The Maniques Blog on RealTravel

Kuta journal: Bye Bali!

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:20:00 GMT

My trip to Bali has ended. I guess no matter how unfulfilled the targeted itinerary was, Bali is still Bali, with lots of beautiful things to offer. I got so many lessons learned from this trip (http://mod-schmod .blogspot.com/2007/12 /klop-to-bali.html) as a tourist. Hoping to visit Bali anytime soon as a traveler. I am very much interested to do other things that are more adventurous than this.

Kuta journal: Kuta for a day..

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:05:38 GMT

Dropping off Irma at work, Made and me painfully shopped for the souvenirs: local snacks, sandals, etc.. Our least favorite thing to do! We had decided, next time off to somewhere for a vacation/ even a business trip, make sure to get all the souvenirs done at the first day of trip. No hassles left for the next days..

Picking Irma up, we had our dinner together at Indonesian food restaurant at Jalan Raya Kuta. The place called Plengkung, if I'm not mistaken. The food was so-so but it was really cheap. Try the ayam penyet, I think that's their favorite menu to offer besides the plecing ...

Ubud journal: Checkin' in at Ubud

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 02:03:55 GMT

'checking out' from Irma's, the three of us struggled to find that breakfast cafe, Cafe Mocha. Kindly assisted with our friend, Shindu's guidance through telephone, finally we found the cafe. It was at Seminyak area, right at its Jalan Raya/ main road.

Fully loaded, we left the cafe and continue the trip to find an authorized money changer in the area nearby. Just an information, as what regularly any tourist area will have, you will find lots of money changer in Bali, scattered along the streets, even alleys. Most of them will only prepare rupiahs for any tourist with dollars to convert ...

Bali journal: Klop* to Bali!

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 01:24:16 GMT

* Klop in Bahasa means cheers. There are so many things in Bali worth to be cheered about. From the nice and distinctive smell of the air to the friendliness of its people. From its famous Kuta beach with its busy nightlife to the humble Ubud village with the serenity of temples and rice fields. Though spending 5D/4N from Dec 26-30 in Bali surely was not enough to get the whole feeling of the island, yet it was enough to get me in love with it. And plan to go back there anytime soon.

Kuta journal: Bad bad sea breezes!

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 01:59:27 GMT

Actually we were planning to see the sunset while sipping the tequila or some afternoon cold teas at Ku De Ta a day before, but there wasnt enough time and things appeared here and there, so there we were at Ku De Ta, at 1pm! And the sun wasn't really there while the wind was heavily blowing. Such a really bad timing to visit Bali if beach was the only thing in your mind! Good for me I dont find myself quite fond of Kuta or other beach areas. But poor Made with his beachy plans to sunbath, swim, and get butt-massaged by the shore ;)) We, again, ended up drinking at the indoor seats (still with ...

Ubud journal: Simply lacking of night lightings..

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:09:11 GMT

Located at Jl. Suweta, right at the heart of Ubud, this b&b has a very peaceful and restful ambience. The building uses a traditional Balinese house, well in fact Ketut's Place is run by Ketut and his wife, Wayan, and yeah, that's their family house. There are 9 rooms and each of them is completed with a private balcony (where they serve our daily yummy breakfast!), private bath with hot water and shower, and double bed. THE ONLY lacking from the place would be night lamps in the room. The room looks gloomy and there is not enough lighting to read and else. Yeah, honeymooning thingy eh..

Kuta journal: some night, some night.

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:19:37 GMT

well, to sum it all up, i just couldnt imagine whats gonna happen to irma if only i wasnt there and slept in her place that night. it was flooding half knee high outside the room, at night time, where everybody else in the area had left the place, and there was this blackout. some night, some night. but despite of it all, as usual, irma's place anywhere it is, it's always been a clean and nice place. love it! and again, thanks ma for letting us stay in your place that night!

Kuta journal: seafood that is cheap and yummy, what else would you need?

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:19:37 GMT

deliciously cheap! we had this large size of ikan bakar, 2 portions of large cumi bakar, and despite of the kangkung was free, they all only took approx. Rp25,000/pax. Perfect! but I couldnt give any comment on the place. it was raining and heavily windy that night, so we took the indoor table. according to irma, the outside area has a grrreat view. too bad, next time ;)

Kuta journal: Arrival Day!

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:19:37 GMT

Meyd and I took Air Asia this time. Regardless how expensive the ticket was in such peak season, it is still far cheaper than Garuda. NO need to mention other flights, we have decided to take only Garuda or Air Asia. For some stupid and paranoid safety reason, of course. But really, the AA pilot was a true proof that they are that good. I, myself, always a fan of a smooth landing. And the pilot, he really deserved this applause for that! And don't forget to get the Express Boarding thingy if you decide to take Air Asia while bringing kids/ parents. But trust me, you won't need it if you're ...

Singapore City journal: Friday!!

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 08:21:46 GMT

It is finally a weekend!! Off from work, as usual I went back to the hotel, keeping all the heavy stuffs away from my bag, change 'costume', enjoy the afternoon cocktail and snacks, and headed out. This night I strolled down the 'turned-out-to-be-long' street from Merchant street to Bugis. It took me like 30 mins in total, but please note that I was in a tourist mode..taking some stops just to understand the road, the bus route, and memorizing it all. Had it been my usual walking speed, it could only take 15-20 mins :)

Bugis street is a market selling all cheapy clothes, shoes, ...

Singapore City journal: Weekend at last!

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 08:17:51 GMT

Saturday. A day that starts at morning time finally!! Time to prove all my theories about this city..

I started off taking a bus to Harbor Front and VivoCity. Only to take a brief look and quick around, to fulfill the curiosity. Nothing too special to write about except yes, the mall is BIG. But we have the Senayan City here in Jakarta. So actually, talking about malls and shopping center, even now I'm still wondering why Indonesians going to Spore to shop? We have the frickin' largest shopping mall in the region for chrissakes! And to be honest, if that whoever was researching the ...

Singapore City journal: 4th Day

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 07:23:30 GMT

Just took a loong way around. Where to? No where. Just trying to understand the streets of Spore. I was just in a search for some new routes to take on from the hotel to office and back.

What happened to the art museum? Well, simply didn't have time today. Really hope that the museum doesn't close on Saturday.

I had my dinner at People's Park Complex, where apparently only chinese people who park their white-asses there. I went there with the intention in mind to have a really good chinese food.. which I turned out to be lucky! I had this roast duck noodle which (trust me) was the ...

Singapore City journal: Sweetness..

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 07:11:30 GMT

A bit older than I thought, but it's nice. The decor is a bit colonialism, my room is tiny yet sweet. AND, the chance of getting a free internet ; )

Singapore City journal: 3rd Day

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 07:11:28 GMT

This is my third day in this city. Just passed the previous two days in clueless-ness.. For a (over) sensitive self like I am, staying in this kind of place would be a bit tiring. Everyone looks trying too hard to be perfect. Or, shall I say everything? The MRT stations.. all clean, all cool, all clear.. Low, low, low rate of crime.. a one tiny manageable country, the most laid back government perhaps in the whole world. SOmehow it feels like that place where all the Stepford wives live in. And yes, those kiasus are the wives.

I went to Hong Lim food center in Chinatown today for lunch ...

Southeast Asia journal: Chili Crab + MRT + Fines = Kiasu.

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 06:51:34 GMT

I had this 2-weeks of business trip to Singapore. I don't think I could submit my stories in a daily entry basis since most of my days here spent working 'till late at the office or my hotel room. HOWEVER, since my office is located at the Chinasquare area and the hotel is at the Clark Quay - riverside area, believe me, it has so many interesting things to be shared about..

Osnabruck journal: A Town that Feels Like Home

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 01:21:10 GMT

Osnabrueck often got refer to as the Peace Town for the negotiation that ended 30 years of war took place there. And just recently, it was voted as the happiest place in Germany by a local German magazine. Unfortunately, I wasn't really got the chance to really treasure the happiness. The awkward weather on 2006's December in Germanyt has arised a gloomy ambience at almost everyday. It wasn't snowing yet (there's no white xmas this year, kid) while the temperature is freezing enough for a tropical girl like me and it was heavily cloudy everyday.

The city itself wasn't that small actually ...

Dortmund journal: Kota Badak "Rhino Town"

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 01:20:30 GMT

Arriving at the city at Dec 30 night, thanks to Tesa's uncle for driving us long way from Osna to Dortmund.. Especially for the KFC treat ya om! :) I remember how Tesa and I were sooo excited while we haven't even entered the restaurant yet! hahahaha.. quite a long time living without a normal (to our Asian tongue) food would only cause a hysterical visit to KFC.. hahahahaha..

After finishing more than a bucket of fried chicken, we back in the road and driving to Dortmund. As planned, we are going to spend nights at Trima's boyfriend's place (i forgot his name.. excuse the lil ungrateful ...

Bielefeld journal: Bielefeld=Christmas Market

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 00:23:27 GMT

Bielefeld=Christmas Market? Well, couldn't tell you more! was arriving at the city by the night time and the only spot I visited was the Christmas Market. and so what's last in mind too..

the christmas market itself was no different than the one Osna had.. I tasted local fruit beer tho'.. the taste doesn't linger in your mouth so the hell of the vomit taste of it was just a momentary one.. thank goodness..

i dont recall what's the name really..

Germany journal: Gloomy Season in Germany

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 19:07:16 GMT

It was between December 22 and January 4, 2007 - two weeks of travelling around Northern side of Germany: Osnabrueck, Bremen, Koeln, and Dortmund.

And yes, I got lucky to spend the New Year's eve in Koeln.. at the riverside of Rhine : )