Tag : Travelling - Asep Haryono | A Wonderful Experience Staying at All Seasons Denpasar Bali - Powered by Blogger

Traveling to Bali is so much fun especially for people whose favorite hobby is traveling. That includes me! It’s happened to me many times. The Island of the Gods, better known as Bali, is one of the most important and famous islands in the world. For me, it feels like my third motherland, after Java and West Kalimantan.

Java was the place where I originally came from, and West Kalimantan is where I’m currently living. .

I was lucky enough to visit Bali many times, starting from early 2005 until the end of December 2010. I probably went there around ten times—awesome, right?/ Based on my travel notes, I stayed in a lot of different hotels in Bali during those years. Some of them such as Legian Paradiso Hotel , Adi Dharma Cottages, Hotel Puri Ayu, Denpasar, Puri Dalem Hotel, Sanur , Favehotel Kuta, Ratna Beach Hotel, Sanur , Puri Kelapa Garden Hotel, Sanur, Bali Summer Hotel, Kuta , Segara Agung Hotel, Sanur. and POP! Hotel Kuta.

Insya Allah, I’ll share stories about each of these places in future blog posts. .

My most recent trip to Bali was from December 14 to 17, 2011. I went there with six other Kang Guru Indonesia Champions for a reunion held at the Indonesia Australia Language Foundation (I/A/L/F) on Jalan Sesetan, Denpasar. .

During our time there, we helped the Kang Guru Indonesia team pack up the office. We also had a small nasi kuning gathering and a farewell party. Today’s story is just about the hotel we stayed in during that trip: All Seasons Bali.

RELAX: Just chilling in the lobby of All Seasons Denpasar, Bali. The best way to relax? Simple just wear a comfy short outfit and enjoy the vibe. 
Photo by Syahrir Badulu, Makassar.

A Glance at All Seasons Denpasar, Bali
All Seasons Legian Bali is located on Jl. Padma Utara, Legian 80361, Bali. I wish I had been able to explore the entire hotel during my stay with the other Kang Guru Indonesia Champions from December 14 to 17, 2011. I had planned to look around more, but I just couldn’t find enough spare time. It was really a pity that I didn’t get the chance.

The hotel offered free Wi-Fi in all areas, including our rooms. Unlimited internet access was included in the room rate. Other great features included double beds, plasma or LCD TVs, a solid breakfast, and complimentary tea and coffee throughout the hotel. At All Seasons, the screens are flat, and the beds are large and comfy. I also noticed a swimming pool (though I can’t swim remember that!), restaurants, and lots of other nice services.

I’m actually a member of the AA Club, so I thought I’d earn some reward points for this stay. But the hotel staff informed me that I wouldn’t get any points because the booking was handled through Kang Guru Indonesia. That’s understandable—everything on the trip was arranged and managed by Ogi Yutarini, the project coordinator from Kang Guru Indonesia. So, we just accepted it as it was.

Cool Room Vibes
The hotel was officially opened on Saturday, October 1st, 2011, by the Mayor of Denpasar, Ida Bagus Rai Dharmawijaya Mantra, SE., M.Si. I remember seeing the announcement on a banner inside the lobby.

According to the official All Seasons website, the hotel has a total of 113 rooms: 78 superior rooms with modern touches, and 29 deluxe rooms.

ROOM: Syahrir Badulu, a Kang Guru Champion from Makassar, entering our room at All Seasons Denpasar, Bali. He was my roommate every time we visited Bali.
Photo by Asep Haryono – Kang Guru Champion, Pontianak.

COOL: A TV set and free Wi-Fi are just some of the nice facilities you’ll enjoy when staying at All Seasons Denpasar, Bali.
Photo by Asep Haryono – Kang Guru Champion, Pontianak.

BED: Double beds are available in every room, no matter the price. And yes—I really love the green color!. Photo by Asep Haryono – Kang Guru Champion, Pontianak.

WRITE: That’s me, by the way just sitting back, typing up my travel notes at night with a cup of coffee and good friends around. What a wonderful life.
Photo by Asep Haryono – Kang Guru Champion, Pontianak.

Capturing the Moments at All Seasons Denpasar, Bali
I took a few photos during my stay at All Seasons Denpasar, Bali, which I’ve shared in this post. All the photos were taken by me using a Canon Coolpix 12-megapixel camera. Unfortunately, I forgot the exact model of the camera. To be honest, the camera wasn’t mine I borrowed it from Mr. Ngatiran, a staff member at FKIP Untan in Pontianak. You’ll see some of the photos both above and below in this post.

I didn’t use the laundry service at All Seasons Denpasar, but you could easily send your clothes for laundry anytime you wanted to. If you prefer to use that facility, it’s totally up to you. Personally, based on my travel habits, I always match the number of days I’m staying with the number of clothes I bring so laundry usually isn’t needed.


Nice Restaurant
Food and meals, anyone? This is always one of my favorite topics when it comes to traveling. Instead of eating out somewhere else, sometimes it’s just more convenient to enjoy the food at the hotel where you're staying.

That’s exactly what happened during our stay at All Seasons Denpasar. All of us Kang Guru Indonesia Champions enjoyed the meals at the hotel’s restaurant. The atmosphere was nice, the food was tasty, and it was a great way to relax and spend time together without needing to go anywhere else

Meal Time at All Seasons Denpasar, Bali

During our stay at All Seasons Denpasar Bali, we used meal coupons (or meal vouchers) for our daily meals. We stayed at the hotel for three days, which meant we had three primary meal coupons one for each day. Each coupon was valid for both of us (my roommate and me). All we had to do was show the coupon to the restaurant staff or security guard. Sometimes, they also asked for our room number to log it in their database.

 I’ve included some of the photos I took while enjoying meals at the hotel. One thing I always had with every meal? A glass of orange juice! It’s my favorite because it’s fresh, healthy, and tastes amazing. My roommate, Syahrir Badulu from Makassar, enjoyed the same drink too

FOOD: You can choose any dish you like at this restaurant! I took this photo during my stay at All Seasons Denpasar, Bali. Just don’t forget to show your meal coupon before entering.
Photo by Asep Haryono

FRIENDS OF MINE: From left to right: Suryadi (Champion from Madura), Keyko Sri Rahayu (Champion from Semarang), and Saptari Wibowo (Champion from Medan) enjoying breakfast at the hotel restaurant.See the man with glasses sitting behind them? That’s Syahrir Badulu from Makassar. I was sitting right in front of him.
Photo by Asep Haryono – Champion from Pontianak.

SO GOOD: There was always a glass of orange juice waiting for me every time I had a meal in Bali. This photo shows one of the dishes I enjoyed at the restaurant inside All Seasons Denpasar, Bali.After coming back from Bali... I was one kilo heavier. Oh no!
Photo by Asep Haryono.

When it comes to food, I prefer meals that are both nutritious and delicious. Back in 2007, when I stayed at Legian Paradiso Hotel in Kuta, I loved having bread with Swiss butter, pineapple jam, and strawberry jam. The butter was soft, healthy, and so satisfying. Sometimes I had the bread toasted, other times just plain.

Even with a single slice, I felt full and happy for the day. Coffee and milk were always available, too. You could mix them if you wanted. Personally, I’m not a big fan of strong black coffee. I prefer milk especially low-fat milk because I try to avoid gaining weight from too much food. But still… after this trip, I ended up gaining one kilo! Oh no!


Wonderful Experiences
The location of All Seasons Denpasar Bali was perfect for a local traveler like me. It was close to markets, shopping malls, restaurants, and Bali’s famous Legian Beach. If I had more time, I would have loved to hang around Kuta Beach and explore other parts of the island as well.

There was even an art shop at the hotel. I didn’t get a chance to visit it properly due to my packed schedule during the program. So, I suggested to my roommate, Syahrir Badulu, that he go check it out and maybe buy something if he liked.

One of the best things we experienced was the hotel’s internet connection. The Wi-Fi was fast, stable, and accessible right from our room. We mainly used it at night after returning to the hotel, and it really helped us stay connected and get things done online. The Wi-Fi at All Seasons Legian Bali was excellent

BYE: See you again, Bali! Here I am standing in front of All Seasons Denpasar, Bali.
Photo by Syahrir Badulu – Makassar.

A Little Shopping
Adventure After chatting with Syahrir Badulu in our hotel room, we decided to go shopping outside the hotel. We visited popular spots like Jogger and Erlangga 2, taking a BlueBird cab from the hotel. Getting a cab was super easy the hotel staff were more than happy to help us arrange one. We’ve always trusted BlueBird as our main transportation whenever we’re in Bali. It’s reliable, safe, and convenient.

 Both Syahrir and I were truly impressed by the warm hospitality and friendliness of the staff at All Seasons Denpasar, Bali. They were always ready to assist us, offering information about hotel rules and available facilities to make our stay as comfortable as possible.

Our experience at All Seasons Denpasar was truly unforgettable. The comfort, the service, the location it was all just right.– Asep Haryono .

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

Tag : Travelling - Asep Haryono | Enjoying Nasi Jinggo in POP HARRIS , Bali - Powered by Blogger

BALI Do you know about "Nasi Kucing"? Have you ever heard of this delicious and traditional food from Jogjakarta, Central Java, Indonesia? I’ve visited Jogjakarta twice, and my most recent visit was in early November 2010, during the Merapi eruption.This brings back memories of Bali, a place I’ve visited ten times. I was lucky enough to enjoy "Nasi Jinggo" there.

Unlike Nasi Kucing, which is famous for its tasty flavor and simple recipe, Nasi Jinggo in Bali has its own unique charm. I could easily find it while I was staying at POP! Hotel Harris, located on Jalan Teuku Umar, Denpasar, Bali, during my visit in April 2011. The hotel is not far from Ngurah Rai International Airport—it takes about 25 minutes to reach the hotel from the airport.

The first thing that catches your attention when you see Nasi Jinggo is its appearance, which closely resembles the shape of a hat. What do I mean by that? Well, just look at the outside of the wrapped Nasi Jinggo. What comes to your mind? Doesn’t it look like a small hat? Yes, exactly! Its presentation is quite unique and charming, don’t you think?

ITS ME WITH NASI JINGGO: In Jogjakarta, there is Nasi Kucing, while in Bali, there is a dish called Nasi Jinggo. The side dishes typically include shredded fish, pieces of egg, noodles, and spicy sambal ulek, which is one of its signature characteristics
.Photo by Syahrir Badulu / Champion from Makassar

Small and Cheap
While staying at the hotel, I explored the area around Jalan Teuku Umar and discovered that it’s filled with local food stalls and cellular phone shops on nearly every corner of the street. Some people told me that you can find many types of cellphones in this area at competitive prices. At the time,

I was actually planning to buy a small cellphone, but in the end, I didn’t go through with it—though I’m sure I could have found a great deal there. Let me give you a quick description of POP! Hotel Harris on Jalan Teuku Umar, Denpasar,

"Nasi Jinggo (sometimes spelled Jenggo) is a rice-based meal wrapped in banana leaves, typically served in small portions. It’s commonly sold by street vendors, especially in Denpasar, Pasar Badung, Pasar Kumbasari, and near temples or busy street corners in Bali.Each portion usually contains:A small scoop of rice,A piece of tempeh or noodles,A slice of egg (boiled or omelet-style),A bit of shredded chicken or fried tuna. And most importantly, a generous serving of sambal ulek (crushed chili paste).Some variations may include fried peanuts, serundeng (grated coconut with spices), or beef floss (abon sapi) depending on the vendor.".

Bali. This hotel offers friendly and warm service for guests from all across Indonesia and around the world. One of my Balinese friends told me that the hotel is also known for serving Nasi Jinggo as part of their breakfast menu. Interestingly,

A video of Pop Harris Hotel in Teuku Umar, BALI. Indonesia
Video edited by me. I spoke Indonesian. I am sorry
All Right Reserved video by Asep Haryono

A short video of my room during the KangGURU Consultative Group event discussing the JOEY program in Bali on April 12, 2011. I shared the room at Pop Harris with Syahrir Badulu, a Master Trainer from Makassar. It was quite tidy, nice, and had funky colors. However, the room felt a bit cramped for my taste, and unfortunately, there was no laundry service. Still, Pop Harris is a really cool and relaxing place. If you ever visit Bali, it's up to you whether you want to stay at Pop Harris. Cheersssssss!

I didn’t notice this food while I was driving from Ngurah Rai Airport to the hotel. I even recorded a short video at the hotel on April 11, 2011, during my stay there with six other Kang Guru Indonesia champions. We were attending a small presentation and workshop organized by Kang Guru Indonesia, in collaboration with the Indonesia Australia Language Foundation (I/A/L/F) and funded by the Australian Government

The concept of the hotel is designed to provide the best service for budget travelers, just like myself. It offers modern hotel facilities with several free amenities for those enjoying their vacation in a simple, modest, and affordable way. It’s a smart and eco-friendly type of hotel. Even with a small budget, you can stay here comfortably at an affordable price.

I stayed at this hotel in April 2011 with my companion, Mr. Syahrir Badulu from Makassar, South Sulawesi. During my stay, I discovered many convenient services offered by the hotel. For example, they provided free internet access in the hotel lobby, and guests were given a password upon check-in.

One of the details I really appreciated was the high-quality linen—100% cotton. The white blanket provided in the room was both warm and soft, making it very comfortable to sleep with. I liked it a lot!

Its me at the reception desk at Pop Harris Hotel in Bali. The photo taken about 2011. Its not good picture I guess but at least this a proove right

More Excellent Services
The hotel also offers several other excellent services and amenities. These include rooms with king-sized beds, a safe deposit box with a key code, a wonderful bathroom, cable TV, and CCTV security throughout the hotel. You can even enjoy massage services and a food outlet on-site.

One unique feature I found inside the room was the third bed, which reminded me of a “bangsal” (hospital-style bed). It had a black leather design, which was quite unusual and interesting to see in a hotel room.

 Free Nasi Jinggo
Now it’s time to share my personal experience with Nasi Jinggo, one of the best services offered by POP! Hotel Harris. This food was free of charge and part of the hotel’s facilities for visitors. You simply step out of your room and head to the “Quick Bite” area located in the hotel lobby, where many guests gather to enjoy this simple yet tasty meal.

I took some photos of the Nasi Jinggo with my own digital camera, and they are already displayed here (or on my blog, depending on where you post this).

A friend of mine, Gung Dwinta, a young Balinese woman originally from Bali, confirmed over the phone that Nasi Jinggo is very affordable and can also be found easily around Pasar Badung and Pasar Kumbasari in Denpasar.

I Gede Suparta, a taxi driver, told me that Nasi Jinggo is very cheap and can be enjoyed by people of all ages without worrying about the ingredients used. I found that the contents of Nasi Jinggo are very common and can be found all across Indonesia—such as noodles, fish, tempeh, and some local recipes.

If you eat Nasi Kucing anywhere in the heart of Jogjakarta, you will certainly get “lauk pauk” (side dishes in English). I think the typical menu includes ikan teri (small dried anchovies), tempeh, abon sapi (shredded dried beef), and of course, hot chili.

The size of Nasi Kucing is quite small, so small it’s considered fit to feed a cat—hence the name Nasi Kucing or in Javanese called “Sego Kucing.” On the other hand, when you eat Nasi Jinggo, the menu is a bit different. It usually includes a small slice of steamed egg, a little fish, and chicken. The fish might be tuna or something similar. It really tastes good.

One common characteristic of Nasi Jinggo is that it is “pedas” or spicy. Most Nasi Jinggo comes with chili, so you will definitely need some cool water to soothe your mouth after eating it. Remember, you usually only take Nasi Jinggo once a day, especially at breakfast time. Need more? Just go outside the hotel and find them easily.

Have You Tried Nasi Jinggo or Nasi Kucing?

If you've ever tasted Nasi Jinggo in Bali or Nasi Kucing in Jogjakarta, I’d love to hear about your experience! How did it taste? Which one do you prefer?

✅ Leave a comment below and share your food story with me. .

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Feel free to leave a comment down below—I’d love to hear from you. If you'd like to support, just click the small Donate button above. I really appreciate your visit. See you around!. Thank you so much one more time".  Greetings from Indonesia "

Tag : Travelling - Asep Haryono | A Memorable Ramadan Stay at ASTON Pontianak Hotel - Powered by Blogger

Alhamdulillah, it touched our hearts when our family finally had the opportunity to experience the beauty of Ramadan at ASTON Pontianak Hotel, located at Jalan Gajah Mada No. 21, Pontianak.

Our family received a special invitation from Ms. Juanita Putri M., Assistant Director of Sales Marketing at ASTON Pontianak, to stay at the hotel on July 5, 2015. Yes, it’s been a long time, but the memories remain beautiful and unforgettable. It was a truly meaningful moment for us, especially since we also had the opportunity to attend the Nuzulul Quran event at the Mujahidin Grand Mosque that evening.

For Your Information

Ramadhan is the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a time of fasting, prayer, and reflection. From dawn until sunset, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs to develop self-discipline and spiritual growth. The month commemorates the first revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad. Nights are often spent in prayer, especially during the last ten days, which include Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power. Ramadhan ends with Eid al-Fitr, a festive day of prayer, gratitude, and charity. It is a deeply spiritual time of renewal, compassion, and community.

It was a genuine Ramadan experience, made even more special by the serene beauty of Pontianak at night — all thanks to our stay at ASTON Pontianak Hotel. Below are some excerpts from our family’s experience.

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Magnificent and Bathed in Light

Our family rode two motorbikes to the hotel — I was with Abbie on a Honda, while my wife rode the Yamaha Mio with our daughter Tazkia. We arrived at the lobby of ASTON Pontianak Hotel, and the interior immediately caught the admiration of my wife and children.

Just to note, our family rarely gets the opportunity to stay in a 4-star hotel like ASTON Pontianak. However, I personally had some experience staying in various 5-star hotels (mostly around Kuta and Denpasar) during my active working years with KangGuru Indonesia, based in Denpasar, Bali, from 2001 to 2005.

We arrived at the hotel lobby at exactly 12:00 WIB (Western Indonesian Time).

We had brought a cellphone with a camera and took dozens of photos. Unfortunately, the image quality was not very sharp. Still, we plan to include some of those photos in this review as proof that we really did stay at the amazing ASTON Pontianak Hotel.

However, for review purposes, I was "forced" to use several official photos from the ASTON Pontianak website to showcase certain parts of the room. We did take photos of similar angles ourselves, but sadly, the quality didn’t match up. So, essentially, our images reflect the same views, but their quality is lacking compared to the professional shots taken by ASTON Pontianak.

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Side View of ASTON Pontianak
A magnificent hotel captured by Asep Haryono

The interior space of ASTON Pontianak is magnificent, beautifully bathed in light. We arrived here exactly at 12:00 PM (WIB). Photo of ASTON Pontianak

"Today story is about my wonderful experiences staying at ASTON Pontianak on July 5, 2015. It obviously very long time ago. The precious moment at the time will never be forgotten. I wanna share it with you today"



Extraordinary Deluxe Room

Since I’ve often stayed at hotels in the Kuta, Sanur, and Denpasar areas, I naturally had certain expectations. But the moment our family entered the Deluxe Room provided for us, I was immediately impressed by the interior design—it was stylish and modern. Truly a cool and cozy room.

My wife especially loved the artwork hanging above the bed. Whether it was a painting or a digital print, it had an abstract, artistic flair that added a nice touch to the room.

Our children, Abbie (7 years old) and her younger sister Tazkia Putri (4 years old), joyfully bounced on the soft bed, which was neatly covered with clean, white linens. While they played, I took the time to inspect the bathroom facilities in our Deluxe Room.

The first thing I checked was the bathroom, and I must say—it was excellent. I was very satisfied and felt completely comfortable with the amenities provided. There was even a telephone inside. Impressive!

The hot and cold water in the shower worked perfectly. As someone who truly enjoys warm baths, I was pleased—and so were my children, who have been accustomed to warm water since they were babies. At home, we usually mix tap water from the PDAM with boiled water to create the right temperature. But here at ASTON Pontianak, everything was ready and available.

This room exceeded our expectations in many ways, and I give extra points to ASTON Pontianak for the attention to detail—especially when it comes to comfort for children, which is a top priority for us.

This is the DELUXE ROOM we stayed in that day—an awesome interior that truly pleased us. We took photos from similar angles, but unfortunately, our camera’s color quality was poor. So, we’re borrowing these official photos from Aston Pontianak.
Photo courtesy of Aston Pontianak

This flat-screen TV offers 29 cable channels, both domestic and international, allowing you to choose according to your preference.
Photo by Asep Haryono

TThe tea/coffee maker is ready to use, complete with a unique stirrer. I enjoy warm tea—how about you? Do you like tea too?
Photo by Asep Haryono

The sink in the bathroom of the Deluxe Room at ASTON Pontianak Hotel is made of transparent glass. Usually, I see sinks made of porcelain or cement, so this is quite unique and different. I really like the distinctive touch here.
Photos by Asep Haryono

WORK DESK: This is the work desk in the corner of the Deluxe Room at ASTON Pontianak Hotel that I really fell in love with. I like the cozy corner with good lighting—perfect for working. Plus, as a blogger, I kept up with my blogging while staying here.
Photo by Asep Haryono

My two children, Abbie (left, 7 years old) and her younger sister Tazkia Putri (right, 4 years old), love to play on the bed. “Soft,” they said.
Photo by Asep Haryono

Have You Seen the Photos Above?

People say that photos speak louder than words—and in many cases, they truly do.

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Air Conditioning (AC)

I personally love a cool room at night. This, however, doesn't quite align with my children’s preferences—they prefer a room without air conditioning. But for me, it’s not a problem. I can adapt. So that night, our room was filled with warmth—not just in temperature, but in feeling too. Hehehe.

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Work Desk

As someone who enjoys writing, I was really pleased with the work desk in the Deluxe Room at ASTON Pontianak. The power outlets were perfectly placed for my laptop charger, and—most importantly—the WiFi connection was fast and stable. I could browse the internet smoothly and comfortably. That’s a huge plus for me.

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Bathroom Amenities

Two thumbs up! The bathroom amenities in the Deluxe Room were complete and luxurious, really pampering my family. The towels were soft and fragrant, the water temperature (both hot and cold) worked perfectly, and the toilet and shower were spotlessly clean and fully functional. We loved everything about it.

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Flat-Screen TV

The room came with a flat-screen TV featuring 29 domestic and international cable channels. You can pick whatever suits your interest. My children were hooked on Cartoon Network, I enjoyed National Geographic and CNN, while my wife tuned into culinary programs. The viewing experience was excellent and satisfying.

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Tea/Coffee Maker

There was a tea and coffee maker already provided in the room. Whether you wanted a cup of hot tea or coffee, everything was available, including creamer. If you happen to need more, you can easily request it from the hotel staff. Very thoughtful!

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Slippers

One small but meaningful detail we appreciated was the availability of slippers in the room, branded with the ASTON Pontianak logo. Since we were wearing shoes and didn’t bring our own sandals, having those slippers was a simple but helpful amenity.

It allowed us to step outside briefly—to pick up a complimentary newspaper from the hotel hallway, for instance—without having to put our shoes back on. However, one suggestion for hotel management: consider providing children-sized slippers too. That would really complete the comfort experience for families.

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"Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community observed by Muslims around the world. It commemorates the first revelation of the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)"

Sahur Dining

Since we stayed at ASTON Pontianak during the 17th day of Ramadan, we had the opportunity to enjoy Sahur (pre-dawn meal) provided between 3:00 and 4:00 AM.

The Sahur buffet was served at the hotel’s “Majesty” Coffee Shop, and it was absolutely delightful. We took the space capsule-style elevator to get there—how cool is that?

The Sahur menu was varied and appetizing. From fresh fruits like melon, watermelon, and pineapple to main dishes, chicken porridge, waffles, and a selection of refreshing drinks like orange juice, watermelon juice, and honey water—everything was delicious.

We had a perfect meal that morning. Excellent food and outstanding service.

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I highly recommend ASTON Pontianak Hotel to both local and international travelers. It’s a modern 4-star hotel in the heart of Pontianak, close to shopping centers and the airport. Thank you, ASTON Pontianak, for your warm hospitality. God willing, we’ll return someday!

The variety of Sahur dining options was truly tantalizing and full of flavor. Starting with an assortment of fresh fruits—melon, watermelon, and pineapple—served as dessert, followed by satisfying main courses like chicken porridge (which was incredibly delicious), fluffy waffles, and a wide selection of refreshing drinks including fresh watermelon juice, orange juice, and honey water.

Wow—a perfect meal experience! It was truly enjoyable. The service was excellent.

I highly recommend the ASTON Pontianak Hotel to both domestic and international tourists visiting Pontianak. It’s a modern 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city, making it easy to reach various destinations. It's also conveniently close to shopping malls and the airport.

Thank you, ASTON Pontianak Hotel, for your outstanding service. I truly appreciate the memorable experience. God willing, I hope to return again someday.


What are you waiting for?

Experience the comfort and hospitality of ASTON Pontianak for yourself! Whether you’re visiting for Ramadan or just a relaxing getaway, this hotel offers exceptional service and beautiful accommodations that your whole family will love. Book your stay today and create unforgettable memories!(Asep Haryono)

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A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

Tag : Travelling - Asep Haryono | Australian Lunch Style - Travel Notes - Powered by Blogger

After wrapping up a meeting with the staff from the Indonesia Australia Language Foundation (I.A.L.F) in Denpasar, Bali, from December 14 to 17, 2011, the Kang Guru Indonesia reps and I were treated to lunch by them.

On December 16, 2011, my fellow Kang Guru Indonesia Champions and I had actually planned to grab lunch at NIKMAT Denpasar, a place we’d visited back in 2008. We had just come down from the All Seasons Hotel and were ready to head out and look for food at a warteg. .I put the picture belows

NIKMAT: Does anyone know where this is located? This NIKMAT stall is in Denpasar, Bali. Has anyone been here? We finally chose it for our lunch because the menu appealed to all of us. It’s cheap and delicious—just like the name suggests. I will write soom  Photo by Asep Haryono.

""Warteg" is short for "Warung Tegal", which literally means "a small eatery from Tegal" — a city in Central Java, Indonesia. It's a type of simple, budget-friendly food stall or small restaurant that serves a variety of home-style Indonesian dishes, usually displayed in a glass case at the front.

But those plans changed when Mr. Kevin Dalton, the Project Manager of Kang Guru Indonesia, told us all to just have lunch at the IALF building on Jalan Sesetan. He said something like, “No need to go anywhere — the boss already offered you lunch, so just enjoy it!” .

Well, since I love anything that’s free (Certified Freebie Hunter here!), I was more than happy to accept Mr. Kevin’s invitation. My seven fewllow Kang Guru reps from all over Indonesia felt the same way. Free food? Count us in! Hahaha. Free stuff usually tastes better anyway, right? Too bad we couldn’t pull the full-on aji mumpung (take-advantage-of-the-moment) move this time — but still, we had a great time! .

SANDWICH: This is the Australian-style sandwich menu — it comes with beef sausages, onions, and various salads. But my stomach is pure Indonesian, so I’m not really a fan of this “magical” menu. Photo by Asep Haryono

Apparently, We Could Use AJI MUMPUNG! .
Turns out, we could totally use the “aji mumpung” mindset — because everything had already been prepared and provided by Kang Guru Indonesia as a way of saying thanks for coming to their event. The seven of us (Syahrir from Makassar, Fadel from NTB, Keyko from Semarang, Wibowo from Medan, Ririn from Jakarta, Suryadi from Madura, and myself from Pontianak) were told that the lunch being served was an “Australian-style sandwich lunch.” What’s it called again? .

"Aji Mumpung" roughly translates to "taking advantage of an opportunity while it lasts" or "making the most of a chance" — often with the connotation of doing something opportunistically because the timing or situation is favorable.It can be used positively (e.g., being proactive or seizing the moment) or negatively (e.g., exploiting a situation for personal gain). The tone depends on context

There were several guests at the event too. .

“How come it’s not rice?” Fadel from NTB joked. Hahaha, well, we’re Indonesian — we’re used to rice with every meal. So if there’s no rice, it feels like we haven’t eaten at all. Since there was no rice, and the food was more like snacks, we just considered this “Australian-style lunch” as a light bite. “This looks more like KFC with wings and breasts,” Wibowo from Medan said, laughing. .


Food on the Grill.
< Before lunch started, we had a friendly gathering with fellow Kang Guru Champions. We also met and mingled with the staff from the Indonesia Australia Language Foundation (IALF) and some of the Kang Guru teachers — many of whom were Aussie expats. Though funnily enough, not all of them were from Australia. For example, there’s Sue Rodger — married to a Balinese man, but actually from Liverpool. “I love the Beatles so much,” she once told us. And I was like, “Same! I love Paul McCartney’s ‘Let It Be!’” Hahaha. .

Unlike typical Indonesian events that start with long speeches, the Aussies keep things short and sweet. There was just a brief speech by Mr. Kevin Dalton, the Kang Guru Indonesia Manager, to thank everyone and officially kick off the event. That’s it — no rambling. Maybe Mr. Kevin knew we were all starving by that point! It was already 1:30 PM in Denpasar — which is one hour ahead of my hometown, Pontianak. .

So if it was 13:00 WIB in Pontianak, it was already 14:00 in Denpasar. No wonder we were all ready to eat! As soon as the short speech ended, we dove into the food. The sandwiches were being grilled right in the yard. .

"Pontianak is a city located right on the equator and is known for its Equator Monument (Tugu Khatulistiwa). It lies on the banks of the Kapuas River, which is one of the longest rivers in Indonesia. The city has a rich mix of cultures, including Malay, Dayak, Chinese, and others, making it a diverse and vibrant urban center in the western part of Borneo Island. 

I even gave it a shot — tried cooking those oval-shaped pieces of meat (apparently they’re called sausages?) like I saw the chef doing. “Bli, can I try?” I asked. “Sure, go ahead!” he said. But wow — it was harder than it looked. I thought it was just flipping some meat back and forth, but I ended up burning a bunch of them! Guess I need more practice. .

Apparently… Not That Great.
To be honest though, it felt a bit awkward. We're used to big gatherings with rice and local dishes, so this kind of lunch — standing up, holding a paper plate with a sandwich — felt a little strange. Some of us weren’t really used to it. The only one who seemed totally comfortable was Syahrir Badulu from Makassar. .

He’s originally from Bandung but now lives in Makassar and teaches high school English there. We talk pretty often, and it turns out Syahrir is used to these kinds of Aussie-style events. Makes sense — he got his Master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at the University of Victoria in New South Wales. So he’s probably had plenty of Aussie sandwiches already. .

But for the rest of us — who are more used to eating catfish pecel and bakwan — suddenly being served a sandwich instead of our usual food was kind of a shock to the system! .

There was even salad. I saw Mrs. Sue Rodger eating her salad happily, so I thought, “Okay, let’s give it a try.” I took a small plate filled with salad — onions, tomatoes, potatoes, radish, all mixed with mayonnaise. But once I took a bite... whoa. My tongue was not having it. It tasted really weird to me. I politely walked off to a corner and left the plate there. While pretending to smile and mingle, I quietly went back for a sandwich instead. .


Still Hungry.
Sadly, I didn’t have much luck with the sandwich either. It looked nice in the pictures, but the taste? Not for me. The beef sausage felt bland, and the fried onions smelled weird. I guess my Indonesian taste buds weren’t ready for this Western-style menu. .

UNIQUE: This invitation menu is pretty unique — no glass plates here! Wow, that’s kind of fun. Photo by Asep Haryono

STANDING PARTY: Maybe this is a common Aussie tradition — there aren’t many seats, so everyone just enjoys their food while standing. Photo by Asep Haryono.

RELAXED: The atmosphere was really laid-back. Most of the IALF staff and teachers were local instructors. Check out the guy I’ve marked with an [X] — that’s Adi. He was an alumnus from Australia and worked as a teaching staff member at IALF Denpasar. Sadly, he passed away from a heart attack in early 2012. Photo by Asep Haryono.

All I really ended up eating was just a plain piece of bread — you know, the usual kind with that “universal” taste that bread always has, no matter where you are. It was the same old bread taste. So after all that effort, I finally gave up and went in search of something more... Nusantara-style. And guess what — I found it! The good old Indonesian menu. Now this was what I call a real plate of food. Hiehiehiheee. Long live Indonesia. Merdeka!!! .

Actually, I had recorded a video of this event too — but unfortunately, I couldn’t upload it at the time because the file was too big and it was taking forever to load. In that video, I even “interviewed” Adi, an Australian master’s graduate, while he was enjoying his sandwich. For those of you who haven’t seen Adi before, I’ll upload a photo of him that I took back in November 2009, during the 20th Anniversary of the Indonesian Teachers’ Festival at IALF Denpasar. .

Sadly, Adi has passed away since then. .Rest in peace, Adi. .

Wait a minute

Have you ever enjoyed an Australian-style lunch or dined at NIKMAT Denpasar? Share your favorite dishes or dining experiences in the comments below — I’d love to hear your story!"

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