Jakarta

10 Things to See in Jakarta

Our bus was zooming through the jalan tol or the freeway, and traffic was slowly building up. We had been on the road and on the sea for about 10 hours already. I looked out the window, the landscape was vaguely familiar. I was searching for something that can match my memory of Jakarta, Indonesia’s …

Pesona Jogja Homestay

A Homey Stay at Pesona Jogja Homestay

As we were doing a budget travel, we took a long trip from Lampung in Sumatra Island, taking a 10-hour bus ride that was boarded on a ship that crossed the Sunda Strait and went further towards Jakarta, then riding an 8-hour train to Yogyakarta. We arrived in the city in the afternoon and ordered …

Ampera Bridge Palembang

First-time in Palembang: The Enchanting City of Heritage

Coming from Singapore, we made an hour flight to Palembang, the capital of the province of South Sumatra, Indonesia. But with the one-hour time difference and since Palembang was behind an hour from Singapore, the clock barely moved when we touched down at the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport. The long Musi River came …

El's Coffee

El’s Coffee and the Art of Brewing Coffee

The moment we entered the doors of El’s Coffee House in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia, the whiff of the coffee’s aroma filled my senses, evoking a juxtaposed feeling of calmness and excitement. Jars of coffee beans that are stacked three layers on one side of the wall immediately caught my eye. A map of Indonesia hangs …

Tangkil Island

First-time in Tangkil Island, Lampung

After our interesting first day in Lampung (READ: First-time in Lampung, Indonesia) where we had a morning of heritage surprises and an afternoon with nature, it was high time to hit the seas and ride ourselves to excitement and adventure. We first had breakfast at Emersia Hotel (READ: First-time in Emersia Hotel and Resort) before …

Cikwo Coffee and Resto

Cikwo Coffee and Resto: Of Seruwit, Robusta and Siger

Seruwit. It was something new to my ears and to my taste. It was the first time I have tasted of this food when it was served to us at Cikwo Coffee and Resto in Bandar Lampung, Indonesia (READ: First-time in Lampung). It’s a mixture of many things and Tempoyak. Okay, another new Indonesian word. …

Emersia Hotel and Resort

First-time in Emersia Hotel & Resort Bandar Lampung

Spending the night on the train seating was quite an exhausting one. So, imagine our delight to find our home in Bandar Lampung, Lampung Province, Indonesia (READ: First-time in Lampung, Indonesia) perched atop a hill with a spectacular view of the city and the sea. The photos did not do justice with the breathtaking scenery …

Lampung

First-time in Lampung, Indonesia

Arriving on a Saturday morning at the Tanjung Karang train station, we drove through the almost deserted, swept-clean streets of Bandar Lampung until we reached Emersia Hotel (READ: First-time in Emersia Hotel and Resort), our home for two days, where we would be having our breakfast. I’ll tell you more about our hotel in the succeeding …

Borobudur Yogyakarta Indonesia

12 Days in Indonesia

Indonesia. The largest archipelago in the world. It is home to many natural wonders. It was also my home for almost a year in 2002. This 2017, I’m back in Indonesia to see more of it. And in only 12 days, I’m seeing more of this nation than I have seen it during my seven-month …

Attractions in ASEAN Countries

50 Things to See in ASEAN Countries

On August 8, 1967, five countries banded together to form the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). These are Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines. Now, the ASEAN marks its 50th year and it has grown into 10 countries, which now includes Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam. I realized that I have visited all …

My 5 Memorable Train Travels

Getting from one city to another by plane may be the fastest way but traveling by train can be a whole lot of fun. I’m the type of traveler who loves to see the scenery, that is why I always prefer the window seat. And train travel gives me that opportunity, less the bumpy ride …

Traveling and Worshiping

When one has a day job and has to take some time off to travel to some foreign destination, the journey is often scheduled near the weekends to make the most of it. That’s what I always do. Several times, I time my trips during the Holy Week when business in the Philippines are mostly …

Jakarta

First-time in Jakarta: A Dynamic Megacity of Southeast Asia

“Selamat datang.” Welcome to Jakarta, the vibrant and bustling capital city of Indonesia! Situated on the northwest coast of the island of Java, Jakarta is not only the largest city in Indonesia but also one of the most populous cities in the world. Known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse population, and thriving economy, Jakarta …

Borobudur, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

First-time in Borobudur, Yogyakarta: Scaling its Mystical Beauty

Nestled in the heart of Indonesia, amidst the lush landscapes of Central Java, stands a magnificent testament to ancient craftsmanship and spiritual devotion. Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a remarkable Buddhist temple complex that captivates visitors with its grandeur and cultural significance. As you approach this architectural masterpiece, you are transported back in …