[DAY 1] JAKARTA-LAMPUNG

::: 17 Days Sumatra Trip 2014 :::

The first day starts today. Got a bit upset with the long bus trip from Pulogadung East Jakarta to Merak Harbour, as usual: traffic!

I just love the fact that Indah and I enjoyed the 5 hours travels to the harbour, eventhough we realised that we might got to Bandar Lampung late at night.

My early dinner was nasi bungkus (rice, vegetables, a boiled egg and chili.) I Never forget to bring a small plastic container and spoon every time I travel.

Enjoying a cup of warm tea that Indah brought from home at one corner of the ferry "Shalem Surabaya" with a view of sunset in Sunda Strait.

After 2 hours, we arrived at Bakauheni Harbour, Lampung. It was 6.30 pm. It's the first time for Indah to travel in Sumatra. For me, myself, it's my second time, but still the night landscape in the Harbour was unbelievable. 

Off to Bandar Lampung at 9 o'clock. I gotta experienced another Sumatra drivers' craziness while driving! Speeding on bumpy road, driving like crazy! I pretended to sleep, but of course I couldn't! I was just hoping that we arrived as soon as possible, safe and sound.

Finally, we arrived in Bandar Lampung, Kemiling area. We planned to stay a night in my friend's house. It was 23.15 pm, late at night, but the house looked like waiting for us. My friend's parents still awoke to welcome us into their home. Ian, my friend, looked surprised to see me. I might not wanted to be in his house before, in any way.... But hey, here I am!! Long time no see Ian, I haven't heard a lot about him except he married a few years ago. 

We took our time to chat a little bit. Ian and his wife, Icha, gave us some additional information about the areas in Sumatra that we're going to visit. Icha comes from Medan, North Sumatra and Ian is actually Javanese but he and his parents live in Lampung. I feel lucky as we got all these informations from trusted persons; such as do not eat too many durian in Padang -OR- how to enjoy Aceh during Ramadhan as non-Muslim girls.

Day 1 done. Thank GOD! Off we sleep to start the second day tomorrow!

Expenses (IDR)

Pulogadung - Merak by bus PO MURNI JAYA 25000

Pulogadung entrance 1000

My early dinner, nasi bungkus 10000

Mineral water 600 ml 4000

Ferry to Bakauheni Harbour 13000 

Travel Bakauheni - Bandar Lampung 40000

TOTAL Expenses on day 1: 93000