During our son's school vacation the last couple of years we have traveled to as far away as Croatia, Italy, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
This year we decided that it was time for our family to discover their own roots in Indonesia.
We toured the two most sought after Islands in the world according to Tripadvisor readers Java # 1 and Bali # 2.
The last two weeks included zooming across Java on the recently built freeway visiting an archaeological site that is allegedly almost 20,000 years old and enjoying the sunrise on one of Indonesia's most popular volcanoes.
This year the two most sought after Islands in the world according to Tripadvisor readers were Java # 1 and Bali # 2.
So more and more tourists are realizing that both Java and Bali have a lot to offer those seeking adventure at a minimal cost.
Being a former Yacht Charter Captain who has sailed extensive charter’s in Asia I always plan well in advance.
This year’s trip started with the normal crossing from Bali to Java on the ferry system that leaves Gili Mmanuck almost every five minutes.
It was a beautiful day and easy crossing except for some large swells in the middle of the channel.
When we arrived at Java we made quick time to Genteng for dinner with Azizah’s family a week after the major Islamic holiday Idul Fitri.
The next morning I went for a dawn walk through the village.
Later that night we enjoyed a delicious dinner with the family.
After a brief two night stopover at her family’s home we were off to Surabaya Indonesia’s second the largest city approximately 5 ½ hours away.
The first part of the trip was a little tedious as it was raining and traffic up the hill going over the middle part of Java was very slow, sometimes crawling at 5 km/h.
Our goal was to take the new cross Java freeway that Pres. Jokowi had built the last couple of years which runs all the way from Jakarta to Surabaya.
After 3 hours we finally entered the new freeway and bombed along at a fantastic speed of 100 KMH ++. A speed not known to most Indonesians who live in rural areas.
It wasn’t long before we arrived in Surabaya and stayed at a classic older hotel close to the freeway. I jokingly said to my wife it is like me an oldie but a goodie.
One of the great things about living in Asia is the cost of everything is so inexpensive.
We had a large suite with direct access to the swimming pool plus an executive room for our boys for the total price of around $80 including breakfast.
After checking in it wasn’t long before our son young son, Darius asked mom to join him on a bike ride which were free.
Later we went for a quick swim and enjoyed a delicious dinner.
The next morning we checked
out, but not before all of us had an opportunity to feed the wild deer that
live on the hotel grounds. Definitely a unique experience.
Then we were off to the next major city on the freeway Semarang, approximately 5 to 6 hours away.
I might add that I didn’t see any police on
the whole trip pulling anybody over for speeding.
These days Google maps will
warn you if there is a speed camera but I tend to believe that even if there
was a speed camera maybe nobody was watching it.
The night before with
booking.com I was able to secure a three-bedroom miniature villa close to the
freeway again for the low cost of around $70.
The next day we set off for Java's Bandung and the Magical, Mysterious site of Gunung Padang.
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