SEA Trip by Any Means

All the way from Jakarta to Singapore, August 23rd 2011

"SEA" stands for "Southeast Asia" just like in "SEA Games". The term "by any means" I adopt from Nat Geo Adventure's program. "By any means" here means "by any mode of transportation." I know I haven't done anything in comparison to Charley Boorman's adventure. But, I did travel (not tour!) through 5 countries of Southeast Asia by different types of transportation modes. I went by plane (inevitably), train, boat, bus... crossing international borders. It has been for me a great adventure, a great fun, with all the ups and downs.

My adventure started from Jakarta flying to Singapore with Air Asia (also inevitably).

My Travelmate

"The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget" was sort of a reference for me, but not exactly a guide, because the places of my interest were often not listed here. I blame no one for carrying non-majority-interest.

"Ghost Train to the Eastern Star" was my travel companion. It's a travel story written by Paul Theroux who traveled (for the 2nd time after 30 years) from England to Asia by train. Yes, by train. Mind you, there's nothing about ghost stories as in horror movies.

Morning Sky of Clouds

I paid extra to Air Asia in order to reserve a window seat. Sunshine -- as you well know -- has always been my ultimate target. However, due to the long hours I had to spend at the office and thus allowing less than 2 hours of sleep, I was already jet-lagged before the journey began. When we took off, I watched the sky, it was cloudy. I concluded it wasn't my day of luck with sunrise. I went to sleep. But when the bright sunshine broke through the window, I woke up to find surprise beauty on the sky. The sun was rather too high already. I was rather too late.

Little Tiny Boats

Tiny (they looked tiny) boats were floating below me on the golden sea.

Air Asia's Stale Meal

Since my flight took off at 5:40, I had no time for breakfast. I pre-booked a meal with AirAsiaIndonesia

It's Chicken Satay Combo. The taste? Not too bad. But... it was a bit stale. It was obvious from the rather sour smell.

Singapore from the Air

As a window-seat-lover, I mostly pay close attention of the view when my plane is about to land. This time, I was very very impressed of how Singapore looks so green from above.

Green Singapore

It was like I was about to land on a forest instead of a big city (but country) with all the modernity many of my countrymen adore.

Touching Down Changi Airport

Touching down on Changi International Airport. Touching down on the modern country and city of greeneries.