"The world is not a wish granting Factory"

Solo. There's ambiguity on this word. Solo does mean "single" but also known as one of the big City in Java, Indonesia. So, the tittle has the same meaning as well. After leaving Azkaban, didn't mean i found paradise. Another Azkaban in form of sickness trapped me and got me into the fact that yeah "The world is not a wish granting factory."

I have a dream, to be true that was many. One of them is to have a real time to be a full time traveler. And that one encourage me to leave the Azkaban and i manage to do it for the past few weeks and surely on my upcoming solo trip on this early October. Having free time with no worries on job thing is kind of "a free thing" that transform into "everything" but peace. 

As i said, the world is not a wish granting factory. When i have a time, i'm not healthy and fit enough to explore just anything and everything. I got injury on my knee that made the doctor warned me not to have any excessive activity like walking, standing, running and hiking unless i take the surgery. Not only that's creepy thing, the following hard time for bed rest and recovering period just killed me all of sudden. 

But its me. Rather than taking the surgery with some reason that i couldn't tell here, i got back to my initial plan and make some rearrangement to make it wise enough for a sick, silly girl like me. Maybe its time to explore Indonesian Trainlogy, its been a long time since my first ride to Jakarta 8 years a go. 

Train in Indonesia (I prefer used Indonesian Trainlogy) has been reformed several years a go.  Especially in its operational aspect. No changes from my first ride, all of the couch are hard seat (No sleeper train available in Indonesia) and divided into three class, economic, business and executive. The main changes are 1) Air conditioner (AC) available at all classes, the difference only on the seat design and comfort 2) There's no outside snack traders allowed 3) Online booking and 3rd party booking available 4) ID card on check in gate is a must!!

I took my first rode last month during JFC and take the third, fourth and safter. Many ride for sure. Economic class. And i do love it. It reminds me a lot to my trip in India in 2012, and damn i missed the sleeper one. 

Solo - Central Java

I took Jaka Tingkir train, a weekly train leaving from Senen to Purwosari at 11 PM only on Monday. Non subside economic train that previously as additional couch during Lebaran Holiday. Economic train, no matter the distance, commonly cost 50K-65K per ride for one way journey, but this one cost IDR 95K. Unintentionally booked this train, but i love the train schedule that allowed me to have a sleep since its depart on midnight and arrived at 9 AM in Purwosari. 

Why Solo? 

Actually, my ancestor coming from Solo. My grandfather moving to Surabaya during the war, and unfortunately we never going back to Solo then. Other than that, i just want to visit one of the calming city with the hideous monarchy in Java. After Jogjakarta for sure. 

The second,  i have a mate, best friend who moved and lived here and we have not meet yet since her first baby born in Mojokerto almost 4 years a go. Hah, what kind of a friend am i? I stayed at her place, accompanied with one of my mate from Surabaya. Then, like the old days we enjoy the city. 

1. Shi Jack. 

Its kind of Angkringan Jogja with "Pure Milk" as the main favorite menu. 

2. Javareeyan Gift shop. 

Its a gift shop of course, located next to Shi Jack

3. Mie Anglo 

Noodles cooked in traditional method; like Mie Kadin in Jogja, but i prefer the one in Jogja. 

4. Sop Ayam Pak Min 

The lovely Chicken Soup that makes me want more and more. Its also available in Jakarta if i'm not mistaken. But taste this one in Central Java make it more special because of the special recipe and chef that almost original. 

Second day, we went to Keraton Surakarta, Pasar Klewer, queuing for Tengkleng but we give up then, having meatball for lunch, and Serabi Notosuman as a closing before i headed to my next destination. Yeah, its kind of marathon trip therapy. 

Madiun - East Java

I took Logawa from Purwosari to Surabaya, but finally i decided to get off at Madiun since i have another friend to visit, Nenek. She just move to Madiun for work with her baby, Hagia that not yet meet me since she was born. Poor girl hahahhah... And since i have a lot of free time, its not too much to make a visit even only in a short time. 

She took me from the Airport and drive me to her home before she went back to the office. Yeah, i came on working day and during office hour. But she promised me that its not gonna be too long and we can have our special culinary of Madiun for dinner. Nasi Pecel and Nasi Jontor. Double!!! 

I went back to Surabaya on the next day and she bought me another special culinary of Madiun, Bluder and Pecel as a gift. Arrrgh,  i love you Nenek ^^ 

So this is it, Jember, Solo, Madiun. Thanks for being friendly with my sickness during my trip therapy and hopefully i'm ready for the upcoming trip. Ganbatte!!!

Jember Fashion Carnival 2014 at a glance

What is Jember Fashion Carnival (JFC), its kind of Jember (one of famous city in East Java, Indonesia) grand exhibition and carnival presenting combination between art and fashion show. Not only local products, organisation and creative art participate on this event by opening stall at the exhibition area located in Jember Central Park (Alun-Alun Jember) but also special performance are available to attract visitor such as painting, dancing (both modern and traditional) and DJ performance. 

How to get there? 

Its better to start from Surabaya, the capital city of East Java. 

1. By Train 

I think it was the most comfortable way to reach Jember. From Stasiun Surabaya Gubeng you can take Logawa or Sri Tanjung for economic train with cost only IDR 50K or Mutiara Selatan wth cost around IDR 80K-180K (depend on the seat class). Its only take 4 hours, so i dont think we need the expensive one. In addition, all train in Indonesia currently served with air conditioner, only the seat comfort-ability that matters. 

The best thing is, Central Park, Mosque and Convenience store is on walking distance from the train station. 

2. By Bus.  

From Surabaya, you better to take direct bus from Bungurasih Terminal to Jember. It cost around IDR 30-50K. 

3. By flight

Garuda Indonesia currently have direct flight from Juanda International Airport to Jember with cost around IDR 300K-500K for flying around 30-40 minutes. 

Some public transportation available in the city with cost IDR 4K for 6AM up to 10 PM, and IDR 7 K for ride outside those schedule. Ojek and Tricycle available around the city almost 24 hours if you knew the spot ^^

Day 1 

And finally, after hearing some stories of some friends; i got the opportunity to visit Jember Fashion Carnival XIII this year. I have a plan, but it seems remain as a plan since i did absolutely nothing. No ticket, accommodation, itinerary bla bla bla. I almost throw this plan away, but at the very last moment i decided to go. 

Its started with a rush hour on Friday morning, 22 August 2014. I tried to get my flight from Jakarta to my hometown, Surabaya but it was too expensive. Its Friday night actually, so no wonder about it. I have to come home by today or very early tomorrow morning to catch Logawa train to Jember. I thrown flights from the option, and still there's no cheap train ticket available. 

Its 10 AM already when i found not too cheap train ticket departing at 3 PM today. Yups today. And i take it. Hah!!!

I packed 2 t-shirts, sleeping bag, disposal and toiletries. 2 pcs t shirt to change during my stay in Jember. Sleeping bag to keep me comfortable during my stay that absolutely everywhere since i have no hotel booking at that time, and trust me, all hotels are fully booked during JFC. I tried to make a CS once, but its so unexpected and unplanned, what do i expect then? Disposal to reduce my belonging and toiletries to make me stay fresh even though i have no idea where i can take free shower with no pre-booked hospitality. 

Day 2 

Arrived in Surabaya Pasar Turi around 3 AM, early in the morning, i planned to take a sleep at the entrance hall of the station but after almost an hour laying on the long chair at the departure hall, my father called and took me home. Lucky then, i have around 7 hours at home for rest and get some food before heading to Jember. My train departed at 3 PM. 

It was a short trip i thought. Spending 4 hours in the train doesn't feel that miserable for the economic passengers. I was seated next to the old lady that not talking too much, short question and go back to sleep. So am i until the train stopped at Jember station around 7.30 PM. Yeah it was late around 30 minutes. 

I walk towards the exit, have some pic of the station and heading to the Central Park. I stopped by at the chicken noodle stall and have my dinner. Alone as usual. And after having my meals i spent the night visiting central park and look at what i found there!!!

Almost midnight, i walked in front of the grand mosque but it was locked. I decided to go back to the station, try to find a comfortable spot to spend the night but nothing. The departure hall itself was quite small and already full with two lines of long chair as a waiting room (half of it are occupied by the overnight train passenger), a small office for customer service, a small bank office and three cube for the ticketing office. I went outside and found two guys sitting on the right side of the entrance. Two huge backpacks were sitting next to them. I remembered their face at the Surabaya station hence i push my courage to say hello. 

It was Lutfi and Andy, a truly nature backpacker from Jogja and Surabaya. A pro hiker i thought, since they talk many about mountains and nature. They love hiking, but trust me, they hike in their own way. Randomly they make a visit to some summit or mountainsides area, get off from one station and another, but only the big station, after that.. they walked!!! 

We talked a lot for a while, until i open my sleeping bag and sleep. Yeah, i spent my first night in Jember with them, in front of Jember train station. 

Day 3

I woke up early in the morning (3.30 AM)  since i need to go the restroom. FYI, restroom are located inside the station and after passing the departure gate that means impossible for me to pass since the gate itself not yet open. The first train will be departed at 5 AM. Lutfi woke up at that time while i packed my belonging and have a farewell, saying that i have to go, heading to the Mosque for both restroom and praying. 

The mosque already open, some local folks are heading to the mosque for Fajr praying. I reached a huge area for woman and found some folks especially women were sleeping there. Gosh, i'm not the lucky one then. Lets try for tomorrow #evilsmile. 

The mosque has a huge chamber for rest and pray, and also the main hall for Jamaah. Some restroom also available accompanied with a clean toilet and huge number of clean water. Its kind of my paradise at that time. Finally, Shower and Fajr praying!!! 

I spent most of my time in the mosque since the carnival itself will start around 11 AM and the Grand Carnival started at 1 PM. One by one, the ladies who spent the night at mosque left. Only me,  and old lady that i met at Fajr jamaah (i suspect she was living in the mosque since i met her everytime i got back to the mosque), and another girl who still stay slept next to me. 

Her name is Rina, she told me. A college girl from Bandung who just arrived at 2 AM this morning. Same as mine, she said that visiting Jember was out of plan. Initially she and her friend, Moga, were heading from Bandung to Labuan Bajo. Uwooooooowwwwww!!! 

I end up having my breakfast with these two rascals (hahahah), since all of us have no plan, we just stick to the Central Park till the Carnival begin. See, who said i'm solo traveler. A companion always be there ^^ 

We came by to the must visit and famous spot for the JFC to have some pic and again, i found Yoyo and Johan from Jogja and Wonosobo. Hah, we're full team of Power Ranger. 

Rina, Moga and Me, power ranger full team coming soon

Apparently, Moga has spent his childhood in Jember before he move to many cities due to his parent's work. He decided to make a visit during JFC, even has registered for free access photographer of this event. While, the remaining four of us, nothing. 

JFC's event itselves has accomodated with any kind of entrance ticket, for getting free ticket, its better to make a registration 3 or 2 months before this event. Invitation are sold with cost IDR 100K and mostly are sold on pre-sale. 

We strolling around the central park, visit some stall, meeting with the performer and crew and unintentionally i met with Lutfi and Andy at the Coffee stall. Fact no 2 about them, they are coffee lovers. They decided towards Argopuro tomorrow, so it means that i will have a companion to sleep at the station tonight hahahha

The Carnival held at 1.30 - 04 PM if i'm not mistaken, started with Mahabharatha, Tambora, Rain Forest, Stalagmite, Wild Deer, Borobudur, Phoenix, Chemistry and many more. It was wonderful. The pic would talk :p

Tiring and exhausted, we have our mixing of lunch and dinner at the area. Heading to Lestari Hotel (a hotel where Yoyo and Johan's prebooked for this trip) for free shower and air con. Rina and Moga leaving for their Labuan Bajo trip, while myself and Yoyo go back to the train station. Again we met Lutfi and Andy. 

I planned to stay at the mosque, but again it was locked. Lately, after having proper meals for dinner i decided to sleep at Yoyo & Johan's room. No worries, i have my sleeping bag. 

Again early in the morning, its my time to make a farewell to Johan & Yoyo. Grab some juice and chocolate for my breakfast at the closest convenience store and take a tricycle towards the mosque. Its Fajr praying. 

4.30 AM, i walked towards the station. My train towards home will be arrived at 5. As expected i met those 2 rascals in front of the train station. Again make a farewell and get on the train. Goodbye Jember, this short visit taught me a lot. What a story remain a story, lets myself keep it as secret. Because i do believe, everyone has their own story. 

Be safe. Be happy. 

To travel is better than to arrive 

Menjajaki pantai dan kulineran di Bangka

Menjajaki pantai dan kulineran di Bangka

Bermodalkan tiket ferry plus reroute tiket kepulangan dari via Belitung ke Bangka seharga IDR 310,000 kami memutar haluan dari dejavu Laskar Pelangi di Belitong dengan menjajaki pantai pantai sembari kulineran di Bangka. Setelah hamper 4 jam duduk manis didalam ferry, kami tiba dipelabuhan dan disambut ramah oleh driver bersama mobil sewaan kami.

Karena sudah siang, tujuan utama kami sebenarnya adalah mencari menu makan siang khas Bangka alias Mie Bangka. Beberapa lokasi mie Bangka yang kami simpan sudah sempat didatangi, sayangnya sudah pada tutup lantaran hari libur atau memang sudah kehabisan. Asal tahu saja, kebanyakan menu di sini mengandung babi. Jadi ya saya cukup bisa berpuas diri dengan hanya minum minuman kemasan dan mengobrol bersama yang laen. Dan sebagai salah satu penggemar mie saya ga kecewa-kecewa amat kok, karena masih ada pempek dan seafood yang tentunya bisa jadi santapan semua kalangan termasuk saya. Itadakimasu.

Pempek di Bangka berukuran mini dan lebih lembek jika dibandingkan dengan pempek kota Palembang. Selain itu, di Palembang kita akan bertemu cuka hampir di seluruh lokasi pempek, nah di Bangka pempek disajikan dengan tiga pilihan rasa cocolan yang terdiri dari saus pedas, saus dan cuka. Selain pempek, otak otak bungkus daun yang sudah banyak kita jumpai di Jakarta juga menjadi pilihan kuliner dikota ini. Tentu, citarasa yang ditawarkan sedikit banyak akan berbeda.

Usai memanjakan perut dengan beberapa kuliner local, sopir membawa kami menuju Parai resort yang terkenal sebagai destinasi favorit liburan lantaran pantainya yang cantik dan suasanya yang menenangkan. Dan benar saja, tanpa sadar kami menghabiskan waktu berjam-jam untuk sekedar duduk santai menunggu matahari terbenam sembari melakukan beberapa hal-hal konyol dan berfoto bersama. Kami menutup hari pertama di Bangka dengan menikmati seafood di salah satu tempat yang direkomendasikan beberapa orang di internet, dan hasilnya; disamping rasanya yang biasa saja harga seafood di Bangka jauh dari kata murah atau bahkan bisa dibilang sama dengan di Jakarta.

Karena judulnya jalan-jalan bareng rekan di kantor, trip saya kali ini memang bisa dibilang banyak mempertimbangkan kenyamanan. Sewa mobil, makan enak dan menginap di hotel berbintang. Tapi jangan salah, karena kita sharing cost jatuhnya ga mahal-mahal amat kok.

Buktinya, meski hari kedua saya lebih banyak duduk diam dan mengamati kulineran haram rekan-rekan saya, masih ada kesempatan untuk makan halal dan disempatkan makan halal. Kesempatan karena ada beberapa tempat yang memang halal, disempatkan karena mereka mengingatkan saya untuk makan halal dulu sebelum menemani mereka ke jalan haram hahahha

Di sela-sela jam makan siang, saya juga berkesempatan melawat ke salah satu local department store yang lumayan hip di Bangka. DepStore besutan Ramayana ini menyatu dengan pasar garment konvensional yang masih buka pada jam 2 siang. Gedungnya agak usang, lengkap dengan tangga besi tajam yang nyaris membuat saya harus pegangan pada pinggiran tangga agar tidak ter jatuh. Musholla dan toiletnya jangan ditanya seperti apa, oldish juga tentunya. Kok bisa nyasar kesini? Kebetulan saya mencari tempat shalat sembari menunggu yang lain makan. Toh saya juga ga bisa makan heheh

Setelah pantai, makan, makan dan makan.. dengan senang hati kami beringsut menuju Airport dan pulang. Meski tak seramai rombongan di hall keberangkatan Soekarno Hatta, kami bertemu dengan rombongan lain yang juga tak melewatkan liburan kantor untuk sekalian berkunjung ke Pulau Bangka.

Its nice to know you Bangka and See Ya!!!

Part 2 - Sunrise itu tak pernah singgah di Belitong

Dan sunrise itu tak pernah datang. Sembari terpincang, Saya biarkan kaki kanan saya bekerja lebih keras dari biasanya. Menahan berat tubuh dikanan, kemudian perlahan menapaki satu demi satu tangga kayu perahu yang akan membawa kami ke tengah samudera. Yups, hari ini agendanya kami akan hoping island seharian.

Sembari bersiap mengenakan wetsuit lengkap dengan outfit wajib selama acara, saya mulai ragu saat hoping island tidak hanya bermain air di bibir pulau atau sekedar berfoto alay bersama teman teman atau bersama bintang laut. Beberapa sudah mulai memutuskan apakah akan menceburkan diri ke laut atau tidak. Dan baru kali ini, saya ikut-ikutan menjadi galauers sebelum akhirnya tertawa lepas di perairan Belitong.

Berbekal perlengkapan pribadi dan tekad yang hanya setebal besi (bukan baja), saya menerjunkan diri ke air. Pelan-pelan memasang snorkel dan mulai mengepakkan kaki, berjalan mengeksplore keindahan bawah laut pulau Belitung. Dan sekali lagi, Alhamdulillah meski nyeri saya masih sanggup bersnorkeling ria ^^

Ditengah rangkaian acara, kami singgah di salah satu pulau kecil dan melakukan permainan dengan system beregu. Persaingan membuat kondisi cuaca yang terik semakin memanas. Rangkaian permainan yang merupakan bagian dari team building tak ayal membuat para peserta kelelahan dan tentunya kelaparan. Enaknya pake tour, makan siang sudah di set di lokasi yang sama dengan acara. Kelapa muda, lalapan dan ikan bakar dalam sekejap hanya tinggal kenangan.

Hoping island berakhir di Pulau Lengkuas berikut menara pemancarnya sekaligus Pantai tinggi dengan bebatuan besar yang menjadi tempat bermain dalam setting Laskar Pelangi. Kini, saatnya menghadiri acara puncak dari forum kebersamaan yang notabene disulap menjadi prom night lengkap dengan couple dan prom dance competition.

Bagaimana detail promptnya ga perlu saya ulas disini, yang jelas gokil,kreatif, lucu dan ngangenin. I love you Belitong for the best and the bad things happened to me. Saatnya packing karena lagi-lagi besok pagi-pagi sekali kami harus naik ferry menuju tetangga yang ga kalah serunya, Pulau Bangka.

Menurut pengamatan dan cerita beberapa kawan yang sudah berkunjung ke Belitong, bepergian disarankan menggunakan jasa guide. Bahkan hampir semua rental mobil mansyaratkan penggunaan sopir saat berkendara di Belitong. Selain nyaman dan aman, kalo rame-rame rental mobil justru akan menghemat pengeluaran.

Buat yang mau solo traveling ke Belitong jangan berkecil hati, meski taka da angkutan umum di kota ini coba telusuri siapa tahu kamu ada kawan lama, mantan kawan lama, saudara atau mantan saudara yang tinggal ato pernah tinggal disini. Atau coba cek dulu, ada ga member CS yang tinggal di kota ini. Situs jalan-jalan yang laen juga banyak..intinya seperti biasa..DONT THINK, JUST GO!!!

Happy traveling kawans

Part 1 - Menanti sunset pertama di Belitong

Finally, datang juga kesempatan buat berkunjung ke negerinya para Laskar Pelangi. Kalo dulu selalu kenalan sama Ikal, Lintang, Arai dan kawan-kawan via buku karya Andra Hirata, kali ini Alhamdulillah bisa langsung turut serta memantau kilas balik lokasi cerita yang juga sudah pernah difilmkan tersebut.

Perjalanan dimulai dengan flight paling pagi dari Jakarta Soekarno Hatta ke Bandara Pangkal Pinang (Belitong) menggunakan pesawat Citilink. Supaya hemat, saya sepakat dengan rekan-rekan dikantor untuk patungan. Alhasil shubuh-shubuh rekan saya sudah ada didepan portal dan kamipun siap melanglang buana bersama Lintang.

Kenapa Lintang? Lintang adalah tokoh lascar pelangi favorit saya. Lahir dari keluarga yang jauh dari kata mampu, Lintang tumbuh menjadi seseorang yang tegar dan pintar. Tegar manakala harus mengayuh sepeda berpuluh-puluh kilometer jauhnya ke sekolah meski terkadang sering terpaksa meninggalkan tugas belajarnya untuk bekerja. Pintar karena dari kesekian tokoh, Lintang memang memiliki otak brilian. Namun semua itu tidak cukup boy, meski pepatah hebat selalu berkata “Jangan pernah menyerah untuk sesuatu yang benar-benar kita inginkan”, apa daya kalo sesuatu itu terbentur dengan beberapa hal termasuk uang dan keluarga.

Perjalanan di tempuh kurang dari satu jam. Pesawat yang mayoritas di isi oleh karyawan perusahaan saya, spontan membuat saya gembira sekaligus takut. Gembira lantaran bisa haha hihi sepuasnya selama perjalanan dengan banyak orang, takut Karena hal yang tidak perlu diceritakan detail disini karena hari ini saya masih bisa menceritakan kembali perjalanan saya.

Setibanya di Belitong, petugas tour mengarahkan sebagian rombongan untuk menikmati sarapan khas kota ini; Mie Atep. Mie telor kuning yang disajikan dengan potongan kentang dan tahu bersama kuah kental dan sambal. Beberapa teman langsung mengosongkan piring dihadapan mereka lantaran lapar, bahkan ada yang malu-malu sebelum memutuskan untuk memesan porsi kedua. Sementara saya, cukup icip-icip sewajarnya dan mulai mengaduk ga jelas adonan di depan saya. Yes, I am a picky eater.

Selepas makan, kami berturut-turut menikmati indahnya gradasi warna danau kaolin berikut batuan kapurnya, berpanas-panas menapaki butiran pasir di halaman replica SD Gantong, Berkunjung ke museum kata pertama di Indonesia yang didirikan oleh Andrea Hirata sebelum akhirnya kembali beranjak menuju salah satu rumah makan untuk makan siang. Yang menarik, lokasi makan siang kali ini berada di kompleks warung kopi yang memang menjadi ciri khas Manggar yang menjadi setting cerita.

Puas jalan-jalan sepagian, tibalah waktunya melepaskan penat dan beristirahat sejenak di hotel. Berbersih diri menjadi wajib lantaran aka nada rangkaian acara lagi dari pihak tour mala mini. Karena dasarnya saya ga bisa diam di tempat, saya memutuskan untuk menghabiskan sore dengan berkeliling di seputaran hotel. Lokasi hotel yang berada tepat diseberang pantai, membuat saya membangun mimpi untuk bersalaman dengan sunset di Belitong. Alhamdulillah terkabul.

Selain sunset, saya juga berkesempatan berkenalan dengan salah satu keunikan Belitong. Sempat bingung manakala jalanan di blockade bocah-bocah lelaki yang berlarian hanya dengan mengenakan celana pendek. Tubuh dan wajah mereka dipenuhi adonan lumpur maupun batu kapur putih. Di sisi luar, para orang tua dan keluarga dengan sabar menanti salah satu bocah untuk berlari kearah mereka. Sayangnya, saya belum berkesempatan menyaksikan runtutan acara secara keseluruhan.

Puas jalan-jalan sore, saya kembali ke hotel dan membaur bersama yang lain untuk menikmati makan malam secara adat Belitong. Diawali dengan tari-tarian khas Belitong, kami berangsur-angsur memenuhi baigan utama rumah. Tak lama, rombongan besar dipecah menjadi masing-masing 4 orang lengkap dengan aneka sajian dan tata caranya. Uniknya, tata cara makan ini akan sangat dipengaruhi oleh factor usia. Siapa yang lebih tua, berhak untuk mencicipi makanan terlebih dulu, so menjadi tua ga selalu mengerikan kok ^^

Masing-masing menunya memiliki bentuk dan cita rasa yang unik. Namun sungguh saya mohon maaf, tak satupun dari menu tersebut yang cocok dengan lidah saya. Akibatnya, beberapa teman langsung lanjut memesan indomie di beberapa kios yang tepat berlokasi di seberang hotel.

Meski masalah perut tidak terpenuhi, saya kembali ke hotel dan memutuskan untuk melakukan persiapan untuk acara esok hari bersama yang lain. Dan dari sinilah saya mendapatkan sunset kedua saya hari ini. Sunset yang membuat saya harus mulai belajar melupakan indahnya Indonesia dengan berdiri di salah satu dataran tertingginya. Yang membuat mulai mengerti, betapa bahagianya bisa berlari. Dan betapa menyenangkannya berjalan.

Seperti ada yang robek ketika saya melompat, dan semakin robek saat kaki kiri saya mendarat pelan di lantai. Semua akan baik-baik saja, ujarku sembari menghibur diri. Meski kenyataanya tidak, saya harus berlapang dada menerima kenyataan bahwa saya mulai pincang. Saya beringsut kembali ke kamar, mencoba melakukan beberapa gerakan normal namun berakhir dengan kelelahan, tertidur dan berharap bahwa sunrise akan segera datang.

Last day in Makassar



Stunning view at Rammang Rammang

 Last day in Makassar


An exit door just an entrance to another…

Yups, leavin Toraja put me back at Daya, Bus Terminal at the center of Makassar city. After having subuh, it’s a farewell with Sandy. Yeah, our togetherness should be ended today since he plan to visit Tanah Beru and Bira beach. And it means that, again… I’m a solo traveler. Before leavin the mosque, i catch the opportunity to have a shower. As expected, its feel amazing haha.

And ith a guidance from Sandy and some research, i’m heading to my first destination. Ramang-Ramang.

What is Ramang Ramang? Some people may never hear about this place. Even local people sometimes unfamiliar with this place. Ramang-Ramang is a small village located in Maros area. It’s a close area hidden within the karsts and known as one of the best karst in the world. Not only that karsts, this place also wrapped by the river with a very nice ambience that surprisingly calming, refreshing and surely its become my one of favorite destination.

How to get there?

From Daya Terminal, take pete-pete to Semen Bosowa area. Most pete-pete on this are in blue, the difference are on the number, hence make sure you asked first to the driver whether they pass by Semen Bosowa or not. After that, you can have a walk, take Ojek (motor vehicle) or waiting for another pete-pete towards the bridge in Ramang-Ramang area. I don’t think this bridge has a certain name, but its reachable through walking. And the best one when you visit this place early morning or just for one of peaceful evening.

Down from the bridge, there’s a mini port where some wooden boat ready to lead to us to enjoy Rammang-Rammang. It’s a quite place actually, only one person stand by during my visit. And the worst is, none will be there when you arrive, my friend has this experience on her visit and it made her lost her opportunity to treasure this place. Without a long bargaining session, he took me to the one of breathtaking place in Makassar.

There’s only me and the boat driver for almost an hour during crossing the river. Our conversation became the most vocal instrument among the nature. There’s only a green and green scenery accompanied till we stop at the entrance of the village.

The village is hidden behind the karst. A huge farming area that totally dry on summer. The villagers’ house rarely seen in between. Some cows was enjoying their breakfast, try to find something green and tasty among those dried ranch fields when I started to explore. The ground is broke on every single ways, and at the top of that, again… a huge karst standing arrogantly. This village has no water supply and electricity. For living, water taken from the natural water source located in the cave. This cave spotted down at the down side of the karst.

My boat driver took me to see around the village up to the ground where it commonly used for physical training of the student at university. Its not a huge place, an open area accompanied with a wooden building for stay at night. I also got an opportunity to go inside the local house. It’s a stage house with a very simple design inside. No separator between rest room, kitchen and bedroom. But among those simplicity, two thumbs up for them for keep survive in this global area while hold tight on their culture and principle.

Rammang Rammang Village

Wonderful as it is ...

  Its 9 AM already, and I decided to leave this wonderful place and heading to my next destination, Taman Nasional Bantimurung. I took the same Pete-Pete towards Maros and ask the driver to drop me off at the place where I can take direct Pete-Pete towards Bantimurung.

Bantimurung originally was the national conservation to maintain population of the butterfly in Makassar. But now, it transform into tourism spot that offers Butterflies museum, waterfall and the cave. Butterflies museum has many collection of butterflies both local and around the world. In front of the museum, there’s a specific area to enhance butterflies reproduction and living. Specific butterfly has their own food and method to keep alive and regenerate. Next, Bantimurung waterfall; it’s a short and wide waterfall that can be afford by everyone incl children as playground. And last, the cave. Its located at the top area after the waterfall. You have to take a long tracking to get there. It’s a bit spooky for me since the area still empty, mostly stay as it is (original) and not well manage but I love some spot where the color of the river change into the blue river. Despite of the dried leaves in the surface, it reminds me a lot to the swan lake in China. A place where I want to be ^^

Bantimurung Waterfall

Playing hohohohoh

Entrance to the cave

Butterflies at Bantimurung

 I decide to finish my visit at 12 AM and unfortunately, there’s no public transportation after awaiting for almost an hour. Makassar was on the highest temperature at the time, my body covered by my own sweat when I’m walking towards the main entrance of Bantimurung and it feels like heaven when I found Pete Pete to bring me back to Terminal Daya. From Terminal Daya, I’m heading to Taman Kahyangan area, a place where my old friend kindly invite me to stay at her house for a night.

Last night in Makassar, I went to the Sumba Opu area, gift spot located close to Losari beach. I bought some snacks for office mate and my family. Next, i run into the culinary option. We tried Makassar seafood and it was my first time trying Kudu-Kudu fish. Surprisingly the taste was more than good, its delicious. We are full already and it makes our planned dessert, Es Pisang Ijo has to stay at the fridge for a while.

Yeah, a proper resting time and sweet closing for this unplanned journey. Lets packing and sadly lets say… Sayonara Makassar!!! Its nice to know you ^^

Escape to Makassar part 2 - Good morning Toraja!!!

Kete Kesu, Toraja

Previous post: Escape to Makassar 22-26 September 2013

2. Good Morning Toraja!!!! 

Good morning Toraja!!!! 
Have a nice and comfortable bus last night allowed me to take a short relaxing time within my 2nd day in exploring Makassar. And after took around 9 hours from Terminal Daya, Makassar, finally we arrived at Rantepao around 6 AM. A lil bit late from the schedule, and i cant remember anything about the causes because i'm too sleepy and tired to be aware of any of those. 

There's not much to see in Rantepao in such a early morning. Many locals were stopped by at the same point as mine. Some of them have been waited by their family and ready to go home, and some will remain, either still waiting or just resting. Buses stopped in front of each bus pool, and surprisingly all of those are luxury bus. There's many bus provider from Makassar to Toraja and the vice versa. Proving that Toraja recently become interesting tourism spot and nice place to stay. 

After a few moment, we met with Okto, Couchsurfing member from Toraja. We agreed to rent motorbike to explore Toraja in one day. But, firstly we stopped by at Okto's place for just clean up ourselves and resting and yeah, we're in Toraja!!! Hahahhah

Toraja for me is about culture, tradition and anxiety. Most of the tourism spot in here was both beautiful and scary. Lets see Londa or Batutumonga; the stone graveyard, the tombs, big cave full with so many coffins, skulls and even the tree where's the babies buried inside. In other side they kept their traditional houses with beautiful and unique ornament in most of the city, the oldest and famous one, Kete Kesu. 

I do have taken so many pictures both in the graveyards and the caves, but i dont know, somehow i just too coward to revisit those pictures again and post. Maybe later. 

Other than those scary and beauty things, we were lucky to arrive there on Tuesday, because its the Buffaloes market day!! Peoples in Toraja believes that Buffalo is the precious animal. The funeral ceremony always accompanied with the slaughtering many buffaloes as symbol of glory. One funeral can be accompanied with many buffaloes, depend on the economic condition of the family. But the more you have it, become more prestigious. Other than that, the other consideration is the type of the buffalo, the albino one is more expensive compare to the normal. And again, i'm amazed that its price fall between 22 million up to 1 billion for each. Pretty enough to travel around the world ^^

In the evening, we still have a spare time to enjoy the view of the whole Toraja from the top. I forgot the hills name but its a nice place to visit. 

Buffaloes Market, Rantepao

Kika: Sandy, Lucas, me and Okto

Binded with the culture and anxiety, Toraja is christian city. Many churches build around the city and Mosque become the rare thing to find in here. However, dont worry for moslem, a big mosque surrounded with many halal food counter located close to the Manggala bus pool at Rantepao area. 

What about living? I didnt experience any overnight stay at this place. Toraja is a place that can be finished on one day visit for sightseeing. But if you love history, you have to stay longer.  There's a lot of hostel and guesthouse at Rantepao. My travelmate, Lucas, decided to stay there for another one night and Okto helped him to find a cheap room for him. 

Visit a good place and spend the wonderful day out with a new friends always become a true story of travelling. The art of leaving a footprint on every place that we ever been there tighten by the spirit of sharing and caring. Lets call it as friendship. 

So its ended here, i have to catch my bus and heading back to Makassar ^^ 

Tips : 
Book your return ticket earlier since the ticket was easily run out.
Bus ticket can be booked directly at the terminal or pool bus, or have a reservation by make a phone call to the bus ticketing office. 

Notes: 
Bus from Makassar - Toraja - Makassar : IDR 140 K (each way, total IDR 280K)
Rental motorbike : 60-75K per 12 hours 

Escape to Makassar 22-26 Sept 2013

Its about Indonesia, its about Sulawesi. And its about my solo traveling story. 

Its started with airlines promo to Makassar, yet with no annual leave can be taken, i presume to have a time to visit Makassar on this September, and surely i will have. After being chased out by Mandala Airlines over my Padang Trip that suddenly cancelled due to the closing of Jakarta-Padang PP routes, i still doubt to use my promo ticket or not. And yeah, it turned worst since my departure schedule was the same day with my mid exam. 

I keep thinking that there's no reason to just stay at home if you have a free time. My father said, "life is too short for just sleeping." And of course, i cant agree no more. So, after finished my mid test i tried to book one way ticket to Makassar at night, its 8.30 PM already. Again, my spirit was wavering at the moment, but its ended up with flight to Makassar for tomorrow morning. Yups, tomorrow, 5 AM. less than 9 hours to go, hence i should not fall asleep tonight and packing. lets get lost in Makassar!!! 

1. Tanjung Bira and Tanah Beru

It was one of the famous beach closed to Bulukumba area. A nice beach surrounded by beautiful islands like Kambing and Selayar island, the hidden paradise for underwater experience like diving and snorkeling. Snorkeling mainly available at guesthouse or boat driver and cost around IDR 300K per person per day, while dive can be found in Dive provider counter close to the beach with cost around IDR 370K per dive whereas minimum 2 set diving has to be taken. 

Bira can be reach by taking Kijang (personal car using yellow plat) from Malengkeri terminal at Makassar. It takes around 5 to 7 hours depends on the traffic and resting time. Otherwise, you can take Kijang from Malengkeri to Bulukumba and transfer into Pete-Pete (Public transportation) to Bira. Transportation from Bulukumba to Bira only operate up to 3 PM, so please ensure that your travelling schedule already fair enough to catch up the last departure. On the way to Bira, we will passing by Tanah Beru area, its a place to construct the Phinishi Boat. Some construction were highly stand up at the beach side along the way of Tana Beru. 

Other than that, you can also take Bus that headed to Selayar from Malengkeri terminal, but its very rare and timing for departure is not clearly available. If you got the opportunity to catch this bus, just ensure to get off at the harbour since the bus will board to the ship and heading to Selayar Island. 

Its evening already when i arrived, sunset in Bira was beautiful at that moment. After heading to one recommended budget hostel from internet, i headed to the beach. And suddenly its become the perfect place to escape. The beach was quite empty, only few visitor came by for just swimming, walking along the beach or riding banana boat. The sands are really soft eventhough not as white as i imagine. 

Having me time at this place feels so refreshing after a long weekend with both deadline and college exam. The wind passed by and enhance the spirit to just standing there, watching what people do on this hilarious moment. And there they came, a colony of nice people called a friend. Maybe it just a few minutes left, departing from short conversation through photograph. And like miracle, i'm no longer solo traveler. 

Leaving the beach, i stop by at the tenant known as the place where diving being arranged in Bira. After have a look and knowing that the instructor not yet arrived, i try to chill out with some foreigners and surprisingly all of them are friendly and we talk a lot like an old friend. 

First one is Tony, a retired man from Singapore. He loved diving since 10 years a go. A rescue level of diver that never wanna be a dive master. He draw money from investment on shares and marketable securities, and well seems he lived his life with the fullest. He even have dived in Egypt, a long time a go, before this country banned for foreigner. He stayed in Indonesia almost for a month and focus on exploring underwater on Sulawesi area. Of course Bunaken in Manado has become one of his favourite. 

"Its bothering me to keep the license for being a dive master, i dive for fun, that's it. No need to have more." He said. 

What i envy the most about him was how he choose to enjoy his retiring period. And the most envious thing is reality that he have made a footstep in Tibet on bike. Yups, on bike. Awesome!!!

Other than this master, i met Spanish man named Leo. A pilot engaged by Garuda Indonesia that currently staying in Makassar. Out of office schedule, he went to Makassar to get Diving license. Just like me, we're newbie on diving experience. 

I spent that night just by making friends as much as i can, and then spent a night in Rizwan guesthouse, enjoy morning sunshine on the beach and sadly heading back to Makassar to catch my bus to Tana Toraja. Surely it feels goods to experience this. 

I dont have a chance to dive at that time, since commonly dive will be started on 9 AM up to 2 PM. And the other thing is, Bira-Makassar tooks almost 7 hours; that means if i take it, i'm gonna missed the overnight bus to Tana Toraja. 

Rather than take Kijang to Bulukumba, and then Bulukumba to Malengkeri with the other, i took direct kijang from Bira to Malengkeri. Its more convenient since i've become the third passenger for almost2 hours. its a long journey anyway, and i dont want to take a risk by being fool at Makassar when i missed Toraja bus. 

Arrived at 3 PM, i used the remaining time to meet my mate from Backpacker Indonesia, Sandy from Pekanbaru who introduce me to nice couchsurfing member in Makassar Ikhsan, with Lucas (CS member from Spain) and of the CS girl from Jakarta (i've forgot her name since it was a very short meeting) as a compliment. We had lunch together in Coto kiosk close to Universitas Hasanudin, and heading to Ikhsan's house for praying, resting and showering. It feels nice after so long long journey.  Ikhsan is an active CS member in Makassar and frequently bring his CS friend to this terminal. That's why he can got discount for us. Not much, but still, its cool. 

And finally at 8 PM, Ikhsan take me, Sandy and Lucas to the bus terminal. Yeah, now we're three musketeer and ready to rock in Toraja.

Tana Beru

Bira Harbour, a gate to Selayar and other island like Flores. 

Sunset at Tanjung Bira, Makassar 

Notes: 
Bus DAMRI from Airport to Karebosi : IDR 25K 
Pete2 Karebosi - Malengkeri : IDR 4 K 
Kijang Malengkeri - Bira : IDR 85 K 
Kijang Bira - Malengkeri : IDR 70K
Riswan guesthouse : IDR 100K/night