PNK PENGERANG: SURABAYA, Mt. BROMO, BATU Tour, 22 – 25 March 2017

Wednesday, 22 March 2017, at 12 noon we have landed at International Airport Juanda Surabaya. After passing through immigration issue, we grab our baggage and went out of that airfield directly for lunch at Sederhana Restaurant, Sidoarjo. After satisfied with the Padang food, we went to PGS (Pusat Grossir Surabaya) Pasar Turi, the centre of retail with cheaper price; unfortunately that PGS would be closed in 2 hour, due to our limited time, so we just spending a little. Our tour continued to the House of Sampoerna, the industrial unit of Sampoerna where the cigarette produces manually. Before leaving for Mount Bromo, we stopped over at Lesehan Joyo Restaurant for dinner, the Javanese taste.

At 12 midnight, we arrived at Bromo Permai Hotel transit to take a rest for a while. At 2 am, by the four wheel drive, we were ready to reach the peak to be the first person (of course being with others) in the east java area for seeing the sun rise that day. Along the journey at that dawn to the peak, we have seen others four wheel drives, just looked like fireflies in the dark. Within 45 minutes we were at the peak. In the 8-9 degree temperature, there were so many many many people waiting for Mr. Sun rises…. Sadly, until 6 am the Sun still unseen, it was covered by cloud and fog. We were unlucky that day, we couldn’t meet Mr. Sun; thus we just took a picture with the beautiful scene around Mount Bromo, the active volcano, and the last eruption was on January 2015.

After clean up and late breakfast at hotel, we had to take more 3 hours drive to get Malang City to taste the famous and special food of Malang, Bakso, the meat ball. In fact, bakso is just an appetizer not main course, however, at Bakso Kota Cafe, where that bakso was served in full and complete (bakso and its friends) with one giant meat ball; at the end we had no lunch anymore due to glut of bakso. After all, we went directly to Batu city; with first destination was Wisata Petik Apple, the apple picking tour, where we could reap apple directly from the tree, and eat it as much as we can. But, if we wanted to take that apple home, we had to buy it. After harvesting apple, we continued to Museum Angkut, the museum that consist of so many type of vehicles existed since ancient times, with the concept of an environment that resembles the original state of that vehicle was derived. After exploring museum Angkut, we felt hungry and had a dinner at Lesehan Joglo Dau, the Javanese food. We checked in Samara Hotel Batu to clean up before going to last destination that day which was a BNS, Batu Night Spectacular, a tour rides night such as drag race, mouse coaster, 4D theatre, etc.

Friday morning, we had breakfast at hotel, while some of us swam at the hotel before continued exploring Batu city, that was a Jatim Park 2, tour destination that combine a science education concept (learning park) and technology; and divided into Museum Satwa (=Fauna); Batu Secret Zoo and Eco Green Park. Before leaving for Surabaya we had lunch at Mbok Sri Restaurant, the Javanese food, and shop for souvenir and snack at Barawijaya Istana Oleh Oleh and also other mini markets. On the way to Surabaya we also stopped over in Tanggulangin Village, known as the centre of leather industry (bag, wallet, jacket, shoe, etc) for local and international market.

Arrived at Surabaya, we had dinner at Sederhana Restaurant, and then checked in Halogen Hotel, close to Juanda Airport, just for transit, caused we would back to Johor Bahru on the first flight. Morning call was at 03.30 AM, we had to cleaned up, prepared anything, early had breakfast at hotel, checked out hotel and went to Juanda International Airport, and back home safely…. Alhamdulillah… Thanks a lot God…

Let’s see our memory

HATYAI – SONGKHLA

4 days 3 nights trip 

Monday 16 Nov 2015, at 9 pm, we started our trip from the Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan (PPK) Muar Selatan office, by 2 double deck buses; yeaahh…. our group was a big group; consist of 90 people plus some of crews. We spent our first night at the bus. And at 5.15 am we arrived at R & R Gunung Semanggul-Bukit Merah, Perak, for cleaning up, Subuh Praying and early breakfast. At 10 am we have reached CTC Changlun, Kedah to get white card and changed money before entering the border of 2 countries.

The first our activity in Hatyai – Thailand was a having lunch at D’Hatyai Restaurant, the Thailand food, so yummy but so hot & spicy. After lunch, we continued to go to Nora Plaza, the central of Thailand souvenir in Hatyai. After satisfying souvenir hunting, we moved to the Central of Snack, where so many kinds of snacks presented there, such as dried mango/seaweed/durian/jackfruit, etc; noodle, crackers, beans, candies, and so on.

At 6 pm, we arrived at Hatyai Central Hotel. Finally we could clean up properly and took a rest for a moment, after more than 15 hours in the bus! At 8 pm, we went out of hotel for dinner at Kak Sah Muslim Kitchen, Thai food taste also. After dinner, we have a free time to explore Hatyai city. Some of us dropped in front of Li Garden Mall and some back to the hotel. We were all separated in the Hatyai city to get our own need, foot/body massage or just window shopping. We could back to hotel by foot or by tuk tuk, the traditional public transport in Hatyai.

On the third day, we have breakfast at Thai Malaysia Restaurant, Malaysian food buffet; actually, we deserved for breakfast at hotel, but we felt hesitant, due to it’s not muslim country and muslim hotel. After breakfast we went directly to Songkhla, for 1 hour from Hatyai. In Songkhla we visited the Samila Beach, the beach that famous with mermaid statue, beside of mouse & cat statues as represent of the mouse & cat islands. Satisfied taking picture & shopping souvenir, snack & ice cream at that beach, we went to the Central of Handicraft-Songkhla for hand bag, wallet, hat, etc; where the main material is made from the waste of coconut tree. Finished shopping at the Central of Handicraft, we moved to Sami Kitchen for lunch….. thai food taste again.

After Lunch, we’re back to Hatyai & stopped at Masjid Wilayah Songkhla, for praying (Jama’ Dzuhur & Ashar); it’s the big…. big…. big mosque….. compared to the prayer. Arrived in Hatyai, we explore the Chang Puak Camp-Hatyai, the elephant camp with so many activity such as riding elephant, elephant show, etc. The next destination was Thai House Honey Hatyai, the central for some kind of honey product (such as royal jelly) and its derivatives such as soap. Before shopping honey, we were briefed by the staff of Thai House Honey for the every type of honey, its function and how to consume it. The last our dinner in Thailand was at Chalee Muslim Buffet, where we could eat all of available food & beverage as much as we want; but if we left some food, we would be charge! Good! It’s to teach us to eat & drink in a reasonable and do not be an excessive; we spent 2 hours for that dinner…..   

We checked out hotel at 9 pm, at the last day trip, and directly went to breakfast at Kak Sah Muslim Kitchen once more, but that time, was a buffet breakfast. After breakfast, we went to the border, and before passing Thailand immigration, we stopped at Danok Area for last shopping in Thailand. And after passed the 2 immigrations (Thailand & Malaysia) we still had time for shopping at Duty Free, the Zon, shopping…. shopping….. and shopping. On the way home, once more we stopped at Jeruk Madu Pak Ali, Pinang,….. shopped again!!

We arrived at PPK Muar Selatan office at 1.30 am…….. it was a very long journey, passed 8 states (Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Pinang, Perak & Kedah). A very expensive trip, caused at the every stop, we definitely shopped!!!


see our memory......

Wonderful Bali

5days & 4nights tours

 

 

By Malaysia Airlines we have flown to Bali, the Heaven Island, the Island of Thousand Temples….. After flying around 3 hours, we landed at Ngurah Rai International Airport around 12 noon (Malaysia and Bali have the same time) and all of us (thirty two people) greeted with frangipani garlands by Balinese girl. From airport we directed to Wong Solo Restaurant for lunch, the Central Java food taste. After lunch, we check in hotel in Kuta area, Palm Beach Hotel, the old hotel… but ok for our budget. After dropping luggage and took a rest for a while, we went to Kuta Beach that could be reached passing through the Centro Kuta Mall, because the Beach is behind of the Mall; and the consequence, some of us shopped at that mall. The next activity was a real shopping…. yeah… we leaved for Krisna, the central Balinese souvenir with local price….and all of us like the chicken out of cage….. spread through out that shop joined other shoppers. We were at Krisna until time for Dinner at Kemangi Resto; where as long as that time, at the other room there was a Balinese Dance performance. It was very beautiful dance and at the end, the dancer invited some of restaurant’s visitors joined and danced together…..nice & funny.

Day two, our first destination was Tanjung Benoa, the water sport area. Some of us visited Turtle Island by boat, and some others preferred for snorkeling or diving and parasailing activity. After satisfied having fun at Tanjung Benoa, we had lunch at Natrabu Restaurant-Nusa Dua, the Padang (Sumatera) food taste. And then we went to Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK), the cultural park, devoted to the Hindu God Vishnu, and his mount, Garuda, the mythical bird that becomes his companion. Our tour continued to Uluwatu Temple, one of the top places on the island for sunset delights, with direct views overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean; usually so many monkeys roaming around that temple, but that day was a dry season, so they moved to the forest around the temple, and we rarely met them. Our last activity that day was dinner at Jimbaran Beach while enjoyed the magical sunsets.
 

Day three, most of us wanted to go to Krisna once more, but our tour guide suggested to Agung Bali, other Balinese souvenir shop and we were agree; and at usual we dispersed out for hunting souvenir at that shop. After satisfying shopping, we went to Celuk Village, the famous village for gold & silver crafting, and some of us tempted to shop there, such as earrings and ring. That day our lunch had served at Kintamani Hill, the highland area in the north of east Bali with dramatic views of the active volcano Mount Batur and serene Lake Batur. Next, our adventure continued to Coffee Garden “Cantik”, where some of plants grow there, but the main plants are coffee and chocolate. We have tested so many types of beverage as their product, but for Luwak Coffee, we had to buy it, due to its complicated process and their exotic employees (=luwak/mongoose’s job) so the price is more expensive than others. After shopping at that Garden, we directed to Tirta Empul Temple, famous for it’s the Holy Water for purification. We got there welcomed by drizzling…. So romantic! And coincided with the full moon; time for Hindu people to pray…. So religious! Before leaving for Hotel, we have dinner at Natrabu Restaurant-Sanur, Padang again!
 

Finally at the day four, our most requested to back to Krisna came true at that morning….. hehehehe…. changed the money first…. and shopped again! After washed-out our rupiah at Krisna, we went directly to Tanah Lot Temple, home to the pilgrimage temple, a popular tourist and cultural icon for photography and general exoticism. After enjoying the beautiful scenery temple, we had lunch at Bedugul Highland, with the view of great natural beauty. Our visit continued to the Ulun Danu Temple, located on the shores of Lake Bratan, in the mountains near Bedugul. Out of the temple, we stopped over at Pasar Candi Kuning, traditional market, to buy some fruit and snack. The last temple we visited was Taman Ayun Temple, was built as a series of garden terraces with courtyards on different levels. The entire complex was designed to symbolize the mythological home of the gods, floating in the sea of eternity. That day was closed by dinner at One Stop Bali Experience: Hawai Restaurant, and before entering to the restaurant (once again) some of us still had a time for last shopping at Hawai, Bali Souvenir Center. At the ending of our dinner, we were surprised by a birthday cake!! Yeahhhh, on that month (September), five peoples of us were celebrating their birthday…. Thank you and God bless us!

At the last day, we had a free time to do anything have not been achieved in four days earlier, such as shopping, swimming, surfing, taking photograph, massage or just sleeping and packing. At 12 noon we were check out hotel and stopped at Pawon Pasundan Restaurant for lunch with Sundanese (East Java) flavor; and then we immediately drove to the airport for flying home. Thanks God! We were home safely with our beautiful memory!

let's see our pictures.... 

The Golden Triangle Tour (Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai)

(Crazy Souvenir Shopper; 4days-3nights Tour)

Friday morning, 15 May 2015, we flown to Thailand from KLIA 2; and landed at Chiang Mai International Airport at 08.40 AM local time (Thailand’s time is one hour behind Malaysia’s time). When we went out of immigration gate, our driver was already waiting for us; we already booked a taxi, caused we were just 4 people (3 adults & 1 child), and we got a Toyota Fortuner! Great! 

After breakfast, we were taken away by the driver to the Gems Gallery Chiang Mai, the world’s biggest jewelry store. And once our steps entered into the gateway, we welcomed by its staff. They lead us to the mini theatre, and invited us to enjoy the short film: “History of Jewelry in Chiang Mai”, and followed going to the showroom or gallery of jewelry. So many model & price of jewelry (from simple to sophisticated model; from the low-priced to the most expensive price); and we were just looked around…….

After our eyes have been spoiled by the sparkling of jewelries, we continued going to Bo Sang Umbrella Village, they use paper and bamboo as material to produce lamps, fans, umbrella and parasols, and then decorate it by hand-paint. There is also a shop that supply some others Thailand specific souvenir such as key holder, book mark, t-shirt, wallet, painting, etc. We bought some wooden boxes for jewelry, whilst our jewelry left behind at Gems Gallery....

Our tour continued to go to the Tiger Kingdom, where we are able to make contact with tigers in real, such as touching, stroking and embracing the tiger; flattering, relaxing and take picture with tiger. There are 3 types of tigers (Big, Medium & Small). Unfortunately, we wanted to get in touch with the big one, but we couldn’t enter into their cage; the rules forbid us to do it, due to our physic (1 person allowed to hold the big tiger, 1 person for medium & the 2 last of us permitted only for smallest or baby tiger). Yeaahhh…. we are small but we have strong guts. But the only high courage is not enough, the safety is an important things; it’s ok, but so sad! To entertain ourselves, we just bought something related that tiger for our memorabilia....hiks....

 

After being disappointed, caused of tiger, we continued to go to Maesa Elephant Camp. There are 3 elephant’s attractions: Feeding the Elephants, Showering the Elephant and Elephant Performance such as playing football & basket ball, playing music, dancing, team work, painting, etc. It was so funny & clever elephants; if we gave them banana, sugar cane or coconut through its trunk, they would swallow it; but if we gave money (banknote), they would give it to their keeper. A little elephant shaking its head like a happy child and other elephant walking with lifting feet up like a naughty child. We were very amused with the funny elephant’s behavior. Before leaving that camp, we never forgotten to buy some kind of souvenirs, as usual. Some souvenir shops with affordable price available at that camp area.

In the evening, we checked in hotel close to the Hidayatul Islam Banhaw Mosque, Chiang Mai. Fortunately, that day was Friday, it was coincided the day for Halal Food Bazaar along the street in front of the Mosque; where at the end of the street, was connected with Chiang Mai Night Market which is open every night. Hence, we just took walk for exploring halal food bazaar & night market until midnight… how attractive!!!

At the second day, on the way went to Chiang Rai for the historical

Golden Triangle, we stopped at Thaweesin Hot Spring, the only geyser & hot spring in Chiang Rai and the highest hot spring in Thailand. We just soaked our feet for refreshing and spent little time for shopping. We also stopped at Wangnamthip, for Thailand dessert: Mango Sticky Rice, hmmm…. yummy…… it was very delicious.

Our adventure continued to the Long Neck Village, Karen, a tribe of women that are refugees from Burma. The spiral brass neck rings weigh around 10 pounds (4.5kg) and they can have up to an additional 30 pounds of rings that they wear on their arms and legs weighing down. Traditionally in Burma they work in the field & rice paddies; in Thailand they weave beautiful scarf and sell other trinkets. We bought their beautiful & unique scarf and bracelet; and then took picture with that woman, they are very kind!

Finally, we reached the Golden Triangle, the intersection of 3 countries: Thailand, Laos & Burma/Myanmar. It has been an area well-known for the growing of opium; one of the most extensive opium-producing areas of Asia and of the world since the 1950s. Most of the world's heroin came from the Golden Triangle until the early 21st century. There is a Hall of Opium, Chiang Rai, presents the history of opium and the impact of illegal drugs, with an information center for research and extension education on opium, opiates and other narcotics in the near future. By boat we crossed the Mae Khong River leaving Thailand. Unluckily, we should not allow disembarking in Myanmar; therefore we were just passing through and looked at the territory of Myanmar over the boat; in Laos, whereas, we welcomed by acceptable price of many kind of souvenirs and smiling faces. Shopping time!!

Before leaving Golden Triangle area, we went to the high place, Mae Sai, the northernmost district of Chiang Rai and major border crossing between Thailand & Myanmar.

We could see the beautiful Golden Triangle scenery from the top. The Burma’s land was very close to us, just separated by a little river; if allowed, we could just swimming to get there. On that day, we spent the night at hotel close to Masjid Darul Aman, Chiang Rai.

At the day three, we visited Wat Rong Khun, Thailand White Temple, the contemporary, unconventional, privately owned, art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai. We just took a picture there. And when we went back to Chiang Mai, we stopped at A Flower Garden: Royal Park Rajapruek, as the park of knowledge and recreation, spread out over 200 acres, as display of tropical architecture and tropical gardens from various countries. As an international horticultural exhibition, where to marvel superbly laid out grounds and a super selection of flower. 

At the evening we arrived at hotel; and that day was Sunday! and every Sunday there is a Chiang Mai Sunday Market. Yuhuuuu…. Again, shopping....... till dropped!!

Last day in Chiang Mai, we have done nothing, caused our flight was in the morning. Bye…bye… Golden Triangle…see u next time, we’ll be back some day.

cuti-cuti ke luar negara...

JAKARTA - BANDUNG

13 - 16 September 2013

A very long journey…….. from Melaka to Kuala Lumpur and then landed in Jakarta. We arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta at 17.20 by KLM. We decided to spend the night in Jakarta and would be moving to Bandung tomorrow morning, due to jammed at everywhere in Jakarta at weekend (as usual!!). 

At the 2nd day, before leaving for Bandung, we visited Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), Jakarta, the miniature of Indonesia for landscape, culture, and environment. After enjoying the scenery of TMII & took some pictures, we went directly to Bandung. The first destination in Bandung was Mount Tangkuban Perahu, the popular tourist attraction where the tourists can hike or ride to the edge of the crater to view the hot water springs up-close. Famous with legend of Dayang Sumbi & Sangkuriang. At the evening we continued our trip to Ciater Hot Spring, streams and pools, fed by warm mineral springs, being created by the heat from nearby volcanoes. We soaked our feet in warm mineral spring water; Warm in the Cold. We served dinner at Kampung Daun, where Culture & Taste meet; nestled in the rainforest and beautifully landscaped; with the private hut/gazebo in which we can enjoy our dinner by listening to water splashing, sounds of grasshoppers and music of Javanese/Sundanese traditional music. The higher the hut/gazebo, the colder the air. After satisfied with adventures & dinner, then we took a rest at the cold & beautiful mountain scenery hotel.

At 3rd day, we spent our time for shopping at Pasar Baroe, the shopping complex (textiles, telekung, muslim clothes, fabric, etc) with wholesale prices; and factory outlet: Toko 3, export quality & branded materials (for many kind of jeans & t-shirts only) at very low prices. Our shopping continued to Cibaduyut, central of leather industry (hand bag/suitcase, shoes/sandal, jacket, etc). Our 3rd day trip closed by body/foot massage or reflection/neural massage and then slept tightly at hotel.

At the last day, we went back to Jakarta for flight to Kuala Lumpur at the evening; so we had time to stopover at MONAS (Monumen Nasional), the landmark of Jakarta, and then prayed Dzuhur at Istiqlal Mosque, the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia & included in the 10 largest mosque in the world. Before moving out to airport we had a little time for spending the rest of our Rupiah at ITC Mangga Dua, the great wholesaler/the shopping center to find the cheapest stuff, from textile to electronic/computer.

Finally, we had to fly home by KLM at 18.50. Bye bye Jakarta & Bandung… and thank you so much to DAFFA TRAVEL & TOURS, we will contact you for the next service……….



Let’s see our pictures…… 

Half day in Singapore…

We took time to walk around in Singapore, after finalizing our assignment in Johor Bahru. At 3 pm, we were leaving for Singapore by Toyota Alphard….. we were only six.

Our adventures started at Mount Faber, the Singapore's second highest hill after Bukit Timah Hill. At the top, Cable Car rides connect to the island of Sentosa and offering breath-taking views along the way, located in the Bukit Merah area of the Central Region.

After enjoying the scenery at Mount Faber, we continued to Sentosa Island, just 15 minutes away from the city centre, an idyllic resort island with pristine beaches, world-class attractions, sea sports, golf and retreats.

In Sentosa Island, we just took some pictures in front of Universal Studio Singapore (unfortunately, we couldn’t explore Universal Studio due to our time was very limited); after that, we went to Water Aquarium, the awe-inspiring world of life in the ocean at the world’s largest aquarium accredited by Guinness World Records.

We continued our trip by train from Sentosa to Vivo Centre, the largest shopping mall in Singapore; set up as an easygoing and fun shopping destination, designed by the Japanese architect Toyo Ito; located at the Harbour Front, next to the water across from Sentosa Island.

Our journey continued to Marina Bay, located at the Southern tip of Singapore, designed to seamlessly extend Singapore's downtown district and further support the city-state's continuing growth as a major business and financial hub in Asia. 

Our last destination was Mustafa Centre, one of Singapore's 24-hour shopping malls which is located on Syed Alwi Road in Little India. Mustafa Centre is a retail hub that has many Indian shoppers; offers many services: Foreign Exchange, VISA Processing, Travels Booking, Gold Mart and all kinds of shopping item available in one roof. 

Finally, we ended our trip at 11 pm & back home to Johor Bahru. A very satisfied half day trip in Singapore.........  

Wednesday, 04 September 2013

see our picture.....

2 day in Johor Bahru

Explore Malaysia’s 1st International Theme Park, LEGOLAND Malaysia;

and Hello Kitty Town & Little Big Club

June 2013

LEGOLAND Malaysia is packed full of family fun with more than 40 rides, shows and attractions. Almost everything is hands-on, so you can push, pedal and program, or steer, squirt and splash, your way through a truly interactive experience – and of course there’s building too. Having 7 themed areas of attractions for all ages such as The Beginning, LEGO Technic, LEGO Kingdoms, Imagination, LEGO City, Land Of Adventure and MINILAND. It’s an inspirational land where the children are the heroes. From LEGO experiment centers to roller coasters, the park is a day-long voyage of discovery for all the family.

Hello Kitty Town, the first Sanrio Hello Kitty theme park outside of Japan, consists of various walk-through attractions, interactive activities and rides which follow the Hello Kitty theme. Key features include, Black Wonder, a hi-tech interactive themed experience and Kitty House, an iconic Hello Kitty house complete with living room, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. Visitors can also look forward to the "Perfects" stage which will house Hello Kitty and her friends where they will showcase a live performance.

The Little Big Club, a series of rides, play structures, various interactive activities which follow the HIT Entertainment characters theme. Key features for this theme park include an interactive and engaging ride for young children, such as Bob the Builder, an interactive Play House where children are able to help build houses in Bobsville; also features of Barney and friends where they will have live performances; and Pingu's Igloo will offer a highly themed attraction with customized games. There will also be Angelina's Dance Studio featuring interactive games and touch play screens and a dance class led by Angelina Ballerina™ and her friends where children will be taught fun dance moves.

Our memories....

Shopping Time & Having Fun, 10-13 June 2013

This was my family's agenda to shop and have fun before Ramadhan & Eid El Fitr.

No many stories that we have; only just our money have run out for shopping at Pasar Baru, Bandung & our satisfied wasting our time at Trans Studio Bandung & at Ciater Hot Spring.

We were very busy with shopping and having Fun, accompanied by Daffa Travel & Tours, thus we were forgotten to take picture for our memory.



 

OUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY.....

 Menyusuri & Menziarahi Jejak 9 Wali (Wali Songo)
 Wali 9: Penyebar Agama Islam di Pulau Jawa (di 7 kota dalam 3 propinsi)

Selama 6 hari 5 malam, perjalanan darat sepanjang hampir 1000 km
 

Hari ke-1, Selasa, 30 April 2013: SURABAYA – GRESIK
Sesampai di Juanda Airport, ditengah terik matahari kota Surabaya, kami (8 orang dewasa & 1 baby) langsung berziarah di makam (1) Sunan Ampel (Raden Rahmat), pendiri kerajaan Islam pertama di Jawa (Demak) dan membangun Masjid Agung Demak.
 

Selanjutnya menuju Bukit Giri, Gresik untuk ziarah di makam (2) Sunan Giri (Syekh Maulana Ainul Yakin/Raden Paku), murid Sunan Ampel, terkenal dengan lagu & permainan anak-anak spt Jelungan, Jamuran, Ilir-ilir & Cublak Suweng; Gending Asmaradana & Pucung (puisi Jawa).

Terakhir menuju makam (3) Sunan Gresik (Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim/Syekh Maulana Maghribi), wali pertama di Pulau Jawa, ahli di bidang perdagangan, pengobatan dan teknik pertanian.

Hari pertama, half day, kami hanya dapat berkunjung ke 3 makam wali, selanjutnya kami bermalam di hotel di Gresik, Jawa Timur


Hari ke-2, Rabu 1 May 2013: LAMONGAN – TUBAN - KUDUS
Pagi hari menuju desa Sedayu, Lamongan untuk ziarah di makam (4) Sunan Derajat (Syekh Syarifuddin), putra Sunan Ampel, penyusun gamelan Gending Pangkur (lagu tradisional Jawa).

Disambung ke Masjid Agung, Tuban untuk ziarah di makam (5) Sunan Bonang (Raden Makdum Ibrahim), putra Sunan Ampel, penggubah suluk Wijil & tembang Tombo Ati, memasukkan rebab & bonang pada gamelan
Jawa. 

Ziarah dilanjutkan menuju puncak bukit Muria Kudus objek wisata pegunungan Colo, sekaligus tempat makam (6) Sunan Muria (Raden Umar Said), putra Sunan Kalijaga yang mengadopsi gamelan sebagai alat dakwah. 

Terakhir mengunjungi Menara Kudus dan ziarah di makam (7) Sunan Kudus (Syekh Jakfar Shodiq), sebagai panglima perang & penasehat Sultan Demak & hakim peradilan negara; wayang golek sebagai alat dakwah; peninggalannya yang terkenal ialah Mesjid Menara Kudus, dengan arsitektur bergaya campuran Hindu & Islam.

Hari kedua, full day, kami berjaya ziarah ke makam 4 wali, selanjutnya kami beristirahat di hotel di Kudus, Jawa Tengah

Hari ke-3, Kamis 2 May 2013: DEMAK – SEMARANG
Pagi hari kami dihantar menuju Kadilangu, Demak untuk ziarah di makam (8) Sunan Kalijaga (Raden Muhammad Syahid), murid Sunan Bonang, menggunakan wayang kulit dan musik gamelan sebagai alat dakwah. 

Setelah menziarahi 8 wali, kami meneruskan perjalanan ke kota Purworejo, untuk ziarah juga, tetapi bukan ziarah ke makam wali; kami mengunjungi Komplek petilasan Nyai Bagelen & Punden Perigi Banyuurip, tempat pertapaan Pangeran Joyokusumo. Dan malam harinya, kami beristirahat di hotel di Semarang, ibukota propinsi Jawa Tengah.


Hari ke-4, Jum’at 3 May 2013: CIREBON
Pagi hari kami berangkat menuju ke makam wali terakhir, yaitu menuju bukit Sembung Kota Udang, Cirebon, Jawa Barat untuk ziarah di makam (9) Sunan Gunung Jati (Syarif Hidayatullah), ahli di bidang militer, berjaya menguasai Pantai Utara Jawa Barat termasuk Banten, berjaya menghadang Portuguese di Sunda Kelapa (Jakarta) thn 1527; mengembangkan Cirebon sebagai pusat dakwah dan pemerintahannya, yang kemudian menjadi Kesultanan Cirebon

Selesai sudah kami menziarahi makam 9 wali (very satisfied), dan kami beristirahat di hotel di Cirebon, Jawa Barat.


Hari ke-5, Sabtu 4 May 2013: JAKARTA CITY TOUR
Setelah perjalan spiritual dilalui, tibalah saatnya menuju Jakarta, sebagai kota terakhir yang akan kami kunjungi. Bukan untuk ziarah makam wali, akan tetapi untuk refreshing dan shopping. Kami membeli belah di Mangga Dua Shopping Complex dan tempat membeli belah lainnya di Jakarta; dan beristirahat di hotel di Jakarta.


Hari ke-6, Ahad 5 May 2013: AKHIR PERJALAN SPIRITUAL KAMI
Berfoto bersama di Monumen Nasional kemudian dihantar ke Airport International Soekarno-Hatta untuk kembali pulang ke negeri tercinta, mengikuti & menyambut PRU 13 yuhuuuuuu..…….

Gambar Kenangan

Padang & Bukittinggi

5days~4nights for Refreshing & Shopping

Upon arrival at Minangkabau International Airport at the morning, we (five adults & two children) proceeded to Bukittinggi via Anai Valley, and stopped over at Anai Waterfall and Minangkabau Village. After lunch we went to Pandai Sikek, a village famous for weaving and wood-carving. We spent the night in Bukittinggi.

At the day 2, we were taken to the unique land of Minangkabau, visiting Batusangkar; stopped over at Tabek Patah, sightseeing the beautiful landscape panoramic; visiting the local home-industry such as Pisang Salai and the traditional coffee milling. Our lunch was being provided at the local restaurant which is surrounded by the magnificent rice/paddy field with the specific menu of Ikan Bakar. After lunch we visited Silindung Bulan Palace then drive back to Bukittinggi via Pariangan Village. We filled our free program for shopping at Pasar Atas, Bukittinggi, very-very-very cheap!!.

After breakfast at the day 3, our program was City- sightseeing Tour of Bukittinggi, visiting the famous Grand Sianok Canyon with the most spectacular view of the surrounding with the Japanese Tunnel incorporated within the area. After lunch, we departed to Lake Maninjau to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake, which was through the 44 hairpin curve road. On arrival at the lake, we stopped over at a village called Sungai Batang for Hamka’s House. In the afternoon we drove back to hotel in Bukittinggi.

Unfortunately, after breakfast at the day 4, we had split up. 3 of us should return home, and the rest of us stayed for 1 day more in Padang. The remaining continued shopping in Bukittinggi, and drove to Padang, for Padang city tour (visited China Town, Old Harbor, Siti Nurbaya Bridge, Padang Beach and shopping) and back to hotel; prepared anything for back home tomorrow morning.

 

 

Let see our pictures

4 Days 3 Nights in Ho Chi Minh (HCM)

Thu 06 - Sun 09 Dec 2012

Along with Daffa Travel & Tours, we were just 14 people (and divided into 2 flights, due to the peak session) arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, 6 km north of the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam at the lunch time. After lunch, our tour was started with visiting Centre Post Office, City Hall and China Town. Then transferred to Binh Tay Market for shopping

On the second day, we visited Cu Chi Tunnels, Cu Chi was an important base during the American War, because of its strategic location. The Vietcong built a 200km long network of tunnels connecting command posts, hospitals, shelter, and weapon factories. Dug out of hard laterite by hand tools without the use of cement, this amazing network was never discovered. After Lunch at Kampung Melayu Halal Restaurant, we continued to city tour and visited the Ar-Rahim Mosque, built in 1885 by Malaysian - Indonesian Muslims. More than 200 people pray here; and Musulman Mosque, the most crowded masjid in Saigon, built in 1935 by Indian Muslims.; then shopped at Hong Anh Shop, Mai Shop & Ben Thanh market.

On the third day, we headed out of town, we traveled by road to Mytho, a capital of Tien Giang Province, is an island port in the Mekong River Delta which is 2 hours drive from HCM city. Embarked on a cruise navigating along Tien River, sightseeing 4 beautiful islands, Long, Lan Qui, Phuong. Wandered through Thoi San Island, stopped by to visit local coconut candy workshop, took a boat to orchard at Qui Islet and tasted five seasonal fruits, listened to : Don Ca Tai Tu Nam Bo' one of Vietnamese folk music. Stopped by Mr Nam Ngo's house enjoyed honey tea and rowed sampan through narrow water coconut creek; then transferred to HCM City. After lunch, back to Saigon and shopped at Russian market, Saigon square center, Vi Anh shop, Tax center, An Dong Plaza.

Unfortunately, on the last day we have no program anymore! Very unfavorable and so boring, whilst we still have so much time until our flight at the night!

 

let's see our picture

JAKARTA & BANDUNG refreshing time!

5 – 8 September 2012

latest trip!

Our Annual Meeting was running well, smoothly, peace and the important things was everybody and every member was satisfied about it. Good job and Thank to Allah! And after working out for couple weeks for preparation that meeting; now, time for us for refreshing & having fun for a while.

We decided to go to Jakarta & Bandung for relaxing, by reason of those cities are recognized as shopping city (with chipper price!) as well as the destination of tourist attraction; and the price of that tour package is very chip (that’s very important!).

With  Daffa Travel & Tours,  we got everything we want!

For 4 days & 3 nights, we were explored Jakarta & Bandung. Our experience as long as in those cities was very pleasant and amazing. We shopped and explored tourist destination in Bandung, such as: Cibaduyut, leather industrial center; Pasar Baru, the shopping complex; Ciater Hot Spring, streams and pools, fed by warm mineral springs; Strawberry Farm, farm of strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries that ready to pick. In Jakarta we visited Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, the miniature of Indonesia culture & geographic; and the last time we shopped at ITC Mangga Dua, the shopping complex.

Finally, we must back home for our routine at our office with empty wallet but full of luggage, and of course with fresh brain and smile. Thank you  DAFFA TRAVEL & TOURS, we want to join you next time….
See our happiness…

Shopping Time!

4hari 3malam di JAKARTA & BANDUNG

(6 – 9 July 2012)

Group dari JOHOR BAHRU

Pukul 8 pagi pesawat yang kami naiki mendarat di Jakarta; keluar dari Airport…. tours guide sudah sedia menunggu kami dengan penuh senyuman. Kami langsung menuju restoran setempat untuk sarapan pagi, kerana kami sudah kelaparan semua. Bersama DAFFA TRAVEL & TOURS, kami adalah terdiri dari 9 orang wanita yang bekerja di sebuah pejabat kerajaan di Johor Bahru serta bersama kami juga terdapat  2 orang kanak-kanak, (so, you can imagine how amazing and piercing our group; 9 women are going to shop!!!).  Selesai makan kami terus bertolak  menuju kota Bandung dan kami amat bertuah kerana Daffa Travel & Tours menyediakan sebuah Van Eksekutif yang biasa digunakan oleh group band terkenal di Indonesia dan Malaysia “Wali Band”….Wow betapa bertuahnya group kami. Kami sudah  bersiap sedia memulakan hari pertama ini untuk SHOPPING….

Sampai di Bandung kami langsung menuju ke salah satu Factory Outlet. Kota Bandung memang sangat terkenal dengan beberapa Factory Outlet-nya. Setelah puas berbelanja, kami langsung menuju Cibaduyut, iaitu Pusat Industry Kulit, seperti  KASUT, DOMPET/BEG TANGAN & JACKET , dengan kualiti produk yang baik dan harga yang murah….membuatkan kami berbelanja dengan banyaknya hinggakan menjelang petang baru kami sedar bahawa  kami semua belum mandi dan berganti pakaian sejak subuh pagi tadi dari Kuala Lumpur; oh my God!!! Akhirnya kami menuju hotel penginapan untuk mandi dan beristirahat, dan pada jam 8.00 mlm kami dibawa ke tempat makan yang tidak mempunya meja “lesehan” bahasa tempatan,  iaitu makan secara bersila….makanan nya juga enakkkkkkkkkkkkk sangat.

Hari kedua di Bandung kami awali dengan mengunjungi Gunung Tangkuban Perahu, gunung berapi yang sudah tidak aktif  yang terkenal dengan cerita legenda Dayang Sumbi dan Sangkuriang; dengan udaranya yang sangat sejuk. Di Tangkuban Perahu juga ada tempat untuk  berbelanja berbagai souvenir…. wahhhh!  Setelah puas menikmati pemandangan alam di Tangkuban Perahu, kami melanjutkan tujuan utama kami, yaitu Shoppingggg. Kami menuju Toko Tiga, toko yang khusus menjual baju dan seluar jeans; serta Pasar Baroe, shopping kompleks  yang menyediakan berbagai macam textile (bahan baju), telekung, kain sarung, baju anak dll; dan jutaan rupiah wang kami habis  dalam tempoh  2 hari. Menjelang petang ( waktu magrib ) kami terpaksa harus kembali ke hotel, karana Pasar Baroe sudah mahu tutup.

Hari ketiga, pagi-pagi selepas sarapan kami bersiap bertolak ke kota Jakarta, kami terpaksa berganti kendaraan dari van milik "Wali Band" yang cantik, bersih, dan selesa, menjadi bas yang lebih besar, karena van tersebut tidak boleh membawa belanja kami yang terlalu banyak & penuh (hahahaha.........). Sampai di Jakarta, kami langsung menuju Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, untuk melihat keadaan geografis dan budaya Indonesia dalam bentuk kecil (miniature of Indonesia).  Kami begitu teruja sekali melihat pemandangan disitu. Selepas itu Perjalanan dilanjutkan menuju Thamrin City, pusat perniagaan  modern (mall) yang bersambung (connected) dengan Pusat Perdagangan Pasar Tanah Abang.  Malam hari kami menginap di hotel N One, hotel yang sangat dekat dengan Pasar Tanah Abang.

Hari terakhir di Jakarta, kami masih sempat menghabiskan wang jutaan  rupiah , dengan hanya berjalan kaki dari hotel kami bersama-sama menuju Pasar Tanah Abang. Dengan waktu yang cukup singkat, kami terpaksa harus belanja dengan cepat, karena pukul 2 petang itu, kami harus sudah dalam pesawat menuju Kuala Lumpur. Dengan hati yang sayu kami terpaksa  meninggalkan Kota Jakarta dan juga keramahan dan kebaikan tour Guide kami sepanjang 4 hari bersama beliau. Bye..bye…bye  Cibaduyut, Pasar Baroe dan Pasar Tanah Abang….. kami pasti datang lagi….

Terima kasih juga kepada Daffa Travel & Tours yang telah memberi service yang begitu excellent …kami syorkan kepada sesiapa yang ingin melancung pastikan DAFFA TRAVEL & TOURS sebagai agen perjalanan tuan-tuan. Let's see our memory

Spiritual Journey, Explore the Culture & Nature as well as Shopping

4days-3nights Cirebon & Bandung Tour
11-14 April 2012

Finally, our flight landed in Jakarta on Wednesday, 11 April 2012 after long distance flying (Kota Bharu, Kelantan – Kuala Lumpur – Jakarta). After finalizing all immigration issues and baggage’s claimed, we directly went out of Jakarta Airport at 12 a clock local time. Before leaving for Cirebon as our first destination, we had lunch at restaurant in the neighborhood of Jakarta Airport area; its cuisine was delicious and tasty.

The long long long trip started after lunch. We went to Cirebon by bus and stopped over in Indramayu for dinner and we were being surprised by organizer to celebrate birthday of 3 people of our group. We arrived in Cirebon at 10 pm and over night at Prima Hotel, Cirebon. Cirebon is a port city on the north coast of the Java Island and known as a city of shrimp. Cirebon also keeps out of the history of Islam culture; where one of Muslim missionaries in Java Island (Wali Songo/Wali Sembilan//Nine Apostles of Islam) who was stayed and passed away in Cirebon; He was Sunan Gunung Djati or Syarif Hidayatullah. He founded the Sultanate of Bantam as well as the port town of Cirebon; good in military and management. He died at the age of 120 in 1580.

After breakfast at hotel, we started to pilgrimage the burial place of Sunan Gunung Djati, and then continued to Kasepuhan Palace. At that Palace, every guest has an opportunity to meet the Sultan; however, on that day the Sultan had a meeting with Ministry; thus we just walked around at the Palace, that built in 1527 with mingle design & architecture of Sunda, Java, Islam/Arabic, China and Dutch. After lunch in Subang, we went directly to Bandung, and stopped over at Tangkuban Perahu volcano, the dormant volcano and famous with the legend of Dayang Sumbi & Sangkuriang. We had a unique opportunity to look down into the huge crater of a volcano, which formed about 190,000 years ago. We finalized our exploration at Padang restaurant for dinner; and dropped off at Mutiara Hotel, Bandung.

The third day morning in Bandung was the beginning for shopping. The first destination was Cibaduyut; known as the longest row of shops in Asia; the centre of leather home industry such as shoes, slipper, purse/wallet, jacket, (hand) bags & handicraft, etc, with good quality & low price. We were 26 people, and we scattered to get some stuff as per our interest. Shopping time continued to Toko Tiga; where we found the great jeans and great fashion at affordable prices. We took a break for lunch and Dzuhur praying at Masjid Al Imtizaj (Ronghe or Integration); the mosque with China architecture like a temple (from the gate to the interior design and accessories). Then we repeated our shopping at Pasar Baroe (the textile centre: baby/children/men/ladies wear, trendy Moslem clothes, underwear, batik, bags, apparels, bed sheets, bed covers, etc); where we were shopping till drop!!!…. until Pasar Baroe closed at 6 pm!!!. That day closed by dinner and backed to hotel to have a free time; some of us just relax at hotel, chitchat at coffee shop, spa or body/reflection massage.

At the last day, we had to transfer to Jakarta, backed home to Kuala Lumpur; we also stopped over at Mayang Sari shop for buying Bandung special brownies. In Jakarta we were separated into these 3 flights; the first group at the first flight at 3 pm went directly to Jakarta airport. The second & third groups that had flights at 6 & 7 pm killed their time at ITC Cempaka Mas; the shopping centre..... and...... shopping again!!!!!

Lest's see our memories...