Saturday 19 November 2016

Dali Speakers - Let's play Katch

Recently, Dali speaker has launched their new portable speaker, KATCH. As part of the Dali Katch campaign, I got to experience the speakers first hand. With its extraordinary design and astounding audio system, it is no big surprise why I instantly find it a great accessory to share the music you love, with anyone you like – anytime and anyplace.

The Dali Katch speakers come in three unique hues: cloud grey, moss green and dark shadow. It is versatile and connects to your phone almost instantly. The speaker connects easily via Bluetooth option – whether it is your phone or the MacBook. Did you know, if your friend also has Dali Katch speakers, he/she could switch to pair mode and connect two Dali Katch speakers to form a stereo pair and achieve the ultimate sound system suitable for large gatherings with friends or family, a house party or even at an outdoor picnic situation.

Dali Katch speaker has two sound modes to guarantee the best experience wherever you are. The Clear option for when you are using it in the comfort of your own home or enclosed room and Warm option for when you want to blast your music at a party. When charged fully for two hours, the battery allows you to have 24 hours uninterrupted music play, so you’ll never have to worry about charging it every time.

Dali Katch speaker comes with a handy strap extension for easy carry. It is also designed to deliver the best possible sound experience in all positions for example; placing it close to the wall will increase the bass level – thus making it the best speaker option ever.




What I love most about Dali Katch is that it fits into any occasion. Be it at home, at the gym, outdoor party or even on the go while jogging.

I use it most at home while I do my work. Dali Katch enhances my music better. It puts me in the mood and dependently gives me the drive to do my work. Sometimes, it can also help me unwind with classical music switched on loud on mellow, gloomy chill out days in bed. Perfect for any mood and occasion. 




*Available for pre-order online and also in our local Singapore store: Eighteen 77 Pte Ltd (The Adelphi 1 Coleman Street #04-38 179804).



Lots of love,
EzzaJay

Girl VS Globe: Indonesia (Probolinggo, Banyuwangi, Bali)

MOUNT BROMO, PROBOLINGGO

Us: “We are going Probolinggo for Mount Bromo tomorrow!” 
Asep: “How are you girls going there?” 
Us: “Idk….it says here to catch the train from the station. Do you know where the station is?” 
Asep: “ No, no, no. Hold on girls. Let me book a tour for you. Much easier!” 
If you remember from part 1 of my Indonesia post, Asep was the helper in my Airbnb apartment in Jogja. As mentioned, he takes care of everything and I was so grateful for him. He figured it would be too risky for us girls to grab a public cab to the train station, buy the train tickets and wait till the departure timing. So he booked for us a tour to Probolinggo, which includes -

  • ·      Pick up from our apartment to Jogja train station
  • ·      Train tickets
  • ·      Pick up from Probolinggo to our new apartment
  • ·      Accommodation cost
  • ·      Mount Bromo climb
  • ·      Pick up from apartment to Mount Bromo

 at a reasonable price of 1,000,000 Rupiah ($105.30SGD).

We left our Jogja apartment for the train station real early the next morning. It roughly took an hour or two before we reach the station and had just enough time to get our bookings scanned and we boarded the train. The train station gave me the old-school vibes – pretty run down state, for lack of a better word.

When we got our seats, we realized we were seated sardine packed with other passengers. I got separated from Gillian (she sat across). Here’s a heads up: the locals do not give any damn about personal space. So when I mentioned that we were squeezed amongst them, it implies getting elbowed each time they move, legs kicked when they extend, leaning towards you when they fall asleep – none of which with any statement of apology. There was no chance we would be able to tolerate this throughout our entire journey, so we picked our bags and moved down the cabin to find empty seats.


Lucky for us, the back was empty. We got a long seat for each of us to stretch our legs and be comfortable throughout the rest of the journey. The train ride took 9 hours with short stops in between for 10-15 minutes. Upon reaching, it was already late in the afternoon. Our driver was waiting for us at the arrival and drove us to our hotel along with four other tourists – which took us another 4-5 hours.

After what seemed like an eternity and innumerable sleep wake cycle, we reached the front of our hotel. A few guys came out and offered to help us with our huge bags. The moment we stepped out of the car, we were freezing cold.

Me: “Mas, suhunya berapa? Kenapa sejuk sekali?” (What is the temperate? Why is it so cold?)
Driver: “Ahhh, suhunya 6 degres Celsius sekarang buk.” (Its 6 degrees now.)

For someone who has low tolerance for cold weather, I knew I would be stuck in bed and getting all the warmth I needed. True enough, after we checked in, the comfortable blanket and two layers of jacket was all I need as I snuggled myself.

In the tour itinerary, it said that we have to be ready by 3am so the jeep could drive us to the base of Mount Bromo just in time for us to catch the sunrise. The weather got colder in the wee hours. We rented a thicker jacket for 25,000 Rupiah ($2.60SGD) and gloves for 20,000 Rupiah ($2.10SGD) for the hotel before we left.

The ride to the base of Mount Bromo was pretty thrilling. The weather was cold and it was still dark, the ride was bumpy and the driver was happily telling us how this would be a ‘fantastic adventure’ since it was our first time. Throughout the ride, he went ahead about how Indonesia has very beautiful landscapes to which I cannot concur more.

The place was already packed with tourists when we arrived. Be that as it may, Gillian and I managed to squeeze through to get a good spot for the sunrise and at that moment; the weather was 3 degrees Celsius. God bless us.


The first stop was at the edge of the Tengger crater rim to witness the beautiful sunrise views over the Bromo landscape. If you look further from the crater of Mount Bromo, you would be able to see Mount Semeru – which is the most active volcano and highest so far in Java. We spent roughly 2 hours here before we proceeded with our ride over Laotian Pasir (Sand Sea) to Poten – where you can choose to have a horse ride or hike 3km to the base of Mount Bromo. Gillian and I decided not to squander our mone. But alright, if you follow me on my Instagram, we all know that did not happen. Here was what exactly happened: We were declining the locals right? And then suddenly… I saw a white horse walking towards me. Oh my God what a cutie!!!??!!!!

The next thing I knew, I was sitting happily on top of the horse; excited for my journey to the base.

Yup.


 From the base of the mountain, you will have to climb a lofty flight of approximately 250 steps before you will be rewarded with the close-up view of the crater rim of Mount Bromo. I remember having to pump my inhaler the moment I reached the top, due to the sulphur mist spewing from the active crater. Which was not too bad for normal individuals – but rather not for somebody asthmatic like me.


We both spent 30 minutes up there before I decided it was too stifling for my lungs so we climbed back to the base and trekked back to our driver. It was the end for the day, and he drove us back to our hotel before we hibernated for the rest of the night.


MOUNT IJEN, BANYUWANGI

Onwards to our third mountain in the list! Alright, this is the part where I have to state my viewpoint of this mountain: Mount Ijen was an arduous one. With that being said, yes, it was the toughest.

Mount Ijen has an elevation of 2,799m with its last eruption way back in 1999. It is widely known for the blue flames and the sulphur mines. There are two options for the tour: 1) Climb the mountain and see the blue flames or 2) Climb the mountain. Many tourists would opt the first option because we all know the sight of the blue flames is magical – but do take note, it would require you to start trekking as early as 1am to be able to catch the blue flames. If I do remember correctly, my guide mentioned that it is best to catch them anywhere in between 1am-4am. Or else, option number two means you’ll start trekking roughly at about 3am.

Gillian and I opted for option number 1 (because Blue Flames. Duh.) The ride from our hotel took us 45 minutes, and we started from the base camp with a 4km trek to the rim of the crater for 2 hours or so. The only easy thing about Mount Ijen is that it does not have many rocks. Which means the route would be wide and straight – but steep, all throughout for an hour plus of your trek up. It is best if you have a wooden stick to keep you balanced as you climb. The guides would usually have one of their own that they will kindly lend it to you or they will pick any long sticks along the way. As you trek, you will get breathless - even for someone with a normal fitness level. Just make sure you get a short 2-3 minutes break and hydrate yourself enough with water! Bare in mind that the last 30 minutes would be a flat surface, so it is a much easier trek after all the hard work.

To see the blue flames clearer, you would need to hike down to the bank of the crater. It takes 45 minutes or later. Because it is still dark and the track is rather rough, the space is only enough for one person at a time on the path. It may be slippery and there is not many wooden handrails or proper trail, thus you need to be extra careful. Remember NOT to rush!

The atmosphere down at the bank can be quite harsh. The amount of sulphur in the air is quite strong, so I encourage you to wear the mask – which is provided under the tour.


Where the bank of the crater is, you’ll notice their locals, also known as sulphur miners, carrying a heap of sulphur on their shoulder as they balance to climb back to the top of the crater’s rim and then 3km to deposit the load for weighing. I learnt from my guide that these sulphur miners collect the sulphur materials to bring home the bacon. The basket of sulphur can vary anywhere from 75kg-90kg per trip, and these miners are paid roughly $10USD per day for two trips up and down the crater. If you think about it, the amount they earned is little once it is compared to their respiratory afflictions from lack of proper protection. I tried to breathe the sulphuric air for 30 seconds without the mask and I felt breathless enough. I truly respect these miners for working so hard, taking a chance with their lives – just to raise their family. I don’t know how they do it, but it certainly gives me the sense of awe and veneration.



KUTA, BALI

Straight after we reached the base camp of Mount Ijen at 7am, our driver rushed us to the ferry terminal for us to catch our ferry towards Bali. The journey took us 1 hour to reach, following a 3 hours public bus ride to Kuta itself. You can decide to take a private van that will take a much shorter time – but with a slightly steep price.

Bali was our last stop and it was the place we chose to relax and reward ourselves after accomplishing three mountains in Indonesia. We spent literally two days sleeping in and only going out in the night to get our dinner before we hibernated in our villa once more. We also rented a bike to ride down to Seminyak to check the cafes out and around Kuta. Apart from that, we also squeezed in a time to visit the Uluwatu Temple to see what the hype was about and also to watch the sun set below the water horizon.

Bali was the place where we got fined $100SGD for riding the bike with no license and helmet but it was also the place we found the best nasi padang – so I guess it was a win-win situation.




And with that, I conclude my backpacking post filled with all the informations I provided best to my knowledge (+ memory). Also, end of year is fast approaching and you should have a getaway trip in mind! If you don't, I hope these blog posts will make you want to visit Indonesia and explore all the places like I did. 

But in the meantime, here's a tip you can use right away - keep travelling. When you travel, it is like the earth moves with you and for you; and all the time in the world sits in the palm of your hands. x


Lots of love,
EzzaJay 





Friday 11 November 2016

Girl VS Globe: Indonesia (Yogyakarta)

In November 2015 last year, I embarked on a 2 weeks journey to backpack in Indonesia. Indonesia, a Southeast Asian nation well known for its volcanoes has always been on my bucket list. Aside from the already famous tourist spot - Bali, I presumed the other parts of this country would be equally as amazing - and I was right. 

Precis of my journey:

Jogjakarta > Mount Bromo > Mount Ijen > Bali

Coming across a Youtube video on Jogja was pure happenstance. I honestly did not know what this place had to offer. I did my research for a couple of days to see if it was really worth going; places to visit apart from Mount Merapi. I was sold the moment I stumbled upon an activity where it allows you to abseil down into a cave. I really can't think of a better answer than " omfg YES!?". 

If you know me, I have always loved trekking, climbing mountains, enjoying fantastic views up in the clouds, exploring new places and gaining the experience. I kid you not, this country has it all - which also means my entire adventure has left me spent BUT with no regrets. 


JOGJAKARTA

HOUSE OF NASI BUNGKUS



I arrived first in Jogjakarta in the afternoon with ample rest time to unpack my belongings and have a decent conversation with my Airbnb owner - Anez, who turned out to be one of the coolest Indonesian friend I made, whom by the way owns the coolest apartment. He houses all kinds of tourist from different countries - thus having lots of stories to share! Also, there was this really huge wooden wall at the chilling area that you can leave a little memo for others to read using the permanent marker they provided. Cool!!

One of the reasons why I wanted this place was because Anez stated clearly in his Airbnb profile that he has a friendly cat roaming around the house - lest there might be tourists who are afraid of pets. I grab every opportunity I get to be close to animals, therefore I chose his place.  His pet cat named Shadow is very affectionate and would sit near you as if to show that he is welcoming your stay too.

Asep, the helper who comes by everyday to maintain the house and assist you if there is a need, runs the house most times when Anez is away during the day. Sometimes he offers to buy you their local breakfast from the streets too!

MOUNT MERAPI

Mount Merapi, is an active stratovolcano located on the border between Central Java and Jogjakarta, Indonesia. It is the most active volcano in Indonesia and has erupted regularly since 1548.

Elevation: 2,930m – above sea level
Last eruption: 10th March, 2014
Cost: 450,000 Rupiah ($47.80SGD)
Time taken: 12 hours
What you need: Water bottles, snacks, extra jacket, and personal medication

Gillian and I booked the tour for Mount Merapi via @discoveryourindonesia@gmail.com – a tour company that hosts many other activities which you can enquire within. The cost for the tour includes

  • ·       Transportion with aircon (pick up and drop off at apartment)
  • ·       Guide (one guide can accommodate up to 4 people)
  • ·       Coffee/tea before the climb (to be served at the guide’s house)
  • ·       600ml mineral water
  • ·       Breakfast (to be served after the climb)


I would advise you to wear layers of jackets if you can’t stand the cold weather well. It was 3 degrees during my climb and I very much suffered despite wearing 4 layers. You get my drift. 

There are two options for Mount Merapi: 1) trekking 2) lava tour.

The lava tour would take you to see the sides of Merapi that others would rarely get to experience – in the comfort of a jeep. I guess it would not require much of walking except when taking photographs at the places you visit. The trekking (which I did) is tougher – physically and mentally. If you would like a little challenge, I strongly urge you to opt for this.


I climbed Mount Merapi on my first night in Jogja. I laughed, I cried, I got breathless, I got hungry halfway but I am glad I did it because hey!

Mount Merapi - CHECKED!


I started the climb along with three other tourists of which two of them were from Europe and one Malaysian dude. We got two guides to come along with us and to lead the way. We were first picked up at our own individual apartments and sent to the guide's house to sip on hot tea served by them. He distributed headlights and gave us safety instructions.


Trust me when I say this: your thighs would ache like never before. Mine was crying out loud as I climbed higher. I don't remember any flat terrain. It was all steep rocks. The cold weather was not helping and my only motivation to climb higher was to know that I would be closer to every pit stop and the summit too, of course. Along the way, I told myself ‘maybe this was a wrong idea. I am so unfit. Perhaps I should come again when I am fit enough’, but a part of me wanted to complete it so bad because I was there already so I jolly well do this. Hello Ezza???What were u thinking?

We got separated from the boys at the half mark of the climb because I am guessing we slowed them (heh). We were left behind with our guide who kept motivating us to believe in ourselves. He told us he climbs Mount Merapi at least 5 times a week for the past 23 years. Wait, what?? Which truly explains why the climb was like a piece of cake for him. He could smoke while climbing - and there we were panting and trying so hard to catch our breath.



ANYWAY, after the climb, Gillian and I hibernated for the rest of the day. 


JOMBLANG CAVE

Cost: 450,000 Rupiah ($47.70SGD)
Time taken: 4-5 hours

Jomblang Cave! Or better known as ‘Goa Jomblang’ among the locals, was by far the craziest adventure I have done in my entire 23 years of living you guys. Ok, maybe it was not THAT crazy but it was scary and beautiful at the same time and I am grateful to be able to experience it altogether.

Goa Jomblang is located at Semanu, Jogjakarta. The journey takes about 1.5-2 hours from the main city. The only way to travel here is to have a transport because the cave is located all the way inside – which requires you to experience a bumpy road ride for 20 minutes before you reach. Goa Jomblang opens from 10:00am-2:00pm and they only allow 25 people to visit each day which I learnt later that Goa Jomblang is very precious to the locals thus maintaining the ecosystem stability and cave condition is utmost priority to them.



Goa Jomblang has 3 separate parts to it. The large sinkhole, long tunnel and then Goa Grubog where the “heaven lights” would shine through at certain timings. The guide told us that the best time to experience the light would be anytime between 10:30am-12:30pm.

After we paid for entrance, we had to gear up with the equipment provided: a safety helmet, harness and safety boots. Once you are ready, they will lower you into the cave two by two. The locals believed that the large sinkhole was formed when the roof collapsed thousands of years ago. The descent into the bottom of the sinkhole is roughly 50m deep. After which, you would have to wait for the whole group to be done before proceeding to the long tunnel with the guide of the personnel. The long tunnel leads to Goa Grubog and takes about 10 minutes. As you walk through, the surrounding would get pitch dark – therefore you can bring an extra torchlight if you feel the headlight provided is not sufficient. Also, the rocky steps could get very slippery, so be careful!

Before anything else, I’ll state the obvious: Goa Grubog was insanely beautiful. I now understand why every local and tourist described the light shining through as “heavens light”. The atmosphere inside the cave was extremely humid – which I believe is not like heaven but it somehow makes you feel like you’re dead and everyone around is waiting to be sucked by the light…

I digress. Anyway, we took turns taking beautiful shots of each other. Little did I know my guide had excellent photography skill. He proudly took the photograph of Gillian and me, which you can see here.



KALIBIRU NATIONAL PARK

Cost: 5,000 Rupiah ($0.53SGD) – only entrance fee
Time taken: Varies

I got to know of this gorgeous treetop spot from an article that I chanced upon as I was doing my research. According to my driver, it would only take 45 minutes of travelling time to reach. Which I figured would be worth a visit.



Upon reaching the place, I was told that different photo spots would cost you different prices. It varies anywhere between 10,000 – 15,000 Rupiah ($1.10 - $1.60SGD). The timing we went was in the afternoon and the best spot already had a queue. We waited for about 30 minutes before we could get our turn.

The view from the treetop was stunning. It overlooks a huge lake and you are allowed to have 5-10 minutes to take whatever shots you want before your time is up. It felt pretty rushing and short but I guess that few minutes of experience, which can be elicidated, as ‘top of the world’ cannot be traded for anything else. Hands down.


SAE SAE

During the research meet-up for our Indonesia trip, Gillian came across another cool Airbnb apartment called Sae Sae. Owned by a lovely couple, Michelle and Boy, costing us each less than $20SGD per person. So we decided to have 2 stays in Jogja. We moved to Sae Sae on our 4th day.


The house is situated about 10 minutes ride from Nasi Bungkus. The neighborhood has more access to the local restaurants/bars/cafes within walking distance. We decided to rent a bike from Sae Sae so that we could explore further around Yogyajarta. Sae Sae houses other tourists too and it was definitely the best way to make friends! We met Rosmi and Gina who were backpacking in Asia on their own and has been travelling for the past few months. How amazing! We instantly became friends for the next few days and brought them along for our visits.


SULTAN PALACE

Cost:  Entrance -12,500 Rupiah ($1.33SGD)
           Camera device – 1,000 Rupiah ($0.11SGD)
Time taken: Varies



Built in year 1755, the palace is still an active cultural centre for the Javanese - housing the current Sultan and his family. The palace is the main place where tourist could learn and understand the Sultan’s artifacts. A tour guide would be attached to you to explain in detail about the history of Jogjakarta.

Did you know Sir Stamford Raffles once attacked the palace in 1812 with 1,200 British soldiers? Although despite the numbers of Javanese outnumbering the British, they still lost the attack because they were not prepared. A total of $869,691SGD was lost in a day, and the Sultan at the point of time was sacked.

Later, the palace had an earthquake in 1876 and the most recent one in 2006. Therefore, what we saw was the rebuilt after the devastation took place. I would say the palace was worth the money to visit (if you are interested in history) although I was hoping to be able to bump into the current Sultan.

BUMI LANGIT

 Cost: 1,000 Rupiah (entrance is free, but we contributed to the society)
Time taken: Varies

Boy, our Airbnb owner at Sae Sae, recommended this place. He was telling us how healthy and organic the place is and would be a good experience to see how the locals grow and nourish their own products.

Bumi Langit is owned by a Muslim family who has a strong passion in anything natural.
Everything you can find here are freshly grown – which also means you are free to pluck any and pop it into your mouth. Our vegetarian friend, Gina, had the time of her life tasting every vegetable and fruits we came across. Not only that, Bumi Langit holds classes for outsiders to learn the importance of the relationship of humans and the environment.

Our guide gave us a tour of their farm that took us an hour or so before we decided to try their organic cooked food from the menu before heading back.

Oh yes! If you do visit Bumi Langit, do stay around for the sunset. You will not regret it.



BOROBUDUR

Cost: 280,000 Rupiah ($29.90SGD - Non-Indonesian Adult)
          110,000 Rupiah ($11.70SGD - Non-Indonesian Student)
          30,000 Rupiah ($3.20SGD - Indonesian Citizens)
Time taken: Varies

Borobudur is known as the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It may look like some weird built-up of rocks that has pointy stuffs on it but as you take a look closer, you will notice that every stone has its own intricate cravings with its own meaning. No wonder it took 75 years to build!

Gillian and I spent hours here as we explored all levels and corners of the temple. Every spot was suitable for a photo opportunity, and we only wished there were lesser people during our visit.  Coincidentally, the Army of Indonesia had a marathon organized by the temple, thus a free visit for them to Borobudur. The locals even said the crowd was exceptionally big that day. Interestingly, we were stopped by the locals every 5-10 minutes to have a picture taken with them. It was pretty awkward at first – but we soon figured that probably we both just look touristy than others.

For me, I like to read up on the history of the place of interest before I visit them so as to add in more excitement and of course increase my knowledge. Did you know, for some unknown reason, Borobudur temple was once abandoned for 500 years or so until it became hidden amongst the forestation? It was not until 1814 when Jogja was under the British control, Sir Stamford Raffles, the then English governor who sent his men to find out about the abandoned structure. It did not take long before he ordered them to cut down the forest, after which it revealed the temple.

Also! Did you know Borobudur was closed for close to a week after being greatly affected during the Mount Merapi eruption in 2010? The ashes from the eruption had evidently travelled miles and created a 2cm thick ash at the temple. The highest level of the temple was closed until the following year. Borobudur Conservation Agency (BCA) then decided to keep the visitors level to a maximum of 82 daily. The whole restoration was completed and opened as usual to the public in November 2011.

I like to think of this temple as something so strong with so much perseverance. It has gone through so much but yet remains its beauty and attracts many tourists up till today. I definitely learnt a lot from my visit and would encourage you guys to do it too.

Borobudur temple is located 1.5 hours north of Jogjakarta by car. It opens from 6am-5pm for public. I heard it is also a perfect place to catch the sunrise at about 4:30am, which is earlier than the opened timing – therefore I believe you would need to have a special arrangement under a tour agency to have this experience.




-

Who knew? My Bahasa improved tremendously after days of conversing in their language. It is always wonderful to travel and explore parts of the world I never thought I would. Undoubtedly no regrets in taking the time to venture here before I travel down East Java. Jogjakarta has been a wondrous place that took my breath away on my first day already.....because I climbed Mount Merapi and got breathless geddit? Ha ha.

Well ok, in all seriousness - you've been an extraordinary city, Jogjakarta. Till next time! x


Next destinations: Probolinggo, Banyuwangi & Bali. 



Love,
EzzaJay