Indonesian Expatriate In Bahrain

The Autumn Fair 2012

2012-01-18T13:07:00.003+03:00

Bahrain Autumn Fair 2012 is back again. It will be thrilling week for all family specially all ladies.

It will run from 25 Jan - 2 Feb 2012 at Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Bahrain Garden Show 2012

2012-01-17T19:59:00.002+03:00

Bahrain Garden Show is back after last year being cancel. The show is from 16 Jan - 18 Jan 2012. The location is in Bahrain International Convention Center.

From my experience, it is a must attend show specially if you like photography, there are beautiful garden inside which you can have fun taking photo for all family.

For more information just go to the official website, which you can go to by clicking the title of this posting.

Bahrain Airshow 2012

2012-01-17T19:10:00.003+03:00

Bahrain Airshow is back for second time. For sure is a family time once again for all family in Bahrain. For more information just go to their website, which is you access from the title of this posting.

As for public watch, the main event is the aircraft flying display that will show from 13:30 till 16:30.

Here are the flying display list, I added also link for more information about the team and the show.

Al Fursan (UAE Display Team) - MB339
Bahrain Air - Airbus A320
Bahrain Defence Force Police - Wing 4 x Helicopter flyby
Gulf Air - Airbus A330 Flypast
Mark Jefferies - Extra 330SC Display
Qatar Flying Club - Auto Gyro/Trike Air Creation
Red Devils - The Parachute Regiment Freefall Team
Royal Jordanian - Falcons Extra 300 Display Team
Russian Knights - SU27 Display Team
Twister Aerobatics - Twister Display Team
US Navy - Lockheed Martin F-18
United Aircraft Corporation - Sukhoi Superjet 100

Little Picassos Competition

2011-11-15T09:12:00.001+03:00

Little Picassos Competition When? December 2 | Event? Drawing competition | Venue? Al A’ali Mall

This month kids can unleash their inner artist by participating in the Little Picassos drawing competition and depicting their impression of Bahrain.

Encourage the kids to take up a hobby that allows them to express their thoughts with colours by joining the contest at Al A’ali Shopping Complex this month. Did you know that Picasso himself was trained by his father at the young age of seven to draw? This year your child could discover his or her artistic brilliance with this successful annual competition.

‘I love Bahrain’ is the theme this time around, which was put together to promote important issues of acceptance and peace — in light of the recent events that took place here in the Kingdom.

“The event aims to educate children on the importance of a unified Bahrain along with helping them showcase what they love most about this beautiful multicultural country,” says Mahin Al Wazzan, business manager of International Advertising Agency (IAA).

IAA has been planning the competition for eight months now and are expecting around 1,000 participants. All those wishing to take part can pre-register for BD1 or sign in on the day of the event for BD1.5, in both cases there is a registration form to be filled out. There are three different age categories your child can enter into; below seven years-old, seven to 12 years-old, and finally 13-18 years-old.

A panel of well-respected artists such as Ella Prakash, Rashid Al Oraifi, Khalid Al Muharraqi, and Jaffar Al Oraibi will serve as the judges and pick the winner. “They will be looking for the drawing that conveys the theme in the best way possible and displays the utmost creativity among the participants. Criteria such as originality, creativity, theme interpretation and artistic quality are considered,” adds Mahin.

All of the artworks will be showcased to the public at the mall in an art exhibition running throughout the competition, and the winners from each category will be selected on the last day of the competition. The winners will each receive a prize — in previous years the competitions’ prizes have included TVs, DVD players, airline and theme park tickets — and this year Mahin emphasises that they have more exciting rewards in stores for the little ones.

Other entertainment will also take place during the week including face and henna painting, educational games, balloon twisters and clowns.

Mahin expresses that Little Picassos have been well received in the past, “Participants and parents love the event as it’s great value for money. Entrants get the whole competition kit which includes a T-shirt, colouring sets, meal vouchers, brochures and other goodies. What makes parents even more interested is that there is a specific theme each year that tackles issues that are significant to what is going on in Bahrain. We’ve dealt with themes about using seatbelts, conserving the environment, saving electricity and water, and staying healthy,” says Mahin.

Call 37 770-368 or visit www.facebook.com/littlepicassosbh.

Bahrain Je t'aime - It's Francetastic!

2011-11-15T09:03:00.002+03:00

We are pleased to announce that the previously postponed French Week 2011 has now been scheduled to take place from 16 –22 November 2011, featuring a fantastic range of dynamic and exciting events happening across the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The French Week 2011 is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, President of the Bahraini Royal Equestrian and Races Capacity Team Leader and Royal Chairman of the Board of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and is being organised by the Bahraini-French Business Club(CAFB) and the French Embassy in conjunction with the Alliance Francaise de Bahrein.

We are also happy to announce that leading businesswoman and CAFB Director of Business Development, Miss Betsy B. Mathieson has kindly accepted the role of President of the French Week 2011 Committee.
The third edition of this spectacular event promises to be even bigger and better than ever before!
Why not take in the delights of exquisite French cuisine or even learn how to prepare your very own impressive dish? Be entertained by famous international magicians, the Bel Canto Gourmet Opera, the French Folk dancers of La Bourree, fantastic Swing and Jazz bands, and much, much more!
Browse through the French Week art, photography and tapestry exhibitions being held in art galleries throughout the island, or perhaps catch a popular French film with the opportunity to soiree with some of the stars of the screen.

There is also a great range of fun sporting events to participate in or simply laze away an afternoon as a spectator. Gourmet golf, French classic petanque, horse racing, city walks and much more.
Carrefour and some leading supermarkets will be providing plenty of offers, promotions and displays of typical French fare for you to enjoy as well as a raffle to win a French classic, a Peugeot car.
Own a business? There are lots of exciting networking opportunities for collaboration between French and Bahraini businesses.

Your favourite Mall will be participating with French products and special offers for shoppers.
For lovers of all things French and for those new to the culture, the CAFB French Week 2011 promises to be Francetastic!

More information please visit their website http://www.frenchweek.net/home.html

Heya-Beya Festival Bahrain

2011-11-05T09:38:00.003+03:00

Perhaps you noticed from streets or markets, people selling a small basket of grass. It's part of Bahrain tradition on the evening of Eid Al Adha, kids will bring grass planted in basket to the shore and cast it into the sea.

They called as celebration of Heya-Beya Celebration. The tradition consider as the first lesson of sacrifice in the life of Bahraini children. By tradition each children days before Eid have to plant Heya-Beya, but nowadays, a ready made Heya-Beya available in the market.

PLAY - A Hands on Activity Center

2011-10-15T11:06:00.003+03:00

My daughter just played there yesterday and she had lots of fun. It is a good place to play and be creative at the same time. I have read further from their website and they have classes also and other features.

Here is the information about this indoor activity center.

PLAY is a hands-on activity center designed to meet the needs of children at every stage of their creative and educational development. PLAY is the brainchild of local Bahraini Sama Yateem, a mother herself and a licensed educator. Ms. Yateem was frustrated with the lack of indoor play areas that encourage creative play and set about to design her own center based on impressions she had gathered from various children’s museums and play centers in the US. “Studies show that play serves an important role in the emotional development of children so it is crucial that children are given the opportunity to express themselves in different ways,” Ms. Yateem explains.

At a chance meeting on a play date with her two kids, Sama Yateem met Jann Flusche whom she later enlisted as her Business Manager. “Jann and I were on exactly the same page from day one and her support has been instrumental in getting the project up and rolling.” Together, the two mothers spent many hours researching various play facilities and brainstorming ideas to bring PLAY to life.

Just visit their website PLAY for more information. It is located at 1st Floor Seef Mall new extension, near to Fire of Brazil restaurant.

The 20th Bahrain International Music Festival

2011-10-04T11:22:00.002+03:00

Music lovers should aware of incoming international event this month. There is no website about the program only below ad I got from ministry of Culture.

I Love My Number (Number Portability in Bahrain)

2011-08-15T09:18:00.002+03:00

Do you love your phone number? Do you want to keep them with you when you change the operator? Now, you can keep your number forever with you even when you change the telecom operator.

The Number Portability service just launched in Bahrain and it is covering mobile & fixed line number.

Here is the link to the program I Love My Number website to know more about the service

Bahrain Cost of Living Rank #157

2011-07-17T12:48:00.003+03:00

Mercer's 2011 Cost of Living Survey put Bahrain in rank #157. The survey covers 214 cities across five continents and measures the comparative cost of over 200 items in each location, including housing, transport, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment.

Here is some of the list combining from multiple places in middle east, asia, europe, etc

Tokyo, Japan (2)
Singapore (8)
Hong Kond, Cina (9)
London, UK (17)
Paris, France (27)
New York, USA (32)
Abu Dhabi, UAE (67)
Jakarta, Indonesia (69)
Los Angeles, USA (77)
Dubai, UAE (81)
New Delhi, India (85)
Bangkok, Thailand (88)
Mumbai, India (95)
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (104)
Riyadh, Saudi (135)
Manama, Bahrain (157)
Kuwait (159)
Doha, Qatar (164)
Bangalore, India (180)
Muscat, Oman (184)
Jeddah, Saudi (185)
Karachi (214)

Gazilion Bubble Show

2011-07-15T08:13:00.005+03:00

We just attended one of never seen show ever, Gazilion Bubble Show. The show is part of Bahrain Summer Festival.

I would like to express how impress I am with the show. It's an amazing show not only kids but also for all parents. The show for sure will bring you back to your childhood dream.

With the help of good choices of music and also the light technology, it's combining between individual show and theater action involving kids audience.

At the end of the show, everyone will be thrill with thousands of bubbles reaching you to every corner of the show hall and the show of laser light.

For everyone in Bahrain, do not miss the chance to see the show.

Here is the link to see more information about Gazillion Bubble Show

New Bahrain Map Monument at Tubli

2011-06-15T09:37:00.004+03:00

For old comers I am sure that everyone knows about Bahrain Map Monument. Many used it as a landmark for giving directions. It is located outside Mc Donald store in Tubli at the corner of the traffic signal.

It was demolished once when the government made Tubli Flyover project and now it is there again but offcourse with new look.

It is smaller then previous one but look more modern. It is standing in the corner of traffic signal for the traffic come from Isa Town heading Salmaniya.

I will upload the picture once is available. This time I am not sure it can become the landmark once more.

English Classified Website in Bahrain

2011-06-13T23:01:00.002+03:00

Do you want to sell your household or car or any other items? Or maybe you want to buy second hand items but you cannot find any online classified in English.

I know two online classified in Bahrain that will be useful to answer the above question

1. Expatriates.com - Well known website among expatriates in Bahrain for selling or buying second hand items, mostly furniture and car. The website build globally, so you can find also sub URL for other country beside Bahrain. Here is the link for Bahrain.

2. Dubizzle.com - This website is new, I found from Time Out Bahrain. When I check, it looks so promising. So kindly check out this website or put your ad here if you want to sell your items. Here is the link for Bahrain.

Show for Kids in Bahrain Summer 2011

2011-06-10T18:55:00.005+03:00

Bahrain Summer already update their website. Since I have kids, here are some of the event that I think it is good for kids

1. Barney's Space Adventure
2. Fan Yang Bubble Show
3. Alice in Wornderland

But nevertheless, do not forget to check the other attractions also from their website Bahrain Summer.

Geant 10th Anniversary

2011-06-10T18:22:00.002+03:00

Today is the last day of Geant 10th Anniversary. A lot of fun for the past two weeks with all crazy people from around bahrain trying to get the best offer ever.

I could say that Geant Anniversary is one the most waiting event every year in Geant, specially those who seek the best offer on LCD TV :).

Actually I should put the whole flier in my blog, it is good to have a track to be compare for next year.

Anyway, if you don't want to miss next year offer you could join electronic alert from their Geant Website.

Bahrain Summer 2011

2011-06-09T15:42:00.002+03:00

Bahrain Summer 2011 will come soon with all family fun events. I saw Barney & Friends again will be coming to Bahrain.

The website Bahrain Summer 2011 still said it is under construction. The date of event is from 1 July till 31 July 2011.

Keep visiting their website to get the latest information.

New Indonesian Embassy Office in Bilad Al Qadeem

2011-06-02T11:14:00.002+03:00

Since Indonesian Councular office in Bahrain now changed to Embassy, the office changed to new location in Bilad Al Qadeem.

Here is the full address of the new location:

KBRI MANAMA / INDONESIAN EMBASSY, MANAMA
Villa 2835, Road 6268, Block 362, Area Bilad Al Qadeem, Manama
Tlp. +973-17400914
Fax. +973-17233786

Here is the map for the new location or see below map

Indonesian Bread in Bahrain

2011-04-24T21:37:00.002+03:00

I just created another blog to promote my bread production call Indonesian Bread in Bahrain. Check it out guys

Golden Circus in Bahrain

2009-11-29T22:27:00.004+03:00

Circus is in town once again. It is located in Al Ahli Club, next to Jasmis. Near American embassy. It worth to watch and a must see show with ticket 3-5-10 BD. Ticket counter open from 11 AM till 10 PM.

It's better to buy ticket in the morning for evening show. The show use Arabic language but most of the attractions in circus not required clear information.

Lions and Tigers are there, also clowns. The most attractive show for me is the fast dress change with a nice dance and dramatization of the show.

Here some picture I have taken during the show.

Kecap & Sambal Indofood Available in Geant

2009-11-06T15:29:00.003+03:00

Now you can also buy Kecap (Sweet Soy Bean Sauce) & Sambal (Chilli Sauce) Indofood in Geant beside in Rachanee.

I think it's cheaper in Geant. Thanks to Geant, hopefully more Indonesian product will be available in Geant

New Indonesian Restaurant in Bahrain

2009-11-06T15:07:00.002+03:00

Tempting for Indonesian cuisine, there are three indonesian restaurant available in Bahrain beside other's indonesian buffet available in some hotels which I will show it in another post.

Captain Cove Restaurant
Located in Gudaibiya, near Andalus Garden. Many usual Indonesian cuisine is available in here like Soto, Nasi Goreng, Bubur Ayam, Bakso. Many Indonesia side dishes also available like Mpek Mpek, Somay, Pisang Bakar, etc
Indonesia buffet also available like a normal "warteg" in Indonesia.
The probem only the place is not near to the main road and parking is quite difficult.

Betawi Cafetaria
Located in Hoora near Ashraf shop. The speciality of this cafetaria is many variaty of noddle (bakmi) which produced by them. Hainan rice is also available here.
You can visit their facebook for more information.

Bali Orchid
This cafe was meant to be serious in introducing Indonesian food in Bahrain, but fortunately the owner sale this restaurant before their grand opening. Right now is still selling Indonesian menu, but not all menu is perfect Indonesian.
You can get "martabak manis & martabak telor" here which is very good.
Location of the restaurant is in Gudaibiya near Universal Supermarket.

Wahoo Water Park is open!!

2009-11-05T17:05:00.005+03:00

Wahoo water park is open now. It is located in Bahrain City Centre near the food court.

Ticket Fee:

Above 1.2 mtr : 9.5 BD
Below 1.2 mtr : 6 BD
Under 3 years old : 3 BD

Some of the attraction picture from Wahoo Website

Cheap Eats in Bahrain

2009-11-05T16:46:00.004+03:00

There is an article from TIME OUT Bahrain about cheap food in Bahrain, some of the restaurant I have already reviewed in this blog

So, enjoy the review

Arabic Food

1 Baghdad Restaurant: One of island’s staple Iraqi restaurants, a rather dreary interior disguises a fantastic menu that can easily compete with the vast array of mixed-grill menus that saturate the city. With the Kebab Baghdadi at BD2.4 and one of the best red beet salads in town, the portions are large, the expense, comparatively tiny.
Exhibition Road (17 291 881).

2 Lebanese Restaurant: The Lebanese have swamped the world in a sea of parsley salad and labneh, and thank goodness they have. At Lebanese Restaurant (slightly misleading – the menu is so massive it incorporates China, India and Iran), the food is good and the restaurant habitually packed. Pick up a chicken burger for 350fils.
Four branches: Manama, Zaweiyah, Jedali and Tubli (17 877 845).

3 Happy Yemen: One of the few Yemeni restaurants in town (we mainly love it for its name), food here is cheap and plentiful, with a fried fish and green salad just BD2. Try to book the traditional majlis-style seating for a truly authentic experience.
Exhibition Road (17 294 471).

4 Fouaal Ranoosh: If you’re looking for a late night snack, forget kebabs, head here for falafel, hummus and baba ghanoush. A late night take away with limited seating, nothing here’s over BD1 making it perfect for a cheap and cheerful midnight meal. The menu’s only in Arabic, but with good visuals at which you can point and shout.
Exhibition Road (17 537 037).

5 Turkish Mazaya Pastry: Serving good grills and Turkish pizzas (they have an impressive pizza oven), this is a good place to head if you don’t mind dining alfresco. Nothing on the menu’s over BD1.5, while the meat here is a treat. When we last checked it out, it boasted the largest shawarma rotisserie we’d ever seen. Better than that, this place never closes.
Zubara Avenue, near the corner of Palace Avenue (17 294 455).

6 Marmaris: Monumental in size, this is the place to dine if you want to be sure of absolute privacy. Literally hundreds of booths line the halls of this restaurant, with food a real bargain. Selected pickles are just 800fils, while the mixed grill is just BD2.8. They do a mean banana split that comes in at a fabulously cheap 900fils.
In Seef, near Seef Mall (17 555 909).

7 Take Away: Situated sand banks away from any other eatery in Seef, Take Away (we like the name – direct) is an oasis that serves fantastic Lebanese fare at bargain basement prices. In spite of the name, you can also eat in.
Next to Seef Mosque (17 566 442).

8 Isfahani: If you are looking for authentic Persian, Isfahani is a great find. With both booths and a communal dining area, food here is almost as good as the atmosphere, which is reminiscent of a Greek taverna. The smell of Iranian spices keeps customers pouring through the doors.
Exhibition Avenue (17 290 027).

9 Beiruti: A great little vegetarian Lebanese, Beiruti is the place for falafel and hummus. Where most of the Lebanese and Syrian expats can be found, small, cosy, cheap and packed on the weekend.
In Palace Avenue, near the crossroads with Abu Ther Al Ghaffary Avenue (17 280 788).

10 Al Shoala: One of the Bahrain’s favourite grills, with three branches across the country, Al Shoala serves all the usual suspects, including chicken wings and reash. The tabbouleh here is cheap as chips and among the best.
Three restaurants: Jidhafs, Jid Ali and Murharraq (17 333 676 – Muharraq branch).

11 Zyara: Another Seef gem that has become a firm office favourite, Zayara has a menu that spans the globe, but it’s the Middle Eastern fare that most people opt for. The kastaleta (BD2.2) comes highly recommended, while the shish tawook sandwich (BD1.1) is another fave find. If you have room to spare and cash to splash order the sweet rice with nuts (800fils).
In Seef, opposite side of the highway to Seef Mall, near the flyover (17 580 990).

There is an article from TIME OUT Bahrain about cheap food in Bahrain, some of the restaurant I have already reviewed in this blog

East Asian

12 Honey Restaurant: This Thai staple has been steadily making a name for itself over the past few years, with great Thai fare at Bangkok prices. Slightly chaotic but run by a fantastic Thai team, everything here is good, but the fish is spectacular. The best tables are in the private rooms, which generally require a reservation. You’ll find it hard to spend BD3. (17 223 962).

13 Mamy Soup: A little front room affair with great Thai fare, Mamy Soup might be small, but what it lacks in space it makes up for in great som tam. All the regular Thai favourites are served, and people flock here for the friendly atmosphere and great service.
Off Exhibition Avenue, behind the CPR Office. (39 195 343).

14 Kowloon House Restaurant: One of the smallest restaurants on our list, but with bags of character and real home-made Cantonese and Filipino fare, expect your dish to arrive in a casserole dish and come swimming in gravy. The fried rice here is as good as it gets. The wife runs the Gudaibaya branch, the husband the branch on Exhibition Avenue.
Gudaibiya restaurant is found just off Zubara road (36 739 074), the Exhibition Avenue branch is near to Baskin-Robbins(17 295 540).

15 Aroy Dee: Another Thai favourite serving a menu similar to Mamy Soup and just a stone’s throw away, this place lacks atmosphere, but specialises in great Thai barbecue, which can be a welcome alternative to the all-pervasive mixed grill.
Off Exhibition Avenue, behind the CPR Office (39 096 320).

16 Pong’s: Another favourite in this collection of Thai cheapies is Pong’s, the Thai restaurant with the most ambience in this part of town. Fortunately, atmosphere does not come at a price, and it serves great food at rock bottom rates.
Off Exhibition Avenue, behind the CPR Office (17 530 800).

17 Lanna Thai: On Budaiya Highway, this cheapie Thai has become a favourite in this part of town. With a great selection of traditional Thai dishes and super service, this is Budaiya’s little chunk of Chiang Mai.
On the Budaiya Highway just before the Jawad Cold Store (17 593 940).

18 Flamingo: Serving great pancit, Filipinos from across town flock here for the food and iced-tea. If you are looking for live music Flamingo has karaoke on tap, making this one of the liveliest joints in the souk.
Alzainal Plaza, Manama Souk (17 224 357).

Indian/Pakistani

19 Maseelee: Our favourite restaurant in the Manama souk, located in a tiny side alley on the corner of the Gulf Pearl Hotel, this little Indian joint servers tandoori and grill with some of the best ramali rotis outside of India. An utter bargain, brilliant service, totally unique. Manama, the road down the side of the Gulf Pearl Hotel (17 210 647).

20 Charcoal Grill: A popular Indian tandoori restaurant with some Chinese and Western fare (fish and chips come in at BD2.7), the branches in both Manama and Umm Al Hassam offer the choice of eating in or take away. Their fish tikka is a bargain at BD2.9, while they do a mean lassi.
Next to Bab Al Bahrain in Manama but also in Umm Al Hassam (17 223 531).

21 Central Cafe: A favourite among the Indian community in Bahrain, this popular Manama eatery serves vegetarian Indian food in the heart of the souk. You can fill up here for a few hundred fils, if you can get a table, that is.
Near the Sacred Heart Church and the Last Chance Supermarket (17 263 271).

22 Al Osra: Reputedly the best tandoori joint on the island, Al Osra’s speciality is chicken tandoori, which it sells by the shed load. A great choice if you’re in the souk and feeling peckish.
In the heart of Manama, behind Bahrain World Trade Centre (17 240 098).

23 Sangeetha: Despite fierce competition from the bottleneck of vegetarian Indian restaurants that surround it, Sangeetha is best known for its thalis and has a great selection of homemade Indian sweets. Order the vegetarian tandoori with a honey jangri for dessert and still come out with change from BD3.
On Zabara Avenue, near the Awal Cinema(17 272 768).

24 Taka Tak: One of the largest budget Indian restaurants in Bahrain, people flock here for the daily buffet, which is a bargain at BD2.9 (children BD1.9). If you order a la carte, nothing on the menu is over BD2.5 (salt and pepper prawns), making feasting out here a budget affair.
On Zabara Avenue, near the Awal Cinema (17 254 848).

25 Tabakh: A Pakistani institution that attracts a clientele far beyond the local Pakistani community, Tabakh has gained a firm following among expats and locals alike. With a range of vegetarian options and great seafood, those with a sense of adventure will want to order the brain masala, which is apparently, er, good for the brain (yours, that is, not the one you’re eating).
On Zabara Avenue, near the Awal Cinema(17 276 386).

Source: Time Out Bahrain

Wahoo !! Indoor Water Park Bahrain

2009-05-23T07:10:00.002+03:00

Wahoo, the first indoor water park will be open soon this summer in Bahrain City Centre. Wahoo website will give you a splash idea how this park will give an unforgettable splash experience.

Right now, there is no news the exact date is going to be open and how much is the rate. Better to save your money from now to get all the thrill inside.

Here is some of the picture I got from facebook and other source.

Oriental Supermarket - Indonesian Food Stuff

2009-01-17T16:01:00.004+03:00

LIVING - There is another shops that you can visit to get any Indonesian food stuff beside Rachane but I think is not that complete. The shops are Oriental Supermarket and Asiana in Central Market (Between Lulu Center and Marina Mall, near Central Market Mosque)

Their items for Indonesian goods is not complete but if you like to make any Japanese Foods, then this shop is the right shop for you. You can get all ingredients to make Sushi here and off course the price is cheaper compare to hypermarket or supermarket.

Happy shopping

Al Shoala Restaurant

2009-01-17T15:39:00.003+03:00

LIVING - Do you want to taste local cuisine with good taste but cheaper price? You should go to Al Shoala Restaurant. You can get almost all style of arabic rice and grills. Arabic rices available in this resto are Briyani, Majbosh, Kuzi, Mandi and Bukari. All available with chicken, meat or mutton (lamb). For grills they provide tikka, kabab, shistawook, etc.

The most recommended menu for Indonesian is Chicken Briyani and Mix Grill. The chicken briyani is so tasty and we can compare it like we eat "Nasi Uduk". The chicken grill for briyani is so tender and delicious when we eat along with the tomato sauce (not ketchup). The portion for two you can take 1.7 BD portion, it should be more than enough for 2-3 persons.

The other most recommended menu is the mix grill as all the grills are so delicious and we eat it along with Kubus (arabic bread). As comparison, the famous arabic grill restaurant in Bahrain is Al Abbrajj, you can say the taste for the grills in Al Shoala is the same as you can get in this restaurant but off course a lot more cheaper. The 3.5 BD menu will enough for 2-3 persons. You will get 1 meat tikka, 1 chicken sheestawook, 2 chicken wings, 2 lamb chops, 1 meat kabbab, 1 chicken kabbab.

Al Shoala is available in Muharraq, Jidhafs and Jid Ali.

Bahrain City Centre

2008-10-04T14:23:00.002+03:00

LIVING - Finally the first & the biggest mall is open this ramadhan. There will be many new brandeds and stores will be available for the first time in Bahrain, nevertheless the first Carrefour Hypermarket in Bahrain is also open in this mall.

The largest indoor water park in middle east will be open also in this mall. The mall is divided into three level floors.

Car park is available with five storeys building and it's free. So it's really nice to go to this mall.

Right now only around 70% of shops already open, I think by early 2009 all shops will be open completely.

Winter & Spring in Bahrain

2008-03-10T20:43:00.004+03:00

LIVING - What I like most from winter & spring in Bahrain is the flower at all corner of this country. Seem wear right, to see flower in the desert country. Here is some picture I taken from near my office.

2008-03-03T19:01:00.002+03:00

LIVING - After such a long time Bahrain only have GEANT as the only good hypermarket in the country, finally now Lulu hypermarket open their store at Dana Mall, Sanabis.

The location is near roundabout Pearl, in front of the next City Center. This hypermarket has good variety of fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, ready cooked foods, and cheap chocolate.

There is a service to shred your old coconut, which is not easy to find in any hypermarket.

Carefour will be open in the City Center, but we don't know when this new mall will be ready.

Indonesian Conselor General New Office in Bahrain

2008-03-02T19:06:00.005+03:00

Living - Here is the information for the location of Indonesia Conselor General New Office in Bahrain.

FUDDRUCKERS

2008-03-02T13:08:00.002+03:00

FOOD - I could tell you that this restaurant is the one you should visit along with your family. We don't have this restaurant in Indonesia. The ambient of the restaurant is nice. It's not like Chili's where their resto it's really dark for family resto.

The food is nice, even their menu actually almost the same like fast food, but based on their slogan, all the foods are fresh made and not frozen one. So, you can say it, it should be healthier than you go to any fast food. What I like most is the topping bars, here you can put any topping you like for your burger and cheese melted sauce it's available without limit that you could eat along with your fries ... hmmm yummy.

While I ate there, I just order one medium burger and it's enough for me, my wife and my daughter. So total cost for eating there, I could say it it's quite cheap with all facility I got.

For drink, just try Cola with flavor. I'd tried cola with strawberry flavored, hmmm nice.

Fuddruckers is available in Adliya, Seef Mall, Sanad (near Riffa), etc

Bahrain Locator

2007-05-09T11:31:00.000+03:00

Living - Looking for direction around the island. Here is your solution, Bahrain Locator

You can find address by Road, Block or Building number. It very useful and also it can show you many interest place around the island

Free Fiscal Tax for Indonesian Worker

2006-11-09T21:28:00.000+03:00

TRAVEL - Do you know how to get free fiscal when you get back from holiday in Indonesia?

Just follow this link. The explanation or actually the story is in Indonesian language.

Al-Areen Wildlife Park

2006-09-29T12:56:00.000+03:00

Annual Car Registration in Bahrain

2006-09-08T14:23:00.000+03:00

LIVING - On last August, I should renew my car registration. Around three of four people told me the different way, how to renew it. For your information, that my car is under 5 year old, because there is possibility for car more than 5 year will have different story.

So, this is the way how to do it. Might be useful for others.

1. Before you go to Trafic department (for location see "Bahrain Driving License"), make sure to renew your insurance and get new insurance certificate (card) and sticker to put your regsitration card at right side your windscreen.
2. Go to traffic departemen, car registration section.
3. Fill the form for your CPR & Car regsitration information.
4. Take queue number and wait
5. Give the form to the officer and pay 20 BDH. You will get registration card with new validity.

It's not that difficult right!!

Three-day Weekend in Bahrain (New Working Day in Bahrain)

2006-08-31T11:12:00.000+03:00

WORKING - On september 2006, it will be momentum for Bahrain which the public sector will switch their working day from Saturday-Wednesday to Sunday-Thursday. So start from September 2006, weekend day in Bahrain will be Friday and Saturday.

So this weekend, we will have three-day weekend. There is also news about this in Gulf Daily News "Three-day Weekend"

Where is tree of life in Bahrain?

2006-08-29T21:21:00.000+03:00

TRAVEL - Many foreigners in Bahrain are not coming to "Tree of Life" just because they don't know how to get there or maybe they are just lost in the middle of nowhere, since there is no clear indicator the way to this tree.

Today, i am willing to help you by making a simple map how to get there. What do you need to know is the way to AWALI club or Riffa Golf Club.

I hope this will help you

Pictures of Bahrain

2006-08-19T11:45:00.000+03:00

TRAVEL - There are many interest place in Bahrain you can visit. Brian McMorrow is very kind by sharing all the pictures around Bahrain. Very nice picture with very nice information for each picture.

Are you curious enough to see Bahrain, just visit Brian McMorrow's Site

Happy traveling around Bahrain

Consulate General of Indonesia in Bahrain on Indonesian Embassy in Bahrain

2006-08-17T11:43:00.000+03:00

WORKING - There are two websites that can give you information about this one. First one is Perkibar Website, you can find there address and their working hours, while the other one is Fahimi website, in his blog you can find the location map of Indonesian Consulate in Bahrain.

It is very important to know this office expecially in emergency time like you have trouble with your employer. You can also renew your passport here or just to inform them that your living and working in Bahrain, so if you need help from them, they are already know about you.

Happy staying in Bahrain.

Movie Theater in Bahrain

2006-08-17T10:06:00.000+03:00

TRAVEL - Do you want to watch the blocbuster movies in Bahrain? There are three cinemas you can rely on. Since these three cinemas own by different company, you will find that they are running difference movies.

The three cinemas are SEEF Cineplex, SAAR Cineplex and Dana Cinema.

SEEF Cineplex

You can find this movie theathre at SEEF Mall. There are two place of this cinema in Seef Mall, so you should make sure your movie will be showed at which cinema, but you can buy the ticket at both side

SAAR Cineplex

The location is in Saar, but i just heard that this cinemas also as good as Seef and Dana.

Dana Cinema

The location is in Dana Mall, Sanabis (near Bahrain Mal). They have a very good cinema with different size screens. The ambience inside the theathre or in lobby is like inside Planet Holywood.

Reference link

Here is the link if you want to know more about cinemas in Bahrain

- Dana Cinema
- Cinemas at Click Bahrain
- Bahrain Cinemas

Rachanee Supermarket, Indonesian Food Stuff in Bahrain

2006-08-15T20:02:00.000+03:00

LIVING - Rachanee is an asian supermarket in Bahrain that supply many things for asian foods. Rachanee supermarket is in Adliya, near to Al-jazira supermarket.

What is the thing you can find here?

1. Tofu or "Tahu"
2. Tempe
3. Meat bals or "bakso"
4. Sweet soya bean or "kecap manis"
5. Instant noodle "Mie Sedap"
6. "Onde" cake
7. Dji sam Soe, Gudang Garam and Sampoerna cigaretes

Happy shopping

Cooking Gas Review in Bahrain

2006-08-08T11:27:00.000+03:00

LIVING - In jakarta, it is very easy for us if we need a cooking gas. Nowadays there are many shops selling this cooking gas with delivery service.

In Bahrain, there are some gas company which is not give you only gas cooking delivery, but also service for fixing the gas. The cylinder from each company usually has the same size but some of them using a diferent regulator.

Here is some review of the gas company in Bahrain

Nader Gas

Too many complaint come to this company. The main problem, it is not easy to call this company. Many of my friend are not satisfied with their service.
The regulator is diferent compare to the one we know in Indonesia.
Just visit Nader Gas Website for more information

Awal Gas

I am a customer of this company. First, it is very easy to call them and within a same day they come back to us to comfirm the fixing and delivery time of the cylinder.Just visit AWAL Gas Website for further information.

Bahrain Gas

I don't have any experienced with this company, but i heard from my friends that they also give you good service.

Indomie Instant Noddle in Bahrain

2006-08-07T10:45:00.000+03:00

FOOD – Instant Noodles, one of famous food in Indonesia. Easily you can find it in hypermarket, supermarket or small shop on the side of the road. Even, there is one terminology that there will not be a problem for Indonesian to survive in overseas as long as they can find this food.

Nowadays many shops are serving instant noodles with many variations that we even don’t know it makes this noodle more nutritious or more poisonous for our body. But, more company is coming now for producing this noodle.

For you who want to work and live in Bahrain, you don’t need to worry, because Indomie Instant Noodles is available here with their variants like fried noodle and chicken curry.

This Indomie is not imported from Indonesia, but produced in Saudi Arabia. So, for the taste is little bit different, especially for the noodles.

You can find Indomie at all Midway Supermarket, Geant Hypermarket in Bahrain Mal, Lemarch Hypermarket in Sitra Mal. For 1 packet with 14 noodles, it cost you around 1 BD (1 BD = 2.65 USD)

Transfer Car Ownership in Bahrain

2006-08-06T07:41:00.000+03:00

TRANSPORTATION - Transfer ownership of the car is one thing you should do when you want to sell your car. In my experience, it is easy and not takes long time to do it.

This is the documents you should prepare:
1. Copy of your (owner) CPR.
2. Copy or original letter from the Bank
3. Original car registration card.

The place for transferring ownership is Traffic Department. If you don’t know the location of this department, just see my posting about Bahrain Driving License.

Once you on the car registration office, go to the desk next to receptionist. Ask the person there for the form or just inform them what your need is.

Fill the form with the information of you and the buyer, then insurance number, and signature. Then, go to desk 19 or 20 to get the signature and stamp. After that, go back again to desk next to receptionist to get another signature and stamp.

The officer will ask for copy of your CPR and then ask you to get the ticket number for waiting list. Just sit on the chair around the area and wait till your number is being called by the bell and display around the room.

See the desk number on display, once your number is on display. Give all the documents to the officer. At the end, they will ask you to pay at desk No 10 (at that time we should pay for 16 BD). After that, go back again to get the new car registration card with the buyer’s name.

Bahrain Local Newspaper

2006-08-03T08:45:00.000+03:00

LIVING - For local English edition newspaper, I have seen only two good newspapers. One is Gulf Daily News and second one is Bahrain Tribune.

Bahrain Tribune is using composition like conventional newspaper with supplement pages. It can be access online at http://www.bahraintribune.com/

Gulf Daily News is using composition like tabloid news. It can be access online at http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/

Tea or Teh in Bahrain

2006-08-03T08:30:00.000+03:00

FOOD - What do you like for tea, with milk or without? Having tea in Bahrain is same as having tea in Malaysia, by default the tea is with milk but without "tarik".

“Teh” in Indonesian language or “Tsay” (say) in Arabic language will be served with milk and I you want it without milk, just ask them to make it without milk or you say it in Arabic as “Sulaimani”.

Since most of the tea shop are Indian, some of them can also make “Tea Tarik” but they called “mitr” that stand for 1 meter, maybe this is because for professional they can do this trick where the gap between each glass can be up to more than 1 meter.

Enjoy your tea !

Bahrain Driving License

2006-08-01T08:29:00.000+03:00

LIVING - Before you buy a car in Bahrain, make sure you have a Bahrain Driving License. This was my experience in getting Bahrain Driving License for me as Indonesian.

Since, I could transfer my Indonesian Driving License directly without class and driving test, here is the list what you should prepare before coming to Traffic office:

1. Original + Photo copy of your Indonesian Passport
2. Original + Photo copy of your CPR
3. Original + Photo copy of your Indonesian Driving License
4. Two photos (passport size)

Go to traffic department before 2 PM from Saturday to Wednesday. Just follow the map; surely you can get to there and also the location of driving license office.

Map

Office location from car park

Just go to the first two desks, choose one of them and ask politely to the officer how to convert your Indonesian driving license or just get the queue number and wait. The officer will give you the form you should fill up and give it back to them with all the documents.

Once you get their signature on the form, go to eyes test room, and show your form to the receptionist to get the queue number for eyes test and wait in front of eyes test room. It is only take 2 minutes for waiting and the test itself is simple. It shows you a bunch of letter around 5 lines. Close one of your eyes with hand and read it loudly then close your other eye and read it again, then it is done.

Give the form and the eyes test form back to the same person you get the signature. He will check and ask you to the cashier in the same room. Pay the charge around 26.5 BD. You will get the book and receipt. Show your receipt to the officer and wait for around 1 hour.

All the process if you want to wait for the new license is only take around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Used Car in Bahrain

2006-07-25T09:46:00.000+03:00

LIVING - Are you looking for a 2nd hand car in Bahrain? There is several ways to get what you looking for. You can search it in newspapers, magazines or web sites.

Newspapers

Just look for classifieds in Bahrain Tribune and Gulf Daily News (GDN). For GDN, it also available online.

Magazines

Highly recommended to buy Dealz 4 Wheelz magazine. This magazine publishes all 2nd hand cars with picture also with the prize.

Websites

First website is Bahrain Cars that shows all used car from around 10 car showrooms in Bahrain. The address is http://www.bahcars.com/en/.
Sometime the database is not up to date for some showroom, but certainly you can get useful information from this website.

Second website is http://advantage.com.bh/ that belongs to Advantage Cars, an subsidiary of National Motor Company that sell Honda and GM Cars.

Public Bus in Bahrain

2006-07-25T07:49:00.000+03:00

LIVING - Public transportation seemly is not the priority for govenrment of Bahrain, because when you are staying here you can not rely on public bus to go around. There are two public bus in Bahrain, the first one is what we call CARS and the other one is Public Transportation. Both are handling the same trip.

CARS is having nicer bus compare to the public transportation, their bus is big just like ordinary bus with air conditioned in Singapore but for some trip they just provide you with mini bus. The color of their buses is white with blue and red line, sometime the whole body is covered with ad. They have pre-paid ticket system which can save you around 30% from the normal fare, also they will give you receipt ticket after you paid the fare. They have fix trip for each number.

Public Transportation is only use mini bus. The color of their buses is like desert color or brown sand. They don't have pre-paid system or recipt ticket and also you paid for the fare at the end of your trip not when you get in the bus. The trip is the same with CARS but sometime they don't pass some place, so make sure with driver the place you want to stop before you get in. There is no number for this kind of bus.

Bus number and their trip:

2 - Isa Town to Muharraq via Manama
3 - Manama to Port Mina Salman
5 - Salmania to Budaiya via Manama
7 - Riffa to Manama via Isa Town
9 - No Info
15 - Isa Town to Hamad Town

There are only two fares, 150 fils or 200 fils (1 Dinar=1000 fils) but some trip will cost you only 100 fils.

I thing, only number 2 and 5 that servicing by enough number of bus, while others only servicing by 3 or 4 bus. So, you can imagine how long to get the bus you want for buses beside 2 or 5, sometime it need 30 to 1 hour to get in the bus.

So, prepare yourself for having a car here

Sweet Soya Bean "Kecap Manis" in Bahrain

2006-07-19T08:10:00.000+03:00

FOOD - Sweet soya bean or "Kecap Manis" in our language is a must for me. It is like can not live without it. I am still remember the first time i came to Bahrain, I wished at that time that at those Indian restaurant I could find this sweet soya bean to eat along with their food. But, what to do, is not their fault for not having this thing at their shop.

I had ever asked my wife to send this items only to Bahrain since I didn't know whether I can find any sweet soya bean in Bahhrain.

But now, don't you worry. I have found out that you can find this item easily at Midway Supermarket and guess what, the brand is a well known Indonesian brand, Indofood.

So, you can cook the famous Indonesian Fried Rice here in Bahrain.

Indonesian Restaurant in Bahrain

2006-07-18T08:36:00.000+03:00

FOOD - What is the most thing that Indonesian people will miss when they are far away from their motherland? The answers is Indonesian Food. Unfortunately if you are not doing well in the kitchen then you should prepare to eat Indian food that you will find it easily here.

There is only one Indonesian Restaurant in Bahrain as i know right now and it is a well known restaurant for most of the Indonesian and even Malaysian. The name of this restaurant is Aliyah Restaurant.

What is on the menu? You can get these food as permanent menu, means you can get it everytime you are going there. While on the weekend there will be one special menu that depend on the chef mood.

Menu:
1. Soto Kikil
2. Soto Ayam
3. Sop Jeroan
4. Sate Kambing
5. Pecel Ayam
6. Gado-gado
7. Nasi Goreng
8. Mie Bakso
9. Tumis Kangkung

The location of Aliyah restaurant is in Gudaibiyah Town near Dasman Centre and the working hours of this resaturant is from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM

The prize itself is very moderate, but i can not say it "it's cheap" if we compare with Indian food, but it is woth to pay between prize and taste and offcourse to heal your passion of Indonesian food.

Perkibar Bahrain, Perhimpunan Keluarga Besar Masyarakat Indonesia di Bahrain

2006-07-17T07:56:00.000+03:00

LIVING - The first thing you should now about living and working in Bahrain is PERKIBAR. What is PERKIBAR? PERKIBAR is one of organization that gather all Indonesian family in Bahrain. PERKIBAR stands for Perhimpunan Keluarga Besar Masyarakat Indonesia.

Right now, PERKIBAR is not a formal organization but it has some activity. One of the activity I like is PERKIBAR gathering, although it doesn't have any fix schedule yet. For some time all Indonesia family is like to gather expecially if there is special ocassion day in Indonesia like Independence Day or any meaning day in Indonesia.We ever gather once to collect a donation from all Indonesian worker here for Earthquake Tragedy in Yogyakarta last June 2006.

Where is the place for gathering? There is one place that PERKIBAR always use for gathering and the location is on the beach near Dolphin Park and Volley Beach Court. It is a very lovely place to gather and sit together on the grass. I must thank to the people who decide for always gather on this spot, because right now from this spot you can see clearly the new 100 feet fountain on the sea, it is also near to Dolphin Park where you can watch Dolphin show or maybe you want to get on camel and horse ride that only 200 meter from this spot.

What is the activity at PERKIBAR Gathering? Most of the time at this gathering we just having conversation among Indonesian family and worker, offcourse in our mother tounge language. Get to know with new or just meet people. But that's not all, you will find also barbeque party here. Main menu of this barbeque is the fishes and sausages while got satay also available sometime. Mostly you will find Indonesian food here and this is very special because you can not find Indonesian food easly in Bahrain (I will talk about this in other edition). In special ocassion there will games and prizes.

If you want to know more about PERKIBAR in Bahrain, just go to their website at http://www.perkibar.org