Water Castle in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Toured with four local girls from nearby town Solo: Taman Sari (water castle) s a pleasure garden by the first Sultan in 1765. One of the bathing pools was dedicated to the sultan's harem, and he had a tower overlooking the area so he could take his pick. Towards the back of the complex is the original entrance to the pools, which used to be a small dock connected to a long-since-vanished river; a bit of snooping beyond this entrance will get you to a back street, where one can freely visit a fascinating network of tunnels and rooms, including an Escher-like series of interlacing staircases over what looks like a disused well. this reminds me of a mirror castle By an Indian sultan for similar purpose.

Hostel paradise on Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Almost become homeless for r the long weekend in Yogyakarta until I booked this trendy hostel at $6 for a dorm bed (6 beds per room) including AC, everyday different breakfast, wifi, computers, dipping pool, TV room, social space, etc. Now relaxed after stayed in a crappy noisy room checked in mid night after 12 hr bus ride.  Feel quite funny to hear the Muslim prayer from the masque across the street and the Easter service going on in the conference hall of the hostel.

Valcano Bromo in East Java, Indonesia

Woke up 4 am for a jeep ride to see the sunrise then hiked up to the carter. Mount Bromo (2,329 m) is easily recognized as the entire top has been blown off and the crater inside constantly belches white sulphurous smoke. It sits inside the massive Tengger caldera (diameter approximately 10 km), surrounded by the Laut Pasir (Sea of Sand) of fine volcanic sand. The overall effect is unsettlingly unearthly, especially when compared to the lush green valleys all around the caldera.

Hiked ijen Valcano in East Java, Indonesia

Woke up 1 am and hiked the ijen Valcano with my new friends. The blue flame and crater lake were amazing. Then buses 8 hrs to get ready for another Valcano hike.

The Ijen Plateau near Banyuwangi and Bondowoso has spectacular area of volcanic activity. The Ijen Plateau is the centrepoint of the large mountain range west of Banyuwangi and which abutts the Baluran National Park to the north. The crater can be approached from Bondowoso in the west or Banyuwangi in the east. The Bondowoso route is recommended as the road is relatively better (although that is not saying much) and the 90 min foot climb much easier. The colour of the water in the lake is scarcely believable being an extraordinary vivid aqua blue. Evidence of volcanic activity is everywhere with steaming water and brilliant yellow crystaline sulphur deposits. The Ijen Crater is one of the great natural wonders of Indonesia.

Bus from Bali to Java

Took my de facto private shuttle from kuta in Bali to Java island via 1-hr ferry and 10 hr bus. Ferries ply the route between Gilimanuk, Bali and Banyuwangi every 20 min, 24 hr a day. 

The kind bus company provided the Valcano tour just for me!