Finally had to leave the island paradise that is Bali to meet friends YK and X in Yogya back on Java, 1h flight from Denpasar. Stayed at Wisma Ary's, nice place which checked all the boxes -- A/C, hot water, attached bath and in-room wi-fi! (albeit extremely patchy!)... read more

Another loooong journey, first 1h ferry from Banyuwangi at the easternmost tip of Java, to Gilimanuk on the westernmost tip of Bali. This was followed by a painful 4h slow bus ride through the winding and narrow roads of Bali to Denpasar. Locals of course smoke perpetually on the bus, so along with the sulphur poisoning from Ijen, I've now also inhaled bucketloads of passive cigarette smoke (Dji Sam Soe!). Final leg was another 45 min bemo ride from Denpasar, finally to Kuta. Stayed at the Waringin Homestay (nice place! though not a true homestay, really just another hotel/ guesthouse).... read more

2h bus from Surabaya to Probolinggo, then another 1h bus up to Ngadisiri, a few km from Cemoro Lawang, the usual starting point at the lip of Mt Bromo. Beautiful place...... read more