The 16-Hour Train Ride with Gajayana

What would you do if someone offered you a ticket to hop on a 16-hour train ride across the Java island? Well, we took it right away. It was like an impulse buying, but it wasn’t the expensive dress you regret once you’re at home. It was one unforgettable journey.

Despite many road trips I have had taken throughout the years, I've only been once on train rides and it was back in middle school. Only a two-hour sleuth to Bandung. So 16 hours sounded like a crazy idea at first. Our fellow travel mate asked “what would the children do during that 16 hours?” Gadgets, believe it or not, have their limits. Books may not hold and train car isn’t a place for hide and seek and other outdoor games. Then comes the other question of dinner and breakfast.

But we departed anyway. So here’s the beginning of our extended weekend journey to Batu, East Java. We took a 5.45 PM Gajayana train ride from Gambir Station, Jakarta. Passing through 16 stations including Cirebon, then moving south through Purwokerto, Jogjakarta, Solo, Madiun and Kediri.

Cocorico: Romantic Dinner with A View

When I asked Andrew what he remembered from Cocorico Cafe Bandung, he immediately answered “The view is awesome and it’s cool even without air conditioner.” I have to agree.

​Located in Dago, this place is known for the view. It took us around an hour drive from where we stay at Geger Kalong because of the traffic. Well, Bandung isn’t as big as Jakarta, but sometimes traffic is as annoying.The return trip is much faster. Andrew was sleeping in the car when we hike in and it was a little too late for dinner anyway. He grumbled when I woke him up but found himself excited with the cool breeze and eventually the view from the top. Jack Frost can’t resist the cold.

Marina Bay After Dark

What can you do when the sun set at Marina Bay Sands and its surrounding area? A lot apparently. Whichever side you're on, be sure to capture the amazing view of Singapore skyline after dark.

Marina Bay Sands
Stepping out of Bayfront MRT Station, I walked around the premise until dusk. It was almost 7 (the sun sets quite late in Singapore) and I was checking out what's on the Art & Science Museum to plan a visit with Andrew when he arrived the following day. Then the view started to steal my attention. Maybe because it's a Thursday and there was almost nobody by the bay. So I went down and started taking picture. Coming from the crowded Jakarta, the tranquil Marina Bay is really something to treasure on.

Redefining Transit at Changi Airport

Changi Airport is the happiest place on earth. At least for us who often had to spend hours waiting for boarding (and yes, waiting has never been a fun thing). But this international airport, well-known for its facilities on both transit and departure/arrival area makes transit more than just fun, it’s educational! So, when our recent flight to Jakarta got delayed for over than 2 hours, we’re more than glad to be patient.

There’s something for everyone at Changi Airport Singapore. Be it dining, shopping, movie, playground, even a walk-in a-park kind of thing. Most of them are free (except dining and shopping) so leave your worry behind. If you have extra hours in Singapore, checked your luggage in and have fun. Much better than dragging your suitcase around town. Once you’re in the transit area (the ones after immigration), scan your boarding pass and see how much time you have left before boarding and plan ahead.
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Here are the list of our favorite things to do at Changi Airport.

Food Fighters Melawai

We stopped by a place called Food Fighters today. Located at Blok M Square complex, this supposedly Pasar Santa extension offers interesting (Western) food selections. Of course, it still comes with an unique marketplace, open food court concept.

No AC, but they do put big blowers everywhere, so it wasn’t as hot as the outside world. Parkings are okay too, but you better come from the right door, otherwise you have to do a little walking to reach this area. And you wouldn’t want to do that in the middle of the day. Oh, speaking about parking, this place is at Blok M Square side, so don’t enter from the Blok M Mall gate (which connects to the bus station) cos you won’t be able to drive across and ended up had to drive out and pay an hour worth of parking.

Jungle Fever Bazaar PIK

If I have to mention one thing that’s currently trending in Jakarta, it’s bazaar. 

Don’t think about the big Jakarta Fair or something like the ones held at Balai Kartini (JakToys Fair or Mother & Baby Fair perhaps?). Think of them on a smaller scale held at a limited space inside or by a prestigious shopping mall. But this time, the one we’re attending, Jungle Fever, is a bazaar organized by All Access Jakarta which was held at Marketing Gallery Pantai Indah Kapuk.

AEON Mall BSD City

While Jakarta is already too packed with shopping malls, its suburban, Serpong, is still growing. A new mall called AEON is attracting everyone’s attention with the light-up Sakura Garden and low-priced sushi.

The mall is family friendly. From it’s elevator, stroller rental, family and kids toilet to the different playgrounds and seating areas available throughout the mall. Arriving at the mall before noon, we got a parking by the department store door. The closest ones are reserved for priority parking. Entering the double doors, which remind me of malls abroad, the AEON department store gives a different ambiance compared to those of Indonesia. AEON is a Japanese brand (I’m most familiar with their credit services), and it’s currently developing services in lifestyle area. AEON Mall BSD City is the first AEON in Indonesia.