10 Things to Do in Jakarta

Photo: Ships at Sunda Kelapa Port

I've lost count of my trips to Jakarta for work. I first went in 2001. My worst experience was being in the city the day the Australian embassy in Kuningan was bombed. My colleagues and I even passed by the area on our way to work that particular morning.

For a change, I was in Jakarta for a proper vacation for the very first time last December.

Here's the list:

1. Visit Monas, the National monument and have a picnic on the grounds. Don't forget nearby buildings, like the Istiklal Mosque and the Roman Catholic church.
2. Visit Jakarta old quarter and see old buildings from past centuries.
3. See the ships at Sunda Kelapa port and if you are lucky, you'll see a nice sunset too.
4. Visit Ancol area. Taman Mini Indonesian and the Underwater World are perennial attractions.
5. Eat somewhere along Jalan Jaksa. A backpackers haunt, the road is lined by many food outlets.
6. Shop at Mangga Dua area for affordable stuff and souvenirs.
7. Shop at Plaza Indonesia or Senayan Mall for more upmarket goods.
8. Stock up on local Indonesian music CD's and Indonesian movies DVD's. The prices will blow you away.
9. Get lost for books at Taman Gunung Agung Kwitang or at any Gramedia outlets.
10. Take a train and get away to Bandung and Bogor, 3 hours and 1 hour away respectively. Enjoy the cooler climate in both places and in Bandung, some more shopping.

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Last Night

Actually, ten nights ago. There was a full moon, so I decided to take my camera out and take a photo of the moon.

Reminds of Az Yet’s song “Last Night”. Last night, while making love to you. I saw the sun, the moon, the mountains and the rivers…

Photo was taken from outside my home, Kota Kinabalu on Wednesday 4 November at 10.15PM

10 Things to Do in Manila

Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Palm Tree - Roxas Boulevard during the anniversary of People Power Revolution

The List:

1. Intramuros, in particular Fort Santiago.
2. Manila Cathedral & UNESCO World Heritage Site Saint Agustin Church. Both are located in Intramuros.
3. Have a picnic at Rizal Park/Luneta Park.
4. Look at the excellent permanent and rotating exhibits at the Ayala Museum.
5. National Museum of Filipino People.
6. Roxas Boulevard. Take a walk in the morning or late afternoon along Manila Bay.
7. Shopping at SM Mall of Asia (MoA). I prefer Robinson Place in Malate or Greenbelt/Glorietta in Makati but MoA is huge.
8. Clubbing in J Nakpil street, Malate.
9. Shop for trinkets, souvenirs or gifts, what the Filipinos call 'pasalubong' at Greenhills.
10. Visit the still active Taal volcano.

I have been to Manila only twice, so that doesn't make me an expert. My first time here was a surprise for me. Generally I found people were warm, friendly and helpful.

Another thing that really struck me is that there are so many beautiful and handsome people in this city. It was impossible not to notice. I even remarked to a travel mate that may be there's a law keeping the not so beautiful and not so handsome people, or most of them at least, locked at home.

P/S I might visit again in early December.

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