Makan-Makan di Jakarta 2.0

With less than a year, here I am again... back to Jakarta, Indonesia.

Because I was craving for Indonesian Cuisine... and looking forward to try other hype restaurants in Jakarta. This time around (we went to Jakarta 2 weeks before Ramadhan), we filled up our tummies at Pagi Sore (again), Sate Khas Senayan, Kampung Kecil Abdul Muis, Amanaia Menteng, Sop Jondo Kawanua, Artirasa (twice) and Bakoel Koffie. 

Let's start with Amanaia Menteng (highly recommended!)

Obviously this is a place for rich people in Indonesia. We, B40 people with T20 tastebud can only dine here once in a lifetime. We spent IDR 955K for 2 person. That price covered Steamed Rice, Gurame Goreng Kipas 👍, Iga Bakar Parape 👍, Udang Bakar Madu, Gulai Daun Ubi 👍, Sambal Pete, Tahu Isi, Es Jeruk Kelapa, Es Cendul, and Es Pisang Ijo (desserts).

The taste 👍
The ambience 👍
The service 👍
The cleanliness 👍

10/10 

literally "Calm before the Storm"

Plus, you can enjoy the sampan ride (with a boatman services) on the man-made lake if you want. But during my visit, we experienced a sudden, very bad weather with heavy and downpour rain while having our lunch there, that made us to move our table from the lakeside to the centre area. Although our food later contains some raindrops, but it never demotivate us to finish our meals, because it was damn too good (and too pricey).  

Can you spot the sampan ride?

Next, let's go to Kampung Kecil Abdul Muis (also highly recommended!)

Actually last year, we planned to have our lunch here at Kampung Kecil but, there was a road closure near to the restaurant due to some kind of parade for the Labour Day. So this time around, let's try their signature dish.

We ordered their family package for IDR 404K only (can feed up to 4 person). The package includes Steamed rice, Ayam Cobek Mertua 👍, Gurame Asem Manis 👍, Teri Pete Balado, Kangkong Cah Seafood 👍, Lalapan (Ulam), Es Jeruk and mineral water. We added Tauhu Sumedang with Sambal Kicap at IDR 24K and Es Kelapa Jeruk at IDR 31K. 

The taste - scrumptious! 👍
The ambience, service and cleanliness - OK, but maybe because when we were arrived, the place are too crowded and we got a table next to few groups who smoking a lot (outdoor). So that area was quite noisy, smelly and a bit stuffy. The staff really took their time to clean up the table and dirty plates. In future, I would rather to dine indoor with air-condition even if I need to wait a bit longer. 

Overall, I give 8/10 and I definitely will come again. 

Oh ya, Surau is provided but not Muslimah friendly. 

Next destination... Pagi Sore, Pantai Indah Kapuk

A-must-place-to-go. But this time, we spent IDR 416K only; compared to last year, where we spent more than IDR 1M for 6 pax. This time, we tried their Sambal Terong 👍, Tunjang 👎, Ayam Pop 👍, Dendeng Balado 👍 (I got it right this time), and usual dishes every time I went to Nasi Padang like Ayam Goreng 👍, Sayur Ubi Tumbuk 👍, Sambal Teri Hijau, Sambal Hijau 👍, and Alpokat Juice 👍. 

Managed to get similar spot like last time 😍

The taste 👍
The ambience 👍
The service - A bit slow this time. Calling the staff so many time. 

The cleanliness 👍

9/10 

Near to Pagi Sore, there is Sop Jondo Kawanua

Wanna try Sop Bontot Bakar? This is the place. 

However, since we are not craving for that, we just ordered their specialty which is Sop Jando Kawanua. Here, at this restaurant, besides Sop Jando Kawanua 👍, we also ordered Tumis Lidah (tongue) Cabe Ijo 👍, Cumi Cabe Ijo Pete 👍, Tumis Kembang Pepaya Kangkung 👎, Es Kelapa Gula Aren and Alpokat Juice. Total IDR 474K.

To those who are a spicy-intolerance person like me, please tell the server that you request for less spicy and put aside the sambal because all meals are too damn hot & spicy!!!! No, I won't come again. 

The taste - too spicy. and the Es Kelapa Gula Aren is below expectation. 
The ambience - too small/ cramped. outdoor seating was too hot. they said the first floor is not open for guest.
The service - quite slow. and the cashier machine also got some issue that time.
The cleanliness 👍

6/10 

From the Social Media like TikTok and Threads, I saw a lot of travellers suggesting Sate Khas Senayan. So, let's try!

We tried the one at Plaza Indonesia Mall. Since we are not too hungry, so we just ordered Sate Kambing Campur 👍, Sate Jamur (oyster mushroom), Sop Buntut 👍, Tahu Kipas 👍, Es Lime Tea and Alpokat Juice 👎. 

The taste 👍 except for Avocado Juice, the coffee (I expecting chocolate) is overpowering.
The ambience 👍
The service 👍
The cleanliness 👍

9/10 

For simple dish like this, we paid for IDR 610K. So damn expensive 👎!! In fact, they are over-charging us for gratuity and taxes. Definitely I won't support their business no more. 

Noticed what similar in every meals we had?

The local Tahu! Tahu Isi at Amanaia, Tahu Sumedang at Kampung Kecil, and Tahu Kipas at Sate Senayan. All Tahu(s) are delicious and worth having for. Definitely will go to Jakarta again just for Tahu.

Certified Professional Marketer

“Being proud of who you have become doesn’t mean you’re perfect; it means you’re aware of your growth and potential” – Elizabeth Gilbert

It's been a year... since the Graduation Ceremony for my Certified Professional Marketer (CPM), organized by the Institute of Marketing Malaysia (IMM). The event was a huge success with the presence of 42 out of 54 graduates from Class 2/2022, Class 1/2023 and Class 2/2023. And... the best part is... the certificate was presented by the HANDSOME royal guest of honour, YAM. Tengku Arif Temenggong Tengku Fahad Mua’adzam Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah. weeee

Well, I do received a lot of inquiries on this professional certificate.

What is CPM?

CPM is the highest recognition of marketers who have attained a competent level of academic and practical understanding of marketing in the Asia region. The professional status is conferred by Asia Marketing Federation (AMF). 

How did I hear about CPM?

From Putra Business School (PBS), UPM. 

One of the reasons why I choose PBS for my MBA is because PBS offers their graduates of MBA in Marketing with 3 certificates including i) MBA certificate, ii) Certified Manager (CMgr) by Chartered Management Institute (CMI), UK; and iii) this CPM (Asia) certification. 

And also, from my husband. He knew Dato' Sharifah, the President of IMM quite well.

How much do I pay for the CPM?

The course fee for CPM is at RM14,000 (HRDC claimable). 

Since PBS have a very good collaboration with IMM, PBS is offering attractive fee structure for the CPM. To be honest, the MBA in Marketing study fee at PBS is at RM 32,000 (for local student and full time). A bit higher than other Business Schools. But for me, it’s a very good investment. Especially when the holders of CPM will be awarded Life Membership of IMM. 

Nope, I'm not paying RM32K for my MBA. I am not that rich. Actually I applied for MARA loan, under GrEP incentive. And since I graduated on-time, I just need to pay back to MARA at RM12K++ only. What a good deal, right?

What are the requirements for enrolment?

To obtain CPM professional status with AMF approval, the applicants must have a degree or professional qualification from a recognized institution. AMF also consider those applicants without academic qualification as long as they possess at least 3 years of practical marketing experience in any of Asian countries.

Makan-Makan di Jakarta

Let's be honest.. I'm not the right person to do a food review. Because I am not a foodie. There's a lot of things in the World I don't eat. Yeap, I am a picky eater. And I have spicy food intolerance. But as promised in the previous post, I'll share some dine experience with regards to the restaurants in Jakarta from our recent visit (last Labour Day).

RM Pagi Sore at Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK). 

The first day we arrived Jakarta, we planned to go straight to Pagi Sore from the Airport. Apparently, it was Labor Day, guys!... and the queue was too long up to the parking lot. Then we tried again on the next day. Perfect! No queue. 

I do like Nasi Padang. I've tried Nasi Padang Garuda, Sederhana, Ampera Raya, Uni Yani, Simpang Raya, and many more. And for me, Pagi Sore is one of the best Nasi Padang I've been tasted. Indeed, "to die for"

In total, we spent 1,061,500 Rupiah (for 5+1pax) here.. 

I made an honest mistake while ordering Dengdeng. I didn't know that there's different kind of Dengdeng at Pagi Sore. Need to do more research next time.

Cabe Ijo PIK.

Not too far away from Pagi Sore, there's a Seafood Restaurant called Cabe Ijo. Although the restaurant name is Cabe Ijo (Green Chilies), but the food ain't spicy at all.

We ordered Alu Alu Fish, Salted egg Fried Squid 👍🏻, Coconut Tom Yam, Grilled aubergine, Fried chicken for the kid, Steamed rice and some beverages. At this restaurant, we spent 750K Rupiah (for 4+1pax)

Honest feedback: The services are soooooo slowwwww. Our first 30-mins, no one came to take order, although we have been calling them 3 times. And, we only got our meals 45-mins later. 

Pondok Sedap Malam Seafood

There are 6 outlets of Pondok Sedap Malam in Jakarta. And we went to the one at Jakarta Pusat. Although we went there quite late for dinner (as you can see from the photo below - not many guests in the restaurant), but the seafoods are fresh and scrumptious. 

We ordered Grilled 'Bawal' Fish, Salted egg Prawn, Grilled Squid, Fried Squid, Chilli Crab 👍🏻, Fried Chicken, Steamed rice, Fried Mantao 👍🏻 and beverages. That night, we spent 1,750K Rupiah (for 5+1pax)

Bogor Cafe, Hotel Borobudur

We were here for... Sop Buntut Bakar! 

Actually there are few other places where you can find the Oxtail Soup, but this is the closest to the hotel we stayed. My husband has tried the one at Sedayu Indo Golf PIK, and my friend suggested the one at Metro Pondok Indah. 

Besides Grilled Oxtail 👍🏻 and Fried Oxtail 👍🏻, we also ordered some Satay. Here, we spent 1,625,000 Rupiah (for 5+1 pax)

PICCA Steak Room

As mentioned in the previous post, we ordered 3 plates of Steak 👍🏻, 2 plates of Carbonara Pasta, Calamari Skewers 👍🏻, Scallops with cream lemon sauce, Tiramisu Cake and Pannacotta. Altogether, almost 2M Rupiah (for 5+1 pax).

Three (3) things I like about this restaurant

1. Of course, the taste. The best steak in town. Highly recommended!
2. The services and the waiting time. We got our meals after 10mins only. That was quick!
3. The refillable home-made frittes/fries. You can eat as much as you can

However, there are also three (3) things I don't like about this restaurant

1. The minimum order. We need to order at least for 1,700,000 Rupiah
2. The ambience. The restaurant is quite small, narrow and cramped... and they are using the old aircond (I hope you understand my point)
3. The order method (stamping idea) is rare & creative, but it's quite confusing. and.. not sustainable enough. I think they should go paperless - meaning to say, go digital!

That's all for Makan-Makan in Jakarta. Next post will be Kopi-Kopi di Jakarta.

Stay tuned!

Birthday in Jakarta

My husband went to Jakarta almost every month, and just recently he went there almost every alternate week. Either for business trips or... to play golf. Yeap, Indonesia offers the best Golf Courses in the world. The quality of grass, the topography, the weather (especially the one in Bogor), affordable green fees, and not to forget the beautiful caddy. I'm not a golfer, obviously. Although I myself own a set of TaylorMade's golf club, I do have a Putting Mat at home and once in a blue moon, I went for a full swing practice at nearby driving ranges. But golf... is not my thing.

Each time he's in Jakarta, he keeps saying "Wish you were here".. That's when he enjoyed himself with the local cuisine. Not sure if we can call that some kind of romantic gesture or not. But as long as he remembered me, I am flattered. Honestly, Jakarta was never in my bucket list. I've been there for couple of times. In fact, Jakarta was the first international destination I've been. And that was in 2009. Fast forward, 16 years later...

His golf trip happened-to-be was arranged a week before his birthday.

Me   : Since your birthday is around the corner, let's extend you stay and have your birthday celebration there. 

Him : Aight!

Me   : Should we invites your family members too? The more the merrier

Him : Yes of course!

And just like that...

The Birthday Celebration was held at PICCA Steak Room. Arranged and booked by my sister-in-law. She said that the reservation needs to be made at least a month before, with deposit of 500,000 Rupiah, and with minimum order of 1,700,000 Rupiah (seriously???). So we ordered 3 plates of Steak, 2 plates of Carbonara Pasta, 2 plates of seafood, 2 kind of desserts (that includes the Birthday Cake) and some beverages; just to make sure that we meet the minimum amount. But in the end, we paid for 2M Rupiah with taxes.

We conclude the Birthday Celebration with the Body Massage at Kokuo Signature, Bumi Pakubuwono. The only massage centre that offer a massage for kids (but still charging the same rates as adult). We enjoyed the 60-mins massage at 180,000 Rupiah per person. And we enjoyed the free drinks afterwards. 

Apart of PICCA Steak Room, we had our Nasi Padang at Pagi Sore PIK, Seafood at Cabe Ijo, another Seafood meals at Pondok Sedap Malam and Sop Buntut Bakar (Oxtail) at Bogor Cafe, Hotel Borobudur. We also enjoy the Coffee time at Scarlett's Cafe PIK, Kurasu Kissaten, Cafe Batavia, and Bleum Coffee at By The Sea PIK. 

(more details and picture in the next post)

Although we went to Jakarta for 4-Days, seems like not enough time. We still have few other restaurants to explore. Namely Kampung Kecil Abdul Muis, Amanaia Menteng, Sop Jando Kawanua, Nasi Kapau Salero Denai, Warunk Upnormal, Bakoel Koffie, harlan+holden... and the list goes on.

Till next time!

Ada Apa Dengan Yogyakarta?

From the misty sunrise at Panguk Hill to the majestic height of Merapi... 

from the charm of Mangunan Pines Forests to the iconic Borobudur Temple...

Yogyakarta has been pure magic!

The adventure begins once we set our foot in Yogya (also known as Jogja). What we did not expected was the amount of jeep rides we need to handle. Not once or twice, but thrice! Every day, in every attraction, we need to experience different jeep rides with different kind of tracks.

Warning: Yeap, this off-road tour is definitely NOT for any pregnant ladies, family with babies or small kids, senior citizen or those with backpain. Yogya is NOT for those who acrophobia (fear of height), and NOT for those indoor person. because there's a lot of walking and climbing the (steep) stairs.

To be honest, that’s not what we expected at all when we planned for our ladies trip. 

Since there’s NO safety features at most photo-spot (especially at the Panguk Hill, Tembelan Cliff and Timang Beach), it’s best to purchase a Travel Insurance. 

And don’t forget to check the weather forecast. Apart from the scorching weather (seriously, it was too hot to handle) for the whole 4-days trip, but surprisingly there was one time.. it wasn't. It was the day we woke up at 3am and went to Panguk Hill for the sunrise. but unfortunately.. it was slight rain and cloudy that morning. Not the kind of view we were expecting. Better luck next time!

Expectation:

Reality:

Bukit Panguk at 5:12am (local time), 26th October 2024

Mineral water, hat and sunglasses are the must items to bring.. anywhere.. anytime. Actually, we have prepared some raincoats and shoes covers from Malaysia, just in case we get soak while riding the gondola at Timang Beach. But it was a low tide season with no big waves. 

However, little that we know, the Merapi Tour is the one can caused us wet splash. We forgot to bring the raincoat with us that day and luckily there’s a local lady selling raincoat for 10,000 rupiah only (cheaper than the one I bought at Caring Pharmacy). Very much appreciated it as we didn’t bring any extra clothes. We travel light this time. Those who loves water-based kind of adventure, you may try tubing at Pindul Cave. 

Apart from all the adrenaline rush and body sweating tours, we also amazed with the Yogyakarta new big clean modern airport, Kulon Progo (YIA) Airport that located by the sea. 

And not to forget the newly opened complex with new system at the Borobudur Temple. It surely looks organise and cozy. As the world's largest Buddhist temple, the Borobudur area is very huge.. synonym to it’s “symbol of Power”. From the parking area, we need to walk a bit, passing thru the souvenir shops to get to the tram stop. From there, the tram brought us to the ticketing centre. Surprisingly the ticketing centre itself is air-conditioned, using the displayed numbering system, and have the body scanning machine.

We took the one-hour guided tour for 455,000 rupiah. The rate includes a pair of slippers, mineral water, and a non-woven bag to keep our shoes. After collecting the ‘door gift’, we need to wait for our group turn at the designated (seated) area. The guided tour is available every hour for maximum 30 pax only per group. Ours is at 2:30pm.

 

Although the rate is quite expensive, but it’s totally worth and it was an eye-opening tour. We glad that we booked the guided tours at most places we went.

In Merapi, our jeep driver took us to the Bunker & the Merapi Museum. His services (as a driver, cum as a guide and photographer) already included in the package, just pay him some tips for courtesy. While in Tamansari, we added the guide services for 50,000 rupiah. 

The guide is mentioning the King's looong name in one single breath

It’s good to have the local guides to explain the history of those places. Else, you only see an old building just an old building without knowing the story behind it. 

In total, I’ve spent RM 2,500 only. Our package price is at RM 1,880 with return flight ticket on Air Asia. The rest is on the meals, shopping, entrance tickets, guide services, photographer services, tips, 1-hour full body massage, roaming, and travel insurance.

Gondola Pantai Timang          200,000 rupiah

Candi Borobudur + guide       455,000 rupiah

Gereja Ayam + tuk tuk ride       40,000 rupiah

We didn't get a chance to shopping at the famous and bustling Malioboro Street. However, we found that shopping at the souvenir store at Rhema Hill (Gereja Ayam) is quite interesting. The affordable range of prices comes with up-to-date design and good quality. The store is called Daun Bukit - Oleh Oleh Burubudur. The fridge magnet here is cheaper than the one sold at the Borobudur Temple. 

For me, the best buy was the massage rock made from the black lava we purchased at Mount Merapi. From 20,000 rupiah, I managed to bargain up to 15,000 rupiah each. 

As for the F&B, in total we (a small group of 4) have spent 2M rupiah for 4 days trip. Average of RM 20 only per meal. Soooo cheap! It's almost unbelievable.

The most expensive one was at the Pak Sis Timang Lobster Restaurant at Timang Beach. We took the 1kg lobster with one plate of fried squid, some vegetables and drinks for 700,000 rupiah. But it's a great value of the price for the fresh seafood. And 1kg is more than enough for 4 ladies.

In Jogja city, the best restaurant we went is the Zona Seafood Jogja, Jl. Abu Bakar Ali No.2, Gowongan, Kec. Gondokusuman, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55224, Indonesia.
Love the deco and the rooftop ambience. All of this, only at 260,000 rupiah.

There are 2 good restaurants I can recommend if you are travelling between Yogya Airport & Yogya city (vv):

- Pondok Makan Bu Hartin, Jl. Ki Josuto No.18, Area Sawah, Wates, Kec. Wates, Kabupaten Kulon Progo, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55651, Indonesia. Love the paddy/ corn field view. 270,000 rupiah.

 

- Special Sambal “SS” Waroeng. There’s a lot of “SS” outlets in Yogya and more than 100 outlets in Malaysia. They have more than 10 types of "sambal". 180,000 rupiah.

Near to Borobudur Temple, we had our lunch at Rumah Makan Padang Uni Yani, No, Jl. Balaputradewa No.3, Dusun 1, Wanurejo, Kec. Borobudur, Kabupaten Magelang, Jawa Tengah 56553, Indonesia. Unfortunately, no 'dendeng'. 225,000 rupiah.

But in case you are on a tight budget, you can try Bakso Balungan, Jl. Suryowijayan No.28, Gedongkiwo, Kec. Mantrijeron, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55142, Indonesia. 101,000 rupiah.

Or Raja Sate & Soto, Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan No.61a, Pandeyan, Kec. Umbulharjo, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55161, Indonesia. 116,000 rupiah.

Last but not least, you can redeem and enjoy your free "Ubi Rebus" at Kedai Bukit Rhema. And if you come early and if you are lucky, you can see the Borobudur Temple and the tip of Mount Merapi.

If I have another chance to travel to Jogja ever again, I want to cover Pule Payung, Heha Sky View, Pinus Pengger, Candi Plaosan, Candi Prambanan and the Obelix Hills. Till next time~