This is my first time in Indonesia and I didn’t know what to expect when I landed to Jakarta from Kota Kinabalu last October 16. We waited in the airport for approximately eight hours for our flight to Yogyakarta and what we did was stayed in the airport observing everything that’s going on.
We landed in Terminal 1 which reminded me of NAIA. We sat on a bench together with some Indonesians who were waiting for something as well.
A particular situation caught my interest, a middle aged Indonesian man was bidding farewell to his family while trying to hold back his tears. His daughter hugged him so tight and tears fell from her cheeks.
His other family members bid farewell as well. He was left standing near us. When everyone had left already, his tears started falling as well.
He is probably an Overseas Contract Worker just like millions of Filipinos who leave the countries to search for a better paying jobs so they could give their families a better life.
When you travel, you’ll see that everyone is just as the same as you are. Every person has an aspiration to give himself and his family a better life.
The guy that I’ve been observing left after a few minutes. We stayed where we were seated and interacted with other locals sitting nearby us. After a few hours of waiting, we decided to transfer to Terminal 2 where Air Asia’s domestic flights is located.
Waiting Area for Shuttle
There’s a free shuttle that connects the airport terminals. After a few minutes of being on the bus we were greeted with what seems to be a newly built gorgeous airport. I wish we also have beautiful airports in the Philippines. It really creates a good first impression.
We waited for five more hours before we checked in. Since the airport was still closed, we were politely asked to wait outside, although we frequently go in to use the bathroom and they didn’t mind.
The interactions that I’ve had with locals even with some local authorities were great. They were nice and polite and funny (in a good way).
After five hours of waiting, the checked in counter finally opened. We checked in for our Air Asia’s flight to Yogyakarta and paid 40,000 Rupiah (per pax) for Airport Tax.
After paying the fee, we proceeded upstairs to the boarding area. The staff were polite and courteous and even funny despite of being there in an ungodly hour of 5AM. They frequently mistaken us as Indonesian and laugh at themselves after realizing that we’re not understanding a single word that they say. 
Boarding Area Terminal 2
After all the waiting, we finally arrived in Yogayakarta. The airport is small but has a warm atmosphere. The airport is filled with beautiful locally made jars and pots and other handicrafts (that are for sale).
From the airport, we followed the sign to the Trans-Jogja Bus station that took us to Malioboro for only 3000 Rupiah per person.
Our arrival in Yogyakarta was filled with good vibes since this is our first time in this country. I noticed that there’s so much excitement going on as well in the city. We found out that the Royal Wedding of the Sultan will be held on that same week as well as the Yogayakarta Carnival.
This would be very exciting!!!
Wow nice trip Flip! Excited for my Yogyakarta trip too next year. Ako, I fly direct from KL to Yogya.
Very interesting indeed. That second boarding area looks GORGEOUS!! Hope you enjoy your trip. The 5 hour wait sounded a little hard but I have been stuck in the States in the early A.M. when nothing is going on so maybe that was the case since it was so early. W.C.C.
Love the last pic! I remember naman in Dubai, nagtatagalog ako dun sa Indonesian. When he informed me about it, nagtawanan lang din kami LOL. Enjoy your time there in Yogyakarta!
Have fun in Indonesia! I’ve only been there once but loved to go there again.