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Indonesian food is absolutely amazing. In fact, after traveling through almost all of the countries in Southeast Asia (save Vietnam), I can safely say it is some of the best cuisine in the region. While the different dishes are similar to many of their regional counterparts, the specific spices and ingredients that are found on the islands give it a delicious kick. This isn't the only thing that makes Indonesian food so special.
Sometimes you just need to get rid of all your earthly possessions, grab a waxed up board and hit the surf. While woody wagons and Beach Boys may be part of your wildest surf fantasies, the truth is, some of the best spots in the world coincide with some great travel. While Bali has become a hectic tourist destination that still offers some great breaks, an easier destination to hit the surf in Indonesia to start surfing is at Gerupuk on the Island.
Growing up in a landlocked state, I didn't have many opportunities to surf. Sure, I loved watching Endless Summer and In God’s Hands with my Dad, but actually putting on my rashie and heading out into the break wasn't something I had immense opportunities to try. Now, having been traveling through countries that offer some of the best surfing in the world, I've realized a few simple truths: All board sports don’t necessarily relate.
One of the beauties of traveling outside of the United States is that, depending where you go, the dollar can still stretch far. While the USD doesn't go very far in Europe, and does absolutely nothing in Australia, it still has power pack a day full of activities in places like Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. Here are three great ways to fill your days with activities on Gili Trawangan in Indonesia, without spending more than $30.
Option 1: Surf, sun and spirituality
To preface this article, I don’t use drugs. Sure, I imbibe in moderate usage of things that are legal in my state, but I’m not one to really push the limits with mind-altering substances. Though I have a liberal stance on the issue, my actual usage is more on the conservative side. With that being said, I've started to see a correlation between backpackers, touristy areas and drug usage. While I don’t think it is a secret that many liberal travelers use drugs, I’m starting to question if backpacking and the drug scene go hand-in-hand.
The small island of Bali is a must-see destination while visiting Indonesia. Though it is the most popular of the islands, and definitely is inundated with tourists, the fact is, it is awesome. Bali offers amazing coastal views, beautiful and lush Asian countryside, as well as a look into Balinese-Hindu culture. While this is all true, one has to question a visit to the storied party-place known as Kuta.
The reactions you get from friends and family when you are going to visit Indonesia are often mixed. Some see the massive island nation as the absolute unknown; they have no idea in hell where you are going. Others know it as the country with the largest Islamic population, and may utter the line “be careful.” While these are typical responses, the most common one people will get is questions about when, not if, they are going to make it to the tiny, yet incredibly popular island of Bali.
The illegal trade of animals as pets is a huge business earning black market breeders and trappers millions of dollars each year. They often trade in endangered and unique species, but some crooks lost out on a payday when 700 endangered pig-nosed turtles were saved in Indonesia.
A meteor exploded in Earth’s atmosphere on February 15 above the remote city of Chelyabinsk, Russia. Videos showing a fireball shooting across the sky followed by an explosion are making their way across news networks and social media sites.
Out for a neighborhood stroll, a yarn covered stop sign made me halt in my tracks and launched me into the secretive and rebellious world of “yarn bombing.” Most yarn projects in my life have sadly been ill-fitting Christmas sweaters from Grandma or potholder craft projects. This was another thing altogether - a startling wonder.
