Tanjung Balai economy seems to be slowing down. From a visitor's perpective, I see some wismas and hotels shutting down. One of my favourite restaurants, the Silver Fish (next to Rasa Sayang Hotel) is now closed. This is quite sad. One thing about an economy downturn is that people have to adapt. Some people have taken on extra work, change jobs or have better marketing. One surprise I saw was Hotel Maxi being fully booked on one night when other hotels were very quiet. Hotel Maxi seems to be able to cater for bigger groups like wedding parties, conventions and seminars.
I was at Hotel Paradise which used to be one of the top hotels in Tanjung Balai. It was the quietest I have ever seen it. There seems to be a mosquito plague there... The whole place smells of baygon! If you are at the lounge area, you are practically eaten alive by mosquitoes!
Santana is now a Karaoke lounge, opposite Paradise hotel. They have dangdut singers there now. Also plenty of pretty looking PR ladies. I found out that they used to work at other places but now have to supplement their income by working at Santana. Just another sign of how bad things are now.
Durian season is in full bloom! The price is around IDR 8,000 per kg now. Try it!
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Tourism starting to slow down in Tanjung Balai
On a recent trip to Tanjung Balai Karimun, I noticed a big difference from a year ago. The ferry trip from Kukup Malaysia was only half filled, with only a few Malaysians. Most of the passengers were Indonesians returning. Even the coffee shop operators in Kukup were complaining that they see a drop of around 30% in business. They also mentioned that the Malaysian immigration were tightening the entry requirements for Indonesians (maybe due to the economic downturn in Malaysia). More indonesians are asked to show uang tunjuk when they enter Malaysia. This is the amount of money that the Indonesians have on them to prove they are here on a social visit and can afford to pay for their stay instead of working illegally. If the visitors do not have enough uang tunjuk, they are sent back to Indonesia.
I also heard that a ferry operator from Singapore to Tanjung Balai Karimun recently cut their daily trips from 6 a day to just 3 due to low passenger load.
Maximillian hotel was quiet, even on a Saturday. The local restaurants were also very quiet. They are normally very popular with tourists who frequent them for their fresh seafood. The local Karaokes (KTV), night clubs and disco are also affected. One employee told me they are really feeling the global economic downturn now. If they have a time machine, they would love to go back a year ago!
I think there are a few different reasons why Tanjung Balai is starting to feel the pinch now. Firstly it was the economic crisis, then there is unreasonable increase in TBK's port tax from Rupiah 25k to 60k for foreigners. Recently there was a threat to shut down Villa, the brothel complex. This may have scared off some people.
I also heard that a ferry operator from Singapore to Tanjung Balai Karimun recently cut their daily trips from 6 a day to just 3 due to low passenger load.
Maximillian hotel was quiet, even on a Saturday. The local restaurants were also very quiet. They are normally very popular with tourists who frequent them for their fresh seafood. The local Karaokes (KTV), night clubs and disco are also affected. One employee told me they are really feeling the global economic downturn now. If they have a time machine, they would love to go back a year ago!
I think there are a few different reasons why Tanjung Balai is starting to feel the pinch now. Firstly it was the economic crisis, then there is unreasonable increase in TBK's port tax from Rupiah 25k to 60k for foreigners. Recently there was a threat to shut down Villa, the brothel complex. This may have scared off some people.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Things to do around Tanjung Balai Town
Take a walk around town. Don't get stuck in your hotel or else you will miss many things. There are only 2-3 main streets in town. They are narrow, so be careful. Watch out for the holes in the sidewalk. Some places, you have to walk on the main road because the sidewalk is blocked. Watch out for the traffic when you do so.There are a few nice cafes/restaurants which are airconditioned. Try them out.
This is a schoolbus carrying the local kids. The body is made from wood. Very colourful and cute. Note the driver's window.
This is a chinese temple on Jl Nusantara near towards the market area.
If you head towards the ferry terminal, you will pass the pasar malam. This night market opens around the late afternoon and is open till about 10pm. Great to buy snacks and food.
One of the food stalls at the pasar malam.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Hotel Wiko
Hotel Wiko is one of the newer hotels in Tanjung Balai. It has a bustling feel about it with a food court and restaurant area right on it's front step. The star pub is also popular for it's live band performances. I understand that the live band now only operates on Saturday nights, and the rest of the nights it's just a karaoke lounge. It was pretty empty when I went there on a Monday night. Actually even the food court was pretty quiet. The parking area seems to be always full though.When I stayed at Wiko a few year back, it was too busy! The rooms are not very well sound proofed and you hear every footstep and activity outside your room.
this is one of the restaurant outside Wiko. A little expensive.The location is pretty good as it is near the market, the disco, the massage parlours, etc. There is a hair salon on the ground floor.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Electricity Supply crisis
Karimun Island has been experiencing an electricity supply crisis for over 4 years. Rolling blackouts are a nightly affair and things are not getting better. Most hotels have to use their onsite power generator (genset)to get by. This is not a good sign for FTZ investors which requires a reliable source of electricity.
For the residents of Tg. Balai, the main town of Karimun Island, it is a huge disruption on their lives. Most businesses that open at night like hotels, nightclubs, ktvs, restaurants, shops need to run their gensets in order to survive.
The average length of the rolling blackout is around 4-6 hours. They mostly happen at night when the usage rises. PLN (the electric supplier) will shut down supply to areas on a rotational basis. The locals will say "mati lampu" (lights out or blackout) when this happen.
Most home owners will not have gensets and have to rely on battery powered backup lamps. So this means that TVs, PCs and sound systems will not be operational. Another problem that arises from the blackouts is that when the power comes back on, the voltage is not stable and a lot of electrical devices have been damaged by power surges.
Some hotels have better gensets than others. The good ones will kick in almost immediately, whereas others may take a few minutes to start up. The authorities really have to do something about this problem if they want Karimun Island to progress.
For the residents of Tg. Balai, the main town of Karimun Island, it is a huge disruption on their lives. Most businesses that open at night like hotels, nightclubs, ktvs, restaurants, shops need to run their gensets in order to survive.
The average length of the rolling blackout is around 4-6 hours. They mostly happen at night when the usage rises. PLN (the electric supplier) will shut down supply to areas on a rotational basis. The locals will say "mati lampu" (lights out or blackout) when this happen.
Most home owners will not have gensets and have to rely on battery powered backup lamps. So this means that TVs, PCs and sound systems will not be operational. Another problem that arises from the blackouts is that when the power comes back on, the voltage is not stable and a lot of electrical devices have been damaged by power surges.
Some hotels have better gensets than others. The good ones will kick in almost immediately, whereas others may take a few minutes to start up. The authorities really have to do something about this problem if they want Karimun Island to progress.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Safety
Tanjung Balai looks like a dangerous place at first. When you first exit the harbour, you will be mobbed by the taxi touts and it can be scary. They can get quite aggressive. If you dont intend to use them, just ignore them with contempt. It's all in the body language. To avoid any problems with taxi drivers, always agree on the price and services first. Normally hiring the taxi for a short trip around town is 30k rupiah. An ojek ride is 10k.
You will also notice people staring at you if you are a foreigner. Regardless of whether you are a westerner, Singaporean or Malaysia, the locals will know and stare at you. Again, ignore them. Most of the people staring at you are unemployed and bored, not criminals looking to rob you.
Generally there is very little crime against visitors. Just do the normal safe things like not be conspicuous with lots of money. I always carry and use a money clip with just a few 50k rupiah notes and small change. I do not use my wallet which may contain millions of rupiah. Leave your wallet and passport at the hotel or room safe. Don't worry if the polisi ask for ID. Just say that it is with the Hotel. You are required to surrender your passport to the hotel when you check in anyway.
There are lots of stories online about how dangerous balai can be. However I have not felt threatened. The only time I was a little worried was in my dealings with the polisi. Some bad apples will always look for ways to "cari makan" (earn a bit on the side). That is another story altogether.
Sometimes, visitors who are showy will get a bit loud and become assholes. Then they attract trouble for themselves and their companions. Just be cool and polite. Let the little things pass by. If someone overcharge you 5k rupiah for something, let it go and just don't go there anymore.
For bigger issues, it is who you know that will matter. So always try to be friendly to the locals like the hotel manager, etc. Don't bother with the hanger ons... They just want a free ride.
If you go to places like the disco and KTV, try to get a local guy to with you first. A bit of safety and orientation is needed to know the dos and donts. Get to know the locals. It helps.. You then have to decide how helpful and trustworthy they are.
Don't wear expensive watches and jewelry. Leave them in your room safe.
You will also notice people staring at you if you are a foreigner. Regardless of whether you are a westerner, Singaporean or Malaysia, the locals will know and stare at you. Again, ignore them. Most of the people staring at you are unemployed and bored, not criminals looking to rob you.
Generally there is very little crime against visitors. Just do the normal safe things like not be conspicuous with lots of money. I always carry and use a money clip with just a few 50k rupiah notes and small change. I do not use my wallet which may contain millions of rupiah. Leave your wallet and passport at the hotel or room safe. Don't worry if the polisi ask for ID. Just say that it is with the Hotel. You are required to surrender your passport to the hotel when you check in anyway.
There are lots of stories online about how dangerous balai can be. However I have not felt threatened. The only time I was a little worried was in my dealings with the polisi. Some bad apples will always look for ways to "cari makan" (earn a bit on the side). That is another story altogether.
Sometimes, visitors who are showy will get a bit loud and become assholes. Then they attract trouble for themselves and their companions. Just be cool and polite. Let the little things pass by. If someone overcharge you 5k rupiah for something, let it go and just don't go there anymore.
For bigger issues, it is who you know that will matter. So always try to be friendly to the locals like the hotel manager, etc. Don't bother with the hanger ons... They just want a free ride.
If you go to places like the disco and KTV, try to get a local guy to with you first. A bit of safety and orientation is needed to know the dos and donts. Get to know the locals. It helps.. You then have to decide how helpful and trustworthy they are.
Don't wear expensive watches and jewelry. Leave them in your room safe.
Language
The indonesian language is very similar to Malaysian Malay. However there are distinct differences. Here are some translated words to help you along:
Motor - Motorcycles
Mobil - (pronounced mobeel), cars
Supir - driver. Can also mean to drive
Santai - relax
Sarapan - breakfast
Makan siang - lunch
Makan malam - dinner
Roomboy - Bellboy and the guys that you call for room service
Ojek - motorbikes that acts as personal taxi. Also to mean the bike driver. Just call ojek on any street and someone should respond to you to bring you around balai.
Balai - short name for tanjung balai.
kantor - office room
hp - pronounced ha-pay. Handphone
Pulsa - handphone credit or top up.
Pelabuhan - port
Wisma - cheap hotels. normally with common bathroom.
Capet - (pronounced cha pet) tired
Lantai - floor, lantai 1 = first/ground floor
Oplet - small vans that acts as buses.
If you have any questions, feel free to post and I will try to translate.
Motor - Motorcycles
Mobil - (pronounced mobeel), cars
Supir - driver. Can also mean to drive
Santai - relax
Sarapan - breakfast
Makan siang - lunch
Makan malam - dinner
Roomboy - Bellboy and the guys that you call for room service
Ojek - motorbikes that acts as personal taxi. Also to mean the bike driver. Just call ojek on any street and someone should respond to you to bring you around balai.
Balai - short name for tanjung balai.
kantor - office room
hp - pronounced ha-pay. Handphone
Pulsa - handphone credit or top up.
Pelabuhan - port
Wisma - cheap hotels. normally with common bathroom.
Capet - (pronounced cha pet) tired
Lantai - floor, lantai 1 = first/ground floor
Oplet - small vans that acts as buses.
If you have any questions, feel free to post and I will try to translate.
Hotels
There are about 60 hotels in Tanjung Balai, Karimun. I will post a list of them here.
- Hotel Maximillian
Jl. Nusantara
Widely known as hotel Maxi, this is the best hotel in town. No question about it. It's facilities are about 3-4 stars standard but by Balai standard it is 5 stars! It recently had an upgrade and extension which includes more rooms, new dining area, conference room, massage and spa facilities, karaoke ktv lounge. The staff are well trained and friendly. The asst manager, Roni is always helpful. - Hotel Gabion
Jl. Nusantara No. 45
Tel: 0777-326222
Standard hotel with no lifts. So quite a bit of a walk if you are on the 4th floor! Loong corridors too! - Hotel Wiko
Newish hotel with a lot of facilities nearby. There is a food court right in front, Star pub with live band, massage centre, hair salon, etc. - Hotel Rasa Sayang
Jl. Ampera
Tel: 0777-323881
Oldish hotel. - Hotel Paradise
Jl. Setiabudi
Tel: 0777-23111 /23222
Pronounced as Parah dees. Many rooms. Good parking if you have cars. Quite extensive KTV rooms. - Hotel Padi Mas
Jl. Pertambangan
Tel: 0777- 325555 - Hotel Holiday Karimun
Jl. Trikora No. 1
Tel: 0777-21065 / 21666 - Hotel Paragon
Jl. Nusantara N0. 38D
Tel: 0777-21688 - Hotel Pelangi
Jl. Teuku Umar
Tel: 0777- 23100 / 232000 - Hotel Alishan
Jl. Kapling Blok A No. 10
Tel: 0777-324888 - Hotel Erikson
Jl. Kapling No. 1
Tel: 0777-23123 - Hotel Shangrilla
Jl. Pramuka No. 62
Tel: 0777-325325 - Hotel Horizon
Jl. Setiabudhi No. 15
Tel: 0777-324008 - Hotel Satria
Jl. A. Yani No. 1A
Tel: 0777-325888 - Hotel Marina
Jl. Pertambangan No. 108
Tel: 0777-323888 - Hotel Taman Bunga
Jl. Yos Sudarso
Tel: 0777-324088 - Hotel Artha
Jl. Pegadaian No.9
Tel: 0777-31591 /31730 - Hotel Asia
Jl. Teuku Umar
Tel: 0777-325678 - Hotel Tanjung Balai
Jl. Nusantara No. 127B
Tel: 0777-22772 - Hotel Royal
Jl. Nusantara
Tel: 0777-22225 / 22289 - Hotel Top Star
Jl. Setiabudi No. 1
Tel: 0777-323868 - Hotel Mitra Pesona
Jl. Nusantara No. 15
Tel: 0777-31456 - Hotel Mirama
Jl. A. Yani No. 8
Tel: 0777-325818 - Hotel Puri Indah
Jl. Ampera
Tel: 0777-326788 - Hotel Gloria
Jl. Yos Sudarso No. 46
Tel: 0777-21133 - Hotel Indah
Jl. Nusantara No. 27
Tel: 0777-21490 - Hotel King Star
Jl. Setiabudi No. 38
Tel: 0777-22346 / 22348 - Hotel Karimun
Jl. Yos Sudarso
Tel: 0777-21082 / 21088 - Hotel Millenium
This is more of a long term hotel than a daily hotel. I know locals who live here and pay rent on a monthly basis.
Jl. Teuku Umar
Tel: 0777-325333 - Hotel Nirwana
Jl. Nusantara No. 12A
Tel: 0777-31820 - Hotel Nusantara
Jl. Nusantara
Tel: 0777-31646
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)