Prambanan Temple, Yogyakarta
Built in 10th century, Prambanan temple is the largest Hindu temple of ancient Java and is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
@travelleranatomy.blogspot.com
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Weekly Travel Photo
Prambanan Temple, Yogyakarta
Built in 10th century, Prambanan temple is the largest Hindu temple of ancient Java and is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
@travelleranatomy.blogspot.com
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Central-East Java: Nasi Gudeg & Ngamen
We can have so many reasons to like a place. It could be the warm welcome u received, the cheapest breakfast u ever bought, beautiful scenery just outside your window or the feeling of being young again after a ride on roller coaster. But for me, my stomach always have good connection with my heart. Enjoying food with good company never fail creating sweet memories of the place and that was the reason I never forget my first night in Yogyakarta. I agree when people say food bring people together, no matter where the place.
The day I arrived was hectic, I straight away visiting places in my itinerary without putting my backpack at a place I would be spending my night at. My lunch was just a bar of Snickers chocolate and raining the whole afternoon didn't make my travel any easier either. I was tired and glad when finally I reached Lisa's house at about 6-ish. At least I could put my head down to rest for awhile before having dinner *I hadn't eat any meal except my in-flight Nasi Ayam Chin*
Lisa was so friendly and she's a chatter box! We talked almost about anything for hours like there's no tomorrow and like we were good friends that hadn't meet for ages and need a lot of catching up to do. I had a good laugh, really! Then I totally forgot about my dinner. My sister already laid herself down and lost in her dream. During the conversation also I decided to change my plan for tomorrow and day after. It was all because of Lisa! Now, I just need to rent a car with driver for my trip to Dieng Plateu, a place 5-hour drive from Jogja. But at 9pm, we were still talking and I hadn't book any car yet for tomorrow's trip that should begin at 5am! And I was still in the same cloth since I arrived without shower nor dinner. Pathetic! I am such a well-prepared freak sometimes, this kind of arrangement doesn't fit me, I need to at least secured the booking then I can be comfortable with anything afterwards. This conversation needed to stop and we should be going out doing the arrangement. Luckily Lisa's helper came into our room and interrupted our conversation, brought 3 plates of Sate Madura for each of us. So, we stopped talking for awhile and I finished them in no time. I was famished!
This is the look of Sate Madura. Similar to our Malaysian sate but with additional of sambal and kicap. The taste? As yummy as it looked *burp, excuse me :p
If you have been to Prawirotaman to look for mid range accommodation and place to eat, you've probably come across Via Via Cafe. In Lonely Planet, it is rated as top place to eat in Jogja and have been travelers' choice to hang out too. What was I doing at Via Via Cafe while I supposed to look for car rental company? Well, besides cafe they also provide car rental service and as I guessed, the price was a "little" too expensive for my type of travel :( So, I passed and together with Lisa we walked out of the place to look for more wallet-friendly price although I really would love to sit and enjoy the company of other travelers while drinking some refreshing juice there. The cafe had very relaxing ambiance, perfect for me who had tiring day today.
Just as we were about to leave, our motorbike bumped into Lisa's friend motorbike who also happens to be one of Jogja CSer I requested to be my host. I was very elated when Rose recognized me and she invited us to join her for some meet up with other CSers. How could I say no?! At that instance, I nodded in agreement and put the finding-rental-car mission aside first :p Inside, there were already Fauzi, Taufik and his surfer from Germany, Basti. So later that night, the 6 of us (4 Indonesian, 1 Malaysian and 1 German) shared a table and many stories over our favourite drinks and live jazz music. Oh, how I love travelling...and making new friends!
Although Via Via Cafe serves local Indonesian dishes, Taufik suggested we should go some other place that have more authentic Indonesian taste and ambiance than the contemporary cafe setting Via Via have. Agreeing with him, Fauzi, Basti, Lisa and I hit the road with motorbikes to look for the best place to eat Nasi Gudeg, Jogja signature dish.
I fell for this place! I never expect such food stall could make me like Jogja so much. It's Jogja not at its surface!
I know, the video is very dark :( and there was no lighting except from the sidewalk but what I want to share is the songs from ngamen. I quite enjoyed their singing :) Do u? Ngamen is what Indonesian call a group or solo street performer. They could be singing any song at any place, including at the market, in a bus, food stalls etc. Usually people give them some money to show they enjoy their performance.
When I arrived at Gudeg Permata, it was almost 11pm but there were still a lot of people queueing for the food. As u can see, they are specializing in gudeg and have a lot of lauk to eat the rice with. Besides gudeg (young jack fruit cooked with palm sugar and coconut milk) I chose chicken with gravy and tempeh-playing safe by not choosing any peculiar lauk. Then Lisa suggested to include beef skin sambal. She claimed it is not as disgusting as its sounds and I was convinced and had some on my plate.
In the end, what left on my plate was the beef skin sambal. I just didn't have the courage to be food adventurous that night :D And I didn't finish the gudeg as well since jack fruit can caused wind in my stomach. But afterall, the gudeg taste just nice when combine with some sambal since eating it itself can be too sweet for my liking.
From the video, I did show there's a place for them to boil water isn't it? This is how it looked when I took the photo with flash on.
How classic! A coal stove.
But the more classic was the eating place at this stall. What do u think?
The empty space on the rainbow mat was where I ate and had a good taste of true Indonesia lifestyle (maybe). And that's how I could record the ngamen playing songs uninterruptedly *super happy*
That's how I spent my first night in Jogja :) Awesome, no?
Do u think u would enjoy this place like I did?
@travelleranatomy.blogspot.com
The day I arrived was hectic, I straight away visiting places in my itinerary without putting my backpack at a place I would be spending my night at. My lunch was just a bar of Snickers chocolate and raining the whole afternoon didn't make my travel any easier either. I was tired and glad when finally I reached Lisa's house at about 6-ish. At least I could put my head down to rest for awhile before having dinner *I hadn't eat any meal except my in-flight Nasi Ayam Chin*
Lisa was so friendly and she's a chatter box! We talked almost about anything for hours like there's no tomorrow and like we were good friends that hadn't meet for ages and need a lot of catching up to do. I had a good laugh, really! Then I totally forgot about my dinner. My sister already laid herself down and lost in her dream. During the conversation also I decided to change my plan for tomorrow and day after. It was all because of Lisa! Now, I just need to rent a car with driver for my trip to Dieng Plateu, a place 5-hour drive from Jogja. But at 9pm, we were still talking and I hadn't book any car yet for tomorrow's trip that should begin at 5am! And I was still in the same cloth since I arrived without shower nor dinner. Pathetic! I am such a well-prepared freak sometimes, this kind of arrangement doesn't fit me, I need to at least secured the booking then I can be comfortable with anything afterwards. This conversation needed to stop and we should be going out doing the arrangement. Luckily Lisa's helper came into our room and interrupted our conversation, brought 3 plates of Sate Madura for each of us. So, we stopped talking for awhile and I finished them in no time. I was famished!
This is the look of Sate Madura. Similar to our Malaysian sate but with additional of sambal and kicap. The taste? As yummy as it looked *burp, excuse me :p
If you have been to Prawirotaman to look for mid range accommodation and place to eat, you've probably come across Via Via Cafe. In Lonely Planet, it is rated as top place to eat in Jogja and have been travelers' choice to hang out too. What was I doing at Via Via Cafe while I supposed to look for car rental company? Well, besides cafe they also provide car rental service and as I guessed, the price was a "little" too expensive for my type of travel :( So, I passed and together with Lisa we walked out of the place to look for more wallet-friendly price although I really would love to sit and enjoy the company of other travelers while drinking some refreshing juice there. The cafe had very relaxing ambiance, perfect for me who had tiring day today.
Just as we were about to leave, our motorbike bumped into Lisa's friend motorbike who also happens to be one of Jogja CSer I requested to be my host. I was very elated when Rose recognized me and she invited us to join her for some meet up with other CSers. How could I say no?! At that instance, I nodded in agreement and put the finding-rental-car mission aside first :p Inside, there were already Fauzi, Taufik and his surfer from Germany, Basti. So later that night, the 6 of us (4 Indonesian, 1 Malaysian and 1 German) shared a table and many stories over our favourite drinks and live jazz music. Oh, how I love travelling...and making new friends!
Although Via Via Cafe serves local Indonesian dishes, Taufik suggested we should go some other place that have more authentic Indonesian taste and ambiance than the contemporary cafe setting Via Via have. Agreeing with him, Fauzi, Basti, Lisa and I hit the road with motorbikes to look for the best place to eat Nasi Gudeg, Jogja signature dish.
I fell for this place! I never expect such food stall could make me like Jogja so much. It's Jogja not at its surface!
I know, the video is very dark :( and there was no lighting except from the sidewalk but what I want to share is the songs from ngamen. I quite enjoyed their singing :) Do u? Ngamen is what Indonesian call a group or solo street performer. They could be singing any song at any place, including at the market, in a bus, food stalls etc. Usually people give them some money to show they enjoy their performance.
When I arrived at Gudeg Permata, it was almost 11pm but there were still a lot of people queueing for the food. As u can see, they are specializing in gudeg and have a lot of lauk to eat the rice with. Besides gudeg (young jack fruit cooked with palm sugar and coconut milk) I chose chicken with gravy and tempeh-playing safe by not choosing any peculiar lauk. Then Lisa suggested to include beef skin sambal. She claimed it is not as disgusting as its sounds and I was convinced and had some on my plate.
In the end, what left on my plate was the beef skin sambal. I just didn't have the courage to be food adventurous that night :D And I didn't finish the gudeg as well since jack fruit can caused wind in my stomach. But afterall, the gudeg taste just nice when combine with some sambal since eating it itself can be too sweet for my liking.
From the video, I did show there's a place for them to boil water isn't it? This is how it looked when I took the photo with flash on.
How classic! A coal stove.
But the more classic was the eating place at this stall. What do u think?
The empty space on the rainbow mat was where I ate and had a good taste of true Indonesia lifestyle (maybe). And that's how I could record the ngamen playing songs uninterruptedly *super happy*
That's how I spent my first night in Jogja :) Awesome, no?
Do u think u would enjoy this place like I did?
@travelleranatomy.blogspot.com
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Weekly Travel Quote
"A journey is best measure in friends, rather than miles" - Tim Cahill
@travelleranatomy.blogspot.com
Monday, April 25, 2011
Weekly Travel Photo
Myeongdong, South Korea
SHOPPING. SHOPPING. SHOPPING.
That is what Myeondong is famous for :)
As a main shopping district in Seoul, find yourself marvelling (and lost) at the endless rows of shop from middle priced to designer labels.
If you're not into splurging, this place is also great for people watching. It's like watching K-fashion show on a runway.
@travelleranatomy.blogspot.com
Friday, April 22, 2011
Islands Hopping in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The day I spared for island hopping at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park was the day I most awaited. It's not a time for me to leave Kota Kinabalu yet when I haven't got myself here. Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is a marine park comprises of Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug. All these islands are just 10-15 minutes boat ride from Jesselton Point, the ferry terminal where u can charter a boat to the islands.
Numerous tour operators are available at the jetty terminal offering boat transfer, snorkelling, parasailing and other activities. Ask around to get the best price but honestly they don't differ too much from each other.
What u got to do is just tell them which island u want to go. This decision is mainly affected by what activities u are up to. Here I provide u a brief description of each island to help you choosing your destination in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. But of course u can visit all 5 of the islands if time is not your concern.
Pulau Gaya
The largest island in the park which fits a 5-star resort, stilt village occupied by illegal immigrants and hiking trail in its dense tropical forest. Swimming and snorkelling can still be done but not recommended.
Pulau Manukan
The second largest island and always a chosen island for snorkelling and diving activities for many people. It is the most developed island with many chalets, clubhouse, diving centre and other sports activities (volley ball and takraw court). You can also do sea walking activity here.
Pulau Sapi
Has the most beautiful beach and crystal clear water, ideal for just lazing by the beach. Despite its lesser marine life, people still can enjoy snorkelling.
Pulau Mamutik
The smallest island in the park. Good beautiful beach and coral reef.
Which islands I went to?
My friends and I chose 2M, Mamutik and Manukan. Activity: snorkelling.
For that, we paid RM 60 for boat transfer and island admission fee and RM 10 each for snorkelling equipments (life jacket, snorkel mask) rental. You have to carry along the equipments when u hop to another island and return it to jetty at the end of the day.
And there is also compulsory fee for jetty terminal of RM 7.20 per person.
After all that arrangment done and paid, we followed the tour guy to our boat. Yay!!! It's been a longgggg time since my last sea-related activities. We chose to snorkel in Mamutik then only Manukan.
After you reached the island, you're on your own, freely roam the island finding the best spot to rest. The boat will be waiting for your next island at agreed time at the same jetty.
There was a foreign company having family day/vacation when we arrived at Mamutik. So, the small island seemed a bit crowded but we managed to find a spot at shaded area near the lifeguard tower to put down our things and get ready to snorkel. I thought it was a good idea to settle near the tower so the lifeguard could help look after our belongings and rescue us in no time when we were in distress. But the idea seemed to turn to brilliant after Jim, the lifeguard offered to snorkel with us and showed around the area he knows best.
With corals at depth not more than 2 meters and mild current, the snorkelling was very pleasant. No struggling swimming needed here :) Visibility was very satisfying, I could see numerous species of fish but the only one I remember is the famous clown fish aka Nemo :D The rest of the species will have to wait until I have my diving license because in the course they'll teach u how to identify sea creatures. That afternoon we covered almost every corner of the section and every fish 'house' Jim knew and he even offered us to snorkel beyond the demarcation buoy. It was the best snorkeling experience so far except I didn't have any underwater-suitable camera to capture the amazing sea life down there. It was actually my 1st time snorkeling :p
I was too overwhelmed with what I saw down there and accidentally stepped on dead coral at the shore on my way back to the beach. The small cut hurts so much I almost cried because those tiny sand had started to stick inside it. I was just afraid of it get infected. Running water didn't help washing away the sand at all and at that time all my happy moment started to dissolve. Jim, being a lifeguard (and first aider) he was, could only offered me a waterproof antibacterial spray :( I am a qualified first aider by PBSM and St John but I never come across this waterproof antibacterial spray. At that second I was impressed with what they had in the first aid box. The qualification I have didn't come with bravery to scrap off the sand from the cut myself. So, I chose to spray the unclean cut with antibacterial and let the sand stay underneath it :( That's why I don't qualify to be a doctor.
It was an unwise decision not to clean the wound properly because when it was time to move to Manukan, it became swollen and I couldn't walk without stopping every now and then to ease the pain. It did slow me down a little bit but didn't stop me from enjoying my 2nd snorkeling in Manukan :D
We were given only 2 hours in Manukan and with this kind of school of fish welcoming us at Manukan jetty, I thought even half day wouldn't be enough :')
We had our packed lunch prior our snorkeling session at the resting area near lifeguard tower. And this time, the snorkeling got better as each of us had our own lifeguard to accompany us. Kinda like private snorkeling tour :)
Compared to Mamutik, Manukan had stronger current and the corals sit much deeper down and honestly, without my lifeguard's help I would surrender swimming as it got me nowhere. I was at the same location practically for 15 minutes how hard I kicked and pushed myself through the water. Yes, i'm an amateur swimmer but try for yourself then you'll know swimming in an open water need triple effort than in swmimming pool.
So, throughout this snorkeling in Manukan, I relied on his help pulling me to spots he identified having sea creatures. I tell you, he was a great swimmer! The lifeguard profession is suitable for him :D Because of him I could see more Nemos and more other fishes. But being the most developed and most visited island, the corals I saw here were dying, at least at the part I went to. But I strongly believe Manukan has more natural beauty than what i've seen. The time was not on my side that day and had to leave the island by 5pm. The same boat brought me, Sayra and Berry back to mainland.
For those who plan to do islands hopping in KK, here are some of my tips:
So, whenever you plan to go to Kota Kinabalu, include islands hopping in your itinerary. Do not miss this paradise on earth!
Numerous tour operators are available at the jetty terminal offering boat transfer, snorkelling, parasailing and other activities. Ask around to get the best price but honestly they don't differ too much from each other.
What u got to do is just tell them which island u want to go. This decision is mainly affected by what activities u are up to. Here I provide u a brief description of each island to help you choosing your destination in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. But of course u can visit all 5 of the islands if time is not your concern.
Pulau Gaya
The largest island in the park which fits a 5-star resort, stilt village occupied by illegal immigrants and hiking trail in its dense tropical forest. Swimming and snorkelling can still be done but not recommended.
Pulau Manukan
The second largest island and always a chosen island for snorkelling and diving activities for many people. It is the most developed island with many chalets, clubhouse, diving centre and other sports activities (volley ball and takraw court). You can also do sea walking activity here.
Pulau Sapi
Has the most beautiful beach and crystal clear water, ideal for just lazing by the beach. Despite its lesser marine life, people still can enjoy snorkelling.
Pulau Mamutik
The smallest island in the park. Good beautiful beach and coral reef.
Which islands I went to?
My friends and I chose 2M, Mamutik and Manukan. Activity: snorkelling.
For that, we paid RM 60 for boat transfer and island admission fee and RM 10 each for snorkelling equipments (life jacket, snorkel mask) rental. You have to carry along the equipments when u hop to another island and return it to jetty at the end of the day.
And there is also compulsory fee for jetty terminal of RM 7.20 per person.
After all that arrangment done and paid, we followed the tour guy to our boat. Yay!!! It's been a longgggg time since my last sea-related activities. We chose to snorkel in Mamutik then only Manukan.
 |
| Sayra & Berry |
 |
| Oh, that's Mamutik! |
 |
| Mamutik Jetty |
 |
| Welcome to Mamutik Island |
After you reached the island, you're on your own, freely roam the island finding the best spot to rest. The boat will be waiting for your next island at agreed time at the same jetty.
There was a foreign company having family day/vacation when we arrived at Mamutik. So, the small island seemed a bit crowded but we managed to find a spot at shaded area near the lifeguard tower to put down our things and get ready to snorkel. I thought it was a good idea to settle near the tower so the lifeguard could help look after our belongings and rescue us in no time when we were in distress. But the idea seemed to turn to brilliant after Jim, the lifeguard offered to snorkel with us and showed around the area he knows best.
Me in my snorkeling gear
Soon will be in diving gear :D
With corals at depth not more than 2 meters and mild current, the snorkelling was very pleasant. No struggling swimming needed here :) Visibility was very satisfying, I could see numerous species of fish but the only one I remember is the famous clown fish aka Nemo :D The rest of the species will have to wait until I have my diving license because in the course they'll teach u how to identify sea creatures. That afternoon we covered almost every corner of the section and every fish 'house' Jim knew and he even offered us to snorkel beyond the demarcation buoy. It was the best snorkeling experience so far except I didn't have any underwater-suitable camera to capture the amazing sea life down there. It was actually my 1st time snorkeling :p
 |
| That is Jim |
I was too overwhelmed with what I saw down there and accidentally stepped on dead coral at the shore on my way back to the beach. The small cut hurts so much I almost cried because those tiny sand had started to stick inside it. I was just afraid of it get infected. Running water didn't help washing away the sand at all and at that time all my happy moment started to dissolve. Jim, being a lifeguard (and first aider) he was, could only offered me a waterproof antibacterial spray :( I am a qualified first aider by PBSM and St John but I never come across this waterproof antibacterial spray. At that second I was impressed with what they had in the first aid box. The qualification I have didn't come with bravery to scrap off the sand from the cut myself. So, I chose to spray the unclean cut with antibacterial and let the sand stay underneath it :( That's why I don't qualify to be a doctor.
It was an unwise decision not to clean the wound properly because when it was time to move to Manukan, it became swollen and I couldn't walk without stopping every now and then to ease the pain. It did slow me down a little bit but didn't stop me from enjoying my 2nd snorkeling in Manukan :D
 |
| Should've wear this all the time |
 |
| To avoid this |
 |
| And this |
 |
| Or even this |
We were given only 2 hours in Manukan and with this kind of school of fish welcoming us at Manukan jetty, I thought even half day wouldn't be enough :')
Manukan Island
We had our packed lunch prior our snorkeling session at the resting area near lifeguard tower. And this time, the snorkeling got better as each of us had our own lifeguard to accompany us. Kinda like private snorkeling tour :)
Compared to Mamutik, Manukan had stronger current and the corals sit much deeper down and honestly, without my lifeguard's help I would surrender swimming as it got me nowhere. I was at the same location practically for 15 minutes how hard I kicked and pushed myself through the water. Yes, i'm an amateur swimmer but try for yourself then you'll know swimming in an open water need triple effort than in swmimming pool.
So, throughout this snorkeling in Manukan, I relied on his help pulling me to spots he identified having sea creatures. I tell you, he was a great swimmer! The lifeguard profession is suitable for him :D Because of him I could see more Nemos and more other fishes. But being the most developed and most visited island, the corals I saw here were dying, at least at the part I went to. But I strongly believe Manukan has more natural beauty than what i've seen. The time was not on my side that day and had to leave the island by 5pm. The same boat brought me, Sayra and Berry back to mainland.
For those who plan to do islands hopping in KK, here are some of my tips:
- Rent the snorkeling gear at the jetty and carry them to every island u go, including the safety jacket. It'll save you a lot.
- Ensure you have agreed time to meet up with your boat guy and hop in the same boat as you leave the jetty. Other boats wait for other passengers.
- Don't you always feel hungry after sea activity? Food is available in the island but you can bring your packed lunch from mainland to save more.
- Lifeguards are placed at every 100 meter or so, have no fear of the sea. Anyway, you have the safety jacket with you always. For snorkeling assistance, usually they tend to help all-girl group but be nice and make friends with them, they'll show around :D
- Spend at least 3 hours at every island, enough for snorkel, walk along the beach, eat, photographing etc. I'm the type of person who take ages to look around an area, feel free to shorten it as you wish.
- Go with friends, a lot of friends! People say the more, the merrier. It's a place you enjoy each other company and share laughter.
So, whenever you plan to go to Kota Kinabalu, include islands hopping in your itinerary. Do not miss this paradise on earth!
Say yes to islands hopping in KK!
@travelleranatomy.blogspot.com
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