The Unexpected Journey, Chengdu 2014

On my sister's bday, 9 May 2014

"So what's Allah blessing would you deny?? "

Its a gift.
That's what i always talk to myself at that time. After a long craving for holiday, finally i got one. A short one, but one of the best i ever had.

Always expect the unexpected. After a short of approval from my boss, i just want to fly away somewhere. Pack some stuff on my backpack and regain my conciousness to check what i already have at that time. And here the things:

1. A passport, accompanied with China Visa.
Visa valid until 30 June 2014. This one have been abandoned for a long time since my plan for visiting Tibet being cancelled.
2. One way ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Chengdu, China.
Departed a day after tomorrow ( 11 May 2014). But unfortunately, the name shown at the ticket is not exactly the same name with my passport. FYI, i joined membership using my current father's name while my passport using my late father's name. 
3. Return ticket from Jakarta - Kuala Lumpur (8 May 2014 - 22 May 2014).  
Yeah, i should be in KL yesterday but here i am, Working. And it supposed to be a long holiday that for real, it never happened.

Thinking about do some mountain hiking, but come on, i have almost a week to spent and only Rinjani (Lombok) is worth enough to spend with. And finally i ended up with the famous quotes in my head.

DONT THINK, JUST GO!!!

So i found a cheap flight to Kuala Lumpur for tomorrow night (Lion Air - IDR 300K). And what next?? Nothing.

A day after, i found myself at the new malaysian airport, KLIA2. A huge and nice one. Blend with many travellers, share the same floor (literally floor) to spend the night and do some research through free wifi on "what should i do next" or maybe "where should i go after leavin this airport?"

Some friends ask me through some social media, "Where are you going?"
And helplessly i found that i have no answer on that, because i dont know.

Maybe going overland through Malaysian teritory like Melaka, Langkawi, Johor Bahru or Sabah will be not that bad, or lets make a try with my China's ticket. And surely, the last option sounds much much better. Lets make a try!!!

I do the web check in, and submit my document to the counter. Passed!!! But its not the end, i have to pass the immigration officer. And again, passed!!! Succeed??? Not yet, i have to show my passport and ID before boarding to the plane, and its successfully made my heart beat racing like a horse.

This is the point.

And lately, i already seated next to the union of Chinese people who's talk a lot about their plan to visit Tibet. Yeah, I made it!!! Welcome to Chengdu...

Upon my arrival, there's another problem coming. Where should i go? Luckily, i still have a request to couchsurfing member in Chengdu and agreed to have a visit soon upon my arrival. It said that i have to take the airport bus to reach the main city, so i pass the exit door and practically i become and alien since none there can understand what i'm saying till i found a small counter saying that it was Tourist Information. Thanks God!!!

I have to take the bus no 1 to reach NiJiaXiao area (My CS's friend place) with cost around 10 Yuan, but i decided to buy Chinese mobile card incl. internet package with cost 150 Yuan ( expensive, but i found that its really helpful later).

I take the bus, get off at NiJiaXiao with the help of Chinese Character written by the staff at tourist information. Next, i got lost for almost an hour,  starving and truly become alien at this town. I have shown the address to some people who's passing by and each of them have different direction. OK, just kill me then (kidding). I called my CS's friend but she cant lead me well since i dont know where i am hahahaha

And my internet package helped. I reach their house (Their = because they are a couple), met other surfer from Germany and yeah, after loosen my back and have a shower, they invite me to join The Friend's House weekly game. What is the Friends House, i will tell you later. For now, please let me show you the gift on my first day in Chengdu.

Met many new friends, Weekend Game at The Friend's House

 How i spent the next day, i still have no idea.

The magnificent of Rajashtan

I’m not a huge fan of Jodha Akbar, Bollywood movie starring Hritik Roshan and Aiswaryha Rai that booming in both Hindustan and Indonesia. Even so, it’s turned into mini-series on one of national television in Indonesia. And frankly speaking I’m getting to know this movie after I came back from my India’s trip on May 2013, my travel mate told me that setting of this movie was taken in Rajashtan, or maybe we can specify using Jaipur.

After witnessing the symbol of love, Taj Mahal – Agra; I ‘m not expecting that Hindustan will offer me another masterpiece but it does. Rajashtan successfully open my eyes, agaaaaain..about how wonderful Hindustan. The first moslem city occupied with a very very beautiful architecture and nature. How I end up here? Of course, having mate and travel book looks effectively made up my day.

I took Hwh Ju Express (12307) from Agra Fort to Jaipur. The train scheduled to be departed at 20:05 PM and arrived on 00:05 AM early in the morning, but due to a bad weather we have to accept that the departure scheduled postponed for two hours and made us arrived in Jaipur at 2 AM. I just feel so sorry to our host who stay awake and awaiting for us at Jaipur train station.

So his name is Hussey Khan. A moslem, lawyer student at Rajashtan University, a couchsurfer and also a tourism ambassador wannabe. He host us during our stay in Rajashtan. He leave his room and stay outside almost of the day and slept at the rooftop at night. I wonder why he did it, but i realized the reason on my first night stay at his house. Hindustan was extremely hot during summer.

He lives with his parents, a sister, brother and a cute niece for sure. Most of them doesn’t speak English but somehow we try to understand each other. Most of them were amazed when I told them that I’m moslem. Not a good moslem indeed. They even asked me to read some phrases of the Quran. I just felt home.

On the next day, he brought me to visit his elephant. Yes, his family has one and day by day were used as part of elephant trail experience to enjoy the Amber castle for foreigners. Another thing that surprised me is the fact that this elephant has the same name as mine, Shanti. Ok Girls, at least we are at the same size.

We used public transportation during our day by day sightseeing in Jaipur. With cost around INR 2 per ride, we can reach most of the tourism spot with an almost convenient way. Be aware with your exchange, I found they didn’t give mine if I’m not asking since they knew that we’re foreigners.

Amber Fort was about a huge castle with a long bridge that most alike Greatwall of China. It can be seen from the rooftop of Hussey’s home. On the top, a beautiful palace and garden standing together with the view of mountains/hills and of course the lake.

We also headed to one of the gift shop down at the exit of the castle and sent some postcard at the post office. Next, we headed to Hawa Mahal at pink city area while tasting the best lassi I ever had. Lassi is a kind of both Indian and coconut milk; we have tried once known as the best in Varanassi but I can have it all at the moment and just finished a cup of it in Jaipur.

I also asked him to assist me to buy an indian scarf that can be used as a hijab. He got me me a cheaper price but somehow the trader was angry at him knowing that he took it for me, foreigners. Knowing that he want to put a higher price.

I can understand why foreigners charged higher price in terms of gaining additional fund to maintain the tourism site, but I cant for charging more on the same items sold in the market. Do they think that traveler always has a lot of money? Don’t they think that it can avoid them to revisit and bought the same thing again? Whatever the reason, it seems unfair to me.

But among of this fact, I’ll never regret my visit and never have any objection to come back. Hopefully, one day I will..

Menapaki hutan mati dan eidelweis di Papandayan

Menapaki hutan mati dan eidelweis di Papandayan

Mungkin ini postingan hutang yang memang sudah sepantasnya dilunasi sekarang. Sengaja saya backdate agar tidak rancu dengan tanggal yang sebenarnya. Tanggal keberangkatan salah satu jalan-jalan saya dengan tema yang agak beda dari biasanya.

Berawal dengan meeting point di terminal bus kampong rambutan, saya dan rekan-rekan dari Jakarta berangkat menuju terminal Guntur-Garut. Beberapa rekan lain menyusul dari kota asal masing-masing dan tetap berkumpul di Garut. Bus membawa kami menempuh perjalanan panjang dan menurunkan kami sekitar pukul 2.30 pagi di terminal Guntur. Berhubung masih pagi, kami memutuskan beristirahat di musholla yang ternyata sudah dipenuhi para calon pendaki lain dan akan terus bertambah hingga pagi menjelang. Tak jauh dari musholla terdapat toilet umum lengkap dengan kamar mandi. Yang tahan dengan hawa dingin pasti langsung mandi mengingat mandi menjadi hal yang mewah dalam dua hari kedepan.

Usai shubuh dan berbersih seadanya, rombongan mulai bernegosiasi dengan sopir angkot untuk mengantarkan kami ke camp davis yang merupakan starting point pendakian ke papandayan. Di tengah perjalanan, kami sempatkan untuk mampir ke pasar membeli bahan makanan sembari sarapan.

Sepanjang perjalanan kami hanya mampu menatap riang ke pemukiman penduduk dan pepohonan rindang. Jalanan yang jauh dari kata mulus spontan membuat tangan-tangan kami tertanam erat pada pinggiran pick-up untuk pegangan. Tak urung, tawa berderai bersamaan dengan desir angin yang menerpa pepohonan. Tak lantas tiba di tujuan, angkot yang membawa ransel kami meraung ditengah jalan lantaran aspal yang menganga lebar.

Perjalanan yang penuh cerita dan perjuangan, bahkan sebelum perjalanan yang sesungguhnya dimulai. Camp davis cukup ramai kala itu. Dataran luas di balik perbukitan ini menjadi langkah awal hampir semua pendaki yang akan berkunjung ke Papandayan. Beberapa terlihat antri di toilet, sisanya ada yang sekedar makan dan ngopi cantik meski bukan di kafe, duduk-duduk atau jeprat jepret kamera karena memang viewnya yang luar biasa.

Tak lama, rombongan kami mulai menapaki tanjakan berbatu kapur bersama. Konon tanjakan ini akan membawa kami menemui kawah papandayan sebelum benar-benar menghabiskan malam di Pondok Salada, kawasan berkemah di Papandayan. Dan benar saja, bau belerang mulai menyerang tiba-tiba.

Selang beberapa waktu, kami memutuskan untuk membagi rombongan menjadi dua. Beberapa anggota yang bukan prohiker (termasuk saya) memutuskan untuk menapaki rute yang lebih bersahabat ketimbang mengejar waktu dengan melewati tanjakan yang makin curam. Meski agak memutar, beberapa pemandangan spektakuler sempat menjadi bonus yang tidak boleh dilewatkan.

Entah selang beberapa lama, beberapa rombongan berkumpul kembali di Pondok Salada, mendirikan tenda dan mulai memasak makan malam untuk menghangatkan badan. Kumpul-kumpul, kenalan hingga goyang Caesar di tengah lapangan di bawah langit dengan “5 billion stars”. Banyak peserta trip kali ini yang baru berkenalan di Papandayan, bahkan gossipnya ada yang jadian haha

Esoknya, rombongan kembali terbagi menjadi dua kelompok. Kelompok pertama, cukup memasak, jaga tenda sedangkan sisanya harus kembali berjuang menghadang tanjakan demi tanjakan menuju hutan mati, tegal alun dan tanjakan mamang. Tapi semuanya terbayar lunas seketika dengan pemandangan yang lebih dari sekedar indah.

Puas mengitari kawasan, kami beringsut kembali ke tenda untuk makan dan berkemas pulang. Kali ini, semua menempuh jalan memutar dan tiba di camp davis sekitar pukul 2 siang. Usai melepas lelah sejenak, satu per satu kami naik ke atas pick up yang mengantarkan kami kembali ke terminal Guntur. Disinilah kami berpisah. Masing-masing pamit pulang dan menaiki bus sesuai tujuannya. Sedangkan saya memilih mandi dan makan dahulu sebelum akhirnya balik ke Jakarta.

Closing 2013 - The stunning view of Selamet Mountain, Indonesia

Selamet Mountain, December 2013 

I want to stand with you on a mountain....

I want to  bath with you in the sea

I want to lay like this forever

Until the sky falls down on me

- Truly, Madly Deeply, Savage Garden -

2nd highest mountain in Java. I never imagine nor dreaming to be at the top of it. Yups, Selamet Mountain 3,428 Mdpl.  I'm not a hiker nor pro traveller. I just love to visit places i never been and met new people, seing new places and share about everything. But, here i am.... up and down crawling to the summit. Just like life itself, there's no guarantee that it will be easy.

 

Its not a good way to welcome new year for most of the people, despite of that some old friends always told me that the way i entertain myself sometimes a bit tiring instead of relaxing. And yeah, thats so damn true since hiking absolutely will be tiring. Even, i have rejected my friend's invitation to Bromo mountain and reserve my energy for this. The other reason is, i never been here.

 

So on friday traffic madness, i join with some BCI's friend (BCI =  Backpacker Ceria Indonesia) at Kampung Rambutan Terminal and get ready towards Selamet Mountain. There are 6 person gathered from Jakarta including me, Joko, Fardhil, Aziz, Fitri and Okha. Other companion coming from Purwokerto and Subang. All of us will meet upin Purwokerto.

 

How to get there?

 

What "there" on that question mean? of course top of the mountain.

 

First step, move on from the Kampung Rambutan Terminal to Purwokerto. We have to take an overnight bus from Jakarta to Purwokerto. Some bus provider may dragging you to have their service. But believes me, choose the right provider does matters. We plan to have Sinar Harapan from the beginning, but ended up to be seated in the Dewi Sri for a long ride and a short of misfortune that wasted our time.

 

It was a long ride, we have to spend minimum 10 hours in the bus to reach Purwokerto and become longer and longer since the bus condition is poor. The tire is broken around 2 AM. All passengers have to get down and wait with the sleepy head. Then, we ended up to arrive at Purwokerto on lunch time. Almost 14 hours!!!!

 

We're not stopped by at terminal since one of our companion, Mamet, is a local and offering us to have a visit at his house in Karang Kemiri, Purwokerto. He is a local who study in Yogyakarta and suddenly comeback last night to join trip with us. One of our friend from Subang, Itha, has joined him last night. And the other one is Melky, "Mamet's friend from Purwokerto. And here we are, the 9 fellowship of the Selamet Mountain ^^

 

Mamet's house is very comfy. Located a bit far from the mainroad, he and his brother randomly pick us to the house by motorbike. A small village down from the mountain. A beautiful landscape of a mountain and farming field brought back our spirit. And yeah, having a shower and free lunch make up our day. Mamet's family also really nice and helpful, i thought i got a CS house here hahahah

There are 2 options to enter Selamet Mountain:

a) Via Batu Raden

b) Via Bambangan

From Karang kemiri, we heading to Selamet Mountain via Bambangan. take a minibus to the place known as the gate to Selamet Mountain.

 

Its an evening already, when we reach the gate. After having our dinner (prepared by Memet's mom) and Shalat, we decided to take the night tracking. We didnt take the whole route at that time, stop by at the 2nd stage, spent the night there and continue our journey in the morning.

 

On the next day, we have a morning tracking and have a camp at stage 7, whereas some of the sky landscape already lie down in our feet and water available freely for the hikers. We only spent one night there, catch the summit early morning on the next day and get back to the city.



Morning breakfast ^^





Sunrise at Selamet Mountain

Lets not call it as a vacation, the road are extremely tiring but wonderful. The team itself was superb, caring and helpful. They encourage me to reach the top whenever i felt "OK this time and this point i have to give up. "

 

And here i am, like a story teller, mumbling about this place and never have any regret for ever being there.

 

 

 

Alhamdulillah.

Its November Recap!!!!

This is my December ....

Halah bahasaku, macam Chester nya Linkin Park aja ngomongnya. But yups, this is my December. Setelah sekian lama ga ketak ketik di blog, gateeeel and kangen banget rasanya buat sharing apapun (peristiwa, trip, kerjaan and personal life) selama beberapa bulan terakhir. So, let this note become my November recap :p

This is the way i entertain myself ;p

Mulanya nulis cuman iseng, trus mencoba memprovokasi diri sendiri untuk nulis pake Bahasa Inggris yang pas-pasan. Bukan berlagak songong, aku cuman pengen share pengalaman ke semua orang secara universal. Apalagi kalo jalan-jalannya di Indonesia, ga ada salahnya dong berharap tulisan sendiri menjadi moda untuk mempromosikan pariwisata Indonesia di mata dunia. So, maaf aja kalo tulisannya agak berantakan.

Makassar menjadi trip yang terakhir kali aku share disini, dan jangan salah, aku masih ngutang satu episode Makassar trip, beberapa episode Hindustan Trip dan pastinya trip dari Oktober ke November. Hmmmph... lumayan banget yak ngutangnya, semoga itikad untuk nyicil sebelum pergantian tahun keturutan!!! amiiiiin!!!!

As starting point, ini recap nya:

1. Menjangan Island, Bali - Ijen Crater and Baluran National Park

Trip kali ini kombinasi penyaluran hasrat jalan-jalan plus balas dendam karena ditinggal teman-teman muncak ke Cikurai..huuhuu tapi yasudlah, everything happened for a reason.. and reason nya adalah mereka pergi manakala saya harus menimba ilmu di Salemba (gaya :p)

2. Mudik gratis berkedok kerja di akhir Oktober

Yuhuuuu, ini berkah namanya... dapat tugas sehari ke Surabaya and it means bisa mampir kerumah cuma2.. Memang bentar banget sey, tapi lumayan lah menyambung kangen sama keluarga and Surabaya.

3. One day trip ke Gunung Padang - situs megalithikum
Yang ini racun forum di Backpacker Indonesia. One day trip murah meriah ke Gunung padang di Cianjur. Dan entah kenapa, moment nya paaaasssssss banget setelah beres ujian akhir PPAK. Bener-bener butuh liburan!!!!

4. Jogja Trip dalam balutan Mini audit goes to campus

Bukan Suntea namanya kalo menolak ajakan maen di waktu luang. Even, untuk 16 November ini tawarannya ga cuman satu, tapi tiga!!! nah lo??? Gratisan pertama, weekend gateaway ke Bandung yang cuman modal biaya makan. Yups, ada spare kamar gratis di Holiday Inn dari temen yang ada acara kantor di Bandung plus tebengan PP. Gratisan kedua, free return flights Jakarta Jogja bermodal jadi instruktur mini audit di UGM. The last one, ke Ujung Genteng bareng anak-anak Backpacker Ceria Indonesia.

Dan setelah mempertimbangkan beberapa hal, pilihan jatuh pada Ngayogyakarta. Cerita selengkapanya? ditunggu saja heheh

5. Meet and Greet with old friend in Palembang

Nah, trip yang ini korban promo tiket dari Garuda Indonesia. Selain korban promo, saya juga belum pernah menginjakkan kaki di bumi Palembang, lebih-lebih kanjeng ratu Marisa sekarang menetap disana, mantap sudahlah niatan kami (me, Prew and Emy) makan pempek di kota asalnya.

6. Final Exam is over

Yeah, final exam is over. No more studying and study leave. No more escape from work on friday. Huhu..sediiiih plus lega juga.

7. Resignation Letter submitted

I wish. Yups. It seems to be the right time. Everything has been planned as well as my travel plan. Lets meet up in another office next year!!!

Yeah its only a recap..

 

 

See yaa