Two hours driving from Jakarta, Bandung is becoming a popular destination to escape from a busy capital city.  My friend who works in Jakarta told me that he visits Bandung once in a month, because he thinks Bandung can offer the relaxation and a chill feeling. I’ve visited Bandung a couple of times since i grew up in Jakarta. As a capital city of West Java, Bandung now becomes more and more develop. The new government is successfully managing Bandung as an attractive city and being so friendly for young people and family. Let’s see what Bandung can offer :

Cireng, the most famous Bandung meals !

Woke up early morning and heading to a beautiful coffee shop located in the middle of the pine trees. It just felt so amazing having my first glass of coffee, Fried Banana and Cireng (a traditional Bandung meals made of flour and deep fried) in the middle of natural pine trees. This is definitely how those Bandungnese start the day. Armor Kopi is located in TAHURA (a nick name of natural park). There are plenty of coffee shops you can find here.

I have to admit everything about durian will always be my favorite ! haha Sorry for the selfish opinion, but seriously guys, if you are fan of durian, you should put this one as the number one list. Durian Ice cream usually served in a plastic glass and it contents of durian ice cream and some real durian fruits. You can easily find this ice cream in food stalls.

Batagor (USD 1)
A plate of Batagor contents of deep fried flour mixed with fish, fried tofu, and peanut sauce. Easy to find as this one also Bandung special culinary menu !

Bakso Cuanki (USD 1,5)
As Bandung is located in highland area, the weather here is so perfect around 15-20 celcius degree during day time, even colder at the night. That’s why a bowl of soup also become a favorite meal. Bakso Cuanki is made of Meatballs, tofu and boiled flour mixed fish served with a hot tasty soup. This was recommended by my Bandung Friend Aris (click his name to see his page). The store is located at Jalan serayu No 2, Cihapit, Bandung.

SHOPPING IN BANDUNG
Oh yess, who doesn’t love shopping ? Going to Bandung is not perfect without shopping. Bandung has so many kind of shopping area.
PARIS VAN JAVA
If you like branded stuffs with discount, you might check Paris Van Java. It’s actually a mall but sometimes there's such a big bazaar sale. For example, when I was there, there was a surfing brand sales up to 80%. I bought a roxy pants from the original price Rp 400.000 (USD 31) became Rp 150.000 (USD 11) after discount. I also bought a Billabong bikini for only Rp 100.000 (USD 8) after being discount from Rp 499.000 (USD 38)

RUMAH MODE FACTORY OUTLET
Bandung is well known as the city of Factory Outlets. One famous factory outlet named RUMAH MODE. Factory outlets basically have cheap prices as they are all designed and made by the locals.

JALAN RIAU
Jalan Riau is the place for hipster young people. There are plenty of local brand  with good design owned by young entrepreneurs
PASAR GEDE BAGE
This is the biggest flea market area in Bandung, they sell vintage clothes and things.

DUSUN BAMBU FOR A FAMILY GETAWAY
I do remember when I was a kid, my father always brought me to Bandung to have a Family getaway. Even until now I am 25 years old, Bandung is still being a favorite for those families. Dusun Bambu offer some activities for family members.

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Have been listed as one of the world 7 wonders, Borobudur Temple becomes the must visit place when in Central java. It was constructed in the 8th-9th century during the golden era of Sailendra Dynasty. Borobudur is the largest buddhist monument in the world with the pyramid shape construction. It was designed to be climbed, and visitors able to follow the path to the top.

The history of Borobudur sounds unreal for me, Borobudur temple used to be the holy Buddhist temple before it was abandoned. Borobudur was hidden and buried under a layer of soil and volcanic ashes. The trees and wild shrubs were dominated the abandoned land. No one sure why this temple has been ever forgotten. Rumor said because some people switched to moslem as the reason. During 1811-1816 Thomas Stamford Rafless (the governor of Java at that time) finally managed to find again Borobudur Temple and making it as the world heritage building.

Located 40 km from Yogyakarta, Borobudur offers the fantastic views from the temple over the green fields and trees to distant hills and volcanoes. The best time to come here is when sunrise, no wonder there are some tour packages offer sunrise trip in Borobudur. There are 2 different spots to watch the sunrise in Borobudur you might choose :

SUNRISE FROM BOROBUDUR TEMPLE (VIA MANOHARA HOTEL)
The wake up call rang at 02.00 am, in order to catch the sunrise we have to depart from Yogyakarta at 03.30 am. It took around 1-1,5 hour from Yogyakarta to Borobudur Temple where located in Magelang, Central Java. Borobudur Temple generally opens for tourist at 08.00 am, tourists are not allowed to go inside the temple before the gate opens. To be able to see the sunrise inside the temple, travelers have to go via Manohara Hotel. Manohara Hotel is located next the temple and it has special access to Borobudur. No gate open for the sunrise except from Manohara hotel, that’s why the ticket price is quite expensive for this tour. It cost Rp 270.000 (USD 21) for local tourist and Rp 400.000 (USD 31) for foreigner. The ticket includes coffee and snacks time after the tour end.

The tour guide gave me a flashlight to flash on the dark way. Step by step I climbed the stairs to reach the top. People came more and more as the sun rose up. People were so busy looking for the best spot to take picture. No more free space, every corner was filled by Tourists holding a camera or a view of selfie sticks which almost covered the scenery.

Apart from my expectation of getting such a misty sunrise moment pictures, it still felt amazing to see the dark sky slowly changed into yellowish colour and became bright blue sky at the end. It felt amazing watching the sun light sneaking through the Stupa, and It felt amazing to see those misty fog adorned the greenery hills and volcanoes as the background of the temple.

SUNRISE FROM PUTHUK SETUMBU 

Another option to enjoy the beautiful sunrise of Borobudur in affordable way is from Puthuk Setumbu. This spot becomes my favorite as it was less crowded, seeing the Borobudur from above was surprisingly such an unique scenery for me. Puthuk Setumbu is located 20 minutes away from Borobudur. Depart from Yogyakarta at 03.00 am, you’ll arrive at 04.45 am on location. You can follow the direction to Manohara Hotel, after pass this hotel, go straight, there will be an intersection and sign board to Borobudur Nirvana Sunrise, turn right and go straight until you find the parking lot of Puthuk Setumbu. Buy the ticket at the locket for Rp 30.000 (foreigner) and Rp 15.000 (local).

Sunrise starts at 05.30 am, so better to wait a little bit longer and find the best spot. If you are lucky, the sunrise view would look so magical with the sun rise in the middle of Merbabu mountain and Merapi volcano. The layer of trees and fog dominating the view, but Borobudur Temple still looks so bold among the tree silhouttes.

HOW TO GET THERE
1.    Rent a car from Yogyakarta is the best solution to go to Borobudur Temple. It cost around RP 500.000 – Rp 600.000/24 hrs with the driver for avanza/apv car capacity max 5 people.
2.    Otherwise, it also will be easier to hire a day trip in travel agent. For Sunrise in Borobudur cost around Rp 500.000 – Rp 600.000, and for Puthuk Setumbu Sunrise cost around Rp 120.000 – Rp 200.000 (including pick up from the hotel, ticket, and breakfast)
3.    Ticket Price for Sunrise Borobudur via Hotel Manohara is Rp 400.000 for foreigner and Rp 270.000 for local tourist
4.    Ticket Price for Puthuk Setumbu is Rp 30.000 for foreigner and Rp 15.000 for local tourist.

Ps : I was delegated as an Indonesian Blogger to promote #WonderfulIndonesia held by Ministry of Indonesia Tourism for #TripOfWonders 2016. Check out the page for more amazing Indonesia Destinations http://www.indonesia.travel/landing

cheers,
kadekarini

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I just got back from my second time visit Nusa penida, Bali. Not all of tourists know that Bali has 3 separate islands. Located 45 minutes by boat from Sanur Beach, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan usually have been choosen by travelers to escape from the busy South Bali Area. All of these three islands are separated by the ocean and we have to take the boat to reach each island, except for Nusa Lembogan and Nusa Ceningan, since there is a bridge provided between both of them. As the biggest island, Nusa Penida has so many beautiful places to explore. On my second visit in Nusa Penida, I got accompanied by my Friend, Duwi, he’s the local and Nusa Penida born. I could say he is such an expert showing me the best spots to proof the beautiful views of Nusa penida.

1. Kelingking Beach
The first breathtaking view is Kelingking Beach. The view of  the green hills combining with The blue ocean water, and white sand beach could be seen from above. The picture looks like we were taking a picture with the drone camera.
From the parking lot we have to walk down for 100 meter to see this view. You can absolutely go to the beach as the beach looks so tempting ! But you have to make sure you are not afraid of height. The track is steep, slippery and only 50 cm width. So be careful !

2. Pasih Uug
As known as the broken beach, what makes this place special is a hole in the middle of the cliff. The water here looks so clear. Pasih Uug is the nearest one you can reach from the pier.

3. Angel Billabong
Right after Pasih Uug, walking to the right side around 10 minutes you will see a beautiful natural lagoon named Angels Billabong. You can go down to reach the lagoon but the cliffs contained of karst stone, you have to go down slowly.

4. Atuh Beach
The next of my favorite is Atuh Beach. The view looks like Wayag, Raja Ampat with the single stone exists in the middle of the ocean. Or some of people said it’s quite similar like Nugget Point, Australia. Atuh beach is the furthest location, and the road to get here is so bad.
Make sure you come at mid  day to get the best light. The track to reach the view is short but steep. Prepare your stamina as you will trekking on the heat.

How To Get There
1.    From Bali you have to go to Sanur Beach, If you are staying in Kuta, Seminyak, you’d better take the uber/grab car. It will cost around Rp. 100.000 for one way – 50 minutes
2.    Buy the boat ticket for two ways Rp 150.000 (local tourist), Rp 300.000 (foreigner tourist) – 45 minutes
3.    Boat Schedule depart from Sanur to Nusa Penida at 08.30 am and leave from Nusa penida for Sanur at 03.30 pm.
4.    Rent a motorbike to explore the island – 50.000-60.000/24 hrs. Motorbike rent is easy to find, once you arrive at the pier, there will be so many people ask you for motobike rent. Do bargain as cheap as you can ! :)

Tips And Trick
1.    Road sign is not available for the destination, it’s quite tricky if this is your first time in Nusa Penida.
2.    Local people are mostly cannot speak English, and so clueless when I asked the way to reach Pasih Uug/Angels Billabong
3.    Internet Connection is edge, I even cannot use google maps properly.
4.    The heat will absolutely burn your skin, prepare your sunblock
5.    You absolutely can go one day trip, but if you are going by yourself, it will take a lot of time. My experience was I took 2 hours from the pier to reach Pasih Uug as I was so clueless how to get to the place. On my second time with Duwi, it’s actually took 45 minutes only to reach this place, embarrassing !
6.    If you want to visit all of those places above you need 2 days 1 night. Otherwise if you want to go for Day Trip, it’s still possible with the destination (Pasih Uug, Angels Bilabong, Kelingking beach) as the last boat to go back to Sanur is at 03.00 pm.
7.    One day trip in Nusa Penida cost around Rp 450.000-500.000/person (including boat ticket, car transportation in Nusa Penida, Lunch, and guide – minimum 5 people). It depends on your nationality. If you have question and want to ask about the trip arrangment, please feel free to email me at kadekarinisg@gmail.com

cheers,
kadekarini

Some people might almost forget about Sanur, but for me Sanur beach still wins my heart for its beautiful sunrise. Kuta, Seminyak, or Canggu might be well known for its beautiful sunset. But for Sunrise, Sanur beach is still being a diva for all the landscape photographers.

Sanur offer a very magnificent scenery of the beach, local people activity and Mountain view as the background. Sunrise in Sanur start around 06.00 am. One thing that really makes it special is the view of fisherman in a small wooden boat who just come back in the ocean.

As the first beach destination of Bali, Sanur now becomes more popular for family vacation. While having a breakfast in Nasi Ayam Men Weti, the one who believed as the BEST BALINESE NASI CAMPUR in Bali, I took a look at distance seeing kids and their parents started to come to the beach.

After enjoying the sunrise, I walked back to Seriska Villa Sanur, the place where I stayed for 3 days 2 night in Sanur. It was just such an early morning I started the day, then I laid down my body in the very comfort living room area with a big flat screen TV. Having my lazy Sunday off in the side of the pool then was my only to do list that day.

The villa is very spacious with 3 main bedrooms and 1 kids bedroom. All the bedrooms have connecting doors and direct access to the pool. The gazebo in the middle of the pool make it even perfect to chill out.

I really love the concept of public space where Pantry, dining room and living room are located in the same area without partition. The Family group usually tend to choose staying in villa rather than in hotel in order to get more privacy and get closer to each other

For me, when you are in Bali, there is no reason to not enjoying the traditional Balinese ambience which becomes one of tourists attraction. The first time i stepped into the main gate, I could absolutely felt the real traditional Balinese architecture vibes. All the materials are dominantly decoration by wall and wood. The roof and ceiling interior also adopt the Balinese traditional house shape and material.

Villa Seriska 1 has the great location and close to all local shop. Just 10 steps away of the villa, you can easily find so many restaurants, bars and local shops. Anyone who want to have holiday with family and friends, Villa Seriska Sanur is the one i would like to recommend :)

Villa Seriska 1 Sanur, Bali

Danau Tamblingan, Sanur, Denpasar Sel, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228
for booking please click this link https://www.villa-bali.com/en/villa/sanur/villa-seriska-satu-sanur

cheers,
Kadek Arini
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I still remember when my Thai friend asked me “Kadek, which part of Bali do you like the most ?” Without hesitation i said, I love Batur Volcano since this area offer the different angle of Bali with the highland windy breeze and beautiful view along the way. Some people might only know that Bali is popular by its beach life with a lot of surfers coming every year looking for the good waves. But forget about those hustle bustle South Bali area, let’s take a look to what north Bali can offer.


1.   SUNRISE TREKKING IN MOUNT BATUR
All the travel agents claim that sunrise in the top of Batur Volcano is the best sunrise in Bali. With only 2 hours walking distance from the base camp to the peak, this outdoor activity becoming popular among travelers.

From my honest opinion, I don’t resist that sunrise in the top of Batur volcano is the best sunrise in Bali I’ve been through, in the position I never try the highest one Mount Agung volcano. But, comparing with the time spent which is 6 hours apart, Batur volcano win in every angle. 

It needs 2 hours driving from Seminyak, Kuta, and Canggu area to reach the base camp, and 1 hour driving from Ubud. 

People usually depart at midnight and start trekking at 03.00 am with approximately arrive at 05.30-06.00 am. The sunrise itself start at 06.00 am. There would be a local little shop selling a glass of coffee and hot tea at the peak. I highly recommend to take different track for going back down as you’ll see different angle of the Batur Volcano.

Price : Rp. 250.000 – Rp. 300.000 (foreigner), Rp 10.000 (local)
So many travel agents provide the tour package including the breakfast at the peak. Those prices are that I found mostly at some travel agents.



2.   ROAD TRIP TO HIGHLAND AREA OF MOUNT BATUR
For travelers who don’t like the outdoor activity, enjoying the Batur volcano view by taking the road trip could be an option. It’s better if you can stay in Ubud, so you just need 1 hour drive to reach the highland area. The weather at the foot of Batur volcano would be totally different, it’s so windy and fresh. You might open your window seat to feel the breeze.

How To get There : You can go with scooter and car. Hire a scooter cost 60.000/24 hrs and car around 650.000-750.000 including driver and petrol.
Price : 30.000/person entrance fee



3.   TOYA DEVASYA INFINITY HOT SPRING POND OVER BATUR LAKE
The best time to come here is around 09.00 – 11.00 am as the sky is still blue and the fog has not go down yet. They have 2 standard pools and one infinity hot spring pond in the side of Mount Batur Volcano.

How To get There : You can go with scooter and car. Hire a scooter cost 60.000/24 hrs and car around 650.000-750.000 including driver and petrol. Drive toward the Lake Batur, and follow the sign heading to Toya Devasya Hot spring.
Price : 75.000/person (local), 150.000/person (foreigner)



4.   LUNCH WITH MOUNT BATUR VIEW

After relaxing in the hot spring, get the late lunch with Batur volcano view. There are so many restaurants in the main road of this area. I just randomly chose one restaurant which that time no one was there. Surprisingly, for me, they have such a perfect Mount Batur view and the foods are also good. The name of restaurant is Warung Baling – Baling. They sell Indonesian food.
Price : Rp 50.000 – 100.000/person

5.   VISITING TRUNYAN CEMETERY

This could be my one of the best cultural experience. In a remote bay on the shores of Lake Batur lays the isolated ancient of Bali Aga Village. People of Bali Aga Village renowned for its unique mortuarial rites where body are not buried but left to rot out open. The island where those corpses laid located separately with the main land of people. Trunyan itself is the name of the tree which is believed has the good smell to cover the smell of dead. What you will see there are a pile of skulls in the root of the trees.
Price : Boat cost around Rp.500.000-700.000/boat (with capacity around 10 people)

Have you ever visited Batur Volcano area ? do you have any good stories ? Let’s share in the comment below.





cheers,
Kadek Arini

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