TRAVEL MEMOIRS Bali.East Java.Central Java.Jogjakarta INDONESIA 2011
By Rahma
Bali.... Bali.....!!!!!!!!
I had already planned this few months before. Backpacking to some places in Indonesia before 2011 ends. My starting point is Singapore, I had something to do in this country, so I need to get the job done first then go!!!! On December 8, 2011, I arrived at the airport, Ngurah Rai, Denpasar in the middle of the night.. Just tried to save money to maximize my staying in Bali, I chose to stay at the airport. Thank god, there’s a 24 hour MacDonald, at least I had a place to stay there until the morning came and I will find a room in the morning. Hello, I am in Bali without any booking hostel or hotel before my arrival. I am officially homeless......
Day 1
// Bali
After spending one night at Ngurah Ray airport, I took an ojek to bring me to a hotel at Tuban area. It is recommendation from a waiter I had some small chats at MacDonald. When I arrived at the hotel he mentioned… yeee, I’m not interested at all. It’s just not my cup of tea,- it’s located quite far from the beach, the room rate is unreasonable from what its offer, no WiFi and far from tourist sites. I then stopped a cab and asked the driver to bring me to what LP advised. I started believing Lonely Planet more now, than asking people on the street, even though LP’s room rate is a bit lower than the real rate; Yeah,- things change just so fast. Sometimes, locals I met don’t understand what I expect from an accomodation. Even though, a lot experience tou rists in Bali said that Kuta area is trashy part of Bali and they are more worshipping quiet and peaceful Ubud, You know what.... I don’t give a damn. I am not on Honeymoon. I need a place that I dont feel too isolated from other travelers.
I moved to Poppies Lane, I like the place… crowded, full of backpacker tourists like me, 24 hours MacDonald and KFC for free WiFi, yes WIFI, this is what I need to get connected to the world, 24 hours mini stores, affordable hostels, clubs and of course the beach in front of us.
Day 2 // Bali In Bali, I noticed a lot of Indonesians speak English to me, well, with this situation I acted as if I’m a foreigner though, speaking and replying in English to my own people. They might think I’m Thai, Vietnamese, Singaporean, Malaysian or Filipino… I enjoyed pretending to be ‘foreigner’ in my own country. Okay, so my face maybe not really represents Indonesian face. Oops, It’s hard to say what Indonesian face truly is, right. We have multi ethnics, but here, I mean ‘Anggun or Dian Sastro Wardoyo’ figures-like. Wide eyes and tan complexion. I don’t have those traits, so it makes my face can be quite ‘flexible’ when I’m hanging around in touristy places. I’m from Sumatra, from my little observation.. Javanese/Balinese have tanner complexion than some groups in Sumatra. Also, they have wider eyes and specific exotic dark skin than us. In Sumatra, half of groups belong to fair complexion or whiter skin. I think that’s why, sometimes local or foreigners get confused with my appearance. I enjoyed pretending to be Thai or Vietnamese at Indonesia touristy places.
Day 3 // Bali I did around 3 hours cycling from Kintamani to Ubud, cycling downhill through the country side, inhaling fresh air and watching rice paddies. And several Hindu temples. There is another two people from Canada and England joined me. So, in total,- there are four of us with a guide who led us to bike all the way. It said, the journey from Kintamani to Ubud is around 25 km long. On this cycling activity, I had some good chats with these Canadian and British tourists. They are surprised when I told them, I don’t understand Balinese language, they become wondering how do I talk to Balinese while my visit in Bali.
I told them, every ethnic in Indonesia own different languages. However, we speak Bahasa Indonesia to communicate with each another. So, here… Indonesian is our official language. Lingua Franca in the region. Without Indonesian language, between Balinese and I have to speak English or just body language to communicate. **** !@#$%^&*() : I know tourism gives a lot benefits for a country or locals in touristy places, but I found these people act kind of aggressive toward domestic or international tourists. For example, selling souvenir or offering massage aggressively to foreigners or local tourist like me, I can say it’s pretty annoying. I know they need money but, it’s not like this way to sell stuff, is it? Enforcing consumer to buy souvenir or get a massage, I think tourist will get annoyed with such attitudes. How do you feel, you are reading books while sunbathing on the beach, locals come offering massage and never stop selling stuff..... You go to the beach not for shopping or spending money, but for relax!!!! NO HASSLE, S’il vous plait!!!!! That is why they said Kuta is trashy place in Bali, but why??
Why something Free can’t be comfortable??
rice paddies.. wohooo
2 cycling My bike annders part
Day 4, December 11, 2011 // Bali
Seminyak
Day 6, December 13, 2011 // Bali
After spending 6 days in Bali, it’s time for beautiful sunset in Uluwatu, the southern part of Bali. From Kuta, I took a taxi to Uluwatu road. It’s not really far and doesn’t cost me much for taxi fee. Arrived on Uluwatu road, there’s a minivan bus named Ser bagita stopped waiting for the passengers. I approached them to get information if any, I asked; Is this bus to Uluwatu?? They replied correct, and when I asked how much does it cost to Uluwatu. Nice thing is, he replied that it’s FREE?? What?? For real??
So, this minivan to Uluwatu is part of promotional events by Bali government, it will be free until the end of 2011. I went to Uluwatu without costing me any transportation fee, round trips.,- few hours before, I asked taxi driver,- it would cost me around 200.000 rupiah to rent a taxi to get to Uluwatu. Aha…now, it is Free,- :) :) , yiehaa....
Just my Luck!!!
A happy family, on Uluwatu ds e are thousan er th t a th id a It s ak.. tu.. uuuk--- aa a w lu U in s ey monk uuk....
Uluwatu, you rock!!!!
SSIVE … Scenery in Uluwatu is just IMPRE on Postcard!!!! :)))) I captured a beautiful sunset as
When the sky turned dark, I went back to ‘free minivan’ to send me back to Kuta. I enjoyed my Uluwatu visit, I hope… I’ll be back to this place, but armed with SLR Nikon 5100 camera, so.. I’d get more dramatic pictures!!!!!! CROSSING MY FINGERS VIOLENTLY!!!!!!!!!
Day 7, December 14, 2011 // Bali Yes. One week already I’ve stayed in Bali, I then made a plan to travel to Sanur beach. Sanur beach is famous with its beautiful sunrise view, but anyway I don’t really care, I wasn’t able to make it on sunrise so I found how to get there from Kuta in cheaper way.
Please no taxi or rent a car… I’m a backpacker :P, I tried to minimize my expenses as cheap as I can.
So, from ByPass road I took Bali Trans (Busway) and it took around 30 minutes to reach Sanur beach, the bus fare is 3000 rupiah. The bus itself is fine, not really crowded and comfortable. I guess Balinese don’t really use public transportation, they own their own motorbike or tourist rent motorbike........
At Sanur, I rented a bike to explore the line beach which is filled with hotels and cafes that facing the beach with a nice pavement for biking. It’s not expensive, 10.000 rupiah per 4 hours, and I spent almost 4 hours to bike along the beach. It’s great, spending my afternoon by biking along Sanur Beach. What a pity, the weather wasn’t really great,- However, cloudy, drizzle and rainy…. My bike.......
Instead of playing on the beach or floating in the water, I prefer paddling my bike....
hile waiting w , e e ff co f o Having a cup eng or stall ro a w in s p to for the rain s
Sanur, Sanur......... Quite and Peaceful Beach!!!!!!!
Day 8, December 15, 2011 // Bali Tanah lot is on my TOP list from My Bali adventure, so, of course- I wouldn’t skip this part, even though I had no idea how to get this place in (still) cheap way. Unfortunately, the weather was not really bright, … on my way to Denpasar, it was drizzle and dark cloud following me. I was in Denpasar, however, I had no idea what to do there. I went to Ubung Terminal to ask about bus schedule from Denpasar to Probolingo, my next destination after Bali. At bus station, people were very aggressive offering me bus ticket without letting me to be calm for a while from my recent journey, Kuta to Denpasar. Honestly, I dislike this situation. There’s something wrong with system in Indonesia where things go chaotic and inconvenience. I prefer things that I do base on my own will to somebody else’s push me to buy this and this. I’d rather like going to ticket counter on my own than dealing with people who offering me to buy the ticket. C’mon.. Where’s ticket counter here.. I don’t understand… it’s kind of frustrating, even, before entering the bus station, somebody with uniform asked my money to let me in to bus station
Dammit!!!!
Dammit!!!!
Dammit!!!!
Dammit!!!!
VERY VERY ridiculous, Even though it’s not much but it’s the first time in my life I had to spend 2000 rupiah just to pass bus station. I thought bus station is public access. I tell you the truth; it is the dark side of Indonesian system. Sad but true, I wish someday my country would become ‘public transportation friendly’ country. Unlike this, ugly bus terminal in a famous island in the world, called Bali. Well… at least, from this visit I got an idea how much bus ticket from Denpasar to Probolinggo. A night bus, the fare is 150.000 rupiah for around ten hours journey, including ferry ticket to across Java island. The weather was gloomy, my first intention beside curious about this sacred place is to take great sunset picture with Tanah Lot as background. I don’t want to wait until tomorrow, than I asked an ojek, how much does it cost from Denpasar to Tanah Lot. He gave me a price around 55.000 rupiah round trips, with this route; Denpasar – Tanah Lot – Kuta. He will be waiting for me at Tanah Lot. So, all in total took around 2.5 hours road trip. The result is, I’ve got a numb ass due to sit on motorcycle for a long time. But, I don’t really mind with my numb ass .. Tanah Lot is a great and magnificent place; I’d like to visit this place someday, hopefully when the sun shines.
Tanah Lot.... The weather sucks, didn’t mean to hate the rain, ... photographer really depends on the SUN, sometimes...
a couple is capturing the sunset, too.
little waterfall...
what’s this :D
Day 09, December 16, 2011 // Bali
Kepang Bali, at Kuta Beach.
Day 11, December 18, 2011 // Bali
It’s the last day in Bali before leaving for Probolingo city, East Java. I didn’t take a bus to travel out of island but I took a travel agent bus. It’s cheaper than I travel by taxi first, and reach inconvenient Ubung Terminal. After elaborating the prices, if I took a bus, at first I need to pay around 60.000 rupiah taxi fee from Kuta to Ubung Terminal, Denpasar. Then, 150.000 rupiah for bus to Probolinggo, so, all together becomes 210.000 rupiah.
The conclusion, taking travel agent bus is cheaper than taking a public bus at trashy bus station, it’s only 150.000 rupiah from Kuta, including ferry at Gilimanuk to Java island.
Day 12, December 19, 2011 // Probolingo + Cemoro Lawang, Bromo East Java After spending 10 hours on the road I finally reached Probolingo at the dawn. In Probolingo city, I stopped at Probolingo bus station, knowing I have to wait until noon to get a bus to Cemoro Lawang, I asked ojek driver to take me to Cemoro Lawang. It was early morning around 6 am!!! So, after bargaining and I got the price 80.000 rupiah from Probolingo to Cemoro Lawang by ojek, which the latter I gave him 100.000 rupiah because the journey is not an easy drive … I was off to Cemoro Lawang, I was so excited … Bromo, here I come!!!! But, before heading to probolingo,… I asked the ojek driver to get me to BII ATM card, because I was running out of cash. And, he’s so helpful and kind … brought me to ATM station. Probolingo is quite developed; the city is clean and quite. I love the fresh air in the morning.
Reaching Cemoro Lawang from probolingo by motorcycle is not an easy drive; the journey is climbing up. I saw my ojek rider got problem to ride his motorcycle and I felt so pity for him, and let him go first on ascend part. I then tried hard to hike the road… WOW, What a morning….. I was sweating; walking uphill …I am amazed at people who live in this area, which I saw they are used to this.
Ojek rider is waiting for me who ascending the road
So, It took around almost 2 hours by motorcycle from Probolingo to Cemoro Lawang. He finally took me to the spot I wanted, I stopped at Lava Hostel, which is nice and cozy, … The room is not like my expected budget. But hey, I’m totally tired already after my 10 hours journey from Bali to Bromo and.. you guys might know, Indonesian drivers are damn crazy… , I deserved to pamper myself at proper place to stay even though for one night only.
Cemoro Lawang, on the way to my hostel.
The hostel, what a great view........ Lava Hostel
ve t. I lo h ig n r s iah pe tel, it suit p u r s k m, 180 el. Lava Ho o. o o r l hoste this host ount Brom Cozy me of place. At m a n e th the
Around 9 am.. I realized I haven’t changed my watch time zone. Bali and East Java is one hour time different, so change your time as soon as you notice. Some moments later,.... While having breakfast at my hostel cafe, I met two Vietnamese girls. I just arrived at Cemoro Lawang, then I joined them exploring Semeru National Park by Jeep. Moving on from here, the adventure in Bromo and surroundings started. We shared the jeep rental together. I paid around 100.000 rupiah to them, cheaper than I rent a jeep by myself only. I’m not sure how much the normal place, but whatever, I’m too tired to count everything. I just want to enjoy my days. It’s great, meeting other travellers from different country on my solo journey. When we travel alone, we can do and decide whatever we want to do without asking another opinion in our group. Sometimes, travelling alone get us more friends than travelling in a group.. So, we started to get to know one another, one of this Vietnamese girl always carried her DSLR camera, and I saw that she took some great pictures.
I think we have some in common, travelling and taking pictures are more than anything for me in travelling. I can’t separate between travelling and capturing photographs. Traveling without camera in my hand, it’s like swimming in an empty swimming pool,- swimming without water… it’s a mistake!!! I do love narrating pictures I’ve taken from my journey Back to my adventure with two Vietnamese girls,… ………………….. So, with the jeep and local driver we explored Semeru National Park. The scenery is extremely amazing, I love this place so much.
We passed seasand or whispering sand, savannas telletubies, and off-road where there are cliffs on our right and left side.
The Jeep
After 40 minutes of driving a jeep on off-road, the driver dropped us at Coban Pelangi waterfall. We need to walk up and downhill to reach the waterfall. It’s enough to burn hundreds of calorie I think!!!
rk eru National Pa em S t a g in k k Tre
A Little mosque on our way, there’s a toilet & the water is sooo collldd… okay, I’m around 2000 meter above sea level
While trekking to reach the waterfall, we had some chats … One of this Vietnamese girl told me, she saw some rubbish on mount Bromo that she thinks, Indonesians are not really aware of keeping their environment clean. That’s true…. But, I’ve never been to Vietnam and become more curious in this country, which I’ve discovered the fact is …. Most developing countries are not really well managed, corrupt government and the people itself are ignorant to keep the better environment by not throwing their rubbish whenever they want to throw. So I asked them, ‘How about in Vietnam?? Do people care about keeping the environment clean??’ Vietnamese girl #1:’ In Vietnam, young generation is taught at school about how important to throw rubbish in litter bin, but…. old generations are terrible…….’ I’d respect if Indonesian young generation do the same things as Vietnamese young generation…. What I’ve seen so far is, most of us don’t really care about keeping the environment clean, whether it’s from old or young generations.. I often saw random people throw their rubbish through their private car window. I got totally annoyed seeing this…. Can’t they just keep their trash in their own car, instead of throwing their own rubbish outside? It’s such a selfish attitude... It’s just like normal in Indonesia, whether they are rich or not rich throwing their rubbish not into litter bin. We can see everywhere; it’s easy to see rubbish on the road.
Can’t they just keep their trash in their own car, instead of throwing their own rubbish outside? It’s such a selfish attitude... It’s just like normal in Indonesia, whether they are rich or not rich throwing their rubbish not into litter bin. We can see everywhere; it’s easy to see rubbish on the road. I don’t think it’s because we are a group of dirty nation.. no, I don’t think so. I think it’s because we have mindset it’s not our task to keep the environment clean. Or we just don’t care, or it’s just normal in public places throwing rubbish everywhere, there’s no litterbin easy to get.. instead of keeping rubbish on our own just throw them away anywhere…….. Some had mindset, that’s what cleaning services are for….
Some minutes later... WHOAAA........ Finally, we reached Waterfall Coban Pelangi
After enjoying the Waterfall and taking pictures, we’re back to our Jeep,
meaning we had to climb up again……
Then,…… we started ex ploring another places… we stopped at some places to take pictures.. The vis tas are double awesome, you can’t skip to snip snap!!!
At a glance,- this pictu re below looks like un der the sea image, there are th ree layers in different colors. Brown, green and whit e
While on the road, I had some communication with our jeep driver. He doesn’t speak English quite much, so … I became an emergency translator for him when these Vietnamese girls asking something. He’s a local here, he told me that only locals who are allowed to drive Jeep in this area. I understood, because it’s not an easy trek to drive… People here are very friendly, patience and they respect each other while driving … UNLIKE IN JAKARTA
… for example, when they met there’s another jeep in front of them, on the opposite direction and the fact is the road is so narrow, not able to pass two 4 wheels vehicle at the same path, both of them were so cooperative to share the road, and at the end they are smiling or just greeting each other. Typical people in kampung-kampung (villages). There’s no attitude like in Indonesian soap opera!!!!!! On Indonesian soap opera picturing people are bad, and we can’t trust one another…. and the world is just about money and status!!! I like living in this place, it’s very peaceful place to stay.. as long as The Bromo doesn’t smoke hard and cause some major damages He’s a Hindu, He told me there are three religions in this place living together. Moslem, Hindu and Buddhist!!!! At the end, he told me…… the best month to visit Bromo is in August, or from May to September. The weather is great in dry season, the sand dry and you can hear the sand movement when the wind blows. As if the sand is whispering…… And, in full moon is also a highly recommended to visit Mt. Bromo… Yes.. I hope, I’d get a chance to visit this place again!!!!! In August and full moon!!
Hindu temple in front of my hostel
In the afternoon, we finished our Jeep journey.. Then he dropped us nearby our hostel. I went to the cafe to get my big lunch and dinner… I ordered ‘Nasi Campur’ which is nice and inexpensive.
32.000 rupiah nasi campur
Meanwhile, Vietnamese girls tried a bowl of Meatball from the street vendor around the hostel. They were eating the meatball soup in front of Bromo as a view!!! Enjoy your meals.......
And tomorrow mornin g..... Day 13, December 20, 2011 // Probolingo + Cemoro Lawang, Bromo East Java At 3 AM, I woke up to get ready for capturing sunrise via Mount Penanjakan, to see sunrise emerged from the back of Mt.Bromo. I hope the weather is great, ain’t rainy or cloudy.
When I was about to go out for sunrise, .. I met three western guests who stayed next to my room. Two males, one female, I met them before when I had a small chat with two Vietnamese girls sat next to our table at cafe. Listened to their language.. well, they speak German. They rented 2 motorcycles to reach mount Penanjakan. We had small greeting, smile each another and asking how the way you guys to get Mt.Penanjakan etc etc. Then, I continued my journey alone. Yesterday, our jeep driver asked me to send me to the foot of mount Penanjakan. He offered me for 2 way drive by ojek, but I refused. I’d find my own way back to the hostel. Because I don’t like being scheduled on my trip,… I don’t want there’s somebody waiting for me to send me back to the hostel. I want to be free, .. being scheduled, give me a feeling like I’m under group trip.. So, .. I met our yesterday jeep driver, .. I forgot how much I paid for him. If, I’m not wrong not that much, less than 50 thousand rupiah, and I rented a jacket. Ha Ha… I didn’t bring my own jacket in this trip. C’mon….. Jacket is not comfortable to carry on my backpack, it will take much space in my back pack for a jacket only… then, we don’t really need thick jacket in tropical country.. so, its better just rent them.. it’s only 15.000 rupiah. It’s comfy and clean.
Two Vietnamese girls already done with sunrise part, so .. they told me, they are not going to climb Mt.Penanjakan for the second time anymore…. Apparantly, foot of Mt. Penanjakan is not really far from my hostel, around 2 minutes by motorcycle. But, it’s just too dark, and I didn’t know how to get there if I go alone…….. without a guide, …. and of course, BRRRRRRRR…. so cold, man!!!! He dropped me at the foot of mountain, there are many domestic and foreign tourist there.. Well, I like to see this crowds.. at least, I’m not going to be afraid of being alone to climb the trek. Okay,…. I can’t say climbing up is an easy way to do… NOOO.. Hell no…… It’s two times harder than my work out at the gym. Gasping breath, bathed in sweat,…… my heart beat so fast.. My legs have to struggle to climb up…………. I’m not sure how much calorie I burnt for this activity. I can’t say it’s tiring…. It’s fun, more fun than work out at the Gym…. It’s the real work out in nature…………….. However, … I still think…. I need to do more exercise…. Because, Mt. Penanjakan is in easy category trekking. But, honestly… I still feel a bit tired and need to take a breath deeply, drinking water and stop for a while to gain my energy and stamina,
Which I’ve seen some Caucasians .. Girls or boys,… middle aged..They don’t seem overwhelmed…. I think it’s because they do jogging or walking constantly. And it was zdark, around 4 am.. Probably it takes around 40 minutes to reach the spot to see the sunrise. While climbing up, locals offered me to ride a horse to climb up. I refused many times, that my intention is to test my stamina and of course, burning this ugly fat on my tummy.
Mt. Bromo view from Mount Penanjakan
Then, I finally reached it!!!!!!! There are some locals who open stall for hot coffee and tea, also fried banana…….. While waiting for the sunrise comes up from behind Mt.Bromo back, I ordered a cup of hot coffee from boiled water and some pieces of fried banana. Sorry, I forgot how much all together, but it doesn’t expensive at all. I adore these sellers, they carried their clean water to be boiled, all their apparatus such as kettle, stove from mountain to mountain. Man, they are really a group of highlanders, male or female… I almost run out of breath only for an easy trek, to reach this spot, without any burden to carry, myself only. Shame on me!!! I’ve seen western tourists also ordered hot coffee or tea while enjoying Bromo scenery at the dawn. I remember my Dutch friend, ah…. these tourists are not as paranoid as my Dutch friend. My Dutch friend said, they don’t believe Indonesian water, so he always buys mineral water in Indonesia. My another Dutch friends said.. Some Dutch are like that, they really obey all what do’s and don’ts in Indonesia through booklet for European should avoid in developing countries. To prevent them from diarrhoea or stuff like that, but.. It’s because they don’t have a brave to try.
It’s normal you’ll get some stomach problem when your bowel not really used to foreign bacterium visit your body. It just takes some times to adapt, mates…… (but, maybe some.. are not really lucky to have very sensitive stomach).. I DO believe the water is clean, It’s mountainous water!!!!!!! SO FRESH!!!! Water from heaven................................
A young couple enjoying th e sunrise, so romantic place, isn’t it?
Waiting for sunrise Bromo, December 2011
sunrise and when Mt. Semeru smoking
As the sun goes up… around 6 or 7 am, I went down to the foot of Mt.Penanjakan. When I climbed up the mountain early morning, It needs a lot of energy… when I walked down from the peak, … it’s easier… While walking down I met some visitors like me, Edelweiss sellers, locals and horses. I almost run out of breath only for an easy trek, to reach this spot, without any burden to carry, myself only. Shame on me!!!
Locals, they don’t wear jacket but sarong :)
Edelweiss, or Ever Lasting flowers, only grows on mountainous areas
Edelweiss, Edelweiss Every morning you greet me Small and white, clean and bright You look happy to meet me Blossom of snow may you bloom and grow Bloom and grow forever Edelweiss, Edelweiss Bless my homeland forever THE SOUND OF MUSIC - EDELWEISS
1959
Breathtaking scenery. isn’t it.......
it looks like in fairytale
my way to the n o , ne o al n w do ed k I wal … foot of Mt.Penanjakan
rents a horse ho w y gu a n o up ed I stumbl to ride.
e, at first.. rs ho s hi nt re to e m He offered d, but then I changed te s re te in ly al re t no I’m my mind, WHY NOT??
den a horse enrid r ve ne e I’v t, s ne ho To be tire my life. time for everyt s fir e th s ay w al is There thing, so..
nce riding rie pe ex t s fir y m be d It woul o .. a horse, … in Mt.Brom , means g n u t n U is e m a The horse n sian :) Lucky in Indone
Passing the cliffs by riding a horse, .... I’m like a heroine in movies :)
Reaching on the foot of Mount Bromo, I parked Untung, my horse there… because can’t climb to the peak with a horse….
Hindu Temple on the foot of Mt.Bromo, On the fourteenth day of the Hindu festival of Yadnya Kasada, the Tenggerese people of in Probolinggo, East Java, travel up the mounta in order to make offerings of fruit, rice, vegto etables, flowers and sacrifices of livestock the mountain gods by throwing them into the caldera of the volcano source from wikipedia
Sssstttt Don’t tell my mom..... I know standing close to the crater is highly dangerous… I’m not going to do this for the second times, people… I still value my own live, and I watched my steps in doing this....... of course.. I don’t want to give a shock news to my parents at home, that her daughter who traveled alone fell into the Bromo crater… Oh NO!! So, Don’t tell my mom and dad regarding this.. I just don’t want to let them worried…….
Sad things about Brom o, I can’t understand irr esponsible people who throw their rubbish into the crater … C’mon Indonesians, …. it’s so pity and embarrassin g.. watching mineral bottles and pla stic bag around the mo uth of crater, it destroys the beauty of nature….
2011. Due to the erupSo, the last eruption of Bromo is January caldera, before eruption, tion, it destroyed the fence that circling the ra. it’s possible for visitor to see around the calde away by the volcanic But, now… the fence is already gone, swept not allowed to climb ash, .. At the moment…. officially, visitors are the Bromo crater….
s k o Lo like in , s r Ma no?
+ Cemoro Lawang, Still Day 13, December 20, 2011 // Probolingo Bromo East Java ………
my stuff to check Back to the hostel for Breakfast and pack out.
I called it Brunch.... Toast, Egg, Fried rice and Coffee &
Orange Juice, Edelweiss at the edge of table..
Then, waving good bye to 2 Vietnamese girls, they’re heading to Bali........... Have a nice and safe trip... :)
At the cafe hostel, while waiting for public transportation to bring me back to Probolinggo city, I met three Germans who stayed next to my room. They were waiting for the bus, same as me. They saw me talking to the hostel staff asking about what time the transportation will be picking us in Indonesian. One of them asked me: ‘ Do you speak Indonesian??’ Me: a bit confused… ‘Of course…, I’m Indonesian…’ Him: Oh.. I thought you’re Japanese…. Hmmm….. guys, do I look like Japanese??? Or, I found some western who are still new in Asia, still can’t differentiate between Chinese, Japanese or non East Asian face. We are four now, waiting for the bus. As Indonesian, in the middle of German tourists, .. I felt a bit embarrassed with my own country public transport service. Bromo is a beautiful place; don’t destroy tourist memory about this amazing place with our suck service like this. We had to wait for the bus for 2/3 hours… and these Germans were about to take the train to Jogjakarta. One of German, female, get mad with the system.. How unprofessional these people are, the driver came, but he asked more fare to the city because the passenger only 4 of us. He said, he doesn’t want to waste the fuel to bring us to city with normal fare.
After bargaining, …. we had to pay more than normal price,.. cause no choice, and the weather was not really good, .. Rainy and foggy. Around 1 hour trip to the city, I had a good small chat with one of these German, he’s from Berlin. He just graduated from his university, he studied engineering, related to aeroplane. But he told me, he’s not smart… trying to be humble, eh!! His next destination after Jakarta is Malaysia, then he asked me where to go in Malaysia. Uhhmmmm….. I told him about Malacca, it’s a historical city with the Dutch, British and Portuguese heritage. It’s a nice place for just having a calm day for one or two nights chilling out at cafe for beer. Then he asked me about Tioman Island, .. I was about to go to Tioman island in February 2009, but we stopped at Mersing, didn’t continue our journey to the island. The beach looks so disappointing due to wet season. So, I afraid his visit to Tioman is not in the best month. Arriving in Probolinggo city, we separated.. I continued my own journey to Malang city and they headed to train terminal to get a train to Jogjakarta. Saying good bye one another. @##%^&*^() : Dear government, What a sad thing is, public transportation in touristy places like Bromo still totally sucks and driver demands the fare based on how many passengers, fewer passengers the more we pay.... #frustrating#
Still Day 13, December 20, 2011 // Probolingo Bus Station and Malang Stopover in Malang city is my last minute decision I made when I was in Bali. I suddenly noticed my friend who lived in Sydney for working there, was having holiday in her hometown, Malang – East Java. I then gave her texts, and we made a plan to meet up in her hometown, Malang before I continue my journey to Jogjakarta. Around 2 hours by bus from Probolinggo. I took a non AC bus, and realized that the fact I’m really in East Java where Javanese is spoken around me. The journey from Probolinggo to Malang by public transport is a bit challenging. I think Indonesia is country for young backpackers who are keen on crazy and wild adventure. You know why I said so?? Uhhmm, Indonesian drivers are crazy, which I suddenly becoming more religious by praying along my journey in the bus, dear god please save me from this uncertain journey. In the evening, I arrived at Malang Bus Station. I text-ed my friend I already arrived and she replied that she’s still in Surabaya, capital of East Java. Oh My….. The good her hotel. her room ceptionist
thing What hotel there
is, she already booked a room for me in a generous friend, isn’t it…. She sent me address and asked me to talk to the reand mention my name.
I asked the taxi driver to bring me to my friend’s hotel address.
My friend’s Hotel in Malang city
So, for two days I stayed at this convenient room and the nicest thing is Free. ))))) Thanks Sylvia, my college friend I met in Singapore. We used to spend a lot of time together in Singapore from 2005 to 2006. We used to make our design projects in her apartment, and I sometimes slept in her place when we’re in rush to complete our projects. Also, we were the same boat, lived alone overseas without family and roomate.. so, we used to be lazy going back home on the weekend, … instead of exploring Singapore from midnight to morning by having endless talks from Esplanade to Lau Pa Sat. Why we waited until morning.. Killing the time by strolling around Singapore, because we just don’t want to spend much money for taxi with its after midnight tax. Bus and MRT closed from 12 am to 6 am. Nightlife in Singapore is virtually safe.. walking alone at night is secure, 24 hours 7Eleven and fast food such as McDonald, Burger King always open 24 hours. Spending time with her, always full of laughs and jokes. Knowing we both don’t live in the same country anymore…. arranging time to meet up, it’s a great time to be made. The last time we met in 2007, 4 years ago……….. I
Day 14 , December 21, 2011 // Indonesia
Malang city, East Java
I only spend 2 nights in Malang. The city is developed, the weather is mild and a bit cold when then rain comes, surrounded by mountains, Mount Bromo is not really far from this city. At last, it’s famous with its apple, located in mountainous climate, apples grow so well here. In Malang, I traveled with my friend and her driver.. so, I don’t really feel as backpacker like I did in Bali and Bromo which I know how to go to this place and that place.
So Green Background
Java Dancer Coffee, in Malang
Day 15, December 22, 2011 // Malang city, East Java Indonesia After going to sleep quite late due to long chats the whole nite with Sylvia, we woke up very late. I had a good time in Malang city with my friend.. Thanks sylvia for giving me a place to stay ‌ ready to continue my journey to another city. Thanks for being such a great host in your hometown..............
In the t rain, on th Jogjaka rta, aro e way to u n from M d 8 hou alang to rs Jogjaka rta.
Day 16, December 23, 2011 //
Jogjakarta
It is my first time in Jogjakarta. Finally. I’m staying here until the last day of my trip. I rented a bicycle for several days,.. and feels like back to nature lifestyle, I’m cycling the whole weeks exploring Jogjakarta to Parang Tritis beach. Does it sound athletic... heee heeee What a healthy life... burning calories everyday...
Day 17, December 24, 2011 //
Jogjakarta
Cycling from Jogja to Parang Tritis beach.. around 58 km round trip...The result is, I got shaky legs... One thing I got to know is, Jogjakarta is not FLAT!!! I guess I burnt 1000’s calories from this outdoor activity.. Yeaaahhh!!!!!
The sad thing from my long journey by bike to Parang Tritis..--, apart from traveling. My main intention is, I’m hunting pictures. What a disappointing moments when I got there, there are many local tourist and they are very irresponsible to keep the environment clean. I didn’t mean to generalize, but that’s true.. why, why... It’s hard for me to take picture, ...... to get white beach in the mean time bottles, plastics dominated the beach... SHIT!!!!!!! DON’T THROW RUBBISH anywhere you want.... Get that in your head, people.......... DON’T THROW RUBBISH anywhere you want.... Get that in your head, people..........
Day 18, December 25, 2011 // Magelang-Central Java Borobudur Temple
Borobudur, the greatest Buddhist temple was built in the 10th century [Central Java] Borobudur was rediscovered by Thomas Stamford Raffles when he’s on duty in Java in 1812,when he discovered it the temple covered in bushes and poor condition, there’s possibility Mount Merapi’s eruption caused the kingdom ruined and gone with the wind. Different from Bali, the weather in Borobudur region is HOT. But, it’s good for taking picture, look at the blue sky!!!
Land of monasteries Free land under the sky Love, In universal understanding No limitations!’ Sacral Nirvana - Oliver Shanti
Day 19, December 26, 2011 //
Jogjakarta
Vrederburg Fortress Vredeburg Fortress, built in 1700s by the Dutch to control Jogjakarta. Now, it’s a museum
There is a cafe called ‘Indische Koffie’ in front of Vrederburg, The concept is cool. They make it in colonial atsmosphere. My menu this afternoon; A cup of coffee and a slice of cake I love coffee and cake, Life is good..
Day 20, December 27, 2011 //
Jogjakarta
Taman Sari Water Castle, it used to be surrounded by water around 300 hundred years ago. But, the palace was destroyed by volcanic eruptions, wars and earthquakes. By exploring the ruin of this castles, even though half of this place has many damages.. I can imagine, it’s an amazing place back hundreds year. Built in 1785, as a pleasure place for Yogyakarta Sultan (the king) ... as most of Kings in the past, this king had 30 mistress :P :P WOW (that’s what I heard.....) And in this place, the king watched his mistresses were bathing in the pool..... What a life .. :D :D
So, here we go.... Flashback: 30 mistresses were swimming in the pool to wait for the king pick one of them to...... to,-
ahhh.. the king never picked me up.. I’m not even his type.. I’m useless.. Should I jump nowww...
yaay... in the pool waiting for the king.... I’m not even his type..
Sauna’s room
I walked around 3 minutes to the under ground mosque... So, here is the place where the king prayed. At that time, Islamic still had quite a lot of Hindu influences... Dominant religion before Islam came
I like this.. at a glance, it reminds me of M.C Escher artwork... After I asked what is this about.... there are 5 stairs here, represent 5 pillars in Islamic teaching... I adore this king idea about this... under the stairs are a well for taking ‘wudhu’, muslim ritual to clean some part of body before praying
Day 21, December 28, 2011 //
Jogjakarta
Prambanan Temple and the Others It’s the biggest Hindu temple in South East Asia, built in the 10 century.Rising above the centre of the last of these concentric squares are three temples decorated with reliefs illustrating the epic of the Ramayana, dedicated to the three great Hindu divinities (Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma) and three temples dedicated to the animals who serve them.
Brahma Temple-------------->>>
Sewu Temple ...
Day 22, December 30, 2011 //
Jogjakarta
IT’S A WRAP
The Journey, 2191.87 mi. = 3527.472 km -------->> cycling from Kintamani to Ubud, Bali, and Jogjakarta to Parang tritis Beach and the city for a week is not included. Here, Jakarta is for Transit only. Frequent question during my solo travel in Indonesia; ‘Are you traveling alone???????’ Weapons: Pocket Digital Camera Canon SX110IS, 60L Slazenger Backpack and bravery. Photos & Content Writer: Rahma M