The National Monument in Jakarta

Back to the Jawa island trip made 1-14 May 2012. Let us continue from the article Pekalongan, the batik centre of Indonesia.

After going around Pekalongan Saturday 5th May we went to Cirebon to visit the tomb of the saint called Sunan Gunung Jati. Then we took a train to Jakarta and arrived the next day 2 am. These are pictures from the day after, Monday 7th May. We were in front of the National Monument built to commemorate the fight to gain Indonesia's independence from the Dutch. 

For the record, independence was achieved in 1945 but only recognised by the colonialists years later. Standing at the height of 132 metres the National Monument is quite an imposing building which features prominently in Jakarta's city centre.

I was told that visitors could get to the top by taking an underground path which starts around this part.

Unfortunately we came late and it was already closed.

But we were in time for the last ride in this fun-train vehicle.

Visitors can get free rides to reach the furthest corner of the National Monument's compound.  

This save some walking time and sweat as the compound covers an area close to 1 square kilometre large.

Why, it even has a park and mini zoo of sorts...

The world's longest suspended pedestrian bridge?

OK. Continued from A family day outing at Sunway Lagoon.

After trying out some rides we decided to check this place out.

It is claimed that it is the world's longest suspended pedestrian bridge.

After a long queue on the stairs we entered this tunnel.

Thank God besides its end there is an open space.

Back to the queue...

I think since the time we decided to join the queue up the stairs it took no less than 15 minutes before we finally get to walk on the bridge.

Never mind, it's worth the wait as we get to enjoy the views from this 428-metre long walk.

A family day outing at Sunway Lagoon

 This is from 8 days ago...

Saturday 7th July 2012 me and family went to the Sunway Lagoon theme park.

My wife's employers were holding a family day and all staff are welcomed with family.

If I'm not mistaken Sunway Lagoon is the first proper theme park in Malaysia with attraction and rides worthy of the word "theme park". What I mean is there were one or two so-called theme parks before in this country but whatever attractions or rides they got were just of the level of funfairs...

Sunway Lagoon is now almost 20 years old but I have only been here once or twice before.

Even then I have never been on any of the rides or try its attractions.

Then, I came because of work. The last time I was asked to chase Formula 1 driver Jenson Button and interview him.

That I did being a reputable sports journalist. But I had to wait until he finished enjoying surfing the artificial waves at the water park which lies in the middle of this picture.

Here we were heading for the water park but had to take the long route going anti-clockwise across a lake.

There. These are people coming for the family day.

Thank God we found a cosy spot to relax at.

I was told some 13,000 people, staff and family came for the event...

While official activities have been lined, everyone were free to enjoy the water park and some rides...