On the road again
Traveling from Bandung to Semarang with Cititrans.
I’m not quite sure how to start this story. It’s now 06:00, and I’m still at the place where I’ve been staying for the past few days in Bandung. Today, I’ll be traveling to Semarang by land with Cititrans. This will be my third visit to the city.
This is an evolving story being written during the trip, so please be patient as you read. Hopefully, it will be complete by the end of the day.
Breakfast
At the current homestay, breakfast is very family-style. It is not served in a stylish way, but what’s important is that it’s delicious and healthy.
Indomie, the famous instant noodles from this country, is on the menu. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself missing it. It has become a global sensation, and Indomie Goreng, in particular, is highly recommended.
Don’t forget the papaya — it has many health benefits. There is a nature call — the big one — immediately after eating it, making it perfect before a land trip, especially since there aren’t many rest areas along the way.
Recheck
Preparation for the trip was completed yesterday, and this morning, around 07:09, it is time for rechecking to ensure that all required items are packed and nothing is forgotten.
Cititrans
With help of die Alte arrive at the Dipatiukur at about 07:10 and there is a call at 07:15 while shopping to confirm the departure.
In the vehicle at 08:32, from Dipatikur pickup point to Pasteur point.
It has number 325 and the driver name is Achev, which is common name in this region.
It waits about 15 minutes at Pasteur point, where additional passangers might depart. Until now the only passanger is me. A private travel.
In Cititrans website you can do the reservation, where there is a story about its UI/UX.
Flowing
About KM 153 at 09:27 the road can be considered empty.
The limit is only new company policy, the speed limit.
Just leaving a tunnel at about 09:39 before KM 172.
Eat all snacks provided by the trevel but the last one, while view the mountain in the far.
I believe size of the snacks is reduced compared to July 2024, the previous trip to Semarang with the same travel.
Entering Cisundawu toll at about 10:06 and forget to take picture.
Then I fall asleep for a while. Bumping road wake me up and also the too cold temperature maintained with air conditioner, which is not using smart system in balancing the performance and number of passangers.
It is now after KM 300 and the view changes. More flat with rice fields.
338A
It is not just a number, but it a rest area, where drivers and passangers can relieve theirselves. Especially drivers, since their focus is very important while driving.
The toll road has higher position compared to the rest area.
Unfortunately, the toilette not so good, but the number is sufficient when look at the current visitors.
At least there is flowing water for flashing. But there is not any soup available to use. The service is recommended for upgrading.
Get Sparisoma Viridi’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
Leaving it at 12:15. And the temperature is high but the air is fresh. It is already near the beach as informed by the driver.
1h
It is less than an hour to the destination.
In order to endure the impatience for arrival, I see around. Hills in the right seem interesting.
Seeing the hills in the far triggers the feeling how great the nature is. So beautiful, but until when it lasts, before human builds their constructions there. Then the green will change to other artificial unrelaxing colors.
379A
It is where the vehicle fill gas. The driver explain that only with this gas station and the other, but not the one in previous rest area, the company has agreement of cooperation, which makes the driver can pay the gas using cards. And also be monitored.
It is leaving at 11:53 and the journey continues.
Passing Simpang Susun Weleri and have no time to take a photo.
A message from WA arrives telling business colleagues will pick me up and then bring me to hotel.
Passing Simpang Susun Kali Wungu less than a minute ago. And do not have time to take a photo. Now it is 13:13 and KM 412.
Exiting a toll gate named Kalikangkung at earlier than 13:16.
While approaching the city houses built on the hill can be seen from the right window.
City
Now in the city of Semarang. It seems the same as last year. Or I just do not remember what it looked like?
A wall with gray bricks on the right. It seem an under pass.
It is now 13:28 and the vehicles turns right around a smal circular garden.
Destination
Finally, it arrives at the destination. Cititrans Padanaran point.
The vehicle stops 5 minutes earlier than predicted.
Closing
As this story begins with breakfast, it ends with lunch. But nothing to do with lumpia, a specialty from this city.
Size of served portion is right for me. A medium bowl of rice immersed in chicken soto (not chicken soup, still with clear fluid). There are add-ons for the soto like quall egg satay, fried tempeh, balabala, crackers, etc.
The place to stay while in Semarang is reached. That is Ciputra hotel, Simpang Lima. Near a mall and sort of culinary place at night. About 15:13 the check-in is precessed.
This is end of this story at 17:06 Modification might be occured in the future, but only minor or typos.
Thanks to Silayushi Japanese Restaurant, Tival Godoras, Serena ✨✍, Ravinimbus, Takbir Maliek Muhammad, and Murdaningsih Daniaji for the inspirations while writing this story.
