Komodo wonder

Komodo National Park is competing to become one of the 7 wonders, and not only for its unique host, the Komodo Dragon, but also for the beauty of the islands that make part of this park, Komodo and Rinca islands.



It is not easy to arrive to the park. First you have to get a plane from Bali to Labuanbajo in Flores island, and in Flores you get a boat that will take 3 hours to arrive to one of the islands.



From one island to the other it will take another 2 hours.



One of the greatest surprises was that this islands are also diving treasures.



Active marine life and colorful corals, makes diving and snorkeling a unique experience.



Also the landscapes in the islands are surreal. Different kinds of trees, birds, monkeys, buffaloes and other animals that become food for the dragons.



But the target of the hiking is to spot the dragons.



They sleep in small caves, go out around 8 to seek food, and rest in the shadow while the sun is up.

Gili islands

A great escape from multitudes in Bali, the Gili islands are just 1 hour away by fast boat.



A beach paradise with clear waters in different blue tones, ideal for diving, a lot of budget and top hotels for surfers and tourists, is an ideal place to just sit and enjoy the views.



No motor vehicles are allowed in the island so bicycle is the best option to get around.



Great food, mainly fresh fish is part of the attractions.

Around Ubud

Ubud might represent what we imagine when we think in Bali. It is a mystic city with very kind locals, dance, great food, beautiful balinese architecture, rice terraces, hindu temples, bicicles and crafts among others.



One of the main attractions around Ubud is Tegallalang rice terraces, that capture one of the trademark pictures of the city.




Ubud is also known for the shopping, too many beautiful crafts and batik stores.

Central Bali

We went for a recognition day in central Bali, to see the main temples we think of when someone mentions Bali. The Pura Ulun Danu is a beautiful temple built in a small island in the Bratan lake.



On the way, we stopped in a coffee shop, to see the kopi luwak and to taste this famous coffee at an affordable price.



In the afternoon, a visit to the amazing Botanic Garden associated to the Bogor garden in Java.


At the end, as usual in cultural Ubud, we assisted a performance of the fire dance.

Ubud

Most of the most amazing resorts and spas in Bali are located in Ubud, the cultural center of the island.



Around monkey street, hundreds of stores and restaurants, give life to the center full of beautiful Balinese portals.


The main palace, the main Hindu temple and the crafts market, are located in this trendy center.

Bromo, no words

The 9 hour road trip inside the Java island, the cold hotel in top of the mountain, waking up at 3am to see the sunrise, and the 30 minutes walk uphill at 4am are well worth it after we are able to see this magnificent view.



There are no words to describe the Bromo view at sunrise: an active volcano inside a 10 sq km crater that erupted thousands of years ago.



As the sun begins to show up, the colors of the volcano over the foggy crater creates a beautiful scenery.



An hour later, we go down to the crater where a Hindu temple used for giving offerings to Bromo, stands in the base of the active mountain.

Java temples

Two main temples in the Java island: a Buddhist temple and a Hindu temple, are World Heritage by UNESCO.



Borobudur is the single most visited attraction in Indonesia. A Buddhist temple in the form of Mandala, with 3 levels that philosophically explain the path in life, have the stupas as its main symbol.



Prambanan is a Hindu temple, with a main central temple for Shiva, and side temples for Bramma and Vishnu.

Jogja

After arriving very early in Yogyakarta, we went to walk to the main attractions in the city.



Along its Malioboro street, hundreds of batik stores show the main art of the region. In the middle of this important street, is located the Pasan Beringharjo or main market, with lots of printed batik clothes, shoes, fish, fruits ad many other things.



At the end of Malioboro it is the Kraton, the palace of the Sultan that has no political power but still a cultural leader.



Very interesting, a pet market including not only dogs and cats, but bats, snakes, monkeys, among others, is one of the main attractions of the city.

Grey Jakarta

Back to Asia for the holidays yey! This time get a glimpse of the 4th most populated country in the world, Indonesia. Today, one free afternoon in capital Jakarta just to be able to connect to the turistic cities.



Grey, polluted, with a lot of transit and with red signals as a suggestion, this mega-city has some interesting attractions.



In central Jakarta, the Monas, is the main city monument. Its 130m stand in the middle of a huge park, where every palm is an scape from the merciless sun.



There is also an incredible antiques market in the Surubaya street, with lots of crafts, instruments, old kitchenware, puppets, and mixed religions images.
For sure there is a lot more to visit, but will be next time.

Cusco and Machu Picchu

The city you have to flight to when you are going to Machu Picchu, Cusco has become a vibrant place, thanks to all its international visitors all year around.



With Inca colonial architecture, a lot of new restaurants, hotels, dicos and artisan markets, the city has become an attraction itself.



A few hours away on bus or train, you get to Aguascalientes, the last stop before going uphill to the remains of the glorious Inca city Machu Picchu.




Just breath taking