Harapan Island Jakarta

With last week end being a long week and our annual staff outing on the horizon, it was decided that we should make the best of the weekend and as a group go a bit further than Bandung or Carita and have 2 whole days on a team outing. The place chosen was one of the Thousand Islands called Harapan Island.

Harapan Island is 3 hours 'express' boat ride north from Jakarta and is mainly full of places to stay and as a starting point to explore the many islands around it.

3am on Saturday morning, I am up and awake and getting ready for the weekend. My taxi arrived at 4 and so by 4.30am I was stood inside my center having a cup of tea. By 5.30 I was in Mcdonalds having breakfast. We should have all left at 5am but well, there is always someone late. The boat was due to leave at 7 and so we had to be there to catch it.

Looks nice

There is the sea under all that

Trying to get on a boat

Not our ferry

Another ferry

On the deck

Hot

Thats your seat for 3 hours

Fishing boats

A view

What I could see if I stoodup and looked down

Jakarta in the distance as we set off

The boat leaves the delightful harbour of Muara Angke, North Jakarta which is next to Pluit. It is a full on fishing harbour and considering the size of Jakarta, it should tell you then that the size of the harbour was big and packed tight with fishing vessels of all shapes and sizes and rich smells and dirty harbour water.
We had to walk t he last 10 minutes of the journey due to the traffic outside the harbour. From there we walked with the masses to a meeting point and was told our ferry was the last in line, which meant crossing 3 other ferry boats to get to ours and after clambering around we found that we had to sit in the open sun on the top deck due to the amount of people already on the boat.
The boats themselves have 2 decks of which the upper deck has a large area that is just open. The cabin area (if thats what you call it) is very low, there are no chairs and 2 fans. You have to lie or sit on the floor and sweat away. Outside you have the breeze and then sun. There is no cover from the sun so it burns.
After waiting just over an hour and with at least 300 people on board, many sat on the roof of the cabin we left the port and headed into the Java sea. It was a pretty much routine trip, clear skies and flat sea but it was hot and becauseof the sun I was wearing my black hooded top to help keep the burn away as well as my sons factor 50 sun cream, which did work. After aback numbing 3 hours of looking at small islands and the sea we eventually arrived at Pulau Harapan or Harapan Island. Again, we had to clamber over other ferries and then pretty much jump on the quay and fight through those leaving the island to get to the land. All typically Indonesian.

Arriving at the island

Tourist boat

Getting off the boat

Tourists

Welcome to Harapan Island

A view

Outside the homestay

The homestay

Main room

rooms

View 

From the front door

Side alley

We were staying in a house or homestay which was right on the sea which was nice and not far from the ferry. It was quiet enough there, and the house whilst run down had AC in the bedrooms and there were plenty of bathrooms. So plenty of space for 30 of us.
After lunch of chicken and rice we waited for another boat to take us out snorkelling. One of the best things about the islands is the amount of reef and coral that can be explored and whilst not completely pristine there are lots of colourful fish and things to look at and the water is clear, clean and warm which is good. We set off in a small fishing boat and headed off to see some fish and explore some islands. Being me, I have no idea what islands we saw, nor did I ask but most had white or golden sand with a backdrop of tress and looked nice.

Off exploring

Typical island

Golden or white sand

The blue ocean

Sun set

The snorkeling was good with the exception of how to get back on the boat as there was no ladder provided so you had to climb up onto it via a tyre which was not very helpful. After a while we set off to another island passing a overly full exposed sandbank full of tourists. We headed to a delightful islands chose not to get off the boat as the island was full of people so we headed somewhere else and snorkelled there instead.
Bobbing about in the sea we were supposed to watch the sun go down but it turned cloudy as it often does here at sunset so we headed back to the house, and once there, showered in the delightful salt water Mandi and went and ate.
After eating and things we played some 'games' which seemed to involve a lot of shouting and arguing but was good fun and the someone arrived with BBQ food for us. The Tuna was great, however that was all I ate. I like Tuna.

I passed out before 11pm as being up so early finally hit me however by 4am I was awake and so stumbled out of the house in the morning found someone selling drinks, bought some coffee and juice and watched the sun come up, which was nice.

Dawn

Sun rise

By 8am everyone was up and off exploring the island and on another boat trip. I decided to stay at the house and relax and try to sleep.
By 12 we were fighting to get back on the ferry and once on it found that the open part of the top deck had a tarpaulin sheet covering it so there was shade from sun and once we started moving the breeze kept us cool as we endured another 3 hour boat trip back. It was a little more choppy and so the ferry moved in the swell somewhat and someone threw up which was nice especially as the boat was so crowded but it was another uneventful boat trip.
Back at the port in Jakarta we had to again work out how to get off the ferry and onto land by negoiating the other tied up boat and then walked off to find a taxi. By 4.30 I was home and in the shower feeling clean again.

It was a great trip away from the city depsite the boats and the heat and not getting burnt from the sun was a plus. The ferry trip was an experience and one must do these things however next time, I will take a fast boat out. I have no idea what else is on Harapan island as I never had time or made time to explore it but the islands around were great and they are all worth going to.
For a quick break from the city which is cheap and cheerful and a true Indonesian travelling experience go to Harapan Island.

Thousand Islands

Take a boat from one of the many harbours and ports in and around Jakarta and you will inevitably end up going past small islands full of green trees front by yellow or white sand. These islands are know as the  Thousand Islands or Pulau Seribu. However there are not a thousand only from around 110 (wikipedia) to 128 (Thousand Islands website), so who knows and to be honest it does not really matter. The Thousand Islands are little places of escape for Jakartans and hopeful travellers looking to get out of the big Durian for a while and slow the pace of life down through sun bathing, different water sports, snorkeling and swimming or just plain nothing. 

Getting to the islands can be as enjoyable as your pocket is deep. There are chartered ferries, public ferries, fast boats, fairly fast boats. With some islands only 20 minutes away and others more than 3 hours, it does depend how you want to get there.

If you want the thrill of a fast boat and have not desire for crowds and sweat then head to Ancol and take a boat from there. If you want a ferry then get to the Fishing port at Muara Angke, next to Pluit and negoiate a ticket and clamber on board a large wooden boat with no seats, just the floor to lie or sit on and enjoy the sea trip. 

Recently I have been to Pulau Harapan in the East of the islands and 3 hours by ferry or and hour by fast boat, but thats a blog to come.

Here is a map. Which does not name all the Islands. Harapan is above P.Kelapa island or Coconut Island.

Prices start from 30,000 rupiah one way to well what ever. Just remember, that the more you pay, the 'quicker' or more comfortable the trip. Safety, no comment, its best not too. However, if you have ever been to an Asian Bus Station, Airport, or harbour before then the cheap boats are just like that hot and sweaty crowded moment you enjoyed then but maybe a little more...

Couple more links for you

http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/240/the-thousand-islands

http://www.indonesia-travel-guide.com/Jakarta_Travel_Guide/Thousand_Islands/Thousand_Island_Guide.html

Jeremy's second birthday

Just over 730 days ago, my wife gave birth to my new world and life, Jeremy. It seems amazing and such a short period of time in which so much has happened. I suppose as Jeremy is all consuming in terms of my time and energy so that there is nothing else really going on for me. And with the departure of the house keeper, there is no time but time with Jeremy or a mop. Who needs sleep and free time anyway? At least with Jeremy being 2 now, he is a little less dependent on everyone and can and will sit and play quietly for short periods of time without feeling the need to run off and be mischievious somewhere and have dad stop him.

Playing in a car at the mall

 Jeremy has become a firm follower of You Tube videos for kids and is not really that interested in the TV at the moment, although he will sit and watch Baby TV all day, or at least look at it now and again when it is on. Cbeebies seems to be losing ground to Baby TV and the other channels really dont get a look in at the moment.
I have downloaded a load of You Tube videos and he is content enough for now to watch them repeatedly which again leaves a little more time for me to do something else.

His new scooter

Over the weekend it was Jeremy's birthday. He turned 2 on Sunday and it was a good day. On Friday we took him to the ELC in Gandaria city to buy him a ride on scooter bike thing. We would have gone to the one in Grand Indonesia but the police had closed all the roads leading there as it was May Day and there were '000's of demonstrators marching about.
We brought him a Scooter and he now just sits on that whizzing about. Some other toys I have not seen since as well were bought but I am sure they will appear when he is ready to play with them.

From Auntie Margaret

Thanks Helen

On Sunday we did not really do much with him. He unwrapped his presents, not really knowing why and played with his new toys while me and his mum fussed over the new clothes and when in the year he will be big enough to wear them. Jeremy was happy all day and in the afternoon after shopping and more toy buying he helped cut the cake and enjoyed eating some, before retiring to his chambers early and sleeping for around 10 hours.

His cake

Blowing out the candles

I am pretty certain that next year he will be far more aware to the fact that he has a birthday and also this will probably happen at Christmas.

But for now, his second birthday was great time and fun had by all. Of course, being Dad I got to eat nearly all the cake.....

Eye Tests Jakarta

Eye tests are free in Indonesia. Free if you trust some guy or gal using an eye test machine who completes the eyes tests in a little under 15 minutes and then give you a result which can change your sight forever should you wish to act on it which I did.

My test result came back at 1.25. Which means I need reading glasses as I spend too long in front of screens, books, phones reading things in different fonts and degrees of brightness. I have have had 2 such tests in 2 different glasses or Optik stores each one stating the same thing and almost the same result. The first test was a month ago and we thanked the staff and left. The tests was on Good Friday, where we paid and then thanked the staff and left.

So, I have decided that after 42 years, well almost 43 I need some kind of visual apparatus to help my sight and reduce some headaches and help me focus quicker on words so I purchased some glasses.  I am now the proud owner of a pair of reading glasses which magnify everything close so I can see it properly or rather clearer and anything far away is a blur. And I now to have to put them on, take them off etc to do different things. Best buy some string, and have that tied around my neck so it will be easier to take my glasses with me. Joy.

Oh and here is a panoramic view of the postcards in my office, which ones (if any) did you send or make?

Post cards always welcome. Address on request. Thanks

Sick not sick

 About a month ago I was diagnosed with Typhoid/Typhus/Tipes and a host of other same sounding names which pretty much all mean the same term. Happily since then I have been given the all clear of Typhus which is good but still I am not 100% right after all this time.

We did eventually go back to the hospital and I had another blood test and was declared free of Typhus and because I was still displaying symptons on the said illness the doctor rather worryingly prescribed me some Immodium just in case and some vitamins. I took the vitamins. There were useful. The Immodium is still in its shiny packaging and probably will never be taken.

You have to love taking tablets out here

Then last week I went back to the doctor as things are still not correct and luckily for me the doctor not only did not want to give me another blood test but he spoke nigh on perfect English and so I could tell him whats going on rather through my wife. And happily again he prescribed some more antibiotics to help clear everything up but with the information that I need to eat no vegetables or fruit or juice or coffee or fried stuff but to eat rice and meat and oats. What an exciting palette that leaves me to savour.
Since the advice I have had to have some coffee, because I need to start work early in the week and meat comes in burger buns and fries are never optional. Orange juice I could stop drinking though. Its not real orange juice but some manufactured crap full of water and sugar but its nice with digestive biscuits.

I turned the bed rest down what with one thing and another happening in and around my life and so I have been instructed to stop going to work so early, rest on the weekends and slow down a lot. I am sleeping as much as I can but if we take this week so far from Monday then its hard to see how I will be able to sleep much more.

Sunday night slept at 11pm and woke at 5 for work. Home by 8pm and bed by 10.30. This morning Jeremy is emptying his toys over my head at 5am and wont let me sleep any more  for the day. I will get home at 9.30 tonight (I started work at 11.30 today) and will be up again at 5am for more early classes. Who said anything about living the dream?

Due to this prolonged illness and fatigue I constantly have I missed a chance to take a weekend off and ride out with some colleagues to the west cost of Java some 300km round trip. That bit is disappointing but I do know it would not have helped me much with things and the last thing I want is more discomfort.  But I am sure there will be another time.

Finally time to moan about the traffic and the headache it is now causing me and will continue to do for at least the rest of the year. There is new elevated road being constructed on my way to work which will end on the main non tollway road from east Jakarta. This road is far too busy without any need for roadworks, so the fact the road has been reduced from 4 to 2 lanes in places (which includes a dedicated bus lane) and the police stand about and watch and are not seeming to do anything to divert traffic it is adding an extra 15 minutes to my journey. Now, I could ignore that and take the other main route to work but as there is an MRT being built and part of the same elevated road the traffic there is even worse. Add to it the fact that people are also looking to find less chaos on their way to work means the roads all around the area I live in are constant gridlock from 5am to 10pm.

Sort of stuff I ride in everday and its gets frustrating

Friday night there was a huge rain storm over the city which lasted a good few hours and this meant that my journey home time on a bike was 1.5 hours as every road I could take home was closed due to floods or traffic so I ended going way out of the way to get home, only to discover the street outside my house was full of broken down bikes which had failed to get through the 60cm floods all around my house. As much as I loathe to say it, roll on the dry season!!!

Jeremy at 22 Months

In 2 months time Jeremy will be 2. That has come round so quickly and everything has been now, thinking back, a blur.
In those 22 months he has grown and changed everyday and continues to delight and amaze me with his ability to learn, his activity and energy and his interest in everything.

 He has probably all his teeth. He likes to show me when he has finished eating by opening his mouth to tell me its empty. He tells me when he wants more, when there is something on the floor or an ant or something. He gets tissues and phones when asked and asks for water or milk.

He can sit still and watch TV for up to 10 minutes at a time before moving or running about and asks for Charlie and Lola on Cbeebies. He knows and can say some of the words to 'Steal My girl' by One direction (although that has nothing to do with me). He knows animals and which ones are scary, he growls, which ones are birds or cats, fish, dogs, bugs etc. Owls, Cats, Dogs, Bugs, Birds, Deer, Cow, Pigs, he can call by name or by sound.
Apples and bananas he can ask for.

He likes to scribble over everything. He can play with toy cars and make the noises. He fetches, he carries and he behaves most of the time.  For me all this is awesome and great to watch. He also loves buses, big and small. Toy or real and those really sad bus videos on You Tube when he will watch them and shout 'bus' at every moment a bus goes by. Buses are a big deal

He is past his allergy of lactose, he will eat almost anything. He will drink and eat almost everything he is given and will say no if he does not like it or want it.

Jeremy is now 14.4kg a little more than he was in October and is around 90cm a fair few centimeters taller than October and is fit and healthy. We had to take him to the Dr on Saturday because he had a week long cough and it was down to the common cold or flu virus and so medicine soon sorted that out. Carrying him around in the hospital he would point at the mothers with babies and say 'baybi' to them. Standing next to other little children he would touch their face but no in a bad way but it would be a little worrying for me. I have not seen him interact with other children and I really do not know how he behaves around them. He still has a long way to go before sharing with others really comes into his mind and he can rationalise things like that but I will teach best I can.

We now have TV downstairs and now he looks at the TV when it is on and expects it to be put on then and happily will get bored of it and go and do something and then go back to it if there something he likes. Baby TV and Cbeebies, Oggy and the Cockroaches and slowly but surely Gumball are his favourites and so I now know about Numtums, Charlie and Lola, Dinopaws, Sarah and Duck, etc The things you learn.

Our next adventure will be a train trip with him, a tricycle and having encouraging to speak more and make more sense.

His birthday will also be fantastic, and thats not long either.