My Jakarta Adventure : Overnight In Airport, Monas, Bajaj, and Ragusa Ice Cream

Idbackpacker.com (Indonesia Backpacker) – Short and exciting adventure in Jakarta, taste how delicious traditional Italian ice cream, Ragusa. Seeing Monas closer for my first time and feel the thrill of riding Bajaj. See!? Jakarta can be fun too!

Initially I don’t have any intention to do an adventure in Jakarta. But, super cheap tickets from my favorite LCC airline Air Asia in June 2012 was tempting me. Most people will said “Why going holiday to Jakarta!?” There is no interesting thing from Jakarta except its traffic jam. Upsss! Well, actually my sister lives in Jakarta, and  visiting my sister while do a culinary tour wouldn’t be so bad huh?

Low Cost Carrier like Air Asia is so cheap, but..

Cheap LCC Promo return tickets around $31 USD

Using LCC airline like Air Asia is cheap, but that cheap tickets usually sold on not so convenient flight hour at all, just like this time. The Ticket price was only Rp. 298 000 for Denpasar – Jakarta return tickets. But, I had to landing at Soekarno Hatta airport terminal 3 on 23:55 GMT +7. And cheap public transport like (Damri) that will take us to Central Jakarta isn’t operated anymore at that time. Other options are taking a taxi, but it going to be cost more, and mess my budget plan.

Finally, rather than spend an excess for a cab ride, I decided to sleep at the airport. Yeah! Sleeping in terminal 3 Soekarno – Hatta air port for the firs time. I just don’t care anymore, it is obviously better than I took a taxi to the city center in the midnight. Also I do not want to get lost because I got a wrong taxi. Turns that sleeping in the airport was not so bad, just dont forget bring your jacket. It’s so damn cold here!

Ride Bajaj for the first time!

The most thrilling vehicle in Jakarta, Bajaj!

I am a person who is always excited with first time experience, even for such a simple Bajaj riding experience. Wait, what is Bajaj? Well, the internet says “Bajaj is actually one of the largest automotive brand in India, Bajaj Auto”. But in jakarta it is known as a three-wheeled vehicle that is widely used in Jakarta. Or you can say, the legendary Jakarta’s vehicle who can beat traffic jam!

It turned that riding this three-wheeler was so exciting, it almost like riding a roller coaster. The difference is that roller coaster running on its own  track, while Bajaj should shake its body to the right and to the left, passing through Jakarta’s most famous and heaviest traffic jam. Even an adrenaline junkie like me, could cried all the way riding this Bajaj. It was really thrilling experience for me! Even though I only ride from Jakarta’s Planetarium to Monas. Hahaha!

Willing to line up, only for some scoop of Ragusa ice cream!

The thing that most attracted me doing vacation in Jakarta is its culinary! Traditional Italian ice cream, ragusa, is one of many delicious Jakarta’s culinary that attracting me. Ragusa Italian traditional ice cream is located on Jalan Veteran 1 no. 10, Jakarta. The location is quite close to the Istiqlal mosque, just beside it.

My first impression is, this ragusa shop, who selling traditional Italian ice cream is so unique, classic and crowded!!! My first time seeing many people willing to queue up for a long time just for some scoop of ice cream. If you want to get a seat here, only two choices available. Share a table with other visitors, or fight for a seat when there are visitors who finished eating. I still prefer the second option, even though in the end, my sister and I had to share a table with other visitor.

You can taste this delicious ice cream only with $2-$3 USD

And the Ice Cream taste!? Don’t ask again! I definitely say most delicious traditional ice cream in Jakarta! Because ice cream is one of my favorite foods, no matter who is the manufacturer. Hehe! But, judging from the number of visitors who pack this ice cream shop, surely it was above average. Also, for those who were hungry, in front of this shop are available some merchant sell Jakartas another delicious foods. I see that some of them are selling otak – otak and chicken satay. Try them, while you had an adventure in Jakarta.

And Monas or national monument turned out….

What I know about Monas since my childhood is, a national monument with dozens kilograms of gold in the top of it. I’ve never visiting Monas, even after several times come to my country capital, Jakarta, Indonesia. That’s why, in my current Jakartas adventure, I would definitely visit Monas.

It turns out that this national monumen, Monas, isn’t only an ordinary tower with dozens kilograms of gold on the top of it! Monas was a tall tower with a wide surrounding area, full with dynamic life around it. From street vendors who sells many thing, mothers playing with their children, also some random political parties were campaigning there. Well, at that time Monas area are very crowded. Jakarta residents might want to enjoy a nice weekend around Monas. I also do not want to miss this atmosphere. I who come from far away, thousands of miles from Jakarta. Want to join the fun spirit in this area! How about you!?

Happy Adventure, Traveler!!
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