It has been raining intensely here in Balikpapan since last night and until now, creating a flood of a size I haven’t seen before. The main road outside our housing complex has turned into a fast-flowing river. I stay uphill, so the water can never reach our residence.
Balikpapan flood.
Balikpapan flood.
Video clip.
I have just returned to Balikpapan again, after flying with Lion Air, which cost me Rp 1,500,000 (USD 162), 3 times more than what I am used to (I was late booking). I flew together with Astrid, Caecil’s friend. Caecil flew in parallell with Garuda.
Yesterday I was finally able to check in to my favourite place Penginapan Asri. The price has increased by Rp 10,000 since last time, however, so I am paying Rp 80,000 per night now. It is with airconditioning, and the building is much newer than the place next door, so a much better deal.
Last night I went to the infamous, ecstasy fueled night spot which is called Stadium Jakarta. It is open 24 hours in the weekend. I went in at 02.00 at the 4th floor (they have 4 floors of entertainment) and came out 09.00 Saturday morning. Here’s some hard, cold facts about the place: Entrance fee was Rp 70,000 (USD 7.50), which included one beer or soft drink. Furthermore, illegal substances like marihuana and ecstasy (possession of which carries the death penalty in Indonesia) are openly sold by the employees: one joint marihuana costs Rp 10,000 (USD 1), and one ecstasy tablet costs Rp 150,000 (USD 16). There were few foreigners, but I met a young Belgian man who lived in Singapore and came to Jakarta just to visit this place, which he said was “unique” in the world. There’s a dragon overlooking the dance floor, with a woman on top, pointing a spear at the crowd. The Belgian told me the woman is casting a spell on you with her spear, making you always want to come back… I have to admit the music was great, however, like nowhere else!
I have just arrived in Cibubur, after taking a taxi from Jl Jaksa, meeting Caecil which just arrived from Paris.
Jl Hayam Wuruk, with the Stadium to the right. Photo added August 2010.
Stadium Jakarta. Photo added August 2010.
I had only planned to stay one night in Bandung, so yesterday at around 16.00 I went to the railway station to get to Jakarta. All trains were full until 19.00, however, but I was approached by a man asking if I instead wanted to travel by private car to Jakarta (sharing with several other passengers). I accepted, and paid him the requested Rp 60,000 (USD 6.50). We departed around 16.30, and arrived in Jakarta about 2 hours later. I went to jl. Jaksa to seek out my usual resting place, but unfortunately it was full. So instead I checked in at the place next door, which has no airconditioning however. I paid Rp 70,000 for the room.
Yesterday I took the train from Yogyakarta to Bandung, “the Paris of Java”, which is located around 700 metres above sea level. I checked in at Griya Indah Hotel, near the railway station, and paid Rp 145,000 for the night (which is more expensive than my goal of around USD10/Rp 100,000). I stayed in this hotel 8 years ago also.
GPS track log. Yogya to Bandung.
Today I have done some sightseeing in Bandung. I notice there are more traffic now (and more new buildings) compared to 8 years ago, when I traveled several times to this city. There’s also a big, new mosque at the city town square:
This is one of the becaks I used to get me around:
Bandung street food:
“Super Rambo Jeans” at Jl. Chihampelas (also called Jeans Street):
Jl. Braga:
“Gedung Merdeka” or “Freedom Building”. This is the building where the Asia Africa Conference was held in 1955:
