The memory still lingers, the benevolence of Indonesians left a great impact in my life as a traveler. Everyone showed me such gracious hospitality; they taught me lose myself, next to find myself. Villagers let me experienced to see the bigger world in spite of the limited movement I do, to enjoy things even in the most inadequate resources, to seek new landscapes but in having new eyes, to appreciate little things. They have touched my heart and soul. It’s not only the amazing places that made Indonesia beautiful, but mainly its people. It was all happened when I did a solo backpacking in the country, on my birthday in 2013.
Uluwatu Temple
That time, I decided to travel to Indonesia primarily to experience its rich culture and heritage, its flora and faunas, its beautiful landscape and rich marine biodiversity. Undeniably, the country boasts beautiful places I could not ever imagine. Indonesia is like one huge puzzle, comes with great diversity, but when fits together, a surprise awaits. A wonderful land will be revealed. A harmonious multicultural country with several ethnic groups, religion, customs, traditions and races. That’s the reasons why I dreamt of coming back to Indonesia.
Just this month, my longing for Indonesia came into reality, from different perspective of traveling. I once again explored Java and discovered the fascinating island of Bali. It was full packed of new learnings, joy and laughter for I was with the Southeast Asian friends whom I just met in the event called #TripOfWonders.
A series of flights, accommodations and feast of sumptuous food, only the best were provided to us from the team of Trip of Wonders.
Ubud's Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Coffee tour at Bali Pulina plantation
The familiarization tour was divided into two major destinations, Yogyakarta and Bali. Yogyakarta is not new to me; I’ve been here before and the place is all about its rich cultural heritage. It’s blanketed with wealth of art and traditions to culinary tour, reasons why Yogyakarta is the most visited tourist destination next to Bali.
We have witnessed an ancient Javanese folk dance called Jathilian, in which a group of dancers become possessed by spirits and engage in a range of self - mortification behaviors
Candi Borobodor is lovelier the second time around
Located between the island of Java and Lombok, Bali is known as the Island of the Gods, the Island of Thousand Temples and Bali Dwipa. First time in Bali, the whole thing is astonishing for me, from Uluwatu Temple which is perched on the top of a steep with magnificent sunset accompanied by performers of Kecak Dance to Ubud’s Rice Terraces. Abundant white beaches are also the main attraction in Bali; Seminyak Beach in Kuta is the front liner among all.
Headed straight from Denpasar Airport to have our lunch here in The Sundays Beach Club
The Kecak dance, also known as the Rmayana Monkey Chant, the piece, performed by at least 50 men wearing a checked cloth around their waits, percussively chanting "cak" and throwing up their arms, depicts a battle from the Ramayana.
10 days of fun rediscovering Indonesia in new perspective, 25 new awesome and inspiring local and foreign travel buddies and numerous memoirs to keep. More reasons to keep coming back to the land I call my second home.
