Pulau Macan (Tiger Island) -- Weekend Getaway

Jakarta -- the capital of Indonesia, known for notorious traffic-jam and high-pace life style. We are tired and exhausted. We are drown in our work the whole week. We need to refresh our minds and our souls. Yet we only have weekend. Most probable people will wind down in cafes or restaurants scattered in Jakarta. But with thundering loud-music, smoke-filled air-conditioned air, who'd want to get trapped indoor anymore??

There lies a hidden paradise off Jakarta coastline -- an island among Thousand Islands (Kepulauan Seribu) called Pulau Macan (Tiger Island) http://pulaumacan.com/ . The boat-trip is 1.5 hours away from Pier 6 Marina Ancol -- where the host will greet you upon arrival. But it will transport you to a whole different place and let you experience nature in an unimaginable way before...

The boat-trip itself is a relaxing time with wind blowing against your face. Experience the dark muddy water turns to crystal clear turquoise blue. I notice that every other island has BTS tower for handphone as the only means of communications with outside world.

Once you arrive at the island, you are free to do (or not do) whatever you want. They have a big clubhouse with pillows and book collections. Or you can go to the adjacent Pulau Macan Gundul -- a must see, either by walking (YES, YOU SEE IT RIGHT) on shallow water, or by paddle-boat (the boatman will take you there).

And the room is not air-conditioned room that you used to stay on business-trips. Their room is open-air concept (we stayed at the driftwood hut -- which we think is the best accomodation in that island, although many people prefer sunset hut because you have your own private sundeck).

Yep, you see it right once more... no door, no lock, just you, the mosquito nets, and the sounds of crashing wave right to your deck.

They have several communal bathroom (communal? YEP!) in few places. So be prepared for someone knocking your door while you peeing or so. :-)  But that experience added the nature adventures, don't you think?

The accommodation in Pulau Macan is meal and board. Means that you have 2 Lunches, 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner, sandwiches, non-alcoholic juices, tea, coffee included in the price. Their meals mostly home-made healthy vegetable-based but the taste is delicious.

While in this island, we're required to help them in energy conservation, thus electricity is limited (from solar panel-during the day and generator-at night), so does water.

We can join their snorkeling / island hopping to another surrounding islands. The fishes are a lot and the corals are huge.

One of our favourite moments beside laying around in Pulau Macan Gundul is waiting for the sunset... from our own small sundeck.

One night seems not enough.... but it surely recharge our souls and it renew our love...

Contact person: Mimi (Zevillages) 0856-141-6041
Website: http://pulaumacan.com/

10 things to do in BALI - INDONESIA

I've been to Bali for a while, but the last time I went there, I decided to post this, just to share our family enjoyments.

1.  Watch Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple around sunset 

Kecak Dance and Ramayana Epics with the beautiful sunset in the backgound, seeing the sky turning from blue to grey to pitch black as Sita (Rama's wife) is being abducted by Rahwana and saved by Hanuman ... complete with fire attractions at the end of the dance and magically hypnotyzing kecak sounds a capella. Rp. 70.000,- / pax for local 

2. Dinner at Jimbaran Bay

Choose the life seafood at the water tanks, weighed and cooked to your order with 3 sambals. Feel the sandy ground beneath you, sound of wave crashing, and light from many tables on the shores.  Have a grilled corn (jagung bakar) while waiting for your order. Must try: grilled shrimps

3. Boating at Batur Lake (Bedugul) 

Get off at Pura Ulun Danu, walk around and take pictures before renting speedboat to go around the lake.  See the fog enveloped you if you boating on the hazy afternoon. Feel the breeze and put your jacket on.  Rp. 105.000/4pax ... For more personalized touch, get your face sketched at the gazebo near the speedboat jetty Rp. 100.000/pax

4. Sunset watching

From Pura Tanah Lot to hype clubs at Seminyak to 66 road at Legian to Kuta beach to Jimbaran bay to Uluwatu temple, just face the sun at the west and watch it slowly down and changes from yellow to orange to bright red .... touch the freezing water with your feet while absorbing the heat from the humid air...

5. Take picture in Balinese costume

Maximize your memory by having family pictures in Balinese costume in Denpasar.  Quick dressing up + make up (only 10-15 minutes) and gentle style directors will transform you to real Balinese gestures. Puri Cendana Photo Adat Bali 0361-231435 Rp. 200.000/pax to get 5 printed 4R copy/person + Rp. 50.000,- tp get all shots on a CD https://id.foursquare.com/v/puri-cendana-photo-adat-bali/4ce3964b05f7a093e92fa128

6a. Adrenaline rush 1: Parasailing at Tanjung Benoa 

Get a 2 rounds (around 5 minutes) ride on parasailing off Tanjung Benoa. Feel the upwards motion that takes you off your feet (literally) ... and be prepared of breathtaking view up above. Just pull the right lever to land. 

6b. Adrenaline rush 2: Bungee Jumping at 66rd Legian

Follow the Kuta Beach Road down south to Legian and see the towering jumping platform. Jump while touching the water at the pool below. Get a spectacular view while jumping during sunset. Or declare your love by twin-jump (for spouses/lovers).  Starting from Rp.998.000,-/pax

7. Dolphin watching at Lovina

Stay at Lovina Beach (Up north in Singaraja), get up early and be in the middle of the sea by boat at 6am. See the dolphins jump around your boat 

8. Cruise to surrounding islands

Join any cruise to Nusa Penida / Nusa Lembongan and snorkle or dive from their buoyant platform in the middle of the sea or simply enjoy the island and seafood buffet

9. Rent a villa

While hotel is widely available, try villa or bed and breakfast for a more peaceful and personalized touch. Enjoy the swimming pool just for yourselves. Be treated to the breakfast of your choice or any other personal request. It's like having personal buttler on your holiday. Aahh Villa Bed and Breakfast Jimbaran 081-9999-150-41 (cp. Widya) Rp. 650.000,-/room/night http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294226-d1984529-Reviews-Aahh_Bali_Bed_Breakfast-Bali.html

10. Hunting for souvenirs (and foods)

Go to Krisna or other souvernir shops and get various souvenirs at fixed-price and no hassle. Get t-shirt, sarongs, placemats, snacks in various choices. Go to Pia Legong -- preoder 3 weeks before, Pie Susu  -- preorder, or Titiles fot balinese sausage.

All this travel made easy if you rent a car with a local driver Rp. 350.000,-/day (including driver+gas for 12 hours) Pak Nengah 0821-4538-7781 or Pak Ketut Sumadi 0817-476-3492 / 0813-3765-8293. Get an APV (since the road in Bali is notoriously narrow)

Well, Bali has more to offer than just these 10 things... for once a visit to Don Antonio Blanco's museum by the Campuhan river in Ubud can take up for one whole day.  :)  There are always interesting things in Bali, you just have to ask locals or be adventurous...

ENJOY BALI!!!