Hi and welcome to the return segment of my short trip to CGK. I will post pics of my visit at the end of this FR in the BONUS section for those who are interested.
Early morning flights are always challenging so I decided to spend the previous night at the Jakarta Airport hotel in order to make things easier. This property served its purpose but things can be improved, like the WC and room which can use a renovation and the toilet that stopped working before I checked out. Another nuisance is the lack of elevators so people with heavy luggage have to use a series of ramps to drag their belongings to their rooms.
On my way to the airport, I was planning to pay my taxi by credit card. As it turned out, the front desk of the Holiday Inn Express where I was staying informed me that the only way that I could use my credit card was through a reserved car with a driver, so I requested this service. Within 20 min. the car arrived and I was whisked to the airport in a comfortable Toyota Camry.
My ride to the airport through the southern part of the city which was characterized by new construction and high risers.
Jakarta Airport Hotel
The major advantage of this hotel is that it is located inside T2 and within meters of security and the check-in counters. Rooms and WC need a major renovation but the view is semi decent and the bed is comfortable. The two free bottles of water were appreciated. A few hours before I checked out the toilet broken down.
Security before entering the hotel.
Front desk.
Room.
Views.
My flight today was departing from Door 1 and upon reaching security I noticed that there was an express lane that was empty. I asked if Elite members were allowed and the attendant just waived me through. Going through security was quick and soon I was at the ANA counter which was about to be opened.
IT was very busy early in the morning.
ANA Check-In counters after security.
The staff finally appeared and performed a bow greeting in front of customers. Then they took their respective places. There were a few people lined up in the Economy lane but I was the only one in Business for the moment. A smiling agent quickly checked me in and issued my boarding passes. She mentioned that I could use the Premier Lounge and after a quick pass through Passport Control I was on my way to the lounge.
Premier Lounge
This was a third party lounge used by other carriers and companies.
I was greeted by two attendants at the desk and one of them warned me that the WC's were out of order due to a water problem throughout the airport. Great, first the toilet at the hotel and now this. Good thing that I did not have to use the WC.
The place was pretty big and had plenty of seating areas. The buffet consisted of salad, a few hot items like chicken porridge, grilled chicken, fried bananas and an assortment of pastries.
The WC had a shower but I did not use it.
Buffet.
My snacks.
I headed to to the gate where an agent sitting at the entrance checked my boarding pass, detached it and gave me the stub before allowing me to enter the area. There was a counter and seating on either side of the room. WC's were located one floor down which was kind of inconvenient for pax who had to bring their luggage with them through the stairs.
Check-in area.
My plane.
Lion Air 744
Getting ready to board.
Boarding was very orderly with priorities dutifully respected. At the door there was a FA greeting passengers with a smile.
The flight today was not going to be full and I was lucky to score a row for myself.
It was a raining day outside.
FA's distributed forms and welcomed pax with a bow after the announcement.
The door closed and we taxied out to the runway .
Ground crew waving good bye.
Some spotting.
Bye CGK!
This is how the darkened window looks compared to one that is not.
The service begins with the customary wet towel and a bottle of water.
The visual menu makes its appearance and the choices for breakfast were fried fish with rice OR omelette with chicken pate. Both dishes were served with probiotic drink, potato salad, soba noodles and fruits.
I chose the Japanese option and the fish was tasty - more of an Asian comfort food with all that warm rice. One thing that I don't understand is the serving of "fried" dishes in an airplane cabin. In this environment the crispiness of the fried food does not maintain well so it becomes a soggy lump after a while. On breakfast flights, one of the components is a probiotic drink like Yakult.
Main dish surrounded by veggies and a side of rice.
Soba noodles and fruits.
We hit some mild turbulence after the meal but FA's still performed a coffee and tea service advising passengers to be careful with the drinks.
Meanwhile outside of my window…
At one point I decided to stretch my legs and went up to the galley to ask for some souvenir items. I chatted with one of the FA's there and she asked if this was my first time flying NH and how I liked it. I told her that so far I was very impressed with the professionalism and top notch service of the crew and she thanked me for choosing NH. She proceeded to ask for my seat number and said that she will stop by with some things.
I returned and decided to browse through the selection of films but couldn't find anything that interested me. Eventually I dozed off for a bit. At 1:30 hr. before arrival the snack service started with a chicken sandwich and wet towel followed by drinks.
During the flight I asked a FA passing by if she had a pen. She told me that she will get back to me and appeared to be in a hurry. I later found out that she was busy trying to take care of a child that felt sick and she was in the back of the plane with the mom and kid trying to comfort him. I almost forgot about my request until later on when she returned to my seat with a pen in her hand and thanked me for waiting so patiently with a smile. I was very impressed by the way that she dealt with this situation without forgetting me and this really convinced me that ANA crews are among the best in the industry.
Before arrival the basket with candies was offered but I declined. Then the FA that I talked to earlier in the galley appeared and handed me a little pack full of things. There was also a card with a personal note from the crew thanking me for flying NH. That was very special touch and made this flight truly memorable. If the crew is reading this report, I want to thank you once again for taking such good care of me and making my trip so fantastic. This left me with a great lasting memory of this trip.
Landing in NRT.
We parked at a remote location and had to take a bus to bring us into the terminal, which meant a chance to see the airplane close up.
**BONUS**
Holiday Inn Express @ Wahid Hasyim
A great hotel that felt more like a "boutique" property with its fun decor and freshly cooked buffet breakfast with a variety of rotating local dishes every morning. The location is extremely convenient just a few meters from Sarinah dept. store and restaurants nearby. I paid about USD 45 (EUR 42) a night at the hotel website which was a superb value.
Exterior.
Lobby.
Room.
Buffet.
First time that I tried "salak" or "snake" fruit, a sort of palm fruit with a scent that is floral with pineapple and guava undertones.
Morning walk around the neighborhood
Jakarta is a big city full of contradictions. If Hong Kong is considered by many to be the New York of Asia, then Jakarta is the Mexico City equivalent - sprawling, energetic, polluted, extreme poverty next to ostentatious wealth, friendly people and horrible traffic congestion among other things.
While walking through a food stall alley, I found this curious and friendly "local" staring back at me and I just had to take this shot.
Motorcycles are everywhere.
Setting up the shop.
MONAS - National Monument Indonesia
Rooster in the parking lot.
Food stand inside.
Istiqlal Mosque
I was able to visit the mosque during prayer time thanks to a security guard who escorted me inside and gave me a private tour. This is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia with a capacity for 200,000 people. "istiqlal" means "independence" in Arabic.
St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral (Jakarta Cathedral)
Standing in front of Istiqlal Mosque, this church was consecrated in 1901 and built in the neo-Gothic style. When I visited there were 2 weddings happening and I was privileged to witness this festive occasion discreetly from the back.
Cafe Batavia
Gorgeous colonial ambiance with views to match. I ordered a beef rendang and ayam gulai (chicken in a spciy Indonesian curry sauce). They tasted great but the beef was not as tender as I expected it to be.
Refreshing soursop drink.
Beef reandang.
Ayam gulai.
Waha Kitchen
Contemporary and stylish restaurant with excellent food. I arrived here by 23:00 to have a bowl of "laksa" soup. It was delicious!
Menu.
Green tea latte.
Amazing laksa in creamy coconut broth.
Garuda restaurant
This restaurant specializes in "padang" style food which hails from West Sumatra and has a very particular way of serving. Once the guest sits at the table, a server brings all the dishes offered at once and stack them up in front of the patron. You get charged for the dishes that you take. I was curious about this type of service but I don't think that I will have it again. For once, the untouched dishes are destined to be served to the next patrons and the dishes that I ate were lukewarm at best.
Bundaran HI & Plaza Indonesia
Outside Plaza Indonesia.
Inside Plaza Indonesia.
See more
Verdict
ANA
9.0/10
Cabin10.0
Cabin crew10.0
Entertainment/wifi8.0
Meal/catering8.0
Premier Lounge
8.3/10
Comfort9.5
Meal/catering8.5
Entertainment/wifi7.5
Services7.5
Jakarta - CGK
8.3/10
Efficiency8.0
Access9.0
Services8.0
Cleanliness8.0
Tokyo - NRT
9.5/10
Efficiency9.0
Access9.0
Services10.0
Cleanliness10.0
Conclusion
The Premier Lounge was spacious and provided a decent assortment of food, especially this early in the morning. It's unfortunate that there was a water problem at the airport that prevented guests from using the WC's but this was not the fault of the lounge and it was eventually resolved later on.
Once again this was a very enjoyable flight with ANA and the crew is one of the strongest assets of this airline. FA's were attentive, proactive and smiling at all times. I was impressed by the note and the bag of souvenirs that was brought to me towards the end of the flight, in addition to the pen that the FA gave me. They made me feel like a special guest and these things leave a positive impression.
10 LIKESLIKE TO THANK THE AUTHORTHANKS ! FLIGHT-REPORT LIKED
A pretty decent offering in the "multi airlines lounge".
I'm sure you seduced the vrew to get this bag full of NH branded amenities ! ;) As you know I'm not surprised to read that you ejoyed NH : It's among - if not - the best *A airline to fly in Y and Y+.
Thank you Adan for this report What a lovely crew on this flight. Nice bonus of Jakarta. I heard that Jakarta was not safe, is this wrong ? Looks like you had a great time in the city...
I felt safe during my stay in CGK, but then again I blended in with the locals in a way and stayed in good neighborhoods. I also took reputable taxis all the way to get around. I suspect that the biggest annoyance would be being overcharged as a foreigner.
“Early morning flights are always challenging so I decided to spend the previous night at the Jakarta Airport“ - Great idea.
Beautiful pictures from Jakarta.
It is really fortunate you did not have to use a toilet by that time. I am personally bad at holding in. Did the water problem affect all WCs at the airport, if you have any idea?
Stunning spotting shots, especially of that Lion Queen!
“The flight today was not going to be full and I was lucky to score a row for myself.“ - Great to hear that.
“I later found out that she was busy trying to take care of a child that felt sick and she was in the back of the plane with the mom and kid trying to comfort him. I almost forgot about my request until later on when she returned to my seat with a pen in her hand and thanked me for waiting so patiently with a smile. I was very impressed by the way that she dealt with this situation without forgetting me and this really convinced me that ANA crews are among the best in the industry.“ - Wow, that is truly impressive... I hope that child was doing okay later on.
Absolutely fantastic service on this flight, other airlines should read this FR among other and take notes lol.
Thank you for the wonderful and exciting bonus at the end.
"Did the water problem affect all WCs at the airport, if you have any idea?" - I think that is what the receptionist at the lounge told me. I asked what if I really needed to use the WC and he couldn't answer.
"Stunning spotting shots, especially of that Lion Queen!" - I was surprised to see this plane by Lion Air. I wonder which route it was used for.
" I hope that child was doing okay later on." - He was laughing at the end, so I think he was OK.
Maybe the flight crew thought that it was your first time because you took photos of the aircraft?
I hadn't known the Jakarta Airport Hotel has been reopened. I thought they closed for good! Though somewhat surprised that during the time they closed, they didn't seem to have renovated it by much. At least it provided good views of blue :)
"It was very busy early in the morning" -CGK's peak times are early morning at late at night. In the early morning you have the pilgrim travellers waiting for their flights on Emirates and Qatar, they're also very likely to bring their family members with them. Then you also have the business travellers going to Singapore on SQ's 777s or GA's A330s. I had the change to analyse all this earlier this year when I flew on Garuda to LHR on their morning departure via SIN :D
The national monument looks very barren, unlike the last time I went there. What time of day were you there?
Same question goes for Plaza Indonesia. I've never seen it so empty, because high-ranking Indonesian officials (and of course, businesspeople) tend to dine there, or the pricey Japanese restaurant at the Hyatt.
"Maybe the flight crew thought that it was your first time because you took photos of the aircraft?" - That's a good point. I'll try to be more obvious in the future to get better service. ;) :P
"Though somewhat surprised that during the time they closed, they didn't seem to have renovated it by much. At least it provided good views of blue :)" - It seems that they did not improve it by much. I've read that they used to offer a buffet breakfast before.
"CGK's peak times are early morning at late at night. In the early morning you have the pilgrim travellers waiting for their flights on Emirates and Qatar..." - That explains it. Thanks for the local's perspective.
"What time of day were you there?" - Friday morning at NOMAS and Sat. morning at Plaza Indonesia, although there were more people at Grand Indonesia.
Thanks Adan for sharing this FR with nice pictures!
“FA’s distributed forms and welcomed pax with a bow after the announcement.” - Oh this never happened on my NH flights before @@ Maybe your flight is a “true” NH flight (HKG-NRT is NQ operated) so it could happen ;)
“This is how the darkened window looks compared to one that is not.” - Glad to know the windows’ darkness can be adjusted freely on NH where they are all locked in UA. But one thing I do not like the 787 windows is that even they are in the darkest, the outside sunlight still run into the cabin IME on UA.
“I don't understand is the serving of "fried" dishes in an airplane cabin.” - IMO this is to take care the SE Asia diet habit which they usually have fried food.
Very surprised by the souvenirs given which are awesome! I do know we can ask for it but I do not expect the crews are so kind to give so many to you! It looks like they also give you the amenity kit^^ Maybe they know you are the 1st time on NH so you have this privilege^^
Nice travel bonus of Jakarta! The Holiday Inn is another great deal^^ Look forward to next series!
"Maybe your flight is a “true” NH flight (HKG-NRT is NQ operated) so it could happen ;)" - Regardless of whether it is NH or NQ, it's still japanese, no? ;)
"But one thing I do not like the 787 windows is that even they are in the darkest, the outside sunlight still run into the cabin IME on UA." - That is right and I noticed that as well.
" IMO this is to take care the SE Asia diet habit which they usually have fried food." - Thanks for that insightful note.
"IMO this is to take care the SE Asia diet habit which they usually have fried food." - No amenity kit. ;( but plenty of extra contents.
Hello Jetsetpanda and thank you for another fantastic report.
"The major advantage of this hotel is that it is located inside T2 and within meters of security and the check-in counters." -Ramp and runway views from the hotel room can allow me to overlook other flaws in the product!
It has been many moons since the premier of the "Premier Lounge". It must have been used by MH at one point because I know I have been there.
"The flight today was not going to be full and I was lucky to score a row for myself." -Yes! What a huge difference this makes. I know the flight is considered regional, but it's long.
"Meanwhile outside of my window…" -Wow, stunning scenery in the south pacific.
" I was very impressed by the way that she dealt with this situation without forgetting me and this really convinced me that ANA crews are among the best in the industry. " -I second this sentiment. I get the feeling on ANA, and in Japan in general, that no task is insignificant nor is there any task that should not be performed at the highest level.
" That was very special touch and made this flight truly memorable." -What a fantastic interaction that will endear you, and now your many readers, to the ANA brand. I get the feeling with ANA that this type of gesture isn't terribly uncommon either.
" If Hong Kong is considered by many to be the New York of Asia, then Jakarta is the Mexico City equivalent - sprawling, energetic, polluted, extreme poverty next to ostentatious wealth, friendly people and horrible traffic congestion among other things. " -What a great analogy. I like to think of New York as the Hong Kong of North America... ;-)
I really enjoyed the tour of Jakarta. I was also very happy to hear that you felt safe in your stay (with the caveats you mention). The food looks amazing and I know it's a place I would enjoy but the safety stigma has kept me away. Perhaps I should reconsider.
Thank you again for this great read. Happy flying.
"Ramp and runway views from the hotel room can allow me to overlook other flaws in the product!" - True for any avgeek. ;)
"I know the flight is considered regional, but it's long." - One of the longest regionals.
"I get the feeling on ANA, and in Japan in general, that no task is insignificant nor is there any task that should not be performed at the highest level." - That's an accurate observation. It is one of the reasons that so many people love Japan.
"I get the feeling with ANA that this type of gesture isn't terribly uncommon either." - I have seen it manifested on other FR's. ;)
"I like to think of New York as the Hong Kong of North America... ;-)" - It's a matter of perspective. :P
"Perhaps I should reconsider." - Yes, but you can never let your guard down.
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18 Comments
I agree with you. Thanks for your comments.
You create loyal customers by leaving a positive impression. ;)
A pretty decent offering in the "multi airlines lounge".
I'm sure you seduced the vrew to get this bag full of NH branded amenities ! ;)
As you know I'm not surprised to read that you ejoyed NH : It's among - if not - the best *A airline to fly in Y and Y+.
Plaza Indonesi looks very, very empty...
"Water shortage in Indonesia ? ;)"
- Oh the irony!.
"A pretty decent offering in the "multi airlines lounge"."
- The quantity was there. I've heard that this lounge is good according to CGK standards.
"I'm sure you seduced the vrew to get this bag full of NH branded amenities ! ;)"
- Who can refuse the charm of a panda? :P
"It's among - if not - the best *A airline to fly in Y and Y+."
- I am in agreement with you.
"Plaza Indonesi looks very, very empty..."
- I see it as a reflection of the wide gap between socio-economic levels in society. ;)
Thanks for your visit and support.
What a lovely crew on this flight.
Nice bonus of Jakarta. I heard that Jakarta was not safe, is this wrong ? Looks like you had a great time in the city...
I felt safe during my stay in CGK, but then again I blended in with the locals in a way and stayed in good neighborhoods. I also took reputable taxis all the way to get around. I suspect that the biggest annoyance would be being overcharged as a foreigner.
Thanks for stopping.
“Early morning flights are always challenging so I decided to spend the previous night at the Jakarta Airport“
- Great idea.
Beautiful pictures from Jakarta.
It is really fortunate you did not have to use a toilet by that time. I am personally bad at holding in. Did the water problem affect all WCs at the airport, if you have any idea?
Stunning spotting shots, especially of that Lion Queen!
“The flight today was not going to be full and I was lucky to score a row for myself.“
- Great to hear that.
“I later found out that she was busy trying to take care of a child that felt sick and she was in the back of the plane with the mom and kid trying to comfort him. I almost forgot about my request until later on when she returned to my seat with a pen in her hand and thanked me for waiting so patiently with a smile. I was very impressed by the way that she dealt with this situation without forgetting me and this really convinced me that ANA crews are among the best in the industry.“
- Wow, that is truly impressive... I hope that child was doing okay later on.
Absolutely fantastic service on this flight, other airlines should read this FR among other and take notes lol.
Thank you for the wonderful and exciting bonus at the end.
Have a good one, see you!
"Did the water problem affect all WCs at the airport, if you have any idea?"
- I think that is what the receptionist at the lounge told me. I asked what if I really needed to use the WC and he couldn't answer.
"Stunning spotting shots, especially of that Lion Queen!"
- I was surprised to see this plane by Lion Air. I wonder which route it was used for.
" I hope that child was doing okay later on."
- He was laughing at the end, so I think he was OK.
Glad you enjoyed the FR.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Maybe the flight crew thought that it was your first time because you took photos of the aircraft?
I hadn't known the Jakarta Airport Hotel has been reopened. I thought they closed for good! Though somewhat surprised that during the time they closed, they didn't seem to have renovated it by much. At least it provided good views of blue :)
"It was very busy early in the morning"
-CGK's peak times are early morning at late at night. In the early morning you have the pilgrim travellers waiting for their flights on Emirates and Qatar, they're also very likely to bring their family members with them. Then you also have the business travellers going to Singapore on SQ's 777s or GA's A330s. I had the change to analyse all this earlier this year when I flew on Garuda to LHR on their morning departure via SIN :D
The national monument looks very barren, unlike the last time I went there. What time of day were you there?
Same question goes for Plaza Indonesia. I've never seen it so empty, because high-ranking Indonesian officials (and of course, businesspeople) tend to dine there, or the pricey Japanese restaurant at the Hyatt.
Once again, thank you for posting!
"Maybe the flight crew thought that it was your first time because you took photos of the aircraft?"
- That's a good point. I'll try to be more obvious in the future to get better service. ;) :P
"Though somewhat surprised that during the time they closed, they didn't seem to have renovated it by much. At least it provided good views of blue :)"
- It seems that they did not improve it by much. I've read that they used to offer a buffet breakfast before.
"CGK's peak times are early morning at late at night. In the early morning you have the pilgrim travellers waiting for their flights on Emirates and Qatar..."
- That explains it. Thanks for the local's perspective.
"What time of day were you there?"
- Friday morning at NOMAS and Sat. morning at Plaza Indonesia, although there were more people at Grand Indonesia.
Thank you very much for your comments.
“FA’s distributed forms and welcomed pax with a bow after the announcement.”
- Oh this never happened on my NH flights before @@ Maybe your flight is a “true” NH flight (HKG-NRT is NQ operated) so it could happen ;)
“This is how the darkened window looks compared to one that is not.”
- Glad to know the windows’ darkness can be adjusted freely on NH where they are all locked in UA. But one thing I do not like the 787 windows is that even they are in the darkest, the outside sunlight still run into the cabin IME on UA.
“I don't understand is the serving of "fried" dishes in an airplane cabin.”
- IMO this is to take care the SE Asia diet habit which they usually have fried food.
Very surprised by the souvenirs given which are awesome! I do know we can ask for it but I do not expect the crews are so kind to give so many to you! It looks like they also give you the amenity kit^^ Maybe they know you are the 1st time on NH so you have this privilege^^
Nice travel bonus of Jakarta! The Holiday Inn is another great deal^^ Look forward to next series!
"Maybe your flight is a “true” NH flight (HKG-NRT is NQ operated) so it could happen ;)"
- Regardless of whether it is NH or NQ, it's still japanese, no? ;)
"But one thing I do not like the 787 windows is that even they are in the darkest, the outside sunlight still run into the cabin IME on UA."
- That is right and I noticed that as well.
" IMO this is to take care the SE Asia diet habit which they usually have fried food."
- Thanks for that insightful note.
"IMO this is to take care the SE Asia diet habit which they usually have fried food."
- No amenity kit. ;( but plenty of extra contents.
Thanks for your comments Ashley.
"It looks like they also give you the amenity kit^^"
- No amenity kit. ;( but plenty of extra contents.
"The major advantage of this hotel is that it is located inside T2 and within meters of security and the check-in counters."
-Ramp and runway views from the hotel room can allow me to overlook other flaws in the product!
It has been many moons since the premier of the "Premier Lounge". It must have been used by MH at one point because I know I have been there.
"The flight today was not going to be full and I was lucky to score a row for myself."
-Yes! What a huge difference this makes. I know the flight is considered regional, but it's long.
"Meanwhile outside of my window…"
-Wow, stunning scenery in the south pacific.
" I was very impressed by the way that she dealt with this situation without forgetting me and this really convinced me that ANA crews are among the best in the industry. "
-I second this sentiment. I get the feeling on ANA, and in Japan in general, that no task is insignificant nor is there any task that should not be performed at the highest level.
" That was very special touch and made this flight truly memorable."
-What a fantastic interaction that will endear you, and now your many readers, to the ANA brand. I get the feeling with ANA that this type of gesture isn't terribly uncommon either.
" If Hong Kong is considered by many to be the New York of Asia, then Jakarta is the Mexico City equivalent - sprawling, energetic, polluted, extreme poverty next to ostentatious wealth, friendly people and horrible traffic congestion among other things. "
-What a great analogy. I like to think of New York as the Hong Kong of North America... ;-)
I really enjoyed the tour of Jakarta. I was also very happy to hear that you felt safe in your stay (with the caveats you mention). The food looks amazing and I know it's a place I would enjoy but the safety stigma has kept me away. Perhaps I should reconsider.
Thank you again for this great read. Happy flying.
"Ramp and runway views from the hotel room can allow me to overlook other flaws in the product!"
- True for any avgeek. ;)
"I know the flight is considered regional, but it's long."
- One of the longest regionals.
"I get the feeling on ANA, and in Japan in general, that no task is insignificant nor is there any task that should not be performed at the highest level."
- That's an accurate observation. It is one of the reasons that so many people love Japan.
"I get the feeling with ANA that this type of gesture isn't terribly uncommon either."
- I have seen it manifested on other FR's. ;)
"I like to think of New York as the Hong Kong of North America... ;-)"
- It's a matter of perspective. :P
"Perhaps I should reconsider."
- Yes, but you can never let your guard down.
Thanks for commenting.
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