Hey steemers! As I wrote before we are going to Indonesia in October-November, already bought the tickets, and today I wanna explain why we chose this country, and show plan of itinerary with details. I hope some of you can share with us your experience, or maybe even join to us. More people-more fun :-)
I believe that STEEMIT can give opportunity to all of you make a real your dreams. So, if you feel desire to visit this amazing country, we will be waiting for you there since 22 october- 10 november
Why Indonesia?
I have a few friends who have traveled all around the world, and their stories about Indonesia are really annoying me last years, its not a joke:) Every time i hear that it is the best place where they were, if you were not there, you are spending your time for traveling somewhere else. Well, their screams made me read more and more about this country... it worked. I didn't notice how I fell in love, and this place became my obsession.
We will have about 20 days, its not allow to see ALL Indonesia, and after some tips from friends we decided to start from Jawa island, then get to Bali and beyond to the Lake of Young Men and Maidens. Maybe when it will became reality I will disappointed, due of my imaginary expectations... but now I want to show you why we are going there.
First, some boring facts (you can read more on the wiki)
Unique geography. Indonesia located on the equator, between Asia and Australia, connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans, consist of more that 17.000 Islands, has a smooth climate. You can find here all types of landscape: mountains, beach, forest... and the winner of our list: VOLCANOES! Pewpewpew (active, sleeping, nascent, dying...many, many volcanoes!)
17% biological species of planet we have here, and many endemics. I’m fucking crazy about animals, love them all and trying to hug everyone (sometimes poisonous). The richest fauna from all countries in the world. And our special quest: dragons-komodo. I know, I know…too fat and without wings for flying, but they are dragons still!
Mix of Islam and Buddhism, population has saved many ancient traditions. Friendly and responsive people, all service cheaper than in other countries of Asia.
Here the map with main checkpoints and short describes of it
1.2, 2.1 etc means that objects is near to each other
1. Jacarta. Start-line.
We'll not spend here much time, just for understand that we are finally In Indonesia. Maybe will walk in last day. Big population- 10 millions and no any noteworthy places here. Don’t stop to read, it’ll be more interesting further! ;-)
1.1. Krakatau Volcano! He’s alive, alive!
This monster killed more people, than others volcanos in history. The explosion (in 1883) is considered to be the loudest sound ever heard in modern history, with reports of it being heard up to 3,000 miles (4,800 km) from its point of origin. Now you can get closer to it on a boat. Krakatau is the heart of Indonesia, beating heart.
1.2. Ujung Kulon National Park.
Javanese rhinoceros lives here, they are endangered species, only 60 stay on the Earth. Also you can “play” with tigers, leopards and with many others creatures. As I said- fucking crazy about animals. Good rafting on park’s river.
2. Bandung.
Nothing interesting and noteworthy too, like in Jakarta. But friends advised this city very friendly. They said it full of young native, they speak English good, and can tell about interesting places on island, maybe somebody will join like guide for free, but in autumn almost all of them already study and work. Anyway you can see more peaceful and calm life, than in Jakarta, and communicate with aboriginal.
2.1. One more reason go to Bandung, not far away in Garut-city you can find small areas with thermal pools, of course it’s charge and count on tourist, but if I'll strive, you can find a wild checkpoints for free and without tourists.
3. Yogyakarta culture center of Java island.
Here you can see and feel traditions of this country and assess architecture, taste a specific food. It's the start point to the main Temples of the country Prambanan Temple and Borobudur temple.
Prambanan Temple consist from 3 basic temples dedicated to theTrimurti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu) and the Destroyer (Shiva) , and each one has 3 smaller temples with sacred animals. Usual tourists can see statue of Shiva, entrance is closed. But I know how to hack it (thanks to friends)
Borobudur temple Buddhist model of the universe. The temple is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. While going up you can read full story of Buddha life. There is a legend: if you touch all statues one by one you will be happy all your life. And you must meet the sunrise the top of the temple. I'm not a religious man, but i think this place can make you feel magic.
4. Fishers island and pool with sharks.
About This places I heard from my friend, which were here 2 years ago. Nature pool with a small sharks (you can swim with them) and get the ferryboat to the island where live cool fishers. There is no any tourist infrastructure, that why you can see traditional live. Fishers will show you other nearby island for 15$ per day.
5. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
It is the only conservation area in Indonesia that has a sand sea. the Tengger Sand Sea across which is the caldera of an ancient volcano (Tengger) from which four new volcanic cones have emerged. You can get down in to caldera. Here you can feel the smell of the HELL!
6. Bali.
Well, I think there is nothing to say, all of us heard about this island-paradise on the Earth. Most beautiful island from all island of Indonesia. Even some hotels looks like old temples. In Ameda you can find a black sand- volcano beach and good place for snorkeling and surfing. I think ll be better to create individual post about Bali.
7-8. Gili & Lombok islands- relax zone.
One more volcano with lake in his coldera, and silence...Very quite place, give you a time to have a rest. Nothing to add.
9. Komodo - the dragons are coming!
Yes, it's a just huge lizard, growing to a maximum length of 3 metres (10 ft) in rare cases and weighing up to approximately 70 kilograms (150 lb). But they are awesome anyway! They ate everything on their island. It's dangerous to walk here alone, that's why only safari travel available.
10. The Lake of Old Men, Lake of Young Men and Maidens.
There is 3 lakes: lake of Old Men, lake of Young Men and the lake of Maidens. each of it have a different minerals, which changes color of the water every several years. It can be black, red, blue, azure... etc. Locals from the village of Moni, believe that the souls of the dead go to these lakes and the change in their color indicates that they are angry.
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It is seems to be good itinerary in my mind...but in reality it can be looks like that:
With all these ocenas and forest.
to be continued...