Bali Hidden Gems

What is the first thing popped in your mind when you heard a word “Bali”? Most people will say beach. Indeed Bali has beautiful beaches stretch along the island. Not only the white sandy beaches, but also the black ones. But do you know that Bali is not just about the beach?

The island of Bali has many hidden gems spread throughout the island. Rice terraces, forest, volcano, lakes, rivers, caves, canyon, you name it. The good thing is most of those places are still less exposed by many tourists. You still can enjoy the stream of the river between lush green canyons while you do rafting. Even if you are lucky, you can see one or two apes hanging on the trees.

Wandering the non-touristy places in Bali is one of my favorite activities during the weekend. I usually go with scooter for faster and easier way to travel around this island. I visited a scenic jogging/walking path on the hill in Ubud, enjoy the view from atop of hill overlooking to the sea in Karangasem, found a hidden waterfall with its blue lagoon, hike Mount Batur on sunrise time, trekking in an uphill village overlooking to the lake, and etc.

Bali is famous with its authentic rice terraces called Subak. Subak is the water management (irrigation) system for paddy fields on Bali Island, which was developed in the 9th century. For the Balinese, irrigation is not simply providing water for the plant’s roots, but water is used to construct a complex, pulsed artificial ecosystem. The famous rice terrace in Bali can be found in Tegalalang, Keliki, and Jatiluwih as a UNESCO world heritage. Make sure you stop by those places to see how Balinese combine art and irrigation system.

Are you an adventure seeker? Try to climb the volcano in Bali. Mount Batur is an option for those who want to witness a stunning sunrise above the cloud, with not so long hike needed. Only require about 2 hours hike to reach the top of Mount Batur on 1.717 meters height above sea level. And prepare yourself for the golden sun rising slowly from behind the sea of cloud. You also can spot Mount Rinjani in Lombok at the far east. Want to try the higher level of hike? Then you should hike Mount Agung, the highest one in Bali with 3.031 meters height elevation. Those volcanoes are not only for the strong legs hikers. For people who just want to enjoy the volcano from afar, there are restaurants that offer lunch with the view of this majesty volcano.

Where there’s a volcano, there’s must be a waterfall. And it’s true. Bali has a lot of waterfalls to offer. From the highest one in the midst of forest, until the one situated in the centre of rural villages. Both are worth to visit. And let the cool breeze indulge you while you enjoy the sound of waterfall hit the lagoon underneath.

Talking about the lake, Bali has some lakes with beautiful view surrounding. The famous ones are Lake Batur and Lake Bedugul. Each has their own beauties to capture. While the more secluded one, Lake Tamblingan, lies side by side with Lake Buyan in the midst of Munduk green hills.

I’m sure by now you just can’t wait to come to Bali and explore its secret gems, hidden in the middle of untouched nature. Then just pack your bag and go!

Written by Fransisca Widi

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Best Things To Do in Medan

Medan is the capital of North Sumatra province and also the third largest city in Indonesia. The former citizens of Medan existed out various ethnic and cultural groups such as the Batak, Malay, Javanese, Chinese, and other ethnic groups. Medan is not only rich in cultural diversity, but it also has quite a diverse tourism potential. The following are recommended activities for those of you who want to travel in Medan.

Visiting the legendary Lake Toba
Lake Toba is a vast and beautiful lake formed by an enormous volcanic eruption that occurred around 77,000 years ago. In an exotic view, you’ll see Samosir island in the middle of Lake Toba which has many famous legends in the archipelago. The natural panorama is so beautiful and the rows of mountains surrounding Lake Toba makes the view even more beautiful. You can enjoy the beauty of nature while relaxing and taking a break from work.

Stimulate adrenaline in the Asahan River rafting spot
Challenged for a tour that drives adrenaline? Asahan River is the answer. Asahan River rafting spot has been named the number 3 best rafting spot in the world! Having a steep flow of 22 kilometers, the flow of water comes from Lake Toba, then accommodated in the Sigura-Gura Dam. Its swift flow follows the exotic Bukit Barisan valley, until it ends in the Malacca Strait through Nibung Bay. This river has 4 difficulty levels and the most favorite is the ‘Never Ever End’ side. Asahan River also has fun rafting, which is ideal for children at least 6 years old and can also be enjoyed by the elderly with 80 years of age.

Enjoy delicious Medan Lontong Sayur
Lontong sayur is a typical Indonesian food that is easily found throughout the country. However, Medan’s traditional lontong sayur has a unique taste to the spice. The use of shrimp and tauco makes the food taste more savory and appetizing. The vegetables consist of pumpkin, yellow jackfruit broth, chayote, carrots and long beans. Equipped with balado eggs, rendang meat, dried tempi anchovy beans and fried peanuts. No wonder Medan’s lontong sayur is one of the favorite breakfast menus of the local population.

Visit the place full of culture, the Batak Museum
The Batak Museum is a magnificent building within the TB Silalahi Center complex. This museum was built based on the concept that the Batak ethnic group have known high cultural values since time immemorial. This is evidenced by the fact that the Batak people have their different languages and writings, they have the traditional democratic principles of Dalihan Natolu, and the use of family names or family names. In addition, this museum also acts as a unifying symbol of different Batak clans, namely: Toba Batak, Simalungun Batak, Mandailing Batak, Angkola Batak, Pakpak / Dairi Batak, and Karo Batak. If you want to get to know more about culture in North Sumatra, the Batak Museum is the right place for you to visit.

Seeing the splendor of the Maimun Palace
Medan Maimun Palace is a heritage museum of Deli Sultanate which has an area of 2,772 square meters and has 30 rooms. The distinctive yellow palace of the Malay decorate the architecture of this magnificent building standing in the middle of Medan city is also an icon of the capital of North Sumatra. The design of the Maimun Palace is a combination of elements of Malay, Spanish, Indian, Italian cultural heritage with an Islamic style. According to history, the Maimun Palace building was designed by architects from the Netherlands and was built in 1888 by Sultan Deli, Makmun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah. As a memento, you can take pictures using the Malay aristocratic clothes provided by the museum manager.

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Best things to do in Flores

Flores is one of the most beautiful islands in the Indonesian archipelago. There are a lot of things on the island which you can do and see. Begin your trip to Flores with visiting the komodo dragons, go diving in the wonderful underwater world of the island and interact with the hospitable citizens of the island. Already curious about the island of Flores? Read further and explorer the activities on the island of Flores.

See a real dragon
Visit the Komodo islands on the west of Flores and discover why this small island is famous along many tourists. This island is the only island in the whole world where you will find the Komodo dragons which is the reason why this island is famous. The Komodo dragons are the biggest lizards in the whole world and that also explains the nickname of the animal. These beasts have a highly aggressive nature, so do you dare to encounter with the famous lizards? These lizards are also highly protected by the Indonesian law and if you see them in real, you know why.

Diving to Komodo National Park
After your visit to the Komodo Dragons, you have to dive in Komodo National Park. The underwater world is known for its manta rays. Encountering with the manta rays will make your visit to Flores unforgettable. The waters are also filled with many schools of fish which are not afraid for you as a diver. Swim together with the fauna under water and you will never leave Flores.

Experience the famous Caci Dance
Encounter with the citizens of the west part of Flores. This tribe is called the Manggarai People and this trip has a big wealth of traditions. One of those traditions is the Caci Dance. Feel the excitement of the dance where you’ll see people fighting against each other with whips while they are dressed as animals. The dance is guided by drums which make the dance more serious, but don’t be afraid about the dancers themselves. The dancers know that the dance is meant to be a spectacular ceremonial happening and they won’t really hurt each other.

Make your way to Wae Rebo village
During your stay on Flores, you have to go to Wae Rebo village. This village is home to the Manggarai tribe. These people live in a special way which you have to see. The villagers live in primitive cottages which have an extraordinary appearance. The roofs of the cottages are shaped into tipi tents. The villagers will be more than happy to show you their way of living and this is unique to see as a tourist, cause you won’t see this in another part in Indonesia.

Enter the spider lair in Cancar
With spider lair, we don’t mean a real spider lair. In Cancar, you’ll see a pattern of a spider lair in the rice plantations. This is a beautiful sight to see and a pity to be missed during your stay on Flores. During your visit to the rice plantations, you have to encounter with the owners who are happy to welcome you. The farmers will explain you that the weightiness of the plantations will describe the wealth of the family. This is an interesting story to hear, but you have to visit the plantations for the full story.

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