Indonesia: Fly with KLM to Jakarta.

So, here is the beginning of my adventure in Indonesia. Where I traveled the Land of Java for 8 days from Jakarta to Jogjakarta and then to Bandung before flying home. Well,  this time around, I didn't go backpacking alone, I have my "sister" tagging along. Wait till you hear the story how we got separated in Jogjakarta for few hours with no means of communication, I almost wanted to call the embassy! 

When we wanted to book our tickets to Indonesia, we were considering taking AirAsia but after researching, we discovered that it was cheaper to fly with KLM for the dates we selected. And this being the first time for me to actually travel on KLM, I jumped on the opportunity! I only paid RM 445 ( USD 145) for return tickets on a international full-service flight! 

The flight was a transit flight for the Amsterdam-Jakarta route, serving 1 flight a day for Kuala Lumpur-Jakarta route. The departure time was 4.20pm and we arrived slightly earlier then 5.20pm (Indonesian time). It was something exciting for me as it was my very first full-service (not low cost airline) flight.

Here comes the Big Blue Bird! I was super excited while waiting for boarding! 

Boarding was fast and easy. We actually book for seats behind the galley for the extra legroom but when we checked in we were given different seats.  No harm done, we were happy with those seats as we were seated at double seats. 

Legroom was fine for a plus-size guy like me. And we were seated at the wing area, which has one of the nicest view from the airplane! Plus, I enjoyed the IFE on this flight as they had some American dramas that I've been wanting to watch! Seat configuration on this flight was 3-4-3 and mind you, I have never flown on a big airplane before! So,this is relatively new experience for me.  

Food were served 30 minutes after take-off. And no worries, food on KLM flight to and for Jakarta is Halal, eat your heart out! I was served some Vermicelli Thai Salad for appetizer, Nyonya Curry Chicken with Rice and some Cream Pudding for dessert. All food served was by Christang and KLM partnership. 

The food were delicious and having to eat it at 29,000ft was just amazing! Cheers to the journey and adventure with my Orange Juice! Two thumbs up KLM!

We landed safely though I was surprised that it was raining heavily and 6pm in Jakarta looks like 8pm in Malaysia. Immigration was breeze in Bandara Soekarno Hatta Airport and within minutes we were already running for our bags and Damri bus for our next adventure! 

More stories on Backpacking in Indonesia soon! Till then...keep on traveling peeps! 

21 Ways How I travel Cheap.

Everyone has been asking me " How the heck you spent RM 650 (approx USD 200) for 2 weeks of travel?".I am not rich and I don't have a shit loads of money in my piggy bank. I try to make use of my money to the max. 

So, here is 21 Ways How I travel Cheap :

1. There is one time I stayed at 5 Star Hotel (Grand Magherita, Kuching) for 5 days for only RM 100 (approx USD 35). I used AirAsiaGo.com , most of the times they have LITERALLY crazy sale.'

2. For flight, I used to fly for 1 Cent! You can try Fleapy to secure cheap flight from AirAsia. Sometimes KLM flight to Indonesia is cheaper than AirAsia, you make the judgement. 

3. I sleep most of the time in Hostel. Bunk bed and communal toilet. I love it! Check out HostelWorld and HostelBooker. 

4. Street food was my ultimate fuel. I spent no more than RM 10 (approx USD 3) per day.

5. I don't shop fancy. I mean, I only buy postcard and mail it home. Cheap and meaningful souvenirs.  

6. I travel on the cheapest seat/coach on the train or bus.

7. I WALK most of the time. 

8. I make use my student card to the fullest. You can save a lot.

9. Don't roam, buy the local simcard. Trust me, it's cheaper. 

10. I make use of Free water, coffee, and breakfast at the hostel. This saves some of my money.

11. Wash your own cloths, it's cheaper and you get to gain some muscles. 

12. I go to Big supermarket to get my supply (mineral water, snacks and etc). Way cheaper than 7-11. 

13. Public bus in South East Asia is dirt cheap. Make full use.

14. Sometimes I buy the Tourist Pass (usually Unlimited rides of all public transport). 

15. Most Hostel has free Internet/wi-fi nowadays, I save on that.

16. Always travel like local, that way not only you save but you get to know the country well.

17. Make your own tour, don't buy tour packages unless it's cheaper that way. 

18. Check out places with free entrance, i.e museum, park and etc. 

19. If you have the Asian look, camouflage as native, you pay shitload cheaper to enter attraction places. 

20. Make friends, get attached and travel together. You can save on group activities. 

21.Bring your towel and toiletries from home.  

When you travel, it's not "what I can save the most" but what I can see the most of the country. What backpacking allows you to do is that you get to see the real life of the people in that country. You save and experience the most! So go travel, it's a lot cheaper and easier than you think.