Amed Beach, The Paradise of Snorkeling And Diving in East Bali

Amed Beach has an exotic view and becomes paradise for the big fan of diving and snorkeling. That’s right. Although there are some underwater spots in Bali, but the beauty of the beach cannot be compared. The other uniqueness of the beach is the black sand which very rare and even difficult to find one in Bali because most of them having white sand.

Location of Amed Beach

Amed beach is located at Karangasem and can be reached from the city for about 30 minutes. You can start your journey from Denpasar and the beach can be reached almost 2.5 hours. If you are still blind about the location in Bali, it is better if you rent a car and the driver because they will drive you there. You only need to pay IDR500k per day. So, along the trip you can take the picture freely with your camera.

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However, if you want to explore the land of Bali, you can rent a motorcycle (IDR50k per day). Just bring a map, compass, or application of map on your smartphone. Or, you can take public transportation. From Denpasar, you can go to Batubulan terminal in Amlapura Karangasem. It will takes around 2 hours and then you hire a bemo (motorcycle transportation) to Amed beach for about 30 minutes.

Snorkeling and diving in Amed Beach

Travelers, if you are really a big fan of underwater sport, diving and snorkeling must be familiar for you. And Amed Beach is a perfect spot you have to conquer. By hiring snorkeling equipment (IDR30k), now you can explore how sexy is the view of underwater life in Amed Beach. The water itself is very clear and the coral reefs are also healthy. This condition invites cute fishes to settle down and feeding. There, you can meet cardinal fish, trigger fish, banner fish, and also damselfish.

Although you never been snorkeling or diving, you do not have to worry because close to the beach, there is a lake that often to be used to learn snorkeling and diving for the beginner. Even, some hotel near Amed Beach offers the package of diving. This is really a good news for those who want to be a real diver.

After exploring underwater of Amed Beach, you can continue going to Jemeluk Village. The distance is not too far and you can take a boat to reach the village. In this place, you can meet the garden of reef with amazing panorama. There is also shipwreck belong to Japanese soldier during World War II. The shipwreck become the main attraction of Jemeluk Village.

Beside snorkeling and diving, you also can explore more about Amed Beach. Such as welcoming the sunrise or visit fishermen village. They produce salt with traditional process. One of activities which is very rare for people who live in the city.

Then, where to stay as you travel to Amed Beach Bali? Do not worry because near the beach there are many bungalow or hotel in Karangasem Bali.

Wae Rebo Village, Visiting a Custom Village in Flores

Wae Rebo Village is a custom village in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Precisely, it located  at Satar Lenda, Satamese Barat Sub-district, Manggarai Barat Regency. The resident in Wae Rebo comes from Modo Tribe. Then, what makes the village becomes so special? The reason is because its village ever got a reward from UNESCO for the conservation of culture heritage. The local residents still defend the tradition and culture from generation to generation.

Wae Rebo itself has meaning as a spring and physically Wae Rebo consist of 7 custom house named as Mbaru Niang. It has cone shape with diameter around 12 – 15 meters and 8 – 10 meters height. Path of the roof is dangle and almost covering all of the house. The house itself is made from certain grasses and coated by ijuk or palm fiber from the sugar palm in order to have strong condition as the wind and water attack the house. 

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Some people consider Wae Rebo Village as ‘international village’ because among local village, you will find foreigns who stay together with local village. The popularity of Wae Rebo has been spreading since UNESCO nominated the village as unique village in the world. It can be said that Wae Rebo is a new magnet to attract tourist from all around the world to come. 

Wae Rebo Village is built on Pocoroko Mountain with 1,100 meters above sea surface and facing to Hindia Ocean. Besides having unique architecture and location, the pattern of the custom house of Wae Rebo also special because it has circle pattern and in the middle there is a rock with square shape. On this square spot, there is kind of altar made from bamboo named as Compang for custom ceremony to put the offering to the anscestor. 

At the moment, Wae Rebo Village becomes one of tourist destination in Flores, particulary from foreign countries. It can be seen from the guest book and the wave of tourist to Wae Rebo Village has been increasing. Now, if you interested to visit one of unique village in the world, you can concern to some conditions there.

When is the right time to visit Wae Rebo Village?

The first thing you need to consider before visiting Wae Rebo Village is about timing. As you know, the topography of Florest is hilly with windy access. Plus, to reach the village takes a long hour, especially if you are taking public transportation. 

Then, what about the route to Wae Rebo Village? Actually, the village can be reached from many directions. You can start it from Ruteng or Labuan Bajo. If you come from Labuan Bajo, you can follow the route : Labuan Bajo – Lembor – Pela – Todo – Narang – Dintor – Denge – Wae Rebo. It takes around 6 hours from Labuan Baju to Denge by driving a car. 

The Denge Village itself is the last village before reaching Wae Rebo Village. And from Denge to Wae Rebo, you have to go on foot and normally it needed 3.5 hours. So, the total time from Labuan Bajo to Wae Rebo is around 8 – 10 hours. Means, you have to start in the early morning. 

The calculation above is by driving a car. Now you can immagine how long it will be taken if you take public transportation. Off course it will take longer time and one thing you have to remember is that the access of transportation is not adequate. 

Transportation to Wae Rebo Village

As you know from the explanation above, the public transportation in Flores to Wae Rebo Village is not adequate. Even, the transportation from Labuan Bajo to Denge is not available. So if you want to go there, you have to go through Ruteng at first. 

And that means you have to go around. So, the only one solution is by renting a car. Although it will be more expensive, but if you go to Wae Rebo Village with a group (4 – 6 passengers), it will be cheaper, isnt it?.

Where to stay during traveling to Wae Rebo Village

Looking for a hotel or homestay along the trip from Labuan Bajo to Denge is not easy. So, the schedule of your depart toward Wae Rebo Village will influence where you will stay. Actually, you still able to find a homestay in Dintor Village and Denge Village. Just try to arrive to both village before dusk. 

If you plan to stay at Denge Village, you can go to Mr Blasius Monta house. There are 11 rooms and you need to pay IDR150k per person. However, if you prefer to stay in Dintor, you still have to go to Denge, then hire ojek (motorcycle transportation) which is taken around 20 – 30 minutes.

If you think you able to arrive at Denge in the day, you may continue directly by treking to Wae Rebo without staying in Denge. Just note that you have very good stamina because you will have to go on foot for about 3.5 hours, climbing to the hill and pass the forest. For this point, it will be depend on your arrival. However, you are suggested to stay in Denge so that you can take a rest for a while before treking. But, Wae Rebo Village also have homestay and you need to pay IDR250k. 

Route from Denge to Wae Rebo

The route of treking from Denge to Wae Rebo is dominated by sandy and rocky access. Sometime you have to go through the edge of hill and forest with ascend and descend route. In other time, you will pass the river and simple bridge. You have to be very carefull because there are some landslide spots from Denge to Wae Rebo. 

Therefore, you have to prepare your stamina and proper equipments. If you go there in the rainy season, your journey will be harder because the access to Wae Rebo Village will be muddy.

Ceremony to welcome guest in Wae Rebo Village

Each guests who visit Wae Rebo Village have to be welcomed by Waelu Ceremony. The point of the ceremony is kind of welcoming the visitor and this will be done by the leader of tribe. He will welcome and pray for your goodness and safety during your visit to Wae Rebo Village. Perhaps, it sounds strange for foreign but this is kind of tradition and there is nothing wrong to accept it.

To respect the custom and tradition in Wae Rebo Village, you are also suggested to wear proper dress. If you against this, the local residents may address you. Besides that, if you want to take the picture, you need to ask permission because sometime, they mind and will up set to you. One thing you need to remember is by bringing sweater or jacket because the atmosphere in Wae Rebo Village is hilly and it will be cool.

Ayung River Rafting, The Unforgettable Experience in Bali

Ayung River rafting Bali is one of the biggest target for travelers who want to challenge the adrenalin beside surfing in the beaches. This is a perfect spot for you guys because you can have fun and explore the atmosphere of rural along the route of rafting. The variation of river’s flow and spectacular scenery is addictive, indeed. And if you curious to know and want to prove how sensational is the Ayung River rafting, you can find out by continue reading the article below.

Location Ayung River Rafting

The spot of Ayung River rafting is located at Gianyar Bali and it takes around 1 hour from Denpasar. If you start your journey from Ngurah Rai Airport, it needed around 75 minutes. However, if you book through the operator, such as Sobek Rafting, Ayung Rafting, Bali Rafting, Bahama Rafting and many more, they will pick you up from the hotel. 

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Explore Ayung River Rafting Bali

The excitement of Ayung River rafting will be more fun if you doing it with your friends. Commonly, the starting point is started from Abiansemal in Badung and finish point is in Ubud. Initially, you are suggested to change the clothes and keep your stuffs, such as wallet, camera, and handphone to the keeper. Then, you have to listen the instruction from professional instructor. 

Listen carefully and watch what he says about how to use a pedal, safety jacket, helm, the right position to sit on boat, how to manuver on the boat and how to escape when the boat is turning. The route of Ayung River Rafting has 12 – 13 km length and can be finished around 2 – 2.5 hours. 

When the preparation is finish, you can start the journey to explore Ayung River. Firstly, you may meet calm river’s flow and that is a perfect time to enjoy the green scenery like fields and quiet atmosphere at the left and right side of the river in Ubud. Next, the ripple of water will welcome you and this is the time to manuver. But do not worry because if you concern to what instructor said, it will be easey to conquer the river. 

An unexpected surprise during Ayung River rafting can be found suddenly such as magnificent waterfall, the rocks, villas, hotels, and the shady trees. Yes, you can stop rafting and take the picture and next you can continue pedaling. Because the media during Ayung River rafting is water, you can play for a while by dipping you hands and feel the cool of water. It must be refreshing.

Soon, you will amaze to witness the rocks at the edge of river with the story of Ramayana. This carving was made by Balinese artists and the length is around 200 – 300 meters. So beautiful to see different side of Balinese arts because the location of carving is beside the Ayung River. Pretty different than other rafting spots in Indonesia and even in the world.

As you enjoy Ayung River rafting, you can take the picture. Usually, the operator of rafting in Bali include candid pictures, but off course the rate will be more expensive. However, you will never regret to pay more because it can be a sweet memory as you visit and explore Bali, especially in Ubud. If you want to take your picture by yourself, you can bring waterproof camera because it will be practical and you can have more pictures for yourself or your friends on the boat.

Finally, you will come to finish point of Ayung River rafting. If you are feeling hungry this is the time to taste local dishes because the operator will entertain you with buffet, snacks or hot tea. With beautiful area and exhausted after rafting, you will enjoy the lunch nicely next to the Ayung River.

Actually, Ayung River rafting is not only for adult, but if you go with your children, they can join with you. Do not worry because the level of rafting in Ayung River is safe but off course you have to monitor for their safety. 

Then how much is the rate for Ayung River rafting and when is the best time to go there? Travelers, the rate is depend to the operator you are taken but it will be ranging from IDR250k – IDR400k. And May to October is the best time to visit because that moment is dry season and the water will be clearer. If you want to explore more about Ubud, you can book hotel in Ubud. Happy rafting!

Mount Rinjani, A Paradise on The Sky

Mount Rinjani is a hanging paradise on the sky. Yes, if you curious to know more, you have to come here and prove it. Not only Indonesian, the popularity of Mount Rinjani has been spreading to all around the globe. As you success climbing the peak, you will see how beautiful is the land of Lombok. 

As one of highest mount in Indonesia, Mount Rinjani is so special for local people, especially for Sasak Tribe and Hindu. They believe that the mount is one of sacred mount and a place of God besides Mount Semeru and Mount Agung. To achieve the peak, there are many alternative’s route you can try.

The official route to Mount Rinjani will ease the climber. The mount itself is positioned on 3,726 meters above sea surface and nowadays become very much populer for tourist who love nature. The beauty of the mount can not be compared because you will see a lake there. Yes, Segara Anak Lake on the peak of Mount Rinjani. And here are some official routes to climb Mount Rinjani

Picture shutupandtakemethere.com

Senaru Route

Senaru is one of popular route to climb because its route is used as treking tourism and often to be used by local people for ritual tradition on the peak of Mount Rinjani or Segara Anak Lake. The route is Senaru – Pelawangan Senaru – Segara Anak Lake by on foot which is taken 10 – 12 hours through trail tourism at the primer forest. Along the trail, you will find rest area at each posts. From the gate of Senaru to Segara Anak Lake, there are 3 posts and along the trip you will enjoy the beauty of heavy forest and amazing rocks. 

From Segara Anak Lake, you can continue climbing Mount Rinjani to Pelawangan Sembalun which is takes around 4 hours. And from Pelawangan Sembalun to the peak of Mount Rinjani, you have to move forward for about 3 – 4 hours. Commonly, the climbing to the peak started around 2 am so that you will have a chance to catch the sunrise and also the beauty of Lombok Island, even Bali Island from the height. 

Sembalun Route

Sembalun Route is the most hectic route and favorite for those who love trecking. The route is : Sembalun Lawang Gate – Pelawangan Sembalun – Peak of Mount Rinjani (needed 9 – 10 hours). This route is very dramatic and atractive for treking tourism because you will pass savana desert and the back of mount which is winding with cliffs on the left and right side. 

Compared by Senaru route, Sembalun route is not too steep but dominated by savanah. This condition will make you sweaty more. The good news is you will see beautiful scenery from the desert, green valeys and forest along the route. The wind of savanah will accompany you along the route. 

The atmosphere of the desert is so exotic. Usually, the sunshine will burn the land but you will be lucky if the cloud hanging on the sky. Yes, the route of Mount Rinjani is amazing, indeed. After reaching the peak of Mounth Rinjani, you can take a rest for a while and enjoy the panorama from the height.

Break the limit, that is the words you must remember as you conquer the peak of Mount Rinjani because it will be so exhausted. But, as you arrive on the peak, you will never regret to struggle because the panorama from the height is very beautiful. When the weather is clear, you can see Sumba Island, Balis Island and the whole Lombok Island. From the distance, Mount Agung in Bali standing so cool. 

In this spot, you can take a break for a while collecting the energy to get down to Segara Anak Lake. You have to be very careful to reach the lake because the trek is dangerous, rocky and sandy. The panorama of Segara Anak Lake in the morning as the sunrise come out will make your heart stop beating. Wonderful! 

Beside an exotic panorama, hot spring is what you can try in Segara Anak Lake. Yes, Mount Rinjani always full of surprise because after you try hard to reach the peak, you will have chance to relax your body in the hot spring among wild monkeys. Waiting for sunset is also favorite moment for climbers in Mount Rinjani because as the sun come down, the color around the lake is totally changing. Beautiful and spectacular. 

Then, when is the best time to climb Mount Rinjani? Travelers, you can go there from June to August because that is dry season and will be safer to reach the peak. Happy climbing!

The Beauty of Kelimutu Lake

Kelimutu Lake is located at Flores Island, Nusa Tenggara Barat. The mountain and the lake become favorit spot for tourist from all around the world. The mountain itself has three crates on the peak. One of uniqueness of Kelimutu’s craters are having different color, i.e , blue, red and white color. 

Kelimutu word is taken from the word of ‘keli’ (mountain) and mutu (boiled). Local people believe that each colors of Kelimutu Lake has each meanings according to the colors. Red color means Tiwu Ata Polo or the place of dead’s soul that during the life doing bad things or black magic. The blue one means Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai means the place of youth’s dead soul. And the white one mean Tiwu Ata Mbupu or the place of old’s dead soul.

Currently, the color of each lakes is changing and it is influenced by the sulfur level and other chemical compounds. Nowadays, the color of blue lake is changing into green color, and the red color changing into brown to black color and the white color is changing into black color. 

When you climb to the mountain, you will witness the beauty of Kelimutu, the panorama, the lake itself, and also the color of water. Then, where to start the journey to Kelimutu Lake?

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For the goodness, you are suggested to start in the early morning. But actually it will depend to the location of the hotel you stay, either hotel in Flores or hotel in Ende. If you want to hunt a sexy sunrise, you may want to spend the time in the hotel close to the Kelimutu Lake. And one of popular village to stay is Moni Village which is located 12 km from Kelimutu. Before you climb, you still have chance to explore the village by strolling around beautiful rice terraces and stretch of paddy field. So fantastic.

Usually, to catch the sunrise travelers start to climb the mount from the foot of mountain around 04.00 am. The footpath toward to peak is surrounded by pine trees because the Kelimutu Lake is around Kelimutu National Park and you can follow the arrow sign to avoid dangerous area. 

As you arrive at the peak of mountain, you can take the pictures while enjoying the scenery of Kelimutu Lake through with a specific smell of sulfur. One of favorite spot around Kelimutu Lake is around Observation Monument or Tugu Pengamatan (1.690 m). 

Once you stay there, you feel do not want to get down because the beauty of Kelimutu Lake is so astonishing. There is something interesting when you find the mist covering the lake. Local people believe if you whistling, the mist will go away and you can see the color of lake clearly. But do not expect for long time because you may have 5 minutes to take the picture. Although this is only a myth, but you can try it. 

The mist becomes your best friend and it comes and goes quickly. The scenery of forest and trees is so beautiful. And when the mist come down, it looks like a thin curtain. One of spot you can explore is a small monument and it is believed as a place for Bung Karno (the first president in Indonesia) to do meditation.