Blogs from Pangandaran, Java, Indonesia, Asia - page 3

Yesterday we literally spent the entire day in transit. Bus to the train, 4 hours on the train to the bus, and 7 hours to our hotel here. I didn't sleep much, even though I was exhausted, but I got really into my book on tape. At one point on the bus I looked over at my mom and realized that we were in the exact same position, with our lips pursed (because our books on tape were making us mad), and head to the side and knees bent and to the side and staring ahead. It was really weird to see how similar we looked, but I guess that makes sense...we ARE related after all... We arrived here around 7:30 and it was pitch dark. For some reason it was super cloudy so we couldn't ... read more

Buengiorno tutti! Salam! Well, our weekly blog has become a once-in-a-while blog. Probably better. Especially for you. Nature is having it's way with Indonesia. Two days ago we were in Yogyakarta and in Borobodur (pictures will come as well we promiss, but not today), and the night we left a nearby volcano (Mount Merapi at about 20 km) erupted. Everybody leaving 10 km around the volcano was evacuated. It is throwing huge amounts of ashes into the air, which we are also receiving here in Pangandaran. Then there are some floods in Jakarta. And finally, an earthquake hit the coast of Sumatra, and subsequently there was a tsunami there. Anyway, we are at a safe distance from all of this and we enjoy what Pangandaran offers to us (Sun, surf, great people & good food!). After ... read more

16 October 2009 - 20 October 2009 TRANSPORTATION: Bandung to Banjar by train (3 1/2 hours)--Rp120,000 (Business Class) Banjar to Pangandaran by chartered bus--Rp 50,000 HOTELS: Muara Laut Resort Double, aircon, TV, cold water, western toilet, swimming pool--Rp160,000 incl. breakfast (low season rate) Just opposite the beach, this brand spanking new motel-style hotel is clean, friendly and convenient. Sunrise Beach Resort Double chalet, satellite TV, aircon, western toilet, hot water (that didn't work)--Rp 385,000 incl. breakfast (low season rate) A bit of a walk to all the action, but this is the best place in Pangandaran. Sea views from the chalet are great and the low season rate is worth every penny! TOURS: Green Canyon Tour--Rp150,000 (not including boat rental & food). We set of on another train ride to take us to Pangandaran, a beach ... read more

This isn't a very recent trip - but it's from last year so any info you glean from it will still be relevent. However as I wanted to try and get started with the ol' travel blog, and to write my first article for South East Asia Backpacker magazine (www.southeastasiabackpacker.com) I thought I'd combine the two..ahem, let me begin: Surfing for Beginners My friend has a theory as to why surf spots become popular beach destinations: the barraging waves create an aesthetically pleasing rugged coastline; a constant breeze keeps the endurances of a beaming sun bearable; the churning of the waves release a positive energy into the surrounding environment (something to do with hippy talk about ions), and the surfing community are generally a laid back, well meaning folk. However, I was not heading to ... read more

We arrived in Jakarta around 8pm by Lion Air, the flight was good, we only wanted to stay here for a quick stop then leave the next day for Panandaran by the Sea. We caught the train (Posh class with aircon and a snack) for about 2pounds, took us 4hrs to get there and the views onthe way were lovely, really high up in the mountains, looking down on rice fields and villages. We caught a local bus the rest of the way and met a really nice local lady who owned a hotel called Komodo Island Hotel, so we agreed to take a look, as we didnt arrive there untlil 11pm, we are glad we stayed it was really relaxed and friendly staff, but she did like to put chocolate sauce on anything you ordered, ... read more