The Exotic Durian - Explorations in Indonesia
In and around Indonesia
This blog is the observations of one traveler attempting to take a more focused look at the impacts, both positive and negative, of traveling in Indonesia. This blog will also attempt to highlight some of the lesser known organizations and people working to improve tourism in their communities.
Route taken and entries by Real Traveler travelbaxter2
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1
Newly Arrived
Echoing “Calls to prayer” are sounding from quite a few different mosques as I listen from my room, trying to collect my thoughts about my initial... Continue reading »
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2
Muara Angke Wildlife Reserve
Jakarta is a sprawling and crowded city home to an approximate 12 million people.The city is, unfortunately, famous for i... Continue reading »
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3
The Botanical Gardens of Bogor
Leaving Cibole, I thank my guide for his help (especially for answering my endless questions!) and head solo to the small city of Bogor. If departi... Continue reading »
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4
A Trip to see the Baduy
Previously, I mentioned meeting Andy a local guide at the Continue reading »
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5
A Buena Vista Ecological Tour
Before I left for Indonesia I’d been in communication with Dr. Robby K.T. Ko, a medical doctor, geologist, English enthusiast, Tourism instructor,... Continue reading »
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6
Other Places to Visit
While I won’t have time to visit these places, I did stop by the National Parks office in Bogor to pick up some information on Halimun National Par... Continue reading »
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7
The Puncak Pass
Leaving the house, we drive along the windy mountainous road called the Puncak Pass on our way to Pangrango National Park. The stalls that line thi... Continue reading »
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8
A Homestay at Gunung Mas Tea Plantation
Originating from the era of the Dutch, vast tea plantations sprawl throughout the low hills of Java. Row after row of well-kept tea bushes are part... Continue reading »
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9
The Sundanese
This final day under the wing of Dr. Ko was spent learning more about traditional Continue reading »
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10
Handicrafts in Tasikmalya
If there is something interesting to see, there is usually a hawker nearby trying to sell hats, bags, or key chains emblazoned with the place's nam... Continue reading »
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11
My First day in Yogyakarta
I arrived early in the town of Yogyakarta, pronounced “Jogjakarta,” by night train from Tasikmalya. Somewhere during the evening the train crossed... Continue reading »
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12
Walking Around Temples
The Buddhist temple of Borobudur and the Hindu temples at Prambanan are both popular and easily reached tourist attractions, and World Heritage Sit... Continue reading »
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13
Green Maps in Yogya
As a major tourist destination, Yogya receives a hefty amount of visitors both domestic and international each year. I decide to stop at the touris... Continue reading »
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14
The Blind Masseuses of Malang
From Yogyakarta I travelled briefly to Solo. The tourism industry here has declined severely as fewer tourists are visiting Indonesia and those who do... Continue reading » -
15
PPLH Seloliman
Getting to the PPLH Environmental Education Center in Seloliman is fun - or at least the last part where you take a motorcycle taxi (an ojek) from... Continue reading »
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16
Visiting Kaliandra
On the slope of a different mountain I discover another well managed environmental education center, Kaliandra. Named after a multi-purpose tree, the... Continue reading » -
17
Margo Utomo Agro Resort
Unlike traditional mass tourism, agro tourism is an interesting niche industry that allows visitors to learn more about the agriculture products of... Continue reading »
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18
Mount Bromo
I had some trouble reaching Cemoro Lawang, the place to stay before visiting Mt. Bromo. While it’s nice from a traveler’s perspective to travel in... Continue reading »
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19
Rosa's Ecolodge
I reached the village of Sidomulyo in early afternoon by bus.The village, on the outskirts of Baluran National Park, is located in the NE corner... Continue reading »
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20
PPLH Bali
Tourism in Bali – one could write a book on that subject.Actually, there are 395 currently on Amazon when you type in “Bali Tourism.”This array of... Continue reading »
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21
Mangrove Information Center
When I visit the PPLH Bali center, the coordinator mentions that they sometimes take kids to the Mangrove Information Center on the South side of... Continue reading »
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22
Threads of Life
The town of Ubud seems like a contradiction to the sun and sand tourism of the Southern Bali.Here is the cultural hub of Bali, where traditions an... Continue reading »
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23
Meeting Sherry
As I mentioned, there are quite a few expats living in Ubud.Before arriving I’d been in contact with Sherry, who used to write for the Inside Indon... Continue reading »
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24
Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest
On my second day in Ubud, I walk to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary on the far South side of town.This tourist attraction is run by the Padangtegal... Continue reading » -
25
The Pondok Pekak Library and Learning Center
On my final day in Ubud, I spend a leisurely day visiting the Pondok Pekak Library and Learning Center.Named after a priest/healer from the a... Continue reading »
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26
Trekking at Gunung Rinjani
The gigantic Rinjani volcano dominates the small island of Lombok.It reaches to the hight of 3726m and is the second largest volcano in all of Indones... Continue reading » -
27
The Gili Islands
I brushed away the flies and continued to wait for the boat. Other passengers dozed on the nearby benches. Farm women waited outside with woven bask... Continue reading » -
28
Lazy Days on Gili Air
I only spent one day on Gili T., then took an island hopping boat to Gili Air, a more laid back and less developed island. It’s easy to get stuck... Continue reading »
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29
The Last Entry
The number of days I have left in Indonesia is dwindling to an end.At present, I’m back in Bali enjoying the sun in the pleasant little town of P... Continue reading »
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