WW: Taman Laut Olele, Gorontalo, Indonesia

welcome to  Taman Laut Okulele, Gorontalo, Indonesia

Hi everyone.

More photos and stories from my recent trip to Gorontalo, northern part of Sulawesi island, Indonesia.

On my second day of diving trip here, we were visiting Olele at Bonebolanga area. This place is famous for its underwater garden, Olele. One of the unique underwater plants we can find here is the typical, one-of-a-kind soft coral sponge famously called Salvador Dali because it looks like Dali's famous painting. Besides, its pristine walls and soft corals are intact, providing comfy homes for various school of fish and underwater creatures. 

We drove from Amaris Hotel Gorontalo, our hotel, to Olele, for around 1 hour. The road was curvy yet beautiful as you can see the Bone river and the gulf of Tomini. 

Here are some photos I took in the area and tell me whether you enjoy it as much as I do.

The famous Salvador Dali sponge in Taman Olele. 
Beautiful sponge, don't you think?

Join us on (almost) Wordless Wednesday and have fun with the link party.

WW: The Beauty of Indonesia

sunset at Bandar Lampung, Indonesia

I know that August is almost coming to an end and I still want to celebrate this glorious month where we all celebrate Indonesia's Independence Day.

It has been my intention since I was young to go around Indonesia and witness its magnificent beauty from different provinces. 

on my way to Ambon, Maluku

So many to enjoy indeed, starting from its amazing landscape and natural wonders, incredible food and beverages deriving from its abundant and indigenous sources, wonderful handy crafts and art works, heart-warming and friendly people, intricate designs and vividly colorful fabrics, and astonishing cultures. And that's not all as you will have lovely surprises as you travel around the country.

Tenun Buna, hand made with love in East Nusa Tenggara

I know that the pandemic has restricted us from traveling around and exploring its divine beauty, but I take the liberty to take 'virtual tour' through my blog, external hard drives, social media platforms and more. 

One fine evening at Puncak Mas, Lampung

It has been quite entertaining and is considered satisfactory until we can actually go out again and travel without fear. How I long for that time.

Morning view of mountains across Jogjakarta and Central Java I saw on my first flight from Jogjakarta - Jakarta

  

Here are some photos I took along the way and some of them might have been published here, while others are not. 

The beauty of wayang and wooden craft, Solo, Central Java

I just realized that I was lucky enough to explore some parts of the country and I really hope I can travel more at later stage. Indonesia is huge and beautiful and for that, it will take sometimes to actually explore most part of it. 

wonderful sunset at Ambon Bay, Ambon, Maluku

My hubby and I, together with the kids, simply can't wait to plan and do the road trip again. Well, We did have the plan before but it all shattered thanks to COVID-19.

So now, let's enjoy the beauty of Indonesia.

Sunrise at Punthuk Setumbu, Central Java, with Borobodur Temple afar

Climbing up Mount Krakatau, holding the national flag

the famous Krakatau or Krakatoa Mountain

one fine day at Bunaken Islan, North Sulawesi

La Rascasse or the Lion Fish at Bunaken, North Sulawesi

On my way to Pahawang Island, Lampung

greeneries along the road in Bergen, South Lampung

Morning stroll at Purwakarta, West Java

Please fee free to check out the video I have shared in my YouTube channel about Indonesia as well. 

I prepared this one for the celebration of Indonesia's 76th Independence Day. Please take a look.

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WW: Amazing Seafood at Bahari Restaurant, Makassar, South Sulawesi

Amazing Seafood at Bahari Restaurant, Makassar, South Sulawesi

Visiting Makassar, South Sulawesi, will not be complete without trying its famous food. Besides Coto Makassar, Konro, Palu butung, and  Pisang Ijo,  Makassar is also famous for its wide variety of fresh seafood. 

Complete menus on the table!

The last time I visited Makassar, it was for a long transit so I didn't really get a chance to enjoy this wonderful city. Yet, when I came back here last May, I only had 3 short days as it was already packed with meetings. But then again, I was lucky that we had the chance to enjoy whatever we can enjoy in our super tight schedule. 

Chili crabs, anyone?

I managed to try Coto Makassar twice, in 2 restaurants which are famous for this hot, beef soup packed with wonderful spices. But what strikes me most os our dinner at Bahari Restaurant, where we enjoyed a wide variety of seafood menus at its best! 

All the sambals or chili sauce you need for the seafood

Let's take a look at these photos. As you can see, there are so many amazing food... starting from grilled Baronang fish to tamarind-marinated squids (it is very good indeed surprisingly), to chilly crabs and grouper fish spicy soup. 

Grilled Baronang... fresh, with a hint of lemon drops!

Not to mention otak - otak or steamed/grilled fish cake (one of my fave!) and more!

Otak - otak... one of my fave..

Those are some of the seafood I managed to try and I know I will be back with Coto Makassar as well. So, how do you like them? Tasty, right! 

Wishing you all a lovely week ahead and join us on (almost) Wordless Wednesday and have fun with the link party!

WW: A Glimpse of Makassar, South Sulawesi

A Glimpse of Makassar, South Sulawesi

I was traveling to Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, some times ago. 

It was a brief visit, only for 3 days, but I managed to have a glimpse of beautiful Makassar and enjoyed some lovely food and beverages as well as its amazingly colorful hand-woven tenun.

various colored of Lagossi embroideries

colorful tenun, made of silk, and uniquely made in South Sulawesi

I stayed in the Rinra hotel, which is strategically located near Losari Beach, the iconic beach in this city. 

The view from my balcony, the infinity pool at the Rinra

I love this hotel, truly a local pride and super comfy as well. Not to mention its very strategic location as well as the friendliness of the staff. I did enjoy the lovely sunrise, delicious breakfast and the landmarks in the surrounding areas.

Before I share more, let's take a look at what I have captured during my short visit to Makassar. I sincerely hope I can go back here soon to explore more of its breathtaking beauty. 

Let's start with its amazing sunrise, which I conveniently enjoy from my balcony.

The hotel has mini chapel as well.

The food in Makassar is indeed delicious. I tasted the incredible Coto Makassar, the beef soup, as well as fresh seafood in various forms! Happy tummy and happy me!

grilled Baronang fish, grilled shrimps, grouper spicy soup, spicy crabs, and more 

And here are the surrounding areas that I managed to enjoy while strolling around in the morning, walking from the hotel. I stopped at Losari Beach and the Bugis pavilion.

Tenun sutra Makassar.. the hand woven silk saroong from Makassar. So lovely!

So, that's a glimpse of Makassar, South Sulawesi. I hope you like to see the photos and tell me what you like the most.

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WW: Sunrise at Tanjung Benoa - Conrad Bali

Sunrise at Tanjung Benoa - Conrad Bali

 Sunrise.

Amazing phenomenon that is always successfully taking my breath away. 

No matter  where it happens, in different parts of the world, it will always such a solemn moment for me.

Morning with Sunrise at Tanjung Benoa - Conrad Bali

Recently I visited Bali again and as I stayed in one of my favorite hotels here, Conrad Bali, I once again witnessed the breathtaking view of sunrise here. That happened to be the Earth Day as well. I was so blessed indeed.

Tanjung Benoa area has been famous for its sunrise. It has become the center of water sport as well. As my room is facing the beach side of the hotel, I can hear the happy scream from those enjoying parasailing and jet skies near here. I even noticed some dive center around the hotel, although unfortunately I haven't got a chance to take a dive trip myself. Not during my working visit. Nevertheless, I would be happy to go back for that.

love the Sunrise at Tanjung Benoa - Conrad Bali

Well, hope you enjoy this sunrise as well.

Stay safe, happy and healthy wherever you are. Join us on (almost) Wordless Wednesday and have fun with the link party.

WW: Stunning Sunset at Tanjung Putus Island, Lampung

 Stunning Sunset at Tanjung Putus Island, Lampung

Stunning Sunset at Tanjung Putus Island, Lampung

When you read the title of this post, I bet you have a clear vision of what you will see. Nevertheless, being there myself at the island (well, with my family actually) and witness the amazing creation of the Almighty. 

the 4 of us

I was spending a little quality time during the weekend with my hubby, Bo et Obi. We spent some times at the Green Bay resort,  for my diving trip and test with the night dive and for a weekend away from the city. We certainly had memorable days and here are some of the happiness and joy I captured.

How do you like this island? Here's the shot I took from my hubby's drone. The island is indeed lovely, right. Wait until I share the diving photos!

One corner of Tanjung Putus Island

For sure I will bring more photos and story, from above and underwater as well. Just bear with me as I am in the middle of so many deadlines as well LOL. But I feel like I have so much to share and I do hope I do get a chance to do so.

Join us on (almost)  Wordless Wednesday and  have fun with the link party !