In 1997 when I just became 18 years old, I went for the first time to the Asian continent. Thailand was my first impression of Asia, and it became the first of many. When I travel to Asia,and more specifically South East Asia, I feel like a different person. It's like escaping from the demands of the Western world to a place where you feel much more appreciated. I'm especially intrigued by the people over there. Most of them are so kind and polite. Also, they don't show any signs of stress despite having a much tougher life than most of us. They have bigger issues in their life than I would ever experience, but they deal with it instead of complaining about it. I have learned a lot from them, and became more relaxed in my daily life.
So when we got married 2 years ago, our honeymoon had to be somewhere in Asia. Indonesia was one of those countries we were dreaming of for years.
We started off in Bali where we took a few days to adapt and relax before flying to Labuan Bajo (Flores). From the moment we arrived we were in Zen-modus. The Taxi-driver who took us to our hotel in Ubud was a very humble guy who did everything to make the 2hrs ride a comfortable one. Once arrived in the hotel we got a warm reception by the staff, got ourself a well deserved Balinese oil massage before we went for lunch at the infinity pool with a jungle view in front of us. In the late afternoon we went for a walk through the paddy fields which started right from our hotel.
After a while we arrived in Ubud centre. Ubud is Bali's cultural heart, and a spiritual get away for lovers of yoga and meditation therapy. While walking through the streets of Ubud, I realized that one of the main reasons why I felt at home in Asia was the smell. That mixed smell of tropical air, incense, spicy food and of course the smell of gasoline created by tuk-tuks and motorbikes. Wherever you go in South east Asia, you come across that same smell. And I love it!
What i have learned on previous trips, was the rip off taxi-prices you had to pay on your first days. The taxi drivers, they sense that you have just arrived and take profit of it by asking a higher rate than the normal price. So this time I asked some locals what the normal price would be . I was prepared to negotiate! But to my surprise, all taxi drivers asked for the same amount. Was it a coincidence? We would find out later.
(this picture was taken at a restaurant in the middle of the paddy fields)
After 2 days of getting a first taste of Indonesia, we took a flight to Labuan Bajo in Flores. This town is the gateway to the mysterious Komodo islands, home of the famous Komodo dragons. We had booked a 2 day 1 night boat tour at Golo Hilltop hotel with another 2 nights at the hotel. The owners were 2 very friendly Dutch women, who did their best to give us a convenient stay. The place was basic, but it had a magnificent view over the bay.
The day after we left on our private boat with a crew of 4 men and a guide to Rinca island. This island offers you the biggest chance to see a Komodo dragon. The Komodo dragon is a giant lizard with an average length of 2 /3 meters (6.5/ 10 feet) and a weight of 70 kilo (154 pounds) who only lives on a few islands of Indonesia. These giants are carnivores and prefer to eat birds, reptiles, small mammals but also bigger ones like monkeys, deers and even buffalo's. But more importantly they're also cannibals. They prey on the older and sick ones.
Once we arrived at the island, a parc ranger welcomed us, and guided us on a 1hr walk on the island. He asked us to stay close to him to prevent attacks and warned us to never leave the path as they are not afraid to attack people.
We were lucky to see a few hanging around at the Ranger station, before we left on our hike.
And for once we had to leave the path as there was a passer-by who we didn't wanted to distract.
Later on we sailed further to Kalong island what became our final stop of the day. Chilling on the roof deck, drinking a Bintang beer while listening to songs of Xavier Rudd...for me that comes close to the ultimate feeling of happiness!
The main attraction of Kalong island happens around sunset. Every day around sunset the sky gets filled with thousands of bats who fly out for their nighttime feeding frenzy. It starts with one, two, ten ... and after a few minutes you could see them everywhere. Quite spectacular!
(source google images)
A perfect ending of beautiful day!
