Buying Pelni tickets
In Jakarta it's worth buying from an agent. There are loads in jl. Jaksa area. Cost about $1-$2 extra but saves the hassle of going to find the Pelni office yourself by bus.Even if you couldn't obtain a ticket it's worth going to the Pelni port anyway, where you might be able to make a last minute deal on the black market.The Pelniroute Padang - Priok (Jakarta) is very popular, since the alternative, the busroute, is a terrible 30+ hour ride. Try to buy well in advance. Bukittinggi has a very well working Pelni agent on jl. Ahmad Yani. In Medan, the huge new Pelni office is professional and not difficult to find. Ask the guesthouse for directions. Otherwise, you can use agents there as well.In Batam you follow the main road on arrival to the left and than follow the road to the right, slightly uphill (20 min. walk from int.port). You can use motorbiketaxi cheaply. The office sells also...
