Kicking around in Kalimantan with Orangutans

Kicking around in Kalimantan with Orangutans

In the early morning, I spotted my first orangutan high up in the trees. I heard him before I saw him. I awoke to branches cracking and some pretty furious tree-breaking overhead. Luckily, I was on a boat, safe from the massive, hairy, reddish-orange male orangutan...
The Whale Hunters of Lamalera

The Whale Hunters of Lamalera

I sat on the beach at Lamalera Village, only a couple of metres from a giant whale carcass, and chatted with my new friend, Benjamin. “We are devoutly Catholic here in Lamalera,” he said. “From late April to early May, our priest conducts a mass to open Leva Nuang,...
Living in a Longhouse – West Kalimantan

Living in a Longhouse – West Kalimantan

When I entered Sungai Utik Village, in the heart of West Kalimantan, I felt very excited when I caught my first glance at the longhouse. This long wooden communal dwelling with one roof stretched for 214 metres and houses 293 people. A delegation of young Dayak Iban...
Jakarta Best Sunday Brunch

Jakarta Best Sunday Brunch

Sunday brunch is a Jakarta thing to do. Many of the 5-star hotels host a Sunday brunch with an elaborate spread of food and include free-flow drinks. However, which 5-star brunch do you choose? Hands down, without a doubt, try the Hotel Mulia in the heart of Senayan....
Top 13 must-see natural wonders in Indonesia

Top 13 must-see natural wonders in Indonesia

Published in Lonely Planet Apr 2022 As the largest archipelagic country in the world, majestic Indonesia showcases a wealth of jaw-dropping natural wonders across its 17,000-or-so islands. From leviathan volcanoes and lakes that hang uniquely above the sea to pristine...
The Pasola of the Past Sumba Island

The Pasola of the Past Sumba Island

I stood at a safe distance behind a thin rope as a lone Sumba horseman advanced with great speed onto the large grassy field. With spear poised he challenged his opponent on the other side of the field to come forward. He looked like he wanted blood. Daniel, my guide,...
Bali to Banyuwangi – A Women’s Motorbike Adventure

Bali to Banyuwangi – A Women’s Motorbike Adventure

TripbaliGazing over the Indonesian map sprawled out on the table, my eyes turned to the more remote Eastern part of Java. I live in Bali and drive a motorbike, as most of us do living here. I thought, maybe if I rally the troupes, we could ride our motorbikes from...
Weaving your way through COVID – Bali style

Weaving your way through COVID – Bali style

Published Garland Magazine (17 July 2020) Updated 07 April 2022 Stephanie Brookes writes about Pejeng Kangin, a resilient weaving village just outside Ubud that has united the weavers of Bali and helped revive a long lost artisan craft. The weavers of Bali are dusting...
Exploring Aceh – the Central Highlands

Exploring Aceh – the Central Highlands

What’s on your bucket list for 2021? Does exploring Aceh in Northern Sumatra appeal? Once a traveler always a traveller, right?  When the world resumes and this pandemic passes, airlines will start flying again and my recommendation is for exploring Aceh.  When...