[Road Less Traveled] Sulaiman Bay: A Gleam of Hope for the Bay

[Road Less Traveled]
Teluk Sulaiman: Secercah Harapan untuk Sang Teluk

When was the last time you witnessed this moment?

I kept my sight straight to the road. Steering the handlebars to the left, to the right frequently. Not because the winding road, but in order to evade the obstacles that scattered almost along the main road of Biduk-Biduk.

A short ride trip could become more difficult when I had to evade dozens of cow dungs that barely to be seen. It surely a common thing that we can find cows roam freely in some certain villages, so Biduk-Biduk counted in.

Pandangan saya selalu tertuju ke jalanan. Berulang kali membelokkan stang motor ke kiri dan kanan. Bukan karena jalanannya yang berliku-liku, tapi demi menghindari rintangan-rintangan yang banyak tersebar hampir di sepanjang jalan utama Biduk-Biduk.

Perjalanan yang singkat pun terasa menjadi lebih sulit ketika saya harus menghindari lusinan kotoran sapi yang hampir tak kasatmata. Memang sudah hal yang wajar, jika kita bisa melihat sapi-sapi bebas berkeliaran di beberapa desa, termasuk di Biduk-Biduk ini.

Previous story: [Road Less Traveled] Biduk-Biduk: Borneo's Nose Tip Paradise

[Road Less Traveled] Biduk-Biduk: Borneo's Nose Tip Paradise

[Road Less Traveled]
Biduk-Biduk: Pesona Desa Pesisir di "Ujung Hidung" Kalimantan

Early morning view just across from where I stay

The female receptionist looked a bit shocked and surprised when she looked at me. She smiled friendly shortly after and welcomed me in her pinky hostel. Then she explained about her confused that it's such once in a while to have a guest in these hours, around 3 p.m.

Si mbak resepsionis terlihat agak kaget dan heran ketika ia melihat saya. Tidak lama kemudian ia pun tersenyum ramah menyambut kedatangan saya di penginapannya yang bernuansa merah muda. Rasa herannya bukanlah tanpa alasan, ia menjelaskan bahwa tumben sekali ada tamu yang datang jam segini, sekitar jam 3 sore.

Hokkaido "The Winter Wonderland": Northernmost Island Through the Lens

After a long time enough this blog was abandoned without any new posts, now I feel quite relieved because in this post I able to announce the latest news about a project that I'm working on recently. Maybe some of you have read the articles in this blog which tell my journey in Hokkaido during winter. Some of them were curious and wondered every things about the island which located in the northernmost of Japan.

Started from: which destinations we will visit to; what we can find; what activities that we can do; how cold is in there; how thick the snow it has; and many more. As if the island is still holding tons of enticing mysteries in there which is not widely known. 

Hokkaido: Asahiyama Zoo, The Northernmost & The Most Innovative Zoo in Japan

Source: http://good-hokkaido.info/en/asahiyama-zoo/

At first, I didn't set any high expectation to a trip to the zoo. My mind has told me, this could be just like a cliche sightseeing. To witness displayed animals as caged objects, not living beings much like an art museum.

Until I saw penguins walked in front of my eyes, experienced being close to polar bear as their prey, intrigued by "flying" (swimming) penguin gorgeously above head, and startled to see a snow leopard passing above my head. The concept of "behavioral enrichment" of Asahiyama Zoo core's philosophy had forced me to pull my own words.

Hokkaido: See How Japan Introduces Its Freezing World

Sounkyo Hyobaku Matsuri from high

*Scratch, scratch...*

A scratching sound continuously comes from the right side of the van. There is no life for mosquitoes in here, obviously... The sound comes from me scratching a dewy window pane. Wait, do you think what the hell am I doing?!
Yes, I was too busy to wipe the haze away from the inside of window.

The warm temperature inside the van creates moisture on windows. It wasn't just normal moisture like usual, anyway (surely for Indonesian). Condensed vapor turned into thin ice layer, since the weather were so freezing outside. What a thing!

It's been about 4 hours since we left the last city, Abashiri. And now, we were heading to next destination, a small town or likely I can call it a resort village of Sounkyo in Daisetsuzan National Park. There was no sign of our destination until the sun had hidden itself. Well, nothing could be more fun than doing such ridiculous thing of scratching frosty windows!

*Scratch, scratch...*

Hokkaido: The Famous Small Station of the North

Facade of Kitahama Station

I really didn't comprehend and a bit confused at first. Why this small building which similar to a security post could become a highly sought-after destination for some tourists, as said by our local guide, Yoshie-san. The facade looked quite old but pretty decent, stands adjacent to the Sea of Okhotsk. A rusty blue signpost above the entrance door described a name, 北浜駅 Kitahama-eki (Kitahama Station).

This station was not always crowded as that day. Some travel vans parked at the front yard indicated there were group of tourists who already inside the building. Actually, it was just an ordinary small train station. There are some similar building like this along the coastline. But, Kitahama station is the most in demand by the tourists for some reason.

We entered into a tiny main room (waiting room) of the station with its size, maybe about 5x5 meters. And we found something peculiar with our sight.....

Hokkaido: Cruising the Sea of Okhotsk on the Icebreaker Ship

Aurora II has left the Abashiri Port

North wind gusted and it felt freezing cold as the ship sped up. The observation deck had been teemed by tourists, especially at the edges of ship balcony. We were stunned by the endless panorama of the Sea of Okhotsk. The horizon separate off the sea and sky as I gazed toward to the north. Seagulls squawked while they were soaring up on the air. Some tourists were seen enjoying themselves by taking selfie with the sea landscape and also with floating drift ice. At the time, I was able to conclude that this would be the best moment during my trip in Abashiri.

Previously...

[Road Less Traveled] Hokkaido: Soup of Freedom and the Prison Break of Japan

Abashiri Prison Museum aerial view in summer

Hokkaido, the northernmost major island in Japan, was nearly a no-man's-land over decades ago. At the northeast of the island, lies a dark history of Japan development.

Truthfully, I didn't know a lot about the city of Abashiri. But I believed this port city has some things interesting to offer, until I found myself stood in front of enormous arched red-brick gate. That historic-looking architecture with 2 posts guarding at both sides is the main entrance to the Abashiri Prison Museum. With the curiosity calling me to know more about Japan's hidden history, it would be best to dig up some stories from the Meiji period here. Surely, Abashiri was able to provide a unique experience of visiting the jail museum.

[Road Less Traveled] Hokkaido: Cute Little Monster and Drift Ice from Abashiri

Frozen Lake Abashiri

Suddenly the staff (guide) handed over a warm blue wet towel for us after she explained briefly about the drift ice. I didn't know what she talked about since it's in Japanese, until she told us to see a digital thermometer before the museum tour began. I was sure it showed the temperature inside the room right before our eyes which the temperature was in -16°C. At first, I thought she gave the towel to keep our hands warm inside the simulation room. Then, she asked us to perform a little experiment. We swung the towel continuously in the air and within seconds it became like a cracker chip. Hory shitto!

A few hours earlier.....

After a night stay at a resort beside the scenic beauty of frozen Lake Akan, that morning we headed to Abashiri. This city is located far enough to the north at the Sea of Okhotsk coastline which took about 2,5 hours car driving. Just like in Kushiro, since it's winter, the well-known Hokkaido farmland turned into a vast white land. With just a few cars passed by and no one seen along the trip, the roads seemed deserted. From left to right the roads looked similar. For some reason I confused about the direction and wondered if we only traveled in a circle. Even our driver, Kihirato-san followed a guidance from smartphone maps.

[VIDEO] Hokkaido Trip: Let's Report Japan!!

Visit Japan is one of my biggest dream since I was a child. I remember when I used to know Japan only for modern country and as the king of world's technology; land of video game; land of anime and comic; even Doraemon's home. However, following the major development of information about this cherry blossom's country tourism via every media. Now everyone know if Japan is a country with such abundant cultures and local traditions. Where the traditional culture can get along well and balanced with its modern culture.

One thing that makes me want to visit Japan is the nature. Because for me personally, nature travel always provides better experience than just travel in the big cities. Especially if you can witness and feel something that doesn't exist in your home country. It's cool, isn't it? Therefore, since back then I always intended to visit Hokkaido. Anyway if I get chance to go to Japan, it has to be Hokkaido first :)

[Road Less Traveled] Hokkaido: Everything All White in Kushiro

"Window View"

In just moment we will be landed in a small town in southeast of Hokkaido island, Kushiro. I couldn't wait to land soon after I saw a sublime panorama of the snow mountain range through the plane window. There was nothing in sight around Kushiro Airport that afternoon, except for those bald trees and white snowfields. But by just looking at the scenery alone we suddenly got fired up. Yes, because this would be our first encounter to see and to touch the snow.

The reporters greeted by local guide and the other staffs after we arrived. This time, we rode on a travel bus to get to some interesting places in Hokkaido. And today's main destination is Akan Lake which is famous for the local tribes village, the Ainu people. However, of course we didn't get into the car immediately, because we were too busy to take some pictures with those pile of snows in front of airport main entrance. Cold weather didn't seem take so much effect on our energy.

Sesaat lagi kami akan mendarat di sebuah kota kecil di tenggara pulau Hokkaido, yaitu Kushiro. Tak sabar rasanya untuk segera mendarat setelah saya melihat pemandangan sangat indah rangkaian pegunungan salju lewat jendela pesawat. Pemandangan di sekitar bandara Kushiro siang itu memang tidak ada apa-apa selain pepohonan yang rontok dan hamparan salju putih. Namun dengan melihat pemandangan itu saja kami tiba-tiba langsung bersemangat. Ya, karena ini bakal jadi pengalaman pertama kami untuk melihat dan memegang salju.

Para reporter langsung disambut oleh local guide dan staff lainnya begitu tiba. Perjalanan kami kali ini menggunakan travel bus untuk mencapai beberapa wisata menarik di Hokkaido. Dan tujuan utama hari ini adalah daerah wisata Danau Akan yang terkenal dengan pedesaan suku lokalnya, yaitu suku Ainu. Namun, tentu saja kami nggak langsung segera masuk ke mobil. Kami malah berfoto-foto ria sama tumpukan salju di depan pintu masuk bandara. Udara dingin nampaknya tidak terlalu mempengaruhi semangat kami.

Mission From Japan: WakuWaku Reporter 2015 (Hokkaido)

Balcony view from our room in Abashirikoso Hotel (Abashiri)

Damn! Unfortunately, one of my biggest dream since 2 years ago to explore South China has been canceled. Some preparations have completed, including itinerary, how to.. , and also flight tickets. It was kinda sad that I had to give that up (only for this time obviously). But, what could I do about it...

Even though I couldn't make it, I was still happy because there's another surprise is waiting for me. Actually, my Lord Jesus had designed another plan even more amazing for me. I just couldn't believe, my biggest dream since my childhood to visit Japan has now become reality! And it also for free!

Sial! Sayang sekali rasanya, salah satu impian terbesar saya sejak 2 tahun lalu untuk menjelajah China selatan terlanjur dibatalkan. Segala macam persiapan juga sudah beres, termasuk rencana perjalanan, bagaimana caranya.. , dan bahkan tiket pesawat untuk kepergian. Agak sedih juga bila saya harus merelakannya begitu saja (tentunya cuma untuk kali ini aja). Tapi, yah... apa boleh buat...

Meskipun saya nggak bisa menggapai impian tersebut, saya masih tetap gembira karena ada kejutan lain yang sedang menunggu. Ternyata, Tuhan Yesus telah merancang rencana lain yang menakjubkan bagi saya. Saya benar-benar nggak habis pikir, impian terbesar saya sejak kecil untuk mengunjungi Jepang kini menjadi kenyataan! Dan gratis pula!

The "Dead City" Jakarta

"Early Morning at Bundaran HI"

An annual event which brings you to witness an unusual face of Jakarta city. The capital city has been shrouded in silence for a while. As you know, Indonesia is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. So, most of Jakarta people went to mosque during Eid al-Fitr to do salat in the morning.

Off course I took this super rare chance to experienced this quiet and serene atmosphere which lasted only around 1 hour. I wandered around the main heart of capital and took some pictures of temporary "dead city".

Then, let the photos tell the rest..

Tips and Travel Itinerary to Bawean Island

Almost sunset

Apa itu Bawean dan dimana?

Yang jelas bukan nama kue atau jenis gorengan. Bawean adalah sebuah pulau kecil yang berada di Laut Jawa. Di tengah-tengah pulau Kalimantan dan Jawa, tepatnya di sebelah utara Gresik, Jawa Timur.

What is Bawean and where is it?

First thing, it is not kind of cakes or fritters. It's an isle in the middle of Java Sea, between Borneo and Java. Just at the north of Gresik, East Java.

[Road Less Traveled] Bawean: The Self-Dependent "Virgin"

Sandy island of Noko

Huh?! Bawean? Is it kinda a cake? Where can I buy it? Obviously, there are still many who don't know if it is an island called Bawean. It is not yet so famous for the newbies which make the nature of this island is still preserved. Surely, I felt so lucky to be one of the tourists who have visited here.

As far as my sights toward to the horizon, all I can see is clear blue sky; the blue Sea of Java; and some of small islands covered in green. The small motorboat which I rode on was in maximum speed. I just couldn't wait to run the chance of having my footprints onto the "little paradise" called Noko Island. If I recalled my struggle to reach this place a couple hours ago, I believed everything has been paid off by the magnificent view of Bawean Island.

A couple hours ago...

Sensation of having 12 hours inside the Kertajaya train has passed. Now, I have to get on board a ferry Gresik-Bawean at 9:00 PM. Subairi (Riri), Bawean local guide accompanied me, and also Benny and Anton from Surabaya will be my companion along the trip.


Bawean is just a small island in the middle Sea of Java, precisely at the north of Gresik. The island which still "virgin" interest me to be explored. My visit this time not only a mere enjoy the landscape, but to explore, dig up some infos and find out local traditions. Certainly, Riri will be bombarded with a lot of questions from me.

Roaming around Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Pictures

Cerita tentang perjalanan Makan Angin di Vietnam masih belum tuntas. Jika posting-an saya sebelumnya membahas seputar stereotipe dan budaya warga Hanoi dalam bentuk tulisan, maka kali ini Makan Angin menceritakannya lewat kompilasi foto-foto hasil "jepretan"-nya. Tidak hanya sekedar pemandangan indah yang bisa dipotret. Lebih dari itu, ada kebudayaan, adat, kebiasaan, aktivitas warganya, dan bahkan saya pun tidak tahan untuk "menangkap" "produk-produk unggulan" lokalnya yang terkenal akan kecantikan dan kemandiriannya.

Story about Makan Angin's trip in Vietnam isn't completed yet. The previous posts told about stereotypes and traditions of Hanoi citizen in writing article. So, this time Makan Angin tell the rest through his captured picture compilation. Not just about scenery that can be captured. There are also cultures, traditions or habits, local activities. And I couldn't resist to capture the local bellas, who are known for their beauty and self-dependence with my lense.

Batam: Truth of the New Metropolis

Curious what is in Batam?
It all started when I had to get involved in internship program from my campus. Far from my expectation, sooner or later, I had running a chance to live in another province-in Riau Islands, Batam.

For travelers who have never been to Batam, any ideas popped out from your heads about this island's condition? Sleepy little town? Dry and hot small island? The land of cheap cellphones? Or maybe a slightly different  with some remote islands in the country-which have a traditional living?

A numerous of anxiety questions just showed up on my mind while I was staring the Hang Nadim airport through the plane window. However, my hunch turned out not entirely true. The streets in the city is quite neat and clean. I also couldn't find any poles and cables along the roadside. Cables had been planted under ground, so they don't spoil the aesthetic of city's view. Modernization had already "touched" the city's life, even more advanced than province's capital city, Tanjung Pinang.