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Pindahan Tulisan Bahasa Indonesia

Dear pembaca, untuk kedepannya tulisan dalam bahasa Indonesia di blog ini bakalan aku pindahkan ke blog aku yang lain "Nona Backpacker" biar gak bingung bacanya.. thanks!


Bandung (Day2)

After watching "Twilight" last night.. i feel so empty.. GOSH ! why do they have that guy as main lead actor ??? i love the book why they have to choose that "funny" look guy to be Edward the coolest and most romantic vampire in my imagination? eeewwww !! (sorry to the fans, but i just don't like him !).

Bandung day two.. i told Arni awant to go to FO or Factory Outlet. Beside strolling for foods... shopping is the main attraction to go to Bandung. Good quality branded clothes with cheap prices. For the food.. ohhh.. its just so many things u could try here.. start from siomay bandung which is like fish meatballs with peanut sauce. Also lots of Sundanese cook like ayam bakar (which is my fave) the prices also good.

I just want to get a hot pants for my Thailand trip.. hehe want to show my chunky legs to every body ..hehehehehe.... (especially to those skinny girls...hehe).

Anyway.. we end up went for a stroll to CIWALK (Ciampelas Walk), Ciampelas is where you could find a lot of shops selling cheap jeans an t-shirt. We went to the Mall. I see a barbie doll that my niece want and its quite cheap than Jakarta (she want those princess barbie) i dont really like the idea of giving her a doll like barbie (euuh.. too girlie !) but she really want it since she went to watch the show at Grand Indonesia. I also saw the hot pants that i want.. not too short but its just nice length...

We eat our lunch at a cafe called Rasta i think its on the corner of the street, where the becak park. We eat cheese pizza (junk food i know !) just small size and also i order hot lemon tea because i feel kind of not so well. Also Arni order fried rice... very delicious ! its good !!

Near afternoon we went to jalan Riau where there's lots of Factory Outlet. First we stop for the juices seller. He sold the cranberries juice... OMG sooo fresh !! he stand infront of Secreat FO (we went there twice just to buy juice from him !).

First stop is "Secret" I like the "ambience"... thats my first thought of this FO. Inside its just like hectic place ! i try to find jeans for me, its cheap here... inside i could see some tourist from Malaysia, and western too.

Arnie end up shopping three cardigans that she really love that night.. while me... hmm.. i can't see anything that amuse me that time....

We then made promise to go back there the very next day.. just so many things there that looks good (and cheap !) and kind of making me confuse !

We then decide to go to next FO which is "Oasis" the price bit higher and the clothes not as good as at previous FO.. we went out without buying anything.

We cross the street and went to other FO which is "Summit" Arnie love one of the shoes... but still i can't find anything that interesting for me...

And.. at the end we went to the most crowded FO "The Heritage". Its very crowded ! and from front it looks small then when we walk to the back of the store.. its just so big.. and its connected to the FO next door "Water Fall" which is more bigger ! (i found out about this the very next day). I saw a small red "FILA" backpack that.. i ever really want long long time ago (its an old model). But i think i will get it after i finish all of the FO's (i don't know if Heritage actually the end/beginning of the FO's at the very same street).

Tired .... and have few shopping bags on hand ..We went back home at 9 pm.. (smile)

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Jakarta- Bandung (ohikss...hikksss)

Today i wake up rushing my sister just lend her husband back pack (thank God!).
I just can't travel with gracious look.. with those luggage with small wheels..uueeehhh... not my style at all !!
From Kebon Kacang i use bajaj for the very first time for this journey. I think this eccentric vehicle is reliable for certain situation when you want to go fast traveling through Jakarta small road. Short cut is always fun to avoid the "un-avoided" traffic jam !
Its cheap... beside the nosy.. (you could always use an ear plugs..hehe) its quite comfy.. hehe.. no sun heat, and full of wind (and smoke haha !).
Its always fun for adventure tho.
From Kebon Kacang (near Grand Indonesia mall) i went to Sarinah mall. And pay Rp 6000,- bajaj guy say nothing... Went to Mc D as Arnie my other friend told me. The side entrance still closed. But i saw few people have their breakfast there. So i ask the security where to wait small buses to Bandung, and he told me to just go inside the Mc D.. hmmm...
So i wait Arnie and order some food (french fries and coke). Shes coming bit late.. made me bit worry...
So she come and we jump on the small bus. Its cost me Rp 45.000.- from Jakarta to Bandung. If from the airport it will cost you around Rp 70.000,- thats what Arni said to me. Its worthy the bus quite comfy and the driver drive very good, not so fast and not too slow !
The bus stop once to fill up tank, and other than that just smooth driving. The trip between Jakarta-Bandung take 2 hours. Theres 5 passenger including me that time.. so we have so much space. Most of passenger fall a sleep. But me and Arnie were talking along the way !
We haven't meet for like 3 years ! so many story to tell especially about Arnie school, she take her master degree (uugghh.. jealous..jealous !). Beside that the view is quite good..
We arrive nearly 12.30 pm. So we went to Arnie house at Kawaluyaan area and have lunch and then went to BIP (Bandung Indah Plaza) with public transport or "angkot" a small mini van with blue and yellow color, it cost me Rp 4000,- its quite far tho.
Bandung street are smaller than Jambi or Jakarta street. But i like it because they keep the big trees along the road. Jambi usually like this, but then the made the road bigger and cut lots of tree.. some of the tree aged hundreds (like in front of Agung mosque near Jambi market).
But the traffic jam so horrible ! (which made me thank God Jambi had bigger street !).
Arnie friend already waiting for us when we arrive at the food court. I leave them for a while to talk, they do some DVD'S exchange. I went down to look up kiosk where i could top up my IM3 card and my XL card. I haven't refill it since i work. But oh God i walk far away and didn't see any kiost near BIP. I gave up and return to BIP again.
Oh one thing i notice.. its so hard to find BCA ATM machine any near BIP so.. it made me bit worry !
There's plenty young people here at BIP, its really a good place to hangout with friends just sit down at one of the cafe and have chat with friends... hmmm....

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Jakarta Hate it, but Also Love it

I got cheap flight ticket from Jambi to Jakarta with Mandala air. Its a good airways because they offer promotion price every months.
For my flight ticket it cost Rp 500.000,- one way. Because its so close to x-mast so i consider its cheap. Because the regular price for flight from Jakarta to Jambi is nearly Rp 600,000,- one way.
Usually its cheaper from Jakarta to Jambi. I don't know why...
Anyway.. i've been planning this trip at least months before. But due to my work situation i can't just book flight and leave just like that. So i book the flight a month before.
I want to meet some of old friend and have great time with them. Its been years since the last time i really stay in Jakarta. I usually stay only for transit from other place like Bali or from other country.
I am planning to stay at my older sister house in Tanah Abang.

So here i am with mandala flight RI-026 at December 20, 2008 went to Jakarta.

As usual, oh God, i am so late !! that day i don't know my sisters and mom very late. I just got back from my jungle office arrive at 7 pm and then i went to Jambi Prima mall to get some things for my self (shampoo, lotion etc). And arrive home at 9 pm start to pack my things.
I usually not the type packing at very last moment but this time i did.
So i went to bed so late at 11.30 pm ! nearly midnight ! I wake up at 6 am but then still theres few things that i have to pack like duku ! yup.. my sister reuest for duku from Jambi, its quite well known that duku fruit from jambi is different its taste sweeter for some people.
And then the chaos came when we realize that theres some road closed for motor cross championship and theres few school are crowded because its the report day. So, parent come to school to pick up their children report card ! ugghhh!
So, again..(ohhh i hate this) me running from the waiting room after checking to the plane that ready to leave !! so embarrassing !
Flight was good.
Arrive around 12, i did my lunch at A&W at airport. Not very healthy. I call my friend Egi and she is still at the office so i have to drive to her office.
Her office is at Mampang area. I didn't know Jakarta much so i have to take DAMRI bus to city centre, and i choose DAMRI bus to Gambir Station. Its a train station. Its a cheaper way to get to Jakarta center only cost Rp 20.000.- one way and its flat.
Jakarta still the same as i recall... traffic jam, cars, motorcycle, bajay, more more people doing their things in street. Its afternoon... but still they are all busy. See the tall buildings.. its just almost the same like my jungle. Its just another jungle i think..
From Gambir i take taxi, i always choose Blue Bird taxi service in Jakarta. Well known because they great service and the drivers are very honest. I hope they always be like that all the time.
I meet my friend and have to wait for her to finish her office hours.
Egi is my old friend from University. We've been friends for more than 5 years !
Her rent room near Mampang too, she live there with her super cute fur ball (cat). She used to hate cat but don't know what happened to her lately i guess she just deeply in love with someone who like cat and she love cats too now, hahahahahah !
First day we just too tired to go or to do anything so we sleep early !

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Indonesia & Travel Warning

After Bali bombing seemed that several country that have their trust in indonesia security getting lower.
I mean, whos going to blame any one who thought about that. When i see those bombing on tv i just can't believe it, its really happening. I just can't believe the reasons.
Theres 202 victims die on that day (October 12, 2002). And 162 of them are tourist on vacation in Bali.
Since that happened USA and australia warned tourist to reconsider about visiting indonesia.
USA actually just canceled the travel warning that they gave to indonesia after 8 years (from November 200 to May 2008).
Australia few weeks ago just announce another travel warning for indonesia (October 26, 2008) due to the execution of the Bali bomber that might trigger another bombing again.
The australian gov. even put the risk at level 4 from 5 level (which is the same danger like countries with conflict)Its one the Australia network also at ABC news. Some people belief there will be another terrorism attack right when the Amrozi cs being executed.
Theres no one know when exactly they will be executed but the "early november" could mean middle or end of november also (indonesian..sigh...)
I don't know how this will impact indonesia tourism, or how long australia gov will do this travel warning.
But for sure indonesia is doubling the security by posting lots of policemen in java and bali island.
I just hope that there will be nothing happened, and the execution went smooth without any incident.
For more information about the travel warning that Australia Gov. have issue you could click here.
I want to go to bali.... please..please..please... don't ruin bali again.... i just want this all over..

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Phone Card Choice SE Asia




When the first time i went traveling i had no clue what card to use for communicating with my family.
My first journey from Indonesia to Malaysia at end of January 2007. I decide to use telkomsel card that i used in indonesia and plan to replace it with phone card from malaysia.
Far before that i bought a cellphone that had more "band" so i could use it in so many different countries. My cellphone that time was Sony Ericsson W300i. Its a walkman phone, cute and had big memory and not that expensive. It had 3 band.
So i use simpati card and fly to Malaysia, then realized that i still could use my phone card normally there.
But alas ! when my friend from indonesia calling and i pick up the phone, the cost its charged with international fees !!! omg !!!!!
Running out of credit... then because i am so well planned (hahahahaha !!!!) i also already register my bank account so i could access my account from internet using internet banking and get some extra credits for my telkomsel ! and if i can't find place to access internet i will send sms to my sister in indonesia to refill my phonecard.
The text messeges cost Rp 500 per sms. Don't try to receive phone call because its international roaming ! its a stupid thing unless its really important. My sister sent sms from indonesia to my cellphone and its only cost her normal charge that time Rp 300
Then i went to singapore, eventually telkomsel work together with singtel, so i dont have to change my phone card again ! So i kept using my old phone card so my family could easily text me.
My second trip to thailand. I brought my simpati card again, and from krabi until chiangmai... wow.. its working ! but the cost really expensive i think its Rp1 500 per sms !!
Maria that time using her indosat card... and its just the same working for Singapore and Malaysia. So both card wont have problem to travel with....
But i am thinking about other option to get a singapore phone card. Some people said it would be cheaper... b ut , yeah maybe ill try that next time i travel.
Phone card very easy to find in singapore. Because its a pre paid one so you could use it again when you travel again to singapore. As long as you top up the card (refill the credit).
Theres few choices... once Mr B. Kearns ever gave me singapore phone card but i never use it because somehow its not working in Thailand. I think its belong to Singtel.

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Backpaking Health Problem (euuuhh !)

I read an article from a website and i think its good for all to know. Especially those who had weak tummy !

These are some highlight from the web (New York Times):
* Not all cooked food is safe food. It may have been cooked some time before and held, then warmed. The food should be really hot when it is put before you, to be sure the bacteria have been killed. If you are eating in a restaurant, send a hamburger back if it is not steaming hot.

* Hot sauces that are left on the table from meal to meal should be skipped. The research found them to be heavily contaminated.

* Traditional advice about fruits is usually to eat only those that can be peeled. Watermelons, out of the rind or in, were found to be not safe, however, because many had been injected with water to make them heavier at the moment of sale.

* Milk is generally always a bad bet. It is often ''pasteurized by law but not by boiling'' .

* Many attacks of diarrhea on the return home can be traced to food served on the airline that was prepared and placed aboard in Mexico and is as likely to be suspect as anything sold in a restaurant. ''It's served by a U.S. flight attendant, and it's a U.S. airline,'' Dr. DuPont said, ''and everybody eats what's brought to them. Much diarrhea derives from lowering the guard.''

Heres some other desease that we could catch during backpacking traveling (from backpacking the planet website) :

Tummy aches and food mistakes

Many, many travelers have made inadvertent, or sometimes careless, food mistakes, and paid for them with tummy aches and associated not-so-nice symptoms. More often than not a traveler to a lesser developed country will have some degree of gastro-intestinal distress at some point. See Food to learn how to best avoid these problems.

When you find yourself in the throes of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea you need to first remember that recovery is all but assured. You are not going to die. Most bouts are self-limiting (two to ten days), and the cause and severity will determine how you choose to treat it. First, assess your case. A sudden onset of relatively uncomfortable diarrhoea; meaning you can pinpoint the time it started and it's been bad from the start, generally indicates a bacterial cause. Other symptoms can include fever, vomiting or blood in the stool. If this describes your bout, consider taking your dysentery antibiotic (Ciprofloxacin or Norfloxacin) that your travel doctor prescribed in your pre-trip consultation. Relief sometimes comes after only one dose, but make sure that you are not vomiting so that the medication stays down. If symptoms persist, you may be experiencing a viral infection, while if symptoms subside unmedicated after only a day, you may be experiencing food poisoning by toxins. If onset of symptoms is more gradual, coming on over the course of a few days, you may have a protozoal case, such as Giardia ('beaver fever'). Depending on the diagnosis, treatments are available.

No matter what the cause, you will want to treat the symptoms somehow. Try a hot water bottle on your stomach to relieve pain and muscle spasms. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, including hot tea, purified water and soft drinks. Avoid too much sugar or sodium. If vomiting or diarrhoea are severe, consider pre-packaged rehydration salt solutions available at drugstores and pharmacies. You can also mix up your own solution using a teaspoon of honey or corn syrup and a pinch of salt in an 8 ounce glass of apple or orange juice in one glass and a teaspoon of baking soda in a 8 ounce glass of purified water and drinking alternatively. If your schedule dictates that you need to stop diarrhoea more or less immediately, Imodium or Loperamide, will be your friend. Take this only if necessary though as a week of constipation will likely follow.

When ready, reintroduce foods beginning with dry toast, crackers and clear soups. Avoid dairy products, alcohol, high fibre foods, fatty foods and caffeine. Stick with bananas, potatoes, noodles and apple sauce until you are one hundred percent again. And eat yoghurt - it contains lactobacillus, a bacterial culture that can inhibit the bacteria that make you sick. Try pre-packaged yoghurt as both a prevention and a treatment.

Malaria and other serious illnesses

When any medical symptoms arise in a foreign country, the first thing you will want to do is rule out anything serious. You will need to stay in this mindset even after you return from travelling as some tropical diseases can take weeks, months or even years to surface. If you develop symptoms after returning from tropical travel, consult your travel health specialist or visit a tropical disease unit in a hospital in your area and divulge your recent travel itinerary.

Many illnesses and diseases are indicated by fever and flu-like symptoms. They can often be distinguished by the characteristics of the fever as well as other accompanying symptoms. To be absolutely certain, blood tests should be carried out in safe, reliable, hygienic facilities. Viral syndromes (such as Influenza - the flu), are characterized by a sudden onset fever with a motion-sensitive headache which lasts two to four days untreated.

Malaria, contracted through infected mosquitoes, has an incubation time of at least one week, meaning your symptoms will not surface for a minimum of seven days. There are four main strains of Malaria, each with varying symptom characteristics and treatments; one of the more common of the four is rapidly fatal. Malaria presents with an abrupt onset of chills followed by sweating and a high fever lasting for several hours before a marked improvement. Symptoms return in a second bout, or sometimes, a steady fever may be present. Patients should seek a blood test if available, then treat accordingly. Treatment generally involves a course of Fansidar, and depending on the strain, may require other follow-ups. If you have a blood test, keep a copy of the results and consult your travel specialist when you return home. To read more about preventing the contraction of Malaria, see Insects below and also Prepare for Your Best Health.

Dengue fever is another infection carried by mosquitoes, though this time the offending mosquito is the type you are more likely to find in the day time or in more urban areas. There is a three to ten day incubation time for this disease, which presents with a sudden onset high fever, almost always with a headache behind the eyes, exacerbated by motion of the eyes. Muscle and back aches are prominent and any of nausea, vomiting or a rash on the skin of the trunk may be present. After three to six days, the symptoms will suddenly lapse though the victim may suffer fatigue for weeks. There is unfortunately no vaccine nor any treatment for Dengue fever, and it is therefore best dealt with through prevention of mosquito bites.

Typhoid (or Enteric) fever is a bacterial infection of the intestine contracted via contaminated stool. Although vaccination is available and suggested, it is not 100% effective and should not be used to rule out diagnosis. Typhoid is indicated by a gradual onset of low fever, a dull, non-motion-sensitive headache, a slow pulse and fatigue over several days. After this time, the fever rises markedly as does the level of fatigue. Pink spots on the body may also appear along with loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. The illness will last up to a month if untreated, response to treatment with Ciprofloxacin will be slow.

Hepatitis A is yet another illness presenting with a fever - this one a gradual onset fever accompanied by dull, motion sensitive headaches and pronounced nausea and loss of appetite. These symptoms occur after a four week incubation period and last four to five days before dark urine presents as does jaundice - a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. The fever will break but nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pains and fatigue will persist for two to four weeks. This viral infection of the liver occurs via contaminated stool in food or water but will almost definitely not present if vaccination has been carried out prior to exposure. Patients should be encouraged to eat and drink as much as possible to avoid weight loss and dehydration.

Meningitis is a potentially rapidly fatal infection of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms are a high fever and severe headaches, light sensitivity, a stiff neck and perhaps purple patches on the skin. A person presenting with the symptoms of this communicable (person-to-person) disease should be hospitalized for treatment immediately as death can occur within 24 hours.

Japenese B Encephalitis is a viral brain infection indicated by fever, headaches, confusion and altered concentration. Like meningitis, the victim requires immediate hospitalization. There is a high rate of mortality with Japanese B Encephalitis and even survivors may have altered intellectual abilities. The best defense is one against mosquitoes which carry and transmit the disease.

Yellow fever is yet another mosquito contracted illness, this one viral. Mild cases present with flu-like symptoms whereas more severe cases include nausea, vomiting, bleeding, abdominal pain and jaundice. Professional treatment should be sought if you present with Yellow fever. Many countries are attempting to eradicate this disease with required immunization certificates. You will likely have to have the vaccine if you are travelling to areas where the strain is endemic.

Cholera is an illness characterized by the severest of watery diarrhoea. Fluid replacement is absolutely vital alongside an antibiotic treatment course. Untreated victims are most likely to die of dehydration. A relatively ineffective vaccination exists for Cholera but most travellers are not at high risk for contracting this disease which transmits through contaminated food or water.

Schistosomiasis / Bilharzia is an infestation of the intestine of minute worms which enter through the skin from infected fresh water. General malaise is the first symptom, followed weeks later with a high fever. After the disease is established (months to years later), abdominal pain and blood in the urine present. If you have been swimming in fresh water in tropical areas, ensure you are tested for Schistosomiasis by a travel health specialist upon return.

Tetanus, an infection from a germ present in soil or faeces, occurs through contamination of even a minor flesh wound. Vaccination is routine and should be boosted every ten years. The disease presents with muscle contractions and breathing difficulty, discomfort when swallowing, stiffening of the jaw and neck, and finally, painful convulsions of the jaw and body. Seek medical help immediately.

Whatever else ails you

Simply due to a change in pace and contact with many and varied public areas, your traveling lifestyle will leave you more vulnerable to germs causing common colds and other minor infections. Feeling under the weather away from home is not fun, and being stuffed up in hot and muggy climates is most uncomfortable. Speed up your recovery by getting lots of sleep and drinking plenty of clear fluids. Pharmacological cold and flu remedies aside, there are some things you can do to ease the discomfort of symptoms. If you are stuffed up, try clearing your sinuses with hot spicy foods, mustard, garlic, ginger or onions. These foods also have healing properties. Or try a dab of Tiger Balm under your nose. Creating a mini sauna by filling a sink with steaming hot water and leaning over it with a towel draped over your head may bring relief too. Soothe a sore throat with hot tea, and try gargling with an anti-bacterial mouthwash or warm salty water. Avoid dairy products.

My first line of defense against headaches is drinking a liter of water, as such maladies are often brought on by dehydration. Treat sore muscles with Tiger Balm or a hot water bottle. You can fashion the latter using a plastic twist top pop bottle filled with hot water and wrapped in a towel or placed in a sock. You can also use a hot water bottle to ease stomach cramps.

Treat minor cuts and scrapes more seriously than you would at home. Wash immediately with soap and water, apply an anti-bacterial ointment and cover with a bandage or gauze. Let the wound dry when you are sleeping at night or are at rest. Allowing an open wound to become infected is never a good idea but even worse when you are travelling and susceptible to more strange and varied bacteria. The beginnings of an infection can be identified by swelling, heat, redness and tenderness of the area. You can fight a minor infection with anti-bacterial ointment but if improvement is not seen in a day or two, seek medical help. Once an infection becomes serious enough to get help, you will likely be told to avoid getting the wound wet, which precludes swimming and showering. That's no fun.

Doctor visits and medication overseas

As it is always better to be safe than sorry, there is a chance that you will end up in a doctor's office with anything from malaria to an infected cut, a broken arm to an itchy rash. Seek out an English speaking doctor, preferably one recognized by the IAMAT association (www.iamat.org, see Prepare for Your Best Health). The IAMAT recognized practitioner should be able to provide competent care at a fair and reasonable price. If this is not possible, don't be afraid to contact your embassy for a recommendation.

Don't be afraid to ask plenty of questions of your doctor, or to persevere to the point of understanding. Offer up as much information related to your condition as possible and voice any concerns you have. This is especially the case if you decide to accept any treatment. If you need an injection (for treatment or vaccination), make sure you see the syringe come from a sealed, sterile package. Offer your own if you have chosen to carry them with you in your first aid kit. The same goes for needles used in acupuncture. You will also want to avoid a blood transfusion unless one is absolutely imperative to save you life.

If the doctor prescribes a medication, ask about the side effects, the dosage and any contraindications or interactions with other drugs you may be taking, as information printed on or in its packaging may not be in a language you can read. This includes herbal medications, which are not necessarily risk-free by virtue of their natural source. When you purchase your prescribed medication, it is best to do so from a pharmacy attached to a hospital, or one recommended by the staff at your embassy. Check the packaging carefully to make sure it is sealed and still in date; watch also for cheaper versions of expensive drugs - use your judgement on this one. As with any medication, make sure you take the full course as prescribed even if your symptoms have cleared.

Make sure you get an itemized and detailed bill for all of your medical attentions. It will help if you acquire claim forms ahead of time, or if you are familiar with the information that your insurance company requires for a claim (such as doctor's name, time of visit, diagnosis, etc.). Some insurance companies impose a limit on the amount of time elapsing between the time of the medical attention and the time you file the claim. Find out what this time is, and if you are going to be away for longer than that time, carry claim forms with you so that you can file a claim from the open road.

Medical emergencies

Emergencies are defined in part by their urgent nature. It is therefore best to be prepared to react before emergencies occur. Know where to access phone numbers for local emergency services (police, ambulance, fire department). This may involve book marking a page (or pages) in your guidebook. Also consider employing help from your home countries embassy and your health insurance companies' hotlines. Depending on the nature of the emergency, you may wish to contact the victims health insurance company before treatment is sought in order to get a recommendation on what courses of action to follow that will be reimbursed. Embassies will also be useful in recommending the best local care if you have time to contact them before treatment is sought or carried out. Most embassies will have 24-hour emergency hotlines. Your government back home will also likely have a 24-hour emergency hotline that you can call collect to.

For Canadians, the Consular Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade maintains a 24-hour emergency service. Services are available for Canadians overseas who may encounter such problems as illness, accidents or death, evacuation, financial difficulties, child abduction or custody issues, kidnapping, missing persons, arrest/detention, and lost or stolen passports. Assistance is also available for family and friends in Canada seeking help and support for persons overseas. These services are managed from Ottawa. Consular officers in the Department's Emergency Operations Centre work closely with officials located around the world. If an emergency occurs while travelling abroad, call the nearest Canadian mission or make a collect call to Ottawa at (613) 996-8885. Check out www.voyage.gc.ca for more information - follow the Problems Abroad? link.

You will want to have all of these phone numbers handy. You may want to copy them all onto one piece of paper that you can access at any time. Photocopy these numbers and keep them in more than one place in your backpack and daypack. Also prepare ahead of time by having emergency contact names and numbers back home for yourself and each of your travel mates.

If you are present at or come across an emergency situation, the first thing you need to do is consider your own safety. Make sure the area is secure before you attend to a victim (check for fire and electrical hazards, the presence of poisonous substances, dangerous animals or people, and unstable structures or environmental hazards). Call for help immediately and continually reassure the person verbally, whether they are conscious or not. Begin your first aid by checking for breathing and pulse, then let your instincts and training kick in. I highly encourage all travellers to take first aid training before departure. Some basic knowledge could save your own or other people's lives.

Insects

Depending on where you are travelling, you may very well by sharing your travelling experience with myriad strange and wonderful insects.

By far the biggest concern on the insect front is the common mosquito. Mosquito bites are an itchy nuisance for most people, but more importantly, they can transmit malaria, Japanese encephelitis, yellow fever and Dengue fever. Immunizations and malaria prophylactics aside, it is best to prevent mosquito bites altogether. Mosquitoes can strike both day and night, so protect yourself always. During the day, choose lighter colours over bright or dark colours and wear long sleeves and pants if the situation warrants. Avoid scented shampoos, deodorants, soaps and suntan lotions. In the evening, consider burning mosquito coils or citronella candles. At night, sleep with a mosquito net, a contraption designed to be suspended over you and to completely surround you in your bed. If you are visiting high risk areas, it is best to be prepared with your own net though in many locales where malaria or mosquitoes could be a problem, places of accommodation will provide nets. Check your net for holes and mend with needle and thread or tape on both sides if you find any. Alternatively you could twist the net to conceal the hole and fasten with safety pins or paper clips. Make sure your net is completely covering your bed and you may want to try tucking it under your mattress. Try not to lie against the net in your sleep as mosquitoes will bite through.

The other prevention option is mosquito repellent. DEET (N, N diethyl-meta-toluamide) has proven to be highly effective and is available to the consumer in lotions, sprays and liquids in concentrations from 8 to 98 percent. Although DEET is an approved substance for use by humans and is deemed safe for regular use, DEET is a toxic chemical. The fact that it should not come in contact with synthetic fibres (such as your quick-dry pants or your Gore-tex raincoat) or plastics (eyeglasses, pens, water bottles) calls to attention that it should be used with some degree of caution. Do not use it on broken skin or near your eyes. In lower risk situations, consider trying more natural alternatives such as citronella sprays. Other suggestions from the peanut gallery include rubbing alcohol, cedar oil sprays and menthol balms like Tiger Balm or Vick's Vaporub.

For more information on pharmacological precautions (immunizations and malaria pills), see Prepare for Your Best Health. For information on diagnosing and treating malaria, Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever and Dengue fever, see Malaria and Other Serious Illnesses above.

There are many other insects that you may come across. There are a few poisonous breeds out there (such as black widow spiders and scorpions) so you should familiarize yourself with any inherent to the area you are visiting. Check your guidebook and seek out local knowledge upon your arrival. Backpackers are prime targets for encounters with cockroaches, from pin-head to almond sized. These creatures are harmless but can be a nuisance. Keep your bags zippered shut and your flip flops on. You may also want to check your shoes or boots before putting them on in the morning in case someone (poisonous or not) has decided to make them their home overnight. Wasps and bees can be found in many locales as well. Avoid them as you would at home, but keep in mind that their stings are generally only painful rather than dangerous unless you are allergic. If you have been diagnosed with an allergy to bee or wasp stings, be sure to carry any required medications with you.

Bothersome insects of a smaller scale include bedbugs, lice and various mites, ticks and fleas. All result in itching, if nothing more. Bedbugs are called such because they often choose to reside in mattresses and dirty bedding and because they most often choose to come out at night. They are somewhat similar to mosquitoes in that while harvesting your blood during a bite, they inject a substance into your skin which creates that dreaded itch. Bedbugs, however, are perhaps slightly more industrious as they will bite several times in neat rows. Some people react worse than others, but if you have the misfortune of an encounter with these creatures you will most likely want to find a different bed to sleep in, and you will want to wash any clothes and such that may have become homes for the bugs. Lice (head lice, body lice or crabs) are contracted through direct contact with infected people or shared use of combs, clothing, etc. Treat with special shampoos and wash your clothing and bedding in hot soapy water. Fleas are best warded off by avoiding contact with animals, especially rural residents or strays. When exploring the natural world, be aware of sand mites and the like, and especially of ticks. Ticks cling on to you something fierce and can cause skin, or more serious infections. Remove ticks by squeezing the skin around them and removing them by their head that is attached to your skin rather than by their body.

Treat various itchy and stinging bites first with soap and water, then with Calamine lotions and /or anti-sting sprays as you see fit. Antihistamines or anti-inflammatories can help in some cases as can ice to reduce swelling. Itching may be relieved by a bit of toothpaste, a baking soda paste or Tiger Balm.

Heat and sun

Our travels often take us to climates hotter than we are accustomed to, and adaptation can take weeks. Heat is a serious consideration with consequences more than turning Sunlight-fresh laundry into sweaty sludge. In sweaty circumstances, protect your documents in money belts and pouches from sweat by wrapping them in a plastic bag. Protect your skin too, from "prickly heat" rashes (due to excessive perspiration) with a mild talcum or a prickly heat powder. Ease your vulnerability to heat by wearing appropriate clothing (lightweight and lightly coloured hat, shirt, pants, shorts or skirt keeping cultural considerations in mind), by reducing physical exertion and by maintaining a sensible diet and a high intake of fluids. Drink more than is necessary to quench your thirst - dehydration is evident with dark or a lack of urine. Applying a damp cloth around your neck can also cool you off. In extreme heat, take a cold shower or find a place to swim - some hotels will sell day passes to non-guests.

Two heat related conditions to watch for are heat exhaustion and heatstroke, the former of which can lead to the latter if allowed to progress untreated. Heat exhaustion, the less serious of the two, occurs due to dehydration and salt deficiency. Characterized by fatigue, lethargy, headaches and muscles cramps, victims should be treated by removal from high temperatures and by increasing fluid and electrolyte intake. In severe cases, victims should rehydrate with pre-packaged rehydration salt solutions available at drugstores and pharmacies, or self-prepared solutions as discussed in Tummy Aches and Food Mistakes above. Heatstroke is the second, more dire consequence of exposure to heat where the bodies heat regulating mechanisms fail and the core body temperature rises to dangerous levels (above 39�C or 102�F). Victims sometimes stop sweating altogether and will experience throbbing headaches and general malaise and eventually confusion, aggression and convulsions. Hospitalization is essential in cases of heat stroke, with removal from heat and of clothing and application of cold, wet sheets, a fan and cool drinks in the interim.

The strong rays of the sun, especially in these days where the earth's natural ozone defenses have been broken down, are another environmental force to be reckoned with. They must be reckoned with especially by the traveller who is likely to be spending a lot of time outside in the sun. You will want to avoid excessive exposure to the sun in order to prevent painful sunburn in the short term and permanent skin damage in the long term. Be aware that you can burn through cloud and fog, and even more so while at high altitude or due to reflection from sand, snow and water. Certain medications also increase the skin's photosensitivity, sometimes markedly. Such medications include antibiotics, antifungals, antihistamines, some antimalarials, oral contraceptives, tranquilizers and some drugs used to treat diabetes.

The first line of defence against harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays is staying out of the sun in peak hours (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), but as this isn't likely to always happen, the traveller should be sure to cover as much skin as is comfortable with a decent thickness of clothing. Wearing a hat with a brim and UV-rated sunglasses to protect the eyes are essential measures as well. Protect your back while snorkelling by wearing a t-shirt. Exposed skin should be covered generously and often with a sunscreen rated with a high SPF (sun protection factor), preferably beginning half an hour before exposure. Commercially available SPF's range from 2 to 60 or more - you are best to choose one 15 or higher and to avoid so called 'tanning' or 'bronzing' oils. Reapply the sunscreen after swimming or sweating, even if your screen claims to be waterproof and sweatproof. Don't forget your ears, your feet and any exposed areas of your scalp! Special sunscreen sticks are available for your lips, sprays for your scalp and high protection zinc-based sunblocks are available for vulnerable noses and cheeks, and anywhere else you wish to cover.

If the sun gets the better of you, you will have to be extra diligent in staying under cover for a few days. Drink plenty of fluids and use a lotion on the burn, preferably with healing properties such as a component of aloe vera. Folk remedies include a half hour of coating your burn with a paste of cool, plain yoghurt rinsed off with water. Treat burned eyes by covering your eyelids with cucumber slices or tea bags soaked in cool water. In the severest circumstances, you can try an anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen. To reduce friction from bed sheets, try spreading powder on the sheets.

Altitude

As the level of land above sea increases, the air we breathe contains less and less oxygen. People have climbed to the highest point in the world (Mt. Everest at 8848m or 29,028 feet) without supplemental oxygen but they have had to be supremely acclimatized to do so. Acclimatization begins to be an issue at an altitude of 2500m (8000 feet). If you ascend at the right pace, your body will acclimatize and be able to cope with the lower levels of oxygen in the air. The rate at which your body adapts is unique to you - some people's bodies deal with altitude better than others and this ability is generally not associated with a level of mental or physical fitness. If you practice proper acclimatization techniques each and every time you go to altitude, you increase your chance for safety and comfort; it you ignore them you are at a very real risk of death. After descending from altitude your acclimated state will not last beyond a couple of days.

Ascending slowly to altitudes above 2500m helps your body acclimatize over time - this is the best way to do it. As you work your way upwards, it is primarily the altitude at which you sleep that should be used to mark your progress. Safe ascents generally do not exceed 300 to 400m per day and include a rest day at every 1000m benchmark. This means that the level at which you sleep one night should not be more than 400m above the level that you slept the night before. Every time you reach a multiple of 1000m above the level you started at (or above 2500m), you should stay at that level for two nights. It is generally okay to ascend to higher levels during the day, as long as you descend again in order to obey the rules for sleeping. On rest days, it is encouraged that you hike to a higher altitude, say for lunch, just to promote your bodies acclimatization efforts.

If you arrive suddenly at altitudes over 2500m, or if you ascend too quickly, you are at risk for acute mountain sickness (AMS), also known simply as altitude sickness. Symptoms are headaches, sleeplessness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, tightness in the chest and confusion. You need to be able to recognize these symptoms and be willing to accept that they are due to altitude. As long as you have any symptoms of AMS, you must not ascend to sleep at a higher altitude. If symptoms are mild, you will need to allow your body time to acclimatize at whatever level you are at. You must not ascend until your symptoms go away. To ease the discomfort of these symptoms, you may wish to take acetazolamide (DIAMOX). This drug is prescribed to actually help the body deal with the lower levels of oxygen by increasing your respiratory rate, rather than simply masking symptoms, but it will not prevent the progression of severe symptoms. Side effects of this drug include tingling of the hands and feet and sometimes fatigue, sleeplessness or nausea, which begs the question of why bother? It is a personal choice of whether or not you take the drug.

If symptoms become worse while you remain at a given altitude, or are generally more severe, you will need to descend. Descending as little as 500m will begin to help; ideally you will want to descend to the level where your symptoms improve and eventually disappear. In dire circumstances, emergency medical treatment can include the administering of bottled oxygen or enclosure in an individually-sized pressurized Gamow bag.

There are two conditions more serious than simple AMS, both of which can either can show a rapid onset but more often result from ignoring the proper acclimatization techniques and AMS symptoms. Known as High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), these conditions require immediate descent. HAPE is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs. While everyone will experience breathlessness upon exertion during the acclimatization process, you will need to pay attention to how you recover at rest. Breathlessness during rest, or the inability to catch your breath within ten minutes of resting, is the sign of the onset of HAPE. If you experience this type of breathlessness, you must descend. Although exertion exacerbates symptoms of HAPE, the descent to a lower altitude is imperative as the first line of treatment. If HAPE is allowed to progress untreated, symptoms will include coughing and the production of a pink, frothy sputum. The victim will eventually drown in the fluid in their own lungs. The second condition, HACE, is the accumulation of fluid in the brain. Headaches, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting are common symptoms of basic AMS, but in severe form, can lead to extreme fatigue and ataxia; a loss of balance and co-ordination. These are the symptoms of HACE and when they present, the victim must descend. Test for ataxia by administering the 'drunk test' where the patient walks a straight line placing the heel of one foot at the toe of the other as they walk forward. If the patient can not complete this task, they are showing the symptoms of HACE and they must descend as unconsciousness is imminent and will be followed by death. The symptoms of both HAPE and HACE can be treated with drugs in emergency circumstances (nifedipine and dexamethasone respectively), but descent will still be necessary and paramount.

Having presented all the dangers, altitude is not something you need to be scared of. You simply need to be aware of the symptoms of AMS, and to follow the advice of not ascending with any symptoms and descending if you have symptoms that are worsening while you rest at the same altitude. Symptoms do not occur with such a sudden onset that you will not have time to take the necessary precautions.

Oh, and remember that it is easier to sunburn at higher altitudes, so wear your hat and sunscreen!

Feet

These relatively small parts of our bodies are usually all but ignored when they are happy, but can make a big impact on our travels when they are not. Moral of the story? Pay a little bit of attention to preventative foot maintenance and all should be well.

The airplane is not the right place to be breaking in a new pair of shoes or boots. Try to pack footwear that has been tested, tried and true to your feet prior to your travels. Your biggest risk is blistering due to friction. Try to keep your feet clean and dry, and reduce friction by applying a powder or Vaseline to your feet. I also swear by polypropylene sock liners for hiking, to wick moisture from your feet and to provide a thin layer to absorb some of the friction. In dire circumstances, you can use a very thin plastic bag. You may also wish to apply moleskin (available in small sheets or strips at pharmacies and some sports/footwear stores) to sensitive areas before problems begin. If you do succumb to blisters, you are at risk for infection, so this is definitely the time to keep your feet clean and dry. Try not to pop the blisters if possible, or if the pressure is building up, you can use a sterilized needle to allow the blister to drain. Folk remedies include soaking your feet in warm water with tea bags, slightly salty water, or applying a baking soda and water paste. If infection looks imminent (the area is warm, red and puffy) try an antibiotic ointment and sterile bandages. Obviously you will want to avoid wearing the shoes that caused you problems to begin with.

The best way to protect your feet from cold and wet environments is by choosing the right combination of shoes and socks. If you are planning to do much hiking or trekking, be prepared with the right equipment from home (See Gear Shop: What to Take). If you suffer from leaky boots in cold weather, try putting your socked feet in plastic bags - your feet will be wet from sweat but this is a better alternative then being wet from cold water. Wool blend socks are a good choice in this situation as they will still retain heat when wet. Wet shoes and boots should be air dried in a warm place, but not too close to a heat source which could warp them. Stuff them with newspaper to avoid shrinking or a change in shape.

Protect your feet from spiders and snakes by checking your footwear before putting them on each time - just in case some type of creature has found your shoes to be an inviting home. Protect from other invasive insects and worms by keeping closed-toed shoes on while on sand, grass and dirt. Protect from sharp stones and broken glass by not going barefoot. Protect from fungus and other mundane but bothersome afflictions by wearing a pair of plastic flip-flops in shared bathrooms (and showers), and those of questionable hygiene. Protect the rest of the world and the image of you and your countrymen by using a deodorizing foot powder or spray daily.

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Asia & Australia Budget Airlines (Low Cost Carrier)

I could say i am very lucky that i am able to travel these days. Thanks to internet, for giving me so many informations, and also budget airlines !
Few years back, i don't think i have this idea of traveling with low cost.
I grew up in a small city in middle of Sumatra island. The flight ticket from and to my city until 1997-1999 are up to half million rupiahs. Because there's less flight fly to my city.
So i have this concept that traveling is a hobby that i will never have.
Until i went to university, and heard about air asia, and swear that i WILL travel abroad one day when i have good incomes.
And i did... my first time at January 2007. Like i said... i will consider i am lucky to grw up in my generation (considering about traveling of course).
So much choice, so much easy...

Here's few budget airlines or also well kn own with Low Cost Carrier website:
============ ========= ========= =======

INDIA

IndiGo http://book. goindigo. in/skylights/ cgi-bin/skylight s.cgi
SpiceJet http://www.spicejet .com/
Air Deccan http://www.airdecca n.net/
GoAir http://www.goair. in/

INDONESIA
Lion Air http://www.lionair. co.id/
Indonesia AirAsia http://www.airasia. com/site/ in/en/home. jsp
Citilink Garuda Indonesia http://www.garuda- indonesia. com/

JAPAN
(website in japanese, book by phone except Skymark)
Air Do http://www.airdo. jp/ap/index. html
Skynet Asia Airways http://www.skynetas ia.co.jp/
Starflyer http://www.starflye r.jp/index. html
Skymark Airlines http://www.skymark. co.jp/en/ index.html

KOREA (website in korean)
Jeju Air http://www.jejuair. net/
Hansung Air http://www.gohansun g.com/

MALAYSIA
AirAsia http://www.airasia. com

PAKISTAN
Air Blue http://www.airblue. com/

PHILIPPINES
CEBU Pacific Air http://www.cebupaci ficair.com/
Air Philippines http://www.airphils .com/

SINGAPORE
Jetstar Asia http://www.jetstar. com/au/index. html
Tiger Airways http://www.tigerair ways.com/
Singapore AirAsia http://www.airasia. com
Silkair Singapore Airways http://www.silkair. com/mbe/en_ UK/

THAILAND
One-Two-Go http://www.fly12go. com/en/aboutus/ index.php
Nok Air http://www.nokair. com/NokConnext/ aspx/Welcome. aspx
Thai AirAsia http://www.airasia. com
Bangkok Airways http://www.bangkoka ir.com/

VIETNAM
Jetstar Pacific http://www.jetstar. com/au/index. html

AUSTRALIA
Jetstar http://www.jetstar. com/au/index. html
Virgin Blue http://www.virginbl ue.com.au/

NEW ZEALAND
Pacific Blue http://www.flypacif icblue.com/


Happy travelling !!

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Solo Traveling


I have less travel experience than any other travelers that i met (yes.. yess i knowww).
But i already decide to put traveling into one of my hobbies. Its a very addictive thing for me (but not more than chocolate hehehe...)
I like travel companions, two head are better than one, thats what they say, and also it made things cheaper (some) like for taxi, and accommodations, and sometimes foods.
I also like traveling by my self. Feel more relax, cause we don't really have to follow the schedule that we made before traveling. I could plan day per day things that i want to do my self.
Also.. hehehe... i wont feel awkward if theres a guy want to get to know me. Its easier to start a conversation to someone else when you are alone, and find new friends !

Heres some tips that i found:

PACKING "If it's your first time traveling alone, remember that you'll be carrying your own bags. Pack stuff that can do double duty: I've used a velour dress as a towel but also dressed it up with a blouse and belt to dine out." --Diane Redfern, founder of Connecting: Solo Travel Network

APPROACHABILITY "You may not meet people if you're listening to an iPod. So many people have started a conversation while I was reading or sitting alone. But they wouldn't have done that if I were plugged into an iPod." --Doug Lansky, The Rough Guide: First-Time Around the World

LODGING "Hotels in remote locations, while romantic for couples, aren't great for people on their own. Instead, stay in areas that get lots of foot traffic, where there's lots to do." --Teresa Rodriguez Williamson, Fly Solo: The 50 Best Places on Earth for a Girl to Travel Alone

STAYING IN TOUCH "Text-messaging is great for avoiding loneliness. I texted my wife from atop Mount Kilimanjaro, and she wrote me back right away." --Donovan Pacholl, adventure-travel specialist, BootsnAll Travel Network

SAFETY "When making plans with new acquaintances, go for coffee--and say you're meeting friends afterward, so you have a reason to leave. Before heading out, tell the hotel's front desk where you're going and when to expect you back. Leave a note in your room, so if something happens to you, there's evidence detailing where you went." --Tammy Weiler, founder, Singles Travel International

DINING "Eat at a restaurant bar or a diner counter. Singles usually dine there, and you're likely to chat with the workers. Cafés and B&Bs with meals at shared tables also provide an opportunity to interact." --Beth Whitman, Wanderlust and Lipstick: The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo

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Last day in Bali (Kuta)

We arrive in Kuta from Lovina in the afternoon. We decide to stay in Poppies lane 2 because at first we could compare it from Poppies lane 1, theres much better guest house and much cleaner and more options on poppies lane 2.
After check in we went for lunch at Kuta beach food court


Because its too hot so we decide to eat inside the food court. Its not so busy hours so theres not really that crowded. But i could see that this place could be packed in certain hours.



We went to Discovery Mall first to look up some clothes but then, euuuhhh.. a bit pricey there !!
So we end up shopping in Matahari (yay!). On the way to Discovery mall i saw the huge sling shot. I glance at Peter, and he say "NO". I laugh hard, i love this.... hahaha but i didn't try it.. just look at peoples who dare enough to do the sling shot... its so high !!! fun !


Kuta at night... this is what i call night life ! its feels like i'm in phuket but with indonesian language ! bars with loud music... motorcycle.. cars .. tourist.. cafe.. all the lights and sound.. also the sound of the wave on the beach.. ahhhh.. i could stay here forever... i don't feel strange why lots of expatriate want to live here...


When passing Hard Rock Cafe i see this (sorry its blurry picture) "And in the end the love we take is equal to the love we made" Beattles. Cool !


We went dining at Food Court in Kuta beach. Listening to music and i order coconut... yums...



We went back to the hostel at nearly 10.30 pm. Too tired..... Early morning its raining.. and we went to the beach...




We had our last morning walk at beach to see sunrise.. its not the best spot.. but its our last walk on the beach. Its raining really hard last night. We headed to Kuta beach from Poppies lane 1.


Theres few morning surfers already at beach (isn't they feel cold some how?)
Some food vendors sold hot coffee, tea and some locals food. We just walk until the edge of the beach, passing the discovery shopping mall.


The beach is dirtier because theres lots of garbage on the shore. Few people do their jogs, and some with their dogs.
And its raining for a while.. suddenly we saw this two beautiful rainbows very near at beach.
Its a good vacation.. ended beautifully..
We just sat down for a while to enjoy the "not so crowded" beach. Kuta beach well known with crowded beach bums and aggressive vendors. But this early morning you wont see them much (vendors and the beach bums).


Seeing two rainbows at the same time not the first time for me, but still.. its Kuta beach Bali double rainbows... hehehe its different...
Before 11.30 am i pack my thing and, i feel really sad. My vacation in Bali have to be ended. I grab my backpack and walk to the Kuta beach, looking for a cab. Peter staying for few more days. And we said our good bye as i got my taxi.
Thanks to him, my travel is quite interesting. Bali is the absolutely a place for relax with your friends, and yes, would be very romantic place to go with your love one (hehe...)
Oh God.. its just so sad this have to be OVER....
I really enjoy the vacation, 10 days seemed not enough for Bali. I will come here again... thats my promise...





hikss.. hikss... byeeeee bali !!!!!!!! i'll be right back !

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Day 8 :The attack of Lovina baby jelly fish !

I feel like i don't want to wake up and just stay on bed. Now starting to feel bit tired, its been 8 days on my vacation, hell of fun is how i describe it !
I woke up because i heard the swimming pool cleaned, and someone swim after that...
Last night we swim until almost 10 pm ! just having fun hehe because its hot too and feels good in the water with stars above.. quite romantic too. From the restaurant we could hear someone sing, laughs music, etc.

I don't want to woke up but i feel hungry. So, dragging our self to the restaurant we had breakfast with pan cake with hot tea/coffee. I like Ubud breakfast much better...
Peter ask what to do today, i said clearly "WE snorkeling" and he seemed not really agree with the idea. Until we finish breakfast we haven't decide what to do (well.. i did already decide). Sit by the swimming pool, i ask again for snorkeling, Peter just didn't say anything. I ask the shop owner in front of the Hotel for a snorkeling trip and she said that would cost us Rp 40,000,- per hour per person. And then i ask what about 2 hours? she said that would be Rp 100,000,- i said i'll come again to pick my friend.
I went back and explain to Peter that lying down next to the pool on the pool bench. And then i realize he's not listening me !! and he sleep ! aaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwww !!!!
So i think okay, i'll do this my self, he could sleep here, and i went snorkeling by my self ! but when i went to the room he suddenly wake up ! (grrrrr!)
Peter then finally decide to join the snorkeling trip, but he said Rp 100,000,- too expensive because the boat only took us to one snorkeling point and just wait for us. Okay he made his point.. he is right... Peter suggest to find other boat with lower price.
But as when we leave the hostel, the boat owner already at the gate and calling us (oppss!) we try to pretend we don't hear but the wife is running to us. So i stop and said we want lower price, we want Rp 100,000,- for two hours for two person. And i add.. i pay this by my self too, so Peter not paying for me.. and i ask her not to give me expat price just because i am with one of them...and then she said okay.. (hehehe).
The husband show us the fin and the mask. Peter fin fits perfectly.. mine a llitle bit too small ! but not really matter i think... I also request for a safety jacket, for precautions.. then i decide to wear it. Its indonesia.. hehe you should prepare for everything hehehehe... I also don't feel like i want to really swimming.. just want to "float" and look down under.
So we went to the boat.. its a beautiful day, sky are blue clear, the sun shine, no wave and no wind.. its perfect for snorkeling !


The boat that we use is quite different then the boat that we had in Jambi (yeah.. haha for sure) its small but its "deep".


The boat owner said he will take us the the snorkeling site which is 15 minutes from our beach. When we arrive there several boats with tourist heading that way, and when were finally there theres more tourist doing snorkels. I could see the snorkels and their head over the water. I am so excited !!!


Our boat just perfect because it had stairs to go to water... i short of worry before i see the stair because i think i could climb up the boat after jumping to water because its so high ! But then theres ladder.. hehe i am cool !
We start to snorkel at 8.30 am. Peter down first.. me.. still struggling with my life jacket (stupid...stupid..stupid !!). After finally find out which rope goes where and wich flip goes to what direction, i finally join Peter.
More fish.. bunch of small fish with different colors. Ohhh this is soooo what i want !
We see something new.. well at least i thought i am the only person who notic ethe "BLUE STAR FISH" yesss its blue not red like i ever saw in Thailand !
Fishes is more in here, but most of them are same.... i see NEMO or the clown fish too.
I feel relax to see lots of fish.. and garbage like plastic wrapper on the bottom of the sea.. can't stop thinking how stupid Indonesian could be (i am indonesian that feel shame of my self). The plastic wrapper could cause the reef die and not colorful again.
I see reef shape like brain too.. hmmm...
We ask to the boat owner before we jump off.. do they find shark here (Peter ask). And he said yes.. sometimes but not big (i imagine big white sjark with razor sharp teeth..oohhh no) and he laugh and said its only on certain months the shark went here... and its not the time we were snorkel (fiuhhhh hehehe).
The fish in Bali is.. "shy".. hehe not like fish in Andaman Sea, they will come close to you.. hehehe.. but these fish just swim and short of wondering, why were following them !
Almost 2 hours we swim, and then suddenly i feel something "bite" my feet !!!!
And then my arms, and my neck. I call Peter and said something bite me, and leave small red itchy marks. Peter look down and he said theres plenty of baby jelly fish near where i swim !!
I look down and i did see one of them ... euuuhhhhh !!
We swim to the deeper area, no jelly fish.. but the wave quite big that i swallow some of the sea water (yuck). The reef is more beautiful, but its not that crystal clear there. I see more tourist come and go, and it does bit crowded cause i crash with other people twice.
I get tired and swim back to the boat, Peter still swim around the boat. He said the jelly fish sting his lips, hahaha ! poor guy ! hehehehehe....
We went back to the beach .. and i feel my tummy not too good, i think because of the sea water that i swallow, and my tummy is hungry....
We went back to hotel and clean our self, and then went to the warung to have our lunch.
Oh i am happy today.. even though theres some minor attack.. and its not from a shark hahahaha !

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Day 7: Lovina (Love Indonesia)

Night before.....

I need beach.. i love beach.. never see beach for past 8 months. Peter live next to the beach.. no he not fond of water that much (uuughhhh !!)
I said i want to go to Amed.. well it doe have to made long turn to go to Amed and the price could cost is about Rp 200,000 per person. I want to stay and snorkel and just sit next to beach.
I know its going to be hot (Peter don't like it). He short of said its not a very good idea...
Hmmmm....

I sleep.

Next morning (this morning), i woke up.. Lovina is the next destination. First he said he don't really like the idea (again !), because he ever went there and its not that much to see !
I said there's dolphins.. and i could snorkel.. we could ride motorcycle around again.. i don't like crowded beach like in Kuta. And i want beach (INSIST!).
Peter said okay... (hahaha!).





We do a short walk again this morning to directions that we never pass before, but not the far one like yesterday. We went to a temple inside the park. But because theres several people praying we don't think its a good idea to go inside the temple.



We went to the bust station at 1 pm, and enjoy the ride for like 2 hours with lots of chips from the market.

I feel quite sad had to leave Bedugul honestly. Its very romantic place, quiet and i like the fresh air, and the view.. the best ! with mountains and lake and rice fields and trees ! awesome !



The road to Lovina from Bedugul is speachless... beautifull.. the road is small and lots of curves, up and downs.. its short of remind me of the road to Kerinci mountain.
We enjoy the ride listening to my cellphone mp3, and see lots of pretty scenery. I just think once again, i should go back here someday !
We arrive at Lovina perama bus station nearly 3 pm. We don't know where to go. When we arrive the bus driver said that we have one free lunch. So we eat our lunch. Not really enjoy it because there's plenty people offering accommodation while we chew our lunch. Well.. Peter seemed have no problem with that... hehe i like to see when he eat.. really enjoy it !
This one guy offer a hotel, with swimming pool and very next to the beach. Its seemed very nice hotel. I look at Peter eyes and give sign (what do you think?) and he short of wisper in Indonesia (its cheap, and seemed nice). He ask for the brochure. A guy from our table said the hotel does look nice. Its 2 km from Lovina beach.
I said to Peter its okay, Lovina would be looks like poppies but less crowded, and he said up to me. So we said we want to see. So the guy with his friend get our bags and their motorcycle.
Peter goes first with that guy friend, and i ride with another motorcycle.


I amazed with the pool. Not so big.. but the atmosphere so relax ! the room not so small.. but yes.. they do tell lies said it could be lower than Rp 100,000,- (they said could haggle until Rp 75.000,-) but once again.. its okay.. i could stay here for months !!


After check in we went for short walk around the hotel. We find internet cafe and check our mails. After that we take a rest and have dinner in one of the small warung (stall) infront of the hotel. Hotel foods quite expensive.. we already guess it.


That night finally i could eat something with Bali taste. I eat mixed seafood that cooked inside banana leaf with balinese seasoning and white rice. While Peter had tuna cooked the same way like my food. Its yummy ! And the price is fairly cheap too ! and clean !
After dinner we decide to take a swim at our hotel swimming pool. Enough to burn some of our energy that lefted..

ps.. sorry for the feet pictures it was mine ! (hehehe)

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Day 6: Bedugul (Market-Botanical Garden)

Last night is cold !! Thanks God we ask for extra blanket yesterday from the room boy !
But i like it, i wake up very early at 5.30 am. See sunrise from window, the fog still softly down from mountains. The lake view is amazing. I just sat in front of window for few minutes. Peter seemed still sleeping.
Last night we walk quite far away. I wont mind because the weather is good, and its quite cold. Walking in Bedugul street not that nice because the street had no path for pedestrian. So its quite risky to walk at night next to a street that quite busy with big trucks and cars passes away with high speed. And its worse because it doesn't have street light !


I could see the Ulun Watu temple floating on the lake at night, stars are amazing, no clouds !
We eat in small "warung", actually we ask them to wrap our dinner cause were planning to eat it later we're too full with Peter b-day cake yesterday, also lots of strawberries ! Peter said his parent have strawberries too on their backyard. We just drink coffee and tea at the warung.
We eat in front of our room porch, looking to the lake... its dark but you still could see the lake (oh i wont forget it !). Dinner is good, we talk a lot. I wear my scarf and jacket, its quite cold. And no mosquitoes (horray !!). I eat nasi goreng for Rp 8000,- its nice. Peter had his "nasi campur" with meat. But we think the first nasi campur that we eat on the stall next to the street is the best, and cheap !! and its all halal cause i could see there's plenty moslem at Bedugul.
We agree this is the best place that we went beside Ubud. Just sit infront of the porch and see lake and feel the wind.. so mind freshing !
I went back to bed again until breakfast time. But i feel happy because i could see the sun rise in Bedugul... its as amazing as i thought that i can't stop smiling. Sun rise in here is different than any other place. And plus.. i don't know when will i see it again !
Today after breakfast we went to Botanical garden. Its passing the market, so we get another pack of strawberries for snack. Botanical garden is HUGE !


Peter said it was nothing to compare with the one in Ubud. The ticket for each of us is Rp 7000,- The park was build at 1959 and first its only for coniferous plant and the size of the park "only" 50 hectare's area, but now its grow to 157,5 hectare's. The plants also more various, also the "animals" (like insect or small animals) . This park partner with Indonesia Government research institution (LIPI). This park placed in mountains area with height 1250-1450 meter above the sea level become the vegetation of east indonesia tropical plants (haha its on the map that they gave us !).


Not long from the entrance i read the map that they gave us.... there's guest house. Peter said we should look up for the guest house cause he really like this park.


One of the guest house room price is Rp 100,000,- and the other is Rp 125,000,- so we ask the entrance officer about the guest house, and she call someone and ask us to wait at the guest house. We see the room is so small ! the Rp125.000 had shared living room with TV and all of the room had shared bathroom outside. And i said to Peter.. no way i want to stay there because the bathroom is at outside the room and shared !
Then we ask about the other "VIP" guest house and they said its a very new place. So we walk to the new bulding at the corner of the park.


The room is amazing ! its all brand new, we're the first to stay in the room, there's only 4 rooms that ready to use. The bedding all furniture are brand new ! hahaha !
The room are Rp. 300,000,- per night. And we like it !


We went back to Ashram to collect our things. We only had less than 20 minutes to pack our things and check out ! we're in rush ! we're check out right in time. We have lunch on the first warung that we saw. The food still as good as we eat the very first time, and cheap. With huge luggage we walk back to Kebun Raya Bali to check in.
This time when we said we want to check in to the guest house we don't have to pay the entrance fee again. After check in and got our room key we get rest a while, Peter need to wash his cloths, and i fall a sleep ! hahaha !


We eat our lunch and went to have "short walk" (thats the first intention) around the garden. Its was 2.30 pm. The park is huge !


You could feel the huge difference between the air in here with Ubud and Kuta. And walk within this trees, and green bushes are amazing. The park also so clean !

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