Jakarta a magnificent metroplis.

Half hour into the journey from Merak Bus Terminal,the bus made another half an hour stop at Terminal Pakupanan Serang,Banten Province.

 Upon paying the bus fare,there won't be any ticket being issued and this is something very odd using the private local buses.

Kota Serang is the capital of this province whereas Merak about 10km from here was the former capital.

Serang is bounded by the Java sea towards the north,Tangerang Regency (Tigaraksa the capital) to the east,Lebak Regency( capital Rakasbitung) and Pandeglang Regency(capital Pandeglang) to the south and Cilegon(major industrial city) to the west.

 Banten was part of the Sudan Kingdom according to a Hindu-Sudanese monk(Prince Bujangga Manik) who visited all of the holy Hindu sites in Java and Bali Island during the 15th century.
 The most dominant language spoken is the Sudaneses apart from Javanese and Betawi dialects. Two famous religious sites are the Banten Great Mosque and the Avalokitesvara Temple.

 Historical sites like the Speelwijk Fortress at Kampong Pamarican near Banten Gulf is where the Dutch overpowered the Sultanate stronghold. A 75.7 metres tall light house in Anyer Kidul was built by the Dutch in 1885.

The ruins of Surosowan Royal Palace is another attractions. The Larung Sesaji Ceremony held every February month is a glitzy ceremony held on Banten Beach,Panggungrejo District,40km from Blitar City to give thanks to God.In Blitar town lies the ancient Hindu Penataran Temple.

At 6:00pm the bus left Serang bus terminal and exited to the Merak-Jakarta highway.

6:45pm:Tenggerang Exit (20km west of Jakarta)An industrial and manufacturing hub.
7:15pm:Kedoya Toll booth (Plaza Kedoya Elok along Jalan Panjang nearby)
7:30pm:Semanggi Toll booth at Jalan Jenderal Gatot Subroto (Inner Ring Road leading to Jalan Sudirman,Jalan M H Tamrin).
Bus did not turn into the city. 8:30pm:Arrived at Kampung Rambutan Bus Terminal which was 18km southeast of Jakarta Pusat.

It was such a hectic terminal and very busy at this hour.
Taman Mini Indonesia is just nearby off Outer Ring Road TMII-Cikunir Toll Road. There were a few guesthouses off the terminal's entrance charging Rupiah75,000 but the atmosphere made me feel uneasy.

I made another search of the busway platform which the bus conductor told me earlier. I managed to locate the brightly lit platform compared to those buses parking bays compound which have poor lightings.

Busway fare was Rupiah3,500 and the staff were very helpful in providing me the station stop information.
Being a newcomer here in Jakarta,trying to identify a station halt at night was a difficult task. I was lucky to meet one Mr Chien,an Indonesian Chinese working in a tax consultancy firm on his way home.Mr Chien guided me further on the bus transfer halt station at Harmoni and to get off upon seeing a big McDonald caption at Sarinah Halt,the prime location of backpackers guesthouse at Jalan Jaksa near Jalan Kebon Sirih area.

 Photo of Jalan MH Thamrin one of the arterial road of Jakarta Pusat. The highways towards and out the city have extensive traffic congestion but still move at a slower pace.

The situation was similar to that in Bangkok.




Metropolitan Jakarta is the tenth largest city in the world after Shanghai.
 In front of Jakarta's Hotel Nikko is Nikko Busway Halte along Jalan MH Thamrin whereby you have to get down here and walk to the huge mega malls which is a short distance further up.

 The Nikko Halte is just after Sarinah Halte if you were to come from the south.

At the end Jalan MH Tamrin was a big roundabout of Jalan Bundaran HI,the busiest traffic circle of Jakarta.

In the middle of the circle was a monument(Tugu Selamat Datang) of two waving sculptures(Hansel and Gretel) welcoming visitors and a colourful fountain.

It was commissioned in 1962 by President Sukarno to greet visitors and sportsmen attending the Asian Games held in Jakarta at that time.

 The Bundaran HI roundabout is also surrounded by prestigious buildings ranging from embassies,financial institutions and foreign companies.

During peak hours the influx of traffic was very massive around this traffic circle.

At the traffic circle towards the right will be Jalan Kebon Kacang where the megamalls were located.

Twelve o'clock turn will be lead to Stesun Sudirman and Jalan Jenderal Sudirman while another road on the left will be Jalan Diponegoro.





Grand Indonesia Shopping Town opposite Jalan Bundaran HI traffic circle on the right.

 It consisted of Grand Indonesia Shopping Mall,BCA Tower,Kempinski Private Residence and Hotel Indonesia Kempinski(the oldest and best known hotel inaugurated by president Sukarno on Aug 5,1962).

This is a one stop shopping paradise of Jakarta. BCA Tower is Jakarta's second tallest building (230m) after Wisma 46(250m)at Jalan Jenderal Sudirman Kavling while third tallest is The Peak 1&2(219m),a Beaufort Residence at Jalan Sudirman.

There were very impressive 5 levels skybridge linking to all the malls and with ample parking lots.


The best of Indonesian arts and handicraft is at the Alun Alun Indonesia located on the 3rd Floor,west mall of the Grand Indonesian Shopping Town.

Antiques Gallery,Batik and Weaving demonstration which is an art wholly originated in Indonesia,jewelery showcase by local designers,arts collection and souvenirs are some of the main highlights at Alun Alun Indonesia.

  Grand Indonesia with eight levels of shopping experience spread over two main building linked by an integrated skybridge is currently one of the largest shopping centre in Southeast Asia.

There are three zones:Specialty Zone exclusively for branded stores,Main Mall Zone for popular brand beauty and wellness products,and the Crossroads of the World Zone for food and meals,entertainments,amusements and shopping through different cultural atmosphere.




 Prominent department stores like Seibu of Japan and Harvel Nicols of England also have their presence here.

Plaza Indonesia just across Grand Indonesia Shopping Mall has the largest showcase of boutiques of top international luxury brand such as Marc Jacobs,Chloe,Davidoff,Emporio Armani,Joseph Abboud Rebecca Taylor,Club Monaco,Camper and many others.

Plaza Indonesia is linked to the Grand Hyatt Jakarta Hotel and eX(Plaza Indonesia Entertainment X'nter.

'eX' is an entertainment and recreation centre as well as retail outlets offering to the young,sophisticated and dynamic Jakartans.

Metropolitan Jakarta is having a super boom especially with all the modern shopping malls and highrise skylines at every corner of the city.It will soon be the next upcoming economic powerhouse of Asia.

Bakauheni pier to Merak bus teminal.

As the ferry SMS Kartanegara left Bakauheni's pier in Provinsi Lampung Selatan,the view of the mainland was fantastic.

The crystal clear water of the Sunda Straits and the cool breeze of the afternoon was very refreshing.

This is one great holiday destination not to be missed while visiting Indonesia.

 Lampung is a very unique place for ecotourism and the many mountains here are suitable for trekking.

The highest peak is Gunung Pesagi (2,262m) in west Lampung near Liwa.





The Menara Siger in the horizon is very eye catching.

The building might be mistaken as a resort hotel especially when it is located on a mountain top overlooking the sea.

This is ground Zero marker for the Sumatran Highway.








S P Ferry passing by SMS Kartanegara.Both ferries are in fact very old made wayback in the 70's or 80's but with regular maintenance then only will they be seaworthy.

It's time that there should be a certain limit of lifespan for a certain vessels to operate and be replaced with new ones.

 A larger passenger ship with the theme 'We serve Indonesia'(Kami berkhidmat kepada Indonesia)

 PT ASDP Ferry Indonesia is the main operator.
ASDP means Angkutan Sungai dan Penyeberagan (River and cross straits transportation).

List of ports throughout Indonesia:
Java Island: Jepara,Merak,Surabaya,Ketapang
Kalimantan: Balikpapan,Pontianak,Batu Licin

Maluku: Ambon,Tual,Ternate

NTT/NTB: Kayangan,Lembar,Kupang,Sape

Papua: Biak,Sorong,Merauke

Sulawesi: Bajoe,Bitung,Selayar,Bau-Bau,Luwuk,Siwa

Sumatera: Bakauheni,Batam,Padang,Sibolba,Bangka,Bengkulu,Sabang,Sinabang

A modern skybridge linking to the ferry.

Latest ferry fares list in per 1000Rupiah( adult/children/motorcycle)

Tanjung Kelian-Palembang (46/31/70)

Merak-Bakauheni(11.5/7/20)

Ketapang-Gilimanuk (6/5/8)

Padangbai-Lembar(36/23/52)

Bajo'e-kolaka (62/41/90)

Sape-Labuhan Bajo (46/30/70)

Sape-Waikelo (45/30/71.5)

Selayar-Labuhan Bajo (111/71/177)

Pagimana-Gorontalo (73/49/115)

Balikpapan-Mamuju (111.5/74.5/175)

 Batulicin-Garongkong (126.5/86.5/190.5)

Bitung- Ternate (95/64/150)

Namlea-Sanana (117/88/175)





Merak Port workers waiting for the ferry to berth.

Lately the Sunda Straits is experiencing winds of 35 knots and the seawaves of 2.5m making berthing slight difficulty.

The workers are very professional in administering the situation. On the whole,Merak Port area including the bus terminal is very clean.

Even the crystal clear blue sea hardly can you find any rubbish strewn around or any eyesore sights.





We have to walk through rows of stalls selling snacks and drinks before reaching the Merak bus terminal.

 Foodstalls are available near the buses platforms.

The most popular package instant noodles in Indonesia is 'Mie Sedap' with chicken,curry and soto flavours.

The stalls here seemed to have ample stocks of pancakes and the 'krupuk'(prawn crackers)




  Merak bus terminal is just beside the Merak Port(Pelabuhan Merak) situated at the westernmost tip of Java Island in the District of Pulo Merak,Cilegon,Banten Province.

Merak terminal is about 125 km from Metropolitan Jakarta City or about 95km using the Merak-Jakarta highway

The small bus terminal have many buses both aircond and economy seats to Kalideres,Bandung and Cipularang,Pulo Gadong bus terminal,Tanjung Priuk bus terminal,Kampung Rambutan bus terminal and other cities in Central Java.

There won't be any ticketing counters nor touts except for the respective bus companies drivers and conductors scouting for passengers.

I took an aircond bus with a fare of Rupiah20,000 departing at 5:00pm(WIB) with an estimated travel time of 3-4 hours depending on traffic conditions.

  Provinsi Lampung has a population of over 6.5million where a large portion of the people are migrants from Java,Madura and Bali.

 Due to overcrowding in Java Island the government has embarked on a transmigration program.

The province has 8 regencies and 2 cities:
Bandar Lampung and Metro.
With a valuable assets of various ethnic cultures,cultural dances like the Ponogoro(Java's mask folk dance),wayang kulit(Java's shadow puppet show),barongsai(chinese lion dance) and Bali's Ogoh-ogoh (purging of evils) are popular over here in Lampung Province.

Unique Rumah Adat(Customary Houses) are the Nuwou Balak(Balai Keratun) which is the home of Village chief and Nuwou Sesat or Sesat Balai Agung, a place where the chiefs of the villages convene can be observed at Taman Mini "Indonesia Indah"

About 80km from Bandar Lampung is the Elephant Training Center (Taman Nasional Way Kambas,Lampung Timur) and the nearest zoo(Taman Wisata Bumi Kedaton) is 7km from the city in the direction of Kampung Sukarame II,Batuputu,Kecamatan Teluk Betung Barat.

The main entry to the zoo is via Jalan Pangiran Emir M Noor.
Entrance fees:Rupiah3,000
Animal shows:Rupiah10,000
Elephant ride:Rupiah10,000

The most famous food of the Lampung people is the Pindang Lampung,with a gravy similar to 'Tom Yam' of Thailand.
Try it at No:45,Jalan Arif Rahman Hakim,Taman Santap Rumah Kayu. Another popular dish is the 'pempek' which can be found everywhere. When it comes to shopping for souvenirs,the Kain Tapis Inuh is a traditional hand woven embroidered silk fabrics in various design.

Ferry ride across the Sunda Straits.

Depart Rajabasa bus terminal in an aircond bus (fares:Rupiah 22,000) for a 3 hours journey to Bakauheni ferry pier.

 On arrival I had a plate of 'nasi padang' (Rupiah14,000) at a nearby restaurant before making my way to the ferry ticketing counter.

Nasi Padang is rice with some Minangkabau cuisines.

 It was not so congested at this time of the year as the Lebaran (Idul Fitri) New Year has already passed which at that time saw an estimated million travellers exodus.

Sumatra is the sixth largest island in the world having a population close to 50million whereas Indonesia on the whole has 237million,the world's ranking number 4.

Bakauheni port has six piers,Pier I,II,III for unloading passengers and cars while Plengsengan Pier I,II,III will only operate when there is a need.

 The ferries main operator is PT ASDP Indonesia (Persero) and adult fare was Rupiah11,500.

Just infront of the ferry terminal are the buses platforms that goes back to Lampung City.

 The Sunda Straits (Indonesian:Selat Sunda) is a narrow sea lane between the Sumatra and Java Island having a width of 24 km.

The seabed is like a flat table but deepens towards the east as it approaches the Indian Ocean.

With a depth of only 20metres in most of the eastern part of seabed,navigation might be problematic with the presence of sandbanks and at times the tidal flow.

 One of the volcanic island called Gunung Krakatoa and a newly formed Anak Krakatoa back in the 1927 volcanic explosion is along the Sunda Straits just opposite Lampung Bay.

Being on a plate tectonics or fault line,this area is within the Pacific Ring of Fire.

An islets with white sandy beach near the Bakauheni pier.

In the case of Mount Krakatoa,the shoreline will be black volcanic sand,hot under the tropical sun.

  A fishing vessel returning to base after a great catch.

The Sunda Platform which is part of the Eurasia plate has as a shallow sea with warm seawaters and a good breeding ground for planktons.

From the Straits of Malacca till the Straits of Makassar,the abundance of planktons invited most of the marine fishes to feed in these areas.

Planktons are responsible for providing food source and nutrients to fishes. Most of the fishes caught in domestic waters are processed locally while the better species like tuna and sashimi are exported.
Morotai near the northeastern tip of Maluku Island is a center of tuna industry because the tuna fishes from the Pacific Ocean made a stopover here.

Carita coastal town is the main gate to Sunda Straits and a great place for fishing tour or deep sea fishing.

15km west of Carita is the Krakatau Archipelago that have nice fishing spot such as Rakata Island,Pulau Panjang,Batu Mesjid and Serdang Islands.

For deep sea fishing,Ujung Kulon Panaitan Island is a good base.

Outstanding hotspots are at Karang Copong,Karang Jajar,Tanjung Parat,Karang Kereta and Tanjung Layar. Fishes like tenggiri,yellowfin tuna,marlin,wahoo and sailfish can be caught.
Karang Jajar faces the Indian Ocean and have strong tides.
Tanjung Parat is shelterd and suited for small boats.
Tanjung Layar is the lighthouse and rocky sea bottom.

Fishing boat rental at Berkah Resort.Tel:0252-5600378/9 HP:087880269951 (bapak Slamet)

Oil palm plantations in the high mountains near ferry terminal.

The hills in the foreground is the Rajabasa Mountain and over the mountains on the other side is the Kalianda town facing the Lampung Bay with the Krakatoa Nirwana Resort in the locality.

 Canti fishing village along the coastline is before Kalianda town from the direction of Bakauheni.
 Ranau Lake is the second largest lake in Sumatra after Lake Toba located in the Lampung Barat Regency at Sukau,in the village of Lumbok or 31km from Liwa the regency's capital.

Hotels around Liwa town: Dana Insani,Gunung Putri,Karang Nyimbor,Pesagi,Sarijo,Sempana Lima,Losmen Fajar Bulan,Wisma Sindalapai,Wisma Selalau,Losmen Gembira,Stabas,Serdahana,Purnama,Permata,Dwi Putri and hotel Jembar Manah.





  Kids swimming near ferry hoping for passengers generosity.

A small token of the rupiah notes folded and thrown into their direction will see them diving for it.

Siger Tower just opposite Bakauheni's terminal port inland is a landmark symbol to reflect Lampung's identity as a province of south gate and Zero highway marker point of Sumatra.

Canti ,a small fishing town is an hour minivan drive from Bakauheni ferry terminal.

There were speedboats to the smaller islands like Sebuku Besi,Condong Sulah and Umang-umang island.

 On the eastern part of Lampung Province facing the Indian Ocean,Belimbing town is the southernmost point which is near to the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (a World Heritage) at Sukaraja and near to Kota Agung town facing the Semaka Bay.

















Vessel: 'WE LOVE INDONESIA' (kami cintakan Indonesia)

There are three express ships Pascadana 2,Ele Expres and Ctra Jet 2.

Ferry's slogan: 'WE BRIDGE THE NATION' (Bangga menyatukan nusantara)

About 33 ferries in operation among them BSP II,Duta Banten,Nusa Mulya,Nusa Agung,Nusa Jaya,Jatra I/II and Panorama.







Large ship like Trubuna I had a capacity to transport 175 four wheeled vehicles and 395 passengers.

A 'KELONG',fishermen floating shelter platform.

  Merak bus terminal ahead as the ferry approached the north western end of Jawa Island.

On leaving the ferry,just walk along the pedestrian bridge till the very end and turn right.Walk down the stairways and continue into a building passing through many stalls and there were many buses to Metropolitan Jakarta.