Museum in Jakarta

Really! I wouldn't even bring myself to my own National Museum back home...and to think I am visiting the Museum in Jakarta! But, I suppose it would be good to understand the type of exhibits that each country regard as part of their cultural heritage.

This rather foreboding sculpture was made out a solid tree; tens of intricately carved figurines, most of them quite eerie by my standards, and reminded me of demonic images from nightmares.
This was the entrance to the museum exhibit. The charge for entry was 10,000rp, I think, plus another 10,000rp if you wanted to bring in your camera. Hm.
The bust was that of Mrs Sukarno, the very first, first lady of Indonesia.

The Museum looked empty and lacking because of the sheer size of the rooms, and thus, there was a crying need to increase the number of exhibits if only to fill up the echo in the dimly litted rooms.

Surabaya, Indonesia 24 July 2007

Surabaya's Juanda International Airport

Travellers like me find it useful to know the type, state and condition of airports that I would be arriving into, especially when I needed to spend considerable hours waiting for other members of my entourage. Thus, the quality of the restaurants, toilet facilities and such, become important considerations for me. Thankfully, Surabaya Juanda Airport was relatively new, modern, and had clean toilets. The restaurants included The Black Canyon Coffee House, and several other eateries serving local fare. True to most airports, their prices for local food cannot be said to be representative of the country's average cost of living, nor standard of culinary offering.

Hotel Room in Surabaya...and I cannot remember what was the name of the hotel in which I stayed in. Certainly not exactly memorable. The rooms were old, but I understand this was considered to be a 4-star hotel.

Jimabaran Bali Restaurant is somewhat of a local franchise / restaurant chain that appeared to be ubiquitous all over Indonesia. I've tried the same restaurant in Bundung, and I've seen a similar Jimbaran Bali restaurant across the street of Novotel Mangga Dua Hotel, Jakarta.

Yes, it's always nice to go ethnic when you eat at a local restaurant. The rustic feel of a pavilion corner for the tired business traveller gives one a sense of having "been" to the suburban regions of Indonesia

The food wasn't too bad either!

Dessert

Dessert was at a very quaint home-styled restaurant that belonged to this lady who had studied overseas and converted her home into a restaurant.

Taal, Volcanic Crator

Being here reminded me a lot of the chain of restaurants in Australia. Al Fresco dining was the in thing here too.



Dinner was at Densio's, the local chain of restaurants serving a variety of western cuisines. Filipino Steaks are a little more salty than regular steaks.

Nurture Spa in Tagaytay, Philippines

This fairy tale castle was what we saw enroute to Nurture Spa, Tagaytay. My friend told me she used to live like royalty when she resided in Philippines. Now I know why...
Nurture Spa - a hideaway in Tagaytay that's tucked at the end of a long, winding road.Back to nature in Nurture Spa.

In the somewhat picturesque grounds of the Nurture Spa, you'll be able to find benches where romance can have its moments.

Coconut leaves drape the thatched roofs of the Nurture Spa. Be prepared to spend at least USD30 per 60 minute full body massage session. The shower room in the massage chamber was something of a cool welcome to road-weary travellers.

Batangas...toward Tagaytay, Philippines

I wasn't exactly at this place, being busy with work, whilst my friend, who was having her vacation took the opportunity to make me feel envious that she could wander off with the driver to idylic oceanic locations and snap me pictures of what I COULD HAVE seen had I not had to spend the afternoon in some boring office discussing dull business stuff.

A typical architecture in Batangas.

The lady is an extra.

The picture show a Jeepney, a common mode of transportation throughout Philippines. I think it's great fun to hop onto one, provided you carry little cash and wear a pretty smile.

A local enterprise.

The Province - Batanga, Philippines

Enroute to Batangas, we stopped by a gas station and I noticed that the gas stations in Philippines were like mini malls, with stretches of well known stores, including Starbucks, and a Pancake House too.

We stopped by a quaint restaurant, called the Treehouse Restaurant, aptly named as the restaurant had sitting areas built on trees. They served authentic Filipino food. Personally for me, I found the climate a little too tropical for treehouse dining. The bugs crawling and flying around were a little too close to nature for me. However, for the less faint hearted, who find bugs a delicacy in themselves, I'll say, go for it! A worthwhile experience and certainly a photo opportunity. It looks really great on pictures.

The treehouse experience!

For the less bug-inclined, try the slightly air-conditioned sitting area provided within the main hall. They even serve a nice spread of a variety of local Filipino delights. The local catch, Milk Fish, is a must-try. My dear friend tells me they season the fish with pepper and lime. I liked it very much. By the end of the meal, I'd finished all of the fish. My friend's favorite part of the fish was the greyish centre, which had a smooth, soft and oily taste. I preferred the sides.

The interior of the restaurant was a cheerful, bright colored, homely seating arrangement. I liked the colors; they gave me a very young, happy feeling. I felt like I'd been invited to a local Filipino family's home for lunch.