Foodie: Batagor Mang Apep, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia

This is one of the most delicious batagor I have tasted outside Bandung, the origin of this food. And I recommend this place to my Surabaya friends who don't care if they eat at a roadside food vendor like this one......

It is located on Jalan Manyar Surabaya near the intersection between Jalan Manyar and Jalan Ngagel Jaya Utara. It is open only at night like any other roadside food vendors in Surabaya....

Note to take: please be aware that they might run out of foods to sell as they reach 9pm every night (depending on the business of that day).

And it is very very cheap in my opinion..... Eventhough it is a roadside food vendor, the authentic taste of their batagor didn't disappoint..... The owner is from bandung so no wonder their batagor taste like as if I am in Bandung....

The batagor tastes really good. Its crisp is awesome. The sweetness is just right, and if you like it a little bit spicy, you can add some chili "sambal". The peanut sauce is just as awesome as the batagors I usually taste in Bandung......

This is definitely one place that you should go when you are craving for some batagor.

Foodie: Kepiting Kapasan Surabaya

10 Things You Gotta Know About "Kepiting Kapasan"

Location:
https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zCfqtvFC4l34.k6kb5xAgImUg

1. One of the most awesome roadside seafood vendors in Surabaya..... Remember that it is "roadside" which also means on "the sidewalk" where it is very close to the motor vehicles passing by (or "ngemper" as Indonesians call it). Some of you might not like the environment but who cares?! we come here for the food :)

2. They serve fresh and alive crabs with a couple different sizes with different prices..... The crabs are pretty big and taste good.....

3. The best sauce is the spicy sweet and sour sauce. Yummy!!! They serve other kinds of sauces too but I most recommend this sauce.....

4. It is located on Kapasan Street (hence the name we call it). The actual name of this business is something else, so don't try to find a banner saying "Kepiting Kapasan".

5. It's been open since a lot of years ago, not sure how many, but it's very popular among locals.....

6. They are usually pretty busy and might have a long queue for the table..... Sigh! One of their downsides..... Be prepared and don't come here too hungry! But the wait is completely worth it.....

7. They actually have a "branch" located near the original one. Just ask them where it is and they will explain to you how to get there..... Or when it is very busy, they will actually offer you to go to their "branch".

8. The crabs are DELICIOUS...... Just DELICIOUS! D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S......

9. You have to try it...... MUST TRY when you are in Surabaya.... If you happen not to like it, well, at least you try it.....

10. Are you in Surabaya? Well, you know you gotta go there now!!! :) :) :)

Food Adventure: Mie KJ (Kembang Jepun) Surabaya

Pangsit Mie (Noodle with Dumpling)

As the name suggests, Mie KJ can be found at Kembang Jepun Street in Surabaya City. It is only open at night and located by the roadside in front of the closed stores.

For your information, Kembang Jepun street is a busy business area from morning until afternoon. 

The street is typically full of cars, pedicabs, and pedestrians during the day. However, during the night, there are not that many cars passing by and not many business activities going on. Therefore, it is a pretty peaceful area to be at night time.

Mie KJ is a street food vendor that has been around for quite a long time. I believe it is open since 1960. Hence, it is pretty legendary in Surabaya.

For me, the noodle is quite delicious. With the aldente noodles and delicious soups, it is definitely worth a visit when you are in Surabaya. It is one of the go-to places for your culinary adventure in the city.

Usually Mie KJ is pretty busy with some people standing for their turn for a table. This proves that it is quite a well known place to eat. So be prepared to wait for a bit when it gets busy.

You could try a lot of different types of noodles here; pangsit mie; lo mie; he mie; etc. Choose your favourite type of noodles as you like it. I don't really know the many types of noodles since I am not too big of a fan of noodle.

In conclusion, this is of course one of the places to go when you are in Surabaya especially if you are a noodle lover and looking for a roadside foods.

Note: Please make sure you don't come looking for Mie KJ on Thursdays since they are close.....

Bangkalan Lighthouse, Madura Island, East Java

Such a fine sunny day off from work would be soooo wasted if spent doing the same daily routine.

Early during the eid mubarak long holiday, me and some friends decided that we wanted to explore the neighbouring island to Surabaya, Madura Island...

With only less than one hour drive from our hometown Surabaya to the town of Bangkalan and then to the outskirt part of the town, there was the getting-more-well-known Bangkalan lighthouse.

The access to the lighthouse is very safe and well paved so nobody needs to worry about bringing his/her car to this place.

The lighthouse that was built by the Dutch a lot of years ago is still standing in a very well kept condition. There is a small fee we need to pay to the lighthouse keeper (more like a villager who lives around the area). I couldn't remember how much but it's not too expensive.

If you want you can also hike up the stairs inside the lighthouse which would need some extra physical workout but it's very doable as long as you are fit. From the top, we can enjoy the scenery and actually see the bridge of Suramadu from afar.

Spend some time at the top to breathe the fresh air and capture some great pictures of the scenery or of yourself and friends.

For a day out just outside of town, this place is worth exploring and I am sure more people would come to this place for a prewedding photo session (we met one coupke doing that) or merely a break from the hustle bustle of Surabaya city.

Somewhere along the way from Bangkalan to the Lighthouse

Don't forget to eat at the famous Bebek Sinjay for a delicious duck dish in Madura

Travel Videos: Snorkeling at Nusa Barong Island, Jember, East Java

Snorkeling at Nusa Barong Island, Jember, East Java

Snorkeling at Nusa Barong (Nusa Barung) Island, Jember Regency, East Java, Indonesia

Nusa Barong Island is located South of Java.... The current was quite hard and the waves were very high during our trip to Nusa Barong Island.....

Underwater Picture: Corals at Nusa Barong Island, East Java, Indonesia

Underwater Corals at Nusa Barong Island, Jember, East Java, Indonesia

-----------------------

Terumbu Karang di Pulau Nusa Barong, Jember, Jawa Timur, Indonesia

taken during the Easter Long Weekend in April 2014.

Photography: The Majestic Mount Bromo

The Majestic Mount Bromo

Place Taken: Mount Bromo, East Java, Indonesia

Date Taken: August, 2012 at 5:15 a.m.

Taken with: Canon EOS 400D

Taken by: Ferry Wijaya

Specifications: ISO 1600; 27mm; f/4; 1/25

Decriptions:

- The majectic Mount Bromo after sunrise

- Mount Bromo is an active volcano in East Java, Indonesia

- In order to visit Mount Bromo, we can go to Surabaya, the second biggest city in Indonesia; then, take a 4 hour drive up to the foot of Mount Bromo

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 Videos: Lumpur Lapindo, Sidoarjo, Indonesia

My Travel Videos of Lapindo Mud Flow, Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Video Wisata Lumpur Lapindo di Sidoarjo, Jawa Timur, Indonesi

Climbing up the ladder to reach the top of the retaining wall of Lumpur Lapindo

Part 1 - Sights at Wisata Lumpur Lapindo

Part 2 - Sights at Wisata Lumpur Lapindo

Part 3 - Sights at Wisata Lumpur Lapindo

Part 4 - Sights at Wisata Lumpur Lapindo

Travel Videos: Arriving at Jawa Timur Park II

The Front View of Museum Satwa in Jawa Timur Park II, Batu, Malang, East Java, Indonesia

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Front View of Pohon Inn and Museum Satwa

in Jawa Timur Park II, Batu, Malang, East Java, Indonesia

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Front View of Pohon Inn and Batu Secret Zoo

in Jawa Timur Park II, Batu, Malang, East Java, Indonesia

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit Jawa Timur II in Batu, Malang, East Java, Indonesia......

Here, you can find the international standard Museum Satwa which I think is the best museum I have ever visited in Indonesia. 

You can also find Batu Secret Zoo here which gives awesome entertainment for us who like animals and also for children who seek entertainment at a theme park.

If you need an accommodation close to the theme park, you can also stay at the Pohon Inn which has a unique exterior that assembles a big giant tree.

Food Picture: Ayam Sri

Ayam Sri, Prigen, East Java, Indonesia

Taken on March 25, 2014

This is one of my most favorite steamed chicken that I have ever tasted. The tenderness and and sweetness of the chicken is the main strong point.

It may not appeal to the liking of those who like some Indonesian spicy chicken. However, Me myself who like and adore spicy foods still love this chicken.

At the Top of Mount Ijen, Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia

At the Top of Mount Ijen, Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia

The 360 degree view from the top of Mount Ijen, Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pemandangan 360 derajat dari Puncak Gunung Ijen, Banyuwangi, Jawa Timur, Indonesia.

Photography: Sunrise at Mount Bromo

Sunrise at Mount Bromo

• Mount Bromo is an active volcano...
• It is located in East Java, Indonesia
• It is one of the most internationally visited tourist destination in Indonesia.

Bluefire Phenomenon at Ijen Crater, Banyuwangi, Indonesia

Bluefire Phenomenon at Ijen Crater, Banyuwangi, Indonesia

Video Taken by: Ferry Wijaya

Camera Used: Olympus TG-2

Date Taken: December 24, 2013

Petualangan Menuju Bluefire Kawah Ijen

Gunung Ijen merupakan salah satu dari sekian banyak tujuan wisata di Jawa Timur selain Gunung Bromo. Dibandingkan Gunung Bromo, memang Gunung Ijen lebih kurang dikenal. Namun, keindahan Gunung Ijen bukanlah sesuatu yang dapat dianggap remeh dan seharusnya mendapatkan lebih banyak perhatian dari penikmat wisata gunung.

Puncak Gunung Ijen

Gunung Ijen terletak lebih dekat ke Bali daripada ke Surabaya, ibukota Jawa Timur. Gunung Ijen tertelak di Kabupaten Banyuwangi dan sekitar satu jam dari Kota Banyuwangi. Jika Anda sedang berada di Bali, Anda dapat dapat dengan mudah mencari tour yang menawarkan perjalanan ke Gunung Ijen.

Sulfur Dingin yang Dipahat

Gunung Ijen dapat dituju dengan 1 jam perjalanan dari Kota Banyuwangi menuju Paltuding dengan menggunakan mobil biasa. Paltuding, yang merupakan kaki Gunung Ijen, adalah awal dari pendakian menuju puncak Gunung Ijen. Anda juga dapat mencapai Paltuding dari kota lain yaitu Bondowoso, jika Anda dapang dari arah Surabaya. Namun, konon jalan dari Bondowoso ke Paltuding lebih buruk kondisinya.

di Atas Awan

Ketika Anda sampai di Paltuding, Anda biasanya akan bertemu penduduk lokal yang kebanyakan penambang sulfur yang akan menawarkan jasa guide menuju puncak gunung. Biasanya jasa mereka berkisar di harga Rp 100.000 - Rp 300.000. Namun, Anda juga bisa memilih untuk mendaki gunung sendiri tanpa guide.

Penambang Sulfur Sedang Menimbang Hasil Penambangannya

Jalan pendakian cukup bagus kondisinya, sehingga Anda tidak perlu khawatir tentang keamanan diri Anda. Jalanannya cukup lebar sekitar 4 meter sepanjang jalur pendakian.

Bluefire di Kawah Ijen

Hal yang paling spesial di Gunung Ijen adalah adanya fenomena bluefire (api biru) di dalam kawah gunung. Bluefire ini merupakan salah satu dari hanya dua tempat di dunia dimana Anda dapat menyaksikan fenomena ini. Namun untuk dapat melihat kemegahan fenomena ini, Anda harus sudah berada di dalam kawah gunung Ijen sekitar jam 2-4 pagi karena hanya pada waktu itulah fenomena bluefire terjadi. Jadi, Anda harus memulai perjalanan pendakian Anda sekitar jam 12 malam dan mencapai puncak gunung sekitar jam 2 pagi, lalu masuk ke dalam kawah selama sekitar setengah jam sampai 45 menit dikarenakan jalan yang cukup terjal dan agak berbahaya jika tidak hati-hati.

Bluefire di Gunung Ijen ini adalah salah satu fenomena yang tidak ingin Anda lewatkan dan fenomena ini bisa jadi salah satu hal yang harus Anda lihat before you die.

Adventure to Mount Ijen to See Bluefire

Mount Ijen is one of the most visited tourist destinations in East Java, other than Mount Bromo. Compared to the neighboring Mount Bromo, Mount Ijen is indeed less famous. However, the beauty of Mount Ijen is not something to be skipped over and deserves some more good publications.

At the Top of the Mountain

Mount Ijen is closer to Bali than to Surabaya, the Capital of East Java. It is located in Banyuwangi regency and about one hour drive from Banyuwangi City. If you visit Bali, you can opt in for an optional tour to Mount Ijen through any tour operators you can find in Bali. It's pretty easy to find a tour operator to go to Mount Ijen from Bali.

Carved Sulphur

In order to go to Mount Ijen, you will have to go on an approximately one hour drive from Banyuwangi City to Paltuding (by any car, since the roads are paved well anyway). Paltuding, the foot of the mountain, is the start point of the hiking trip to the top of the mountain. You can also go to Paltuding from another city, Bondowoso, if you come from another direction (from Surabaya). However, the roads from Bondowoso to Paltuding is said to be less well paved (I haven't confirmed it yet since I didn't go through this way).

Above the Clouds

Once you arrive at Paltuding, you would usually find a lot of locals (usually also sulphur miners) who would offer you a guided hiking trip up to the top of the mountain. It usually costs around IDR 100.000 - IDR 300.000 for the guide fee. But, you can always opt in to go by yourself without a guide.

The Sulphur Miner Weighing His Mine

The hiking trek is in pretty good condition now, so you don't have to worry about the safety too much. The trek is pretty wide consistently, about 4 meters most of the way.

The Bluefire

The most special thing about Mount Ijen is that you can see the bluefire inside the crater. It is said to be one of the only two places where you can see the amazing bluefire in the world. However, in order to see the bluefire, you must be inside the crate in the middle of the night, at around 2-4 am. So, you might need to start your hiking trip at about midnight, reach the mountain top at 2 am, and climb down into the crater for about half an hour to 45 minutes.

Bluefire at Mount Ijen is something that you wouldn't wanna miss and it is a place you would want to see before you die.

Photography: Ijen Crater Bluefire

Ijen Crater Bluefire

Place Taken: Ijen Crater, Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia

Date Taken: December 23, 2013 at 4 a.m.

Taken with: Olympus TG-2

Taken by: Ferry Wijaya

Specifications: ISO 1600; 7.9mm; f/2.9; 1/2

Decriptions:

- In order to take this picture, we had to do a 2 hour hike up to the top of Mount Ijen and down to the bottom of the crater

- There are only 2 places we can all see blue fire in the world. This is one of them, the other one is in Finland

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!