Enabler in Jakarta

Jakarta reminds me of a third-tier Chinese city. One street, there would be the Ritz-Carlton and a multitude of other 5 star hotels of the most extraordinary wealth. One street, there's nothing but poverty. Buses so old that they are crumbling, yet poor Indonesians squeezes into every open space. It reminds me of China 20 years ago, corruption runs rampant to get things done. However, it doesn't mean it doesn't have its perks. 

I got off my flight from Jakarta and to my surprise, the hotel driver, met us right at the exit gate. I never knew people can cross security to pick up guests. My driver told me, "we come to our guests, we don't let our guests come to us." It seems like the Dharmawangsa Jakarta, a local 5-star hotel with excellent rooms and facilities, have an exclusive agreement with the airport. In addition to being able to get into security, he seemed to have had all the connections in the airport. There was a long line at immigration after I finished purchase my visa on landing (in Indonesia, one can buy a 30 day visa for US$25 on landing), there was a long line at immigration. This man, Adun, the enabler, led me to the diplomatic line, where there was no line, asked me to hand him my passport, and told me to go ahead. At first, I was worried: "did I just leave a stranger I just met 5 minutes ago with my passport after blatantly breaking all immigration rules?" 2 minutes later, he came out, showed me the stamp, and said, "your car is right outside." Tips to ALL business travelers to Jakarta, just go stay at the Dharmawangsa Jakarta and get a hotel car, it's worth the 30-45 minutes you'll wait in line for the immigration. 

Full Moon Party in Singapore

I must say, after a weekend of party in HK, partying in Singapore really cannot compare. However, there is one party here in Singapore that rocks HK's socks off - the Full Moon Party at Tanjong Beach Club (TBC). Setting on the man-made beach of Sentosa, the Full Moon Party is a full day/full night event every full moon in Singapore. Against the beach, there are beautiful people, pool parties, cabana, flame throwers, pole dancers, firework. You start in the afternoon if you wish, to day drink. If you're a late one, roll up anytime between 7 - 10, party is alive and happening until 4AM. Dancing, drinking, partying, all with the feeling of sands underneath your toes.

While there's no drugs in Singapore (death penalty is scary here), the alcohol is free flowing, while not much more expensive than most other clubs, while giving you a refreshing way of partying beyond the usual clubs in Asia. LOVE! Also, it seems that all my friends went, given I think everyone I'm friends with seem to randomly show up there one day or another.