Mudik lebaran berkunjung ke sanak saudara di Kartosuro, tak jauh dari bebek goreng Pak Slamet. Nah ini oleh-olehnya..

Saat perjalanan mudik, paling nyaman berangkat diatas pk 22 pada malam menjelang lebaran. kemarin berangkat pas lebaran I, ternyata jauh lebih rame dibanding malam takbiran/malam menjelang lebaran seperti tahun lalu.

Di solo dan sekitarnya, banyak banget yah tukang parkir, kayaknya tidak ada tempat pinggir jalan yang lolos dari tukang parkir, bahkan mereka jagain ATM yang gak berfungsi!

Orang Solo doyan makan, di sepanjang jalan solo dan sekitarnya banyak banget warung atau restoran dengan berbagai jenis makanan. Hampir semuanya ramai. Sempat nyobain makan malam di Pusat Wisata Kuliner – Gladag Langen Bogan, di depan Pusat Grosir Solo, Beteng. Rame banget dengan kualitas makanan yang biasa saja tetapi dengan harga mahal. Not recommended.

Nemuin jenis pekerjaan baru:tukang ganjel ketika macet, anak2 kecil bawa ganjel untuk mobil pas tanjakan ketika macet. (macet di nagrek 4 jam hiks, padahal dari Kartosuro hingga 10km-sebelum-Nagrek lancar pol)
Jangan ambil Nagrek pas arus balik, tetep lewat jalur selatan terus ke atas lewat pantura di Cirebon, meski pantura juga macet tapi gak separah Nagrek.

Baca-baca www.belanjadiskon.com buat nambah2 info apa saja diskon terkini lumayan bisa nonton laskar pelangi beli 1 gratis 1.

Saya coba jawab setau saya yah, mungkin nanti ada pengunjung yang punya jawaban lebih jitu silakan menambahkan:

1. kalau mau pemandangan bagus setau saya di daerah ubud (view: pegunungan, persawahan) atau di daerah pantai yang lebih alami dibanding kuta/sanur misalnya di uluwatu atau dekat dreamland. tempat tepatnya saya kurang tau.

2. sewa mobil dan guide silakan kontak teman saya di www.baliguide.biz, dengan komang, semoga bisa membantu, dia tahu persis tempat yg menarik di bali dan kulinernya, kalau sekedar pengin tau, di web tersebut juga banyak dituliskan ulasan tempat wisata dan kuliner.

Tambahan tips dari saya untuk backpacker traveler atau mengatur sendiri wisatanya (tidak melalui agen tur):
1. siapkan jauh2 hari (semakin jauh hari, harapannya harga tiket semakin murah)
2. sebisa mungkin hindari peak season, harga2 jauh lebih mahal pada musim liburan.
3. cari informasi tentang bali sebanyak mungkin dan tentukan tempat2 yang ingin anda kunjungi.
4. tentukan lamanya anda liburan, kadang kita harus realistis, tak bisa semua tempat di bali dikunjungi jika waktunya hanya 1-2 hari bukan? prioritaskan tempat2 paling menarik, untuk hal ini setiap orang punya selera beda, saya sendiri suka sekali menikmati pemandangan alam dan budaya. apalagi kalau liburan dengan keluarga, perlu didiskusikan juga untuk mengakomodasi berbagai selera
5. lihat peta, dengan melihat peta, anad akan bisa menentukan tujuan liburan dengan lebih baik dan efisien. Konsultasikan dengan guide anda jika anda menggunakan jasa pemandu mengenai kondisi jalan yg dilalui. siapa tau meski kelihatan dekat di peta namun jalannya harus memutar.
6. jangan lupa barang2 yang harus dibawa dan yang bisa ditinggal di hotel, jangan semua dibawa, begitu pula jangan sampai ketinggalan kamera, baterai, dan memori card (jika anda memakai kamera digital)

akhirnya selamat menikmati liburan anda…

Terima kasih
afrian

Pak Afrian, banyak losmen/hotel di Gang Poppies, seperti pengalaman saya, saya langsung menuju ke tujuan setelah mengumpulkan berbagai info dari milis indobackpacker.
Kalau low season langsung aja go show menuju ke Gang Poppies. Banyak losmen/hotel murah meriah di sana. Kalau mau nawar bisa, tapi biasanya bargain dengan lamanya anda menginap, semakin lama anda menginap, harganya bisa semakin ditekan. Di hotel/losmen tersebut biasanya disediakan juga motor yang bisa disewa, penawaran juga sama, semakin lama anda menyewa, bisa semakin murah harga perharinya.

Ada banyak daftar kalau mau cari di internet,
beberapa daftar yang saya dapat adalah sebagai berikut:

Accommodation on Poppies Lane II Kuta Bali

Here is a guide to some of your accomodation options on Poppies Lane II in Kuta starting with the cheapest.

Losman Arthawan ( 0361 752913 )
Poppies Lane II

A low budget place consisting of a central garden and a couple of dozen basic rooms. Cleanliness varies and this isn’t the kind of place you’d want to come back to but maybe okay for a night or 2.

Rooms are simple, include breakfast, fan bathroom.

Located behind Arthawan convenience store and across from Kori restaurant.

Single 30,000rp 1 Night
Double 40,000rp 1 Night
Triple 50,000rp 1 Night
Negotiable 1 Week

Ronta Bungalows ( 0361 754246)
Poppies Lane II

Another low budget place with decent rooms and management. I stayed there for a month when I first arrived and would recommend this place to anyone on a budget that wants a clean, affordable place with no extras.

20 rooms in 2 blocks, 2 levels each.

Rooms are quite large, white tile floors, fan, own bathroom, small porch with 2 chairs.

Located across from Jus Edith on the side street that leads to Poppies I.

1 Person 35,000rp 1 Night
2 Person 50,000rp 1 Night
Negotiable 1 Week

Gora Beach Inn ( 0361 752578 )
Poppies II Br. Pengabetan

Located 50 meters from Jl. Legian on the right side underneath Kondra internet café. This place doesn’t look much from the tiny entrance but there are dozens of small cottages out back with basic amenities. Rooms are smaller than other places like Ronta but okay for a couple of nights, with fan. Central garden area and porches offer a place to relax and read.

Breakfast included.

Single 40,000rp 1 Night
Double 50,000rp 1 Night
Negotiable 1 Week
+10,000rp High season

Jus Edith Bungalows ( 0361) 750558
Poppies Lane II

This was the cheapest place I found as far as tourist accomodation in the Poppies II area. Located on the side street that runs perpendicular off of Poppies II from the Circle K close to Jl. Legian. Walk 30 meters and its on the left side.

There are around 20 rooms each small cottages with twin beds, own bathroom, fan. There is a small central garden. Rooms are clean enough but not the best you can find. Okay for a night or 2 though. Close to budget food places and mini mart.

1 Person 25,000rp 1 Night
2 Person 35,000rp 1 Night
Negotiable 1 Week

Dua Dara
Poppies Lane II.

Located across the street from Internet Outpost.

30 rooms on 3 levels. Very basic, no decoration, small smelly bathrooms.

Single 35,000 rp Fan Room
Double 50,000rp

Single 100,000rp AC Room
Double 125,000rp

No discount for 1 week.

Segara Sadhu Inn. ( 0361) 759909
Jl. Poppies II Gang 1 # 3A
Segarasadhu@yahoo.com

Standard budget guest house 3 minutes from Kuta Beach. There are 25 rooms on 2 levels. There is a central area between the 2 blocks of rooms which is quite relaxing with a small restaurant on the corner.

The location is on the same side as the vendors on Poppies II to the beach, down the narrow alley that is indicated by the ‘Risky Leather’ sign.

The rooms were very clean. Simple and pleasant. Breakfast is included.

1 Person 60,000rp (fan) 100,000rp (A/C) 1 Night
2 Person 80,000rp 1 Night
1 Person 400,000rp 1 Week
2 Person 550,000rp 1 Week

Yunna Cottage ( 0361) 753015
Jl. Pantai Kuta Gang Poppies II

Low budget guest house. This place doesn’t look that good at all, but is cheap and fairly close to the beach. There are 6 rooms each with fan on the 2nd and 3rd levels.

The rooms are quite large and breakfast in included.

The Yunna Cottage is located on the same side of the road as the vendors heading to the beach.

1 Person 40,000rp 1 Night
2 Person 60,000rp 1 Night
1 Person 210,000rp 1 Week
2 Person 350,000rp 1 Week

Tunjung Bali Inn (0361) 762990
Poppies Lane II

This is a new place that opened in mid July 2003. There are 26rooms on 2 levels, with fan. The hotel was fully booked and I didn’t get a chance to look at a room. Breakfast is included.

The Tunjung Bali Inn looks good from the outside and has a large central garden area that will look better when the vegetation grows a bit.

It is located across from Mini Mart and behind Circle K. Out in front is the Jegeh Bulan restaurant.

Breakfast is included.

1 Person 60,000rp 1 Night
2 Person 70,000rp 1 Night
1 Person 420,000rp 1 Week
2 Person 490,000rp 1 Week

Palm Gardens Taman Nyiur (0361) 752198
Poppies Lane II

Standard budget guest house. Has 38 rooms with fan. Breakfast included. Fairly clean.

Located in front of Circle K close to Benesari.

1 Person 60,000rp 1 Night
2 Person 70,000rp 1 Night
1 Person 420,000rp 1 Week
2 Person 490,000rp 1 Week

Taman Indah Beach Inn ( 0361) 753795
Br. Pengabetan, Poppies Lane II

Very budget type of place located 20 meters further along Poppies II from Internet Outpost. Small lobby had several locals hanging out watching TV, the alley that leads to the front desk has a couple of hole in the wall food places, really bottom end though.

12 rooms on 2 levels are basic, semi clean, fan and bathroom. Breakfast included.

1 Person 30,000rp 1 Night
2 Person 40,000rp 1 Night
1 Person 210,000rp 1 Week
2 Person 280,000rp 1 Week

Okie House (0361) 752081
Poppies Lane II

Located 40 meters further along Poppies II from Internet Outpost on the opposite side of the road, next to the BCA ATM machine and the Barong Hotel. 25 rooms on 4 floors come with fan are clean and basic and breakfast is included.

Has very good travel agent attached to hotel ( ask for Kadek ).

1 Person 60,000rp 1 Night
2 Person 80,000rp 1 Night
1 Person 350,000rp 1 Week
2 Person 490,000rp 1 Week

Palu’s Place (0361) 751694
Poppies Lane II Gang Mangga

Opened (around July 1st 2003 ) and located down a small alley, you have to look for the brown ‘Palu’s Place’ sign on the right side of the street as you pass the Circle K after Jalan Benesari.

The owner Chrisna Deva describes his place as a bed & breakfast rather than a hotel because of the limited size and services. Although this place wasn’t entirely finished ( Chrisna stressed that he and his staff focus on customer satisfaction and service. I looked at the guest book and it was filled with glowing reports already from many nationalities.

The plates for the restaurant were still in their boxes but Chrisna did point out that he had gone to the trouble of selecting quality plates and cups.

There is a small swimming pool and the rooms are simple but feel comfortable because of the cleanliness and the color scheme. Chrisna has used dark blue tile for the floors and an orange / brown for the wall color, this gives a warmer effect than the stark white tile that most other places use.

Breakfast is included and items are bought from a quality French bakery including croissants and pastries . Guests can have eggs, coffee and tea also.

Rooms come with A/C , hot and cold water and bath tub. The rooms are located on 2 levels and face the pool.

1 Person 100,000rp 1 Night
2 Person 100,000rp 1 Night
1 Person 6 nights paid, 1 free 1 Week
2 Person 6 nights paid, 1 free 1 Week

Hotel Bounty (0361) 753030
Jalan Segara Batu Bolong #18

Luxury hotel located on Poppies II about 5 minutes walk from the beach across from Rainbow Cafe. Large Balinese style lobby with traditional roof, 2 swimming pools, 2 pool bars, 24 hour rooms service.

This place call itself a ‘resort’ and is definitely the nicest place on Poppies II.

166 rooms with balcony, satellite TV in case Bali gets too boring for you, mini-bar refrigerator, IDD telephone, A/C and many of the other standard facilities of a higher and hotel.

Right now (Aug 1st 2003) there are specials on the variety of rooms, including pay for 6 nights get the 7th free.

Standard SGL/DBL US $30 1 Night
Superior SGL/DBL US $40 1 Night
Superior Duplex US $60 1 Night

Bali Sandy Cottages
Jl. Poppies II Gang 1

Located at the end of the small alley on the same side of Poppies II as the strip of vendors, you look for the ‘Risky Leather’ sign and keep going to the end.

37 rooms on 3 levels with central swimming pool. Renovations are in progress and the restaurant and area at the perimeter look are not finished.

There are 37 rooms on 3 levels.

Rooms are large with elegant dark wood bed, writing table and chair. The décor consists of white walls and white tile floor, the same as somewhere like Ronta Bungalows for example. This place is okay but is definitely not luxury.

A/C Cottages I Double 350,000rp 1 Night
A/C Cottages I Single 300,000rp 1 Night
A/C Cottages II Double 300,000rp 1 Night
A/C Cottages II Single 250,000rp 1 Night
Fan Cottages I Double 250,000rp 1 Night
Fan Cottages I Single 200,000rp 1 Night

Extra mattress 50,000rp 1 Night

Puri Beach Inn
Poppies Lane II

This budget place is located along the same side of the street as the strip of vendors going towards the beach.

Look for the ‘Risky Leather’ sign and head down alley.

9 rooms with fan, breakfast included. No worse than any of the other standard type budget places.

1 Person 40,000rp 1 Night
2 Person 50,000rp 1 Night
Negotiable 1 Week

Hotel Barong (0361 751804 )
Jl. Segara Batu Bolong
Barong66@indo.net.id

Located opposite Tsunami surf shop with 3 floors, 100 rooms all A/C, 2 swimming pools, 24 hour restaurant, beauty salon and laundry service.

Rooms have refrigerator, mini-bar, international TV, IDD telephone, garden / pool view.

This place is located in the center of busy Poppies II and privides are fair degree of luxury though not up to Nusa Nua’s standard.

Located close to internet cafes, restaurants, bars, ATM and travel agents.

Good place for a 1 week visitor who wants to be comfortable, feel like they’re on vacation and also have easy access to the nightlife of Kuta / Legian.

Buffet Breakfast included.

1 Room 300,000rp 1 Night
1 Room 2,100,000rp 1 Week

Indah Beach (0361) 753327
8 Poppies Lane II

Located next to the ATM BNI close to the last corner before the beach on Poppies II.

Review ro come.

1 person 350,000 1 Night
2 person 350,000 1 Night (high season)

250,000rp per night during low season.

No discount for 1 Week

38 rooms, all AC. Includes breakfast.

Looks like a decent place from the outside.

Satriya Cottages (0361) 758331
Poppies Lane II

Located on the final corner before the beach on Poppies Lane II.

Nice rooms. The gardens are neat and the place looks like a guest house that has morphed into a hotel. Swimming pool in the back. Has restaurant / bar.

Classic Room:
Double 500,000rp Single 450,000rp Extra Bed 75,000rp

Balinese styled room with AC, telephone, refrigerator, TV, out door bathroom, hot water, private balcony

Superior Room:
Double 400,000rp Single 350,000rp Extra Bed 75,000rp

AC, telephone, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom, hot water, private balcony.

Standard Room:
Double 350,000 Single 300,000, Extra Bed 75,000rp

AC, telephone, refrigerator, TV, private bathroom, hot water, private balcony.

Fan Room:
Double 275,000rp Single 225,000rp Extra Bed 50,000rp

Ceiling Fan, telephone, private bathroom and balcony.

Accommodation on Poppies Lane I Kuta Bali

Poppies I has selection of budget accomodation and here is a quick rundown of what is out there.

Mahendra (0361) 752371
Banjar Pengabeten
Poppies I

Located in the gang between Poppies I & II next to Surf Travel Online. The 22 rooms are on 2 levels and come with fan that is the plug in variety.

The rooms are very basic with white tile floors and small balcony. The rooms are located around a small ‘bale’ or open sided roof and garden.

Breakfast is included and there is a small restaurant and shop.

1 Person 25,000rp 1 Night
2 Person 30,000rp 1 Night
1 Person 10% discount 1 Week
2 Person 10% discount 1 Week

There are slightly nicer rooms for 5,000rp more per night.

Puri Agung (0361) 750054
Poppies I

Located on the small gang between Poppies I & II opposite Bungalows Taman Ayu.

Elegant little entrance to this place. There’s a tree in the center of the small courtyard and the reception is off to the left. There are 12 rooms that are 2-storey with shady porches and chairs.

The rooms were simple, shady and clean I’d stay here.

A guest from the UK told me this place was “Totally chill, cheap as, and the owner is trustworthy.”

No breakfast only hot tea served in the morning.

1 Person 25,000rp 1 Night
2 Person 40,000rp 1 Night
1 Person No discount 1 Week
2 Person No discount 1 Week

Bungalows Taman Ayu (0361) 751855
Poppies I

Located on the small gang between Poppies I & II opposite Puri Agung. This place has a bright and airy feel with pink and white floors tiles and not too much to obstructb the sunshine. The 10 rooms are on 2 levels and there is a large central ‘bale’ shelter. Rooms come with fan and shower.

Rooms are very clean and have small table and 2 chairs outside on the porch.

No breakfast is served only hot tea.

A tourist from Europe told me this place is good because of the low fixed price and the cleanliness. He told me he stays for 2 months every year.

1 Person 30,000rp 1 Night
2 Person 50,000rp 1 Night
3 Person 60,000 1 Night
1 Person No discount 1 Week

51 Lima Satu (0361 754944)
Poppies I

Located on a perpendicular street to Poppies I that is down from Taman Ayu, around the corner from TJ’s Mexican..

The 11 rooms are on 3 levels, with a pool.

There is not a restaurant on the premises but breakfast is included.

Rooms are large and clean with bath- tub, fridge and porch with table & chairs. The rooms look comfortable. The porch area was shady at noon- time.

All rooms have A/C and hot water.

The rectangular pool is 10 meters long and has reclining chairs.

On the property is a Japanese run ‘healing salon’ featuring aromatherapy, reflexology and energy healing.

1 Person 100,000rp 1 Night
2 Person 150,000rp 1 Night
1-2 Person No discount 1 Week

Poppies Cottages (0361) 751059
Poppies I

Located across from Komala Indah and 20 meters from TJ’s Mexican restaurant.

Lovely cottages with tradtional alang-alang / bamboo roofs. The gardens are well kept and relaxing to walk through and have a traditional ‘bale’ shelter with a gamelan orchestra set.

The swimming pool is in tropical style, shaped with rocks and also has a jucuzzi.

There is an internet facility and room service.

All cottages have A/C & fan. There is no breakfast only fried bananas and tea.

There is a small library and restaurant.

The rooms are very clean and comfortable and come equipped with an open-air bathroom. The beds looked comfortable and the floor tiles were a relaxing light brown.

Writing desk, fridge, porch and chairs were included.

This is a beautiful place but a little expensive.

Single $80 1 Night
Double / Twin $85 1 Night
Extra $15 1 Night
No discount 1 Week

Komala Indah (0361) 751422
Poppies I #20

Located opposite to Poppies Cottages and 20 meters closer to Jl. Legian than TJ’s Mexican restaurant.

There are 8 rooms on one level all with fan and cold shower. Tea and bananas for breakfast.

The rooms are set in a family style compound and the family still lives here. There are a couple of centrally located ‘bales’ or open sided shelters and the whole thing feels very traditional. There is a temple on site too.

A white tiled piled and bamboo porch furniture is the first aspect of the room a visitor sees.

The family keeps birds in cages and this place is very reminiscent of losmans in Ubud.

Rooms were simple and clean and come with bathtub.

I talked to a traveler who has been here for 12 days. He said he liked the friendly staff and the cleanliness of the place. He said there is always a man on the door at night and plenty of relatives around offering transport options. He said he’d stay here again.

1 Person 40,000rp 1 Night
2 Person 60,000rp 1 Night
1 Person 280,000 1 Week
2 Person 420,000 1 Week

LA Inn (0361) 750616
Agung Art Market, Poppies I

Located opposite Bali Jegeg Bar in the small gang that runs perpendicular.

19 rooms with fan or A/C, some rooms get breakfast!

Very basic white tiled rooms with shower and toilet. There is a gravel walkway between the rooms that feels very cheap and primitive.

Single chair outside each room, no view with rooms facing each other.

Room cleanliness was average. It’s not a place you’d feel like spending time in. No atmosphere or a place to relax.

Here’s a selection of the mind-boggling rates.

Double A/C 100,000 1 Night
Twin A/C 100,000 1 Night

Double Fan 70,000 1 Night
Twin Fan 90,000 1 Night
Single Fan 60,000 1 Night

Double New Fan 80,000 1 Night
Twin New Fan 80,000 1 Night

Single Fan 350,000 1 Week
Single Fan w/Breakfast 420,000 1 Week

AP Inn (0361 765662)
Poppies I

Located behind Kubuku restaurant and close to the Secret Garden restaurant.

40 rooms on 2 levels. The room types are Twin, Double, Fan, A/C

There is a nice swimming pool with bar and restaurant. Guests receive a welcome drink on arrival.

Hot and cold water and breakfast included.

The rooms and top landing have shiny brown floor tiles that look new. The hotel has a natural roof. The rooms are simple but clean and comfortable with shared balcony that is breezy. The rooms have a traditional carved door and frame.

There is a security post in the parking area and a beauty salon, money changer and tourist service are located next door.

A pleasant place to relax.

Double A/C 150,000 1 Night
Double Fan 100,000 1 Night
Twin A/C 175,000 1 Night
Twin Fan 125,000 1 Night

Fat Yogi’s Cottages (0361) 751665
Poppies I

Located down the street from La Walon Bungalows.
26 rooms on 2 levels with a choice of A/C or fan. Has very clean looking pool but the reclining chairs look worn.

The rooms are quite large but look old and in need of renovation. The bed looked comfortable and the room was average on cleanliness.

The porch area has rattan and bamboo furniture.

American breakfast included.

Fat Yogi’s restaurant out front is cool however and serves decent food.

A/C 1 Person 130,000 1 Night
A/C 2 Person 150,000 1 Night
Fan 1 Person 50,000 1 Night
Fan 2 Person 70,000 1 Night
Smaller with Fan 1 Person 30,000 1 Night
Smaller with Fan 2 Person 50,000 1 Night
Smaller with Fan 1 Person No Discount 1 Week
Smaller with Fan 2 Person No Discount 1 Week

La Walon Bungalows (0361 ) 757234
Poppies I

Located down from Fat Yogi and across from Kubuku restaurant.
There is a parking area in front with reception. Rooms are on 3 levels and there is a pool.

The pool looks clean but the pool furniture looks a bit old.

Cottages are simple with bamboo furniture, brown tile floor and tile roof. The rooms in the 3-storey block have a white tiled floor and are quite clean.

Breakfast is included.

In between the cottages are some ponds with nasty looking water.

I talked to one tourist who said the rooms were good, the pool is big and the rooms are clean. She also said the staff are friendly.

Fan 1 Person 110,000 1 Night
A/C 1 Person 140,000 1 Night
Fan 2 Person 120,000 1 Night
A/C 2 Person 160,000 1 Night
No Discount 1 Week

Masa Inn (0361) 758507
Poppies I/27

Located 30 meters from La Walon and across the street from Sari Indah market.

82 rooms on 2-levels, 2 swimming pools and breakfast restaurant. Tiled roof.

Rooms are large and have hot water, bathtub. The bed is quality and there is also a fridge. I thought the rooms were very clean and with the white tiled floor and the porch area was sunny and feature table and chairs.

Renovations are going on in the center of the property. The rear swimming pool has a large flat grassy area that is good for sunbathing. There is a bar next to the pool (not a ‘pool-bar’ though ).

The reception area is right on the street and there is a traditional stone entrance way.

A/C Family (4) 300,000 1 Night
A/C Triple 240,000 1 Night
A/C Double 180,000 1 Night
A/C Single 150,000 1 Night
Fan Double 135,000 1 Night
Fan Single 115,000 1 Night

Diana House
Poppies I

Located across from Jazz Inn.

6 rooms which are very basic and come in 2 sizes. Very basic bathroom and porch. All furniture is bamboo.

Reception area and central area are shabby. Rooms need renovation.

Breakfast not included. This place is good for someone on a strict budget.

Large room 1 Person 40,000 1 Night
Large room 1 Person 50,000 1 Night
Small room 1 Person 210,000 1 Week
Large room 1 Person 280,000 1 Week
Small room 2 Person 280,000 1 Week
Large room 2 Person 350,000 1 Week

Ayu Beach Inn (0361) 752948
Poppies I

Located opposite Laundry Services.

30 or so rooms mostly on single level with a few on 2nd floor. Shady looby behing long narrow driveway and parking area.

There is a vast array of prices depending on room size, A/C or fan, hot or cold water etc.

Rooms come with bathtub, are clean with whitish tile floor and have a porch with table and chair.

The garden that leads to the rooms has plenty of shady trees and bushes. There is also and internet-service.

There are 2 swimming pools and a restaurant that serves breakfast ( which is included ) and lunch.

I talked to 2 European travelers who said the hotel was good value with a central location, “The best you can find around here for the money.” I asked if there was anything that wasn’t good and they said the hand held shower wasn’t too good and the breakfast didn’t offer much.

Single 70,000-125,000 1 Night
Double 80,000-150,000 1 Night
Triple 100,000-200,000 1 Night

Kedin’s Inn
Poppies I

Located next to Tree House restaurant and across from R.Z bookshop.

25 rooms on 1 level. Front parking area with reception. Basic rooms with white tile floor. Rooms are clean with simple shower, porch with rattan furniture, nothing fancy though.

The porch area is fairly relaxing as it is shady and away from the street.

All rooms have fan.

I talked to a guest from Australia who had been back many times. He said he liked Kedin’s Inn because it was cheap and close to the beach. The low point is that sometimes other guests walk past late at night making a lot of noise. Breakfast is simple but okay.

1 Person 40,000 1 Night
2 Person 50,000 1 Night
1 Person 280,000 1 Week
2 Person 350,000 1 Week

Kuta Puri Bungalows (0361) 752585)
Poppies I

Located 50 meters from the beach road ( Jl. Pantai Kuta ).

39 rooms with cottages on 2 levels and bungalows on 1 level.

Rooms are clean and comfortable with good bed and come with fridge. The bathroom is open-air but looks very bare with the plain cement walls.

The porch area is shady and good for reading.

On the 2nd floor there are hallway lockers available.
Bungalows are larger with a carved doorway.

Construction is in progress on a 2 level block right now.

The grounds are large and well kept with swimming pool. The restaurant is located at the front next to Poppies I and has a large traditional bamboo / alang alang roof. I had lunch of grilled snapper for 17,000rp and it was good.

The restaurant is a relaxing place to be and the staff are very polite and friendly.

Breakfast is included.

Massage is available. There is a tour and transport office located at the front of the hotel.

A/C Hot water Bungalow Double $45 1 Night
A/C Hot water Bungalow Single $40 1 Night
A/C Hot water Cottage Double $35 1 Night
A/C Hot water Cottage Single $30 1 Night
A/C Hot water Extra bed $10 1 Night
Fan Hot water Bungalow Double $28 1 Night
Fan Hot water Bungalow Single $24 1 Night
Fan Hot water Bungalow Extra bed $8 1 Night
Fan Cold water Cottage I Double $20 1 Night
Fan Cold water Cottage I Single $17 1 Night
Fan Cold water Cottage II Double $18 1 Night
Fan Cold water Cottage II Single $15 1 Night
Fan Cold water Extra bed $7 1 Night

(catatan: saya dapat dari asti di milis indobackpacker)

”Tidak, saudara-saudaraku. Kita tidak membangun sebuah Monumen Nasional yang berharga setengah juta dolar hanya untuk membuang uang. Tidak! Kita sedang membuat ini, karena kita menyadari bahwa sebuah bangsa yang hebat, jiwanya dan hasratnya adalah kebutuhan yang absolut untuk kehebatannya, harus disimbolkan dengan sebuah benda materiil, sebuah benda yang hebat, yang kadang akan membuka mata dari bangsa-bangsa lain dengan penuh kekaguman.” (Pidato Bung Karno saat pemancangan pondasi Masjid Istiqlal, 24 Agustus 1961).

…

Aku menyempatkan diri mengunjungi monas, bukan cuma ingin menikmati kota metropolitan Jakarta dari puncak monas, bukan pula hanya sekedar melewatkan waktu mengagumi kebesaran suatu monumen nasional, tetapi belajar dari masa lampau. Banyak yang bisa dipelajari dari sejarah. Baik awal pembangunan maupun makna di balik sekedar bentuk fisik. Monumen ini dibangun sejak tahun 1961 pada masa Presiden Sukarno hingga selesai tahun 1975 masa Presiden Suharto. Pada saat awal pembangunan banyak dikecam karena dianggap proyek mercusuar padahal saat itu kondisi ekonomi bangsa terpuruk. Tetapi pembangunan terus berjalan hingga Presiden Soeharto.

Monumen ini berbentuk lingga-yoni (alu-lumbung), simbol keperkasaan dan kesuburan, dibangun untuk mengenang pejuang2 kemerdekaan Indonesia. Di atas Monas terdapat patung api/ nyala obor berlapis emas, menjadi lambang kobaran api semangat perjuangan bangsa. Itu sekilas tentang Monas.
Tugu Monas terletak di pusat kota Jakarta, karena memang sejak 1980an Monas ini menjadi titik nol Jakarta. Untuk mencapai Tugu Monas, pengunjung bisa dari arah manapun yang menuju Gambir, karena stasiun kereta ini memang terletak di area Monas. Untuk pengunjung bersepeda motor atau mobil biasanya juga menitipkan mobil di Stasiun Gambir. Di bagian selatan, ada juga pelataran parkir motor dan mobil. Di sebelah utara dan barat terdapat halte TransJakarta.
Monas dilengkapi taman dengan jalan berbatu yang bisa digunakan untuk refleksi telapak kaki dengan cara melewatinya dengan kaki telanjang. Di sebelah Barat ada pula dibangun air mancur “menari” dengan iringan musik dan ditambah pancaran sinar-sinar laser membentuk berbagai macam adegan. Atraksi ini biasanya setiap Sabtu mulai pukul 19.00 dan 20.00. Banyak pengunjung yang khusus hadir bersama keluarga menikmati atraksi ini. Patung monas pun juga ditambah dengan penerangan berbagai macam sinar yang berganti-ganti saat malam menambah keindahannya.
Untuk masuk ke dalam dan naik ke atas pada hari libur sangat ramai, antrean panjang menanti anda, apalagi jika ada rombongan wisata. Waktu kunjungan monas seperti tertera di loket adalah pk 08.30-17.00 WIB. Buka setiap hari untuk umum, kecuali hari senin minggu terakhir setiap bulan tutup. Saat bulan puasa biasanya jadwal diubah pk 08.30 – 15.30 WIB.

Katedral Padang terletak persis di depan Hotel Bumi Minang, tempat singgah sementara karena pesawat AirAsia yang seharusnya mengantar kami ke Jakarta dibatalkan.
Ketika matahari masih malu menampakkan diri, sekitar pukul 05.15, beberapa orang sudah mulai memasuki katedral itu. Suasana asri, ada taman di samping gereja. Gedung gereja peninggalan Belanda ini tampak sederhana dan khas.
Ruangan yang ada di dalam cukup luas dan tentu tinggi. Lampu penerangan yang tergantung di atas juga unik. Di belakang gereja ada tempat berdoa dengan tempat menyalakan lilin, simbol pengorbanan untuk menerangi sekitarnya.

Setelah berdoa sejenak–bersyukur atas jalan-jalan kali ini dan berharap sampai di jakarta dengan selamat–aku segera kembali ke hotel, meneruskan perjalanan ke jakarta. Dari hotel dijemput oleh bus untuk menuju Bandara Internasional Minangkabau.
Rabu, 24 Januari 2007

Pk 13.00 kami melanjutkan perjalanan pulang menuju Bukittinggi, kami tak sempat melihat bagian lain dari Lembah Harau yang terlihat dari jauh ada lagi beberapa air terjun yang berdekatan. Perjalanan lancar dengan cuaca agak gerimis, di Payakumbuh kiri-kanan jalan tetap saja kami menikmati pemandangan bernuansa etnis minang dengan rumah-rumah gadangnya. Sampai di Bukittinggi kami sempatkan makan siang dulu, berpamitan dengan teman2, Ary dan Hery, teman2 alumni smatn, yang keduanya tak bisa kami jumpai langsung. Mengembalikan mobil dan berbarengan menyewa mobil travel di halte sebelah hotel Dymens tempat kami menginap. Angkutan travel ini sering digunakan untuk trayek Padang-Bukittinggi bertarif 15000/orang, biasanya berupa Kijang kapsul atau APV sehingga muat untuk 9 orang, 10 termasuk sopir. Kami ingin secepatnya menuju Bandara karena jam sudah menunjuk pk 15.30 hitungannya harus sampai di bandara dalam waktu 1,5 jam! Goklas mengompori sopirnya biar bisa sampai sesegera mungkin di bandara, dan dengan kecepatan yang rata-rata 90km/jam di jalanan yang berliku itu kami memang bisa pas nyampe di bandara pk 17.00 wuihhh… turun dari travel langsung menarik napas lega.

Segera kami masuk untuk check-in, eh ternyata pesawat ditunda keberangkatannya hingga waktu yang belum ditentukan. Saat kami masuk ke ruangtunggu sesudah checkin ternyata oh ternyata, pesawat yang harusnya jam 9 pagi berangkat terkena delay hingga sore ini. Jadi pesawat AirAsia yang datang pk 18.30 ternyata untuk yang harusnya berangkat pagi, dan rencananya setelah mereka ke Jakarta, lalu akan kembali ke Padang untuk jemput, wuah jam berapa tuh baru nyampe Jakarta lagi.

Setelah lama menunggu dan akhirnya memutuskan untuk makan malam di restoran bandara baru ada pengumuman pesawat delay dan penumpang diinapkan di Padang. Hmm banyak penumpang yang ngamuk-ngamuk, yang minta ubah maskapai pokoknya nyampe di Jakarta sore hingga yang minta uang pengganti, karena tinggalnya di padang buat apa menginap di hotel.
Kami diangkut bus bandara dan tiba di hotel dengan pengaturan yang amburadul. Penumpang yang seharusnya sudah tercatat dan diatur saat di bandara, dicatat ulang di hotel, huh mungkin catatannya hilang. Cece, teman kami yang di Padang mengunjungi kami, dan aku suruh Goklas dan Arcon belanja dulu ke Christine Hakim dan aku antre melakukan registrasi. Inilah hikmah keterlambatan pesawat, jadinya bisa menikmati hotel bintang 4 di Padang dan bisa melewatkan semalam di Padang.
Malamnya kami pergi dengan Bang Syarwedi dan istri, teman alumni smatn yang kerja di Padang juga. Martabak Hayuda menjadi pilihan, waktu sudah menunjuk pukul 22.00 tapi tempat itu masih ramai. Lumayan enak dan pelayanan juga cepat, sayang banyak pilihan menu kami yang salah dan beberapa juga sudah habis.
Malam ini kami tidur di hotel setelah sempat bersitegang dengan pihak hotel yang tak segera mengirim extra bed seperti dijanjikan AirAsia.

Setelah itu kami meluncur ke Pasar Atas, banyak jalan yang satu arah dan belum banyak kenal jalan sehingga meski sebenarnya tidak jauh, tetep aja muter-muter dulu baru sampai. Mulailah kami menyebar mencoba tawar-menawar membeli oleh-oleh, baju, dan makanan, karipik sanjay yg bisa dimakan banyak orang hehe..
Pk 10.45 kami baru pulang ke hotel dan bergegas menata baju dan perlengkapan lainnya, bersiap pulang. Selanjutnya kami masih menimbang-nimbang mau ke lembah harau gak yah.. Pesawat takeoff pk 17.45, jadi palinglambat pk 17 di Bandara, amannya pk 15 sudah harus berangkat dari Bukittinggi. Perjalanan ke Lembah Harau diperkirakan 3 jam PP melewati Payakumbuh, belum makan siang dan menikmati pemandangan. Akhirnya kami putuskan untuk berangkat tetapi kami sudah persiapkan barang-barang biar bisa segera cabut sesampai di Bukittinggi lagi.

Perjalanan ke Lembah Harau lancar, cuaca kadang mendung, kadang gerimis, yang pasti gak pernah cerah Tetapi kecantikan alam sumbar memang luarbiasa. Sepanjang jalan bukit-bukit dan sawah nan hijau menghampar luas. Sesekali terlihat rumah gadang baik yang sudah reot dan kuno maupun sedikit modern. Masih banyak penduduk Sumbar yang memegang kuat adat minang. Petunjuk jalan cukup jelas, sehingga dengan hanya beberapa kali tanya, kami bisa sampai di Lembah Harau. Perjalanan bisa ditempuh dalam waktu satu jam lebih dikit! Emang ok Goklas yang saat itu jadi sopir
Lembah Harau, Kabupaten Lima Puluh Koto, berjarak kuranglebih 15 kilometer dari Payakumbuh atau 47 km timur laut Bukittinggi. Selama perjalanan, terlihat banyak juga kendaraan umum, artinya Lembah Harau bisa dijangkau relatif mudah dengan kendaraan umum.
Sampai ke jalan masuk menuju Lembah Harau, ada pertigaan, ke kiri atau ke kanan masing-masing mempunyai air terjun. Kami memilih jalan ke kiri dulu dan singgah di air terjun yang lumayan tinggi. Sebenarnya air terjun ditampung di sebuat kolam besar dan pengunjung bisa berenang kalau mau dan tidak tahan dingin. Kami memilih berfoto ria. Pemandangan sangat menakjubkan. Tebing yang tinggi dengan air terjun dan di sebelahnya hutan hujan tropis. Tempat ini bagaikan Jurassic Park yang dikelilingi tebing tinggi dan di tengah terdapat hutan dan sawah hijau.

Di dekat Air terjun terdapat warung-warung makan dan penjual tanaman. Kebanyakan tanaman yang dijual adalah kantong semar. Bermacam jenis kantong semar ada di situ, ada anggrek yang juga berbentuk kantong semar. Harganyapun tak terlalu mahal sekitar 20-30rb, bahkan sesampai di Jakarta terkaget-kaget karena katanya bisa mencapai 1 hingga 2 juta. Setelah berfoto-ria, kami putar balik ke arah pulang, di situ ada penginapan homestay dan cafe “Echo”. Didirikan tepat di bawah tebing menjulang. untuk masuk melewati jalan setapak dan menyeberang sungai kecil melalui jembatan kayu. Dinamai Echo mungkin karena letaknya yang dikelilingi tebing sehingga kalau kita berteriak pasti akan terdengan echo (gaung). Sungguh suasana yang unik. Ada penginapan yang berbentuk cottage dan per kamar besar yang bisa digunakan untuk keluarga. Di cafenya ada tempat pertemuan dengan meja besar dikelilingi kursi. Kami menikmati kopi dan teh sambil ngobrol dan mengagumi suasana. Penginapan tersebut tidak mewah tapi terlihat bersih dan terawat dan tentu unik dengan bentukknya yang khas minang.

Hari ini hujan turun tiada henti mulai dini hari hingga siang. Kami memang kecapekan juga sepulang dari Solok hingga tengah malam. Jadilah hari ini bersantai istirahat, mampir ke warnet di sebelah kantor pos Bukittinggi yang ternyata lelet banget, sekalian ngecek penerbangan pulang, siapa tahu ganti jadwal, maklum airasia gitu lhoo.
Siang itu kami mendapat undangan makan sekali lagi dari Hery di restoran Simpang Raya. Jadilah kami menghabiskan siang hingga sore sembari makan dan ngobrol. Sepulang makan kami mendapat pinjaman motor dari Hery, namun cuaca yang tetap hujan menghalangi kami berkeliling Bukittinggi dengan motor. Goklas tidur lagi, dan aku bersama Arcon makan sore di Restoran Sederhana, mencoba mencicipi Roti Cane dan Martabak mesir yang ternyata tak terlalu istimewa.

Malamnya kami ketemu teman kami Ary yang mengajak ketemu di Jam Gadang, ngobrol di warung di depan Jam Gadang, kemudian lanjut di Simpang raya yang ternyata buka hingga tengah malam. Satu lagi tambahan minuman khas, paling tidak di Bukittinggi, yaitu jus tomat dicampur telur, untuk pembangkit tenaga, begitu katanya.

Selasa, 23 Januari 2007
Pk 8.30 pagi itu aku dan arcon segera meluncur ke Itiak Lado Ijo, makanan yang sudah diincar jauh-jauh hari. Ancar-ancarnya di dekat taman panorama, ternyata masih agak turun, dekat dengan ngarai sianok dengan pemandangan tebing yang tegak lurus.

Pagi itu warung masih sepi, terpikir ini bukan ya yang banyak dibicarakan itu, nama di plangnya Gulai Itiak Lado Mudo bukan Itiak Lado Ijo, hmm hampir sama sih. Masuk ke dalam warung, belum tampak satu orang pun, tapi masakan sudah siap. Di tembok tampak resensi dari kompas, membaca itu memang benar, tempat makan inilah yang banyak dibicarakan. Selanjutnya kami memesan dua itik. Hmm tak berapa lama keluar hidangan Itik dengan lumuran cabe hijau yang mengundang selera. Makanan itu sumpah tak menunggu lama habisnya karena segera hilang di perut kami. Kalau anda tak suka itik disediakan pula rendang sebagai alternatif. Satu itik kalo nggak salah inget dihargai Rp. 20.000. Sementara kami makan mulai banyak pengunjung dan selain makan di situ, mereka juga memesan untuk dibawa pulang, mungkin sebagai oleh-oleh.
Di sebelah nampak itik-itik yang menunggu giliran, cuman yang di halaman masih hidup. Mereka tidak memelihara sendiri itiknya jadi tempat itu hanya menjadi penampungan sementara. Sedangkan di sebelahnya lagi nampak langsung ngarai Sianok. Setelah kami selesai makan dan pulang, ternyata saat itu beberapa orang menata meja makan dan kursi di halaman, wow, ternyata banyak meja dan kursi disiapkan untuk pengunjgung tidak hanya di dalam.

Perjalanan menuju Danau Singkarak dari Padangpanjang tak terlalu lama, hanya 30 menit. Dan kami mulai mencari tempat parkir di pantainya. Masuk menuju tempat wisata Tanjung Mutiara, ternyata tempat wisata tersebut tak begitu menarik. Ada perahu wisata yang bisa disewa untuk berkeliling di sekitar danau, muat sekitar 20an orang, ada perahu yang dikemudikan berdua. Tapi sangat jarang pengunjung yang memanfaatkan perahu itu, mungkin sewanya yang juga cukup mahal. Yang banyak adalah anak-anak kecil berenang di pantainya. Cuaca lumayan cerah namun berawan tebal, di beberapa sudut danau masih bisa terlihat kecantikan tersembunyi Danau Singkarak yang menunggu penataan lebih lanjut. Ya, keindahan itu masih terkubur.

Danau Singkarak dengan luas sekitar 108km persegi adalah danau terbesar ke-2 di Sumatra setelah Danau Toba. Keunikannya adalah budidaya ikan Bilih yang hanya bisa dilakukan di Danau Singkarak ini. Sebagian besar orang di kampung atau nagari di sekitarnya bertahan hidup dengan menjadi nelayan dan budidaya ikan bilih.

Kemudian kami menuju rumah sahabat Arcon, beruntung dia baru melakukan ritual pernikahan. Adat di Solok masih dipegang erat. Budaya matrilinial masih turun-menurun diwariskan. Pihak perempuan menjadi pewaris sah segala harta keluarga. Rumah gadang mempunyai kamar sejumlah anak perempuan yang dipunyai, dan hanya perempuan yang mempunyai kamar karena laki-laki nantinya kalau menikah akan ikut istrinya.

Beruntung pula akhirnya kami bisa mencoba masakan padang yang asli buatan rumah, apalagi beberapa adalah masakan yang khusus dibuat untuk pesta. Seperti misalnya rendang, makanan ini sebenarnya jarang dibuat karena membutuhkan waktu yang berhari-hari untuk membuatnya, dan rendang yang asli bisa bertahan beberapa hari pula tanpa dimasak. Ada pula ikan bilih, ikan rinuak, dan ketan yang dimakan dengan pisang. Perjalanan pulang kali ini dengan perut penuh karena saat mampir sekalian mengantarkan ke pengantin perempuan kami harus makan lagi. Terlarang hukumnya kalau tak makan…, tidak menghargai nyonya rumah…

Nah karena semalam belum sempat ke Mak Syukur maka siang inilah kami berangkat ke Mak Syukur. Kami tiba di sate Mak Syukur di Padangpanjang pk. 14.30. Untung pengunjung sepi, sate dihidangkan tak lebih dari 10 menit. Kehebatan sate ini memang layak dengan rasanya, tidak hanya dagingnya yang empuk tapi juga kuah sate khas padang yang lezat, hingga temenku Arcon tambah satu porsi lagi, dan masih berharap tambahan dari Goklas yang ternyata tak suka sate Padang.

Di kasir, terdapat foto SBY dan istri sedang berpose khusus ketika menikmati sate ini, ceritanya memang Megawati dan SBY selalu menyempatkan diri singgah makan di Sate Mak Syukur kala berkunjung ke Sumatra Barat. Sambil makan kami juga berdiskusi tentang rencana selanjutnya. Didukung cuaca yang sudah tak hujan lagi, kami memutuskan untuk ke Danau Singkarak dan mampir ke rumah teman Arcon di Solok.