Gatut Kaca Horse statue at Tuban

Right on the junction of Tuban, on the right hand side from the direction of Kuta on the way to Bali International airport, a beautiful statue painted white stands attractively decocating the little park of the area. It is the statue depicting the battle between Gatutkaca and Karna, in one of the episodes of the renowned epic Mahabarata. Prabu Karna, this is how he is widely called, is on his horse carriage attempted to attack Gatotkaca using his weapon "arrow." This battle was under the instruction of Sri Krisna and Arjuna.Gatotkaca who is the son of Bimasena was fighting very bravely. The purpose of this fight was to tease Prabu Karno in order that he used his weapon Kunta, a very powerful weapon that could one be used once, and it was to be used to kill Arjuna. Prabu Karno tried again and again to harm Gatutkaca but he failed because Gatutkaca always hid himself behind the cloud. His effort finally succeeded, Prabu Karno finally lost his patience and used his killing weapon ti kill Gatutkaca. Gatutkaca died an honorable dead and Prabu Karno lost his weapon for killing Arjuna. In the next episode of the story Prabu Karno was killed by Arjuno.

A Tour Memory with Mikhail Semenov and Zenya from Rusia

On February 21 I handled a couple from Russia, Mr and Mrs Semenov from Russia on a one-day Kintamani tour.

I picked them up from their villa, Pat Mase Villas, Jimbaran at 8.30. The places we planned to visit as already listed were Toh Pati (batik center), Celuk (silver works center), Batuan village (11th century Batuan temple), Ubud (monkey forest and Antonio Blanco museum), Agro Tourism (coffee plantation and other tropical plants, and Kintamani (view of Mount and Lake Batur).

This was a private tour with only two passengers on the car. We used air conditioning Avanza, a small convenient car which is very ideal for a small group of passengers.

It was such a good morning when we started the tour. The sky looked so clear  and the weather in general was very good. We used two languages, English and Russian for our communication. They don't speak English so much, on the contrary I don't speak Russian well. But, everything went on smoothly since we tried to understand each other in spite of  the handicap in the language.

First, we visited Legong batik. It is one of the several Batik houses in Tohpati and Batubulan which provides exhibition of Batik making process as well as display of the batik works. Visitors can witness how some batik painters dance their fingers to draw special batik patterns on a piece of white cloth/ fabric. With their long experience in their work they can fluently draw special pattern without looking at a sample. This is such a unique skill.

We then continued our trip to Celuk. This is a place where you can see different kinds of exotic silver works. The gallery we visited was sari Dewi. This is one of the galleries with the most collection of artistic  silver and gold works. You will also see how Balinese silver smiths intricately create  a variety of silver work arts.

From Celuk we continued to Batuan. It is only 15 minute drive. After you signed up at the guest list and wore slash and sarong as a decent costume when entering holy places in Bali, you step up into the temple. Here you will be brought into a serene and contemplative atmosphere inside the 11th century temple. Beautiful ornaments and refined carving around the temple are the main interesting sightseeing at the temple. This is one of the most beautiful and visited temple in Bali.

The following tourist object was Mas. This is a village of wood carvings. Here you can see how Balinese skilled sculptors carve wood and change them into such an artistic and valuable art works.

A Tour memory with Daniel's family on Bedugul and Tanah Lot Tour

On Sunday 10, 2013 I handled Bedugul and Tanah Lot tour with Daniel's family from Singapore. Altogether they were 5 people consisting 4 adult and 1 child. This is Bedugul and Tanah Lot Tour. Based on the appointed time, I picked them up at White Rose hotel at 8.30. We were all on time. The objects we visited were Taman Ayun royal family temple, Ulun Danu Beratan temple, Pacung rice terrace while enjoying lunch time, Alas Kedaton monkey forest and temple, then Tanah lot with its amazing sunset time.At the end of the tour one of the tourists commented as saying, I must say this is such an interesting tour, especially the sunset at Tanah Lot. Here our tour goes.

First we left the hotel and went north to the first object, Taman Ayun. It took about one hour. On arrival we walked through the temple complex exploring every detail of the complex of this 17 century royal family temple. There were some visitors to this temple but not crowded. They enjoyed making pictures at this exotic temple. The ticket is IDR 15,000 per person. It took about half an hour for them to explore the temple complex.

We continued the tour to Bedugul  to discover the beautiful scenery of Ulun Danu temple and Beratan lake. The weather was very good. It was sunny but we felt very cool in the area of Bedugul. Beside enjoying the exotic panorama we could also enjoy the cool and fresh atmosphere that this highland offers. After paying the ticket which cost only IDR 30,000 we walked though the park to enjoy different kind of exotic tropical flowers while sometimes clicking the camera for an interesting object. Then we entered the temple which is located on the shore of the lake. On entering the temple we will instantly see an exotic picture reminiscing us of one of the Indonesian Bank note.  Yes, we have this picture on our money, 50,000 rupiahs. What such a nice view. They took  turn taking the pictures with the background of this exotic scenery. It took about one hour to explore this park, before we continued our trip.

From this object we went to Pacung for Lunch. Our choice was Lambaga Restaurant located on the right hand side of the Bedugul - Tanah Lot road. This restaurant offers delicious local cuisine while enjoying the panoramic view of Pacung rice terrace which has been widely well known. The location of the restaurant which overlooks the rice terrace view and perches above the  deep ravine is an additional value. Tourist will feel like they are  in the other planet.

The next object on the list was Alas Kedaton. Here you can enjoy playing with funny monkeys which sometimes jump on your shoulders. A woman clad in blue uniform will accompany you during the visit. They are employed by this park authority to help visitors enjoy their tour. Feel free to ask her to answer your curiosity. It is higly recommended that you never touch the monkeys in whatever circumstance  because though outwardly they look friendly they sitll  keep their beast character, wild. They will respond any touch as an annoyance. They took about half an hour to explore this park.

Finally we end out tour at Tanah Lot. With the ambition and curiosity to witness the exotic Tanah Lot sunset, they were willing to wait until 2 hours. We arrived at around 4 pm.  First, we walked down from  the drop off area, passed through the ticket check point, then down to the beach passing through long line of shops offering different kinds of Balinese souvenir products. It was at low tide so we could get closer to the temple complex. After making some photos, we continues to the western parts where we could see the whole view of the temple along with the splash of the waves. They took turn taking  to have the opportunity to take photos on the cliff with the background of the majestic temple. Finally, to get the best view for the sunset we moved to the east part of the complex where we could see the sunset along with the temple and its surrounding landscape while enjoying young fresh coconut. such a rare occasion. At about 18.30 the sunset was at its peak moment before it sank a few minutes later. that's the end of this memorable tour. a dozens of exotic pictures become the witness of this unforgettable moment on the island of paradise,

Good by Bali........thanks for this wonderful experience.

BALI BROMO TOUR

(1 Night/ 2 Days)

A fascinating overland tour to one of East Java's most highlighted tourist objects, MOUNT BROMO, to discover its spectacular natural beauty and its breathtaking view of sunrise from the renowned sunrise view point called PENANJAKAN.

Highlights: The breathtaking view of Bromo sunrise, exotic view of Bromo landscape

Day 01

Depart from Bali (Kuta, Sanur, Ubud, Nusa Dua) at an appointed time (08.30 or 09.00 am), lead to west Bali to reach Gilimanuk harbor for a car ferry transfer. Drive along the south coast of Bali with some possible stops at some interesting objects such as Soka, rice fields and Medewi. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant which serve local delicacies. Cross the strait (Bali – Java strait) for about 1 hour, then continue the trip to Bromo. From Ketapang harbour to Bromo will pass through some cities including Assembagus, Situbondo, Besuki, and Probolinggo. Early evening arrive in Bromo and check in at a hotel at Cemoro Lawang. Evening free program. Dinner is at hotel’s restaurant.

BALI IJEN SUKAMADE BEACH BROMO 3N / 4D

An overland Bali Java tour visiting some of East Java’s most fascinating tourist objects including Ijen crater, Sukamade green turtle beach, and the spectacular nature and sun rise spot, Bromo. The tour starts from Bali (Kuta, Sanur, NusaDua and Ubud) or other places in Bali based on appoinment.

Tour Itinerary

  

Day 01: Bali – Banyuwangi

Pick you up from a hotel in Bali or airport, then take you on a convenient airconditioning car  to Gilimanuk harbour  for a one- hour ferry transfer to Ketapang, Banyuwangi port. This trip takes south Bali coastal road passing through scenic view of south coast landscape with blue ocean and lush green rice fields. Little stops can be made for photographs. Lunch is done at a local restaurant on the way. After crossing the strait we  proceed to a hotel at Ketapang for check in. Ketapang Indah resort will be our most recommended hotel, on condition of availability. Afternoon activity will be filled with visiting the traditional market or a local Chinese temple.

Day 2: Banyuwangi – Ijen Crater – Sukamade Turtle Beach

Around 04.00 wake up call by hotel staff, enjoy morning coffee, then on a 4WD vehicle go to Mount Ijen which takes about one and a half hours. This trip will pass through Licin village the roads of which are winding and moving steeply up and down with beautiful lush green coffee and clove plantation before we enter   the Ijen National Park  to discover a variety of tropical floras including giant ferns and big trees. Now the road has been newly upgraded so that it takes shorter time to reach Ijen. Upon arrival, the guide will give a short briefing, then go to the park’s office to pay the ticket. It takes normally 1,5 to 2 hours to reach the summit. The climbing path is relatively easy for such a high mountain. You will have some rests while enjoying the natural beauty of the slope and the landscape of its neighbor mountain. On the way to the summit you will meet some sulfur mining workers who carry heavy loads of yellow sulfur they have taken from the sulfur mine,  down in the Ijen crater. This is a very tedious and dangerous short of work. They have to  maneuver on a small and narrow path and  risk falling down the deep ravine just to earn a maximum of 10 dollars a day. Once you arrive on the summit, you will feel like in the different planet. A stunning view of the crater with blue sulfur lake surrounded by mighty walls with smoke coming from the sulfur mine is really none to second view. Take this opportunity to channel your photography passion with as many amazing pictures as possible.After experiencing this  adventure, go down to the vehicle parking area, then go directly back to the hotel for a little bath in the pool and have lunch at a local restaurant.

After Lunch we continue the trip to Sukamade Turtle Beach. On the way, we stop at Pesanggrahan village to change the vehicle with a 4WD jeep  we use for crossing the river, going into the rain forest, beaches and the traditional village before we arrive at Sukamade beach. Sukamade has been well known as a green turtle protecting area where 5 species of green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. The beach is about 3 km long overlooking the Indian ocean.  More and more tourists are interested to visit this spot to have such a unique and rare experience  of seeing the turtles. We stay the night  and have dinner at the lodge or simple guest house in Sukamade.

Day 03: Sukamade Turtle – Bromo

After breakfast, we go exploring the area of Sukamade beach which is also noted as turtle-nestling beach. Sukamade has had a turtle conservation facility since 1972 and since then there have been around 3,000, turtles tagged here.

Almost every night , turtles appear on Sukamade beach to lay eggs. This conservation park has rangers whose main job is taking the eggs and protecting them from predators. These eggs are incubated in the hatchery while the youngsters are released to the ocean on the beach. Watching the giant turtles emerge from the sea and struggle up to the beach to lay their eggs on the moonlit night is a rare and unique experience. Sukamade is certainly off the beaten track and needs some effort to reach. Leave Sukamade early afternoon for Mount Bromo. It takes about 5 hours to reach Bromo. Lunch is served at a local restaurant.

Early.evening arrive in Bromo and check in at a hotel overlooking mount Bromo. Free evening program. Dinner is served  at the restaurant in hotel.

Day 04 : Mount Bromo – Bali or Surabaya

Early morning wake-up call (around 04.00), have a cup of coffee, then start the Bromo tour on a 4WD jeep. The jeep takes you to the slope of Mount Penanjakan (more than 2000 m) before you walk to the summit through some steps to witness Bromo’s spectacular sun rise view. At this place, you have the opportunity to make the best pictures on this magnificient God’s creation with Mt Bromo, Mt Batok and Mount Semeru packed in one exotic scene and unveil a magnificient view. After this observation, we drive down crossing the sand ocean and stop at the jeep parking to walk or take a horse to reach the summit of Bromo. It takes 1,5 hours to explore Bromo summit, afterwards we return to hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we leave the hotel to return to Bali or Surabaya. Dinner is served on the way.

Price: IDR 3,250,000/ person

Include:

• Airconditioning car transfer and English speaking driver
• 1N  hotel at Ijen area
• 1N hotel/ guest house at Sukamade Turtle Beach
• 1N hotel at Bromo area
• 4WD vehicle  for Ijen Tour & Sukamade Tour
• 4WD vehicle for Bromo tour
• Breakfast, Mineral water
• All entrance fees
• English speaking guide
• Ferry  charge
• 1 x dinner at Sukamade Beach

Not Include:

• Personal expenditures
• Camera/ video fee at Ijen
• Airport tax