Showing posts with label traveling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label traveling. Show all posts

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

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. 

Amazing Seafood at Bahari Restaurant, Makassar, South Sulawesi
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. 

Amazing Seafood at Bahari Restaurant, Makassar, South Sulawesi
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! 


Amazing Seafood at Bahari Restaurant, Makassar, South Sulawesi
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. 


Amazing Seafood at Bahari Restaurant, Makassar, South Sulawesi
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!

Amazing Seafood at Bahari Restaurant, Makassar, South Sulawesi
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

Pantai Losari, 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.

Join us on (almost) Wordless Wednesday and enjoy the link party

WW: Sunrise at Tanjung Benoa - Conrad Bali

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.

Sunrise at Tanjung Benoa - Conrad Bali
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.




Traveling during the Pandemic and Being Google Local Guides - Interview with SEA Morning Show

Traveling during the Pandemic and Being Google Local Guides - Interview with SEA Morning Show


Hi everyone...

How's February so far? It has been a wonderful month full of readjustments, surprises and of course hard works. Office is as demanding as always while on my personal side, I have some self-development activities that I have committed to do, joining the national leadership training program. 

Meanwhile, one day, one of my friends from the social media groups contacted me and requested me to be one of the hosts in SEA Morning Show, as part of SEA Today. SEA Today or South East Asia Today is a web-based streaming television broadcasted in South East Asia region. Owned by Telkom Indonesia, this TV show displays and broadcasts news and information relevant to the public in SEA region. Launched in 28 October 2020 by the Minister of State Enterprise of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Erick Tohir.  SEA Morning Show is a daily program that broadcasts from 6 - 9 AM and distributed in 10 ASEAN Countries.

Getting ready for the  Interview with SEA Morning Show


So on February 16, I got a chance to have the interview with SEA Morning Show hosts and discussed about being a travel blogger as well as Google Local Guides. It was fun indeed! We started the conversation with how fun it is to be travel blogger and how, in the first place, I become one. Frankly speaking, I have been traveling around with my parents since I was a kid and we even had trips  with the big family for certain occasions. The fact that later on I join the MoFA and become a diplomat makes me get even more opportunity to travel around the world.

As it apparently runs in my blood,  my hubby and I started traveling with my family even since my kids were babies! My son, Bo, travelled and flew from Melbourne to Jakarta  since he was 40 days old! Of course considering that he and I were in great condition and fit to fly. Then my daughter Obi has similar experience, too. Since early days, I have taken her to go places.  She was born in Geneva, Switzerland,  traveling around Europe has been one of our cups of tea. I remember we went on a 7-day trip around Cinque Terre and Tuscany , including Pisa as well as Firenze area, in Italy with 4-year-old Bo and 5-month-old baby Obi. It took a lot of preparation but we love the trip. The kids have been super wonderful along the way!

My love for underwater world..


I also shared some places I have visited, those that have captured my heart and forever fondly remembered. Of the 57 countries (and counting!) I have traveled so far, every place is of course unique. It has been my dream to travel around my beloved INDONESIA. I have only explored 21 provinces in Indonesia, out of 34 provinces. Some of the provinces have cities which are incredible. My favorite is of course LAMPUNG, my homey hometown. This place never ceases to amaze me, as we have discovered more and more beautiful landscapes. For sure, more diving sites and snorkeling areas are there waiting for you to discover it. I sincerely hope I can get some times to add more ticked lists in my go-to map of Indonesia. 

While abroad, I love visiting national parks as well as UNESCO World Heritage Lists. I also love landmarks which offer unique, one-of-a-kind experience. Places like Liberty Statue in New York City, Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Yosemite National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, Quebec City, Old Havana, Vatican City, Antigua Naval Dockyard, Venice, Cairo, Marrakesh and way more have been visited as well.  In Indonesia, Borobudur and Prambanan temples, as well as Bukit Barisan National Park, which is part of the tropical rainforest heritage in Sumatera, and 

More importantly, I shared a lot about being Google Local Guides. How excited I am to be joining the this global network of local guides from different corners of the world. Although I have just joined Local Guides in New York City since 2017, I have learned and enjoyed a lot of benefits from joining it. I have expanded my networks obviously, learning more about Google maps and how to contribute to it properly and meaningfully, as well as more on AI and some beneficial technicalities. Even when the pandemic hit us, we even get more united as we use virtual platforms to stay connected and even share more. Through Google Local Guides, I learn how wonderful it is to contribute meaningfully to the communities as well, as we contribute there in voluntary basis. No wonder while Google Local Guides was established in 2015, it has so many people joining this platform. 

Moreover, I am so blessed that I was chosen as one of the Google Guiding Stars in December 2020. Of all the Google Local Guides around the world, there are 50 Local Guides who were chosen in 5 different categories,- Helpful Hero, Inclusive Mapper, Creative Contributor, Community Builder, and Local Business Champion. I was part of the Creative Contributor here. Thank you, Google.

Thank you, Google ...

Finally, we were also discussing about staycation, one of the possible and relatively safe ways of traveling during the pandemic. Now that we have 5 M, which is the abbreviation of 5 things we need to do during the pandemic in bahasa Indonesia.  5M comprises of wearing mask, washing hands properly and frequently, keeping the physical distance, reducing mobility, and avoiding crowds. Staycation will give us the opportunity to see and explore our surroundings in a safer way as it does not involve lots of traveling or meeting many people. As long as we can ensure that the place we are heading to are applying the strict health protocol and CHSE principles,- Clean, Healthy, Safety and Environmentally Friendly. I believe many of the hotels in Indonesia have gotten CHSE certificate so that they can operate safely during this pandemic. 

Here's the video I compiled, with the help of my brother Ajay, for the whole segment of my interview. You can watch the complete video in my YouTube channel HERE. Hope you enjoy it and tell me what you think!



I really enjoyed the conversation and I sincerely hope what I have shared with be beneficial to others. I also hope you managed to watch the complete video and tell me what you think about traveling during the pandemic and being Google Local Guides if you have joined it!

Cheeers..... Stay safe, happy & healthy dear friends, wherever you are. 

Stunning View of Lampung at Puncak Mas Lampung

Puncak Mas Lampung


Hi everyone...

I sincerely hope you all safe, happy and healthy.
I know that during this pandemic we all need to stay at home and implement 5M in bahasa Indonesia  (no longer 3 M, guys), which are wearing mask, washing hands, keeping physical distance, avoiding crowd, and reducing mobility.

But anyway, I still have some stories from my traveling and we can definitely list it down in our itinerary once the pandemic is over or more manageable.

So, let's go to Lampung! My beloved hometown.

This time let's go to Puncak Mas, Lampung

I really love this spot... although I came here before the pandemic. We came here on the last month in 2019, not long before the pandemic. As you might have been aware of, my family and I love to go back to Lampung whenever we have time.

Puncak Mas Lampung
We came here just before sunset

So, the plan at that time was to catch sunset!
Yes, sunset in many parts of Lampung is awesome indeed.
We came here before sunset and although we didn't really get sunset view but with place looks lovely and dreamy in the evening. The twilights and blinking lights from the surrounding areas as well as Bandar Lampung city and Lampung Bay from afar looks amazing. It looks so romantic! 

View of Puncak Mas Lampung
the lovely sky and the lights

There are many tree houses available there where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of Bandar Lampung city as well as the ocean view. I guess it's the Lampung Bay. the view from the heights is lovely, especially when you come at the right time.


View from Puncak Mas Lampung


We have to queue to ensure the tree house is not exceeding its capacity for the safety of us all. By the time we were there, as it was before the pandemic, the place was packed. Many of the visitors definitely want to climb up the tree houses and take pictures as well as enjoying the view from the top. I found some stairs are a bit steep and slippery for me but I still managed to climb up and go down carefully.

It has restaurants and food vendors as well, like nasi goreng, mie ayam, pempek and some instant noodles as well as beverages, including ice cream.

So all in all, it is a nice spot for family time or selfie for sure.

During the pandemic, I believe they have the arrangement for the implementation of strict health protocol. Body temperature less capacity and adjusted opening hours. It is best to check the latest updates to see the arrangement during COVID-19.

I hope you enjoy the palce as much as I do and see you on the next story!

WW: River Trekking at Royal Pita Maha Ubud, Bali

River Trekking at Royal Pita Maha Ubud, Bali

I probably haven't shared the complete stories of our vacation in Bali as we had explored many parts of this beautiful island. One of the them is when we did  River Trekking at Royal Pita Maha Ubud, Bali.

Wanna see how was our river trekking in Ubud?

Check it out from these photos

let's go river trekking..
the door of the lift taking us downstairs


the river awaits you


the cliff at Ayung River

all the greeneries

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

Traveling to Lampung via Bakauheni and Merak Executive Ports

beautiful view welcoming us when we are traveling from Jakarta to Lampung 

Hi, everyone. 

2021 is here and I sincerely hope I can share more on my blog while I have better time management with the combination of work from home and work at the office. And looking back at 2020, I noticed that we only made trips back and forth to Lampung and Bali during the pandemic. Well, a short trip to Curug Nangka in Bogor was done once as well as Palembang South Sumatera due to the passing of my dearest Aunt. 

Siger Lampung welcoming you at Bakauheni


And speaking about our trips to Lampung - Jakarta vice versa, I would like to share some details from our trips, especially the use of Executive ports in Bakauheni and Merak. Thanks to the current government, we now have better and faster transportation means and infrastructures to commute and explore around the country. And one of them is the highway toll from Bakauheni Port to Bandar Lampung City and even Palembang, the capital of South Sumatera province. Moreover, in addition to the already existing ports in Merak and Bakauheni, some of the busiest sea ports in Indonesia, we also have executive terminals in both ports.

the highway gate


And what  much much better port indeed!

I am super proud to see the progress!

I have been traveling back and forth to Jakarta - Lampung and happy to see how developed the system is. We used to line up for quite a long time and it can be quite messy. Now we have better system and choices for those who are willing to pay a bit more but get better and faster service. 

ferizy.com


Instead of using the traditional way of lining up for tickets, which can be very frustrating and unsurprisingly long, we use online platform www.ferizy.com to buy the ticket. Just like its slogan, We Bridge the Nation, ferizy helps you book and pay tickets the trip through and from Bakauheni, Merak, Gilimanuk, Ketapang, and other ports. For Rp588.000,- (or 591.000,- if you pay through mobile banking) you can use executive ferry services from Bakauheni - Merak or vice versa for cars/SUV and alike. The tickets are also sold for passengers only or those riding bike, motorcycles or other types of vehicles. There are other ways of paying the tickets, including through ATM, bank transfer, e-money, and some designated outlets such as Indomaret and Alfamart.

waiting for our ferry

There are so far 4 ferries that we have tried: Portlink, Sebuku, Batu Mandi dan Jatra III. All these ferries have better facilities, cleaner and more importantly, faster. My family and I love the trip because it is comfy. It also has better and cleaner seats. During the pandemic, wearing mask all the time except while eating and drinking is an obligation and many hand washing stations are provided. Physical distancing is also imposed.

It takes around 1.5 - 2 hours from unloading to arriving at the next port. It used to take at least 3 hours (can be up to 4 hours)  for one trip from Jakarta - Lampung vice versa. Not to mention during big holidays like lebaran or tahun baru or new year!

Besides the ferry, we have malls in both Bakauheni and Merak executive ports. The mall at the executive port has shops, restaurants and food & beverages vendors, clean toilets, and mushola or praying room. It has balcony for you who like to enjoy smoking or simply enjoying the view.

the mall from outside

The mall at the executive port has shops, restaurants and food & beverages vendors, clean toilets, and mushola or praying room. It has balcony for you who like to enjoy sunset or sunrise there.
The port is open 24 hours and I guess, from our own experience, we have less officers during midnight trip but the service is still provided accordingly.

Again as I said, it is very helpful! Hope the service is much much better again in the future.

Have you tried taking this trip as well? 

WW: Taman Nemo, Pahawang and Kelagian Island, Lampung

Taman Nemo, Pahawang and Kelagian Island, Lampung
Welcome to Pahawang and Kelagian Island, Lampung


Hi everyone... Ready to enjoy a lovely weekend with The Frakarsas? Join us then!

Nothing brings me more joy than going out to the sea and enjoy its beautiful underwater world. Well, although I don't always have the luxury of going diving with my club in Lampung, I always try to sneak a snorkelling trip whenever we visit Lampung. 

We took our first trip in 2021 to Lampung on the second week of January.
The trip was quite smooth as it was no longer the holiday season.

Taman Nemo, Pahawang Island, Lampung
Let's go to Taman Nemo, Pahawang Island, Lampung

During the weekend, we were back to the sea we love so much again. As we have tried many snorkelling spots around Lampung Bay, this time I ask my boatman to take us to different corner to see other places and hope for better, healthier corals with more fish, I know that pollution, climate change and crowded environment due to irresponsible tourism activities, have driven the fish away and killed many soft corals around the area. 


Taman Nemo, Pahawang Island, Lampung
It was a beautiful day

I remember hopping on et off in the same place like 5-6 years a go and the fish is so abundant. That is why I hope we can still save this beautiful place on earth and preserve its amazing nature.

Do you see school of yellow fish roamong around the corals?

So long story short, after a 40-minute boat ride, we arrived at Taman Nemo, Pahawang Island, Lampung. It was the 9 of us that day so it was quite a crowd. As usual, we brought our own gear, food, drink and stuff we need. I brought my underwater camera and my hubby brought his drone. We definitely had so much fun with them!

happy to spend some times with them :)

Without further ado, my family and I started our snorkelling session and explored the area. It's good to see some corals and anemones are healthily intact on their natural habitat. But still I expect to see more fish although in reality we saw some but not too many. Nevertheless, I was happy to see big puffer fish, a school of angel fish, muray eel, clownfish et others. My boatman even saw a sea turtle. And the clear blue sky made the trip even more beautiful.  Here are some photos I took during out trip.

Kelagian island from above..

Us and our boat..

it is still preserved 


Taman Nemo, Pahawang Island, Lampung
it's a bit crowded down here..



Taman Nemo, Pahawang Island, Lampung
they look familiar :)


Do you like snorkelling as well? What do you like to see during snorkelling? Where do you usually snorkel?

Join us on (almost) Wonderful Wednesday and