I checked out of the hostel at 10 am. Today, my journey involved a flight with Lion Air from Padang to Yogyakarta. Before leaving, I left a small thank-you note and a chocolate bar on my bed for the housekeeping staff. I had a great experience at this hotel – it was clean, the staff was delightful, and the bed was comfortable. Leaving Padang so early felt a bit off; I had made a friend in this city, and there were still more things to explore. Plus, I had a longing to unwind on a beach and just relax for a while.
Contrary to the advice I received from everyone I met in Indonesia so far, I found Padang to be quite appealing. It wasn’t as bustling and chaotic as Medan, and I didn’t come across beggars or large crowds of wanderers at night as I did in Kuala Lumpur. The traffic was manageable, and the locals were incredibly hospitable. Admittedly, my positive perspective might be influenced by the fact that I made a friend here. Halmi not only taught me many Indonesian words but also provided me with an amazing cultural experience.
Minangkabau International Airport
I reached the airport at approximately 11 am. While most taxi drivers usually enjoy chatting during the drive, I wasn’t in the mood for conversation this time. I politely asked the cab driver if it would be alright for me to listen to my music, and he didn’t mind. So, I plugged in my in-ear headphones. Ultimately, I paid him 90,000 IDR, including the tip, and he seemed satisfied with it.
At the airport, I checked in with Lion Air and spent some time wandering around. While snapping a few pictures, my thoughts drifted back home when I noticed a clock displaying the current time in Amsterdam, 5:22 am. My Dutch family and friends were likely still fast asleep. In the lounge, I worked on some reports and indulged in some old-school Tom and Jerry, as I waited for my plane to take off.
My Lion Air flight departed at 1 pm, and I was fortunate to have a seat next to the emergency exit, providing me with extra legroom. Positioned by the window, I enjoyed a pleasant view during take-off.
A Vertical Draft
The entire flight went smoothly until we neared the Jakarta airport. The pilot issued a warning to the attendants, indicating an imminent landing, but it didn’t happen. While flying above the sea north of Jakarta, I observed the Thousand Islands, a destination I had to skip due to the ongoing significant floods in Jakarta.
The airplane continued to fly in a waiting-pattern, circling to reduce altitude. I observed container ships, boats, and towering ocean waves, making the descent seem to take an eternity. Typically, a plane lands within 10 minutes after the announcement for the crew to return to their seats. As the pilot completed the third circle above the ocean, a sense of impending danger crept in, and I couldn’t shake the thought that we were on the brink of a dire situation.
Out of nowhere, the engine beside me produced an unusual sound. Quickly and with a slight jolt, the airplane descended. We had encountered a downdraft, causing a rapid drop of a few meters in a fraction of a second. The plane regained its level flight, but the cabin was now tense with nervous passengers. Following this incident, it took another 10 minutes for us to land at Jakarta airport.
Oh, the thrill of feeling alive when you encounter something like that! Nevertheless, I had another flight in just 3 hours. Jakarta was a transit stop for me, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at the fact that Lion Air was on the EU aviation blacklist. At the airport, I took a moment to calm myself and unwind. Enjoying lunch, I worked on some reports. Eventually, I boarded the next airplane that took me to Yogyakarta in central Java. Fortunately, there were no alarming incidents during that flight.
Cab Drivers in Yogyakarta
Upon reaching the airport, I attempted to secure a cab, and the initial quote was 120,000 IDR. It struck me as excessive, given that the airport was only 10 kilometers away from the city. I negotiated for a fare of 30,000 IDR, pointing out my preference, and the driver presented a list of fixed prices in response.
Cabs heading to central areas like Jalan Malioboro and Jalan Prawirotaman had higher fares, even if they weren’t necessarily more distant. I insisted on a fare of 30,000 IDR and started walking away, suspecting the cab driver was trying to overcharge me. As I entered the building, he followed, questioning my preference for a lower price. “Why do you want to pay so little?” he asked. I replied, “I’m a student, looking for a budget-friendly option.” The guy then offered, “70,000, and I’ll take you to your destination.” I felt frustrated because just moments ago, he had claimed fixed prices, and now he seemed to be changing his stance.
I understand that bargaining is a common practice in Indonesia, but I believe many Western tourists may inadvertently end up paying inflated prices without realizing they’re being taken advantage of. Despite the initial offer of 70,000 IDR, I refused to give in. Instead, I returned to the airport and sought advice from the information center, where they indicated that a reasonable taxi fare should be around 60,000 IDR.
Upon stepping outside, I approached the nearest taxi driver and communicated my destination. Although negotiations ensued, this time the taxi driver was friendly, and we eventually settled on a fare of 60,000 IDR. By 8 pm, I reached my hotel situated on Jalan Prawirotaman, a western and tranquil street in southern Yogyakarta. The location was a 10-minute drive from the main area, Jalan Malioboro. I checked in at the Ministry of Coffee, a coffee shop and accommodation. However, I only stayed for the night due to budget constraints and the absence of WiFi in my bedroom.
