Backpacker Girls

The journey will took about 10 hours from Jambi to Padang (approx. 509kms) depends on the road and weather situation (sometimes landslide made the authorities have to close the road-so, try avoid raining season!), with amazing view of Sumatra island mountains area, rural places, valleys, and jungles. Its refreshing to see jungles and mountains.


I depart from Jambi at 8pm at night. The good thing about travel car is they will pick you up from your door step, so they did, they pick me up at 7pm.


There are two lady and two guys beside me cramped on the passenger seat. I got the back row, only for two passenger.


The road not as bumpy as if i were traveling to Lampung. I mostly slept during the journey. The first stop is a restaurant what i call out of no where but jungle. It was 9.30 pm so i think that time i was still somewhere in Jambi border.


It is hard to sleep when you had 173cms height on a small space, but i do my best to keep my beauty sleep.


I woke up when we arrive in Solok at 5.45am, very close to Padang already. We did our breakfast in a small restaurant, its fairly clean. After brushing my teeth and splashing my face, i decide to have a cup of hot tea and some Nasi Goreng, its spicy-but tasty!


Morning in Padang surprisingly not as busy as in Jambi. From the gate of the city, i still could notice the damage building, mosque and even street. After almost a year... there still much more work to do for Padang to repair the city.


After over 12hrs crammed on the back of the car like canned sardines, I finally arrive in Pangeran Beach Hotel around 9 am. I mail and call the hotel a day before i leave Jambi. The hotel is 3 star hotel, and to be honest, i don't really like it. The building is old, i even thought it was one of government building because its not that impressive and its just.... like an office building.... the room is quite small, and bathroom very basic, no hair dryer.


After checkin and store my stuff at room, i think, oh well... this is a beach hotel... maybe theres something about the beach. So i went down stairs to check the beach on the back of the hotel (thinking of small white private beach in Kuta beach... awesome!).


I went there just for a huge disappointment. Beach was very dirty, sand is black, and not far from the hotel back there was huge pile of garbage right on the beach. Great!!! (sigh)


The only good thing that i like is the view from the window. My room facing the street on the front of the hotel, but on the back ground there are mountains and amazing landscape of Padang city. I could see sunrise on the very next morning, and its calming...


But still.... i don't think its worth the money...


First day in Padang i don't want to waste my time, so i went to street and stop one of the public transport and went to Padang Beach.


Its not that far from the hotel, i just stop at Gramedia book store (its on the very same straight street, about 2-3kms from hotel). I did my exploration, its beautiful sunny day.


The beach was not like the beach that i remember.... back then, i think it had more beach, but now its more narrow, and the govt seemed build wave breaker from rocks... but still.. i love to sit and see the sea.


When i feel hungry, i start to stroll around the street and smell a very good smell of fish bbq... oh gosh... very good...


I stop by on that local restaurant and had very very tasty squids, huge prawns, and of course fish BBQ with Padang sauce.... Feels like heaven... very good!


After full, i take another stroll on the beach street. This time i went to the other way. I found that the beach street pretty good, and clean. As i pass the stalls i walk about 3 kms to the bay area...


When i check the map, i think i was closer to the Padang Museum, so i decide to visit the museum. The entrance fee about Rp 7500,-


I can't remember if i went to this museum before when i were here in Padang. But i like the traditional house, its really huge and stand still with grace. Wow... short of reminder how Padang people love their tradition very much!

The front of museum used as kids playground... its not really well taken care of... just too bad. The grass are pretty high in some places.. i bet back then like 10 years ago this place must be amazing.


There are pretty interesting stuff at museum, but i get bored so quick, so i end the tour about 1.5hour later...hehe after i quite finish seeing all the displays, took few pictures and i went on public transport again (after asking the security on gate how to get a ride back to the hotel).

Later that night i went to a shopping malls "Basko" apperently its the biggest shopping mall in Padang. Wow... Jambi had twice bigger than this.... its weird.. because I thought Padang one  step forward ahead Jambi in any field??? Its not even bigger than Matahari Shopping Mall in Jambi. But we can't judge a city from it malls right?

I also find out about the BRAND NEW hotel right next to it "Grand Basko Western Hotel". The room price about the same, but this hotel just 3 month old so the furniture and the hotel it self still in very good shape, and they had wifi on every room.. oh my!. Why i never saw this on internet???




I decide next day i will move to this hotel!!


Oh for your information, there are several hotels in Padang are collapse due to last year earthquake, but surprisingly few websites on internet not update the hotels status and still advert it for rooms and bookings! its quite freaking when you try to call the hotel that's not even operate anymore!


These are the hotels that i could see collapse/destroyed when i went there:
1. The Ambacang Hotel (closed)
2. Inna Muara Hotel (open for 40 rooms, but its under heavy construction for repairing)
3. Bumi Minang Hotel (closed)
4. Hayam Wuruk Hotel (closed)
5. Dipo Hotel (closed)
6. Batang Arau Hotel (closed)
7. New Mariani Hotel (closed)
8. Rocky Hotel (closed)

Add to your 2011 traveling plan!

Most of people asks, if there's any other way to go to Kerinci region, where the highest volcano in sumatra is, else than going from West Sumatra.
Theres flights that actually goes from Jambi straight to Sungai Penuh the main city of Kerinci that fly twice a week, on Wednesday and Saturday etd. 08.55 am by Riau Airlines, a small plane.
I think if theres flights flying across sumatra province its it will safe your time, and i think its really worth the money! Since most of roads in inter-province is not as smooth as roads in Java island (imagine 11 hours stuck in small car with bumpy horse riding car ride). I think flying is a better option. The flight fee not much than Rp 300.000 (around 30 us dollar), just as much as if you pay flights from Bangkok to Phuket (even less!)!

Riau Airlines schedules:
Jambi - Kerinci Wed & Sat 08.55am
Jambi - Pekanbaru/Riau Wed & Sat 11.00am
Kerinci - Jambi Wed & Sat 10.00am
Pekanbaru - Jambi Wed & Sat 07.30am


Theres another flights too to other places in Sumatra from Jambi:

Kartika Airlines schedules:
Jambi - Batam Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun 13.15
Batam - Jambi Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun 12.00
Jambi - Padang Sun, Wed, Mon 13.15-15.25
Jambi - Medan Sun, Wed, Mon 13.15-18.30






Enjoy Sumatra island!!

February 17, 2010


I never know that fact, i thought people here been talk about it and its just because they are originally from here. I thought they were exaggerate things about this beach-Matras Beach in Sungai Liat Bangka Island.

But then i was wrong.



Thats what i thought, until i saw it my self!! i just told my self, if any of those tourist saw this beach, they will say Kuta-Bali or Lovina is nothing!

It feels like a private beach. Less people. I would love to lying down here all day, sleeping, and had my tan. Its just perfect.






The other unique thing about this beach is, there is a small fresh water source, hidden on this beach where you could wash up. The water is very cold, and there is plenty big rocks covering it. And its the only beach that had fresh water flow to the ocean.





It is VERY CLEAN, compare to beaches that i've visited before in Indonesia and Thailand. Its still natural, the only thing could see is old trees and dead sea weeds. But then there is nothing like garbage there--ok very very less.


If now, you ask me, if i could choose where to go Bali or this island, seeing this beach, i would definitely choose Bangka! Its truly a hidden paradise!





PS. I have to be fair here to say negative things about this beach:
I can't find a toilet here or place to change my clothes! so you have to figure that out! i just hope the local government will fix this immediately!

February 15, 2010



People say pictures say things that you just couldn't say. I wish i could post my whole pictures of Bangka Island here.

On my 2nd day, i borrow one of my friend uncle motorcycle and we ride along Sungai Liat street. Its a small town, the traffic is less crowded than Jambi, no traffic jam.




I like the air at the afternoon, its sunny hot, but you feel the "water" on the wind that blows. You could smell the sea salty air by riding motorcycle.

We went to a beach about 15-20 minute ride with normal 40-60 km/hr speed. The road is good, asphalt quite thin in some part, and could be slippery with the sand on some street corner/bent. Along the way to Tanjung Pesona Beach i could see how Bangka is a mix culture between Bangka people, Malay, and Chinese cultures.

Its still Chinese new year, you could hear fire cracker nite before. Some places even had the lion dance at night. At day time, you could see lots of chinese teen ride with motorcycle or walking, visiting one another house for what they call "kongnyan"/Imlek.

Tanjung Pesona Beach had a resort called Tanjung Pesona Beach Resort, placed in Pantai Rebo Sungai Liat.

When we stopped at security gate i just told them i want to go to lobby to check the room price. We do plan to stay over at one hotel. They allow us to go in. According to my friend to get to the beach usually they ask for Rp 10.000 per person.


To go to the beach we have to go a little bit down hill, and i could see the breath taking clear water from the road down, and i take apicture so youc ould see what i see for first time (i am a beach bum haha!). My first beach after so looong!

We park our motorcycle (its free), and i just ran to the beach. They have a park (jungle gym) for kids too. They even had two horse for rent there (its small local breed-ponny). Not bad!


First touch of the sand. Its not pure white sand, a bit yellowish but the beach is MUCH cleaner than Kuta Beach, i could assure you! i am not afraid of broken glass walking barefoot in the sand feel so nice.




Theres only less than 15 people on 3-5 kms shore, could you imagine that?



Its a heaven for me! just too bad i didn't plan to swim there that time!



I don't like over crowded beaches where lots of people lying down on the beach, dogs, and agressive people selling stuff and offer massage or braids etc (hahaha!). This beach very "beach" like pure place for relaxing. It had a clean canteen where you could buy ice cream or eat some food or snack. And as far i could see, there are just domestic/local visitor.



Its truly a hidden gateaway that i am very recomended!



Later we know that on the resort not far from there like 50-100 meters up you could find a nice restaurant with excellent view to the beach, but sure its more pricy. But from top/from the resort the view is worth the price.


We stay at the beach, playing with wave and sand and walking along the beach until almost 6 pm. We explore the resort too and went to this long bridge, its just so romantic (aaawww! wink wink).









We go back to the parking and then take few more pictures and swear we will go back here again ! hahahah !

Right on valentine days February 14, 2010, where Chinese also celebrate lunar new year, the year of the tiger (miaww!) i wake up earlier. Rushing to get ready to go to Boom Baru, Palembang sea port.

Its been two night i spent my day in Palembang, staying at a friend from same office in BLK area.
Been very nice there and i already get my boat ticket to Bangka Island. I get it from a ticketing agent at Jln Lingkar no 20C/Lingkar street #20C (phone number: 0711-364581). I use "Sumber Bangka" fast boat. The ticket price is Rp 161.500,- and i also get shuttle bus (its cheaper if you get it with the boat ticket) from Mentok (Bangka harbor) to Sungai Liat town (where my friend live) with the price Rp 60.000,- All shuttle car price from Mentok to other destination have same price Rp 60.000,- (even to the other harbor-Pangkal Balam).

Good news is there are straight flight from Jakarta to Pangkal Pinang (Depati Amir Airport), Bangka. Direct flight from Jakarta to Pangkal Pinang, Bangka are: Sriwijaya Air (4 flights/day), Lion Air, Batavia Air, Mandala Airlines. If you want to start from Palembang, they also have a direct flight to this pretty island with Sriwijaya Air, its a very early flight at 06.00 am and only one flight/day.

I am quite lucky because i got the ticket at the Lunar new year day. Lots of chinese went to Bangka since two days before the owner said. I had to wake up at 5.20, did packing night before and go shower and double check my stuff. My friend family, already wake up and they want to take me to the harbor (luv yaaa all!!).



From BLK we went to "Boom Baru" harbor. Its Palembang port/harbor for passenger at 6.35 am. You will see boats-ferry from/to Jakarta and Medan here too. I just check in, the officer will take the "boarding pass" off the ticket and i have to pay Boom Baru Port Tax Rp 3.500,- to the officer.

There's actually two boat going to Bangka island. The other boat is "Express Bahari" but it leave Boom Baru Palembang on mid day (around 12-1pm). Express Bahari is cheaper than Sumber Bangka, but i don't know exactly how much the ticket is.




The boat is quite comfy. Its the same type like the one that i use crossing Batam to Singapore. The difference is its not well maintain and its more crowded. I could also see the life jacket under the seat, so its good. The AC work just fine not too cold. I also saw the same view of plastic chair for extra passenger, but thankfully there are no extra passenger but the seat are full (100-150 passenger?)! You could put your luggage at the compartment/checked luggage, but i choose to carry my backpack inside the boat and put that near the TV area, place where i could see it (its over 13 kgs!). There are economy class right on the top back of the boat. The economy seat had no AC and i think they had great view ! I cold also see lots of boxes, motorcycles, new bicycles, plants (dont ask! haha), even cupboard and bed (lol) tied on the back of the boat.

My boat leave Boom Baru at 7.05 am, its scheduled at 7.00 am. The weather is not so good the sly is grey and cloudy. Ive been prepare for bad weather and high wave as lots of people said to me. But instead of high wave its a very smooth sail. We had to go trhough Musi River for 2 hours and open sea for another 1 hour. During on the Musi River the boat have to go very slow, because there are plenty wooden houses along the river bank. And, bad news, no snack along the sail, only a cup of mineral water. But you could get instant noodle and bread sold on this ship.

The view that i got is almost identically with Batanghari river in Jambi. The difference maybe with the floating house. Jambi government not allowed people to build floating houses along the river bank since like 10 years ago, so the river bank would be wide and clean to ship to sail.


At 7.46 the boat amazingly went to full speed and i know we are right on the river mouth (muara) and yes i could feel the wave not long after that. Its not too big, that i still could walk inside the boat. The views is amazing, crytal clear blue sea seemed endless with the sky. And i could smell the fresh salty air!

From distance i could see Bangka Island with a RED LIGHT HOUSE, its so beautiful.

I arrive in Mentok port/harbor in Bangka Island at 9.55 am. Bring my backpack, some people call me Mr Bule for some reason (hahaha!), i walk pass to the passenger bridge to the main building, here we go the porter/people who offer to carry your bag, taxi guys, and i dont't know hahaha so many! but i am happy just consider them as people who pick me up (T.T)

I walk to the parking lot and ask a guy who walk where my shuttle car is. I saw on a white paper on my ticket said "Garuda 14"--shuttle number to Sungai Liat. He just walk by and said, "no i didn't see it, you better use bus over there".. yada ya yada ya... i know this game.. hahah! so i just ognore that guy and just look more intensively through the crowded parking lot.

I saw plenty white shuttle bus and there are numbers on it. Bingo! i just look up and find it!! #14 on 2nd last row of the parking lot! the driver seemed very busy so i ask if its the correct shuttle and he said yes jump in !

Hahahah!! so guys.. if you read this.. once again! ASK MORE PEOPLE!

I jump in and sit nicely between a lady and a young guy. The passenger include me are 8 people. I sit on the last row. The shuttle car leave Muntok Port at 10.10 am.

It took me another 3 hours to go to Sungai Liat. Pangkal Pinang is more further, it took 1 hr to go from Sungai Liat. We stop once at a Restaurant in Kelapa region. The toilets are much more cleaner than most of toilets i saw on my trip between Jambi and Palembang. The restaurant also clean. But i didn't eat, just get my self a fresh melon juice (oh its very refreshing!!) for Rp 15,000,-

I arrive at my friend house almost at 1.20 pm. Very hungry! get some rest and go for little sight seing around the small town of Sungai Liat, planning for next day destination.

I am in Bangka, yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!



Total Expenses Day 1:
Fast Boat from Boom Baru, Palembang-Muntok, Bangka Island: Rp 161,500,-
Shuttle Car from Muntok Port to Sungai Liat: Rp 60,000,-
Boom Baru, Palembang Port Tax: Rp 3,500,-

After planning for only a week before leave i decide to stay over in Palembang before i went to Bangka island to visit my friend. I will stay over at my co worker house in Palembang.




After made appointment i leave Jambi with Ratu Intan shuttle car at 7am. The price of the shuttle is Rp 120. 000,- one way. I choose Ratu Intan sinply because it had shuttle leave for Palembang for every hour. And i book the shuttle a day before i leave. The travel time is approx 5 hrs with road condition is quite smooth. There are 4 other passenger beside me, and its a Toyota Innova car. We stop one time at a restaurant near Palembang for lunch, but i am not eating there. I arrive in Palembang nearly 1 pm.






I wait my friend at a gas station on BLK area, where the ojeg riders crowd me and ask where to go, and offer a lift. And they short of think i am a "bule" because i can't even say anything hahaha too many of them and too many questions. So i just keep in silent mode and they thought i didnt understand what they said.. lol ! its a pretty agressive ambush, but i am not surprise.

After a while my friend pick me up and we go to her house, for me to refresh my self and then we go for lunch.

For a Palembang taste we go to Empek-Empek A. Doha near University of Sriwijaya, the area called the hill or "bukit" in bahasa. We order "Model" and its very tasty! i also have what they call "Sanghai Ice" (ill upload the picture next time).



After we full we go to "Benteng Kuto Besak" and old fortres build by Dutch colonial. But none of my friends know the details of this fort. Its been use by the army, i could see the guards on the fort entrence, but i don't know either if we could get inside the fortress or not.

We go to the park on the other side of the road that show the big AMPERA bridge.

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 !!