Travel Photo: Peaceful White Sandy Beach

Peaceful White Sandy Beach

Location: Gili Nanggu, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

~Awesomeness in Nature~

My Next Travel Destination: Komodo National Park & Flores

After a couple days of thinking and researching, I decided that Komodo National Park would be my next Indonesian travel destination. There are so many beautiful places in Indonesia that I want to explore but this one just can't wait any longer.

I have been wanting to go since last year when I realized that it's one of the most fascinating places in the world, one place that is so unique and can't be found anywhere else in the planet. And yes, this one is something that we Indonesians should be very proud of....

I am so excited to meet the giant lizards, to experience the life of the locals, to enjoy the panoramic views, and to explore the underwater life of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It will for sure be a different world and something very very exciting to experience.

Talking about expectations, I do have a lot of expectations about this particular place and fingers crossed that it will satisfy my wanderlust cravings. Therefore, I can't wait to check off one of the many many items in my travel bucket list and hopefully it will happen SOON.

I might combine my trip to Wae Rebo and Kelimutu National Park depending on the schedule that I am making later....

So who else is in for the possibly adventure of a lifetime? *wink*

Watch out for my adventures in East Nusa Tenggara, the next biggest Indonesian travel destination..... :)

Travel Picture: Another Day in Paradise

Another Day in Paradise

Gili Nanggu, Lombok, Indonesia

Picture Taken by: Ferry Wijaya

Date Taken: August 13, 2013

Camera Used: Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL

Location: Gili Nanggu, Lombok, Indonesia

~ White Sandy Beach ~

~ Gili Nanggu, neighbor of Gili Bedis and Gili Sudak ~

~ One of the Great Beautiful Islands of Indonesia ~

~ Sunny Day by the Beach ~

~ Chillaxing by the Beach, Enjoying the Sunshine ~

Travel Photo: Smallest Island on Earth?

Gili Bedis, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

~It could be one of the smallest island on earth~

~It is located in Lombok, Indonesia~

~It is one if the three island group of Gili Nanggu, Sudak, and Bedis~

Travel Picture: Island Hopping

Island Hopping

at Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Bedis......

!August 2013!

~Living the islander life~

Taken by: Ferry Wijaya

Travel Picture: Sunbathing in Gili Nanggu, Lombok, Indonesia

Sunbathing in Gili Nanggu, Lombok, Indonesia

INDONESIA ALERT! ~~~ INDONESIA ALERT! ~~~ INDONESIA ALERT

This beautiful and peaceful beach is located in Gili Nanggu, Lombok, Indonesia....

Such a great place to spend your holiday....

Relax and enjoy the sun!

I LOVE INDONESIA

:) :) :)

Travel Photo: Tanjung Papuma, East Java, Indonesia

Tanjung Papuma, East Java, Indonesia

taken during my Easter Long weekend April 2014

Tanjung Papuma is one of the top tourist destinations in East Java, Indonesia.

Travel Capture: Beach at Tangalooma Island, Queensland, Australia

Beach at Tangalooma Island, Queensland, Australia

Taken during my family trip to Australia in 2011

Travel Photo: Sampan Boat at Gili Nanggu, Lombok

Sampan Boat at Gili Nanggu, Lombok

Sunny day at Gili Nanggu, Lombok, Indonesia!

Such a great day to take out your snorkeling gears and explore the beauty of underwater corals and fishes........

One of the best places I have ever been for snorkeling!

:) :) :)

Travel Photo: Clear Water at Gili Meno, Lombok

Clear Water at Gili Meno, Lombok, Indonesia

Taken by: Ferry Wijaya

Date Taken: December  28, 2013

Location: Gili Meno, Lombok, Indonesia

~Gili Meno is one of the three gili islands northwest of Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia~

~Gili Meno is situated in the middle between Gili Trawangan in the West and Gili Air in the East~

Travel Photography: Martial Arts under the Sunset at Kuta Beach

Martial Arts under the Sunset at Kuta Beach

Taken by: Ferry Wijaya

Camera Used: Canon EOS 400D Digital

Date Taken: August 10, 2013

Specifications: ISO 1600; 250 mm; f/10; 1/1000

Some Facts about Kuta Beach:

• Kuta was the site of October 12, 2002 first Bali Bombing (202 killed) and the October 1, 2005 Second Bali Bombing (26 killed).
• Once a simple, rustic and quiet fishing village, Kuta Beach has witnessed a transformation over the past years due to the rise of various accommodations, dining and shopping options. The rapid growth owes much to visitors, beachcombers and art lovers from nearby Australia. Expatriates also helped pioneer surfing in Kuta, as well.

Pesona Alam Bawah Laut Pulau Menjangan

Pesona Indonesia memang tidak pernah ada matinya, apalagi pesona alam bawah lautnya. Luas laut di Indonesia yang jauh melebihi luas daratannya membuat negara Indonesia unik dan kaya akan keanekaragaman lautnya. Ada banyak sekali pulau-pulau kecil nan indah yang tersebar di seantero nusantara. Salah satunya adalah Pulau Menjangan.

Pulau Menjangan adalah sebuah pulau kecil yang terletak di Bali bagian barat, dekat dengan Pelabuhan Gilimanuk. Untuk menuju ke sana, Anda bisa mengendarai mobil atau menggunakan angkutan umum seperti bus atau bemo yang cukup sering beroperasai dari Singaraja menuju Pelabuhan Gilimanuk ataupun sebaliknya. Dari Gilimanuk, perjalanan dapat ditempuh hanya sekitar 15 menit, sedangkan dari Singaraja, perjalanan dapat memakan waktu sekitar 90 menit sampai 2 jam.

Untuk menyeberang ke Pulau Menjangan, cara termudah dan mungkin terbaik adalah dari Labuhan Lalang. Anda dapat bertanya kepada penduduk lokal ataupun supir bemo dan bus bahwa Anda ingin pergi ke Pulau Menjangan, dan Anda akan langsung dibawa menuju Labuhan Lalang. Di Labuhan Lalang, Anda dapat bertanya kepada petugas yang menjaga dermaga dan mengatur penyewaan perahu, alat-alat snorkeling atau diving, dan juga tour guide.

Waktu yang terbaik untuk pergi menyeberang ke Pulau Menjangan adalah di pagi hari. Jika bisa, sampailah di Labuhan Lalang di pagi hari yang dimana kemungkinan banyak orang lain juga akan datang ke sana dan ingin menyeberang. Nah, pada saat inilah Anda dapat menghemat kantong Anda dengan mengajak group lain untuk menyewa perahu bersama-sama.

Pesona alam bawah laut di Pulau Menjangan masih relatif sehat dimana masih banyak terumbu karang yang kondisinya masih sangat bagus dan tidak rusak. Berbagai snorkeling dan diving spot juga menawarkan berbagai pengalaman yang berbeda dimana Anda bisa menyaksikan secara langsung keanekaragaman bentuk dan warna terumbu karang ataupun ikan-ikan yang ada di sekitar Pulau Menjangan. Sulit dipungkiri bahwa keindahan alam bawah laut di Pulau Menjangan merupakan salah satu yang terbaik yang ada di Indonesia.

Memang Bali bagian barat bukanlah bagian dari Bali yang paling sering dikunjungi oleh wisatawan lokal maupun mancanegara, namun Bali bagian barat khususnya Pulau Menjangan memiliki potensi yang luar biasa untuk dikembangkan dan berhak untuk mendapat sorotan yang lebih luas di mata dunia pariwisata Indonesia. Jika Anda menginginkan liburan di Bali yang memberikan Anda ketenangan dan jauh dari hiruk pikuk Bali bagian Selatan, di sinilah tempatnya. Anda dapat bersantai maupun berolahraga air dengan nyaman dan puas.

Semoga kita dapat mempertahankan kealamian dan keindahan alam bawah laut Indonesia yang luar biasa ini. Jangan sampai Anda ketinggalan dan tidak melihat secara langsung kekayaan yang Indonesia miliki di Pulau Menjangan ini.

Ditulis Oleh:

Ferry Wijaya

Photography: Underwater Menjangan Island

Place Taken: Menjangan Island, Bali

Date Taken: December 24, 2013 at 1 p.m.

Taken with: Olympus TG-2

Taken by: Ferry Wijaya

Specifications: ISO 100; 4.5mm; f/2.8; 1/400

Decriptions:

- Menjangan Island is located in Western Bali

- The island is very beautiful and the corals and fishes are amazing

- Snorkeling trip would cost around IDR 300.000 per person

- It' one of the best places I have been for snorkeling

Gili Islands - Public Boat Schedules

Public Boat Schedules (Prices and schedules are subject to change; You might have to confirm again at the public boat office on the island)

This the the public boat schedules that you can take from one island to the other in Gili islands.

The Gili islands include three gilis (islands) named Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air.

This public boat schedules is extremely helpful if you wanna do island hopping in Gili islands.... The price is very affordable compared to chartering a boat.

However, chartering a boat could be a cheaper and more convenient option if you go in a big group.

With these public boats, I found myself not being able to go from Gili Trawangan to Gili Meno and Gili Air on the same day due to the timing of the boat.

Note:
1. A trip from Gili Trawangan to Gili Meno as stated on the schedule also goes to Gili Air
2. A trip from Gili Air to Gili Trawangan (at 3:00 pm) also makes a short stop at Gili Meno

~~~Enjoy you trip to the Gili Islands, Lombok, Indonesia~~~

East Java & Bali Road Trip December 2013

Tomorrow I am starting my road trip with a friend for the end of the year of 2013....

Finally the time has come!!!! :) :) :)

Starting on December 20th finishing on December 29th, my route trip would be an adventurous one, exploring East Java (especially Banyuwangi Regency) and Northern Part of Bali and probably also The Gili Islands in Lombok, my favourite islands.....

My Road Trip Route is:
1. Surabaya - Banyuwangi (by train - IDR 140.000 per person)
2. Banyuwangi - Mount Ijen - Banyuwangi (by car & foot - IDR 500.000 for tour guide)
3. Banyuwangi - Sukamade Beach - Banyuwangi (by car rental - unplanned yet)
4. Banyuwangi - Pulau Menjangan Bali (by ship & bus - unplanned)
5. Pulau Menjangan Bali - Lovina (by public transport - unplanned)
6. Lovina - Singaraja (by public transport - unplanned)
7. Singaraja - Tulamben (by public transport - unplanned)
8. Tulamben - Amed (by public transport - unplanned)
9. Amed - Ubud (by public transport - unplanned)
10. Ubud - Kuta (by public transport - unplanned)
11. Kuta - Gili Islands Lombok (by boat)

So mostly this trip is unplanned except for Mount Ijen part since we need to prepare for everything to prevent bad things happening during the hiking since it's a rainy season in Indonesia.

Hotels are also unplanned and we plan to shop around for hotels on each day. I don't know if it's a good idea in terms of price but for sure it will be fun....

I decided to explore Northern part of Bali since it's the part of Bali that we rarely go and I haven't actually been there since 10+ years ago. And there will be a lot of snorkeling during this trip....

I am super duper excited for this road trip.....

I hope I can stay healthy, strong, and safe for this trip....

How about you all? Any plan for this holiday season?

Pulau Sempu - Hidden Paradise in East Java

One spontaneous decision to explore and go on a road trip to somewhere new....

Me and a friend decided within 2 hours on a Saturday Morning that we were going on a road trip from Surabaya, where we live, down to South Malang (still in East Java).

We drove for about 3 hours down to Malang and stayed overnight there. Very early in the morning at about 5am we departed our hotel and continued on another 3 hour drive down to Sendang Biru Beach where we chartered a boat to get across to the island.

But before we took the boat, we had to register and pay some fees to the Park Officials for a permit.

It's actually a good move for a first timer because some people have been reported missing in the past because the didn't know the ways in Pulau Sempu.

The boat ride took about 15 minutes. It could be much faster though if they use faster and better boats.

As soon as we arrived in Pulau Sempu, we had to walk inside the jungle for about 2 hours. It could be quite challenging for an unprepared physical body condition. Therefore, it's best if you prepare your body, bring enough foods and water along the way.

The most famous destination in Pulau Sempu is Segara Anakan (a lagoon). (Photos below)

The calm water in Segara Anakan is the only place (as far as I know) that you can swim in. Some people choose to camp overnight here and swim in the "lake", but we decided to just have a look and didn't swim because there is no fresh water in the island where you can take a shower after a swim.

Segara Anakan 

 Swimming at Segara Anakan

Calm Water at Segara Anakan

Taking Picture at Segara Anakan

Camping Colony at Segara Anakan

South Sea

On the Cliff

Waves Against the Cliff

After having a good time at Segara Anakan, we decided to go to the next beach. The hiking trail to the two next beaches is quite steep and we had to be very careful with our steps....

A Quite Beach at Pulau Sempu

Chillax at Pulau Sempu

A Quite Beach at Pulau Sempu

Calm and Chillaxing

Waves at Pulau Sempu

Pulau Sempu is a hidden paradise yet to be discovered.....

But, in my opinion, Pulau Sempu should be kept quite and natural so that we can reserve the natures in Pulau Sempu.

And please if you go to Pulau Sempu, don't litter on the beach or anywhere in the jungle. And if you are nice enough, like me :), you would also help collecting the garbages along the way, like we did :).....

Have a great adventure of your life!

Activities in Gili Trawangan

If you happen to cross the sea from Bali to Gili Trawangan or you happen to be in Gili Trawangan by any other reasons for a night of two, these are the activities you can do to fill you day and night ini Gili Trawangan:

• Island Hopping

Island hopping trip packages for diving and snorkeling are available widely on the island of Gili Trawangan. They are usually run by specific hours so prepare to book your island hopping trip the day before.

• Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Diving

With a reputation for being "Turtle Capital of the World", the Gili islands have become popular for beginners and experienced divers. This is one of Indonesia's top areas for scuba diving and snorkelling. There are about 25 dive sites around the islands of Trawangan, Meno, and Gili Air. For more information, please check this website: http://www.gili-paradise.com/gilis-information/dive-the-gilis/

If you are lucky enough, you can spot a sea turtle sightings during your snorkeling or diving activity.

• Kayaking

Another water activity you can do here is kayaking. You can try crossing the sea between Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno. But, you can only do this when the current is safe enough.

• Cycling / Walking Around the Island

You can cycle around the island for about 60 minutes or walk around the island for about 2-3 hours (depending on your speed). Some parts of the island are not suitable for biking (especially on the north and northwestern part of the island), you might have to walk your bikes sometimes.

• Sunbathing / Relaxing on Powdery White Sandy Beach

If you want to keep it low key and relaxed, you can lie on the beach and enjoy the sun. The beaches are clean and comfortable and there are many sea-side restaurants that you can order drink and food from.

• Watching the Sunset

One of the favorite things to do when the clock almost hits 6:30pm (6:30pm is the sunset time in Gili), is finding a place to watch the sunset. The best sunset-watching place may include Villa Ombak Sunset or The Exile located on the Southwestern part of the island.

• Trying Magic Mushrooms

Known for a party island and if you are up for it, Magic Mushrooms are widely and openly sold in Gili Trawangan.  

• Having Romantic Dinner

If you are a couple, you can book for a romantic dinner on the beach at various restaurants in Gili Trawangan.

• Seafood Dining

Dining on the island is widely available. Western food and seafood restaurants can easily be found on the island of Gili Trawangan. Famous restaurants for dining may include The beach house, Tir Na Nog, Trattoria, Villa Ombak, etc.

Gili Trawangan - The Party Island

After my new year trip to Japan, I got the chance to visit Lombok for a friend's bachelor party. But it's not Lombok that's the most exciting thing about this trip, it's Gili Trawangan!!!!

Boat on White Sandy Beach in Gili Trawangan

It's actually my second time stepping on this 2 km by 3 km island. My first was last year with a friend's friend from Germany and a friend who's actually from Lombok and more familiar to Gili islands than me. I remember my first time I was undescribably excited when the boat reached the island. I thought to myself "wow, this is another world. The view is amazing. The white sandy beaches are breathtaking. How can I miss this place all along?". Note: I am actually from a neighbouring island east to Lombok called Sumbawa. it's pretty damn close.

This time, I got the opportunity to bring along 6 guy friends and to show them around the island. One guy is getting married soon so we thought let's do something different. And yeah, going to Gili was our decision. And probably I can say THE BEST DECISION.....

Map of The Three Gili Islands

Our first activity when we got to the island at 9am by a chartered boat (costs Rp 250.000) from Bangsal Port in Lombok mainland was searching for a hotel. It was rather quick when we finally decided to rent a 2 bedroom villa at The Beach House Resort located in the central area of East beach where the main activities, crowds, bars, restaurants, and parties are located. In the end, it cost us Rp 3.025.000 for the two bedroom villa plus 2 extra beds and breakfast included. It's a pretty good deal since the villa also has its own 3 m x 8 m private pool.

As soon as we got the villa taken care of, we headed out to rent some bicycles for us to move around the island easily. It's a great decision to cycle on the island other than to walk. I guess walking and cycling are the best, if not the only, means of transportation on the island. Of course, there are "local taxis" called cidomo (cart pulled by a horse) but I think it's not too efficient since the island is pretty small anyways.

White Sandy Beach

We spent the day with snorkeling, mostly (Read: the most exciting activity for me). It was my first time snorkeling and was actually able to adapt and use the snorkeling gears properly.  I think I can make snorkeling my new hobby! I can't wait to do some more snorkeling in the future.

We also rented some kayaks to cross the sea from Gili Trawangan to Gili Meno and back to Gili Trawangan. It's a wonderful feeling to be able to cross a small strait by a kayak. Initially, the current was too strong to kayak there, however, we were persistent enough to wait until the current gets calmer. In the end, we finally conquered the kayaking challenge.

After we were tired enough due to kayaking (it took about one hour), we still decided to cycle circling the whole island. Yeah, it's a pretty active day for us, but we surely had fun!!! It was not one of the best decisions because some parts of the island didn't have proper roads for cycling and are covered by sands and sometimes we had to walk our bikes. But, we found the best place to enjoy sunset from this cycling trip. So, it's not a waste! :)

At night, we had dinner and enjoyed the sunset and the clear panoramic blue sky.

Beautiful Sunset @ Villa Ombak Sunset

In general, Gili Trawangan is known for a "Party Island" where parties are held in turn by the many hotels on the island. Magic mushrooms are also available for sale freely on the island (given that police enforcement on the island is minimum).

Magic Mushrooms For Sale

If you are visiting Indonesia and especially Bali, don't miss this island. It's another different world from Bali. More virgin beaches, more peaceful, less crowded, more beautiful coral reefs (if you happen to like snorkeling and diving). I am pretty sure there are many agencies you can find in Bali that would take you to Gili. It's about 2 hours boat ride from Bali.

Websites you might wanna take a look to get information about Gili Trawangan and the other two gilis:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gili_Islands
http://wikitravel.org/en/Gili_Islands
http://www.gili-paradise.com/
http://www.fastboatsgili.com/gili-trawangan.htm

More of Pulau Kramat, Sumbawa, Indonesia

Rich kinds of Reefs along the way to the Island of Pulau Kramat, Sumbawa, Indonesia

Arriving at Pulau Kramat (Note: my maid and the boat driver in the picture)

The beach of Pulau Kramat, Sumbawa, Indonesia

The water is very very clear........ What an amazing feeling to be there!!!! :)

@ Pulau Kramat, Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Broken Pier in Pulau Kramat, Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Pulau Kramat, Sumbawa, Indonesia

Amazing, clean, untouched, mesmerizing, peaceful beach of Pulau Kramat, Sumbawa, Nusa Tenggara Barat, NTB, Indonesia

In order to get here, I had to drive for about one and half hour to a small resort-like place and take a boat for about 20 minutes to this island.

According to the boat rider, the island is inhabited and the government prohibits any part of the land to be sold to anybody other than the natives there.