang dari 1 menit atau bahkan waktu yang sama di kirimkan (jadi pengirim sama penerima bisa di kantor Western Union dalam waktu yang sama. Dan hebatnya lagi Western Union ini bukanya tergantung tempat/kantornya berada. Contoh.. kantor pos indonesia yang buka sampe sabtu-minggu, dll. Trus kita gak perlu memiliki tabungan di bank tertentu pastinya !dan bisa dari negara yang berbeda (western union ada di hampir setiap negara).Melalui website WU kita juga bisa mengecek status pengiriman uang dan bisa mengetahui lokasi western union terdekat (contoh dari website western union thailand).
Beberapa bank Indonesia yang melayani Western Union: - BANK MANDIRI - BANK SYARIAH MANDIRI - BANK INTERNASIONAL INDONESIA - BANK RAKYAT INDONESIA - BANK ARTHA GRAHA - BANK NIAGA - beberapa BPR Hampir seluruh kantor pos di Indonesia juga melayani pengiriman dan pengambilan western union ini. Yang dibutuhkan pengirim uang: 1. Jelas duitnya lah ! 2. Mengisi formulir dengan menyertakan; nama jelas penerima, nomor identitas penerima (no passport/KTP) 3. Kartu Identitas (KTP/SIM) 4. Catat nomor MTCN (10 digit nomor pengiriman) trus kasih sama penerima.
Yang menerima: 1. Kartu identitas (Passport/KTP) 2. Mengisi formulir penerimaan (nama pengirim harus tau, sama alamat (gak wajib lengkap) jumlah uang yang dikirimkan). 3. Tau nomor MTCN/nomor pengiriman (jumlah 10 digit)
Pokoknya caranya gampang deh.. gak berbelit2 !jadi jangan takut/kehabisan akal kalau musibah seperti yang di atas kejadian (amittt amiiittt lagi !)trus malah takut jalan2....
(kalau case yang parah banget... my advise... simpan2 alamat kedubes Indonesia aja ya sebelum berangkat.... T.T and God Bless ! jangan gampang kapok jalan2!!!).
This is what i've waiting for ! the annual free seat from air asia !! go wild, go crazy !! go on vacation !!! yaaayyy !!!
Some tips from me:
Look up for your work schedule and vacation days (how many left?) it will be more than 4-5 months ahead, so planning is very tricky!
Ask if replacement to your co worker, ask your boss if its ok for you to leave on the certain date you want to go for holiday (hehehe ..peace boss!!)
Check for your destination events, festivals, great sale, etc !
Check the weather of your destination place during your travel time. You don't really want to travel during raining season in Asia, because its only means lots lots of WATER pouring from sky.
If you don't have credit card.. hmmm tricky borrow from friend (anything that work ! this is once every year !)
Try to take deep breathe and plan carefully. Don't made mistake on your name on flight ticket-passport, make sure everything is correct !!
During the "waiting period" collect as much as you could info about your vacation destination, book for accommodation, tours, etc trust me, better planning means cheaper price !!
Save money, forget those local malls sale.. you are going to have a vacation blast !!
Its a break through !! I love this add ! it make easier to travel to Phuket from Indonesia.. i just hope that they will add more direct flight from Indonesia to Thailand !! And because its budget flight its cheap !! yay !!
Last night I don't know why I kind of remember movie about a female traveler that traveling with her friend and become victim of kidnapping at her rent house and human trafficking/slavery. Her father who loose contact with her (he is talking on the phone when the kidnapper kidnap his daughter), try to know where his daughter is, by following clue to another clue that shows where his daughter is. He finally find his daughter friend in a brothel house, not even conscious because the kidnapper drug her all the time. Then from there he got info from the kidnapper that his daughter sold to other people (highest bidder) because she is a virgin. I think the movie title is "Taken".
It’s a tragedy, I can’t imagine that to happen to anyone that I know.
Its scare me when I remember the movie. It’s a movie, just a fiction, but it is possible to happen. I travel by my self several time, I know what is it like to be scared by local guys stalk you when you walk to an empty road.
Sexual harassment can happen anywhere, but it can be especially disconcerting when it happens while a woman is traveling. While sexual harassment may always feel like discrimination to you, unfortunately in some areas of the world such behavior is a normal way of life for local men and women.
Before you travel do your research on your destination, and while you are traveling try to keep an eye out for potentially dangerous situations involving local men. Also be aware that sexual harassment can be perpetrated by tourism officials, so never forget your common sense at all times and in all places while traveling.
1- Know Customs, Culture & Language
Unfortunately, the potential for sexual harassment and intimidation is a reality around the world. Be prepared. Do your networking and research before you leave. Find out as much as you can about the roles of both women and men in the places you plan to visit.
The first step to handling sexual harassment when traveling abroad is; gaining an understanding of customs, culture and language. How do men act when they are being sexually aggressive, and how should women behave if they are pursued by a man? And how can we say "no" effectively in the native language. Not only will this give you ammunition should an uncomfortable situation arise, but it will also give you confidence. Telling someone 'no' isn't always sufficient to make your feelings known, so close yourself off to the other person physically. Walk away, step back from wandering hands, find someone else to talk to, and don't be afraid to push someone away if he or she is getting too friendly. Sometimes you have to make it clear.
Furthermore, if you don't know how men and women typically behave when traveling abroad, you might be a victim of sexual harassment solely based on miscommunication. For example, is it customary for women to make eye contact with men at social engagements? And how much personal space is generally considered acceptable when chatting?
You already know that in any country, prolonged eye contact with a man is an invitation to flirt. In some developing countries or some societies, any eye contact at all may be considered carte blanche to approach you. Eye contact also may be considered disrespectful in some countries and may invite aggressive behavior from strangers. Almost as annoying is that eye contact ensures street buskers will pester you. Talk with local women to learn the rules.
In some male-dominated cultures, it's considered incorrect for a woman to travel solo. For these and other potentially challenging destinations, you might want to team up with a companion. Two women traveling together might have an easier time.
2- Watch, Learn, Imitate
Sometimes, the best way to handle sexual harassment when travelling abroad is to pay attention to what other people do in similar situations. For example, if you're sitting alone in a bar or club, watch other men and women and how they interact. When a man becomes too forward, how do the women respond? Noting these cultural differences will help you to respond the same way, and perhaps dissuade a sexually-aggressive suitor before it gets out of control.
Avoid wearing provocative, form-fitting clothing. A woman alone may be considered fair game. Understand this and prepare yourself mentally for any propositions, suggestive comments or catcalls. Then simply ignore them.
Try to blend as much as you can... not that you could change your hair or skin color, but people will respect you more when you try to respect their cultures by simply using their clothes and cover up in some country.
4- Seek Assistance
If sexual harassment occurs in public when travelling abroad, you might do better if you seek assistance from an authority figure, or even just another civilian. For example, if you're in the aforementioned bar or club, find the bouncer or bartender and let him know that you're being harassed. You can even ask what you should do in your situation, or request to use the phone to call a friend or even the police.
Crowded trains and buses can be perfect breeding grounds for antisocial behaviour. Some men will use this opportunity to touch or pinch the female passengers standing close to them. If this happens to you, make a fuss. Point at the offender and chastise him in a loud voice. He'll probably slink away. However, to avoid these types of advances, consider choosing reserved seating. In countries where it is available, take advantage of the female-only section in buses, trains and subways. Use this excellent opportunity to communicate with local women and their children.
5- Know the Neighborhood
When traveling abroad, it is always a good idea to know the layout of the neighbourhood. This way, in the event of sexual harassment, you'll know how to find a police station, a fire house or another safe location from which to seek help. You should also know the emergency number in case things get beyond your control.
But sure you wont need to be an uptight personality that much because you will miss the fun of the adventures its self. I know some couple that meet on traveling journey and they are okay. Its just we have to put some limitation/boundaries to several things for our own safety reason.
Here's our smart six for protecting your sexual welfare:
Put your safety first at all times. Whether you're at work, in town or on a date, think ahead as much as you can, and avoid situations that make you feel uncomfortable.
Be clear about boundaries. Everyone has the right to express themselves freely and feel safe from harm. Just be clear about your boundaries to minimize the risk of mixed signals, and if someone oversteps the mark them let them know at the earliest opportunity. Any kind of unwanted sexual advance is inexcusable, of course, but it might prevent such a situation from happening altogether.
Alcohol and drugs can lower inhibitions. Be aware of your limits, and cautious of drink offers from people you don't know (to minimize the risk of knocking back something spiked with sedative).
Keep good company. Stick with friends where possible, and if you do find yourself with individuals or people you don't know, put your personal safety first. This means thinking one step ahead all the time, and avoiding situations that make you feel uncomfortable.
Be street smart. Wherever you are, day or night, it's always worth traveling visibly. This means sticking to populated routes (and well-lit areas at night), and knowing where you're going at all times.
Avoid confrontation. Do not meet aggression with aggression, as this is likely to escalate the situation. Talk your way out of problems - stay calm, speak gently, slowly and clearly. If you are trapped or in danger, yell or scream. Your voice is your best defense. Shout, Phone the police or other specific instructions that people can understand easily.
Living or working in a small town in middle of Sumatra island kind of tricky sometimes. For some people who never been to Jambi, its confusing. There are several ways to acces Jambi Province, with air or land. There are several flights goes to Jambi from Jakarta or Batam and Pekan Baru Riau. After a while not traveling, i browse up some news papers and found announcement about flights to Jambi from Jakarta or from Jakarta to Jambi. We do have small airport, but not that "scary small", its good enough for a Boeing 737 to land. From Jakarta the flights are Mandala Airlines, Sriwijaya Airlines, Batavia Airlines, Lion Airlines and Garuda Airlines.
Heres the update for thsi month....
Garuda Airlines start from November 1 will add more flights to and from Jakarta-Jambi twice perday. Those flights are: ETD ETA GA 137 Jambi-Jakarta 08.50 10.05 GA 131 Jambi-Jakarta 16.15 17.30 GA 136 Jakarta-Jambi 07.05 08.15 GA 130 Jakarta-Jambi 14.30 15.40
Also read there is promotion for Mandala flights with booking period 19-21 October for flying on December 1 2009- 28 February 2010. This flight goes from Jakarta to Jambi too.
There are also few cars that goes to Jambi (Travel), that i never list before. I like this small car better than a bus because its more comfort and sometimes more space and mostly faster than a bus like 3-4 hrs ahead. Ofcourse the price a little bit expensive than normal bus. But for traveling in Sumatra i prefer using this kind of transportation because when sometimes the road closed due to maintenance or incase of bad weather like a landslide or a broken bridge the type of car whos allowed to passed through are the van like this travel use (L300, Kijang Innova). And some travel company even give more luxurious choices of cars to pamper their costimer like providing luxury car like Toyota Prado. Here are two of my fave traveling company:
P.O TOP (0741-40653/43160) Jambi-Palembang (9 times a day) Jambi-Dumai (10.00 & 20.00) Jambi-Pekanbaru (10.00 & 20.00) Jambi-Lampung (12.00 & 20.00) Jambi-Padang (10.00, 16.00 & 20.00)
Oh God Help me ! thats what i say when i browse through internet pages, or magazines or my mail inbox. Its cheap flights information/advertisement from and toa round the globe.. well not all.. but to most places that i want to see the most !!
At least i want to go for some relaxation from working nonstop 20 days in the jungle.. staying at home in Jambi wont help hehehe...
I heard the news about Air Asia X announce about their plan to add one more flight destination to Europe.. and its from Kuala Lumpur to Paris French (aaaww j'adore !!) This is opening more possibility to backpacking with more low cost with airasia. I hope this is will come true and Europe here i come !! (on my mind hehehe)
Jet Star, my other fave budget flights also made the same plan as Airasia X. But they haven't decide yet wether they want to open the flight from Malaysia, Singapore or Bangkok (anywhere guys.. anywhere.. as long as its cheap and available hehehe..i am a dirt cheap traveller).
Also another advertisement that catch my eyes that Cebu Pasific from Philipines have this "Go Lite" sale, with only 19 USD one way to any destination in Philipines (if you buy ticket until October 12, 2009, for flying at November 01 to December 31, 2009).
My most friendly Tiger Airways announce sale for 100.000 seat with fare as low as SGD 0.01 (tax and booking fee are excluded) for flights from Singapore to several other destination like Jakarta, Langkawi and Krabi (booking period start at October 6 untilOctober 15, 2009).
My other fave advertisement is the Jeju Air a flight from Korea. They add more flights from Seoul to Jeju from 24 flight a day to 30 times a day start from October 25, 2009 (aaaww winter sonata here i come !! xixixixixix). They also add more flights from Busan to Jeju island (start to learn Korea language now !).
These are some of the flights that have discount or "light fare" from others that i read from advertisement.. hopely this would help someone out there who's planning to go to these destination.
Hehehe.. buat yang bertanya2 ada apa dengan diri kyuuu kok sudah lama gak ngeblog... (ge-er) ok here i am..
Dreams come true, posing with a rare white (albino?) tiger, my fave animal
Cute pussy cat (its purring when i hug it !!)
This time i went to Jakarta & Bogor again. When every body seemed leave Jakarta for Ied Fitrh, me and family rushed there to gather there. We book the flight one month before, as we know its will be hard to find cheap and available ticket close to that day. My mom and sister leaving at Sept 17, 2009 and me at 20. Its a bad luck for me because then next month government choose to celebrate the Ied Fitrh at September 20 instead of 21, so i leave right on the "day".
My flight at 10. 42am and my sister and brother in law pick me up at Soekarno Hatta airport. I loooveeee Jakarta when there is no traffic jam. We reach her mother in law house just less than 40 minutes. Usually it take like one an half hour from airport, or could be more. After my brother in law and my sister "sungkeman" we drive to Bogor. But not far from Antam building (hehe we discuss about my chance to work there) suddenly the car in front of my brother in law stop and he hit the brake and we still sliding, and buummm..... we crash the car. Its not a big accident because we crash it on the momentum, because the sliding down (before the first tunnel) anyway only damages and traumas left hehehe... lucky us both cars are insurance.. so we continue our way to Bogor.
Its Sunday and its Ied Fitrh day, the road to Puncak its jammed. But my brother in law said its relatively flowing. Do not go there on Weekend, or holidays, its just very stressful i think. Because seemed everyone goes here !The road small and packed with cars and motorcycle.
We finally arrive in "Coolibah" in the afternoon around 3 pm. And its count as fast ! yikes! The villas at coolibah complex are AMAZING. I mean it. Huge houses, pretty swimmingpool garden... oh God.. its very nice !!
The villa we rent is new build, had a swimmingpool with so fresh and cold water. Had 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms down stairs (that's what i know) two kitchen, huge plasma tv, and i think over all its very nice ! the rent price is Rp 3 million per night (USD 300). That's because its holiday normal price is 1.5 million.. (USD150) this is a very good place for honeymoon... fresh and cold air, flowers and quiet relax place *wink-wink*
We spent 3 days there. I'll write the full report after up loading the pictures ...
Due to something i have to spent my time 4 straight hours in changi airport, WHAT SHOULD I DO?!! First i browse i find some nice place at my terminal (terminal 1) and decide want to visit the movie lounge and have some feet massage. Then when i arrive at Changi i just find out that all of the fun stuff are in TRANSIT AREA in level 3. To get there i have to do immigration check and have to show my boarding pass ! I arrive at terminal 1 Changi airport because i use Air Asia. The arrival are at the 1st floor. So i just take the booklet near the exit door. And find out that the only place i could go after getting my luggage is what they call the "Public Area". First thing first, i find something to eat. I just take the elevator to the 2nd floor of terminal 1, to the departure area. Wash my face on the toilet and then go to another floor, to the canteen (forget the name) there are several food stall there. Noodles, some coffee shops and its just not bad. After eat, and read the book i decide to go to terminal 3. Using the train that connect the terminal its very fast, and clean. I love it ! There are more shopping there in terminal 3. I get my self some chocolate, and went to the body shop store. Its very clean and bigger terminal but not much people here. I went to all floor using the elevator... this is just amazing. I am thinking about free tour around singapore but i dont thin i will have enough time to come back tho. I find theres a place where you could left your luggage at terminal 3 and 2. Its at basement i think.... Changi is a very huge place so 4 hours is not a boring time. Bad thing is.. i just can't understand why i can not connect to the wifi????? it would be more fun if i could browse tho... I also looking for the free internet.. but appearantly its only at the "Transit Area" uughhhhh ! But that's all right.. next time if i ever had more than 4 hours stransit here (or maybe over night at Changi) i will never mind, i got the list of places i would go to here, and still its in airport ! Please remember MOST of all are in TRANSIT AREA means you have to check in first ! if its in PUBLIC area means you don't have to check in and go through immigration check.
1. Movie Theatre Terminal 2 & 3 transit area
2. X-BOX Game (heheheheh!!) Terminal 2 transit area
3. Free internet Terminal 1, 2, 3 there's over 500 internet terminals around these 3 terminal
4. Bars & Live Music (whoaaa !!) - Harry's Bar Terminal 1 & 2 transit area, Terminal 3 PUBLIC AREA live performance in the evening - Stars & Legend's Bar Terminal 1 transit area, live music start at 7 pm-11 pm - Poolside Bar Terminal 1 transit area - Bill Bentley Pub Terminal 1, PUBLIC AREA - Hard Rock Cafe Terminal 3 transit area
5. Shower, Fitness & spa treatment (before you enjoy your long flight??) Terminal 1 (rainforest lounge) & 2 (plaza premium lounge) transit area
6. Rooftop swimming pool & jacuzzi (yuppp you see it right!) Terminal 1, transit area
7. Massage and foot reflexology Terminal 1, 2, 3 transit area
8. Rest area (where you could enjoy a nice.. errhh more comfort sleep?) Terminal 3, transit mall .. they do have that snooze chairs !
A week ago i just got back from singapore, surprisingly when there's big news here and there by media about H1N1 when i pass the immigration last time in May 2009 they put the heat scanner to scan the body temperature at Changi airport... when i went there a week ago its not there anymore. Not much other passengers wearing mask, and inside the city it self for 3 days i rarely see people there wearing mask. Ehhhh? what happened ? I heard its because Singapore follow Australia to consider the H1N1 as seasonal flu. They only worry if its mutated and become immune to the medication that we have to cure it. I think i ever read the same thing in CNN website. Anyway.. with lots of precautions i feel healthy a week after my visit to singapore. I only take 1000mg vitamin c every day (UC1000) and lots of drink and keepmy hand clean, and not touch my face with bare hand. Bring alot of wet tissue aswell of gel based hand sanitizer. It work ! i am so happy yay !
Ps. i also found this checklist for individual/family that traveling to H1N1 destination, i hope it quite useful.
Minggu kemaren gue ke Singapore secara ada "acara" penting yang gak bakalan gue lewatkan huahaha.. sempat deg-degan waktu turun di Changi, ingat terakkhir kali mendarat di sana dari Thailand, ketat banget pengawasaanya. Sebelum imigrasi ada scan buat panas tubuh buat ngedeteksi H1N1, apa kita kena demam ato nggak. Tapi anehnya minggu kemaren ke sana, sepi aja tuh.. nah loohhh....
Gue heran juga kenapa di saat indonesia lagi gembar-gembor swine flu alias flu babi kok singapore malah melonggarkan airportnya?? aya naon ya?
Talking2 dengan beberapa orang, akhirnya mereka ada yang bilang (di airport) swine flu ato H1N1 kan pada dasarnya cuma flu biasa, yang mungkin berbahaya buat wanita yang hamil, anak di bawah umur 1 tahun sama lansia. Jadi mereka gak monitor lagi tuh airport.. ehhrrrr? katanya sih ngikut kebijakan yang di keluarkan oleh pemerintah australia. Jadi di airport gak ada tuh acara periksa2 atau karantina lagi. Yang perlu di takutkan kalo misalnya virus ini bermutasi jadi kebal dengan obat (tamiflu) yang ada. Kalo jenis flunya sih sama aja dengan flu biasa (H3N2) sama2 berjenis A yang bisa menyerang tiap tahunnya.
Cuma di Indonesia aja kayaknya yang hebyoohhhh banget... mungkin gara2 masih kurang info soal jenis flu baru ini trus sama kurang menjaga kebersihan kali yee... makanya kalo bersin sama batuk tutupin tuh mulut sama hidung jangan main sembur aja kayak nagaa.. hehe..
Tapi gue bisa survive syukurnyaaa alhamdulillah !
Berbekal dengan banyak tisu basah, sama dettol gel sama berusaha gak megang daerah wajah dengan tangan langsung (padahal gatel bo !)
Sukses 3 hari survive.... dengan berbekal minum uc1000 setiap hari (promosi dah gue !) sama usahain cukup istirahat... tapi it work... ternyata memang kayak flu biasa.. kalo kita sehat2 aja gak bakalan kena kok.
H1N1 tergantung daya tahan tubuh masing.. hehehe... sehubungan dengan masa inkubasi 7 hari, setelah 7 hari gue ternyata gak kenapa2 artinya gue bebaaassss....
ps. kalo ada yang perlu checklist barang2 apa aja yang mungkin di perlukan perorangan/keluarga untuk dibawa traveling ke daerah2 yang terinfeksi H1N1 ada disini... mungkin bisa di pergunakan.
Hehe.. dulu sempat parno waktu sang "babi" di sebut2 tapi sekarang baru ngerti kalau sebenarnya flu babi bukan berarti makan babi trus kena flu-nya... (jadi ingat email dari temen yang bilang kalo gak mau kena flu babi jangan salaman sama babi.... daahh??). Setelah mengumpulkan pertanyaan2 gue coba browsing sana sini.. dan akhirnya memutuskan untuk berbagi hasil browsingan gue itu disini..
Apalagi dengan pemberitaan tentang rombongan Elfa's Singer yang pergi ke Korea buat ikut kontes nyanyi. Dari tiga ratus peserta dari indonesia 14 orang dinyatakan positif.. euuhhh.. miris... mana masih belasan tahun pula... jauh dari ortu.. oh mi god!Di Indonesia sendiri penyebaran H1N1 alias flu babi atau nama kerennya swine flu ini juga kayak gak bisa dibendung. Laporan per tanggal 13 Juli 2009 dari departemen kesehatan total kasus yang di laporkan sudah mencapai 64 kasus!! (sampai dengan hari ini loh !). Daerah tempat ditemukannya kasus H1N1 ini seperti di Bandung, Balikpapan (Kalimantan Timur), Medan, dan Bali. Dan pada umumnya orang yang terjangkit virus ini adalah orang2 yang baru saja kembali dari luar negri (uhhhhhhh...)
WHO bahkan udah netapin status waspada level 6, sebab virus H1N1 ini sudah menjangkiti lebih dari 137 negara ! syereemmmm....Hm.. fakta syerem2nya udahan dulu.. sebenarnya flu babi itu apa sih ? kok ada ..babi-nya ? (kasian bo si babi kalo di fitnah gitu...babi juga mahluk hidup kan.. hehe)Kasus dengan virus H1N1 pertama kali di laporkan di USA bulan April 2009 yang lalu. Dan kemudian menyebar ke Meksiko dan Kanada. Virus ini menyebar dari satu manusia ke manusia lainnya sama kayak penyebaran flu biasa.Flu jenis baru ini di sebut dengan flu babi sebab dari hasil lab di temukan bahwa banyak dari gen2 virus ini sangat mirip dengan gen2 virus yang terdapat pada flu yang biasa menyerang babi di Amerika Utara (kebayang babi ingusan.. hueekkkkkk).
Bagaimana virus H1N1/Flu babi menyebar???? Caranya sih sama aja kayak flu2 biasa yang kita sering temui kalo musim panca roba ato kalo badan kita lagi gak fit. Cara nularnya dari satu orang yang terjangkit H1N1 tadi, trus dia bersin/batuk2 di dekat kita. Cara lainnya adalah jika seseorang memegang barang/benda yang memiliki/terpapar oleh virus H1N1 ini dan kemudian secara tidak disadari menyentuh mulut atau hidung (wajah).
Berapa lama jarak antara seorang yang terjangkit virus H1N1 bisa menularkan virus itu kepada orang lain ? Dikarenakan virus ini sama dengan virus flu biasa maka virus ini memiliki cara penyebaran dan waktu yang sama dengan virus flu biasa yaitu mulai dari sehari sesudahnya sampai dengan 7 hari setelah terinfeksi oleh virus tersebut..
Apa saja gejala dari orang yang terjangkit virus H1N1? Gejala penyakit flu babi ini sama dengan gejala penyakit flu biasa termasuk seperti demam, batuk, peradangan tenggorokan, batuk, pilek, nyeri tubuh, sakit kepala, meriang/kedinginan, dan merasa kelelahan. Beberapa orang yang terjangkit flu ini juga melaporkan gejala lainnya seperti diare dan muntah-muntah.
Gimana dunks cara mencegah tertular virus H1N1/flu babi ini? Secara... gak ada vaksin yang bisa ngebuat kita kebal terhadap virus ini.. yang ada cuma cara2 "biasa" yang bisa lumayan melindungi kita dari tertular dari virus ini.Saran pertamanya sih dimana2 untuk menghindari bepergian ke tempat yang terdapat kasus virus flu babi/H1N1 ini... tapi kalo.. hehe tiketnya sayang.. (deuuhhh!) trus gak bisa di elakin lagi yah.. ada sih beberapa cara buat pencegahan selagi di tempat/negara tersebut.
Menutup mulut & hidung dengan tisu ketika bersin atau batuk, dan langsung membuang tisu ini ke dalam tong sampah.
Sering mencuci tangan dengan air dan sabun, terutama setelah bersin/batuk. Kalau mau lebih praktis, mendingan beli pembunuh kuman yang berbahan alkohol gel (diatas 60%), jadi bisa di bawa2 di tas (antis, dettol, etc), alkohol juga bisa membunuh virus ini secara efektif.
Hindari menyentuh wajah, mata, hidung, mulut. Inilah jalan untuk virus H1N1 masuk kedalam tubuh kita.
Hindari kontak dengan orang yang menderita flu (bersin? jauuuhhhh dah !)
Tetap tinggal di rumah jika dalam waktu selama 7 hari kamu sakit, demam, pilek dan batuk atau dengan ciri2 seperti gejala H1N1, jadi gak nularin penyakit ini ke orang lain (kasina bo.. apalagi kalo anak kecil yang ketularan.. hiks)
Cara lainnya.. yah ikutin deh saran pemerintah.. termasuk kalo disuruh untuk menghindari tempat2 umum yang rame... (atau untuk bepergian ..mungkin?)
Gimana ternyata kalau dalam perjalanan kita sakit dengan gejala flu gitu?? Jangan parno dulu. Gak setiap flu itu H1N1 atau flu babi. Tapi sebisa mungkin kalau terkena flu hindari berhubungan/melakukan kontak langsung dengan orang lain. Jangan/hindari bepergian terlebih dahulu, sampai dengan 7 hari setelah gejala hilang (bisa lebih lama lagi). Tutup mulut&hidung ketika bersin atau batuk, ini bisa mencegah orang2 disekeliling kita ikut terjangkit virus ini (kalau memang ternyata pada akhirnya kita beneran positif.. idih.. amit2 !). Kalau gak ada tisu pake baju juga boleh lah (ingat2 sudah nyampe dirumah bersihkan dengan sedikit desinfektan!). Sudah bersin/batuk juga ingat untuk mencuci tangan/membilas dengan cairan alkohol.
Cara terbaik buat membersihkan tangan agar tidak terinfeksi flu gimanaa? Pokoke.. yang penting adalah membersihkan tangan SESERING mungkin buat ngelindungi kita dari kuman2 biang penyakit. Tangan HARUS dicuci dengan air dan sabun atau dengan alkohol gel, atau dengan tisu basah yang memiliki desinfektan atau pembunuh kuman/alkohol. Tisu, atau gel alkohol ini bisa kok di temui di swalayan2.
Hmm... secara gue suka banget berenang (kalo bisa di lakuin selama perjalanan)... kira2 air kolam renang di tempat umum kayak hotel gitu bisa gak ya jadi media penularan flu babi? Virus flu biasa menular melalui jalur pernapasan.. belum ada di temukan kasus-kasus yang mana virus flu tersebut di tularkan dengan perantara air. Air kolam renang biasanya juga melalui proses dengan menggunakan desinfektan yang bisa membunuh kuman-kuman yang bisa mengurangi resiko tertular H1N1 atau flu babi ini melalui air kolam renang. Tapi sampai sejauh ini masih belum ada penelitian yang lebih mendalam tentang kemungkinan penularan virus ini melalui air kolam renang, spa, waterpark, air mancur, dan sarana rekreasi air lainnya (karena air tersebut telah di olah dan di beri klorin). Apalagi jika memang air-air tersebut telah melalui proses peng-klorinan yang sesuai dengan standar kesehatan (1-3 bagian per juta (ppm atau mg/L) untuk kolam renang dan 2-5 ppm untuk spa), standar ini sangat manjur untuk membunuh virus flu burung (H5N1). Dan seperti virus flu lainnya virus flu babi H1N1 juga memiliki sifat yang sama, bisa di musnahkan dengan klorin.
Trus, setelah menyimpulkan kembali hasil "temuan" gue di internet, berikut ini adalah saran2 buat teman2 yang bakalan traveling ke tempat2 yang menjadi pandemik flu babi H1N1 ini...
Nah, ini yang penting.. orang-orang yang di anjurkan untuk tidak melakukan traveling selama pandemi flu babi ini adalah (memiliki resiko tinggi terkena H1N1): 1. Anak-anak di bawah umur 5 tahun 2. Orang tua yang berumur lebih dari 65 tahun 3. Anak-anak dan "orang dewasa" (hehe yang masih di bawah 18 tahun) yang sedang melakukan terapi pengobatan dengan menggunakan aspirin. Karena efek dari pengobatan ini, mereka kemungkinan akan mengalami reye syndrom setelah terkena virus flu. 4. Wanita hamil 5. Orang dewasa dan anak-anak yang memiliki penyakit; Paru-paru kronis, Hepatitis, penyakit jantung, kencing manis, kelainan metabolisme, darah, dan pembulu darah. 6. Orang dewasa dan anak-anak yang mengalami penurunan daya tahan tubuh (baik yang disebabkan oleh pengobatan, ataupun penyakit seperti HIV)
Orang2 yang berbadan sehat/fit (gak sakit flu dll) bisa merencanakan perjalanan mereka se normal mungkin, dan mengikuti anjuran2 untuk melindungi diri mereka dari penyakit.
Hal-hal yang perlu diperhatikan sebelum bepergian:
Mencari informasi tentang keadaan tempat yang akan di kunjungi.
Mengetahui resiko2 penyakit lain yang terdapat di tempat tujuan dan rekomendasi perjalanan ketempat tujuan.
Membawa perlengkapan kesehatan seperti alat2 dasar P3K dan persediaan obat-obatan pribadi.
Asuransi kesehatan (bisa cover internasional apa gak?)
Memeriksakan kesehatan sebelum hari keberangkatan
Jangan bepergian dalam keadaan tubuh kurang fit/sakit. Jika mengalami penyakit yang gejalanya mirip dengan penyakit flu, sebaiknya tetap di rumah dan menghindari traveling sampai dengan 7 hari setelah pertama kali sakit atau setidaknya 24 jam setelah semua gejala flu tersebut hilang (bisa lebih lama lagi). Ini untuk mencegah orang lain tertular flu tersebut.
Selama perjalanan/traveling sebaiknya:
Memperhatikan pengumuman yang di buat oleh pemerintah setempat/institusi kesehatan setempat tentang situasi pandemik H1N1.
Mematuhi setiap larangan bepergian atau tindakan pencegahan yang di keluarkan.
Hampir di setiap negara memberlakukan pemeriksaan kesehatan di terminal kedatangan/keberangkatan yang berkaitan dengan gejala penyakit flu babi atau H1N1 sebagai pencegahan agar penyakit ini tidak semakin menyebar. (Ada kemungkinan keterlambatan dalam keberangkatan.. jadi kalo milih pesawat jangan yang terlalu mepet waktunye yeee).
Melakukan tindakan pencegahan penularan flu babi H1N1 seperti : mencuci tangan sesering mungkin dengan air dan sabun atau dengan alkohol diatas 60 % apalagi sesudah bersin atau batuk. Menutup mulut & hidung ketika bersin atau batuk. Sebisa mungkin menghindari kontak dengan orang yang sakit.
Apa yang harus kita lakukan jika kita sakit selama perjalanan ???? Idih.. amit2 ! tapi menurut situs CDC sebenarnya sebagian besar penderita flu ini bisa diobati dengan obat flu biasa tanpa diharuskan untuk mendapatkan perawatan yang serius. Tapi kalau penyakit flunya disertai dengan komplikasi lain, memang di haruskan untuk mendatangi rumahsakit atau klinik kesehatan terdekat. Jangan lupa menggunakan masker untuk menghindari penularan kepada orang lain ya....
Mudah-mudahan sedikit tulisan ini bisa memberikan pencerahan soal H1N1 atau flu babi.
Aceh-Singkil Island
A Surfing contest in Aceh
Orang Utan in Bukit Leuser National Park North Sumatra (86 kms from Medan-3hrs car ride)
Brastagi Medan
Toba Lake/Danau Toba-North Sumatra; one of 5 biggest Lake in the world
Mentawai West Sumatra
Mentawai-West Sumatra
Siberut Island-West Sumatra
Siberut Island Sunrise-West Sumatra
Mount Kerinci-Jambi; included on Earth Fifty Finest Peak (wanna check?)
