The dolphins in Kiluan Bay, Bandar Lampung

Kiluan Bay is one of the beautiful sight in Bandar Lampung, Sumatera. It has attracted the traveller attention with its gorgeous dolphins, which is familiar for us if we go to Ancol, Jakarta. But, don't worry, Kiluan Bay has many more dolphins (uncountable in the seas off). 
Last week, 5-8 April 2012, I went to Kiluan Bay with 12 others. It was our back-up plan after we weren't possible to go to Jogjakarta, since we missed the train ticket. we decided to go to Yogya. Yeah, this was our back up plan destination, KILUAN BAY!!!
Thursday, 5 April 2012
21.30 We converged together at Apri's house as we agreed before. But one of our friend (Adit) was so late. We waited him until almost 2 hours. 
Finally, 23.10 we rode angkot to Pulo Gadung Terminal
23.50 Pulo Gadung, we rode the bus (Pulo Gadung - Merak) for about 2,5 hours

Welcome to Port of Merak

Friday, 6 April 2012

2.30 we arrived at Port of Merak

3.30 We were on shipboard (Ferry) to Port of Bakauheni

In front of Menara Siger

Menara Siger,  the icon of  Bandar Lampung

5.30 We arrived at Port of Bakauheni

6.15 We met the rental car driver that we booked before. Car rental was really costly. We had to pay more than 1,8 million (return). In the  middle of our journey to Kiluan Bay, we stopped by at gas station where sell (nasi uduk) for having our breakfast

12.00 We arrived in Kiluan Bay. Booked the lodging (it costed about Rp. 450.000) for one house include 2 rooms per day

Unfortunately we missed White Sand Beach (Pantai Pasir Putih). We didn't go there because one of our friend came after by plane, so some of my friends had to picked him up, then we didn't have much time to go without them. Yeaaaaah too bad, we skipped the White Sand Beach :(

Before the sunset came

Beautiful sunset 

Saturday, 7 April 2012

It's about 7.00 we were on jukung (special boat to see the dolphins). It was 2 hours to be at the dolphins spot. 

Ready to see the dolphins

We were very close to the dolphins :D

After enjoying the dolphins, we went to Laguna. Unfortunately, we went to the wrong spot of Laguna, completely dirty. Still, not too far from there, we could see the best beach there, the beautiful Laguna (since, the best spot of Laguna was beside us). I really wanted to go there, but I was defeated by my bad mood. At that time, one of our four jukungs had accident. It was sank and flipped over. The worst thing ever, I lost my brother's handycam. Poor me :( The time goes by and I believe that there must be a blessing behind the accident :D

Yeah, finally about 10 am we went back to our lodging house. Actually we could have gone around Kiluan until satisfied, but again and again there was misunderstanding with the rental car driver, we had to leave Kiluan Bay at 12.00. We were out of time to stay longer. The worst thing was we haven't visited Clara Beach, Mutun Beach, or even White Sand Beach. Nevertheless, we had no time to argue with them, or we had to pay the fine Rp.100.000,- for every an hour late :(

We took the some photos before leaving Kiluan Bay. It was in front of our lodging house.

We stopped by at Clara Beach in about last minute we were leaving. 

19.00 We were on shopboard to Merak














































Good bye Kiluan Bay! Good bye Bandar Lampung! See you very soon!

JOHN A BERRY and his last letter

Anyone knows who is he? Yes, for you guys who study at Wall Street Institute, I bet you definitely know that he is John A Berry. John is the most famous character in the speaking centre. 

Who is John A Berry?

American, 33, a junior manager. The Candide of the story, nerdy, geeky, nervous, insecure, invasive, insensitive, yet fundamentally loveable. Always devising mad schemes to seduce unattainable women or to gain wealth and success.

Today, 20 February 2012 is my last day in WSI. It's been interesting journey that I had here. I remember 09 February 2012 was my last encounter in WSI for unit 48. The day before that day I got a surprising letter from John Berry. Really unpredictable that he would send me a letter as farewell letter. Here it is.

John Berry Associates
Apartement 1672287
Lower Mean Street
Queens, New York 

A message to all students at Wall Street Institute: 

Dear friends,
It is with a great deal of sadness that I pick up my pen to write these words, or, to be more accurate, I pick up my computer. Well, I don’t actually pick it up, because there’s no need to: I put it down, really, rather than picking it up.
Anyway, as I was saying, it is with a considerable amount of regret that I put down my laptop to write these words, or to type them, rather.
My friends (for I feel that we have become friends, following all those hours we’ve spent alone together in the Speaking Center), you and I have kept each other company throughout this long journey, which is now about to end.
You have been the travelers, and I have been your guide. Through me, you have learned to speak English, the world’s most widely-spoken language, and you have also learned a wide range of business and professional skills, such as successful salesmanship, and how to behave in a job interview.
I have also entertained you with my wonderful collection of Tony Moroni records, and, I hope, helped to make the world a less confusing and upsetting place for you by passing on something of my own philosophy of life.
The question you will no doubt be asking yourselves at this point is: “How will we manage in the future without John’s support and advice?” The thought that when you have completed your study of this course you will be on your own must be terrifying you.
Well, my friends, I’ve got great news for you; you needn’t be on your own. John Berry Asscoates is able to offer the following services at special bargain rates to Wall Street Institute students:
1) Language consultancy: Private lessons in English, in your own home, or, for young ladies only, at your local dance club or hamburger restaurant,
2) Business consultancy. All your business and marketing problems solved in a matter of minutes, simply by the application of the John Berry rapid success approach.
As you can imagine, the demand for these services is going to be enormous, so, in order to avoid disappointment, write (enclosing a generous check) as soon as possible. 

Yours gratefully, 

John A. Berry

The change of John A Berry's face

Hello guys, it's been very nice to have a journey at speaking centre with you. See you soon in the real life :D

Wanna know more about Wall Street Institute, here they are:
Wall Street Institute Indonesia
Wall Street Institute (Center)

Luwuk 25 - 27 Sept 2011

Luwuk is the capital of Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. There used to be an oil industry in the region.  I came here to do my work in one of oil and gas company in Central Sulawesi, that has head office located in Jakarta. I love going over island, thanks Om Imam and Tante Yanty for making me to be there :)
Welcome Luwuk, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia :)

just arrived at Syukuran Aminuddin Amir Airport

I went around Luwuk, it was one of natural waterfall in Luwuk. Some people said that actually that place has beautiful view, but unfortunately they don't have people to take care of it

Sop Konro

Es Pisang Ijo. It was a lil bit different with my mom dish. It's mixed with crushed peanuts. 

This one is Sarabba, a special drink from Sulawesi (Moreover Makassar people). Sarabba is made from ginger, yellow egg, palm sugar, coconut milk, and ground pepper.  It's almost same with "bandrek" For Sundanese or Javanese. Although, I am a makassar, I had just known Sarabba when I went to Luwuk. Too bad! -_-

It was view from (almost like Puncak, West Java, but I forget the exactly name in Luwuk) 

The balcony lodging's view

The late sunrise :p

Luwuk is surrounded by water. It's sea (I guess) behind the office. Lovely view! :)

Besides sulawesi's dishes, there was a javanese resto, though.

Goodbye Luwuk !!! :)

Pulau Sempu - Gunung Bromo 29 December 2011 - 2 January 2012

Finish 2011 in Sempu Island and start 2012 in Mount Bromo 

It's time to change the new year situation with the different and exciting thing. Not like the  other previous years that only hanging out at friends house, grilling corn and sea food, going around Jakarta to see the fireworks, or anything. This year, 2011, me and my friends (PETIR) decided to finish 2011 and start 2012 in Sempu Island and Mount Bromo. The theme for this loooong journey was BACKPACK!!! It was considered with our desire to travel so far with low budget, start from economy train "Matarmaja" (Senen Stasion - Malang Kotalama Stasion) @Rp. 51.000, staying in tents, bathing in different public toilets, and without having any lodging place (we most spent our nights on our way)

Here we were at KA Matarmaja 

Welcome Malang !!!

Otw to go to Sendang Biru from Malang

 inside angkot, heading to Sendang Biru

Day 1, Thursday, 29 December 2011

14.05           Senen Stasion, Matarmaja Train (Jakarta - Malang)    
                      @Rp. 51.000

Pasar Senen – Jatinegara – Bekasi – Cikampek – Pegadenbaru – Jatibarang - Cirebon Prujakan – Babakan – Tegal – Pekalongan - Semarang poncol - Solo Jebres – Madiun – Nganjuk – Kertosono – Kediri –Tulungagung – Ngunut – Blitar – Wlingi – Kesamben – Sumberpucung – Kepanjen - Malang Kotalama

Day 2, Friday, 30 December 2011

08.00         Malang Kotalama Stasion

09.00         rented angkot AG to Sendang Biru (Rp. 350.000)

11.30         Sendang Biru Beach, taken a bath, ate bakso sendang 
                    biru, managed the license (Rp. 30.000/team), rent the 
                    fishing boat (@Rp.100.000 for maximum 10 people)

13.00         The boat went to Sempu Island ± 10 minutes

13.30        TRACKING to Segara Anakan Lake!!! (it spends normally 2
                    hours, but we (separated by 3 teams) spent 4-6 hours, I
                    did spend 6 hours of it, I arrived at 18:50

19:00        Segara Anakan, built the tents, changed cloth (our clothes 
                    were so messy, every colour changed to be brown mud)

21:00        cooking and eating

22:00        sleeping

Day 3, Saturday, 31 December 2011

05.00                  Woke up! saw the sunrise from the cliff

05.30 – 07.30  Climbed the cliff, PICTURES!!! (the cliff was so steep and there 
                              were so many sharp rocks, WATCH OUT!) 
                              we saw Hindia Ocean from the cliff

07.30 – 09.30  Swimming!

10.00                  Breakfast

10.40                  Tracking back to Sendang Biru

13.10                   The edge of Sempu Island, get on the boat to Sendang Biru

13.20                   Sendang Biru, bathing, eating, etc

15:50 – 23.00  Went to Bromo (rented the same angkot Rp. 650.000)

19.00                 Stopped by for dinner (fried chicken Rp. 12.000 + 
                             orange ice Rp. 2500)

23.00 – 00.00 Bromo, at Tourist Information Center of Mount Bromo, 
                             rented the  jeep (@Rp. 700.000 ke 4 places)
Day 4, Sunday, 1 January 2011

00.00 – 03.00 Wonokitri (the last spot for angkot and cars to stop going up)
                              Relaxed at snack stall, drank wedang jahe
03.00                 Rode the jeep to Pananjakan Bromo
04.00 – 05.30 Sunrise view from Pananjakan (unfortunately, it was cloudy, 
                             there's no sunrise)

05.30 – 05.40  Breakfast at Pananjakan (boiled noodle with egg Rp. 8.000)   

05.40 – 09.00  Rode the jeep the other 3 spots (Padang Savana, Watu Singa (Pasir Berbisik), and the last Bromo View from Mount Pananjakan. When we arrived to see bromo view, it was already about 8 am. We had no enough time to stay long in Bromo. Besides, two of my friends (Alin and Mojo) went up to Pananjakan. That's oke. It's better than nothing. Even I really wanted to go up too.

09.00 – 10.00 rode the jeep back to Wonokitri

10.00 – 11.00 Wonokitri, cleaned our body, went to Malang Kotabaru Stasion with renting the same angkot (Rp. 550.000). It should cost Rp.300.000 actually.

12.30        Malang Kotabaru Stasion, stopped by having lunch near stasion

14.50        KA Matarmaja, depart to Jakarta

Day 5, Monday, 2 January 2011

11.40        Senen Stasion (21 hours, takes 3 hours longer than it should be)

Costs:

Jakarta – Malang

Economy train       @Rp. 51.000 = return Rp. 102.000 x 15 people = 
                                                                  Rp. 1.530.000

                                Total                       Rp.1.530.000

Pulau Sempu

Rent angkot to Sendang Biru                 Rp. 350.000

Retribution fee in Sempu Island          Rp. 5.600 x 15 = Rp. 84.000

Rent 2 tens                                                 @Rp. 40.000 x 2 = Rp. 80.000

Permission fee in Sempu Island            Rp. 30.000

Boath to Pulau Sempu                            Rp. 100.000/boat x 2 = Rp. 200.000

Guide                                                           Rp. 100.000/hari x 2 days = Rp. 200.000

Rent the shoes for tracking (15 people)              Rp. 200.000

Porter fee for the shoes to Sempu Island            Rp. 150.000

Porter fee for the tends                                            Rp. 150.000

                                Total                       Rp. 1.440.000

Bromo

Rent angkot Sendang Biru – Bromo              Rp. 650.000

Rent jeep     @Rp. 700.000 x 2 jeep + (Rp.25.000 x 3 orang) = Rp. 1.475.000

Retribution fee in Bromo     Rp. 48.000 ( Rp. 6.000/8 people)

Rent angkot Bromo – Malang                         Rp. 550.000

                                Total                       Rp. 2.723.000

Total transportation:       
Rp. 1.530.000 + Rp. 1.440.000 + Rp. 2.723.000

Rp. 5.693.000 / 15 people = Rp.Rp. 379.533,33

Rp. 380.000 / people

SEMPU ISLAND

Sempu island is a small island that located in the south of Java Island. This island is in Malang Regency, East Java. This time, Sempu Island is a nature reserve area that protected by the government. Geographically, Sempu Island is situated between  112° 40′ 45″ - 112° 42′ 45″ east longitude dan 8° 27′ 24″ - 8° 24′ 54″ south longitude. This island is 877 ha, adjacent with Sempu Strait (Sendang Biru) and surrounded by Hindia Ocean on the south side, east side, and west side.

Sempu Island can be travelled from Malang through Sendang Biru Beach and can be passed by fishing boat. Travelling to Sempu Island needs some licenses such as private license (@Rp. 5.600) and team license (Rp.30.000/team). Besides, Sempu Island provides guide and porter service. For you guys who have been to Sempu Island, you don't need  a guide service anymore. It is different with us who haven't been there and were so strange with Sempu situation. We didn't even know that Sempu has "painful" field that was so muddy. 
As I remember, the first time I browsed about Sempu Island, I always got everything exciting in this island, such as the beautiful sempu picture, the green of Segara Anakan, the cliff that flanked by Hindia Ocean (many people said that it was really like in "the beach" film that starred by Brad Pitt, or other interesting things. But in fact, it was not really as I thought before, Sempu Island was totally different with any other island that I know. At that time, our bravery and our  energy were really tested. We fighted to be there! We felt like the part of Koppasus or a kind of Indonesian National Army (TNI) that were training by our seniors. We had to walk on the slippery mud. The worse thing than that, we spent 6 hours tracking to be in Segara Anakan Lake (many people said it's normally 2 hours tracking). Gee! the track was quite tarnish and muddy. We didn't wear the tracking shoes. We brought the heavy carrier bag for tenting (cloths, foods, drinks, mineral water. FYI: Sempu Island almost has no fresh water, so that we have to bring it from Sendang Biru).
When we just arrived in Sempu Island, most of my friends were not really sure to continue the trip to Mount Bromo. They were really exhausted to think of it, moreover to go with it. They thought to stay in Sempu for 2 nights. Hmm, fortunately the day after that day, our body became fresh and ready to be back to Sendang Biru. It was also considered with our food and water supplies, so that we decided to continue our trip to Bromo.Yeay :)

TIPS in Sempu Island:
Tracking in Sempu Island was really challenging. It was so slippery and muddy. Really recommended to wear rubber shoes for tracking. The shoe rental costed @Rp. 10.000 (in Sendang Biru), but it will cost more expensive if you rent it to be brought to Sempu Island (@Rp. 15.000 plus porter fee Rp. 150.000)

It was the tracking field. So slippery and muddy

having breakfast in Sempu Island

Segara Anakan Lake, Sempu Island

MOUNT BROMO


Mount Bromo is an active volcano and the most famous mount in East Java, Indonesia. Mount Bromo (2.392 m above sea level) is located in 4 areas, that are Probolinggo Regency, Pasuruan, Lumajang, and Malang Regency. Mount Bromo has a crater with diameter ±800 m (north-south) and ±600 m (east-west). Whereas, the danger area is the circle with radius 4 km from Bromo central crater.

 Padang Savana view

 Jumped on Pasir Berbisik

Pananjakan view

5 days and 4 night we spent time together. From Jakarta - Malang - Sendang Biru - Sempu Island - Probolinggo - Mount Bromo - Malang - Jakarta. It was so awesome journey. I love it. Moreover, we spent those days with the cost only Rp.380.000 for each of us. Even I never thought to get that fabulous price. :P In fact, the optional fee could be minimized, such as guide service fee, or renting angkot fee. 
What a exhausting and delightful jorney it was! I do LOVE it!!! Thanks guys, happy to spend time with you. See you on the next gorgeous vacation! Bye!

iT

W