JAKARTA Night Stroll │ Bright Lights, Big City!

Jakarta at Night!

We picked you up again after Indra was done with his masterpiece.

We left the Airbnb at half past six determined to have a meal at Rumah Makan Padang Sederhana. This time they were open so we ordered the:

• Beef Rendang
• Chicken Gulai
• Hard Boiled Egg Gulai
• Sayur Singkong
• Dendeng Balado
• 2 White Rice

for a grand total of IDR163,900 (approximately MYR45/USD10/EUR10). In hindsight this was half what we paid for at Sari Ratu @ Sarinah Mall a day earlier, for more or less the same dishes.

We then began our stroll to experience Friday night lights in Jakarta by heading east along Jalan M. Mashabi that took us past both the West and East Malls of Grand Indonesia. We eventually reached the Bundaran HI roundabout where we continued north onto Jalan M.H. Thamrin past the MRT station.

All throughout the stroll I took photos of the landmarks and bright lights. At the Japanese Embassy we doubled back and retraced our steps but this time on the opposite of the street along Jalan M. Mashabi before continuing onto Jalan H.M. Saleh Ishak.

We then turned left onto Jalan Teluk Betung Boulevard past Thamrin City before turning right and back to the Airbnb.

Cliched as it sounds time sure does fly by when you're having fun. Stay tuned as we catch a taxi then a couple of trains to Soekarno-Hatta's Terminal 3, for tomorrow we are leaving on a jet plane!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UgNnAHXTXNUrZWGW7

Rumah Makan Padang Sederhana - https://maps.app.goo.gl/rT6YiCot6MugygWu9

Bundaran HI Roundabout - https://maps.app.goo.gl/aNQYp1PkVuHjiBfL6

INDRA @ Rollover Tattoo │ Garuda vs. Jasmine!

Indra Rollover!

We picked you up again after coming back from our participation in Jakarta's car free Sunday. I hastily got ready to greet a guest to the Airbnb.

Knowing that we would be in Jakarta during the Lunar New Year (known as Imlek here) I reached out to a few tattoo artists in Jakarta. Of all that I contacted Indra's artwork appealed to me the most. Tired of the monotone designs I wanted something fresh and colourful that symbolised Indonesia.

So I negotiated a price with Indra, and after I transferred an initial deposit payment he began work on the design I had shared, of a simple Garuda.

I chose the Garuda, a bird-like deity and national emblem of Indonesia that I thought best represented this nation.

I was blown away by the design he eventually shared with me, and was eager for him to ink his masterpiece on my left arm. 

Indra was in-between premises, so for the moment he made house calls which suited us just fine. What better way to get tattooed then in the comfort of your own space, right?

We made an appointment at 1:00pm today, and knowing Jakarta's gnarly traffic Indra was delayed by an hour. He arrived closer to 2:00pm and began work determining the appropriate size and placement of the design.

He began work at half past two and was done two hours later. To be honest this particular tattoo hurt more then the rest, perhaps the skin in the particular area of the lower arm was thin.

I paid Indra his just rewards with a little extra thrown in and escorted him back down to the lobby, and bade him farewell with a promise to see him again once his new studio is ready.

Such was the captivation with my new tattoo that we completely forgot that we didn't have lunch yet. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fast forward to a few days later.

We picked you up again after coming back from our shopping spree at Thamrin City as well as lunch at Warung Leko. We got back to the Airbnb at two in the afternoon and took a quick shower then waited for Pak Indra to arrive.

Ever since his awesome Garuda I knew I had to get another ink from him before we went back to Kuala Lumpur. I've always wanted a flower to adorn my arms. Even Cat who was never into tattoos and never said a word about my past tattoos was mightily impressed with the detail and artwork.

So as we wandered the streets of Bandung I began thinking of a design for my lower arm and finally decided on my favourite flower, the Jasmine.

I then got in touch with Pak Indra with a suggested design, and what he shared in return well and truly blew my mind. This time I was chomping at the bit for him to begin work on his design of the Jasmine.

We then fixed an appointment for today at 3:00pm. Pak Indra showed up a little later and after discussing the size of the immaculately designed Jasmin he began work on his masterpiece.

Pak Indra was done three hours later. I gladly paid Indra his dues, again with a little extra thrown in and escorted him back down to the lobby.

If you're interested, here's his Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/indra.rollover/.

Be sure to catch our next video as we walked to Rumah Makan Padang Sederhana for another try!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UgNnAHXTXNUrZWGW7

JAKARTA Shopping │ Thamrin City!

Frolicking Friday!

I went to sleep before ten, while Cat went to bed an hour later. Needless to say we were invigorated by our good night's sleep, ready for what lay ahead for us today: Thamrin City!

I was up at six this morning and managed to render the first in our series of videos to Indonesia. In that time Cat too woke up and busied herself with laundry.

We got ready soon after and were out the door by nine in the morning. A short walk away was Thamrin City, and the first order of business was breakfast.

We walked into Thamrin City and observed that most stalls were just starting up for the day so it was a good thing that we were going to have breakfast first.

We considered the numerous choices here before deciding on Lawson Coffee. An Iced French Hazelnut Coffee and an Iced Bubble Gum drink together with a couple of Bak Paos came to IDR34,000 (approximately MYR9/USD 2/EUR2).

At ten past ten we walked back in to begin our browsing in earnest.

Our first purchase of the day was from Dewi Ndaru. Cat got a blouse and a cardigan for IDR300,000 (approximately MYR82/USD19/EUR18). 

From Rinjanie we got a matching pair of Awan Sahaja (sky blue) Batik blouse and short sleeved shirt for IDR870,000 (approximately MYR238/USD54/EUR51). 

From Cat's favourite stall Me Batik Collection she got three pairs of blouse for IDR500,000 (approximately MYR137/USD31/EUR30). 

We then continued browsing for a while then I felt cramps developing in my left leg so we asked around and were directed to Level 2 of Block C where Moras Reflexy & Massage was located . We both opted for the one-hour foot & shoulder for IDR70,000 each (approximately MYR19/USD4/EUR4).

We had an awesome session, the masseuse was able work the cramps out of my feet and by the time we were done it was noon. 

We were hungry so we decided to try  Rumah Makan Padang Sederhana. Alas it was closed for Friday prayers! We then headed to our default restaurant, Warung Leko on Level 5 of Grand Indonesia.

Here we ordered the usual:

• Sop Buntut (oxtail soup)
• Sup Asem Asem Iga (beef soup with beans)
• Jamur Enoki Krispy (fried enoki mushrooms)
• 2 White Rice
• 2 Jus Kedondong

for a grand total of IDR354,100 (approximately MYR USD EUR).

After lunch we headed back down to the lower ground floor for some gelato. At Oma Elly Gelateria we got a large and a regular cup for IDR154,000 (approximately MYR42/USD10/EUR9).

We then walked back to Thamrin City and made a beeline for Rinjanie again to get a second matching pair of Terracota (light orange) Batik blouse and short sleeved shirt for the same IDR870,000 (approximately MYR238/USD54/EUR51). 

We exited Thamrin City from the Kopi Kenangan stall outside we got 2 hot Kopi Kenangan Mantan for a total of IDR36,000 (approximately MYR10/USD2/ EUR2).

 

We then walked back to the Airbnb to receive a very special guest at 3:00pm.

Be sure to catch our next video as Pak Indra came a calling bearing a stencil of a Jasmine!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UgNnAHXTXNUrZWGW7

Thamrin City - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ifRLrVNRC1EPvdSE9

Rumah Makan Padang Sederhana - https://maps.app.goo.gl/rT6YiCot6MugygWu9

Warung Leko Grand Indonesia - https://maps.app.goo.gl/etAfjJFRjp27RUdt8

JAKARTA Jaunt Pt3 │ Grand Indonesia

More shopping!

We picked you up again as we left Sarinah Mall, and walked to Grand Indonesia via Plaza Indonesia where we entered the West Mall. We went down to Uniqlo at the lower ground floor to look for my favourite shorts in the colour I was looking for (khaki green).

We got it for IDR399,000 (approximately MYR108/USD25/EUR24) then rode an elevator up to Level 3A and found a bone induction Bluetooth earphone on the cheap (I had left my regular earphones behind) from Best Denki for IDR156,900 (approximately MYR42/USD10/EUR9).

Despite scouring the various camera stores here our one true errand remained elusive: a messenger bag for our cameras. Yesterday's brush with the gang of pickpockets taught us a valuable lesson, always keep your equipment in the front, not the back. For now we have to remember to exercise extra caution in crowded places.

We then went to have desserts at Cats favourite French sounding Japanese cake house: Chateraise. Here we chilled out while enjoying:

• Roll Brulé
• Fruits Cake
• Iced Houjicha
• Iced Genmaicha

that came to IDR154,000 (approximately MYR42/USD10/EUR9).

We rested our feet till a quarter to four then walked across to West Mall since Cat wanted to check out Alun Alun Indonesia on the third floor. Cat found a blouse she liked, but despite there being more sales personnel than there were customers no one wanted to serve us. The ones that were actually working were only interested in serving selected customers. Shame on you all!

Never looking back in anger we went down to the first floor where the HMNS perfume stall was located. We made away with:

• 100mL EDP for Her (Unpatched)
• 100mL EDP for Her (Essence of the Sun)
• 100mL EDP for Him (Farhampton)
• 100mL EDP for Him (The Perfection)
• 100mL EDP Unisex (City of Hope)

for  a grand total of IDR1,534,000 (approximately MYR415/USD95/EUR91). 

 We then walked across to the East Mall and down to the Foodhall supermarket to get some cut fruits for IDR98,997 (approximately MYR27/USD6/EUR6) before exiting. We then headed to the Kopi Kenangan stall at Thamrin City to get a Hot regular Kopi Kenangan Mantan  and an Iced jumbo Matcha Latte for IDR64,000 (approximately MYR17/USD4/EUR4).

We then walked over to the Bakmi restaurant to take away a Katsu Sambal Matah and an Ayam Panggang Char both served with their Signature Bakmi Noodles for IDR79,000 (approximately MYR21/USD5/EUR5) before heading back to the Airbnb 

Steps count at the end of our fifth day: 15,101!

Be sure to catch our next video as we kept the best for last: Batik shopping at Thamrin City!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Grand Indonesia Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/vkPMoymWC2Uy5nDL8

Thamrin City - https://maps.app.goo.gl/qEqagitM7XRELiyq9

Kopi Kenangan - https://maps.app.goo.gl/xvE2c4cpgfsWBi3b8

Bakmi Thamrin - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vp1yyJfzBFJurRQQ9

JAKARTA Jaunt Pt2 │ Sarinah Mall

Padang Lunch!

We picked you up again as we hailed another fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR77,000 (approximately MYR21/USD5/EUR5) to Sarinah Mall. We arrived at 12:20pm and walked into Sari Ratu Kitchen to have traditional Padang cuisine which consisted of:

• a plate of Urap (steamed vegetables)
• a plate of Sambal Eggplant
• a cut of Beef Rendang 
• a plate of Ayam Gulai (chicken curry)
• a bowl of Sop Buntut (oxtail soup)
• 2 plates of white rice
• 2 sugar free Iced tea

for  grand total of IDR367,290 (approximately MYR99/USD23/EUR22).

After lunch we headed up a floor to get more of our favourite fragrance from the Carl & Claire perfume stall. We ended up with six 30ML bottles of various fragrances that came  to IDR1,674,000 but since we presented our passports we were eligible to a 5% discount which brought the total down to IDR1,590,300 (approximately MYR430/USD98/EUR94).

We then got 3 bucket hats for each of us from Kamalika Artprints that came to IDR360,000 (approximately MYR97/USD22/EUR21).

We were done with Sarinah Mall, so be sure to catch our next video as we walked to Grand Indonesia!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Sarinah Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/YrWc31CXLyQB2pucA

Sari Ratu Sarinah - https://maps.app.goo.gl/TWbVCEFsL43tWXRu6

JAKARTA Jaunt Pt1 │ Plaza Blok M

Terrific Thursday!

We went to sleep at midnight; however I was up by five this morning. The ordeal with the gang of pickpockets at Kota Tua was playing on my mind, so I got up and began work editing our video.

Cat woke up a little later, we took turns in the shower by seven and were out the door an hour later.

We walked out towards Thamrin City along Jalan Teluk Betung Boulevard before turning right headed to Grand Indonesia walking along Jalan H.M. Saleh Ishak. We continued onto Jalan M. Washabi before5l walking across and entering Plaza Indonesia.

We walked into Starbucks and ordered the:

Spicy Tuna Toastie

Double Iced Shaken Caramel Coffee

Strawberry Acai with Lemonade 

Our first breakfast back in Jakarta  came to IDR142,200 (approximately MYR38/USD9/EUR8).

We then exited Plaza Indonesia and walked down to the Bundaran HI MRT station. 

Here we caught a train at 9:26amheaded south to Stasiun MRT Blok M for a fare of IDR8,000 (approximately MYR2/USD0.50/EUR0.50). 

The station was seven stops away and the ride took about fifteen minutes. By the time we arrived there was still fifteen minutes before Plaza Blok M opened so we sat down at a bench and waited.

We walked in and began browsing each floor right up to the top floor. We asked several salons about eyelashes but were told either the artist was not in yet, or it's by appointment only.

We rode an elevator back down and found a stall selling 3 t-shirts for IDR170,000 (approximately MYR46/USD10/EUR10). We then walked over to the Hammer stall and got 2 t-shirts for IDR229,900 (approximately MYR62/USD14/EUR14). All in all we got Brendan five t-shirts to do as he please.

However we did not achieve what we came here to do, so at 11:10am we hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR46,000 (approximately MYR12/USD3/EUR3) to Bellezza Shopping Arcade.

We arrived fifteen  minutes later and went in search of Kee Indonesia, a local retailer selling camera bags. Ten minutes later we realised that we were on a wild goose chase, since I had misunderstood the location in their Instagram post.

We abandoned our search and hailed another fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR77,000 (approximately MYR21/USD5/EUR5) to Sarinah Mall. 

Be sure to catch our next video as we had lunch at Sari Ratu Kitchen!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UgNnAHXTXNUrZWGW7

Stasiun MRT Bundaran HI - https://maps.app.goo.gl/m5dunfF88uuKHbyy9

Stasiun MRT  Blok M - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jv95BLZdtPNkwwdr7

Plaza Blok M - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ybBpBY8BTrQT2dMN7

IMLEK @ Jakarta │ Glodok • Kota Tua

Chinese New Year in Old Jakarta!

We picked you up again after checking back into Sigit's lovely unit at Thamrin Executive Residence. After a quick shower but still dressed in our Imlek outfits we hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi at 4:00pm for IDR81,000. 00 (approximately MYR USD EUR) to Gapura Chinatown in Glodok. 

We quite enjoyed the drive which took about an hour as we saw a much different view, a less clean and shiny Jakarta but infinitely interesting all the same. There were times when certain characters walked up to the taxi window. I was tempted to capture footage, but thought against it as we did not know how they would react. 

We were dropped off right underneath the famed archway to Chinatown. We began exploring this area known as Glodok, an urban village of Taman Sari, West Jakarta, Indonesia. Our stroll took us down some very interesting and at times sketchy lanes but we emerged unscathed and exhilarated!

After our stroll around Chinatown we continued due north until we reached Kota Tua. Unfortunately the Action 5's battery depleted as we left Glodok, and we realised it very much later.

At Kota Tua we wandered around taking in the sights while marvelling at the historic buildings, all throughout the time being kept entertained by the numerous street buskers plying their trade along this huge plaza.

We've been told that Kota Tua is one of most popular places to visit in Jakarta. It is ‘Jakarta’s Old Town’. This is an area that mainly consists of Dutch colonial buildings that were built during the 17th century. 

And of course, Kota Tua has some really cool cafes that have been designed in traditional Dutch colonial buildings. The most famous one is called Café Batavia, which we eventually ended up at for an early dinner. After consulting with our waiter Baim we ordered the:

• Sop Buntut (Oxtail Soup)
• Nasi Campur Meneer (Mixed Rice, Dutch Style)
• Terung Telur Balado (Eggplants with Sambal)
• Si Jagur Punch
• 2 x Bir Pletok
• 1 Coca-Cola 

Our Imlek dinner came to IDR739,300 (approximately MYR202/USD47/EUR43), a meal we enjoyed immensely. We're glad to agree with the hype that surrounds Café Batavia!

We then took another walk across Kota Tua's main plaza before making our way to the Jakarta Kota station.

Then something happened...we almost fell victim to a gang of pickpockets! The man in the white hoodies and the woman in the long-sleeved white blouse were the culprit who unzipped my camera backpack. Thankfully Cat was alert and discovered my exposed backpack. 

We arrived at the train station safely and after consulting with a security personnel we were advised to take the Bogor train to Manggarai then switching to another train to Sudirman. 

Midway through the train ride we decided to get off at the Cikini train station and then hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR46,000 (approximately MYR12/USD3/EUR3) back to Thamrin Executive Residence.

We were relieved to be safely back in familiar surroundings, and vowed to be more cautious. The adrenaline still pumping, we hope to still have a good night's sleep.

Steps count at the end of our fourth day: 11,023!

Be sure to catch our next video as we head out for an unexpected but necessary errand tomorrow!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UgNnAHXTXNUrZWGW7

Gapura Chinatown - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cbxxNTznegztZCUt8

Petak Enam - https://maps.app.goo.gl/mBU1vQMczQi6RUGa6

Kota Tua - https://maps.app.goo.gl/cuE4rwrz8XKnac7PA

Taman Fatahillah - https://maps.app.goo.gl/xV8CZ2KHKZL7Us7J9

Café Batavia - https://maps.app.goo.gl/d7dT4ZwGtEkTbk6h6

Jakarta Kota - https://maps.app.goo.gl/3e4Yzagxnaz25i3V6

Stasiun Cikini - https://maps.app.goo.gl/CbmHSKF4PEBX1KUB6

AIRBNB: An Update│ Thamrin Executive Residence!

 Home away from Home!

We picked you up again after hailing a Bluebird taxi from the Dukuh Atas LRT station to Thamrin Executive Residence.

Although we had featured Sigit's lovely unit in the past we thought we would present an update since a lot of improvements were made since our last stay in October 2024.

Among the improvements we noticed were:

New curtains in every room

Spick and span kitchen utensils

New cleaning clothes

New towels

Freshly scrubbed and shiny floors in all rooms

Clean and dust-free balcony

Freshly polished furniture

Thank you Sigit for making this unit endear to us even more.

Be sure to catch our next video as we head out to experience Imlek in Jakarta's Chinatown and Olde Town!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UgNnAHXTXNUrZWGW7

BANDUNG to JAKARTA│ Let's Whoosh!

Whoosh again!

We had an early night again last night and woke up refreshed. We got up at seven in the morning then checked out of the Airbnb at 8:30am.

We then hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR26,000 (approximately MYR7/USD2/EUR2) to Stasiun Bandung to catch a KA Feeder train to the Padalarang Bullet Train station.

The Bluebird taxi picked us up at 8:50am and dropped us off at Stasiun Bandung fifteen minutes later. A porter then took charge of our luggage and guided us into the waiting lounge.

In that time Cat managed to dash out of the station and got some goodies from the stalls outside for a grand total of IDR214,000 (approximately MYR58/USD13/EUR13).

By the time Cat was done the train had arrived and the same porter then escorted us to the designated coach. He deposited our luggage at the assigned racks and received a small token of appreciation from us.

The KA Feeder train departed at 9:24am and arrived at Stasiun Padalarang twenty minutes later. Cat wandered into a Kartika Sari shop here to get even more goodies for a grand total of IDR167,000 (approximately MYR45/USD10/EUR10). We then submitted our bags for inspection then headed straight for the VIP Lounge.

We would spend the next three hours or so chilling as I continued work on our first video. The lounge was very comfortable, and the Wi-Fi very fast so we settled down to chill. As luck would have it there was a lion dance performance at the station, which was a pleasant surprise seeing as today was the first day of Chinese New Year. A great way to while our time away too.

 At noon we took a walk around the station, I got a hot cup of Thai Coffee while Cat opted for Iced Thai Green Tea from Dum Dum for IDR50,000 (approximately MYR13/USD3/EUR3). Since Cat was still full from her sweet cakes I got a Spicy Italian sandwich from Subway for IDR56,000 (approximately MYR15/USD3/EUR3).

At 1:10pm we were allowed to board the train, and another porter offered to help us with our bags.  He too received a small token of appreciation from us. The train departed at the appointed time of 1:18pm and thirty minutes later we arrived at the Halim station. 

We disembarked and walked across to the LRT where we finally got ourselves a Jakarta Tourist Pass (locally called the "Kartu Jek") for IDR55,000 (approximately MYR15/USD3/EUR3). The card carried a preloaded value of IDR25,000 (approximately MYR5/USD1/EUR1) so we topped up each card with another IDR50,000 (approximately MYR13/USD3/EUR3).

You cannot imagine the freedom and mobility this card accords us as we are now able to properly explore Jakarta by LRT, MRT, KRL as well as the TransJakarta buses!

We caught the LRT at 2:05pm and arrived at the final station on this the Jabodebek Line, which was Dukuh Atas thirty minutes later. 

We then hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR33,000 (approximately MYR9/USD2/EUR2) back to where else but Sigit's lovely apartment. 

Be sure to catch our next video as we settled back into Thamrin Executive Residence!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Tamansari Tera Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/hatdxY8woCJrYaaR9

Stasiun Bandung - https://maps.app.goo.gl/AeExa1Sxn8J3hcsh6

Stasiun KA Feeder KCJB - https://maps.app.goo.gl/CA19EgFMXZ4fjhYQ7

Stasiun Kereta Cepat Padalarang - https://maps.app.goo.gl/qqCadJ9orRm3K81HA

Stasiun Kereta Cepat Halim - https://maps.app.goo.gl/zSJkBmtaHovsktyb7

]Stasiun LRT Dukuh Atas - https://maps.app.goo.gl/PneMRSAXMtZf5Wja9

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UgNnAHXTXNUrZWGW7

BANDUNG │ Cihampelas Walk!

The shopping finale!

We picked you up again after we hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR43,000 (approximately MYR12/USD3/EUR3) to our final shopping destination of the day: Cihampelas Walk Mall! 

We arrived at 1:30pm and made a beeline for Dapur Solo. We were famished and after a quick scan of their menu we ordered the:

• Nasi Timbel Sunda (steamed rice wrapped inside a banana leaf)
• Urap Sayur (salad dish of steamed vegetables)
• Sop Bontot (oxtail soup)
• White Rice
• 2 Iced Lemongrass

for a total of IDR272,580 (approximately MYR74/USD17/EUR16).

We then befriended a girl, Intan and her mother dining at the next table. We got to chatting and exchanged Instagram pages. 

We settled the bill and started our exploration of the Cihampelas Walk (or Ciwalk for short. We finally found a gelato stall and tried a medium Cup of their combined Blackpink and Cookies flavour and for IDR40,000 (approximately MYR USD EUR). 

We wandered a little bit more and then left Ciwalk to explore Jalan Cihampelas looking for a leather belt. 

I eventually settled on a double sided belt for IDR490,000 (approximately MYR133/USD30/EUR29) and continued browsing in search of a leather jacket for Brprendan. We asked several shops but the prices quoted ranging from IDR1,400,000 to IDR1,800,000 proved inhibitive. Furthermore we were hard pressed to guess Brendan's size since each design differed in measurement.

We then walked back to Ciwalk and two slices of cake from Chateraise for IDR118,000 (approximately MYR32/USD7/EUR7) before hailing a final fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR43,000 (approximately MYR12/USD3/EUR3) back to the Airbnb.

Steps count at the end of our fourth day: 12,672!

Be sure to catch our next video as we catch a bullet train back to Jakarta!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Cihampelas Walk (Ciwalk) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/MZkBgdPnvM6rqH1N8

dapur solo - https://maps.app.goo.gl/NGaCNCDSMPqu7cnJ8

Tamansari Tera Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/hatdxY8woCJrYaaR9

BANDUNG │ Paris Van Java!

The shopping continues!

We picked you up again after we hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR39,000 (approximately MYR11/USD2/EUR2) to the next shopping destination: Paris Van Java!

We arrived at 11:10am and began our exploration of this vast expanse of shopping space. 

An hour in and all we had to show for was toiletries from Watson's that came to IDR76,500 (MYR USD EUR), and more toiletries from Guardian Pharmacy for IDR73,500 (approximately MYR USD EUR). 

In the end Cat got a blouse and bottom from Urban&Co for IDR409,800 (MYR458/USD105/EUR100). I also got a pair of shorts from Uniqlo for IDR399,000 (MYR108/USD25/EUR24). 

We wandered a little bit more then hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR43,000 (approximately MYR12/USD3/EUR3) to our final shopping destination of the day: Cihampelas Walk Mall! 

Be sure to catch our next video as we end our shopping escapade here!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Paris Van Java Supermall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/RnqUu6YeLBc4Pv8f9

BANDUNG │ Rumah Mode Factory Outlet!

The shopping begins!

We had an early night last night and woke up invigorated. We showered, got ready and were out the door by half past eight.

We hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR61,000 (approximately MYR17/USD4/EUR4 to our first destination of the day: Rumah Mode Factory Outlet. Since we were early we had breakfast at the sprawling food avenue while waiting for Rumah Mode to open for business at 9:30am.

We walked around the various stalls and settled on:

• Kopi Tarik
• Ah Mei Milk Tea Special
• Bolu Bakar Boom Butter
• Kue Lapis
• Bika Ambon 

for a grand total of IDR189,000 (approximately MYR51/USD12/EUR11).

By the time we were done it was a quarter to ten, time to shop!

We were done with Rumah Mode an hour and a half later, and in that time we managed to snare:

• Cat's Hareiro dress
• Cat's Ekano red blouse 
• Cat's Ekano cardigan 
• My Ekano Batik short-sleeved shirt 

for a  grand total of IDR1,689,600 (approximate MYR459/USD103/EUR100).

We then hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR32,000 (approximately MYR7/USD2/EUR2) to the next shopping destination: Paris Van Java!

Be sure to catch our next video as we continue shopping there!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Tamansari Tera Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/hatdxY8woCJrYaaR9
Rumah Mode Factory Outlet - https://maps.app.goo.gl/w14ccawkfzUySSXs6

Exploring BANDUNG │ Braga Street • Sudirman Street

First Walkabout in Bandung!

We picked you up again after checking into our Airbnb. As Cat busied herself with laundry I began sorting the footage from today. We then took a nap as we waited for our laundry to be done.

Laundry sorted we left the Airbnb at a quarter past five taking a walk along Jalan Tera before turning left at El Hotel onto Jalan Merdeka. We then turned right onto Jalan Lembong before a final left turn onto the famed Jalan Braga.

Turned out the street was congested with pedestrians on both sides so we quickly ducked into Braga CItywalk but found the place underwhelming.

We headed out to Braga Street again to brave the droves of pedestrians and walked to its end. We stopped to ponder our next move and decided to walk back to the Airbnb. We got a little lost but found our way back to Jalan Tera, and Tamansari Tera Residence.

Here we sat and decided on giving Sudirman Street Day & Night Market a try so we hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR32,000 (approximately MYR9/USD2/EUR2). The driver informed us the reason for the congestion: Indonesia was enjoying a 5-day weekend, starting from Saturday January 25th right up to this Wednesday January 29th to celebrate both Isra and Mi'raj as well as Imlek (Lunar New Year).

Soon as we arrived an array of red lanterns greeted us. We knew we were in for a good time with the first wafts of smoke billowing from the nearest wok!

Barely a hundred meters in we came across Sedap Purwakarta, claiming to serve the best Chinese food since 1970.

We parked our butts in front of their stall and at their recommendation ordered the:

• Nasi Ayam Kuluyuk (sweet & sour chicken with rice)
• Nasi Bistik Sapi (beef steak with rice?)

While we waited for our food to be ready I walked around and ordered Cakue (Yutiao) from a stall across our table. I ordered both the original and “legend” variants.

I then walked in search of beverages and got a lemonade as well as a passion fruit juice from the unfriendly Wedrink stall.

Cat finally added a bowl of Ronde Kuah Gula Merah from the Ronde Jahe Senly stall also across from our table.

Our first dinner in Bandung, at our first “food court” in Bandung came to a respectable IDR167,000 (MYR45/USD10/EUR10).

After dinner we took a stroll around to check out the various and plentiful variety of food stalls here.

We then hailed a Bluebird taxi for an eventual fare of IDR40,000 (approximately MYR9/USD2/EUR2) back to the Airbnb.

Steps count at the end of our third day: 10,976!

Be sure to catch our next video as we begin shopping in earnest!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Tamansari Tera Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/hatdxY8woCJrYaaR9

Braga Citywalk - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jERHAi8NqJz1GGsX9

Sudirman Street Day and Night Market - https://maps.app.goo.gl/QSHPVMutZ3EN2Szx6

AIRBNB │ Tamansari Tera Residence!

Tamansari Tera Residence!

We picked you up again leaving the Bandung train station headed to our Airbnb ten minutes away. We arrived for a fare of IDR50,000 (approximately MYR14/USD3/EUR3) and were met by Pak Deni, one of the unit’s co-host who helped us store our bags with the reception. Since we were more than two hours early Pak Deni promised do what he can to get the unit ready sooner.

With time to burn we thought of taking a walk around to see what we could have for lunch, then realised that there was a restaurant within the apartment building. We walked into Dapur 33 and were pleasantly surprised to see that their menu consisted of local cuisine.

We were recommended to try:

• Timbel Ayam Bakar (grilled chicken)
• Timbel Gepuk (grilled beef)
• 2 Sugar-free Iced Tea
• (I added) 1 Coffee with Milk
• (Cat added) Pisang Sale or dried banana fritters

Our simple yet delightful first meal ini Bandung came to IDR140,000 (approximately MYR38/USD9/EUR8).

We whiled away our time at Dapur 33 and eventually received word from Pak Deni at a quarter past one that we could check into unit 1103A. We met Pak Deni at the lobby to collect the unit's access card then rode the elevator up to the 11th floor. 

A simple and well appointed unit we will let our footage paint our words for us. We deposited our bags then headed up/down to the swimming pool and gym on the 6th floor, which was small and diminutive, but served its purpose.

The unit faces Mount Manglayang (if we're not mistaken) which further lent to its calm and soothing ambience. For RM149.34 a night (USD34/EUR32) this unit truly represented value for money, which is why it did feel like a downgrade from Sigit's lovely unit.

Be sure to catch our next video as we began to explore Bandung on foot!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Tamansari Tera Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/hatdxY8woCJrYaaR9

JAKARTA to BANDUNG │ Bullet Train!

Bandung!

We've heard so much about this regency of Indonesia, best known as a shopper's paradise. The main reason why our shopping so far has been relatively muted was because we were conserving our energy (and money!) for Bandung.

We had an early night last night and were up by half past six. We busied ourselves with whatever packing we had left since most of it was done last night. We then got ready and checked out of Sigit's lovely Airbnb, leaving a little memento in the fridge for him.

We headed down at eight in the morning and hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR95,000 (MYR26/USD6/EUR6) to Stasiun Kereta Cepat Halim, the bullet train station. 35 minutes later we arrived and headed to the kiosks to figure out how to buy our tickets. 

Alas the next available train regardless of class was in the afternoon. We then tried our luck at the ticketing counters and surprisingly got ourselves tickets for the 9:40am train! 

We got first class tickets for IDR600,000 each (MYR1U62/USD37/EUR35) to Stasiun Padalarang, for both this trip and the return trip in two days time. 

We then walked to the Departure entrance way but due to our large bags the security personnel advised us to take the elevator up to Level 2 instead. Here we submitted our belongings to a security scan before we were ushered into the VIP lounge at nine in the morning.

At 9:17am we were allowed to board and a kind porter helped us with our heavy luggage up the escalator and into our coach. We repaid his kindness with a small tip.

We managed to take some selfies at the front of the train, and it promptly departed at 9:40am. Five minutes in our hostess served us with a goodie bag of light refreshments.

The train averaged speeds of between 140 to 150 kph within Jakarta’s city limits but son accelerate to speeds well in excess of 300 kph.

We stopped at Stasiun Kawarang at 9:56am for a couple of minutes before continuing onwards to Stasiun Padalarang, which was our stop.

The train stopped unexpectedly midway along the tracks somewhere between Cikampek and Purwakarta for a few minutes before continuing on the journey to Bandung.

We soon arrived at Stasiun Padalarang at 10:15am, disembarked and exited to figure out how to catch a regular train to Bandung city centre.

Turned out the first class tickets accorded us an usher who escorted us unimpeded bypassing the long queue to get on the KA Feeder train to Stasiun Bandung!

Our bags safely deposited at the coach at the head of the train we enjoyed our first glimpse of Bandung as the train departed at 10:30am.

We arrived at Stasiun Bandung half an hour later and were met with another porter who commandeered our bags and guided us out of the station and deposited us with the first available Bluebird taxi at the car park outside.

We left the station headed to our Airbnb ten minutes away. 

Be sure to catch our next video as we check into the Airbnb at Tamansari Tera Residence!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UgNnAHXTXNUrZWGW7

Stasiun Kereta Cepat Halim - https://maps.app.goo.gl/zSJkBmtaHovsktyb7

Stasiun Kereta Cepat Padalarang - https://maps.app.goo.gl/qqCadJ9orRm3K81HA

Stasiun KA Feeder KCJB - https://maps.app.goo.gl/CA19EgFMXZ4fjhYQ7

Stasiun Bandung - https://maps.app.goo.gl/AeExa1Sxn8J3hcsh6

Tamansari Tera Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/hatdxY8woCJrYaaR9

JAKARTA Night Stroll │ Sarinah Mall Again!

Night Stroll!

We picked you up again after Pak Indra's visit to the Airbnb. 

After escorting him back down to the lobby we then got ready to go out. We left the Airbnb at six in the evening. 

Taking an identical route as this morning up to Plaza Indonesia we then walked across Jalan M.H. Thamrin and continued north.

2 kilometres and half an hour after leaving the Airbnb we had arrived at Sarinah Mall... again! 

We had some unfinished business and made a beeline for Kamalika Artprints on the first floor. Here we got:

• Cat's printed fabric tote bag
• Cat's printed polyester shopping bag
• My mini printed polyester shopping bag

for a grand total of IDR596,000 (approximately MYR163/USD38/EUR35). 

We then realised that in all the excitement of Pak Indra visiting the Airbnb we had forgotten about lunch. 

With that in mind we headed down to Sarinah's much vaunted food court, known as Pasar Nusantara on the lower ground floor. 

After a quick browse we settled on the Sop Konro Cendana stall where we ordered the:

• Coto Makassar (Traditional Beef Soup) with rice set
• Sop Iga (Beef Soup) with rice set

Together with a round of drinks from the Hop Hop stall our simple yet fulfilling dinner came to a reasonable IDR201,600 (approximately MYR55/USD13/EUR12). 

We grabbed a couple bottles of drinking water from Pasarina then hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR30,000 (approximately MYR8/USD2/EUR2) back to the Airbnb to begin packing in earnest. 

Steps count at the end of our second day: 13,953!

Be sure to catch our next video as we ride a bullet train to Bandung!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UgNnAHXTXNUrZWGW7

Sarinah Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/nGVFwzupR7eUokVi6

Pasar Nusantara - https://maps.app.goo.gl/PofSZAtEajc5wjKS9

JAKARTA's Car Free Sunday │ Sarinah Mall!

Car Free Sunday!

We woke up at half past six and were out the door an hour later. We took our familiar route alongside Thamrin City before turning right generally headed east alongside both the West and East Malls of Grand Indonesia.

Before long we had arrived at Jalan M.H. Thamrin, which sure enough was free of vehicles. The entire street on both sides of the lane was filled with pedestrians, joggers and cyclists.

Apart from the TransJakarta public buses no other motorised vehicle was in sight. It was a cool lovely morning and we enjoyed our walk immensely.

We continued our walk along Jalan M.H. Thamrin due north until the intersection with Jalan Kebun Sirih where we made a U-turn. We continued in the opposite direction due south looking for our intended destination of the morning.

2 kilometers and forty five minutes later we had arrived at Sarinah Mall!

With time to spare we decided on breakfast at Société which accorded us outdoor dining, something we always relish.

We perused their diminutive breakfast menu and settled on their:

• Breakfast Wrap
• Beef Bacon & Cheese Toasties
• Hazelnut Latte
• Iced Avocado Milk

for a grand total of IDR304,920 (approximately MYR83/USD19/EUR18).

We spent the next the next hour or so enjoying our breakfast and the view before making our way into Sarinah Mall.

We began our exploration of Sarinah Mall with a potty break before browsing in earnest. We eventually made away with:

• a foldable shopping bag for IDR140,000
• a colourful bucket hat for IDR40,000
• Carl & Claire Into The Woods 50ML EDP for IDR279,000
• Carl & Claire Spring Sonata 50ML EDP for IDR279,000

for a grand total of IDR738,000 (approximately MYR200/USD46/EUR44).

We then hailed a fixed fare Bluebird taxi for IDR30,000 (approximately MYR8/USD2/EUR2) back to the Airbnb.

Be sure to catch our next video as we take another stroll to Sarinah Mall!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UgNnAHXTXNUrZWGW7

Société Jakarta - https://maps.app.goo.gl/JWhM6QzGJq998Km76

Sarinah Mall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/nGVFwzupR7eUokVi6

1st JAKARTA Walkabout │ To Grand Indonesia and Back!

Grand Indonesia!

We picked you up again after checking into  the Airbnb. A quick change and we were out the door again.

We walked to the Indomaret at Thamrin Residences next door in search of a prepaid card locally referred to as the 'JAK' card so that we could ride all the trains plus the TransJakarta buses too. Alas it was not sold there, neither was it sold at the Family Mart next door.

Deflated but not defeated we then thought we'd pay the street food scene at Grand Indonesia a visit. Alas that too was too no avail, as it appeared that it did not exist?

With dinner in mind we continued our walk into Grand Indonesia and headed down to the lower ground floor. We settled on the first restaurant we saw: Three Uncles!

We browsed their menu outside and placed our order at the counter for:

• Yang Chow Chicken Fried Rice 
• X.O. Seafood Fried Rice 
• Sweet & Sour Chicken
• Romaine Oyster Sauce 
• 2 Iced Wintermelon Tea

For a grand total of IDR294,800 (approximately MYR80/USD18/EUR17). Our first proper meal for the day was quite pleasing.

We then walked out and straight onto the HINT stall selling local Indonesian perfume. Ever interested in locally produced fragrances we asked and were presented the two best-selling perfumes, one each for his and hers:

• Dragon for Men (50ML)
• Metaverse for Women (50ML)

together with a 30% discount the total came to a very reasonable IDR390,000 (approximately MYR106/USD24/EUR23).

We then made a pitstop at The FoodHall supermarket to get some cut fruits for IDR154,708 (approximately MYR42/USD10/EUR9).

We then took a brisk walk back to the Airbnb for some much needed rest and recuperation.

Steps count at the end of our first day: 15,790!

Be sure to catch our next video as we experience Jakarta's epic Car-Free Sunday for the first time!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/UgNnAHXTXNUrZWGW7

Grand Indonesia - https://maps.app.goo.gl/GehMtjsah2DHjL6D8

THREE UNCLES EXPRESS - https://maps.app.goo.gl/af5XNs2DAPWrwgm7A

The Foodhall - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZycfsHC1UWcasskb7