t r i p
j o u r n a l
147
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DIALING CODE
+62 (21)
CURRENCY
IDR100,000=PHP430.74/US$10
TOUCHDOWN
Hire a Bluebird or
Express taxi from the airport to the city,
which costs IDR180,000 (PHP775)
plus toll. Alternatively, the DAMRI bus
goes to any city bus station for a very
manageable IDR15,000 (PHP65).
SEE &DO
For shopping therapy, check
out the malls such as Grand Indonesia.
You can also cool off and have fun at
Waterbom Jakarta, a water-theme park
for kids and grownups. Expect loads
of excitement with attractions like the
Aquatube, the Speed Slide and the
Twizter! For dinner, try Loewy Bar and
Restaurant in Mega Kuningan, Jakarta.
SLEEP
Pomelo Patra Kuning Jakarta
is 40 minutes from Soekarno-Hatta
International Airport.
pomeloteljakarta.com
EAT
Bubur Kam Seng in Jalan Mangga
Besar, Jakarta serves the best porridge
in the city.
MUST-TRY
Get an authentic Javanese
massage. One spa to try is the one at the
Marriott Mayflower Executive Apartments.
SHOP
Mangga Dua ITC is the place to go
for just about anything you want.
Agam
editor
INDONESIA
JAKARTA
DIALING CODE
+673 (2)
CURRENCY
BN$1 =PHP33.31/US$0.80
TOUCHDOWN
The international airport
is approximately 10 minutes (about
10
km) away from the center of Bandar
Seri Begawan (BSB). There are taxis, car
rentals and hotel limousine services that
can take you to and from the airport.
SEE &DO
For a leisurely walk early in the
morning, try Bukit Shabandar in Jerudong.
You may meet monkeys who want food
from you. Check out the Royal Regalia for
a showcase of Brunei’s rich culture and
abundant history. Rent a boat to explore
Kampong Ayer (water village). Just nearby,
try the Café Royale at night in Bandar for
coffee and traditional Brunei cuisine.
SLEEP
Orchid Garden Hotel is close to
groceries, supermarkets and other great
places.
EAT
Try the best
satay
(
chicken/beef on a
stick) in Batu Bersurat. Taste their famous
nasi katok
(
rice and chicken in brown paper).
MUST-TRY
Visit the Omar Ali Sufaidden
Mosque which is surrounded by a man-
made lake.
INSIDERTIP
Make sure to point with your
thumb and not your index finger.
DIALING CODE
+60 (88)
CURRENCY
MYR1 =PHP13.27/US$0.32
TOUCHDOWN
The Kota Kinabalu
International Airport is only 10 minutes
away by taxi, and it usually costs about
MYR20 (PHP265). Be sure to negotiate
and agree on the fare before you step into
the cab.
SEE &DO
Day trip island hopping, dive
trips to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park,
which consists of five islands: Manukan
Island, Sapi Island, Mamutik Island,
Sulug island and Gaya Island. Not a
certified diver? Sign up for a scuba trial
class. Snorkelling is another option.
Heard of the Filipino Market? It’s in the
center of the city.
SLEEP
The Novotel Kota Kinabalu
1
Borneo is integrated with 1Borneo
Shopping Paradise mall in Sabah.
EAT
Fook Yuen and Coffee Bean & Tea
Leaf serve halal choices of breakfast in
the city.
SHOP
Bargain for pearls, mother of pearl
items, brooches and souvenirs at the
Filipino Market.
INSIDER TIP
Taking a cab? Check that
the flagdown fare is MYR3 (PHP41).
Camila
Francia
Banez
nurse
Nurzawirah
Abdulawi
freelance
dive instructor
MALAYSIA
KOTAKINABALU
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
BANDARSERI BEGAWAN
LESTER LEDESMA
