Buckle up for an excursion to this vibrant Indonesian town a couple of hours’ drive from the Indonesian capital of Jakarta WORDS AULIA R SUNGKAR PHOTOGRAPHY TIMUR ANGIN Located some 150km south-east of Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia’s West Java province has a quaint atmosphere. With a population of approximately 2.5 million, Bandung has a laid-back lifestyle that is different from the country’s capital with all its hustle and bustle. Just a two-hour drive from Jakarta puts you … [Read more...]
End of a Cycle
This form of three-wheeled public transport is vanishing from the streets of Jakarta. Fifty-seven-year-old becak (rickshaw) rider Dulatif regularly sits inside his vehicle from dawn to dusk on the corner of Larangan Street, in Ciledug, Tangerang, on the outskirts of western Jakarta. “It’s IDR5,000 (S$0.70) for travelling a distance less than 600m. And I usually charge my customers IDR10,000 (S$1.40) for a distance up to 2km,” he says. On average, he earns about IDR35,000 (S$5.90) per day, … [Read more...]
High on Nature
Strap on your boots to explore the natural wonders of Java’s Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. After a 3am wake-up call, we’re greeted by the fresh pre-dawn breeze and the spectacular panorama of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Even the half hour shivering in the dark waiting for the beautiful sunrise over Mount Bromo is worth the excitement. It’s a two-hour drive from Malang before another 30-minute jeep ride to reach the scenic lookout at Mount Penanjakan. Because it’s the holiday … [Read more...]
Star on the Rise
TV personality Daniel Mananta on spreading his wings beyond MTV and Indonesian Idol and into the realm of the silver screen. With a genial smile, Daniel Mananta energetically greets the whole crew during his photo session at Hotel Mulia, Jakarta. Taking different poses, he queries himself jokingly, “Am I acting naturally?” Such a question is clearly in jest, especially from a guy who has experienced much success in front of the camera. It should not come as a surprise, therefore, to see … [Read more...]
Life as Comedy
Words by Aulia R. Sungkar. Photography by Adam Glen. Published in Jetstar Asia Magazine, February-March 2010 edition. Lenong has been an important part of Jakarta's comedy scene for more than 600 years. Enjoying popularity for centuries, particularly in the community of Betawi (Jakarta’s indigenous natives), lenong performances have become rare these days. Chairman and play director of Betawi Comedy Foundation, Syaiful Amri is one of the very few who actively organise lenong. There are … [Read more...]
Positively Charged
Positioned right in the heart of Chinatown, everything is within your reach at The Sparks Hotel Jakarta. Here are four things to do nearby GET SHOPPING The six shopping centres in the Mangga Dua areas are great for fashion and electronic buys. Pasar Pagi Mangga Dua, ITC Mangga Dua I and II are fashionista heaven, while gadget bargains galore can be found at Dusit and Harco Mas. Alternatively, visit WTC Mangga Dua for the complete shopping and entertainment experience. GET … [Read more...]
Surabaya Society
Follow the young set in this Indonesian city to a string of popular hotspots around town. Home to a bevy of brand new nightclubs, cool coffee shops and Western-style bars, Surabaya is no longer just a town for heavy industry types and shipping officials. This coastal capital of East Java now offers good local and international coffee shops, where trendy cosmopolites sip on lattes, while well-known DJs mark the spot around the city’s up-and-comingclubbing scene. In line with the … [Read more...]