1987, 1989 - 1991: INDONESIA

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

14 March 2024

Indonesia, officially Republic of Indonesia,is a country in Southeast Asia and Ocenia between the Indian and Pacific Ocean.It consist of 17,000 islands including Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi and part of Borneo and New Guinea. Indonesia is the world's largest archipelagic state and the 14th largest country by area. 

My experience with Indonesia was when I served on a Royal Malaysian Navy ship. I have sailed to Indonesia several times for operational visits or during training with the Indonesian Navy.

1987 - BELAWAN, MEDAN & DANAU TOBA

The first time I went to Indonesia was in 1987, when I served with the Royal Malaysian Navy ship KD Sri Negri Sembilan during the OSTEX 87 exercise with the TNI-AL (Indonesian Navy) in Medan. We moored at the Port of Belawan in Medan, Indonesia. 

Port of Belawan is the most important in Sumater, lies at the confluences of the Sungai Belawan and the Sungai Deli. its constitutes the most northernly of the city of Medan. 

Medan, about 23.5 km from the Port of Belawan is the capital and the largest city of the Indonesian province of North Sumatra. The nearby Straits of Malacca make Medan a regional hub and multicultural metropolis. Medan is one of the four main central cities in Indonesia, alongside Jakarta, Surabaya and Makassar. 

Istana Maimun or Maimun Palace is a Royal Palace of the Sultanate of Deli and a well-known landmark in Medan.

Built by Sultan Ma'mun Al Rashid Perkasa Alamyah in the years 1887 - 1891, the palace was designed by the Dutch Architect Theodoor van Erp. This is the last surviving Malay Palace, the rest having been destroyed in the 1946 social revolution.

LAKE TOBA, MEDAN

At over 1,145 sq km and up to a depth of 450 metres in places, Lake Toba is actually more like an ocean. About 111.33 km from the Port of Belawan, it is the world's largest crater lake as well as being the largest lake in Southeast Asia and one of the deepest in the world. 

This lake offers plenty of things to do for people exploring the island of Sumatra. Its a relaxing place to simply relax, get away from it and do nothing. 

1990 - TANJUNG PINANG, RIAU, INDONESIA

Tanjung Pinang is the capital city of the Indonesian province of Riau Islands.It covers a land area of 144.56 sq km, mainly on the southern Bintan Island. 

Tanjung Pinang is full of diversity with multiple ethnic communities. 

I had the opportunity to visit Tanjung Pinang with the navy ship KD Lekir, which was patrolling the surrounding area.

Kantor Pos dan Giro located at Jalan Merdeka No. 17, Tanjung Pinang.

GUNUNG DAIK & PULAU PANDAN

Gunung Daik and Pulau Pandan is well known in Malay folklore especially in the Malay Pantun :-

Pulau Pandan jauh ke tengah

Gunung Daik Bercabang Tiga

Hancur badan dikandung tanah

Budi yang baik di kenang juga

In English: 

Pandan Island far in midst,
With the three peaked Mount Daik;
While the body decomposes in earth,
Good deeds remain to be remembered.

"Gunung Daik bercabang tiga" > translate into "Mount Daik has three peaks", migh not have sound odd at all. The distinctive summit of Mount Daik is a most and recognisable of features of Pulau Lingga, an island that is thought by some as the Malay world's motherland.

1989 - 1991 : SURABAYA,INDONESIA

Pelabuhan Tanjung Perak, located in Surabaya, Indonesia, is the second busiest port in the country after Port Tg. Periok in Jakarta. This port serves as a connection between Surabaya and other port cities in Indonesia. Adjacent to Pelabuhan Tanjung Perak is Pelabuhan Ujung, which operates as a ferry port for transporting passengers to Madura.

The city of Surabaya is the capital of East Java Province, Indonesia. This city is the second largest city in Indonesia and is also known as the City of Heroes because of the history that involves this city in the struggle of the Indonesian people to seize independence from the colonialists.

My first visit to Surabaya was in 1989. While serving at KD Lekir, the Royal Malaysian Navy Corvette, I have visited Surabaya three times in 1989, 1990, and 1991.

KD Lekir involved in the Malindo Jaya Joint Naval Exercise between the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Tentera Nasionalis Indonesia - Angkatan Laut (TNI-AL). 

Surabaya is home of the Indonesian Navy's Koarmada II (Fleet Command II) and the major Naval Base at Ujung. 

The former passenger Terminal the Gapura Nusantara, which is the main facility for sea travelers in the 90's. Operated by PELNI (Pelayaran National Indonesia).

The Iconic Statue of Jalesveva Jayamahe Monument, located in the naval base area adjacent to the port.The monument depicting a naval officer standing ready, symbolizes the pride and commitment of the Indonesian Navy, reflecting the motto "On the Sea We are Victorious".

The Tanjung Perak Port Administrator Office located at Jalan Kalimas Baru No. 194 in Surabaya is now known to be the location of the main harbor master's office (Kantor Syahbandaran Utama Tanjung Perak). 

with Surabaya girls who came to visit the ship

One of my best memories is meeting the same girl in 1989 and 1991 at Tanjung Perak Port. She runs a food stall with her family in front of the port.

MASJID SUNAN AMPEL / MAKAM SUNAN AMPEL

The tomb of Sunan Ampel in Surabaya, East Java taken in 1989. Sunan Ampel is one of the reverend Walisongo (Nine Saints) who played a pivotal role in the spread of Islam in Java, especially after the decline of the Majapahit Kingdom. His birthname was Raden Rahmat (or Raden Ahmad Rahmatullah). 

The tomb is locate within a large religious complex behind the Ampel Mosque, founded in 1421 AD. 

The large earthenware jars visible in the foreground contain water often associated with the ancient well (sumur tua) found within the complex, which is believed by some to be connected to the Zamzam Well in Mecca. These jars are a common sight at the complex.

Masjid Sunan Ampel

Makam Sunan Ampel

It is highly probable that the visit to Makam Sunan Ampel in Surabaya was a port call during the KD Lekir's 1989 deployment, allowing the Malaysian sailors to visit this culturally and religiously significant site in the neighboring country of Indonesia.

PASAR TURI, SURABAYA

Pasar Turi located in Surabaya is one of the most historically significant and famous markets in Indonesia. It is strategically located in North Surabaya, close to the Pasar Turi Railway Station. 

Among the ones I bought at Pasar Turi, Surabaya

Surabaya is one of the places you should highly consider going to, from its rich history and culture to its vibrant food scene and stunning natural beauty. Surabaya truly has something for everyone. 

Visiting Surabaya is a cultural experience that you will not find in other major Indonesian cities. 

Tunjungan Plaza is one of Surabaya's most iconic and oldest modern shopping malls.It first opened its doors in 1986 with Tunjungan Plaza 1,making it a relatively new and popular destination when I visited in 1989. 

The Surabaya Main Post Office (Kantor Pos Besar Surabaya) situated at Jalan Kebonrojo No. 10 (formerly Regentstraat). The building was designed by G.P.J.M. Bolsius and constructed between 1926 and 1928. 

CERTIFICATE - CROSSING THE EQUATOR

A certificate commemorating a sailor's first Equator Crossing is given to a sailors. Those onboard who've experienced the passage, willb be called shellback, perform an elaborate of those who hadn't - the pollywogs. 

The line-crossing ceremony is an initiation rite that commemorates a person's first crossing the Equator. 

For more detail about Crossing the Equator, kindly refer:

1. Wikipedia - Crossing the Equator

2. Hj Zulheimy Maamor Blogspot - Memory Pelaut, crossing the Equator (in Malay language)

The equator is an imaginary line that circles the Earth at the midway point between the North and South Poles. It has a latitude of 0 degrees and separates the Northern Hemisphere from the Southern Hemisphere. The length of the equator is 40,075.16 kilometers.

While the equator is at 0 degrees latitude, northern latitudes increase as they move away from the equator and toward the North Pole, which is 90°; southern latitudes decrease as they move away from the equator and toward the South Pole, which is –90°.

Where is the equator? The equator map above details its location. 

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, KL

15 March 2024 > 4 Ramadan 1445H: 5.13 pm

THAILAND (CHIANG MAI), LAOS AND MYANMAR

Hj Zulheimy Maamor 

12 March 2024 

Chiang Mai (sometimes spelled Chieng Mai) in Thai means "New City." Located on the border with Myanmar (Burma), it is the second largest city in Thailand. The history of Chiang Mai is said to begin in 1296 and was established by King Mengrai as the capital of the Lannathai Kingdom.

In December 2007, my colleagues and I from The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia had the opportunity to visit Chiang Mai, which is located in Northern Thailand.

The distance traveled by air from Kuala Lumpur to Chiang Mai is 2,148 km

CHIANG MAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Located in Suthep district, Mueang Chiang Mai District,Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand. Chiang Mai airport provides both domestic and international terminals. These terminals coexist in the same building. 

ELEPHANT TREK AND BAMBOO RAFTING

Explore the beauty of Chiang Mai with a watefall trekking experience and an elephant sanctuary in one day and enjoy bamboo rafting in the jungle. 

The package often included elephant trekking through the surrounding forests and then a relaxing float down the Mae Taeng River on a bamboo raft.

CHIANG MAI TO CHIANG RAI

On December 9, 2007, we continued our journey to Chiang Rai, which is approximately 186 km away, with a travel time of 3 hours and 7 minutes.

Chiang Rai is a city in northern Thailand, in the mountainous province of the same name. The city is near the border of Laos and Myanmar (formerly Burma). Chiang Rai is surrounded by lush nature and small hilltribe villages, which are often unexplored by tourists.

This unique , large, reddish-brown structure nearby resembles an abandoned hot spring resort that was designed to replicate a Khmer-style temple or and Angkorian temple.  This unique, ancient-looking building makes Mae Kachan Hot Spring instantly recognizable from photos taken inthat area. 

On the way from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, which took 3 hours, we stopped at several places to take memorable photos, such as a temple and a hot spring. The Mae Kachan Hot Spring is a famous rest stop located on the mainhighway (Route 118) between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. 

Tke image of the boiling water and steam are characteristic of the main geyser area at Mae Kachan. This is a traditional stop where visitors relax, dip their feet in the warm water, and commonly buy eggs to boils in the thermal pools. 

GOLDEN TRIANGLE AND MEKONG RIVER

The Golden Triangle locally know as Sop Ruak is a region in Southeast Asia where the borders Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers. It is located in the Chiang Saen District of Chiang Rai Province, which is a popular day trip destination from Chiang Mai. This is the most popular spot to view the Mekong River in Northern Thailand, as the Ruak River converges with the larger Mekong here, offering a panoramic view of three countries at once. 

The region is known for its high production of opium, which is used to make heroin. Those days are gone. Now, the area is peaceful and tranquil dotted with hill tribes villages, ancient temples and markets. 

Golden Triangle is rich in history, the place you can go to see no mans island. 

Here, you can do a ferry on the Mekong River where you can see Laos, Thailand and Myanmar. The Mekong River winding almost 3,000 miles from the Tibetan Plateau down to the South China Sea,flows through six countries: China, Myanmar, Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia and Vietnam. The Mekong River boasts the world's largest inland fishery. 

A fun way to explore the is to take a long tail boat trip on the Mekong river. Boats can be chartered for trips along the shore of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand lasting about 20 to 30 minutes. 

Moei River is a natural borderline between Thailand and Myanmar. It is a river of 327 km long, and unlike other river, it flows northward. Its watersource is in Baan Makoe, Tambom Phob Phra. This river is the borderline between Myanmar and Thailand. 

Kings Romans Casino and hotel Complex, is part of the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which is located across the Mekong River in Bokeo Province, Laos. 

A massive, majestic golden Buddha statue sits serenely along the banks of the Mekong River at Sop Ruak. This iconic statue is one of the most popular attractions and is frequently photographed with the three countries in the background. 

DON SAO, LAOS

A short boat ride away is Don Sao, a Laos Island in the river where tourists can visit a local market. A visit to the island does not require a visa to Laos. 

Don Sao is on the Mekong River, in the Bokeo Province of Laos,  directly across the river from the Thai Village of Sop Ruak in Chiang Rai province. The main attraction on Don Sao was a small tourist market, sold things like Lao textiles, souvenir, Lao banknotes etc. 

AMPHOE MAE SAI - THE NORTHERN MOST OF THAILAND

The northern most point is Amphoe Mae Sai, Chiang Rai Province, with tourists attractions like Mae Sai Market, Golden Triangle, Wat Phar That Doi Wao and Wat Thampla (locally known as Money Temple). This town is located on the Sai River, which forms the international boundary. 

Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are both worth visiting, depends on what you're looking for in the trip. If you are interested in culture, history and street food, Chiang Mai is the best choice. If you're looking for natural beauty and more relaxed atmosphere, Chiang Rai is the better option. 

Here they also sell Roti Canai Susu

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, KL

13 March 2024 > 2 Ramadan 1445H: 11.50 am