Traveling to Indonesia

[chillyinCanada]

I can't answer your question regarding the Jakarta airport because I almost always get through it as fast as I can. One time, I found a quiet area with comfy seating and stuck it out for about 5+ hours.

Is there a problem for you timing wise to take Scoot out of Singapore to Manado instead?

 

[Wobbegong_th]

I can't answer your question regarding the Jakarta airport because I almost always get through it as fast as I can. One time, I found a quiet area with comfy seating and stuck it out for about 5+ hours.

Is there a problem for you timing wise to take Scoot out of Singapore to Manado instead?

Thanks for suggestion about Scoot from SIN. Not sure about their schedule, though. are they fly SIN-Manado everyday? I think I made a rough check a couple of months ago and found that they only fly on certain day, which does not match with our schedule. Will take a closer look.
However, previous experience with scoot (not this route) left me thinking that the baggage fee would make it more expensive than Garuda.

I had experience with Scoot pre-covid. Booked with them to go BKK-Japan for a trip that was just before all international travel would be shutdown. That time took me about 3-4 months to get refund. (Luckily, I got full refund to my bank account, not 'airline credit')

 

[chillyinCanada]

You are correct that Scoot doesn't fly daily, and that's why I asked if it was a timing issue.

How much luggage are you taking that causes you concern over fees? To the best of my recollection, I didn't have any extraordinary fees last trip to Lembeh. That said, I don't have camera gear.

 

[Wobbegong_th]

You are correct that Scoot doesn't fly daily, and that's why I asked if it was a timing issue.

How much luggage are you taking that causes you concern over fees? To the best of my recollection, I didn't have any extraordinary fees last trip to Lembeh. That said, I don't have camera gear.

We do have camera gear. Last overseas trip to Sipadan, between me & my wife flying Air Asia we had to purchase combined luggage total of 45-50kg - which means about 20kg-ich each. (Clothing, 2X dive gear, some part of the housing). We took camera & housing as carry-on though.

Compare to Garuda 30kg allowance, and extra additional allowance for dive gear. in the end it might come to about the same.

However, if we can have connection in SIN, that's much more preferable. Will recheck Scoot schedule.

 

[4togrfr]

We do have camera gear. Last overseas trip to Sipadan, between me & my wife flying Air Asia we had to purchase combined luggage total of 45-50kg - which means about 20kg-ich each. (Clothing, 2X dive gear, some part of the housing). We took camera & housing as carry-on though.

Compare to Garuda 30kg allowance, and extra additional allowance for dive gear. in the end it might come to about the same.

However, if we can have connection in SIN, that's much more preferable. Will recheck Scoot schedule.

Don’t forget about Garuda’s sports equipment allowance… your scuba gear should fly free.

 

[Wobbegong_th]

Don’t forget about Garuda’s sports equipment allowance… your scuba gear should fly free.

Yep... I saw this on some other post/thread.

 

[Dan]

I’m looking forward to the Singapore Airlines 18.5 hour legs in business class again next Jan/Feb! Premium economy on those planes did not look that bad either - especially if traveling with a companion and you pick 2 seats on the sides.

The single seat is not bad too, Jim!

Instead of another seat to my left, they put a big box where I put my carryon.

I actually write this post using their free starlink WiFi for Krisflyer member. I’m on the way to Alor-Komodo crossing trip on Damai 1 (16-27 December). Then continue to do Bali diving safari from 27 Dec to 5 Jan.

See you in Sorong on 15 Jan!

So far so good.

 

[justspacelover_]

You could try checking out this article I used for my Itinerary it has tips on what to do there in Indonesia Indonesia Tourism Statistics 2023 - All You Need To Know I hope this helps you during your travel.

 

[fantarara]

@Wobbegong_th please see below

- What facilities are there at Jakarta airport to do during those long waiting time?

Not much at the Jkt intl airport.


- Is there a 'Left Luggage' facility that we can put some of the luggage away if we want to go outside of the airport?

Yes, tho I've never used it https://soekarnohatta-airport.co.id/jelajahi_map/100


- For our waiting time during the outbound flight (about 5-6hrs) - is it worth to go outside of the airport, may be into the City?

There is a train going into the center of the city. If you're energetic I think you could try it, the train is quite reliable and fast. I don't remember how long it took about say you allocate 2 hours to the roundtrip, then you'll have around 2-3 hours in the city center. The train takes you to the 'kilometer zero' of Jakarta, right smack central, and a walking tour is possible (good pavements etc).

- For the Inbound flight, which we have about 16hrs to wait, we're looking to get a room at nearby hotel. Any recommendation? (preferably hotel with free shuttle transfer)

Is this in Jakarta? If yes, my office uses the Swis Belhotel near the airport, I believe they do have free shuttle. Most airport hotels are. But even if you have to take a taxi, it's quite cheap (under10USD). Alternatively, you could do a left luggage service and take the train into town and stay in town. There's a couple of good hotels very close to the airport train station (walking distance). If you try this, let me know and I can give hotel recs.


- As our target destination is Lembeh, how long is the overland travel from Manado Airport?

It's been a while since I went to Lembeh, googling says around 90 minutes and that seems right. You then take a boat ride. I don't recall this being long, and the view is interesting.

Hope this is useful, have fun!