Just go back to Indo - the land of my dreams but a place I'm glad I only visit and don't live or do business in. I slept in KL airport at the capsule hotel there. Its clean and comfortable and cheap. Perfect for a few hours sleep before an early flight.
I flew in on Air Asia and the flight was packed. Traveling between S.E. Asia's two biggest Muslim countries at this time of year is always expensive and a little chaotic. It's Idul Fitri very soon which is the Islam holiday that marks the end of Ramadan so many people are on the move- visiting family like we would around Christmas or New Year. The queue at the airport was hilariously long and I looked decidedly out of place. A kind staff member spotted me and said "sir if you join this queue you will miss your flight, come with me." He escorted me to another checkin desk where I was checked in and on my way in 15 minutes. The paper work requirements were much the same as traveling fro Thailand to Malaysia.
Negative PCR test (made in photoshop...;0)
Proof of onward ticket.
Insurance.
Stupid Indonesian tracking app.
After that it was time for an overpriced coffee and fight the masses to get on the plane - Indo travelers still don't understand that the plane will not leave until everyone is on, this push and shove drama to get on the plane before others is baffling but anyway thats just how it is here.
On arrival at Jakarta I submitted all the docs again and was through customs and immigration in no time at all. Claimed my boards at the "Oversize Baggage" belt and was met by my dear friend Danny who had driven up from Cimaja. Quick stop at the airport hotel to pick up my bro who flew in the night before and we are on our way. First stop was lunch at a Sumba restaurant that we always hit between Jakarta and Cimaja.....
Danny drives like we just robbed a bank and are being chased by the cops. He explained to us indignantly that now on the highways around Jakarta they have installed cameras to catch people speeding, oh the injustice of it! I hoped the board wouldn't fly off as we sped down the highwayswith Danny's imaginary police in hot pursuit!
Cimaja was four hours way and was unchanged. First thing I noticed happily - nobody wore masks. Thank god, because Thailand and Malaysia are still clinging to that weird idea that if you don't wear a mask Covid will kill you! We dropped the boards, said a quick hi to Giggie - the chain smoking, hard talking wife of Danny who is basically our auntie, then headed down to the beach to check the waves. It was pumping as expected but we had no plan to surf this afternoon - it was dark soon and we were both exhausted.
This morning we surfed and it was a perfect morning for 2 dudes that had not been in the water for a while. Solid head high sets but nothing too unmanageable. We both got some great waves but an hour and a half was enough. There was a guy on the beach taking photos so hopefully he caught me dropping on a couple of nice bombs. I'll upload surf pics as soon as I have them.
I'm Jobiker and I'm finally surfing in Indo! Remember - share your ride and save money for dope! Peace
