The Highest in Bali, Mount Agung 3.142m – the climbing story

Well, just thinking of reposting this story, which I created about a year ago, just wanted to give some edits and trying my best to put them in good English. I am not a good English writer though’…

 Mountain Climbing for some people, especially for people who called themselves “Nature Lovers” or “Adventure-er” ,”Mountaineering” or whatever it is, has been always a “fun” thing to do. It’s what people say a “challenge”…

Well of course, there are many types of climbing. There are Rock Climbing, Ice climbing, Canyoning, etc , which some of them need a special technique and well-preparation before doing it.

Especially for this climbing story of myself and three other friend, I would just call it a “mount climbing” or for myself  I called it a “reckless climbing” -sorry if this is an inappropriate word to express that we were actually not really in a well-prepared condition to climb, at that time –

We climbed on the 5^th of April 2009, it was Sunday and the idea to do a climbing came to us just a few days before the day – the idea came to us, once we knew that there was “a friend of a friend” –how you call that?- who had climbed the mount before, and the good thing was he is a Balinese as well, and he knows well about the area -

I could have been saying “wow this is gonna’ be an impossible, if we are going without local people, we do not know the route and not to mention we are going to climb up the highest mountain in this Island 3.142 m above the sea level –

 Jim and Mat are from Sumatra, 1700 miles away from this Island, and me myself is from South Sulawesi, 500 miles away from this Island-

Long story short, it’s 2pm on the April 4^th, my 2 litters “Norwand” back-pack already full and tight, with 5 bottles (plastic) of 1500 ml mineral water, a thick jacket, a full-of-pocket trouser, and of course some instant foods for dinner, a camera –a must bring thing to capture good views – , a scraft , a skull-cap, a mini-stove to cook dinner , climbing shoes -

 I had been told before that the temperature on the summit can be less than 10 degree, so my anticipation was to bring the thickest jacket I have.

There are two routes to reach the summit –actually there are 3, but the other one is not common -. First, via Besakih Temple  and second, via Pura Pasar Agung .

Here are a few explanations about the 3 routes.

Climbing routes

From Besakih (west). This is a demanding climb starting close to Besakih temple. The ascent will take about 6 to 7 hours and ends at the very highest point of the mountain. The final hour or so is exceptionally demanding often requiring ascent on all fours. A sensible start time is about 11PM, so that you arrive at the top before dawn and wait for the sunrise.

From Pura Pasar Agung (south). A three to four hour climb in which time you ascend about 2,000 metres. Not so stiff as the Besakih route. The route ends about 100 metres below the actual summit, but the views are still excellent in all directions, as well as down into the actual crater. A sensible start time would be about 2:30 AM, again with aim of reaching the peak just before dawn. I and friends took this route, and in fact we were about a hundred metres below the actual summit.

From Duku Bujangga Sakti (north). A seldom used route but one which is most appropriate for less experienced trekkers and the slightly less physically fit. The ascent starts at 300 metres and involves an overnight camp at 1,700 meters, before the final ascent in the pre-dawn hours the following day. This route also allows you to walk around the rim of the crater to the absolute summit of the mountain.

I made my own map, so you guys can -at least- having a slight view of what I am talking about.

After all has been packed, we then left Sanur “Abian Prasta” our starting point and heading towards North-East of Bali. We previously planned to climb via Besakih Temple but we were forbidden to climb without a guide and they suggested us to use guide at IDR 300,000, – what?no way!!!- we were on a very low-budget, I could not remember my money in pocket was less than Rp. 100,000,-  – turned back and left the place with huge disappointment.

But as I said, it is always an advantageous to go with a local, my friend Gilang found the plan B- going via Pura pasar Agung. He claim himself “NatureLover”,he is Balinese and we counted  much on him as our leader….

 Leaving Besakih, rode to the East to Tukad Panglan, Pura Pasar Agung (see map) and we got there about 6 or 7pm, I could not remember. There is a large parking lot there at the temple. It is closer to the top and took about only 4 hours to climb (normally) compare to Besakih which needs at least 7-8 hours climbing.

6pm at the Temple, before climbing!

Long story short, we entered the dark forest at about 7.30pm after praying at the Temple.

– Praying at the temple, is a must- to-do before descending the mount, for your info Mt.Agung is considered holy by Hindu people  where the kingdom of gods (Bali protectors) settled, so we must show respect – it is also forbidden to hike when it is full-moon – Also do not ever bring any food contains beef –

With each of us, using a head-lamp, we begun to step our feet on rocky, slippery and grassy path leading to the top of the mount where the excitement is waitingJ. We took an un-countable stops and rest along the way of course, not only because the path is taugh, but the bag was heavy!

On the height of about 1,000 m we begun to see an absolutely stunning view, but it was only over-seeing the town with millions of lamps.

Half way, it was 10.30pm, we need to cook dinner, and we need to find a flat-surface to settle a tent but what a bad luck!  There was no flat-surface, only rocks around! But because we were starved, cooking food was the top priority.

Our plan: it’s 11pm, to sleep and wake up at 3am to continue to the summit which now only take 4 hours ,and catch sunrise in the morning at 6 or 7 am. And………………………..

 -NOBODY WOKE-UP until 7am-

In fact, I already yelled 3 or more times, everybody slept like having drunk an alcoholic drink last night. So planning was kind of ruined but the main aim was to reach the summit and get down before 12pm.

In the end, we made it to the summit at 10am and returned at 11.30am

Here are the photos :

A lot of stops and rest !!.

 

7am on the 5th April, breakfast!

Cold morninggg !!

Continue to the summit !!

Almost get to the topp! keep movin”!!

Matius, on a great background!

At the topp!!

Mount Agung The great crater ! 200 m wide and about 8 – 20 m deep ! last eruption 1963 killed approx 1500 people!

Rock on the cloud! flyinggggg !!!

a MAPALA “national” flag

me and the “red-white” flag ….I on the sky.!

“Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb.”    — Greg Child.

“Climbing is as close as we can come to flying.”    — Margaret Young, aviator and alpinist.

 

END

THE GREAT LAKE TOBA – North Sumatra Chapter

Hi guys, move on to next story of the unforgettable trip….

On the 16th of August 2010 , we continued the trip to the 100 km long and 30 km wide lake ,largest lake in North Sumatra LAKE TOBA. The largest lake in Indonesia, and South East Asia.

Yes, Lake Toba. It took us about at least or more than  4 hours to travel this 176 kms long road from Medan, the capital city with motor bike. This lake is part of few regencies, among them are Simalungun, Samosir, Tapanuli Utara, Humbang Hasundutan, Karo and Dairi ,Noth Sumatra. There were 6 of us altogether. It was me, Cece, brother Welly, sister Ritha, brother Ewis, Rio & Idrus. We departed at early in the morning at 5am to avoid traffic jam and to also avoid the extremely hot weather, that time.

The greatest lake – LAKE TOBA

For the first 2 hours, we were leaving the city and heading toward west with average speed about 80 kms/hour, exit from Jalan Tol Berawa toward Jalan Serdang. There is only one big, large road heading to Lake Toba. I could recall the places we passed; it was Tanjung Morawa, Lubuk Pakam etc. Along the road you can only see houses. It was still morning at about 7am. We stopped by at Warung for a glass of copy/tea, just to warm-up the body.

Satelite View

Next 2 hours, we entered Tebing Tinggi , and heading toward the town of Pematang Siantar. Pematang Siantar is the largest town you will certainly pass when you are going to Lake Toba, unless you are going through Brastagi. However, from this point, still 48 kms to go to get to the great Lake.

We started to feel back-bone pain for sitting too long on the motorbike. It was really a long trip, I did not imagine before. I suggest for you guys who wants to do a trip to Lake Toba, to just rent a car rather than to ride a motorbike unless you are strong enough.

Between Pematang Siantar and Parapat, we started to get into the pine forest, windy,resulting a very cold, cold air. So fantastic and shaking you at once to bear the cold. I cried ..” woo hooooooo……….” so loud, when fasten the speed of motorbike, and gliding among the pine forest, 1000 m above the sea level.

For me myself, it was fun and did not feel so tired as it was the first time for me to visit the people say, the Beautiful Lake. I was imagining the lake along the way! At about 12, we actually had spent more than 4 hours untilwe got to the small town near the lake, Parapat. Finally we had some time for relaxing; straighten the back-bone, relaxing the ass-pain, due to long-long trip. We had Lunch in a Chinese warung,and spend a few minutes chit and chat.

On the next story, approaching the island in the lake center….Island of Samosir

TOBE CONTINUED

GUNUNG LEUSER NATIONAL PARK-BUKIT LAWANG Sanctuary of Sumatran OrangUtan

On this 14th of August ,the next trip was to visit to Bukit Lawang. Bukit Lawang is one of the top destinations in Sumatra, a small village on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park about 68 kms from the heart of Medan city to the North via Binjai. “Bukit Lawang” means “GATEWAY TO THE HILLS”. This place is famous for the Bohorok Rehabilitation Centre now known as the Orangutan Centre.

Pic :1 At the entrance of Leuser National Park

We start in Medan at about 11am,it was cloudy and we got to Bukit Lawang at about 2.30pm, I was really happy knowing that we did not miss the feeding session of the Orang Utan which is only twice a day (9am and 3pm). We could possibly miss it,if we came late at the time.

At the top of the village of Bukit Lawang is the Bohorok Rehabilitation Centre which has not operated since the flood (2 November 2003 which have killed 253 people,and 83 people claimed lost). They still have a few orangutan in their care but no new animals are brought in for rehabilitation. You will need to get a permit to enter the National Park. Ask in your hotel as they can arrange the permit, you can arrange it yourself at the PHPA office at the beginning of Bukit Lawang or you can pay for your permit when you cross the river at the Orangutan Centre. Permit costs approximately 20,000Rp.

Pic:2  The bridge,the river and the village of Bukit Lawang

As soon as we have parked the motorbike,we then took a walk up to a house where people usually buy an entrance tickets,luckily it was closed,we only saw a man were sitting on the chair sleeping and snoring so bad.In this place I call “a house” where we can find/read descriptions of animals we can find in the Leuser Forest. We spend a few minutes in this place. Rain begun to fall. We continued walking to the entrance of Leuser National Park, with firstly have to cross using a cabled-canoe,Rp.5,000- per person.

Pic:3 You have to cross the river with this canoe

A group of “moms” were waiting to cross the river with canoe

Continue ascending- I have no idea how many stairs-step- to the Orang Utan feeding site, it took about 10 to 15 minutes walking,and then “voilaaaa….” ,wait a few minutes,the “pawang” begun to call out the Orang Utan by striking a piece of bamboo on the hard surface,the sound will give signal to the Orang Utan and let them know that food is ready:). Now sit relax and enjoy the view of “pawang” is feeding  the Orang Utans with  banana and milk.

Pic:4 The feeding of Orang Utan

In the river,locals and foreigners can do a “tubing” as well,beside trekking into the wild of Leuser Natioal Park. However no idea about how much to pay for this activities.

Pic:5 Tubing,and Funnn….!!

How to get to Bukit Lawang

Just a reference for you guys who want to go to Bukit Lawang, I and friends went there with motorbike, however if do not have motorbike , you can also take taxi from the airport and pay approximate Rp.350,000- it depends on how hard you can bargain . Note that in Medan it is really hard to find a place where you can rent a motorbike.

There are tourist buses leaving from most towns in North Sumatra to Bukit Lawang. In Medan you have the option of catching a local bus, very large, slow and crowded but very cheap, 15,000Rp. It will take 3.5 to 4 hours in the local bus as it also stops many times along the way to drop and pick up locals. You will need to get a becak or taxi to the bus depot in Medan – Pinang Baris. It will cost around 35,000Rp for a becak. A taxi will cost aroun 70,000 – 80,000Rp from the centre of Medan to get to Pinang Baris Bus Terminal (approximately). You can also take a mini-bus from Pinang Baris for 12,000Rp. The mini-buses take around 3 hours to get to Bukit Lawang as they do not stop as many times along the way. The mini-buses do not leave from the main bus terminal. Travel down the road that runs past the bus terminal a few hundred meters and your will find the mini-buses outside the large pastry store (you can’t miss it).

Do not too worry about where to spend the night there, there many accommodation available there starting from budget USD$ 5 – $ 25 /room per night.

Following is a list of accommodation (hotels and guesthouses) in Bukit Lawang including room rates, contact details and hotel reviews from other travelers.

Sam’s Bungalows has 3 rooms. Located right at the top end of Bukit Lawang close to the Orangutan centre. Prices are 80,000Rp, 150,000Rp and 180,000Rp.

Jungle Inn has 9 rooms all with different jungle designs ranging from 70,000Rp – 450,000Rp per night. Prices may go up during the high season (June – August).
http://www.sumatra-indonesia.com/jungleinn.htm

Eco-Lodge is one of the best places to stay in Bukit Lawang with 34 rooms with 5 different styles including their brand new Orangutan rooms. From 155,000Rp – 300,000Rp per night.
http://www.sumatra-indonesia.com/ecolodge.htm

Indra Valley Inn and Restaurant has 2 bungalows and 2 standard rooms. Located at the top end of Bukit Lawang. Prices from 50,000Rp.
http://www.sumatra-indonesia.com/indrainn.htm

Garden Inn and Restaurant has 7 rooms and one house with rooms between 35,000Rp – 50,000Rp and the house for 200,000Rp per night.
http://www.sumatra-indonesia.com/gardeninn.htm

Rainforest Guesthouse, run by the fabulous Nora Rainforest Guesthouse is located just next to the camping ground and opened in April 2008. Room prices from 40,000 .

Nora’s Homestay, also run by the fabulous Nora, is located off the main road running into Bukit Lawang. Prices start from 30,000Rp per night.

Wisma Leuser Sibayak prices starting from 35,000Rp.

Rindu Alam Hotel is located right at the bottom end of Bukit Lawang as you first enter the village. They have 40 standard rooms and 4 family rooms. Room prices start from 250,000Rp.

http://www.sumatra-indonesia.com/rindualamhotel.htm

Yusman Guest House is located on the other side of the river via the large suspension bridge. Prices start from 25,000Rp.

Bukit Lawang Indah Hotel is right next door to Yusman Guest House. Prices start from 30,000Rp.

Finally, we rode back at around 4.30 pm when it started rainy and got to the city about 9pm. I was a tiring trip but fun. Only in Sumatra you can see Orang Utan beside in Borneo,and  you’ll never found this Orang Utan Sumatra anywhere except in Bukit Lawang http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumatran_Orangutan.

So come and see and you won’t regret…!!!!

Tobe continued to the Next Trip

Welcome to MEDAN – NORTH SUMATRA

Hi guys, it’s been a long time…this is the next chapter….!!!

It was about two months in advance that I planned this trip, and it came true on Aug 13th when I took 6 days off until Aug 18th.

The trip was owesome,flied with Lion Air from Ngurah Rai Airport at about 1pm and got to Polonia Airport at about 8pm where I had like 2 hours transit in Jakarta and it was tiring,moreover the weather was rainy and cloudy it caused flights were delayed.

At about 8pm,landed at Polonia Airport,waiting for a couple of minute for my back-pack and went out right away thru’ the exit gate where an absolute cute girl had been standing there and waiting for my coming with a smile,holding an umberella in her right hand,soon I felt so relax:).Thanks for the pick-up dear.

MEDAN AT GLANCE

Medan (Indonesian: Kota Medan) is the capital of the province of North Sumatra, Indonesia. Located in the northern part of the province along the coast, Medan is the fourth largest city in Indonesia, as well as the largest city in the country which is not in Java. The city is bordered by Deli Serdang Regency to the east, south and west, and the Strait of Malacca to the north. It is close to the volcano Sinabung, which erupted from its 400 year dormant state in August 2010.

The city has a mix of communities, reflecting its history. It is famous throughout Indonesia as the home of the Batak people, although, traditionally it is a Melayu Kampung. More recently more and more of the Batak ethnic minority have come to the city to make what was once a minority become a fairly sized community. However, Batak homelands are found throughout North Sumatra. In addition, there is a large ethnic Javanese community, largely made up of the descendants of people transported from Java in the last century as part of the government’s transmigration policy, an attempt to relieve the chronic overcrowding of Java.

A highly visible component of Medan’s population is the large number of Chinese, who are very active in the business sector, and unlike the ethnic Chinese in many other parts of Indonesia continue to speak Hokkien. Finally, the city has a sizable community of Tamil descent who are commonly known as keling. A well-known Tamil neighbourhood is Kampung Keling. In addition to Indonesian, Batak Simalungun, Batak Karo, Batak Mandailing, Batak Pak-Pak, Batak Angkola, Batak Toba, Deli Malay, Javanese, Hokkien (Min Nan), Tamil, Acehnese, Minangkabau and English are spoken.

There are many old buildings in Medan that still retain their Dutch architecture. These include the old City Hall, the central Post Office, the Tirtanadi Water Tower, which is Medan City’s icon, and Titi Gantung (a bridge over the railway).

There are several historic places such as Maimun Palace (Istana Maimun) built in years 1887–1891, where the Sultan of Deli still lives (the Sultan no longer holds any official power), and the Great Mosque (Masjid Raya) of Medan built in 1906 in the Moroccan style by the Dutch architect Dingemans.^[2]

Since 2005, a catholic temple, in Indo-Mogul style, devoted to Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni (Our Lady of Good Health), is built in Medan. This particular Saint knows its origin with an apparition in the 17th century in India. The temple is an imposant building, of two storeys and a small tower of seven storeys in Indonesian style, that already attracts attention from the main road (it is situated in the small road Jl. Sakura III besides Jl. Simatupang). It is already the second most important pilgrimage place in Asia.

One of the unique features of Medan are the motorized becaks that are found almost everywhere. Unlike traditional becaks, a motorized becak can take its passenger anywhere in the city. The fare of riding a ‘becak’ is relatively cheap and is usually negotiated beforehand.

Pic 1: Unique transport in Medan “Becak”.

Railroad tracks connect Medan to Binjai and Tanjungpura to the northwest, to port of Belawan to the north, and to Tebing Tinggi and Pematang Siantar to the southeast.The seaport of Belawan is about 20 km to the north. Polonia International Airport is located in the heart of the city. Kuala Namu International Airport is a new airport under construction and is due to replace Polonia in mid-2011.

Well that’s the short introduction about Medan, …On this first day,dinner time..Merdeka Walk is one of the best place to hang out,especially for the youth,opened from 11.00 – 24.00 Monday – Sunday. On Aug 27th, 1945, the Independence of Indonesia Republic was officially announced here, that is why this place becomes one of the historic place in Medan, and then called “Lapangan Merdeka”. It was rainy when we got to this place, and finally Pizza was chosen for the dinner! From the Airport, we took a taxi for IDR 20.000,-.

Pic.2 : MERDEKA WALK famous place to hang out

After dinner, we continued to Jl.Pancing, where I stayed with my girlfriend’s brother. From Merdeka Walk we took a Becak Motor for IDR 30.000,-.

That’s the end of the first day. The next trip was a visit to Bukit Lawang (The Rehabilitation Center of the Orang Utan) on Aug 14th.

To Be Continued….

RAFTING on RIVER AYUNG – UBUD – BALI

River Ayung is located in Desa Petang(village), Sangeh, Kab.Badung (regency) and one of the most favorite place for “rafting” in Bali, after river Telaga Waja in Desa Muncan,Karangasem. River Ayung is categorized as number 2 and river Telaga Waja as number 3 or 4 in terms of difficulty level.

Etymologically, “Ayung” means “beautiful”. This 60kms long river is the longest river in Bali,which has a very strong stream specially in the wet-season.However only 11 kms long which is used for rafting route. The river streams in the east side of Badung also as the border between Gianyar and Badung,and it starts from around somewhere in Kintamani and ended in Padanggalak Sanur.

On April 24, I joined a rafting with other 4 friends using one of the most famous rafting supplier “SOBEK”.We left Sanur at 8am and arrived at the starting point in Petang at about 9am. We then asked to put on the life-jackets,safety-helmet,and a pedal before went down the starting point,and we had to descend about 509 stair-steps which was made in 1990,it’s very tiring of course. Our guide was “MR.SLOWLY”.

We finally got to the starting point,and before the rafting started,there was someone who gave us instructions of ”do’s and don’ts” during rafting. When the guide commanded to pedal and started the boat, that was where the excited feeling arose and ready to have fun…forward..1,2!,backward!,stop!..that was how Mr.Slowly our guide yelled and commanded us to pedal forward,or pedal backward or stop!

It was very exciting along the way,the sorrounding was very cool,along the way we could see forest and trees,and the very fresh and cold water. We stopped at the “Begawan Giri” waterfall,where we had a what our guide call “water-spa” ..arrrrggghh the water was so damn freezing but we enjoyed it very much bathing under the waterfall and took pictures.

It took about 1 and half hour (90 minutes) to get to the finish point, with a lot of screams,and fun during the rafting trip .

For this “rafting” if you are new in Bali and interested to try, you will only need to pay USD $ 79.00 (publish)per 1 Adult. For KITAS holder IDR Rp.380.000 per 1 Adult, include pick up(conditions might apply),Buffet-Lunch,Snacks,and Coffee or Tea with SOBEK.

After that “fun” rafting, we had lunch and coffee break,and then ascending about 235 stair-steps to the finish point,where we parked the car.

So why wait,,,?? come and feel it !

BENGAWAN GIRI WATERFALL

LOMBOK – Islands of Thousand Mosques

Hi guys, in this chapter. I am going to share about my experience  when I and a friend of mine traveling to Lombok,Nusa Tenggara Barat with the capital Mataram on the 14th of March until 17th of March 2010. This island is famous among worldwide surfers, as it has good beaches and perfect waves. It is only max.5 hours from Bali with Ferry boat.

On March 14th, I and a friend  started the trip and we went there with Ferry from Padangbai Harbour. Padangbai is about 56 kms from Denpasar or about 45 minutes with motorbike. I was my first time to Lombok and this trip was intended to do self-inspection to the island which people famaously called ” the island of thousand Mosques” and also for refreshing (kind of). The ticket was IDR Rp.89.000,- or about USD $ 8.9  for 1 motorbike and 2 person. However please prepare your Driving Lisence as it is always be checked before entering the Ferry.

Let the story begin :

Day 01 ( Sunday March 14th’10)
We departed at about 12.00 pm and arrived at the Lembar Harbour (the name of Lombok Harbour) at about 16.45pm or about 4 (four) hours. Normally it takes about 4 hours indeed. Upon arriving at the harbour, we directly rode down to the town of Mataram about 27 kms from Lembar harbour. However we did not want to stay at Mataram town but continued riding to Senggigi area which is about another 30 kms from Mataram. Upon entering the Senggigi area, we then continued to look for cheap accomodation.

We searched on the internet and it was said we could get a hotel  with a good price which is vary from IDR Rp.75.000 – IDR Rp.150.000,-. There were 3 cheap hotels that we took into consideration after searching on the internet :

1). HOTEL ELEN ,located in town of Senggigi. The standard room with fan is IDR Rp.100.000,-/room/nite include b’fast. The room with AC is IDR Rp.150.000,-./room/nite without tv.

2).PURI SHINTA, also in Senggigi area, we checked the standard room,however only room with fan avalaible. There is no AC room. It is IDR Rp.100.000,- /room/nite include b’fast.

3).PURI SENGGIGI HOTEL, the room facilities are bath-up,tv and AC is IDR Rp.175.000,- /room per nite include breakfast (fried rice or toast). The standard room is IDR Rp.100.000,-/nite with fan only also include breakfast.

And for the first night, we took the option number 3 Puri Senggigi. It was good, and suitabale for backpacker like us. We did enjoy staying at the hotel but had to check out on the following day.

Day 02 ( Monday March 15th’10)
Woke up at 7.15am. After breakfast, preparing ourself to check out. At 9.00am we then proceeded to the south of Lombok,to the Kuta beach which is about 60kms to the south of Mataram or about one and half hour drive from Senggigi. South Lombok has beaches that inspire photographers from around the world and draw crowds to bake on the white sands. Kuta also as the center of tourism development in the south of Lombok. However it took us about almost 2 hours to get to Kuta,as we did not have a map and we took the wrog way.

We wanted to stay overnight at Kuta area, and we tried to find the cheap accomodation but we could not get it. All’s fully booked. Accomodation in Kuta area for your reference which is cheap are :

1). SURFER INN, Standard room is IDR Rp.100.000,-/room/nite. Facilities are swimming pool, hotspot and TV and AC (for Deluxe Room) about IDR Rp.200.000,-/room/nite. Room rate include breakfast.

2). MATAHARI INN, Standard room with fan is IDR Rp.175.000,- including breakfast

3). KEN’S HOTEL ,standard room is IDR Rp. 100.000,-/room/nite. We looked at the room however we did not like it very much. However there is swimming pool. Deluxe Room is IDR Rp.350.000,-/room/nite

4). TASTURA INN, if i’ am not wrong, they could give IDR Rp.250.000,- /nite for Deluxe Room (Domestic rate) it is different from the internet.

or for more info please visit : http://www.kutalombok.com/south-lombok-hotel-accommodation.htm

We then decided to return to Senggigi. We left Kuta beach at about 3pm and arrived at Senggigi at about 5.30pm,and it was getting dark when we were looking around for the accomodation. It was March 15th when a lot of people from Bali started to come to Lombok,escaping the Nyepi Day on the 16th, as the results almost all hotels at Senggigi were fully booked. We then found and stayed at :

THE NEW MOON HOTEL (0370-693785) or bulanbaru@hotmail.com
IDR Rp. 250.000/room /nite include breakfast,tax & service or USD $ 25.00
with Swimming Pool

pic 1 : New moon hotel Room

pic 2: Swimming pool @New Moon Hotel

The next day we checked out and proceeded to Bangsal (Pemenang) about 20kms from Senggigi. Bangsal is the harbour to the GILIS (Gili Air,Gili Meno and Gili Terawangan).Gili Trawangan, the most popular among the three Gili’s. Just kick back and enjoy the sun, nightly beach parties and sea. The main stripe is full of accommodations, restaurants, and dive shops.

If you are seeking a quieter place to stay there are bungalows in the north. This Island is also known as “Party Island”, where mostly young European find themselves “Lost In Paradise”.If you come during the Peak Season (July-August, December-January), most places are full and prices are doubled. An advanced reservation is a must.

Boat tickets to Gili Terawangan is only IDR Rp.10.000,- /person (max 20 pax/boat). For more information about price list, you can just visit : http://www.lombok-network.com/gili_islands/boat_schedule.htm

We went back to Mataram via Monkey forest Pusuk at 12.30pm. Arrived at Mataram at about 2pm and then continued to Sekotong in the Soth-West of Mataram via Lembar Harbour. We planned to find accomodation and stayed at Sekotong, unfortunately the were no single accomodation found in this area. We almost get to Labuhan Poh when we decided to return to Mataram at about 3pm,because we did not find any accomodation. There was nothing to see in this area except beautiful crystal clear and white sandy beaches.

At 3pm we returned to Mataram, and we started to find an accomodation. We stayed at :

HOTEL MATARAM
Jl.Pejanggik, Cakranegara
IDR Rp.245.000,-/room/nite include breakfast,tax & service
AC,TV,Bath-up and Minibar.

On the following day Mach 17th, we then checked out at about 8am, to catch the first Ferry to Bali.

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Gunung Kawi Temple – Tampaksiring – BALI

Hi guys, in this chapter I would like to share my story when I and my “cherie” visited one of the one and only tourism object in Bali (December 18th’09) where you can see chiseled temples on the cliff of rocks. This tourism object called ” Pura

Gunung Kawi” which is located about 40kms to the south-east of Denpasar in TampakSiring Village,regency of Gianyar. Well it is probably about max 45 minutes with motor bike.

The uniqe of this site is that one can see the Pura which is chilseled on the rock. There are 4 groups of temples :

(1). The group of 4 candi on the cliff,”ceruk”and fountain is in the west-side of river Pekerisan,

(2). In the east-side of the river, there are 5 candis on the cliff, also niches hermitages, pool with a few fountains,

(3). In the south, there are also a few “ceruk” and biara.

(4). By the archologist this is called “the 10th cemetery”.

This place is called  “Gunung Kawi” as it is  “chiseled = kawi”  on the cliff near the riverof Pekerisan.

So “kawi” means “to chisel/chiseled” It was told that it was “Kebo Iwa” who chilesed this candi on the cliff with his nails

He was a famous and great architect during the reign of The King of Udayana. The King of Udayana ruled Bali in the XI century with his wife Mahendradata (Gunapriya Dharma Patni) fom East-Java. During the reign of the king, inscriptions issued by the king were all written not only with Balinese language, but also with Old-Javanese language. It indicates the mixture of Bali and Java culture during the period, and it was the begining of the Javanese culture entered Bali.

There are 5 candis chiseled on the eastern-cliff of river Pekerisan. The 5 candis facing to the north. There is a writing ” haji limah ing jalu”. Possibly it is used as a place for praying and worshipping the holy-ghost of King Udayana.

There are more thing to tell,however it is best to visit the place directly and you will be amazed by how people long time ago could create this such “unbeliveable” things without using modern tools and even said those candi were made using “nails”? Isn’t it amazing?

Ooopps…if you come here, please bring pants,towel if you are interested in bathing at the river Pekerisan with very,very cold,pure and fresh water ! Don’t forget to count the stair-step you passed when you ascending or descending. It is said so far nobody could have the same amount of stair-steps they passed. Some said the total was 240,some said 280,,prove it!

Entrance fee is Rp.6.000,- /pax for adult, Rp.3.000 for children, parking fee 1.000 for motor bike and probably Rp.2.000 for car. Before you go down, you have to wear “sarong” and give donation (no matter how much,it’s up to you).

Well, this all hope you enjoy!!For more info please feel free to ask me on YM! Bon Voyage

Cheers Jeri

Tondok Mamasa

Have you ever heard about Mamasa?Well I guess many of you dont ! I can understand as Mamasa is only a small new born regency after a separation from Polewali (which is now called “Pol-Man Regency (Polewali Mandar) ) about approximately 6 hours driving towards north of Ujung Pandang,or about 252 kms (South Sulawesi). Total population is about 125.008 people. It is situated on the highland (1150 m)  and the temperature is really cold and wet.

Well, let us start the trip from Ujung Pandang. Upon arrival at the airport, you need to takea taxi to the terminal ” Dayak” and you will need to take a bus which is directly to Mamasa (easier). However there is also avalaible the what I call “fast car” instead of bus. It is a small car consist of only 9 passengers. Why I call it “fast car” because normally bus will take about 5 hours to get to Polewali, but with this “fast car” you will only need 2 hours (super fast isn’t it??). With a direct bus you will only need to pay once (which is about IDR 100.000 or $ 10 per person) until Mamasa, but with this “fast car” which is local people call “kijang” ( about IDR 60.000 or $ 6 per person), it will drop you until Polewali only and then you have to take another transport to Mamasa (I dont suggest this option unless you want to spent a few days in Polewali).

The distance from Polewali to Mamasa is about 90 kms, with a bit rough asphalt, and it is tiring. If you go with bus then you will feel a great shaking along the way,however still fantastic !! But dont expect any good restaurant, gas station etc along the way! As soon as you are arriving in Mamasa, be ready to feel the cool temperature in the evening. The nature and the air is still “virgin” and not yet contaminated by polution ( as far as I know).

Mamasa also good for tourist who interest in doing a trekking,hikin,bicycling,rafting and many other extreme activities. It has a few tourist object as well :

- Tedong-Tedong Grave ( a grave where skull of dead people are collected in a place called “tedong-tedong” ,tedong = buffalo. Tedong-tedong is a place to keep the skulls

with buffalo head in one side. This is almost similar with what Toraja has )

- Waterfall Sarambu

- HotSpring

-Traditiona House of Mamasa

-Traditional village of Ballapeu

and many more….

So, there is one fact you should know about Mamasa. Long time ago, “outsiders” were very afraid of “Mamasan”, because Mamasa was famous for “magic”. One of th e what people call “extreme magic” of Mamasan was “to walk the dead”. This practice was done long time ago when for example a friend was dead and nee d to be brought to his/her village. But due to it was hard to carry (or not enough) people to carry the dead body , and they had to pass mountains,jungle and rivers to get to the village, then they use the magic so the “dead bo dy was able to walk for days” and dont need to be carried! Scary..!! When the dead body is arrived, it is then welcome with a special ceremony a nd then placed in the house for a few days before it is burried.

Nowadays  this practice has been no longer used, as transportation alredy avalaible to carry the dead body..NO MAGIC need !Well’ that’s a short introduction about Mamasa, dont hesitate to ask should you have further questions.

Cheers

Pic 1 : The center of the town

Pic 2 : Traditional costume of Mamasa

Pic 3 : Traditional house of Mamasa ( in Sarambu)

Download & Play YOUTUBE video on Windows Media Player

There are a lot of ways to convert YOUTUBE video into any formats you want (online). The good things to have the videos converted online is that you do not have to install any converter softwares on you PC. Let me tell you how i do that step by step :

1). Click on this website http://online.movavi.com/

2). Paste the URL video you’ve got from youtube

3). Choose type of format you want. You can use format “mpeg” to play with Window Media Player.

4). Click “convert” and the file will be downloaded and converted immediately.

5). You can click ” receive the file via email” if you’d like to have the converted file sent to your email

That’s how i do it, good luck  !!!

cara download youtube ke mp3

Cara men-download music video di youtube kedalam betuk mp3 (convert online)

1). Buka situs youtube di www.youtube.com

2). Cari/ketik music video yg anda inginkan di tab “search” misalnya ” ST 12 -Biarkan Aku Jatuh Cinta” ato apalah,,!

3). Copy URL video tersebut, dan buka “New Window”

4). Ketik  www.video2mp3.net  di tab browser.

5). Paste URL video yg anda sudah copy tadi di kolom “Video URL”

6). Kemudian klik ” Convert” Ikuti petunjuk selanjutnya.

It’s just simple and easy…!! Good luck !