akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Posted (2 years 8 months ago) and read 11476 times:
INTRODUCTION
KARIMUNJAWA
While I was attending high school in Indonesia, I learnt the existence of the Karimunjawa archipelago. It is a chain of 27 islands and located about 115 kilometers north of Semarang, off the coast of Central Java. The main islands are Karimunjawa island, Kemujan island, Menjangan Besar (Big Deer) island and Menjangan Kecil (Small Deer) island. Only three of the many small islands are inhabited. During my high school period, I just regarded the archipelago as a regular geography subject and nothing more.
However, thirteen years later and now living in the Netherlands, I had not expected Karimunjawa to be as regular as I had thought before. In fact, being designated as a national marine park and featuring low lying islands with sandy beaches, the archipelago turns out to be a hidden paradise!
Since Karimunjawa archipelago is mostly accessible from Semarang, my partner and I decided to squeeze in a short visit before continuing our journey to Bali. Upon gathering more information about the archipelago, we consulted TripAdvisor which just gave us that tiny push to book with Kura Kura Resort.
RESERVATION
Kura Kura Resort is located on Menyawakan island, one of the three inhabited islands of Karimunjawa archipelago. To get there, you will have to go to Karimunjawa island first either by a charter flight or a regular rapid ferry. In case of charter flight, we would have to pay USD 800 (about EUR 594) for both us. Well, I do love flying, but I would rather spend those bucks on another occasion. So, our remaining option was the rapid ferry.
The company’s website looked basic. We realized that we could not expect any sophisticated online booking facility. But at least if the company relies on e-mail for customer contacts, the company’s staff members should be responsive to their (future) customers.
At one stage, I submitted a booking inquiry for two of us. Unfortunately no answer came. When I sent a reminder three days later, the only reply I got was like, “We have passed on your booking request. Unfortunately, we still have not got any reply from the booking department due to an ongoing meeting,”
Hence we decided to cancel the whole inquiry and turned to Kura Kura Resort to include the ferry transfer into the arrangement.
Kura Kura Resort
There were several European travel agents offering arrangements with Kura Kura Resort. In spite of it, we decided to get in touch with the resort directly. Although the website was appealing and informative, the resort did not allow any online booking facility yet. A direct reservation can only be inquired by e-mail. It was not such a big deal actually since, unlike the ferry company, the booking officer responded promptly provided they received your e-mails during the local office hours.
Our local officer, Nita, took care of our booking and arranged a three day half-board package including the ferry and pick-up service from the harbor of Karimunjawa island for USD 876 (about EUR 651). Unfortunately, we could not settle down the bill by credit card and had to wire transfer the sum instead. It was not such a hassle since our bank allowed online remission. However, I urged Nita to notify me upon the receipt of our payment.
Six days passing by and still no message from Nita. On the following day after my reminder, I got a reply from Nita who was apologetic for not notifying me any sooner. A confirmation letter containing the details of our reservation came as attachment of the reply. The last thing Nita needed to know was the address of our hotel where she could deliver our ferry tickets. A little bit cumbersome, but for what we were about to experience, it was worth it.
Our ferry tickets were delivered at our Novotel hotel room the evening before departure by a colleague of Nita.
My ticket
Sriwijaya Air
After our trip to Karimunjawa, we were thinking to move ahead to Surabaya. Since most flights to SUB leave in the morning, the conceivable option was the evening flight of Sriwijaya Air.
Unlike Mandala or Indonesia AirAsia, SJ did not offer online booking facility yet. As the matter of fact, I learnt from SJ’s Indonesian call centre that the tickets could only be purchased directly at either their ticketing offices or local travel agents. Since we had a reservation with Novotel Semarang, I sent an e-mail to Novotel’s booking department to find out whether they could help us arranging two one-way tickets to SUB.
It looked like it was not an easy task since Novotel did not respond promptly as usual. After several days, we got notified that our tickets had been booked on the condition of our payment fulfillment within four days. Apparently, Novotel enlisted services of a local travel agent. We were told that we had to contact one Titin for any further inquiry regarding our tickets. I did it promptly as I was wondering how to settle the down the bill. Four days might be too short for money remission. Unfortunately, two days was passing by and no answer came. I even checked our spam box to be on the safe side.
A reminder went out and we got finally a reply from Titin finally the following day along with a request to transfer the payment to her company’s bank account. Unfortunately, she gave us scanty details about it. Therefore, I immediately followed her e-mail up for additional details. Then again, no answer came. I could just not understand this attitude towards customers who were willing to pay.
Eventually, my partner and I decided to revoke our travel plan to SUB and thanked Titin for her efforts so far. Instead we decided to reroute ourselves through Jakarta before continuing to Denpasar the following day. Failed to sample SJ, we took the opportunity to fly with another exotic airline, Batavia Air.
Batavia Air
Y6 allows you to book and become an online member. But unlike RI, Y6 did not display any fare deals but announcements like inaugural flights or signature domestic wide-body routes.
As an online member, you are basically entitled to all features. Regarding the payment methods, Y6 still distinguishes Indonesian, Singaporean and other overseas customers. Just like RI, we could only use PayPal to settle down our bill instead of credit cards. But, after our experience with RI, we did not mind. We secured two one-way tickets to CGK at a total price of USD 86 (about EUR 66). Our booking confirmation was promptly delivered upon verification by PayPal.
Indoflyer meeting
Well, this part may be misplaced in this row. But I just cannot deny you this one. During our visit to Indonesia, I took the opportunity to meet up some local aviation enthusiasts. Well, I am an active member as well of Indoflyer.
I invited some Indoflyer fellows from Semarang for a meeting. They gladly accepted my invitation. Couple days before our departure from Netherlands, I exchanged mobile phone number with one of them fellow. We then agreed to meet each other at the airport.
Welcome to the third part of my trip report series Finally Asia
The structure of this thread is twofold. The non-aviation part consist of our ferry trip to Karimunjawa archipelago, our stay at Kura Kura Resort, unforeseen road trip halfway of our return trip to Semarang. The aviation part is our flight with Y6 to CGK.
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Reply 1, posted (2 years 8 months ago) and read 11510 times:
OUTWARD FERRY TRIP
After indulging ourselves with the Novotel’s extensive breakfast buffet for the last time, my partner and I were ready for check-out.
While seeing our bill, to our surprise, we were charged for the phone calls. According to the hotel guide, Executive room guests were entitled to make complimentary local phone calls where I made grateful use of. I pointed this out and the front-office staff immediately corrected it. Actually, we would have not mind paying the telephone charge of IDR 11,000 (about EUR 1), but it was all about principle.
The bill was settled down and we went outside to get ourselves a taxi to the harbor. The hotel security staff was so kind to help us out. On his wave, a taxi from Kosti, a local company, pulled in. We thanked the staff and got in.
Semarang harbor
Kosti is supposed to be one of the reliable ones in Semarang. Unfortunately, we were unlucky with the taxi driver who noticeably did not feel like dropping us as soon as I mentioned our destination. He was trying to get rid of us by pulling over at any random pier of the harbor and fooling that our ferry would depart there. Fortunately, a harbor worker notified us that we were at the wrong place and showed us the way. The taxi driver reluctantly collected us again but not before resetting the taximeter.
After eventually dropping us off at the right spot, the taxi driver insisted our payment of the sum displayed on the taximeter. As we had already paid for our ride until the previous pier and allowed him to keep the change, I just said, “You have got your payment. The change you keep is more than enough for the ride,”
“It has been your second ride. So, you just have to pay it again!” the driver argued.
That time, we were not really into talking about principle as the extra charge was only IDR 8,000 (less than EUR 1).
“Here, take it!” I slipped the driver a note of IDR 10,000. “Do not bother about the change,”
While giving us a nasty look, the taxi driver returned to his vehicle and drove away.
It was 07.50 when we proceeded to the departure pier.
Our boat
Our departure time was 09.00. But we made our way inside the boat at 08.00.
On board
There was no free seating on board of the ferry. We got assigned 1A and B in Executive Class on the upper deck which appeared to be the last row despite the seat number.
Boarding on progress supervised by ferry staff member Fiqih
Legroom
At 09.00, we were leaving the pier bound for Karimunjawa. A safety demonstration was conducted by a colleague of Fiqih.
It was interesting to see. I reckoned a similar presentation during our ferry trip from Perth to Rotness Island couple years ago.
While cruising on Java Sea, we spent most of the time outside Executive cabin.
Deck view
Business Class on the lower deck behind the doors at each side of the stairway to Executive Class
Port view
Due to the rather rough sea and strong headwinds, we arrived on Karimunjawa island at 13.25, nearly one hour behind the schedule.
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Reply 2, posted (2 years 8 months ago) and read 11504 times:
KURA KURA RESORT
Upon disembarking, I noticed Suci, a Kura Kura Resort staff member, waiting at the pier while holding the resort name.
“Mr. Akhmad?” she asked as soon as I approached her.
“Yes,” I confirmed.
“Welcome to Karimunjawa. Please follow me to our speed boat,”
A resort porter met us halfway.
“Let him take your luggage for you,” Suci said to me as I was dragging off our luggage.
“Oh, do not bother. I am fine,” I said.
“Have you had a nice trip? No seasick?”
“Pretty close but I survived. Only the trip took a little longer than we had anticipated,”
Speed boat transfer
We embarked the speed boat and off we went to Menyawakan island where Kura Kura Resort is located.
Leaving the harbor of Karimunjawa island
Interior view up front
“Can I offer you anything to drink? We have got soft drinks or mineral water,” Suci asked.
“Mineral water, please,” I said.
“And how about you, sir?”
“Also mineral water, please,” my partner said.
After passing our drinks, Suci gave us detailed information about the surroundings.
Shark farm
One of many islands for a snorkeling day trip
Listening to enthusiastic Suci
After twenty minutes, we arrived at Menyawakan island.
Entering the secluded private pier
Menyawakan island
Christiano, the resort general manager of Italian descendant, met us personally at the pier.
“Good afternoon. Welcome to our resort,” he said as my partner and I got off the boat. “How was your journey?”
“It could have not been greater with this private transfer,” my partner said.
“Thank you. I am glad to know that. Please follow me to the lobby,”
I was about to grab our luggage when Christiano said, “Please, let the guys take care of it for you. Your luggage will be delivered at your cottage,”
LOBBY
Lobby house
Interior
Checking in
While approaching the lobby, Kartika was ready with hot towels for my partner and me. Christiano invited us to have a sit at the terrace.
A colleague of Kartika offered a welcome drink as soon as we got seated.
Refreshing smoothie
“Can we have your passports, please, so that we can process your check-in?” Christiano asked.
He took our passports and passed them to Kartika. “Please remain seated and enjoy your drink, we will get back to you pretty soon,”
Indeed, Kartika returned with our passports as soon as we finished our drinks, followed by Christiano who was holding our cottage keys.
“Shall we go to your cottage?” he invited us to follow him.
Walkway to the cottages
SUPERIOR SEA VIEW COTTAGE
Exterior
Allow me to share you what we got to see while Christiano was putting us wise about our cottage. Our luggage was already there by the way.
Interior
Overview
Double bed
After turn over service
In room safe
No smoking sign
View through the sliding door on the stretchers right outside
Our luggage had been delivered and put in the luggage corner on the left side of the double bed.
Beach clothes
The bathroom is located next to the luggage corner. Basically on the right as soon as you enter the front door.
Washbasin
Towel rack
Shower
Shower-mat
SURROUNDINGS
My partner and I went out discovering the island. The other half of the island remained inbuilt on purpose. Allow me to show some sceneries underway.
Mangroves
Shallow shore with Karimunjawa island on the background
Waving palm trees
Lagoon
View on the resort taken from a natural pier
Private harbor
Shoal of fishes inside the harbor
Young turtles to be released
LEISURE
Most leisure activities are organized outside the island like snorkeling or diving tour. One of the few leisure activities on Kura Kura Resort is snorkeling. The snorkeling equipments are available for free for the guests. When you are finished, you can leave it behind the lobby to be rinsed and prepared for the following day.
Snorkeling spot
My snorkeling partner
Other exciting experience is watching the sunset.
RESTAURANT
The four course a la carte dinner is offered from seven until ten o’clock in the evening.
Dinner atmosphere
View on the main building
Next to the swimming pool
Starry sky
Dinner
A basket with self-made bread assortments and a bowl of chutney
Main course
Dessert
Breakfast atmosphere
Under the shelter
Lounge
Breakfast
The a la carte breakfast is served from eight until eleven o’clock in the morning.
Bread assortiments
Yogurt
One of many egg preparations on offer
The restaurant staff members were really taking good care of us.
Standing from the left to the right: Emy, Yudhi, Agnest, Thin, Yadanar, Edwan
On the front from the left to the right: Rere, Jun, Reza
Speed boat transfer
Time flies when you are having fun. After three memorable days at Kura Kura Resort, it was time to say good bye. Christiano was personally seeing us off. A bigger speed boat was deployed due to another departing Italian couple from Treviso along with us. Just like our incoming trip, a cool box with soft drinks and mineral water was supplied as well.
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Reply 3, posted (2 years 8 months ago) and read 11486 times:
OUTWARD FERRY TRIP
After we got docked at the harbor of Karimunjawa island, the resort staff members went out walking along with four of us, the Italian couple, my partner and me until the entrance of the ferry.
“We wish you a pleasant journey. Thank you for staying with us,” the staff members said goodbye.
The speed boat on the way back to Menyawakan island
Karimunjawa island harbor
Harbor pier
Our ferry was scheduled to depart at 12 o’clock in the afternoon. I was hoping that we did not experience too many headwinds as we got a flight to catch from Semarang.
On board
Some youths having fun nearby our ferry
Fisherman’s houses
Our ferry left luckily on time.
Goodbye Karimunjawa
As soon as we were leaving the shallow waterway, we encountered rough sea waves. The ferry staff members went out distributing seasickness bags as one after another passenger started to look miserable. I did not feel that great as well and was hard trying to overcome the feeling.
Aft deck view
The picture above was actually the last shot I took before eventually slinking off to the Executive cabin as my seasickness got worsened how farther we were off the coast. My partner on the other hand did not have any trouble. He remained outside the cabin and got talking with a Dutch couple as he told me when I returned after another two hours.
Unlike our outward trip, our ferry had to make an intermediate stop at the harbor of Jepara, which is located more than sixty kilometers from Semarang.
Distinguished giant turtle statue near Jepara harbor
Jepara harbor
We were docked at scheduled 15.00 in Jepara and it should have been a brief stop before continuing to Semarang. Unfortunately after dropping off Jepara bound passengers, the following announcement came, “Due to technical reasons, we are not able to carry on with the further journey to Semarang. We request all of you to disembark the ferry and proceed to the waiting room for further instruction,”
‘Oh, great!’ I thought.
I notified my partner about it.
As the announcement was only made in Indonesian, the few other foreign passengers including the Dutch couple did not get what was really going on. So, I approached them to tell them about the issues. They quickly grabbed their belongings and together we made our way to the waiting room.
Waiting room
Unforeseen road trip
After fifteen minute wait, I noticed two coaches pulling in. Apparently, the ferry company had arranged them to bring us and all other Semarang bound passengers to our final destination. Well, one was actually a falling apart non-air conditioned rusty coach which had survived any obstacle you can imagine on the road.
The ground staffs of the ferry member beckoned us to follow them and pointed towards the two coaches.
“Are we supposed to get in there?” I asked to one staff member.
“Yes, we will be drop you off in front of the main office of the Ministry of Transportation in Semarang,” the staff member replied.
“How far is the office from the airport?”
“Oh, not too far away. The airport is located on a stone’s throw.
As I passed on the information to my partner and other no Indonesian speaking passengers, one of the Dutch couple came with a brilliant suggestion, “Can you ask the driver to drop in on the airport?”
“That is a good idea. I will ask him,”
We got in and chose the second front row. A German couple took the first row next to the driver.
View from the second row
My partner was not really assured of the driver as we pulled out of the harbor. His anxious foreboding was somehow justified as we saw a collision unfolding after another three hundred meters when the driver overlooked a concrete median while making a turn and running over it. With a big bang, our coach came to a stop.
A coach mechanic who was riding along, jumped out to size up the damage, while the driver chose to remain seated. The bystanders were soon joining the mechanic. From their expression, we concluded that it would be unlikely for us to make it to Semarang. But it did not bother the driver somehow. Instead, he was just driving further as soon as the mechanic jumped in.
There we were in uncertainty for a hardly imaginable two hour trip inside to reach for a distance of sixty kilometer to Semarang. In the meantime, I exchanged some short messages with a Indoflyer fellow. She was already at the airport together with other fellows waiting for us to come.
Surprising enough, the coach survived the whole journey. Two hours later, we were in the neighborhood of the airport.
“Sir, would you mind going to the airport?” I asked the driver.
“No problem. As long as you pay the entrance fee,”
“Tell him we will do it!” my partner called to me as I told the driver’s reaction.
Off we went to the airport.
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Reply 4, posted (2 years 8 months ago) and read 11487 times:
AT THE AIRPORT
At 17.15, our coach pulled in at the airport. As my partner and I were getting off together with the Dutch and German couples, I noticed a disapproval look of the remaining passengers from the corner of my eye. I thought, ‘I am sorry but we have a flight to catch,’
Check-in area
Just like in Jakarta, we had to go through the security to get into the check-in area. Well, it was just a formality as the security waived almost everyone through.
OVERVIEW
Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air check-in desks
Trigana Air, Y6 and SJ check-in desks
Passenger Service Charge desk
Y6 check-in desk
Check-in instruction
We were number two in the row by the time we arrived. The wait did not take long and we were soon called forward.
“Good evening, Sir,” said the check-in agent as we were gathering our travel documents.
“Is it possible to assign us the emergency exit seats?” I asked while handing over our passports and E-tickets.
“I am sorry, Sir. The seats are already taken,”
“How about the front row?”
“I am sorry, Sir. Those seats are also taken,”
‘Bummer!’ I thought.
I was hoping that one of us could get assigned a window seat. The agent returned our documents and boarding slips. To my horror, we got assigned 6D and E, an aisle and a middle seat!
My boarding slip
There was nothing else we could do about it. Well, we had to put up with it. It would be a short evening flight anyway.
My partner did not really feel like to come along to meet the Indoflyer fellows, so I returned to public area on my own. Unlike CGK, I could go outside leisurely.
Public area
OVERVIEW
Signage
Y6, GA and JT ticketing desks on the left of the entrance to check-in area
RI ticketing desk on the right of the entrance
FIDS above the entrance
Kentucky Fried Chicken on the opposite
I met up an acquaintance, Nurmadin, one of the official airport porters. Did I tell you that I spent my childhood mostly at SRG until I moved to Netherlands? Nurmadin had always been there when I was around and still recognized me.
“Yes, I remember you being around here. How is your mother doing now?” he asked.
“Well, I wished she was doing better right now,”
Then I received a phone call that the Indoflyer fellows were waiting in front of the GA ticketing office.
“I have to go now. It is nice meeting you again,” I said goodbye to Nurmadin.
“Me too. I hope we can meet again,” he said.
I got somehow a lump in my throat by that and slunk off before getting more emotional.
Airliners.net met Indoflyer.net
At a certain moment, the FIDS was showing our Y6 flight status.
Y6 got delayed
Usually, I would not be impressed with the information. But that time, it turned out conveniently as the delay allowed me to have a chit-chat with my Indoflyer fellows. After half an hour, I decided to go inside. I bade farewell and thanked my fellows for the nice meeting.
Passenger area
At 18.15, I entered the passenger area after fulfilling the PSC of IDR 25,000 (about EUR 2).
Signage
Separate domestic and international departure signage
OVERVIEW
Before security
Exposition in the middle of the area
International departure entrance at the end of the walkway
Bookstore
My partner had just finished his cappuccino and croissant at the coffee shop.
Coffee shop
At 18.45, an announcement came, “Attention, please! Y6 from Jakarta has just arrived. All passengers of flight number Y6 316 are requested to proceed to the holding room,”
On the contrary to CGK, the Y6 passengers were forming a line for the security.
Not applied on domestic flights
FLIGHT INFO
Our itinerary:
Route: SRG-CGK
Date: 10 August 2010
ETD/ATD: 18.05 / 19.05
ETA/ATA: 19.05 / 20.10
Flight number: Y6 316
Plane: Boeing 737-4Y0
Registration: PK-YVP
First Officer: Captain Agustianto
Delivered: First delivered 18 January 1989 to Nortjet
My partner and I were among the first to enter holding room.
OVERVIEW
The right side
The left side
Free internet corner, that time broken unfortunately
Other passengers filling up the holding room
While I was taking the pictures, one passenger talking on his mobile phone gave me noticeably a nasty look, but I did not bother him.
BOARDING
It must have been the shortest turnaround time I ever experienced, as the boarding was announced at 19.00. The process did not went that civilized as before as everyone just stood up and made his way through the gate from all directions.
“Have a pleasant flight,” said the gate agent as she tore the two third lower part of our boarding pass slips.
First glimpse of PK-YVP
While I was writing this report, I learnt more about the bird’s history. Do you reckon fellow A.netter PlaneHunter’s signature Nothing's worse than flying the same reg twice...? Well, how about flying the same aircraft on two different registrations?
Getting on board of the same bird as PK-RIT on the same route SRG-CGK on 2 October 2008
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Reply 5, posted (2 years 8 months ago) and read 11479 times:
ON BOARD
“Good evening. Welcome on board,” flight attendant Rara greeted us.
Cabin view during boarding
I got to my seat 6D. Well, I must say I was not really happy with it despite the flight duration.
Tight leg room
I was hoping that the window seat remained empty. Unfortunately, a female passenger appeared and went to her assigned 6F seat. ‘There goes my chance’ I thought.
When I was putting away our cabin luggage, Rara saved the situation by calling us, “Do you want to move to the front row?”
“Certainly,” my partner and I quickly complied to her calling.
Our new row
My new seat 1A
Legroom
Let’s see what we got inside the seat pocket. There were a safety card, an emergency exit instruction and an in-flight shopping guide.
Safety card
On the front
On the back
Emergency exit situation
In-flight shopping guide
GA B734 after arrival through valuable window view
Rara made an announcement on the intercom. “Welcome on board Y6. We sincerely apologize for our delay due to operational reason,”
With the statement, I got the feeling that we might be their operational reason.
Rara mentioned further that our flight time would be fifty minutes with 28,000 feet cruising altitude.
The door closed at 19.05. The push-back followed couple minutes later.
Right after pushback
Taxiing
As SRG does not have any taxiway, PK-YVP had to backtrack on the runway.
View on the apron while lining for take-off
Taking off
After couple seconds, PK-YVP was gaining speed and commencing the take-off roll.
Lift off at 19.15
Backward cabin view after take-off
While writing this report, I realized that Rara and her colleague, Darmayanti, were actually seated right in front of me during take-off. They should have clearly seen me snapping pictures during take-off, but yet they did not bother preventing me on doing that. I must say, I was happy with that.
In-flight
The fasten seat belt signs were switched off at 19.20. Rara and Darmayanti sprung into action for the mini snack service. Rara personally handed a prepacked bun along with a napkin to us, while Darmayanti proceeded to the following rows with a tray of buns.
Prepacked sweet bun
As we did not have any lunch before, this offering was well appreciated.
Darmayanti distributing buns
My partner and I then got served a cup of mineral water.
Specially prepacked for Y6
Darmayanti returned to the galley and grabbed two trays of mineral water cups. Rara followed her and took charge of the distribution.
Cooperation of Darmayanti and Rara
It was time for an obligatory visit to the lavatory.
Lavatory
There were 132 passengers on board out of 168 seats. Rara and Darmayanti had got two other colleagues in charge of the aft galley.
Forward cabin view
After the snack service, Rara made another announcement, “Dear Sir or Madam. We will be starting our in-flight shopping. Please contact the cabin crew if you wish to make any inquiry,”
I got interested in Y6 cap which was available for purchase at IDR 40,000 (about EUR 3,50). As soon as Rara finished with her announcement, I stopped her, “Can I have the Batavia cap, please?”
“Certainly, I will ask my colleague to get you one,”
My Y6 cap
At 19.35, Rara and Darmayanti started to collect the rubbish. The lavatory got cleaned up five minutes later by Darmayanti.
Landing
At 19.45, the fasten seat belt signs were illuminated. The descent was about to start.
At 19.55, Rara spoke on the intercom, “Due to safety reason, the cabin lights will be dimmed during the landing,”
In the meantime, I was jotting down the details which triggered Rara’s curiosity. “What are you writing there, may I ask?”
“Oh, just the progress of our flight,”
“I see. You are describing it step by step, then?”
“Yes, exactly,”
North Jakarta by night
Touchdown on runway 25L-07R at 20.05
After a short taxi, we came to a stop at 20.10.
Disembarking
A female passenger was waiting impatiently while the door was opened. Apparently, she was running late for her connection to RI flight to Singapore which departed from T2.
As soon as one ramp agent appeared, Rara said, “Can you please take care of her? She is running late for her flight,”
“Are you flying Batavia?” the ramp agent asked the passenger.
“No, I am flying Mandala to Singapore,”
The agent looked puzzled for a while.
“Why can’t you take her with the car to the right departure terminal?” Rara suggested.
“Well, follow me then,” the agent beckoned the passenger.
As the passenger left, my partner and I could move on. We thanked Rara and Darmayanti for the pleasant flight.
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Reply 6, posted (2 years 8 months ago) and read 11464 times:
AT THE AIRPORT
SJ B732
The Y6 ramp agent showed us the direction to the arrival area.
Entrance to the arrival level
Long corridor
Signage to baggage claim area
Baggage claim area overview
Our baggage belt screen
Do you notice the flight detail on the screen? Well, neither did we. Our flight happened to be the only one arriving at that hour. We just simply followed the crowd and kept a close eye on which one of the six belts started moving. Actually, we were waiting for the correct one. The only thing was we found it out after thirty minute wait.
CONCLUSION
With our arrival in CGK, I put an end to the third part of this series. The main highlight of this part is Kura Kura Resort. My partner and I did not regret spending our bucks on this once in a lifetime experience. Herewith I am inviting all of you, my fellows, to get the ‘Wow’ feeling by yourself with Kura Kura Resort.
I may consider Y6 as a nice alternative to RI, although there are some rooms for improvement. I wished that Y6 had informed about the delay much more earlier as a part of customer service. Further, one thing which I regard more important is enhancement of the website. Better functionalities like payments by foreign credit, an advanced seat selection or online check-in facility. Anyway, who knows what the company is up to?
I hope you enjoyed this thread as much as I was writing it. Please feel free to leave comments and suggestions.
Quokka From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 8, posted (2 years 7 months 4 weeks 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 10982 times:
Hi Suryo,
And thanks for sharing your latest trip report.
How frustrating it must have been not being sure whether your bookings were confirmed and then the hassle with payments. Glad that you managed to sort something out in the end. The destination is stunning and the accommodation looks superb. I must make my way up sometime.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter):
Other exciting experience is watching the sunset.
What a beautiful shot - it good enough to be used on the resort's brochures.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Rara saved the situation by calling us, “Do you want to move to the front row?”
That was really good of her. Such acts of kindness go a long way to making a flight become a memorable experience.
I am glad that you had a good trip. Here's to many more.
Roy
PS: Thanks for your comments regarding my Spanish trip. Cairo will probably be next year, but I'll keep in mind your request for cabin shots.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6190 posts, RR: 79 Reply 9, posted (2 years 7 months 4 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 10832 times:
Hi Suryo,
excellent report with countless great pictures. You chose a fantastic resort, and the scenery is awesome. The Batavia cabin didn't look very nice...do you know whether that was the standard interior?
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Do you reckon fellow A.netter PlaneHunter’s signature Nothing's worse than flying the same reg twice...?
It seems it has become famous here...
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Well, how about flying the same aircraft on two different registrations?
Well, that's not as bad, but still not ideal.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): We sincerely apologize for our delay due to operational reason
kretek From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2006, 93 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (2 years 7 months 4 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 10683 times:
Karimunjawa islands and Kura Kura Resort look fabulous. Perfect for a romantic getaway. I never even heard of these islands until you wrote this TR. The islands appear to be free from the throngs of tourists - an unspoilt hidden gem.
You have inspired me to explore these islands the next time I go to Indo.
"Darmayanti distributing buns" .......soon followed by freshly made gehakt ballen (meatballs) - oh those 'dirty' looks on those faces. I really thought you were going to be finished off by those passengers. You really have balls to take these cabin shots.
Contact Air From Germany, joined Apr 2001, 1154 posts, RR: 14 Reply 12, posted (2 years 7 months 4 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 10355 times:
Hello Suryo,
Very detailed report with many, many great pictures once again. Kura Kura Resort looks fantastic, like a real paradise. Especially your sunset-pictures are great.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): While I was writing this report, I learnt more about the bird’s history. Do you reckon fellow A.netter PlaneHunter’s signature Nothing's worse than flying the same reg twice...? Well, how about flying the same aircraft on two different registrations?
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Getting on board of the same bird as PK-RIT on the same route SRG-CGK on 2 October 2008
What a coincidence! I personally have to say that I find it interesting to fly an aircraft again after many years when it is in service for a completely other carrier, a "new life" so to speak. For example, this summer I flew on Air Iceland with a Fokker 50 which I had already flown 13 years ago when it was still in service for LH CityLine. I found it quite interesting to see (and fly) the bird again and have a look how the cabin has changed.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): While writing this report, I realized that Rara and her colleague, Darmayanti, were actually seated right in front of me during take-off. They should have clearly seen me snapping pictures during take-off, but yet they did not bother preventing me on doing that. I must say, I was happy with that.
Yes, you were lucky here. Reactions of cabin crews can be quite different in this aspect.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24894 posts, RR: 60 Reply 13, posted (2 years 7 months 4 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 10244 times:
Hey fantastic report. I dont know why but this is one of my favs from you I think the story was really nice and made nice reading. The photos were lovely and that resort is so nice.
Thanks for sharing .
Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 7): Such a number of nice pictures, I should go sometimes to Indonesia, that resort looks pretty nice.
You should do that. I cannot wait to see your Asian trip reports popping up.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 7): Also you´re impressions from Batavia AL, interesting as well as the road and ferry trips.
Thank you.
@ Roy:
Quoting Quokka (Reply 8): And thanks for sharing your latest trip report.
You are welcome. It has been a pleasure to me.
Quoting Quokka (Reply 8): The destination is stunning and the accommodation looks superb. I must make my way up sometime.
I am encouraging you to do that. You will not have to take a long flight to go to Karimunjawa.
Quoting Quokka (Reply 8): What a beautiful shot - it good enough to be used on the resort's brochures.
Thank you.
Quoting Quokka (Reply 8): That was really good of her. Such acts of kindness go a long way to making a flight become a memorable experience.
I was indeed impressed by her attention.
Quoting Quokka (Reply 8): PS: Thanks for your comments regarding my Spanish trip. Cairo will probably be next year, but I'll keep in mind your request for cabin shots.
You are welcome. I forgot to mention on my reply that you have done a good job by embeddeding your pictures in a bigger format.
@ PH:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 9): excellent report with countless great pictures. You chose a fantastic resort, and the scenery is awesome.
Glad you liked it. Thank you for dropping by.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 9): The Batavia cabin didn't look very nice...do you know whether that was the standard interior?
Well, I have been told that it is supposed to be the upgraded cabin interior.
@ Martijn:
Quoting CrimsonNL (Reply 10): Hi Suryo, very nice report! Your resort looks amazing! Love the pictures, and Im glad you had a good time.
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed my report.
@ Kretek:
Quoting kretek (Reply 11): Karimunjawa islands and Kura Kura Resort look fabulous. Perfect for a romantic getaway. I never even heard of these islands until you wrote this TR. The islands appear to be free from the throngs of tourists - an unspoilt hidden gem.
You have inspired me to explore these islands the next time I go to Indo.
I am happy to know that. I certainly look forward to hearing about your own experience.
Quoting kretek (Reply 11): soon followed by freshly made gehakt ballen (meatballs) - oh those 'dirty' looks on those faces. I really thought you were going to be finished off by those passengers. You really have balls to take these cabin shots.
Hehe, I did not realize it until you pointed me out.
Quoting Contact Air (Reply 12): Very detailed report with many, many great pictures once again. Kura Kura Resort looks fantastic, like a real paradise. Especially your sunset-pictures are great.
Thank you. Glad you liked it.
Quoting Contact Air (Reply 12): For example, this summer I flew on Air Iceland with a Fokker 50 which I had already flown 13 years ago when it was still in service for LH CityLine. I found it quite interesting to see (and fly) the bird again and have a look how the cabin has changed.
Is it like meeting an old friend?
Quoting Contact Air (Reply 12): Reactions of cabin crews can be quite different in this aspect.
I agree with that. Luckily, I did not get any trouble with the cabin crews in Indonesia for photography during take-off or landing.
@ Philip:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 13): Hey fantastic report. I dont know why but this is one of my favs from you I think the story was really nice and made nice reading. The photos were lovely and that resort is so nice.
reifel From Germany, joined Feb 2005, 1135 posts, RR: 1 Reply 15, posted (2 years 7 months 4 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 9961 times:
This report was excellent! Your time on the island resorit must have been wonderful. Thank you for also describing this part, as well as the bus ride, it was very funny to read.
Depsite the Delay it seems that the Batavia flight was fine. Many years ago as a kid I used to live in Jakarta an seeing your pictures of the arrival area in CGK this reminded me the way it was back then, when this was the terminal in use for international flights. Hasn't changed that much.
airpearl From Malaysia, joined May 2001, 934 posts, RR: 37 Reply 16, posted (2 years 7 months 4 weeks 9 hours ago) and read 9855 times:
Hey Suryo!
Thanks for another excellent installment to your Asian holiday. What an amazingly diverse collection you have here: combination of flying, boats, resorts, snorkeling, and infoflyer meet... hehehe - fantastic and so enjoyable. Menyawakan looks very idyllic. Did you ask why the resort is called kura kura? It means tortoise in Malay - I think it's the same in Indonesian right?
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): We got assigned 1A and B in Executive Class on the upper deck which appeared to be the last row despite the seat number.
Isn't that right ahead of the on-board lounge and bar?
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): Business Class on the lower deck behind the doors at each side of the stairway to Executive Class
What's the difference between Business class and Executive Class, except for the decks?
.
Looks quite a dangerous dish
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): Surprising enough, the coach survived the whole journey. Two hours later, we were in the neighborhood of the airport.
Wow, this is quite an amazing story. Definitely much more of an "event" than you had bargained for!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): Well, how about flying the same aircraft on two different registrations?
Damn, isn't it so devious of them!
Thanks again for this report and look forward to your next one
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Reply 17, posted (2 years 7 months 4 weeks 4 hours ago) and read 9726 times:
Hi Reifel and airpearl, thanks for dropping by.
@ Reifel:
Quoting reifel (Reply 15): This report was excellent! Your time on the island resorit must have been wonderful. Thank you for also describing this part, as well as the bus ride, it was very funny to read.
You are welcome. Glad you enjoyed both aviation and non-aviation parts.
Quoting reifel (Reply 15): Many years ago as a kid I used to live in Jakarta an seeing your pictures of the arrival area in CGK this reminded me the way it was back then, when this was the terminal in use for international flights. Hasn't changed that much.
The air-side terminal exterior has practically remained the same. Most refurbishments are conducted around the interior on the public area and on the departure level.
@ Airpearl:
Quoting airpearl (Reply 16): Thanks for another excellent installment to your Asian holiday. What an amazingly diverse collection you have here: combination of flying, boats, resorts, snorkeling, and infoflyer meet... hehehe - fantastic and so enjoyable.
Thank you for your nice words. Glad you liked it.
Quoting airpearl (Reply 16): Did you ask why the resort is called kura kura? It means tortoise in Malay - I think it's the same in Indonesian right?
Yes, it also means tortoise in Indonesian. Unfortunately, it did not come across my mind to ask why they call the resort Kura Kura. Could it be that Penyu is more difficult to pronounce?
Quoting airpearl (Reply 16): Isn't that right ahead of the on-board lounge and bar?
I wished there were any lounge or bar. We had to bring along our own drinks and snacks.
Quoting airpearl (Reply 16): What's the difference between Business class and Executive Class, except for the decks?
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4915 posts, RR: 55 Reply 19, posted (2 years 7 months 3 weeks 6 days 9 hours ago) and read 9509 times:
Suryo - I am convinced you need to see your mother more often. You get to make her happy, and us on A.Net with these fantastic and detailed reports. Thanks again for sharing on a route I'd probably not be taking for a while. Some general observations:
+ The fried ice-cream has me craving for some
+ "Trust us to fly" ... well, I am glad I can trust them to fly ...
+ Rara was a gem of a flight attendant - to even suggest a ground staffer to take the pax to the Mandala flight. This is Asian warmth at its best. I can imagine asking an Air France agent the next time I am in Paris to drive me to my connecting United flight ... and the response I'd get .
Thanks again for sharing this report. Awesome stuff!
vandenheuvel From Netherlands, joined Dec 2008, 469 posts, RR: 2 Reply 20, posted (2 years 7 months 3 weeks 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 9442 times:
Hi Suryo,
Thanks for another one of your very extensive and entertaining trip reports. You did a nice job on Batavia Air. I also liked your photos of the ferry services.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 18): Batavia Air. Looks okay for a short hop!
It was a lovely flight. Thanks to Rara and Darmayanti who showed themselves enjoying the job.
@ A.:
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 19): Suryo - I am convinced you need to see your mother more often. You get to make her happy, and us on A.Net with these fantastic and detailed reports.
LOL. Thank you for your kind words. I hope I will be seeing her again sometime next year.
I like your general observations. You have brought the specials into the limelight.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 19): + The fried ice-cream has me craving for some
I got the taste of fried ice-cream again after fifteen years.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 19): + "Trust us to fly" ... well, I am glad I can trust them to fly ...
So did we.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 19): I can imagine asking an Air France agent the next time I am in Paris to drive me to my connecting United flight ... and the response I'd get
I would say, please tell me more about it.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 19): Thanks again for sharing this report. Awesome stuff!
You are welcome. It has been my pleasure.
@ Tim:
Quoting vandenheuvel (Reply 20): Thanks for another one of your very extensive and entertaining trip reports.
rogerbcn From Andorra, joined Sep 2006, 1135 posts, RR: 19 Reply 22, posted (2 years 7 months 3 weeks 4 days 9 hours ago) and read 9107 times:
Hola Suryo!
Again an excellent TR.
It looks more like a tourist brochure than a usual TR in here.
The resort looks like an excellent place where to relax for some days... wish it were closer to home, anyway a resort to have a look at for next holidays.
Roger
"At reise er at leve" H.C. Andersen (Travelling is Living)
It looks more like a tourist brochure than a usual TR in here.
Glad you liked it. Thanks for dropping by.
Quoting rogerbcn (Reply 22): The resort looks like an excellent place where to relax for some days... wish it were closer to home, anyway a resort to have a look at for next holidays.
Well, I cannot wait to see your holiday pictures of the resort.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6082 posts, RR: 56 Reply 24, posted (2 years 7 months 3 weeks 2 days 15 hours ago) and read 8911 times:
Hi Suryo!
Another fantastic trip report with amazing pictures! The resort looks amazing!
Batavia's cabin looks very old and used and that's the updated cabin......... ?
Looks like an amazing trip!
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
25 FlyingFinn76: Hi Suryo, Another report which I read a while ago but haven't gotten around to comment. But anyway absolutely fantastic - nothing less expected from y
26 akhmad: Hi Lars and P., Thanks for dropping by. @ Lars: Thank you. Glad you liked it. Well, that is what I have been told. Somehow I like the interior and I f
27 ojas: Good report once again! That airport pleasantly looks like a mini shopping market. Low ceilings and shops in such fashion gives that impression Wow, t
28 akhmad: Hi Ojas, Thanks for dropping by. Thank you. Glad you liked it. Isn't it lovely? The airport was used to be my playground until I moved to Netherlands.
29 infodesk: Hi Suryo, I'm still catching up on all these great TRs. This is one of my favourites of yours and i really enjoyed the non-aviation bit. I think it's
30 akhmad: Hi Hannah, Thanks for dropping by. Thank you. I am happy to know that. That is a wise point of view. Thanks for sharing it. By the way, have you been
31 NZ107: Hi Suryo, Thanks for sharing this great tour of Indonesia with us. I must say I didn't have a clue as to what Indonesia had to offer (apart from Bali)
32 akhmad: Hi Nicholas, Thanks a lot for dropping by. You make me happy. We have been only on three out of 17,508 islands. There are many more on offer for sure.
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