Travelling like a local is the most difficult thing one can do in Indonesia. 25 years ago, when the times were hard, you might sit for days waiting for one of the broken down ferries to come. Once a ferry was taken from Lombok Island to Sumbawa. On the ferry's return trip to Lombok it lost power and hit an underwater coral reef. It sunk with all lost. Once I was stranded at Ende on Flores Island because their plane had broken down on Timor Island. The third day that I went to check if the plane was going to come that day, they told me that they would give me a free flight to Kupang on Timor as the parts for the plane was coming through on another airplane to take to Timor. Timor was further to the east and I needed to go west. They said I could be there as they fixed the plane and then it would fly back west. I got back to work three days late. Many times on the out laying islands time seems to get lost. But everyone was friendly and helpful. They nor I could have done anything about it.
Oh my god! I thought I was having some bad days! And that would have been before mobile phones! One thing I have learnt about Indonesians is that they are friendly, I agree with you.
That Lombok to Sumbawa ferry crash actually killed my aunt (my uncle wife), I remembered it vividly because not long after we came there because my cousin (her children) having traditional circumcision ceremony and he cried because he remembers her late mom. But after that I remember government start to stricten the safety standard for all ferries travels the route maintain by ASDP , machine inspection and maintenenance, body repairs, safety vest and safety boat inspected routinely and the company runs the ferry will get hefty fine and their license drawn if they didn't passed inspection
To help ease any challenges you may face during such a long journey, I’d like to share the Japanese proverb ‘Ichigo Ichie.’ It reminds us that every encounter is both unique and fleeting. The people you meet along the way may be those you see only once in a lifetime. Embrace these moments, appreciate the serendipity, and find joy in the connections you make, however brief they may be.
Oh mate, that did seem like a challenge that almost pushed you over the edge, but you managed to look it in the eye and face it head on, well done. There are better (and worse ) ahead
Hold fast. Hold very fast, mate. You'll be ok. If there's an immigration office in Batam, try to get a couple of days visa extension so you can just take a rest
@@olderbackpacker good idea. Johor Bahru is expensive for Malaysia (by reputation) but does offer some access to Sing. And vice versa. KL and SG could be good places for apartment scores. Both will be enjoyable and full of AirCon. Keep on, keeping on.
Hati-hati mate! Be safe out there!
Thank you, I’ll be very careful 🙂
Travelling like a local is the most difficult thing one can do in Indonesia. 25 years ago, when the times were hard, you might sit for days waiting for one of the broken down ferries to come. Once a ferry was taken from Lombok Island to Sumbawa. On the ferry's return trip to Lombok it lost power and hit an underwater coral reef. It sunk with all lost. Once I was stranded at Ende on Flores Island because their plane had broken down on Timor Island. The third day that I went to check if the plane was going to come that day, they told me that they would give me a free flight to Kupang on Timor as the parts for the plane was coming through on another airplane to take to Timor. Timor was further to the east and I needed to go west. They said I could be there as they fixed the plane and then it would fly back west. I got back to work three days late. Many times on the out laying islands time seems to get lost. But everyone was friendly and helpful. They nor I could have done anything about it.
Things have changed a lot since 25 years ago...
Oh my god! I thought I was having some bad days! And that would have been before mobile phones! One thing I have learnt about Indonesians is that they are friendly, I agree with you.
That Lombok to Sumbawa ferry crash actually killed my aunt (my uncle wife), I remembered it vividly because not long after we came there because my cousin (her children) having traditional circumcision ceremony and he cried because he remembers her late mom.
But after that I remember government start to stricten the safety standard for all ferries travels the route maintain by ASDP , machine inspection and maintenenance, body repairs, safety vest and safety boat inspected routinely and the company runs the ferry will get hefty fine and their license drawn if they didn't passed inspection
Safe journey mate
Thanks :)
Well Stu you look tired and a bit out of sorts. Hope you can have a rest on the ferry. Take Care.
I just need a good night sleep 😀
To help ease any challenges you may face during such a long journey, I’d like to share the Japanese proverb ‘Ichigo Ichie.’ It reminds us that every encounter is both unique and fleeting. The people you meet along the way may be those you see only once in a lifetime. Embrace these moments, appreciate the serendipity, and find joy in the connections you make, however brief they may be.
Wise words! 😀
Oh mate, that did seem like a challenge that almost pushed you over the edge, but you managed to look it in the eye and face it head on, well done. There are better (and worse ) ahead
I’m hoping for better things all the way!! Ha ha
Journey looked nice and relaxing
It was, except for sleeping on the floor lol
Hold fast. Hold very fast, mate. You'll be ok.
If there's an immigration office in Batam, try to get a couple of days visa extension so you can just take a rest
I had 8 hours solid sleep and I feel amazing :) I’m ready to go again.
I’m thinking of taking a day off in Malaysia lol
@@olderbackpacker good idea.
Johor Bahru is expensive for Malaysia (by reputation) but does offer some access to Sing. And vice versa.
KL and SG could be good places for apartment scores.
Both will be enjoyable and full of AirCon.
Keep on, keeping on.
Hope you stay safe because it's rainy season in SEA right now.... might be flooding in some area
Thank you. If there is any rain, I’ll rest 😀
Incredible,tourist usually stop in jakarta after depart from bali or another java city you surpass them by continuing to lampung and jambi 😂
If I had the time, I would have gone further up north of Sumatra as I heard it was worth going to! Next time 😀
@@olderbackpacker Gotham i mean medan and Banda Aceh would be fit,i'll wait
Idk why you go to Sumatera by bus, if you want to go to batam.
There is direct boat from Jakarta.
For 1.3 million in first class for 3n/2d every week.
The boat was not sailing for a month because it was getting maintained.
You are right Bro. Majority bus services in SEA are scam. Don't put so much hope
Thank you 😀
@@olderbackpacker better you order bus from app traveloka
Does that remind you of a slow boat to China?
Ha ha so true :)
Oh you look so tired! Hope everything will be easier after this :)
I was soooooo tired :/ but it’s all part of the adventure lol
dont travel using slow ferry which also transport vehicles.
There are faster ferries from Kuala Tungkal to Batam.
But they are cheaper :)
@@olderbackpacker
Its cheaper if you go from jakarta to batam by direct boat.
1.3 million rupiah in first class for 3d/2n every week.
Wait…how did you pronounce SumAtra? S u m a t r a
Sometimes tiredness makes me pronounce some places wrong! Ooops