One look at smoking Gunung Bromo—otherwise known as Mount Bromo—and you will understand why the majestic volcano in Tosari, Indonesia, on the island of Java, is named in honor of the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. Mount Bromo is one of the world’s most captivating active volcanoes. Surrounded by a sea of black sand and…
It’s no surprise that a trio of colorful crater lakes at the summit of Kelimutu Volcano in Indonesia are steeped in myth. Locals claim that the Tiwu Ata Mbupu, Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai, and Tiwu Ata Polo serve as the resting place for the spirits of deceased elders, young people, and evil spirits. The…
In recent years, a 15th century Hindu Temple known as Pura Tanah Lot that is dedicated to the sea god Bhatara Segara has become one of Bali’s most popular destinations. At low tide, visitors can wade through the waters of the Indian Ocean to stand at the entrance of a small temple that is said…
If you are a lizard enthusiast searching for the ultimate romantic honeymoon destination, consider booking a trip to lounge in the sun with your sweetheart on a pink beach that doubles as a Komodo dragon habitat. The sands of Pantai Merah—as the pink beach is known—derive their vibrant color from a red microscopic organism known…
Close to the town of Lembang in West Java province, Indonesia, is the Orchid Forest Cikole. It is a wooded area, which is home to the biggest collection of orchids in the country. However, the vibrant colors of white, magenta, purple, pink, and yellow of the pretty blooming plants are not the only reason to…
Tumpak Sewu or Coban Sewu is situated in the east of the Indonesian island of Java. It is an almost impossibly perfect semi-circle of tiered waterfall, cascading into the mass of dense and lush tropical rainforest surrounding it. Translated as “a thousand waterfalls” from Japanese, Tumpak Sewu may not contain quite that number. Still, this…
This abandoned structure is known to the locals as Geraja Ayam – meaning Chicken Church – and each year it attracts hundreds of curious tourists and photographers on the hills of Magelang. According to the person who built it – Daniel Alamsjah, the building is neither a chicken nor a church. He’s saying that he…
