Rinca, the Whole package Island

Komodo, savannah, jungle, beach and a really nice viewpoint. Those are the things I'd highlight from my visit to Rinca (click for location). It was located near the famous Komodo island, but don't take it wrong. I saw a lot more Komodos here in Rinca than in Komodo island itself (I'll explain it later! ;) ).

On the arrival, you will be offered by three island trekking packages; short, medium, and long trek. I chose the medium 4 kilo meters trek at that time. From there, you will start the trek and be guided by a Komodo ranger.

Here we go!

According to the ranger, there are only 4 islands that are inhabited by Komodo Dragons. 80% of the populations are in Komodo and Rinca island, that's why those 2 islands are the most visited destinations for those who want to see Komodos.

You can also spot a more Komodos in Rinca than in Komodo Island. Why? It's all caused by the terrain. In Rinca, the terrain is 80% savannah and 20% jungle. The mighty dragon can't stand the hot weather of Savannah in the afternoon, that's why they migrate to the jungle in the afternoon! As the jungle got crowded, you can spot them easily during the trek!

Other than seeing the Komodos, you will be guided into the best viewpoint in Rinca Island, named Waicicu Hill. The picture explains the beauty..

Wishing you a nice adventure!

Cheers!,

Roselind

Satonda Island, the Hidden Gem You Should Visit!

Have you ever swam in a salt water lake that was formed ancient years ago? Satonda island is a unique inhabited island in the West Sumbawa with a lot history to tell.

Here we begin. In 1800s, Tambora Volcano was on its active years. The eruption of Mount Tambora rocked several parts of the world, spreading dust and polluting the Earth's atmosphere for many years. Its effects also resulted in climate change and darkness in Europe and Asia.
In relation with the effects of the eruption of Tambora, the presence of a salt water lake in the Satonda crater is the unique and interesting effect. This ancient lake was formed from the Satonda eruption thousands of years ago. The lake that was formed was once filled with fresh water. It is said that the eruption of Mount Tambora resulted in a tsunami which filled the crater and turned it into the salt water lake until today.

Swimming in the lake is a must! Spreading 900 meters wide, this lake water has a higher salinity level than the sea water which will make you float easily. Caused by the high salinity level too, only few small fishes are able to live. It is said too that the high level of alkaline is also the reason of it.

crystal clear water

After the swim, you can walk for only 50 meters to the nearest coastline to snorkel or sunbathe. The beach is pretty, however snorkeling in the island is not really recommended. The underwater view is not too great and I got a few jellyfish stings when I was swimming back to the coastline.

How to get there? (click for Satonda Island location)

• Take a local boat from Sumbawa Besar (click for maps)
• By live aboard from company like Kencana or Perama

Have a nice adventure! :)

Cheers!,

Roselind

The Magnificent Kelor Island

Just 30 minutes away from Labuan Bajo, Flores- lies a beautiful island named Kelor. Complimented with one beautiful hill and pristine beach, this island might be the next thing in your bucket list. Here you can relax, hike, snorkel, or you can climb a tree to enjoy the view!

Hike! The view from the top. courtesy: info-backpacker.com

Snorkel: underwater Kelor

Beautiful landscape! captured from another treetop

How to get here?

• By fastboat from Labuan Bajo
• By live aboard from company: see Kencana or Perama

Cheers!,

Roselind

Gili for First Timers: The Fascination of Whole Year Island of Summer

Have you ever wonder to have a life like those typical summer movies? When the sun is out 365 of 365 days per year, and the party keeps rolling on almost every night. Gili Trawangan, one of the most discussed island in Indonesia is the home of youngsters who seek for chillaxing afternoons and hectic nights of party. Last month, I visited this island to pay my curiosity.


How to Get To Gili Trawangan

To get to this island, there are several options you can choose depending on your starting point.

Departing from Lombok: Make your way to Bangsal Port (click for maps), then take a public boat for about Rp 40,000 or $3 for a return trip. There are some more options offered by other private boat company, however you can also buy the tickets from them. But if you're traveling on a budget, I recommend you to take the public boat. Although the boat is crowded but the island crossing merely take 30 mins. And crossing the island in the morning or afternoon is recommended because the tide is high when the evening come and they will not serve any crossing to the Gilis.

Departing from Bali: There are 2 options you can choose; by fast boat (departing from Padang Bai) or by plane (departing from Ngurah Rai airport) however those two options offer the similar price in total about Rp 400,000 or $29.

• By fastboat: Make your way to Padang Bai port then buy your ticket to Gili. You can also take a connecting pass (bus + fastboat) from private companies like Perama. They got many options of pickup points in Bali area. (recommended for solo travelers)
• By plane: Buy your plane ticket then fly to Lombok airport. From Lombok airport, take a car or taxi to Bangsal Port, then make the crossing like mentioned above. (This option is cheaper when there's a plane ticket promo and when you can share the taxi cost.

Arriving on Gili Trawangan, you can choose three types of transportation; Bike, Cidomo (local saying for horse wagon), or by feet. However, I prefer to rent a bike to explore the island and take Cidomo only at the time of arrival and departure to bring me and my carriers to and from the resort or hostel.

Accommodation at Gili Trawangan

According to the locals, it's better to book your stay in advance, especially on the high season. There are usually a lot of travelers who don't get a place to stay and ended up sleeping in the beach at night! :o . About the price, this island offers a bit more expensive accommodation than Bali so it's best to prepare your wallet! Some travelers choose to stay in a tent to avoid those accommodation expense.

Cheers!
Roselind

To read next: Things To Do in Gili! How to Enjoy Gili to the Fullest

Things To Do in Gili! How to Enjoy Gili to the Fullest

Whether you're planning your first visit to Gili Trawangan or planning your second one, this article will help you to leave Gili without any regret!
The Gili brothers, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air are mainly known for partying and snorkeling. But other than that, you can do much more thing while you're in Gili!

Beach Club Hopping!
There are plenty options of beach clubs here in Gili, especially Gili Trawangan. The famous ones are Le Pirate, Ombak Sunset, and Pearl Beach Lounge. Whether sharing a platter with friends or enjoying a sip of Bintang (the famous local beer), it's a perfect way to spend the afternoon in a chill way.

Le Pirate Beach Club, Gili Trawangan

Bike or Walk the Island!
In Gili, there still a lot of hidden places to discover. The Gili islands are small that it can only take 1 hour bicycle ride to explore the biggest island, Gili Trawangan. Make sure you negotiate well with the rental and don't forget to ask for a bike lock! It's important if you want to stop somewhere in the middle of your mini adventure.

Hidden spot at Gili Trawangan

Sunset watching

Watching the sunset with chill out music and a Bintang is certainly a must on the Gilis!

Take a bumpy Cidomo ride!
 Cidomo is a local saying for horse wagon, beside it's the main transportation (no car in the Gilis!) it  also offers a bumpy - ATV like ride along the way! A must-try when you get in Gilis.


Go out for the nightlife & attractions!
It's identic with Gili Trawangan Island, the party. The island got party schedules arranged every week, so you'd better ask fellow islanders about the schedule. There will also be some attractions at night waiting for you to see! ;)

Fire show at the beach!

 Go snorkel, Kayak, or take a diving certificate!
All 3 Gili brothers offer a wide options of underwater adventure. There are one snorkeling equipment rentals in every corner of the islands! Plenty diving schools are also here to help you get those PADI or SSI certificates!

One of the diving schools in Gilis. Courtesy: www.giliislandsdiving.com

So those are the things to do in Gilis that I could remember. There still a lot of things you can do beyond the list! Remember to be creative with your own vacation and start exploring!

Cheers!
Roselind

To read next: Gili for First Timers: The Fascination of Whole Year Island of Summer (How to get there and accomodation tips!)

little reunion to self

"Long time no see, long time no say
Got little to tell, I don't say much, but I might
Something always told me us two would be serious
I am looking around town, thinking the same as you, humm"

                                              -Phoenix, Long Distance Call 

Life goes on. really.

That's all what I can say. The last time I posted on this blog was on last year's September. As always September wind always bring me to a new change, something that I had never imagined.

Last year I entered college. My routines changed - 180 degree. I got busy pointing on my new ambitions. And everything has changed.

that's why

Half annually I reached the point where I feel lost. I feel bored, somewhat pointless. Even though the total change equals a 'surplus' to a new me, I sometimes want to look back to the plain canvas of myself. 

The features I were born with had called me to re-explore and re-drown in it

and this blog is one of my way to do .