Road to Soul Writing

Gunung Runjani 3726 m-Lombok Island, Indonesia Photo by Daniel Hookins I was walking about 20 meters away behind from my group. I found myself in the middle of a misty mountain. My eyes tried to look through. There were only some trees and edelweiss looked obvious to me. And I realized that this place is still far away from the summit but I knew I would make to the top. I used to wondering a lot why people suffer themselves by climbing a mountain, why they walk through the woods on a narrow dangerous path and why they think it is a worth experience. This curiosity has forced me to find the answer.   On July 16 2013, a black shiny AVP picked me up at 5 0’clock in the morning. I was standing in front of my house with my Mom when the car arrived. I hugged my Mom before I left. “Sudah siap mbak Zi” said a Javanese man while opening the car door for me. I gave him only a smile. I was still sleepy.  The car headed to the south and stop in front of a huge gate. A...

Photo by Varian Fahmi It was 1 st of July 8. 43 pm, I drove fast from Santosa in Lombok Traditional costume just after attending APEC seminar. It took me 15 minutes to get Montong Kedaton. I knocked the door several times. From outside I could hear some people were laughing and chatting. Not awhile Brenda opened the door and as usual she always gave me her warm welcome.   She wore red t-shirt that’s written “10 Canada” with the picture of maple leaf on it. She looked through over my costume to check weather I have something red or white. Mmm lucky, there some red line on my shawl.   Then she took me to the back veranda. Adi, Mas Varian, Efi, lentera and Stuart were there. They were busy chatting, cuddling cat and eating some Nanaimo Bars—traditional Canadian dessert.   It looked Yummy. I tried some and I wanted more. I was fascinated with the party staff. Tissues, bottles, stickers that picture Canadian flag, Brenda also turned on his projector to portray map of Can...

Photo by Daniel Hookins It was quite cloudy when I drove to Senaru. Along the way I couldn’t clearly see the views around. It took me more than two and half hour to get there. The sky was still dark, the hour hand pointed to almost 12. My empty stomach couldn’t wait. I went to a forest front restaurant nearby which is part of Rinjani National park.   From this restaurant I could see the top of Sendang Gile Water Fall. I was absorbed with it. My empty stomach stopped rumbling. I sat quietly and felt the air touch my skin. A few minutes went by; a waiter in blue t-shirt came bring my fried rice. It was pretty tasty but I couldn’t finish it. I regained my energy easily. I left my motorbike in the parking area of the re staurant and walked to the waterfall gate that stands next to the restaurant. A middle age man passed me a ticket entrance after I gave him IDR 10.000. I fumbled my bag and grabbed my mosquito repellent lotion. Put it some on my calves and arms. From t...

Batu Payung, Tanjung An, Kuta Central Lombok Beach is defined as a beautiful one if it has white sand, clear water, calm or wild waves, various coral reefs and is hilly front. Do you agree with this definition?   I bet not, especially for you who travel a lot around Lombok. Well for me Tanjung An is the most representative beach that can be definitely called as the beautiful one. No wonder it has been used many times as a shooting spots of ads and movies.  When you step your feet on its white sand, feel the breeze, perhaps you won’t realize that it has something more to see—the massive stone. It is called Batu Payung. These words are derived from Sasak . Batu means stone and payung means umbrella. This massive stone look likes an umbrella. You can sit under its shade. To see this giant massive umbrella stone you can walk along the beach, go with a private boat or hike through the eastern hills. If you choose to walk along the beach make sure you comeback at ...

Dear All Solo Backpacker in the World Have you ever heard about my island? It is called “Lombok”. Some people said it is “the sister of Bali” or “Yesterday Bali”.   It takes 20 minutes by aero plane or 4 hours by Public Ferry from Bali. If you choose Lombok as a destination place to be explored, I can be your tour buddy and drive you with my motorbike to enjoy its beauty. Here are some places that I might show you. 1. Museum of West Nusa Tenggara Museum of West Nusa Tenggara is the only museum in Lombok Island. It is located in the heart of Mataram.   This museum not only shows you Lombok and Sumbawa heritages but also some ancient Chinese staff. The collections of ancient items reach more than 7.000.   Before travel around Lombok, it would be good to know the history, culture, heritages and natural resources by visiting this museum.  2. Meru Temple Built in 1720 by one of the Balinese King—Anak Agung Made Karang Asem—and was aimed to unite small ...

Sentosa Island, Singapore I had to walk to the highest point of a mall to get to a station that would take me to Sentosa island. Stood in a line for quite while, staffed my self in the sky train, it was very crowded since this island is one of the most famous places in Singapore.   I was trying to keep my balance, held the metal holder tightly while my eyes looking through the window, admired the sophisticated view outside. Some buildings were aesthetically designed.   Some of them remind me of Gaudi’s works. A few steps from me Ai Lin was standing steadily on her feet without any holder. She is always balance. A few stops passed, we get off in the Imbiah Station. So many things can be enjoyed in this island even you don’t need to be worried if you have very tight budget. This island offers some free things such as beaches, live music, colored water show, big Merlion, Museum, Casino and Crane Dance. In Singapore, tourist doesn’t need to pay any entrance fee if ...