TGG Day 4 │ Another Dawn Drive • City One!

Going Home: Wrapping Up and Hitting the Road

Three days flew by in a blur! We managed to tick off plenty of tasks, but there’s still more to do before our home is truly ready for living.

We woke up at 5:00 AM and were out the door forty minutes later. First stop: our home to collect BiBi, then back to the resthouse for our luggage. With the deposit sorted the night before, all that remained was dropping the room key into the counter box—and just like that, our dawn drive began.

At 5:45 AM, we left the resthouse and crossed the Kuala Terengganu Toll Plaza at precisely 6:06 AM. The morning was cloaked in fog, making for a serene start.

Pit Stops & Breakfast

Our first break came at 7:20 AM at the Kijal rest area for a quick potty stop. Then onward to Gambang, where we enjoyed a simple breakfast of Nasi Lemak and fried rice vermicelli with drinks—all for RM14.50 (about USD/EUR3).

Next up: BiBi’s fuel-up at Petronas—RM46.11 (USD11/EUR9) for 23.17 liters (6.12 gallons), which worked out to RM7.54 (USD1.78/EUR1.52) per gallon.

Back in the City

We resumed our drive at 9:15 AM and exited the Karak Highway at Gombak Toll Plaza by 10:40 AM. Before heading home, we swung by our regular car wash in Kampung Baru and grabbed three packets of Ayam Pecak Rice from the Indonesian food stall next door.

Finally, at 11:00 AM, we were home sweet home!

Stay tuned—our next adventure takes us to Georgetown for 48 hours of food, culture, and exploration!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Lim Sian Tian - https://maps.app.goo.gl/4kvZXShVMfFectb48

MS RESTHOUSE - https://maps.app.goo.gl/BiKzwqqxG7ZtuJ1y6

R&R Gambang Timur - https://maps.app.goo.gl/DRLVR1WMHvAP6nY4A

Car Wash Kg Baru - https://maps.app.goo.gl/r2M5kTrUUiAEJifQ6

Warung Ayam Pecak - https://maps.app.goo.gl/kfzjnxBWLU6Pquu46

Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8

TGG Day 3 │ Lim Sian Tian • Running Errands!

Running Errands: A Day of Hustle Before Heading Home

We woke up at 8:00 AM and strolled over to our home to start a load of laundry. With that running, we crossed Jalan Sultan Ismail for breakfast at Pok Loh’s stall—only to find a surprise. Instead of Pok Loh, a different lady was running the show, serving Nasi Lemak and Nasi Minyak.

No complaints though—the stall was open, and that’s what mattered! We both opted for Nasi Minyak with Beef Stew, and with drinks, breakfast came to RM19 (about USD5/EUR4)—a fair price for Kuala Terengganu.

Quick Stops Before Chores

After breakfast, we headed to East Coast Pharmacy for antihistamines (RM14 each, about USD/EUR3) to ease Cat’s seafood-induced hives from last night. Then it was a caffeine fix at ZUS Coffee for RM25.40 (about USD6/EUR5) before returning home to dive into chores.

The Big Errand Run

By 11:30 AM, we hit the road for several errands before tomorrow’s trip back to Kuala Lumpur. First stop: Pulau Kambing, hunting for a shop to print our house number (the old one fell off ages ago, making Grab deliveries a nightmare). No luck there, so we treated ourselves at Keropok Adnan—10 vacuum-packed keropok lekor for RM50 (about USD12/EUR10).

Next, we tried Simpang Tokku. The first print shop was closed, but SQ Design came through! Our new house number, 118-C, printed on an acrylic plate for just RM15 (about USD4/EUR3).

We attempted a detour to Pasar Kedai Payang for SEAmEQ fish crackers, but traffic was brutal. So, we headed home and ordered lunch via GrabFood from Warung Nasi Kerabu Kak Yah: Nasi Dagang, Laksam, and drinks for RM38.15 (about USD9/EUR8). Pricey, but understandable since most eateries were closed. Delivery finally arrived at 2:45 PM—from nearly 20 km away!

The Hunt for SEAmEQ

Traffic to Kedai Payang didn’t ease, so we searched online and found Gudang SEAmEQ—the actual warehouse! We drove out at 3:30 PM, arriving 40 minutes later, and stocked up: a bundle of SEAmEQ crackers, Keropok Sira, and a dozen water bottles for RM169 (about USD41/EUR35).

Back Home for Final Touches

By 5:00 PM, we were back, power-washing the front gate post before affixing our shiny new house number. Then came the battle with weeds—astonishing how fast they grew since our last cleanup!

We wrapped up at dusk, showered, and settled for a light dinner of buns and keropok lekor. At 10:00 PM, we returned to the rest house, collected our RM100 deposit (about USD24/EUR21), and prepared for an early start tomorrow. Fingers crossed for one last good night’s sleep before the long drive back to Kuala Lumpur!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Lim Sian Tian - https://maps.app.goo.gl/4kvZXShVMfFectb48

MS RESTHOUSE - https://maps.app.goo.gl/BiKzwqqxG7ZtuJ1y6

Adnan Keropok - https://maps.app.goo.gl/gRksdGSa94Qd1Jru5

SQ Design - https://maps.app.goo.gl/QmXR2WG66xaFeo1Z9

Gudang SEAmEQ - https://maps.app.goo.gl/QsDojcnFFj73hrq6A

TGG Day 2 │ Lim Sian Tian • Pottering Around!

Slaving Saturday: A Day of Chores, Comfort Food & Catching Up

After a blissful night’s sleep, we woke up bright and early at 7:30 AM, ready to tackle the day. By 8:15 AM, we were out the door, heading toward the familiar food stalls near Ban Soon Hin Furniture along Jalan Sultan Ismail.

Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on our side—Ezan (a.k.a. Poh Loh) was closed, as were Pok Long beside Caltex and Abid Corner opposite FamilyMart. So, we strolled back home and turned to the ever-reliable GrabFood app. 

Breakfast came courtesy of Warisan Nasi Dagang Tok: two hearty Nasi Dagang sets with drinks for RM29 (around USD7/EUR6). Not the cheapest option, but still worth it for the convenience.

By 9:00 AM, breakfast was served, and with the most important meal of the day sorted, we rolled up our sleeves for chores while waiting for Anas, the contractor. Sadly, he was a no-show.

Lunch & Local Delights

We weren’t too hungry by lunchtime, but GrabFood saved the day again—this time from Pok Lee Keropok Losong. Two sets each of fried and steamed Keropok Lekor (those irresistible fish sausages) for RM30 (USD7/EUR6). Comfort food at its finest!

Decluttering & DIY Adventures

After lunch, Cat dove into the monumental task of sorting old clothes from three wardrobes. Most ended up in the discard pile, but a third were kept as sentimental treasures—pieces belonging to my late grandparents and aunty.

Meanwhile, I had my own project: assembling our new High-Pressure Washer. After a few YouTube tutorials and some tinkering, the beast roared to life! It blasted away dirt—and even loose paint—from the porch walls. I worked on the tiles before handing it over to Cat, who had a blast cleaning. A few more rounds, and the porch will be spotless.

Wrapping Up with Good Company

By 7:00 PM, we headed back to the resthouse to freshen up for dinner with a dear friend and his mother. Our destination: Restoran Aharn Thai (https://bit.ly/3Jcjr8u). We spent a lovely hour catching up with Vinodh and Madhury before saying our goodbyes and heading home.

As the day wound down, we locked up and walked back to the resthouse, hoping for another restful night before continuing our home projects tomorrow.

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Lim Sian Tian - https://maps.app.goo.gl/4kvZXShVMfFectb48
MS RESTHOUSE - https://maps.app.goo.gl/BiKzwqqxG7ZtuJ1y6
Restoran Aharn Thai - https://maps.app.goo.gl/5cRaHf21MWNYh9DK8

TGG Day 1 │ Dawn Drive • Lim Sian Tian!

KT Again: Back to My Hometown

We were heading back to Kuala Terengganu for some unfinished business—and this time, the plan was to pick up where we left off at our beloved “heritage” home.

The Journey Begins

The day started early at 5:15 a.m. We slipped out before dawn and made a quick stop at the Petron station near home to top up RM50 (USD12/EUR10) worth of petrol—25.13 liters (6.64 gallons), which worked out to RM7.53 per gallon (USD1.79/EUR1.54).

Twenty minutes later, we passed the Gombak Toll Plaza and cruised onto the Karak Highway. By 7:00 a.m., we exited at Bentong and joined the East Coast Expressway (LPT).

Instead of stopping at Temerloh, we drove on and reached Gambang Rest Area an hour later for a simple breakfast: plain Nasi Lemak packets and drinks for RM18.50 (USD/EUR4). Cat splurged a little with fried cockles added to hers.

Although we left KL with a full tank, we topped up again at Petronas Gambang—RM41.15 (USD10/EUR8) for 20.68 liters (5.46 gallons).

Arrival in KT

By 8:30 a.m., we were back on the road and made a quick pitstop at Ajil before finally passing the Kuala Terengganu Toll Plaza at 11:00 a.m. First order of business? A stop at 7-Eleven for Nescafe and two packets of Nasi Mandy from Restoran Makkah next door (https://bit.ly/42Pt2su). With iced tea, our Arabic lunch came to RM30 (USD7/EUR6).

Then came the inevitable “light cleaning” at the heritage home—which, as usual, turned into hours of work. We waited for a contractor to check the small downstairs bedroom that needed plastering and painting. Unfortunately, Nurkassim was a no-show until late afternoon.

Quotation Shock and a Change of Plans

When he finally arrived, his quote nearly knocked us off our feet: RM1,500 (USD355/EUR304) for a day’s work! Despite his attempts to negotiate, we showed him the door.

To shake off the frustration, we headed to Car Wash Warisan for some TLC for BiBi. While waiting, we enjoyed Fried Maggi Mee and Iced Milk Tea at Al Mubin Maju Nasi Kandar next door—RM20 (USD5/EUR4).

An hour later, BiBi gleamed like new for RM25 (USD6/EUR5). Next stop: Mr DIY, where we scored the ultimate toy—a High-Pressure Washer!

By 8:30 p.m., we were back at the heritage home, me tinkering with videos while Cat rested. Later, we strolled back to the rest house for a well-deserved night’s sleep.

Stay tuned for the next chapter: breakfast across the street and meeting another contractor for a fresh quote on that little bedroom!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8

R&R Gambang Timur - https://maps.app.goo.gl/DRLVR1WMHvAP6nY4A

Lim Sian Tian - https://maps.app.goo.gl/4kvZXShVMfFectb48

MS RESTHOUSE - https://maps.app.goo.gl/BiKzwqqxG7ZtuJ1y6

Car Wash Warisan - https://maps.app.goo.gl/myneJvH4BBkmo11V8

Al Mubin Maju Nasi Kandar - https://maps.app.goo.gl/GBqEdPKubV8jcEE29

MR. DIY - https://maps.app.goo.gl/4onbgvEkNNYViBap9

CGK Day 5 │ Thamrin to City One • MH710!

Going Home: A Journey Wrapped in Memories

All good things must come to an end—and so did our Indonesian adventure. After a restful night, the alarm rang at 5:30 a.m. We showered, packed, and did one last sweep of Sigit’s unit to make sure nothing was left behind. At 6:45 a.m., we were ready to go.

The Ride to Soekarno-Hatta

My knee was better but still not perfect, so we skipped the train and hailed a Bluebird taxi for a fixed fare of IDR198,500 (about MYR50/USD12/EUR10). It was a relief not to wrestle with our “yellow submarines” on train platforms. By 7:20 a.m., we arrived at Terminal 3, Gate 3.

We headed to Counter C12 for check-in, but since MH710 was scheduled to depart at 11:10 a.m., we had to wait until 8:10 a.m. With time to spare, we settled opposite the counter and indulged in our favorite pastime—people-watching.

When check-in opened, we were pleasantly surprised: our luggage weighed only 37 kg, well within the 50 kg allowance. All those perfumes and clothes? Just 10 kg! Boarding passes in hand, we moved toward the Departure Hall.

Breakfast and Last-Minute Treats

Immigration was a breeze. We looked for breakfast but nothing among the fast-food options appealed. Then came a notification: our gate had changed from 3 to 5. On the way, we stopped at Plaza Bali Duty Free and picked up two Indonesian layer cakes (prune and original) for IDR390,000 (MYR99/USD23/EUR20).

At Gate 5, we finally had breakfast at Espresso Bar:

• Caesar Wrap
• Roast Beef Sandwich
• French Fries
• Spanish Latte
• Iced Tea Mango Passion

Total damage: IDR381,788 (MYR97/USD23/EUR19). Worth every bite.

Boarding and Flight

Gate 5 opened at 10:35 a.m., and as Group 5, we boarded 15 minutes later. MH710 pushed back at 11:20 a.m. and took off at 11:50 a.m. Lunch was served shortly after—Chicken Curry with Rice for me, Fried Rice Vermicelli for Cat. Apart from a little turbulence, the flight was smooth. Kudos to Captain Hafiz Salleh and Chief Stewardess Chan for an excellent journey.

We landed at 2:40 p.m. local time, breezed through Immigration with MyBorderPass, and collected our bags from Carousel H. By 3:40 p.m., we were on the ERL train to KL Sentral, arriving half an hour later.

Brendan and Puteh were waiting, and by 4:30 p.m., we were home. Door-to-door, the trip from Thamrin Executive Residence to City One Condo took about 10 hours—not bad at all.

Indonesia, we miss you already!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jg8sVpVdkfACodMv9

Terminal 3 CGK - https://maps.app.goo.gl/GUKEHko86VFviMoU8

KLIA Express Transit Station - https://maps.app.goo.gl/zxveoeVY8VfFgZYY7

KL City Air Terminal - https://maps.app.goo.gl/78PhoH1Kvb8tNj5K9

Havironia Music - https://maps.app.goo.gl/s1TPt76pQr7mcxeV9

CGK Day 4 │ Nasi Padang Sederhana • Exploring Grand Indonesia!

A Day of Nasi Padang and Mall Adventures in Jakarta

Nasi Padang – the ultimate comfort food!

After leaving Thamrin City, we strolled a short distance to Rumah Makan Padang Sederhana for an early lunch (https://bit.ly/3Kz0gpN). The spread was nothing short of amazing:

• Crispy Fried Gourami Fish
• Rich and flavorful Beef Rendang
• Brinjals drenched in spicy sambal
• Fried boiled egg
• Mixed rice and white rice
• Two refreshing Amarilo juices

All this for IDR247,500 (around MYR63 / USD15 / EUR13) – a feast that didn’t break the bank!

Exploring Grand Indonesia

Next stop: our all-time favorite mall, Grand Indonesia (https://bit.ly/4pOSc4l). Today’s mission? Explore every level of both East and West Mall – if my knee held up, that is!

We were also testing the DJI Osmo Nano with its new Anti Motion Blur feature from the latest firmware update. So, from here on, all footage was shot using the Nano.

Starting at the Arjuna Lobby in West Mall, we browsed floor by floor until we reached Cat’s favorite store, Alun Alun, on the 4th floor.

Shopping Spree & Sweet Treats

Cat scored big:

• Five strings of beads
• Five stylish blouses
• A set of cosmetic pouches

Total damage? IDR2,856,000 (approx. MYR725 / USD171 / EUR146).

To celebrate, we indulged in ice cream sandwiches and drinks at Waroeng Kopi inside Alun Alun for IDR114,995 (MYR29 / USD7 / EUR6).

More Mall Adventures

We continued exploring West Mall’s 4th and 5th floors – foodie heaven! Then crossed over to East Mall, where the 4th floor was under renovation but the 5th floor was packed with eateries.

Our last stop was Yamada Best, where we picked up extra UK-to-Indo adapters before wrapping up our tour and exiting via the parking alley opposite The Ascott.

🎥 Don’t miss our previous video where we walked back to Thamrin City!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jg8sVpVdkfACodMv9

Thamrin City - https://maps.app.goo.gl/zb8BBLJMyq5uzhcr8

Rumah Makan Padang Sederhana - https://maps.app.goo.gl/MgLgdR7morcPAAAt5

Grand Indonesia - https://maps.app.goo.gl/tBMhpugLB8ZGW35SA

CGK Day 4 │ Thamrin City • Final Errands!

Penultimate Day in Jakarta: A Whirlwind of Last-Minute Adventures

The day before departure is always the busiest, so we made sure to start well-rested. I turned in early at 9 PM, knee wrapped in pain-relief patches, while Cat followed an hour later.

By 6 AM, I was up and folding clothes—our bounty from days of shopping—into the previously half-empty yellow suitcases. Cat joined an hour later, and by 8:30 AM, both bags were neatly packed and ready.

A Quick Tailor Fix at Marsel

Cat’s Baju Kurung Kedah skirt was a little snug, so we reached out to Eliza at Marsel. She arranged for us to meet tailors Pak Achu and Pak Arin at 10 AM. We left Sigit’s unit at 9:45 and strolled to Thamrin City. The tailors assured us the alteration would take about an hour.

While waiting, we explored the market and picked up several padded Batik pouches for my six HMNS perfumes and a foldable Batik bag—all for IDR90,000 (≈ MYR23 / USD5 / EUR5).

Back at Marsel, Pak Achu was still perfecting his work, so I grabbed a small cup of coffee for just IDR5,000 (≈ MYR1 / USD0.30 / EUR0.30) and enjoyed a lively chat with the tailors, swapping stories from our respective countries. By 11:10 AM, the skirt was ready, and we bid them farewell.

Next up: Lunch at Rumah Makan Padang Sederhana—don’t miss the video!

Afternoon Stroll & Coffee Break

After lunch, we wandered back to Thamrin City hunting for short-sleeved Batik shirts, but our favorite shop was out of sizes. The crowd was overwhelming, so we retreated and treated ourselves at Kopi Kenangan: an Iced Milk Tea and a hot Spanish Latte for IDR60,000 (≈ MYR15 / USD4 / EUR3).

Back at Sigit’s unit, Cat started laundry while I worked on editing our travel clips.

Dinner & A Surprise Meetup

By evening, we headed to Thamrin Residences for dinner at our go-to spot, Ayam & Bebek Kremes. Our feast included:

• Sop Buntut
• Ayam Kampung Bakar
• Plain Omelette
• Pecel (boiled veggies)
• 2 white rice
• 2 iced lime drinks
• 3 hot coffees

Total: IDR200,000 (≈ MYR51 / USD12 / EUR10).

Mid-meal, we met subscribers Michael, Ronald, and Josie from Holland! Ronald, originally from Indonesia, was enjoying a nostalgic homecoming.

On the way back, we popped into Indomaret for Tolak Angin herbal remedies and ice cream (IDR49,000 ≈ MYR12 / USD3 / EUR3).

Wrapping Up

We ended the night with final packing for tomorrow’s flight. Stay tuned for our last ride—a Bluebird taxi to Soekarno-Hatta Airport!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jg8sVpVdkfACodMv9

Thamrin City - https://maps.app.goo.gl/zb8BBLJMyq5uzhcr8

Thamrin Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/6qXeDVtwcrHS7mg76

CGK Day 3 │ Thamrin City Again!

Important Errand!

A Day of Batik and Tailor-Made Style in Jakarta

After wrapping up our visit to Mall of Indonesia, we headed to the main entrance and hailed a fixed-fare Bluebird taxi. The ride back to Thamrin City cost IDR121,000 (around MYR31/USD7/EUR6), including parking charges.

We were picked up at 2:50 PM and soon found ourselves stuck in Jakarta’s infamous macet (traffic jam). The 14-kilometre journey took over an hour, and we finally arrived at Thamrin City around 4 PM for an important errand.

Settling Up with the Tailors

Remember the talented tailors, Pak Achu and Pak Arin, at Marsel on the third floor behind Ranny Boutique? After paying half yesterday, today was the day to settle the balance and collect our custom-made clothing.

With an hour to spare before our appointment, we entered Thamrin City through its main entrance—a first for us—and explored the ground floor. That’s when we stumbled upon a gorgeous white long-sleeved Batik shirt at Batik Sentral. I couldn’t resist adding a blue one to the mix, and then Brendan chimed in via our chat group, requesting a black short-sleeved and a black long-sleeved Batik shirt. After some friendly bargaining, we scored all four shirts for IDR600,000 (about MYR153/USD36/EUR31).

The Big Reveal

Next, we headed upstairs to Marsel. I tried on my custom-made shirt featuring a traditional Sarawakian motif—and I was thrilled with the result! We paid the remaining IDR600,000 and promised to return with more fabric for future creations.

Before leaving, we grabbed some pain relief patches from Lawson mini-mart—my knee was starting to protest—and then walked back to Sigit’s unit.

Dinner and Downtime

By 7 PM, hunger kicked in, so we ordered via GrabFood: Beef Steak Rice from Nasi Goreng Bistik Liem. Thanks to a 35% discount, the meal cost just IDR67,700. Our rider arrived promptly at 7:15 PM, and we tucked into a satisfying dinner before calling it a night.

Here’s hoping my knee feels better tomorrow because we’ve got an exciting day planned at Grand Indonesia. Stay tuned for the next video!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah - https://maps.app.goo.gl/iHK83UGqaqyPyWrA7

Thamrin City - https://maps.app.goo.gl/FJDbacNd8rHE8Ukd9

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jg8sVpVdkfACodMv9

CGK Day 3 │ Mall of Indonesia!

Lunch Adventures at Mall of Indonesia

After wrapping up our visit to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, we headed to the main entrance and hailed a fixed-fare Bluebird taxi. The ride to Mall of Indonesia cost IDR146,500 (approximately MYR37/USD9/EUR8), including toll and parking charges. You can check out the mall.

We were picked up just before noon and arrived about half an hour later. First order of business? Lunch! And we had a specific craving in mind.

The Kopi Luwak Quest That Wasn’t

Our plan was to enjoy Kopi Luwak, a treat we first tried a year ago at another mall (which shall remain unnamed—let’s just call it Volder-Mall). Unfortunately, after some research and hopeful anticipation, we discovered that Kopi Luwak was nowhere to be found at Mall of Indonesia. Either it had closed down or never existed here in the first place.

So, we asked for directions to the food court and were told to head to the lower ground floor. Before that, we took a quick stroll on the first floor among so-called “international eateries,” which turned out to be mostly overpriced Japanese cuisine. Nothing caught our fancy, so down we went.

Lunch at Pasar Moi

The Pasar Moi food court was buzzing with lunchtime patrons. After a short wait, we snagged a table near the Bakbi Amei stall and ordered:

• Nasi Dua Rasa Set
• Nasi Samchan Set
• A bowl of Bakso
• 2 Iced Lemon Teas

Total damage? IDR176,000 (approximately MYR45/USD11/EUR9). Not bad for a hearty meal!

By 1:30 PM, we were done and ready for a quick break before continuing our adventure.

Shopping & Surprises

Next, we asked a friendly security lady if there were any guitar stores in the mall. Sadly, no luck—our info was off again. So, we wandered around and ended up at Uniqlo, where we scored several clothing items, including those elusive round-neck Airism T-shirts, for IDR995,000 (about MYR253/USD60/EUR51).

We also wanted to recreate the lovely fragrance from Sigit’s unit, which turned out to be a local air freshener brand called Dahlia, in the scent Teh Keraton. After getting directions to GrandLucky Superstore, we went a little overboard—15 packs of Dahlia, plus fabric softener and a can of Bintang Grapefruit Beer—for IDR281,700 (around MYR72/USD17/EUR14).

Finally, we stopped by Chagee for refreshments. Our bill was IDR95,000 (approximately MYR24/USD6/EUR5). A regular patron in our group noted that the Green Grape Milk Tea tasted different from Kuala Lumpur’s version, which had a bitter aftertaste.

Wrapping Up

Remember that tumble I took at TMII? It was starting to feel worse, so we hailed another Bluebird taxi to our next destination.

Stay tuned as we head back to Thamrin City!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah - https://maps.app.goo.gl/iHK83UGqaqyPyWrA7

Mall of Indonesia - https://maps.app.goo.gl/SWfm7LM8kFY2n8JWA

Pasar MOI - https://maps.app.goo.gl/VKcuJzqnpe64F4pB9

GrandLucky Superstore - https://maps.app.goo.gl/mB3dEitqnPoFzWpL9

CGK Day 3 │ Taman Mini Indonesia Indah Pt 1!

TMII Part 2!

Exploring Taman Mini Indonesia Indah: Culture, Views, and a Few Lessons Learned

Our visit to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) was meant to be a leisurely cultural experience—but it turned into quite an adventure! Here’s a detailed account of our day, plus practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.

A Rocky Start: My Unexpected Fall

While waiting for the next shuttle cart at the stand, I missed a step and fell sideways, landing hard on my right elbow and knee. The impact knocked the wind out of me, and for a moment, I was seeing stars! Thankfully, a passing shuttle driver stopped immediately to help me up. I brushed off the dust and climbed aboard, feeling dazed but determined to continue.

Tip: TMII is vast, and you’ll do a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip and watch your step around uneven surfaces.

First Impressions: A Cultural Wonderland

Despite the mishap, we pressed on. TMII is a sprawling park that showcases Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity through provincial pavilions, each representing a different region’s architecture and traditions. We began our exploration heading north, stopping at several provinces to admire and photograph their unique designs.

Tip: Allocate at least half a day if you want to explore multiple pavilions. Each one offers something unique—from traditional houses to cultural exhibits.

The Cable Car Experience

About an hour later, we hopped on a shuttle to Cable Car Station B. For IDR 25,000 (around MYR 6 / USD 2 / EUR 1) per person, we enjoyed a 25-minute round trip that gave us a stunning bird’s-eye view of the iconic lake shaped like the map of Indonesia—a highlight of the visit!

Tip: The cable car is a must-do for first-time visitors. Go early to avoid long queues, and bring a camera for panoramic shots.

Southern Provinces and Souvenir Shopping

Next, we rode back to the main entrance and switched to a southbound shuttle for a free tour of the southern provinces. This 20-minute ride brought us full circle to the entrance, where we browsed the merchandise store. Cat picked up a few souvenirs for IDR 162,000 (approximately MYR 41 / USD 10 / EUR 8).

Tip: Souvenir prices are reasonable, but bring cash for small purchases. Some stalls may not accept cards.

Practical Info for TMII Visitors

• Opening Hours: Typically 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM (check before you go).
• Getting Around: Free shuttle carts operate throughout the park, but expect some waiting time.
• Entry Fees: IDR25,000 each (approximately MYR6/USD1/EUR1), but attractions like the cable car have separate charges.
• Best Time to Visit: Weekdays for fewer crowds.
• Accessibility: The park is large, so consider renting a bike or using shuttles if you have mobility concerns.

Wrapping Up

By noon, we wrapped up our TMII adventure. My knee was getting progressively worse, so we hailed a fixed-fare Bluebird taxi to our next destination.

Stay tuned—next up, lunch at a mall we’ve never visited before!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jg8sVpVdkfACodMv9

Dukuh Atas LRT Station - https://maps.app.goo.gl/LDj4N1TYz9SHoK9m8

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah - https://maps.app.goo.gl/iHK83UGqaqyPyWrA7

Mall of Indonesia - https://maps.app.goo.gl/SWfm7LM8kFY2n8JWA

CGK Day 3 │ Taman Mini Indonesia Indah Pt 1!

TMII Adventure – Part 1

Long before we started this channel, we visited Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) during the time my sister Vivien lived in Jakarta. That trip left us with fond memories—though sadly, all our photos were lost to a corrupted memory card.

Fast forward to today: we were thrilled to revisit TMII! Determined to make the most of the day, we left home at 7:15 AM and hailed a fixed-fare Bluebird taxi to Dukuh Atas LRT station for IDR40,000 (around MYR10/USD2/EUR2).

Getting There

The taxi ride took about 10 minutes. At the station, we topped up our Jakcards with IDR50,000 each, bringing the balance to IDR96,000 (MYR24/USD6/EUR5). By 7:45 AM, we boarded the Harjamukti-bound train. After nine stops and roughly half an hour, we arrived at TMII station.

From there, another Bluebird taxi (IDR40,000) whisked us to TMII’s main entrance. Entry tickets cost IDR25,000 per person (MYR6/USD1/EUR1).

First Impressions

We hopped on a free electric shuttle cart to the main gate, took a quick restroom break, and browsed the souvenir shop—making a mental note to return later. Hungry, we asked for breakfast recommendations and were directed to the newly opened Pasar Nusantara food court.

Another shuttle ride later, we enjoyed a simple breakfast: toast with cheese and mango juice for IDR93,000 (MYR24/USD6/EUR5).

A Sudden Mishap

Just as we were ready to start exploring at 9:45 AM, disaster struck—I missed a step while waiting for the shuttle and fell sideways, landing hard on my right elbow and knee. For a moment, I was breathless and seeing stars! Thankfully, a passing shuttle driver stopped to help me up.

Adrenaline kept the pain at bay initially, but my knee soon began to ache. Still, I decided to soldier on. The shuttle took us back to the main entrance, and after a quick breather, we continued our adventure.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore TMII’s attractions, ride the cable car, and discover more of this incredible cultural park!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jg8sVpVdkfACodMv9

Dukuh Atas LRT Station - https://maps.app.goo.gl/LDj4N1TYz9SHoK9m8

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah - https://maps.app.goo.gl/iHK83UGqaqyPyWrA7

Mall of Indonesia - https://maps.app.goo.gl/SWfm7LM8kFY2n8JWA

CGK Day 2 │ Thamrin City!

A Day at Thamrin City: Tailoring, Batik, and Culinary Delights!

After a quick stop at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) to deposit our treasures from the Inacraft 2025 exhibition, we set off again—this time to Thamrin City, just a short walk away (https://bit.ly/474ykTf).

Hunting for a Tailor

We had brought back several yards of traditional fabric from a recent trip to Kuching, eager to transform them into beautiful clothing. Armed with our fabric, we began the search for a tailor. At the same time, I was on a mission to expand my collection of long-sleeved Batik shirts—perfect for work and discreet enough to keep my body art under wraps.

Entering Thamrin City near the KFC entrance, we wandered through the main lobby and headed upstairs. A helpful store recommended Marsel on the third floor, tucked behind Ranny Boutique. There, we met tailors Pak Achu and Pak Arin, who took our measurements and quoted us a fair price.

Our Custom Order

Here’s what we commissioned:

• 1 long-sleeved shirt
• 1 set of Baju Kurung Kedah
• 1 Baju Kelawar (kaftan)
• 2 pairs of pants

Total: IDR 1,200,000 (≈ MYR 304 / USD 72 / EUR 61)

We paid half upfront, with the balance due upon collection tomorrow. Impressively, they promised to finish everything within a day!

Batik Shopping Spree

Our adventure didn’t stop there. At Yakin Exclusive Store on the ground floor, I picked up:

• 2 long-sleeved shirts for myself
• 1 short-sleeved and 1 long-sleeved shirt for Brendan

Total: IDR 750,000 (≈ MYR 190 / USD 45 / EUR 38). Then came more Batik finds:

• Batik Arjuno: 1 long-sleeved shirt for IDR 150,000
• Najib Batik: 1 long-sleeved shirt for IDR 170,000

for a total of IDR320,000  (≈ MYR 79 / USD 19 / EUR 17). By now, our feet were screaming for mercy.

Sweet Treats & Coffee Break

Before heading back, we grabbed:

• Freshly baked bread from Maw Kopi Kontainer – IDR 61,000
• Drinks from Kopi Kenangan – IDR 68,000

for a total of IDR320,000  (≈ MYR 32 / USD 8 / EUR 7). Finally, we returned to Sigit’s unit for a much-needed shower and rest. I was so exhausted I fell asleep until nearly 7 PM—while Cat heroically completed two loads of laundry.

Dinner at Thamrin Residences

For dinner, we strolled to Ayam dan Bebek Kremes and enjoyed:

• Sop Buntut
• Rawon
• 2 plates of rice
• Plain omelette
• Iced Jeruk Nipis

Total: IDR 152,000 (≈ MYR 39 / USD 9 / EUR 8). A quick stop at Indomaret for Coca-Cola, ice cream, and insect repellent (IDR 41,000 ≈ MYR 10 / USD 3 / EUR 2) wrapped up the day.

Stay tuned for our next adventure: exploring Taman Mini Indonesia!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:
Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jg8sVpVdkfACodMv9
Thamrin City - https://maps.app.goo.gl/FJDbacNd8rHE8Ukd9
Maw Kopi - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zi944ahDohbNJEL1A
Kopi Kenangan - https://maps.app.goo.gl/TqNeYY4Qs1VEMXaUA

CGK Day 2 │ INACRAFT 2025!

A Day at Jakarta Convention Center: Batik, Crafts & Culinary Delights:

Our trip to Jakarta coincided with an arts and crafts exhibition https://bit.ly/4gSFi1c at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC)—a lucky find thanks to Cat’s keen eye! We couldn’t resist checking it out.

Morning Kick-Off:

The day started early at 6 AM as I worked on editing and rendering our Gardens by the Bay video. By 9:30 AM, we were ready and left our Airbnb, hopping into a fixed-fare Bluebird taxi for IDR54,000 (≈ MYR14/USD3/EUR3).

Arrival & First Impressions:

We reached JCC just before 10 AM and paid an entrance fee of IDR35,000 each (≈ MYR9/USD2/EUR2). The place was buzzing with energy—crowds queued at the entrance, and the atmosphere promised a day full of discoveries.

Batik Heaven:

Cat was in her element at Batik Domas, spending the most time there and walking away with:

• 2 long dresses
• 2 blouse-and-pants sets
• 1 blouse
• 2 cardigans

All for IDR1,700,000 (≈ MYR430/USD102/EUR87), plus two complimentary purses!

Next, we picked up a stylish tote bag for Brendan from RETOTA for IDR360,000 (≈ MYR91/USD22/EUR18). The highlight? Cat met her Batik idol from Saung Batik Wdrupadi and bought a blouse for IDR395,000 (≈ MYR100/USD23/EUR20). Her excitement was priceless!

A Taste of Bali:

Before heading back, the aroma from a makeshift food court lured us in. We savored Nasi Pedas Kampung Bali, a hearty rice meal with assorted dishes for IDR120,000 (≈ MYR30/USD7/EUR6).

Back to Base:

By 12:10 PM, we hailed another Bluebird taxi for IDR62,000 (≈ MYR16/USD4/EUR3) and returned to Sigit’s Airbnb, ready for our next adventure—Thamrin City!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jg8sVpVdkfACodMv9

Jakarta Convention Center - https://maps.app.goo.gl/wJKSDnDz57gperYb7

CGK Day 1 │ Soekarno-Hatta to Thamrin Executive Residence!

Welcome to Jakarta! A Smooth Landing and a Taste of Macet

Touchdown! MH721 landed at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport right on schedule at 4:00 PM. After a short taxi, we disembarked and breezed through formalities—thanks to some pre-trip planning. This time, we had our health and customs declarations sorted in advance using Indonesia’s new consolidated portal:

allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id

With everything in order, we sailed past Immigration’s auto-gates and collected our trusty yellow suitcases from Carousel 2. Unlike previous visits, we decided to skip the train and try a different mode of transport—just to experience Jakarta’s infamous traffic jam, or macet!

Bluebird Taxi to the Rescue

After clearing Customs, we headed to the Bluebird Taxi counter, where staff gave clear directions to the pick-up point. Using the Bluebird app, we booked a ride to our Airbnb for a fixed fare of IDR179,000 (≈MYR45/USD11/EUR9)—a great deal considering we avoided lugging heavy bags through train stations.

We met our driver, Praticilia Tessy Mai, at Gate 3 around 4:50 PM. Curious about traffic, we asked her for a forecast. She assured us that since it wasn’t yet 5 PM, we’d dodge the dreaded macet. True enough, we reached Thamrin Executive Residence—our go-to stay in Jakarta—in just 45 minutes. Including tolls, the fare came to IDR204,500 (≈MYR52/USD12/EUR11).

Back to Our Favorite Spot

We were thrilled to return to Sigit’s lovely apartment, a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. The reception staff even recognized us and offered a rare half-smile. We handed over a box of Beryl’s Tiramisu chocolates as a thank-you before heading up to Unit 26BA.

After a quick shower and change, we were ready to hit the town again. Next stop? Our favorite mall—Grand Indonesia. Stay tuned for the next post and video!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Terminal 3 CGK - https://maps.app.goo.gl/GUKEHko86VFviMoU8

Blue Bird. PT - https://maps.app.goo.gl/r7jJ1dgWYSXQn5gd6

Thamrin Executive Residence - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jg8sVpVdkfACodMv9

CGK Day 1 │ KUL to CGK • MH721!

Back in Batavia! A Year Later and Still in Love with Jakarta

It’s hard to believe—it’s been eight months since our last visit and a full year since our first. Truth be told, Indonesia has become our favorite shopping destination, even more than Thailand. The currency exchange is friendlier, and the clothing quality—especially locally produced Batik—is simply unmatched.

Getting to KLIA

This trip was a little different. Brendan has completed his master’s program and started interning at a local fintech, so we had to make our own way to KL City Air Terminal. We left home at 8:15 AM and booked a six-seater Grab for RM16 (≈USD4/EUR3) to KL Sentral.

As usual, we purchased KLIA Express return tickets online for RM90 each (≈USD21/EUR18), which not only saves money but is the only way to access the KL City Air Terminal. Currently, the terminal caters to Malaysia Airlines (MAS), Batik Air, and KLM.

We checked in our bags—27 kg total, well within the 50 kg allowance—and narrowly missed the 8:41 AM train. The next one arrived at 9:00 AM, and by 9:30 AM we were at KLIA.

Pre-Flight Rituals

With only a small carry-on, we headed to the Malaysia Airlines counter to confirm our seats. We initially picked 16H and 16K but ended up with 28A and 28C—something we only noticed later!

Immigration was smooth except for Cat’s MyBorderPass glitch, which meant a quick detour to the manual counter. Once cleared, we discovered our gate—C35—was at the satellite building. Before boarding the Air Train, Cat made a quick stop at the MAC store, picking up three of her favorite compact powders. The total came to RM493 after a RM50 discount (≈USD117/EUR100).

Lunch Before Takeoff

We grabbed lunch at The Loaf, indulging in:

• Mushroom Cream Soup
• Ciabatta Chicken Mayo Sandwich
• Zesty Sizzle Wrap
• Teh Tarik & Orange Juice

The bill, including tax and service charge, was RM101.75 (≈USD24/EUR21).

Onboard MH721

Boarding began at 1:15 PM, and we were airborne by 2:00 PM. The flight was uneventful but pleasant. Lunch was served shortly after takeoff—I had Chicken Varuval, while Cat opted for Mango Fish. Kudos to Captain Wan Arif and Chief Stewardess Jennilee for a smooth flight.

We touched down at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport at 3:00 PM local time. Next up? Breezing through Immigration and heading to Thamrin Executive Residence—our home away from home in Jakarta.

Stay tuned for the next post and video!

Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)

📍 Location:

Havironia Music - https://maps.app.goo.gl/s1TPt76pQr7mcxeV9

KL City Air Terminal - https://maps.app.goo.gl/78PhoH1Kvb8tNj5K9

KLIA Express Transit Station - https://maps.app.goo.gl/zxveoeVY8VfFgZYY7

Gate C35 - https://maps.app.goo.gl/6cvfGQUPTZzmBLjN6

Terminal 3 CGK - https://maps.app.goo.gl/GUKEHko86VFviMoU8