INSPIRING JOURNEY is continuously exploring territories not just in the PHILIPPINES but also beginning to conquer interesting places in other countries.
This year, it was another first for me...first time in INDONESIA...the WORLD'S LARGEST ARCHIPELAGO...
We were 10 officers from the PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE who were luckily selected to participate in the OFFICERS EXCHANGE VISIT PROGRAM in INDONESIA in 2015. The PHILINDO (Philippine Indonesia) Exchange Officer Program is an annual activity wherein 10 Officers from the PAF visit Indonesia to learn about their Air Force, and other relevant matters about Indonesia. In the same manner, 10 Indonesian Officers visit the Philippines particularly the Philippine Air Force to learn about us and the countries' top tourist destinations. These visit programs certainly strengthen the relationships between the 2 countries.
Only 1 from the group was able to visit INDONESIA before. That fact is already a proof that excitement is highly existing within the group. My only advantage is that I was the only one from the group who took up BAHASA INDONESIAN LANGUAGE COURSE at the INDONESIAN EMBASSY just recently.
It was midnight of August 31, 2015 when we arrived in INDONESIA. There is one hour difference from the time in the PHILIPPINES with that in INDONESIA. PHILIPPINES is ahead by one hour. It was 3 and a half hours travel time from MANILA to JAKARTA.
The excitement is rising up as we continue walking at the airport looking around enjoying the new environs, savoring a different ambiance, reading and hearing unfamiliar words, and seeing new faces.
It was another exciting ride for the travel from the AIRPORT to the HOTEL enjoying the views along the way. For some, it was an amazing realization that INDONESIAN has right hand drive vehicles.
During the travel, I was actually looking for the HEAVY TRAFFIC FLOW because I was able to read that JAKARTA has the WORST TRAFFIC FLOW in the WORLD. However, it was midnight already so I assumed that heavy traffic flow came during rush hours only.
After about an hour travel, we finally arrived at HOTEL SANTIKA. Then we immediately fixed our things especially the uniform that we would be wearing the following day, then we finally rested our tired bodies and overwhelmed senses.
Despite being tired from the travel from MANILA (airport) to JAKARTA (airport), then from AIRPORT to HOTEL in JAKARTA and having slept only for few hours, I woke at around 5am (6am Philippine time). I immediately fixed my things and took a bath, then at 6am we went down to the BREAKFAST BUFFET ROOM.
Despite being tired from the travel from MANILA (airport) to JAKARTA (airport), then from AIRPORT to HOTEL in JAKARTA and having slept only for few hours, I woke at around 5am (6am Philippine time). I immediately fixed my things and took a bath, then at 6am we went down to the BREAKFAST BUFFET ROOM.
This is my first breakfast, first meal in INDONESIA at HOTEL SANTIKA...our HOME in INDONESIA for 3 days....
Please take note that there is a different electric SOCKET in INDONESIA...there is a need to bring SOCKET ADAPTER to be able to recharge your gadgets.
This is the LOBBY of HOTEL SANTIKA in JAKARTA CITY. The HOTEL is a walking distance from the MINI INDONESIA PARK. The park is just like NAYONG PILIPINO, where you can witness the interesting landmarks and tourist destinations in INDONESIA...
This is at MINI INDONESIA PARK, one of the prominent building designs in INDONESIA. We were not able to explore more in the PARK since our schedules were very hectic for 4 days, but the several trips passing by the park from and to the hotel for 3 days already acquainted us to the different structures and views within the park. HOTEL SANTIKA is an ideal place to stay if you want to explore the MINI INDONESIA PARK.
The first official destination of the day is the INDONESIAN AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS. We were warmly welcomed by the Leadership of the Indonesian Air Force. A briefing was conducted, followed by the open forum and exchanges of memento. We were also treated to see some of the facilities at the headquarters.
Then we proceeded to the HALIM PERDANAKUSUMA AIR FORCE BASE. Another warm welcome was accorded to us, then followed by briefing, open forum, and exchanges of memento.
We were treated to a sumptuous lunch at the BALE BENGONG RESTAURANT where we experienced special Indonesian cuisines including extremely spicy food.
After lunch, we proceeded back to the hotel, rested for awhile then we prepared for the visit of the representatives from the Philippine Embassy in Indonesia.
A WELCOME DINNER was held in our honor at the KECAPI 6 which is situated inside the SANTIKA HOTEL. We were treated to another round of special Indonesian food and Indonesian way of entertainment. Some of us in response to the warm welcome also rendered some songs.
We stayed for the rest of the night at HOTEL SANTIKA.
DAY 2
We had our breakfast at HOTEL SANTIKA.
After breakfast, we proceeded to ATANG SENDJAJA AIR FORCE BASE
Then we visited the INDONESIAN PEACEKEEPING CENTER. It was an amazing journey to the peacekeeping center witnessing excellent peacekeeping training facilities including beautifully designed offices.
Then we were treated to another festive mood lunch at the KARIMATA RESTAURANT. The ambiance added to the delectable cuisines willingly served for us to savor.
After lunch, we proceeded back to our respective hotel rooms. After resting for about an hour, we spent the rest of the afternoon at the PLAZA INDONESIA MALL to experience shopping in Indonesia. We took the opportunity to buy some souvenir items. After spending some money at the mall, we went back to our hotel rooms to have some rest.
Then we proceeded to another top rate restaurant for our dinner. We spent about 2 hours at JIMBARAN RESTAURANT enjoying delicious food and drinks reinforced by great ambiance to cap another unforgettable day in Indonesia.
We savored our last night at Hotel Santika. Our home for the first 2 days and 2 nights where we had remarkable moments.
DAY 3
We had an early breakfast at HOTEL SANTIKA. Definitely our last breakfast at that hotel. It might be the last that I would set foot in that wonderful place.
After breakfast, we brought all out things to the bus provided by the host country then we proceeded to another beautiful destination, the PINDAD CO.
After the informative and productive visit, we had our lunch at RAJA SUNDA RESTAURANT. Certainly, it was another fully-loaded meal.
After lunch, we visited the DIRGANTARA INDONESIA CO.
After another set of company briefing, open forum, presentation of memento, and tour of facilities, we proceeded to our next "home" in Indonesia, the ASTON TROPICANA HOTEL, our new home in Indonesia. The location of the hotel is close to the center of shopping in Bandung. Since there was still plenty of time before attending to our next activity which is dinner, we utilized the vacant time exploring the shopping streets in Bandung. We ended up buying another set of souvenirs. Then we went back to the hotel to prepare for another exciting journey to another new restaurant.
True enough, we were treated to another restaurant with amazing ambiance. The STONE CAFE RESTAURANT is just like a situated in Tagaytay City in the province of Cavite or in Baguio City with overlooking view of the beautiful Bandung.
DAY 4
We had an early breakfast at the ASTON TROPICANA HOTEL.
We visited one of the beautiful tourist spots in Bandung, the TANGKUBAN PERAHU. It is a crater of a volcano. It is comparable to Mines View Park in Baguio City. We also bought some souvenirs in the area.
After filling our senses with the wonders of nature, we filled our stomach at the GUMILANG RESTAURANT for lunch.
Then we travel back to JAKARTA from BANDUNG then had a rest and finalized fixing our luggage at the BIMA SAKTI DORM before proceeding to the airport.
Along the way, we stopped and had our last dinner in Indonesia at DAPUR SUNDA RESTAURANT. After dinner, some souvenir items were presented to us. Our delegation also presented a memento to the Indonesian Air Force.
Then we headed to SOEKAMO HATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for departure back to the PHILIPPINES.
It was a short but absolutely memorable trip for all of us. It was my first time in INDONESIA and I am hoping that it will not be the last.
TERIMA KASIH WONDERFUL INDONESIA!
No comments:
Post a Comment