Northern Sumatra Itinerary

10,000 IDR = 33.3 TWD

50,000 IDR = 166.6 TWD

70,000 IDR = 233. TWD

13JAN 0715 DEP: TAIPEI (FRI) 1950 ARR: MEDAN / WED 25JAN 2035 DEP: MEDAN (THU) 0605 ARR: TAIPEI
 
Fri Jan 13th : Medan VOA is $US25 p/person, departure tax of Rp 150,000 each in local currency

Blue Angel Guesthouse Pondok Wisata Angel, Jl S.M.Raja No 70, Medan North Sumatra

Indonesia Ph: (061) 732 0702 Fax: (061) 732 6050

Gumagaba Youth Hostel, Jln. S.Raja Simpang Amplas 21. Medan, Go to Bus Terminal Amplas, Medan and walk back toward the street junction. Look for no.21. It is a four story building. Contact: mgint0@uky.edu, +62 (0)8139-6115221

Saturday January 14th am: Bukit Lawang Checking out the orang-utan centre at Bukit Lawang ; it’s better than Clint Eastwood’s Any Which Way But Loose if you want encounters of the ape kind Bukit Lawang to Medan by bus - 3 -3.5 hrs. (20,000 RP p/person)

Sunday January 15th+ Monday Jan 16th : 2 nights ? Tangkahan You can also get to Tangkahan from Bukit Lawang either on the back of a motorbike, a very bumpy 3 hour trip or hire a 4WD to take you. Prices for a 4WD can be up to Rp 600,000-1,000,000 (3,300 NT/US$83) for a one way trip.

Tangkahan is located west of Medan and you can reach it by public bus (5 hours). Spend your day with the elephants, or trek the forests to explore other flora and fauna such as otters and leopards. When you are done, you can choose to return to you bungalow for a meal or choose to be one with nature itself by taking a refreshing shower under the waterfall or soak yourself in the hot spring inside a cave by the river.

Mega Inn, 8 rooms w. bath: Rp. 75-100.000. Discounts for longer stays. Ph: 081 370 211 009, 081 370 454 572. megadepari@yahoo.com www.experiencesumatra.com

Bamboo River, 6 rooms w. bath, Rp. 100.000. Ph. through CTO office: 081 361 423 245.

Jungle Lodge, 9 rooms w private bath: Rp. 85-200.000, Ph: 0813 7633 4787, ssitepu@aol.com www.junglelodge.net

No Name Accommodation, next to CTO office. 2 rooms: Rp. 70-85.000. No restaurant. Ph through CTO: 081 361 423 245

1 hour trek 160,000Rp per person, 2 hour trek 300,000Rp per person, 3 hour trek 420,000Rp (1,400NT) per person. Treks are twice a day (morning / afternoon), however; the elephants are unavailable for treks on Tuesday and Thursday

[From Medan there are only 2 buses a day leaving from Pinang Baris Bus Terminal, leaving at 10am and 1pm and taking around 4.5 - 5 hours (longer if raining). The cost is 15,000Rp (50NT) per person.]

Buses leaveTangkahan at 7.30am and 2.30pm to go back to Medan. [buses to Prapat from Tangkahan w/o backtracking to Medan ? buses to Berastagi w/o backtracking to Medan]

Tuesday January 17th - Wednesday the 18th : BERASTAGI

Berastagi (2/12 hours from Medan 8,000 RP)

Gunung Sinabung to the west and the smoking Gunung Sibayak to the north. These volcanoes are a day hike apiece, making them two of Sumatra’s most accessible volcanoes. Sneaking a peek inside the gaseous volcano craters that ring the hill town of Berastagi.

Wisma sibayak 30,000 RP a night

Losemen sibayak Guesthouse 35,000 a night

Take local bus to Semanget Gurung (2000RP), at the base of volcano, 2 hr hike to the top, hot springs, waterfall.

Thursday January the 19th– Friday January 20th LAKE TOBA

f/ Berastagi catch opelet to Kabanajahe (20 minutes 25000RP), then bus to Pematang Siantar (3 hrs, 12,000RP), then bus to Parapat (1.5 hrs, 10,000RP) [total 5 hrs, 24,000 RP each].

Parapat to Danau Toba (Tuk Tuk):

Horas Chill Out Café+ Homestay

Bagus Bay+ restaurant

[Bus to Medan to Prapat. You can get a bus to Medan - try to see if they can drop you off in the city and not take you all the way out to Pinang Baris the big bus terminal. Buses for Prapat leave from the Amplas bus terminal but if you ask at the accomodation place Blue Angel they should be able to tell you about tourist buses that head down to Prapat Lake Toba from Medan.]

Saturday January 21st Medan to Banda Aceh> Pulau Weh>Iboih

Return from Parapat to Medan

Catch flight to Banda Ache, make ferry to Pulau Weh

Exploring underwater peaks and valleys at the dive sites around Pulau Weh, a tropical island that hasn’t sold out

From Banda Aceh to Pulau Weh (updated Oct 2011)

From the airport of Banda Aceh, it's about a half hour drive to Ulee Lheu, close to the center of Banda Aceh, from where the ferries to Balohan (Pulau Weh's ferry harbour) are leaving.

FAST PASSENGER FERRIES FROM BANDA ACEH TO PULAU WEH

daily "Pulo Rondo" ETD: 09:30 ETA: 10:30

Saturday to Thursday "Express Bahari" ETD: 16:00 ETA: 17:00

Friday "Express Bahari" ETD: 16:30 ETA: 17:30

Slow ferry ticket from Banda to Sabang is about Rp 17.000 and Sabang to Banda is Rp 18.000.

CAR/PASSENGER FERRY "BRR" FROM BANDA ACEH TO PULAU WEH

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday ETD: 14:00 ETA: 15:50

Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday

( 2 x a day) ETD: 11:00 & 16:00 ETA: 12:50 & 17:50



FAST PASSENGER FERRIES FROM PULAU WEH TO BANDA ACEH

daily "Express Bahari" ETD: 08:00 ETA: 9:00

daily "Pulo Rondo" ETD: 16:00 ETA: 17:00



CAR/PASSENGER FERRY "BRR" FROM PULAU WEH TO BANDA ACEH

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday ETD: 08:00 ETA: 9:50

Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday

( 2 x a day) ETD: 08:00 & 13:30 ETA: 9:50 & 15:20


When you arrive in Balohan, the harbour on Pulau Weh, there are many cars and minibusses waiting for passengers. With each ferry arrival a specific minibus (and/or taxi) is appointed to go to the Gapang & Iboih beaches. For taxis count on a minimum of Rp 150.000-200.000 or if shared with others 50.000 per person for a Kijang car to take you directly to LumbaLumba on Gapang Beach. In a minibus it's also Rp 50.000 per person, with negotiation sometimes Rp 40.000 per person. It is still another 35 minutes drive over (newly repaved) scenic roads around bays and over steep hills with prime forest and many monkeys.

New are the 2 becaks (motorbike taxi's) which can take you to Gapang Beach.

PULAU WEH > IBOIH (Teupin Layeu)

1. Yulia's Bungalow & Restaurant

Ph: +6285270706003, +6285260850400. 14 bungalows. With outside bathroom: Rp. 50-60.000. With fan, bathroom: Rp. 175-200.000. Depending on length of stay. No advance booking. Nice layout.

2. Iboih Inn & Restaurant

Ph: +62811841570, +628126991659 (Ms. Saliza). Fb: iboih.inn@gmail.com 16 bungalows. Budget room, fan: Rp. 100.000. With fan, bathroom: Rp. 250.000. With aircon, bathroom: Rp. 350.000, All rooms except budget: incl. breakfast. Pick up at Iboih pier if booked in advance. Visa and MasterCard accepted. Free Wi-Fi. Boat transportation and trips etc.

3. O'Ong Restaurant & Bungalows

Ph: +6281360700150. 10 rooms. No Private bathroom: Rp. 40-50.000. With bathroom: Rp. 130.000-150.000, depending on length of stay.

4. Olala Restaurant & Bungalow (Moved further in to new buildings)

Ph: +6285260607311. eka_olala@hotmail.co.uk 6 bungalows. With fan, outside bathroom: Rp. 80-90.000. Big discounts for long stay. Wi-Fi.

5. Mama Mia Restaurant & Bungalows

1 bungalow. Rp. 50.000 depending on length of stay.

6. Fatimah Bungalows. A couple of new bungalows available.

7. Iboih Hill Bungalow

Ph: +6285260904101. 6 bungalows. With fan and outside bathroom: Rp. 70.000. Ask in the "Rentals and Info" shop.

8. The seven bungalows: after the diving school are all individually owned by locals. Very basic and no private bathroom. If nobody approaches you, ask for Mr. Nasir.

9. Rubiah Tirta Divers: 1 bungalow with bathroom and spring bed. Rp. 100-150.000 depending on length of stay.

10. Home High (former Arina) Ph: 082160180620. Their 4 bungalows are falling apart. Only restaurant now.

11. Ayub's: 2 rooms and 1 bathroom in one bungalow. Rp. 150.000/room. Discounts for long stay. Ask for Mr. Ayub at the parking area or ask in Erick's next door.

12. Erick's Green House +++  Ph: +6282167899876. 5 rooms. Some with attached bathroom and all with kitchenette. Rp. 50-150.000. Discounts for long stay. Wi-Fi.

13. Fina Bungalow, Ph: +6285262111366. Just before the gate. 6 rooms. With fan, bathroom: Rp. 150 -200.000. Aircon, bathroom: Rp. 250-300.000. Price depending on season.

14. Cut Agam Guest House & Coffee Shop: First place when coming down to Iboih. Ph: +6281360811780. 4 rooms, fan, outside bathroom: Rp.150-200.000.

15. Pulau Rubiah, Ph: +6285260637810 (Pak Yahya). 5 rooms in 3 bungalows: Rp. 100.000 per room. 1 big 2-room bungalow with bathroom and kitchen: Rp. 250.000. Restaurant available. Can only be reached by boat. Ask at the parking lot. If Mr. Yahya picks up: Rp. 100.000 return fare.

16. Pele's Ujung Patek Bungalows: At the Petek point 500 meter south of Iboih, turn sharply to the right when in front of Cut Agam Guesthouse. Ph: +6285260958990 (Adun), +6285253702209 (Wani), doktorkalkyl@gmail.com 2 Bungalows. With fan and bathroom: Rp. 250.000. Remote and tranquil.



Wednesday January 25th fly back to Medan
Catch night flight to Singapore> Taipei

BANDA ACHE info:
Bus to Banda Aceh A bus trip from Medan to Aceh takes around 11 hours. Most buses travel overnight and cost 150,000Rp (500NT).

Flights to Banda AcehThe airport at Banda Aceh is called Sultan Iskandarmuda Airport. A taxi will cost 70,000Rp from the airport to the centre of Banda Aceh. Lion Air has direct flights from Banda Aceh to Medan and Jakarta. www.lionair.co.id Sriwijaya Air has direct flights from Banda Aceh to Medan and Jakarta. sriwijayaair-online.com

Budget Hotels

Uncle's Homestay Jalan Mujahidin No. 2B, Lambaro Skep,Banda Aceh

Ph: 0852 6028 4432 Rp70,000/with fan, Rp100,000/with AC, Rp200,000/large with AC.

Joel's Bungalows, Lampuuk Beach Banda Aceh HP: 081 2691 0117

Al Kiram Guesthouse, Green Paradise, Wisma Diana, Yellow House

Links

http://indonesia-guidebook.blogspot.com/2011/02/destination-sumatra-north-sumatra.html

http://www.ketambe.com/ketambe_how-to-reach.html

http://forum.indahnesia.com/topic/4404/0/tangkahan_-_jungle_paradise_in_north_sumatra.php

http://flights.indonesiamatters.com/

http://www.sumatra-indonesia.com/accommodation.htm#Medan

http://sumatra-adventure.com/destination-2/tangkahan/

http://www.carnifest.com/carnivals/Arak-Tabuik-Festival.asp

http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Indonesia/Sumatra/Bukit-Lawang/blog-285945.html

http://www.lumbalumba.com/travel.html

http://www.sumatraecotourism.com/pulauweh/index.html

The Tokyo Plan

Tokyo itinerary

I was originally concerned that accommodation would be outrageously expensive but after alot of research found decent prices places (1800NT range) some places that wouldnt charge me extra for a kid. The best bet for my money was an awesome located backpacker party place for 4000yen a night, double w/bath. But I dont want a party vibe and opted for a place NW in Ikebukuro, a traditional Ryokan, same prices for single no attached bath, but traditional japanese bath tub for all guests. Im so excited!  There are so many places to experiences in and around the Tokyo area, I sort of been fantasizing moving there. I never had this strong fascination w/Japanese culture before, not until recently, I can't explain why.


Sat: Tainan Highspeed at 8:30am to Taoyan International airport, check in at 10:50am, 12:50 departure CX450. Arrive at Narita: 17:10 flight

Keisei Honson Express to Nappori (1000yen), then to Ikebukuro (160yen). Or (1200yen) change to Ikebukuro Keisei Narita sky Access from Narita o Nappori (160yen) then to Ikebukuro (160yen). Check in at kimiryokan. Night + dinner around Ikebukuro.

Sunday: Asakusa (Sensōji Temple), lunch Waentei-Kikko 12:15 performance

Harajuku on Sundays(where the locals come out to play - in costumes), Yoyogi Park (buskers & rockabilly Japanese- truly bizarre +Meiji Jingu (one of the most important shrines in Tokyo), Omotesando (shopping & great architecture). Walk to Shinjuku.

Shinjuku: Shinjka Gyoen Gardens (picnic) + dusk at TMGB (closes at 7pm). Metropolitan Govt. Building, have a mocha in Starbucks and watch the hordes cross the intersection in front of the station (Hachiko exit),

Monday: Nikko? Or Kamakura? I just read a post on LP's Thorntree that the UNESCO's world heritage sites in Nikko are all under reconstruction for the next few years and mostly under scaffolding so Im thinking of skipping Nikko ) : and checking out Aizuwakamatsu for some autumn splendor.

Tuesday: early am Tsukiji (Tsukiji- Shijo station), walk to Shiodome at 11 ADMT (46th-47th floor Caretta shiodome) walk to Palace Higashi-Gyoen - The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Tokyo Station)

check out and leave for Narita: 12:30

Flight at: CX 451 , check in 2 pm 15:55 departure, arrive Taipei 18:30, highspeed  it back to Tainan, work the next day (big sigh)

LINKS

http://www.tokyoessentials.com/free.html

http://www.kimiryokan.jp/facilities.html%20++%20(no%20extra%20charge%20for%20child%204000%20p/night)

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2014_when.html

http://www.crowdedworld.com/japan/hotelminowa.html

http://wikitravel.org/en/Tokyo/Taito

http://www.traveltokyo.info/Hotels.Taito%20less%20than%20Yen%205,000.html

http://hotel.tokyogigguide.com/asakusa.html#asakusa

http://www.tokyohostels.com/tokyo-hostel-faq.php

http://www.juyoh.co.jp// ++

http://www.newkoyo.jp/index.html ++ (single 2300 yen p/night +500 yen extra for child)

http://www.sawanoya.com/ (charge extra 1050 yen for child)

http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&nav=messages&webtag=ab-gojapan&tid=612

http://www.toukaisou.com/

http://hotelink.co.jp/english/

http://www.tokyo.hostel.com/%20bAkpak%20Tokyo%20Hostel%20(no%20extra%20charge%20for%20kid)%20small%20single%20w/fridge,%20bath,%204000yen%20p/night)

http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/tourists/guideservice/guideservice/index.html

http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/tourists/guideservice/volunteer/index.html

http://skybus.jp/explains/index/00033

http://tokyo-tokyo.com/tokyo_shrines.htm

http://www.tsukiji-market.or.jp/tukiji_e.htm

Malaysia-SIngapore Itinerary

So this is a rough sketch. I usally have an idea what Id like to see and where Id like to go, but Im very open to winging it, depending on the situation and with traveling, especially with a child anything is possible. My coworkers are going to KL at the same time too, so maybe if I send them my info we might have lunch together or something. On my list is henna for me and Z, she wants to go supra red, Indian anything, maybe get some salwar kameez made from an Indian tailor (always fun). I have to buy tea for friends, which is a good excuse to sample too much, or visit some of the plantations. A Malayisan cooking class, make some batik, shadow puppets and loads of street stall satay washed down w/fresh coconut milk.

Malaysia/Singapore Itinerary


Day 1-Day3 –Sunday July 18- Tuesday July 19 KUALA LUMPUR

Arrive KL 725am check in http://www.seraiinn.com/location.asp (45MYR x3= 1290TWD)

.Take Hop on/off bus around major sights, get familiar with city.

.Fish foot spa, Little India walk

.Petronas Towers (Tues am), KLCC Park (playground), Mercura KL Tower (38RM adult/28 child) (630TWD)

.Batu Caves (bus 11,4RM, 45 minutes).

Day 4-5 July20-21 Wed/Thurs: KL to Ipoho (train 4 ½ hours 20RM), bus to Lumut (12RM) or KL-Lumut bus (38 RM), then Lumut ferry to Pulau Pangkor(40 min ferry). Sleep at Teluk Nipah 2 nights. White sand beaches, snorkel, walking trails.

Day 6 July 22 Friday: return to Ipoh. Take 8 hour train (night train?) to Kota Bharu (50RM).

Day 7 July23 Sat: Kota Bharu Check in at KB Backpackers www.kb-backpackers.com.my. Watch Cultural Center shows, shadow puppets, batik painting

Day 8 July 24 Sunday: Kota Bharu, market 3pm in Marang, then take ferry (RM 25) to Pulau Kapas, sleep at Light House (RM50), diving, beaches, snorkeling. [Or skip Kapas and go to Cherating.]

Day 9 July 25 Monday: Pulau Kapas (RM 25 ferry), sleep at LightHouse. Stay another night or go to Cherating?

Day 10 July 26 Tuesday: Cherating, sleep at Mazrah’s Guest Home (RM35), beach, kayak, batik, turtle watching)

Day 11-12 July 27-28 Wed/Thurs: Cherating to Mersing to Pulau Tioman, stay at ABC Bungalows 2 nights(RM 50-150).

Day 13-15 July 29-31 Friday-Sunday: Mersing to Singapore (3 hours 14RM, 2buses daily). Check in at http://www.betelbox.com/hostel_rates.htm $S$34.50 p/night ladies only dorm ( NTD)

http://www.backpackers.com.sg/bookingpromotion.php

Fri: SIA Hop on bus www.siahopon.com , Universal Studios ($120= 2812 NTD).

Sat: all day at the zoo, Night Safari ($32 adult 16 child = 1125 NTD).

Sunday: Little India am market, last minute shopping, New Creation Church, check in airport at 2pm.

Links:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia +++

http://www.travelforkids.com/Funtodo/Malaysia/kualalumpur.htm

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1771440/top_five_best_things_to_do_with_kids.html?cat=25

http://www.travelforkids.com/Funtodo/Singapore/singapore.htm

http://www.nightsafari.com.sg/

http://www.rwsentosa.com/Attractions/UniversalStudiosSingapore

http://www.newcreation.org.sg/announcements/new-english-service-venue-at-the-grand-cathay

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=2069034

http://www.mymalaysiabooks.com/singapore/Singapore%20to%20Malaysia.htm



KLM

Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park – Start your day with a trip to the Petronas Twin Towers, 88 stories high, the third tallest building in the world (1,483 feet). Take the elevators to the Skybridge that connects the two towers of this elegant glass and steel building. The Petronas Twin Towers are open Tues.- Sun., and the Skybridge is closed on Fri. from 1:00pm - 2:30pm.

Adjacent to the towers is a large public park, Kuala Lumpur City Centre Park. There is a two acre modern kid's playground, wading pools (bring your swim suits), a musical fountain, artificial lake, sculptures, plenty of grass and shade trees.

Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower) – Get the bird's eye view of Kuala Lumpur from the KL Tower, a big concrete communications tower with a space age look. Take elevator to observatory deck and grab a snack in the revolving restaurant.

Back on the ground, follow the walkway which links the KL Tower to Bukit Nanas Forest Recreational Park. Suddenly you'll find yourself in a green, shady forest, right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur. Bring your picnic lunch (picnic tables provided). There are trails through the park and a playground.

Central Market (Pasar Seni) – The Central Market, housed in a charming art deco style building, is a place to find out more about Malaysian culture, arts and crafts." Look for shadow puppet plays (wayang kulit), batik painting, art exhibitions, traditional music and dance performances. While you're at Central Market, buy kites. Kite flying is a national pastime in Malaysia. Look for the distinctive "wan bulan" or moon kite, cat kites, bird kites. Ask at your hotel for the best place to fly your kite.

Batu Caves – Hindu shrines were created inside these huge limestone caves, and the combination of spectacular natural beauty and brilliant colors is incredible. The Temple Cave is as big as a church. The Art Gallery Cave has statues and wall paintings from Hindu mythology. As you ascend the long stairway up to the caves, you may be accosted by macaque monkeys (kids hold onto your things)



SINGAPORE

Little India – From Arab Street, cross over the Rochor Canal to Serangoon Road, a neighborhood teeming with Hindu temples, shops with saris and spices. (On Cuff Road, one spice shop still grinds spices by hand.) In flower shops, watch garland makers creating beautiful flower leis. Have your hands painted in traditional henna designs, or your fortune told by a parakeet (the bird picks out a card with your fortune on it.) Shop for bangles and other lovely Indian jewelry, or a Kashmiri shawl. The Cultural Corner at the Little India Arcade has videos and other exhibits, where you can learn more about Indian culture and customs.

Don't miss the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore. The gopurum (tower gate) is intricately decorated with gods, goddesses and fantastic animals. Inside the temple is a statue of Kali, with the elephant-headed Ganesha on one side, and Murugan, riding on a peacock, on the other.

Stop into the Temple of a Thousand Lights, the Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple to see a large footprint of the Buddha and a big 50 foot Buddha, adorned with colored lights. For a small fee, you can spin the wheel of fortune to have your fortune told.

Singapore Zoo – In this top-notch zoo the animals are in open enclosures, not behind bars, in a lush tropical rain forest. Plan to spend the day here.

Start out at Treetops Trail, a re-creation of the Southeast Asian rainforest, where you walk high above the trees, looking down to see red langur monkeys and siamangs, mouse deer and water birds below. Visit Orangutan Island and the Asian elephants enclosure, elephant rides are also available. Check the schedule for feeding times for elephants, white tiger, king cobra, and more.

As a special treat, have breakfast with an orangutan. You can feed the orangutan, (how are their table manners?) and have your picture taken. At the entrance to the Zoo, lockers, strollers and wagons are available for rent. Within the zoo are picnic areas, cafes and snack bars.