MYVOYAGES

Passion for exploring and photography

A TRIP ROUTE

Indonezja - trasa wycieczki


IT IS WORTH KNOWING

The most expensive coffee in the world is certainly Kopi Luwak, which comes from Southeast Asia. For one kg of this delicacy you have to pay about PLN 2,500 with us. Luwak is a species made of coffee beans, which are extracted from the excrements of an animal from the Łaszowatych family - muse-grace, popularly known as a civet, and locally just luwak. Laskun eagerly eats the fruit of the coffee tree, but it does not digest its seeds, but only the flesh. After digestion by digestive enzymes and slightly fermented by lactic acid-producing bacteria, the grains pass through the animal's digestive tract and are excreted. As a result of this process, the beans lose their bitter taste and the coffee produced from them acquires a new, mild aroma. After cleaning, the grain is processed in the traditional way. Until recently, Kopi Luwak was considered one of the best coffees in the world. However, the pursuit of a quick profit led to civets being caged and fed almost industrially in large amounts of fruit. This obviously affected the deterioration of the quality of the obtained grains, and the new type of production has been criticized as unethical. Therefore, everyone must decide in their own conscience about whether it is worth spending a fortune on a cup of Kopi luwak.

łaskun muzanga


INTERESTING STORIES

The flag of Indonesia is a rectangle divided into two horizontal stripes of the same size, the top red and the bottom white. Its aspect ratio is 2: 3. The Indonesian name of the flag "Sang Dwiwarna" means a living person. White color symbolizes the soul and spiritual life, and red symbolizes the body and physical life. The flag in this form is already 800 years old, but it became the official symbol of Indonesia only after independence on August 17, 1945. Looking at the national colors of Indonesia, it immediately brings to mind the Polish flag. Interestingly, many Indonesians I met also knew about this unusual similarity. This situation can cause a lot of funny mistakes at international events. One of them took place during the 29 South Asian Games in Malaysia in 2017. During the opening ceremony, the organizers handed out albums to VIPs, where Indonesia was presented under the red and white flag of Poland, instead of its own red and white flag. The mistake, understandably met with widespread indignation in the Indonesian society, for whom the red and white colors symbolize the heroism of the struggle for the independence of their country.

flaga indonezji


Indonesia

August 2018

Waran z Komodo

A trip to Indonesia can certainly be called a journey of a lifetime and that's how I treated this trip. This beautiful island country can charm even the most discerning traveler. As usual, the short time I had had some limitations on me, but I visited a few islands anyway.

The most populous of them - Java, is inhabited by nearly half of the 260 million population and you can actually feel it at every step. The country's turbulent past is particularly evident in the multitude of different religions, where Islam coexists with Catholicism, Hinduism and Buddhism. As in many Southeast Asian countries, the inhabitants are very open, friendly and kind to visitors. However, what attracts tourists the most is the location of Indonesia in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the enormous biodiversity of the natural world.


JAVA

Jakarta


Taman Fatahillah Town Hall building Whoever doesn't jump is a kafir Si Jagur cannon Street vendor Chicken Market Bridge drawbridge Watchtower View from the tower Bahari Museum Dutch East India Company building Exhibition in the Maritime Museum Spices Pasar Ikan fish market A little bite to eat Carefree fun A moment of respite Nobody can trim it like dad Sunda Kelapa port Sailing ships Loading cargo Smoke break Steel colossi Local eatery Street food Coconut vendor Tethered birds Alley in the port district Returning from school Rascals The Patekoan tradition Smoke break Waiting for customers Flea market Wayang, traditional wooden puppets Gereja Sion Austere interior Donation bags Old women in front of a Buddhist temple Interior of the Jin De Yuan Temple Wayang puppet Cathedral of the Assumption Wedding ceremony Our Lady of Fatima in an Asian version Istiqlal Mosque Souvenir photo Prayer hall Sitting around with books won't bring you wisdom Salat Everything is fine Graffiti National Museum of Indonesia Inscription of King Purnavarman Lapangan Merdeka park Banners in national colors Family trip Monas column Afternoon traffic jams Afternoon traffic jams Final touches Familiar vibes Family photo Crowd of locals Souvenir from the journey The fortune teller will tell you the truth Tough guy

Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, did not impress me too much. Heavily overcrowded, chaotically built-up, but multicultural and open to newcomers. Moving along the trail of the colonial past, at every step I met friendly, although often poor residents. The Independence Mosque, one of the largest in this part of the world, made a huge impression on me, but the real attraction was an Indonesian wedding in a Catholic cathedral.


Yogyakarta


Eco-transport (becak) Difficult choice Monument to the offensive against the Dutch forces Black coffee Tugu Monument A moment of pleasure Shop with girls Entrance gate to the Kraton Palace Sultan's Palace Palace alleys Kampung Taman Daily chores Time killer At the market Mangosteen

Yogyakarta was my base for visiting the nearby temples of Borobodur and Prambanan. The city itself has a long tradition, as it was the capital of the Mataram Kingdom from the 10th century, and the sultanate of the same name from the 16th century. The magnificent Keraton Sultan's Palace dates from this period. Although I spent two days in the city, I was not allowed to visit it, because when I returned from my tours the palace was already closed.


Borobudur temple


Buddhist temple Souvenir photo An umbrella for various occasions Borobudur in all its glory Stairs leading to the galleries with reliefs Stone lion-guardian Base platforms with a length of 118 m Kala gate Kala Buddha statue Scenes from court life Makara gargoyle Buddha statue in a niche Narrow corridor with reliefs Outrigger sailing ship Scene from family life Souvenir photo Noble carried in a palanquin Gandavyuha gallery Paying tribute Tara holding a chamara Gate leading to the platforms with stupas Round platforms Stupas with rhomboid and square perforations Buddha's head Circumambulation path Buddha statue in the Dharmachakra mudra position Souvenir photo Buddha statues Souvenir photo Main stupa Nostalgia Stupa with square perforations Fragment of the main stupa Panorama of the surroundings Mount Merapi volcano

The Buddhist temple in Borobudur from the 8th century is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The pyramidal structure and intricate stonework can charm anyone, so it's no wonder that the entire temple complex has been included in the Unesco World Heritage List. The greatest impression, in addition to the captivating view from the top of the temple, made me 72 dagobs containing Buddha figures.


Prambanan temple


I have landed safely Perwara Temple Relief depicting flowers Hamsa Temple, Brahma Temple in the background Antefix Temple facade Monkeys under the Kalpataru tree of life The sage Agastya Apit Temple Kala head Kelir Temple Makara guarding the entrance to the Brahma Temple Kumbhakarna is awakened from his sleep Rider Motherhood Four-headed Brahma, creator of the world Shiva Temple Kinnara and Kinnari under the tree of life Rama shoots the demon Kabandha with a bow Shiva the destroyer god Meditating Buddha Sensual Apsara, water goddess Durga goddess of war Stairs to the Vishnu Temple Gallery with reliefs The youngest visitors Genre scene, breastfeeding Genre scene, playing Batu Seremban Garuda Temple, frieze on the entrance platform Decorative balustrade Shikhara Architectural details Jaladwaras Antefix View from the north, Nandi Temple on the left Souvenir photo The top of the Apit temple, knocked down during the 2006 earthquake Ruins Southern cassowary Boy, I am parched Lumbung temples Candi Bubrah Sewu temple complex Souvenir photo Ruined temple Spire Headless Buddha Puzzle

The Hindu temple complex in Prambanan was built in the 9th century to commemorate the victory of the new dynasty. The dizzying richness of forms and decorations of this complex is fully explained by its presence on the Unesco List. I will not be too original when I say that I liked the candi of the Hindu trinity of gods the most, the most impressive of which is the 47 m high temple dedicated to Shiva, the destroyer of worlds.


Surakarta and surroundings


On the way to the market Street slaughter Singeing the head Could not fit any more Cheap transport (becak ride) Successful purchase Sifting A wide variety of choices Waiting for customers Muslim woman Waiting for customers Happy wedding Female students Entrance gate to the Pura Mangkunegaran Palace Palace courtyard Pendopo pavilion Traditional gamelan orchestra Audience hall Royal monogram Stained glass window depicting a court ceremony Fort Vastenburg Birds, an Indonesian passion Bedhaya, a traditional Javanese dance Beauties Audience hall One can never be too careful Kraton Surakarta Palace guards The royal family Pasar Klewer, the kingdom of batik Rickshaws by the batik market Surroundings of the Mount Lawu volcano Candi Sukuh from the 15th century Relief depicting a monster eating a human Kala head Symbolic lingam and yoni sexual union Temple complex Reliefs Man riding an elephant Garuda Main temple The followers of Hinduism had a sense of humor Stone turtle upon which sacrifices were made Souvenir photo Facade Crab in its own juice

The city of Surakarta has been the capital of the sultanate since the 18th century, and the royal palaces are the biggest attraction of this place. Unfortunately, I was only allowed to visit a smaller palace called Puri Mangkunegaran, as the larger Keraton Surakarta was closed due to the visit of members of the royal family. But thanks to this, I visited Candi Sukuh, located at an altitude of 3265 meters above sea level, an amazing Hindu temple from the 15th century, reminiscent of Inca buildings.


Bromo volcano


On the way View of the Tengger Caldera from Bantengan We are at the bottom Here you can rest Teletubbies Hill Sacrificial bouquets can be bought on-site Everything is clear Grey ash as far as the eye can see Souvenir photo Mount Bromo volcano Showing off is our way Batok cinder cone Bromo in all its glory The way to the summit Solidified lava Solidified lava Mount Batok in all its glory On our way then Small shrine Stairs leading to the summit Path along the crater Small altar with an image of Ganesha Bromo crater with a diameter of about 700 m Interior of the crater, visible sulfur deposits Interior of the crater, rising fumes Crater rim Souvenir photo Time to go back View facing north Luhur Poten Temple Entrance gate with symbols of prosperity Blessing Temple courtyard Altar Preparations for a religious ceremony In front of the main temple Buddies Ganesha altar Offerings for the deity Even gods need help sometimes Deadly hairpin turn Kuda Lumping dance Dancer with a horse Spectators It's good A bite to eat

Located in the eastern part of the island, Bromo volcano is one of the few active volcanoes that are relatively easily accessible to the average tourist. Both the volcano itself and its entire surroundings made an amazing impression on me. For a layman like me, the opportunity to look into the stratovolcano crater and see and feel the vapors emanating from its interior was something extraordinary and unforgettable.


BALI

Denpasar and its surroundings


Batu Bolong Temple Better to make friends with a guy like this Platform for worshippers, main sanctuary in the background Steep cliffs Safe bay Enjung Galuh Temple Souvenir photo Tanah Lot sanctuary Exotic vibes Candi bentar gate to the Rambut Siwi Temple Temple guardian Sanctuary Traditional roof decoration Tidying up the altar Prayer Dragons as column decoration Crowd of tourists Watch out for high tide Souvenir photo Tanah Lot in all its glory Lone surfer Street vendor Lunch Traditional jukung boats Beach in Denpasar Souvenir photo Surfing course Time to check the newly acquired skills This is how the best surf Tomorrow will be better Time to return home Alley in Denpasar Mini petrol station A scooter is good for everything Traditional architecture Maybe a bite to eat Padang cuisine recommends Grilled fish, that's the stuff

The capital of Bali Denpasar completely disappointed me. The beaches and their surroundings are the kingdom of surfers, entertaining youth and oldboys spending their days in nearby pubs. Fortunately, this place was just a base for exploring the island. One of the nearby attractions is the Hindu temple of the 16th century Pura Tanah Lot, picturesquely situated on a rock, shaped by the tides of the ocean for years.


Bedugul


Iguana Burmese python Spotted wood owl Megabat Give me a kiss Asian palm civet Al-Hidayah Mosque Backyard crops Lake Beratan The power of tranquility Barong and kris, costumes for ritual dances Shaivite water temple Pura Bratan Souvenir photo Meru shrines Fountain Main sanctuary Masterpiece of sculptural art Richly decorated column capital Decorated altar of Ganesha Candi bentar gate Guardian The soothing power of nature Rice paddies Ceremonial entrance gate Champion rooster Entrance to the Taman Ayun temple Guardian Antefix in the form of a Kala head Wantilan for ceremonial cockfighting Cockfighting arena, wax figures Balinese roof truss Barong Temple buildings Drum tower Architectural detail of the drum tower Food for the gods Entrance to the main sanctuary Stone sculptures Accidental resemblance Structures of the inner sanctuary Souvenir photo Meru towers and the Garuda altar Soaring meru tower Temple garden King coconut Mahogany tree

The mountain resort Bedugul is located in the north of the island on Lake Beratan. One of its many attractions is Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, a grayish water temple from the 17th century serving the offering ceremony of the Balinese goddess of water - Dewi Danu. It is here that I took fantastic photos with an iguana, luwac, bat or tawny owl. On the way back, I visited the fabulous Pura Taman Ayun temple and garden complex.


Tegalalang and its surroundings


Kopi Luwak coffee plantation Coffee bush Satiated Asian palm civet Coffee beans that have passed through the civet's digestive tract Traditional coffee roasting The results can be seen with the naked eye Time for coffee tasting Heavenly taste Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary Walking alley Balinese macaque Souvenir photo Hindu shrine Snack Lush tropical vegetation Hygiene is most important Lush green I think we are lost Family portrait A human caring for monkeys A snake devouring a monkey Motherhood Walking alley A good example From family life Souvenir photo Complete lack of respect Pura Dalem Agung Temple (Temple of the Dead) Rangda, the demon queen devouring children Time to say goodbye Date palm fruits Street in Tegallalang Tegallalang rice terraces Rice terraces Rice terraces So small, yet it feeds one third of the world's population Rice seedlings Cobras and pythons are lurking somewhere around here Rice terraces Rice terraces Street scene Mount Batur volcano Lush tropical vegetation Tampaksiring, Tirta Empul water temple Entrance gate And do you have a swimsuit I'm not going in there Ritual purification bath Offerings for Vishnu Prayer Ritual purification bath Ritual purification bath Temple pavilion Statue with an umbrella Worshippers praying Pelinggih shrines dedicated to various gods Temple caretaker Pamerajan sanctuaries Hindu procession Hindu procession Dancers in Barong attire Practice makes perfect Worshippers carrying offerings Traditional Balinese attire Rice fields in front of the temple entrance The way to the temple Gunung Kawi temple complex Prayer Shrines carved into rock-cut niches Statue adorned for a religious ceremony Burial niches Offerings for the gods

When I showed up for an appointment in the morning, it turned out that I had a car with a driver at my disposal. It was the most attractive trip. I tasted luwak coffee, visited the Monkey Forest Sanctuary, admired the rice terraces, watched the purification ceremony in the Tirta Empul Hindu water temple, and at the end of a busy day I visited the Gunung Kawi Sebatu temple carved in the cliffs.


FLORES

Labuan Bajo


Town panorama Favorite means of transport Traditional buildings Maybe you'll be tempted On the way shopping Main street We are a brain-washed generation Greengrocer Could she have anticipated the coronavirus epidemic These girls make delicious coffee Looks inconspicuous, but tastes heavenly Attention to detail Roadstead Joyful fun Meaningful silence A senior's life is full of joy Returning from fishing Anything can float Repairing nets Pier Nostalgia Souvenir photo Lobster-claw heliconia Happy family Sweet rascal Souvenir photo Dusk Sunset

Labuan Bajo is a small fishing village on the island of Flores, which in recent years has become a tourist destination for the surrounding islands of Rinca, Komodo and Padar. Although quirky and charming, it mainly consists of a port and a long street surrounded by shops, tourist agencies and restaurants. I also treated it like this and after a walk along the waterfront, I bought a two-day ship cruise at one of the many tourist offices.


RINCA AND KOMODO

Dragon islands


Boat pier Follow the monkey Our guide Remnants of a Komodo dragon's feast On our way then Scouting for a Komodo dragon In holes like these, females lay eggs Luck was on our side The power of tranquility Moving on Strangler fig We are being closely watched Everyone is fighting for survival Characteristic landscape of Rinca Characteristic landscape of Rinca Hunters Prey Vigilance Carefree Just before the attack Just before the tragedy This time, they have to go empty-handed The herd can feel safe Goodbye Mangrove forest Time of trial A final glance Heading for Komodo Reflections On the way En route On our way Souvenir photo Komodo on the horizon Hilly landscape Could not get any closer Welcome to Komodo National Park Palm tree Young Komodo dragons feel insecure It is safest to move away quickly Palm tree Tropical vegetation Impression Souvenir photo The female does not feel safe Waiting for events to unfold Everything is in order Time to say goodbye Unexpected encounter Ahoy, adventure

Most tourists only reach the closer island of Rinca and this is a big mistake. If we really want to see dragons, it's worth going a bit further, on Komodo. The impression is amazing when, during a guided walk, we met dragons in their natural habitat. Looking sluggish and slow, they can run very fast, which I found out for myself, I want to photograph one of them.


PADAR AND KANAWA

Paradise islands


Cruise boats at Padar Island Interior of the island Souvenir photo It's getting more and more beautiful Panorama of the surroundings Rocky coastline Padar in all its glory Souvenir photo Invitation I saw the shadow of an eagle More hills Inhospitable place A final glance Unhabited islets Souvenir photo It's getting crowded Heading for Kanawa Scouting for manta rays Pier in Kanawa Docking Fish Souvenir photo Paradise beach Crystal clear water

If there are such places as the paradise islands, you can definitely call Padar and Kanawa that way. Stunning views, beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear sea are words that stick to your lips when describing them. It is worth traveling for such places, and although I was there for only a few hours, their image will remain in my memory for the rest of my life. Padar and Kanawa - see you soon !








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