JAKARTA-BANDUNG: LAST DAY

Last day. Woke up at 8.00am. For breakfast, we missed Ibu, Mama Ina and the cousins who had theirs at Burger King, they woke up really early! So they packed us burgers (BK here didn't have breakfast meals). Because we did not want to waste time, since we planned to leave for the airport at about 3.00pm (foreseeing Macet) the initial plan was that at 9.30am one van which consist of the ladies would leave for Mangga Dua first, while the other two vans, the guys, and the grandmother and her maid and the luggages would follow later. This was because Bapak, Syazwan and Haris had to wait for their suits to come at 10.00am.

Suddenly we got to know that Haris was not well, vomitting and shivering. We called the doctor to come to check on him. Probably food poisoning, of what, no one was sure because everyone had the same thing the day before. Haris followed us to have the Sunda lunch, so although my family was fine, we thought probably his stomach couldn't take Sunda food. Then the suits came early, and by the time everything was settled, the plan changed. 2 vans left at about 10.30am. Only the van for the luggage stayed at the hotel to bring Haris and Papa M to the airport. We thought it would be better that Haris stayed and rested at the hotel. After all, Mangga Dua would be no fun for the guys pun.

So, off we went to Mangga Dua in search of the wedding doorgifts/favors for the reception dinner. Cut the story short, we were dissapointed. The choices available were quite off season, nothing that really caught my eyes, what more the Father-of-the-Bride-zilla. Mangga Dua is reviewed to have a lot of nice selections for doorgifts/favors. We probably went to the wrong place, as Mangga Dua is the name of the place and there were a lot of buildings there. FAIL. We didn't have time to move to anywhere else because it would take quite a while to reach due to the Macet. And we did not want to risk moving later that 3pm to the airport because of ... yes, the Macet. So, we went to the top floor and found shops which sold beads and borders which you can use to enhance your materials. Spent most of the time there, there were quite a lot of choices, and cheap. So, atleast something on our last day.

We got a call that our flight was delayed from 6.30pm to 7.20pm. But we decided to leave at about 2.30pm because we were already tired and didn't have anything else to do. We decided to eat at the airport. We reached the airport at about 4.00pm like that. Checked in our bags, ate, shopped around at the airport, mostly of cigarettes for those who kirim.

me snapping pictures keeping myself busy while enduring the macet which was made worse by the rain

one of the initiatives to combat the terrible traffic congestion

 

Boarded at about 7.00pm and reached Malaysia at about 10.30pm Malaysian time. Our flight was delayed because there were problems with the initial plane, so they substituted the plane with an international plane - bigger and had in-flight entertainment. YEAY!

Overall this is my conclusion of the trip:

1. One thing I noticed, Indonesians, atleast the one I encountered during my whole trip, are VERY POLITE! Their language and the way they talk, sooo polite. Compared to the rudeness of "some" Malaysian people that we had the unpleasant experience with exactly prior to our departure to Indonesia.
2. Their textile shops were quite similar to the ones we have in Malaysia - prices slightly cheaper, tapi tak adalah murah gila. But if you're skillful in haggling, you can probably get a lot of discounts. I heard some people were able to get 50% discount. So it depends on your haggling skills. I'm not that skillful in that area. 
3. Try to speak the language and not look like a first-timer or a tourist sangat - some of them tend to open their prices quite high when they notice that you might look clueless and constantly converting. One advice, don't convert infront of them and then make the "murahnyaaa" face. Keep a straight face and look non-interested. They'll lower the prices. Again, it depends on your haggling skills.
4. Pasar Tebet is great for invitation cards. I can't say it is the best because that was the only place I went for cards. And I have yet to see the results. But, for now, I was satisfied.
5. Try to find the right place in Mangga Dua!
6. Taman Sari Spa is the best!
7. We had the BEST Supir ever! Roni was so accomodating and very protective of us. He took care of my grandmother and held her hands when we walked. He made sure that the card person took notes of everything I wanted. He even worked for us on CNY (he's a chinese BTW). He made it soooo much easier for us.

The trip was not a total success, but we had fun. The company was great but probably a little hard to handle because it was such a big group and everybody had different agendas. But it was definitely a great experience.

JAKARTA-BANDUNG : DAY TWO AND THREE

The plan for the second day was Bandung. We chartered a bus which seated about 20 people. We started the day early and moved from the hotel at about 8.00am.

BREAKFAST

Me and Syida woke up late and missed the hotel breakfast, so we asked to stop for breakfast. We stopped at this R&R on the way. We had meehoon soup/bakso. One thing that threw me off was that they know we were Malaysian, they jacked up the price. For a small bowl, they charged us, I think about RP18,0000 which is equivalent to about RM6. According to Kak Su, it was expensive for the size of the bowl. And when we asked how much the Teh Botol was, at first it was RP7000, but then suddenly it was RP8000. So an advice would be, don't look like tourist sangat, and don't calculate the conversion infront of them. Aahah. The bus had a karaoke set, so the 'elderly' karaoke-d all the way to Bandung, while we slept. It was about 2 hours drive, and we reached at about 11am.

 

BANDUNG

First destination was Pasar Baru which had textile shops and telekung and many other things. We went to the third floor I think. There were rows of textile shops. We settled down at this shop called New Angel. Ibu and Syida bought their materials for the reception dinner - beaded lace, chiffon silk and satin. I think the laces-with full beadings were about RP400,000 - 600,000 (RM150++). This shop offered the cheapest price for beaded lace on that floor. Then we went to this shop called Glamour. Ibu bought A-LOT of chiffon here, mostly for her tudungs. She also bought dark blue lace for fun. We also bought materials for the Nikah and reception dinner for Kakmyra and Lulu - chiffon silk and satin. I bought pastel colors of chiffon silk and satin for my Nikah bridesmaids here also. The chiffon ranges from RP20,000/RM6 - 40,000/RM13 according to quality (refer this entry). Satin for lining was RP15,000/RM5 per meter. I also bought white english cotton from King's Textile for RP50,0000/RM16.50 per meter. Then we stopped at this shop, can't remember the name where Ibu bought some telekungs. And a few minutes before the bus came we picked up a few big traditional brooches which we got for RP100,000/RM33 per piece.

at New Angel

it's surprising that Bapak was also into material shopping. this is him looking at materials for his suits

Roni patiently waiting for us

the mess we made at Glamour

while waiting for our bus

At about 1.30pm, our bus picked us up for lunch - again, Nasi Padang. We later went to outlets selling branded apparels. Among the shops that we went were Toko Tiga, Central Fashion and Rumah Mode. All these places were chosen by Kakmira' PIL, since they've been to Bandung quite a few times. Kakmira's MIL was excited for this part of the day. She even texted us at Pasar Baru to wrap up so we can move to these places, especially Rumah Mode. Syazwan did serious shopping. I got a shirt for Aliff and a couple of items for me - non-wedding-related.

lunch

at Rumah Mode

We left Bandung at about 7.30pm. On the way back, we stopped for dinner - burgers for a change. Tired of Nasi Padang two days in a row.

THIRD DAY

Third day was supposed to be for Invitation Cards and  Doorgifts for the reception dinner. This was the MAIN AGENDA of the trip, for me atleast.

First destination: Pasar Tebet

This place is like Wedding Card heaven. There were rows and rows of shops providing card services. Because it was just cards, we split the group to two. Me and my family stayed at Pasar Tebet, and the aunts and cousins took the other van to Pasar Mayestik and Grand Indonesia. Haris had to stay with us because there was not enough room in the second van. He didn't mind cause he had Syazwan to hang out with.

at Pasar Tebet

So, we hopped from one shop to the other to compare the prices. I brought samples of the cards that I wanted. Eventhough they have ready-made designs, most did not mind modifying and customizing their cards according to your design. This is something I noticed: there were a few shops which had airconditioning - these shops will quote higher price than shops without air conditioning, for the same design. There was one card fully covered with white lace. Cantik sangat. Tapi, RP40,000/RM13 per piece for 500 pieces. Urkkk. Pass

After circling the place for about an hour or so, we sat somewhere and compared the prices. After the short deliberation, we decided to go with Mahkota Print. The first shop we went. The guy who attended to us was Dharnoto. Very helpful and accomodating. The price quoted also very reasonable - you wouldn't get this price in Malaysia. About RP8500 per card (which is about RM2.50): size - about 1' by 1', hardcover, with ribbon. I wanted them to add a piece of lace under the ribbon, so the price per card for 500 pieces was RP9000 (about RM3). Right below than budgeted, so YEAY. Took about an hour to discuss with him the specifics and details of the cards. The card is going to be off white, with black and silver fonts. Initially, I wanted a black ribbon....Father-of-the-Bride-zilla's eyes popped out. NO black. *frust*. Then we settled on maroon, cause that would be one of the theme colors for the reception dinner. I wasn't sure with the color, I was thinking off-white, but i just let it go at the time, cause they thought the card would look dull and I realised everyone were already quite tired by then for me to argue my case. Paid RP300,000/RM99 for deposit. I will be emailing him the contents and map and will probably revisit the color of the ribbon - silently (the email will come from me ahahha). Then he'll prepare the mock-up. After that has been finalised, I'll have to pay another half. And the last half upon collection.

with Dharnoto

We went there with my dad's friend who was working with the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta, and he said they would be going back to Malaysia once a month or two months, so they volunteered to pick them up and bring them back for us. Awww. We'll see how the arrangement would be when the time comes. Overall, I was satisfied with the card. YEAY. *hopefully everything turns out perfect* After almost 3 hours at Pasar Tebet, Bapak's friend treated us to a Sunda restaurant for lunch. Nice.

yummy-licious deserts

tapai goreng

pisang goreng and chocolate

Second  destination: Pasar Mayestik (again)

Initially it was supposed to be Mangga Dua. But it was Imlek (Indonesian for CNY), and we were told 90% of the shops were closed. So, we changed the plan to go to Mangga Dua the next day, which is the last day. Last day was planned for free activity, ie, re-visiting any shops that we've been to the past few days, in case there were stuff that we haven't gotten/missed. We still have not gotten some materials that Kakmira had pesan. Can't go back to Bandung, so it was either Tanah Abang or Pasar Mayestik. We chose Pasar Mayestik . We went to Sanggar Textile. Bought a lot of cotton materials, price about RP55,000/RM18 per meter. I bought another 2 pieces of chiffon silk + satin for the Nikah Bridesmaids, found the color that I didn't find in Bandung. This time the price for the chiffon was RP8000/RM3 per meter. Murahhh gila. I see quality about the same je... haih. Whateverlah. I'll have to research about the quality of chiffon silk to see whether we got duped or not. Ahaha.

the boys tired. kesian

Third destination: SPA

We finished at about 5.30pm and headed to our Spa appointment. Looked forward sangat  for spa session after 3 days of shopping non-stop. OMG. THE BEST SPA EXPERIENCE EVER. The massage was soooooooooooo good! I took the 1 and a half hour massage + lulur package for RP 435,000/RM 145. Highlight of the day.  They had sauna, in-house swimming pool and saloon. We were rushing for time, so didn't get to enjoy all the facilitieso. Had to go back to the hotel and see the damage done after 3 days in Indonesia and shove everything in our suitcases. The place is called Taman Sari Spa. Totally recommended.

We had burger king for dinner.

WEDDING ENTOURAGE TO JAKARTA-BANDUNG: FIRST DAY

 I finally have the time to document my trip to Indonesia. It was a 4 days 3 nights trip (1.2.2011 - 4.2.2011). The itinerary was set few weeks before with Kakmyra's MIL as guidance. She suggested a few places that we could go and some other places I found out through the trusted google. It was quite chaotic but so fun, because we travelled in a BIG group. I guess that is how my family rolls.

MEMBERS OF THE TRIP:

1. My family, minus Kakmyra, Adri, Lulu and little ARR in the tummy :) - so that's = 5
2. Nell's family + Kak Sumarni =7
3. Jidah and Kak Su =2
4. Kakmira's PIL = 2

Total =16

THE FLIGHT

Our flight was at 7.30am. We wanted to reach early so we don't lose the day. We arrived, via MAS at about 8.30am, Indonesian time. Food not so good la. quite dissapointed, luckily we had our breakfast prior to departure. MAS' food is usually nice. There was some drama before take off. My aunt brought on a luggage that was given to her by her son's ex girlfriend who was also a former MAS flight attendant as her carry on. Apparently, non-crew members are not allowed to use or possess "crew member's" bag. OK. So, the head flight attendant that day made a huge fuss over it. HELLO? it's your own regulations, it does not apply to every Malaysian citizen. So when my aunt said she did not know about such rule, you can politely inform her and she will take note of that. Don't need to be rude to an elderly, bitch. Malaysian Hospitality my ass. MAS is usually very delightful, but that day it was reallllly dissapointing. Anyway people, please take note, if you are a "regular person" and not a "crew member" do not use "crew member's" luggage.

FIRST DAY

Straight off the plane, me, Syida, Adik and Kakak bought Indonesian sim cards. We bought simPATI for RP65,000 and reloaded another RP50,000. Altogether it was RP115,000 equivalent to about RM38. Kak Su later told us we could have gotten it cheaper outside of the airport. Oh well. It is better to use Indonesian line to communicate among ourselves and also the people in Malaysia because roaming charges are quite expensive. This I learned during my trip to Chicago to visit Aliff - after I came back, I received a RM900 bil. yikes. The rate for calling Malaysia is RP2,000 per minute which is about RM0.66 per minute.

We were greeted by Ronaldi (the best supir ever!). My dad arranged the transportation for our 4 days there through his counterpart at the Malaysian embassy in Indonesia. There were 3 vans, 1 exclusively for all the luggages. Ahah. Everyone brought a few empty bags as we foresee a lot of shopping.

The 3 Supirs - L-R : Pak Ronaldi, Pak Tamam and Pak Feri

First destination: Pasar Mayestik

 

Knew this place from google and some blogs. Its like Jalan TAR here in Malaysia. Rows of textile shops. We first went in this shop called Mumbai Textile. We were there just for a while, because it was the first shop we entered and it was near where the vans were parked, so we thought we could drop by again later. Next we walked to this shop called Sanggar Textile. Ok lah. Mama Ina bought chiffon silk for Alia.  We found some beautiful white laces with vintage patterns and not the flowery normal patterns. But I already had my white lace, so had to pass. Come to think of it, alamak, patut beli je. Me and my mum came back to this shop on the third day and bought a lot, will talk about that later. Later in the day we got to know that Bapak and Syazwan bought materials and made suits with the in-house tailor at this shop. The suits would be ready on Friday, our last day and would be delivered to the hotel. Sempat tu, dalam diam.

At Sanggar Textile

Bapak and Syazwan checking out materials for their suit

Next we went to one of the biggest shop there, Silk Route. Spent the most time here and the entourage bought quite a lot here, mostly lace fabrics - I think about RM100++ per meter? Cheaper compared to in Malaysia, tapi tak adalah MURAH gila. French lace is about RM200-300 per meter.

I bought 3 metres of off white soft tulle (RP18,000/RM6 per meter) for my nikah veil. I wanted a long veil like Princess Zara on her nikah :)

I also bought me 6 meters of off-white chiffon silk (RP90,000/RM 30 per meter) and satin (RP25,000/RM8 per meter) for my nikah kurung. I think the chiffon was quite expensive because in Malaysia I think the going price is about RM25 per meter? I dont know, the shop assistant said its a good quality chiffon. Anyway, I asked syida to be my manequin to see whether the chiffon and the tulle suited the lace that I've already got.

 

 my manequin

*I noticed after a few days in Indonesia that different shops had different prices for chiffon, as low as RM3 per meter to as high as RM50 per meter...tapi the kind of material is still chiffon silk...ada banyak jenis chiffon silk ke? tak tau lah kena tipu ke apa*

Anyway, the shop assistants there were really nice, especially the one who attended to me, so whatever lah. She was VERY helpful and patient with me. I keep on changing how many meters I wanted. Ahah. So, then she brought me to their in-house designer for free consultation. She sketched me the kurung according to the design I described to her. She said they could do it for me but it would atleast take 1 month for first fitting. Hmm..will I be coming back? I politely passed.

Consultation with the in-house designer

Second destination: Tanah Abang

Wow, we were already tired from the travelling and from the shopping at Pasar Mayestik, but we continued and persisted because we did not want to miss anything. Tanah Abang was highly recommended by everyone when I told them I was going to Jakarta. So, we postponed lunch to later because Tanah Abang closes at 5pm. From Pasar Mayestik to Tanah Abang, we were caught in the notorious Jakarta Macet (translate - traffic jam!). Arghhh. And, bole tak, Syazwan had to pee. So our dear Roni (Ronaldi, but my mum shortened his name to Roni - suka hati), stopped at a shopping complex on the way to Tanah Abang. So, we arrived at about 3.30pm. If you come to Tanah Abang, go straight down to B1 and B2 for textiles and fabrics.

one of the shops at Tanah Abang

I don't know, maybe because we were tired and hungry, we didn't quite enjoy Tanah Abang. There were rows of small shops selling fabrics and materials. Most of them similar to each other and to what we saw at Pasar Mayestik.  And the number of shops were soooo overwhelming, you can not cover the whole place in half a day. We didn't get much there. Maybe if we had more time, we would have enjoyed Tanah Abang. Anyway, Ibu got her materials for the Nikah - pink chiffon and satin there. I think Mama Ina bought a few materials as well. I got 4 meters of sparkled black soft tulle for fun. Sangat cheap, RP10,000/RM3.30 per meter. Syida and kakak also got the same material of different colors.

 
At 5.30pm, with most shops already closing, we decided to head to the hotel to check in. Because it was rush hour, getting out of there was scary. There were shoe-less little kids "assisting" us to cross the streets and stop cars. Kesian. Mamaina tipped one of them after. If you want to tip them, don't do it where everyone else can see because then everyone will come to you.

Then we had our VERY late lunch at a restaurant near our hotel. A Nasi Padang restaurant called the Garuda Restaurant. Nice. First time I ate urat (?) ...

Checking In : Sari Pan Pacific Hotel

Nice hotel. You have to go through screening and metal detectors. I think its the same in most hotels after the Bali bombing. There was also a huge black bulldog sniffing the vehicles coming in and our luggages. Yikes. Anyway, the breakfast spread is yummy-licious.

Last destination of the day : Senayan City

That night our Supir brought us to Senayan City. Its one of the shopping malls in Jakarta - something like our KLCC, but smaller. The people who frequent there were stylish mylish. FINE. Indonesian girls are hot. whatever. Here in Jakarta, most of the shopping complexes and hotels had metal screenings that you have to go through before entering. Scaaarrryy. Makes you think twice before entering kan? 

 Didn't do any shopping sangat, I have to save for the main agendas of my trip. And it was only the first day. And we were quite tired, so while the mums walked around, the cousins and my dad hanged out at Coffee Bean, which was quite expensive compared to Malaysia, about RP45,000/RM15 for a small cup of coffee.

We retired for the night at about 12am. Early morning the next day: Bandung.