My Saturday Sunday Wanderland

Hey! It's Intan. This page is mostly about sharing my stories and thoughts. If you like Watercolor Painting you can go see my Insta @intan.sundayfunday. And if you have any inquires please DM me on my Insta @intanwestlake. Cheers!

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Has Social Media Made Society Delusional?

I decided to write this piece; thinking social media platforms may have heighten people’s imagination, imagining something that is not there and (or) true.

Something happened to me a couple of weeks ago which led me to this train of thoughts.

The story began last year.

On a nice Saturday afternoon, sitting under the sun, on a nice beach with friends, sipping on a nice fresh watermelon juice. A phone call came through. It was from a colleague of mine, at least that what was on my phone screen. I did not take the call at first, because, hey, it’s Saturday. Weekends are off limit. But then the phone call continued, I thought, oh it must be urgent work-related call. So, I picked up the phone. Little did I know, the person on the other line was not my colleague, it was his wife.

Before I know it, I was called a bitch, unethical, and unprofessional.

She bruised my ego by touching on topics of my education, my professionalism, and my overall-ethics and moral. I was like, WTF.

Why?

This woman saw my conversation with my colleague via WhatsApp and decided that there MUST be something going on with us. She jumped into a delusional conclusion.

I did not apologize.

I did not do anything wrong. This is a case of over-jealousy.

Fast forward to early March 2020. I started to have the same person terrorizing me via (again) WhatsApp. I did not respond. Report and Blocked is what I did. I got spiteful and disgusting (I mean, DISGUSTING, where she put words like ‘d*ck’, ‘p*ssy’, ‘f*ck’, ‘b*tch’, ‘home-wrecker’ all in one sentence) texts from FOUR different numbers, and a bonus of a voice note. Chery on top, some of the text mentioned that it was from the child.

Did I feel offended? Yes.

And again, I decided not to respond.

Which brings to the title of this piece, “Has social media makes the society delusional?”. 

For the last couple of years, social media platforms have been our main source of information. Ranging from make-up tutorials, news, and celebrity gossips.

Now sadly, celebrity gossips are big in this country and people are loving it. Reporters going big on affair scandals. The third woman is the one they highlight and scrutinized. They (exaggeratedly) expose the affair stories, which may or may not be true. Which created hatred.

People are devouring these stories and they subconsciously expect these things would happen to them in real life.

This is exactly what happened to me.

This woman who terrorized me is so consumed by her jealousy and her heighten imagination about the topic on home-wrecker so bad, that she is actually delusional and (in her mind) made up some moronic imagination.

I do not blame anyone or anything.

Social media platforms are useful tools for me to get fast information (and for my creative outlets). BUT should we believe in everything that we read? No. It is up to individuals on how to process information they read on social media.

Be wise in processing information on social media or you will be sucked into delusional world and began to imagine things (or problems) that is not there on the first place.

Yes, sometimes social media can also be used to gather information, collecting proofs, and make a case. So be wise, be vigilant, and be true.

When this kind of situation fell on my lap. I did not respond to any. Why would I? I kind of know how she came to her delusional imagination. IF they actually do have home problems, which IDGAF, please deal privately. When she threatened to “expose” the delusional “affair” to my management, I couldn’t care less, I reported this inappropriate behavior to my management.

Why did I not respond to this behavior, in spite of some people are telling me to ‘fight back’. No, I refuse to go down to that level.

If this continues in the future. Be sure, there will be a police involvement.

Moral of the story; social media platforms can be useful and helpful, be open minded, be smart on processing information. Spread love and positivity (not false-positivity and definitely not negativity). 

Read, process, and move on.

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Quit with Honour (?)

When someone tells you that it is better to quit your job when you are doing well and quit when you are on top of your game then you “quit with honour”.

That is a load of crap.

*Unless, you have make a lot of money to make yourself something, and (or) you are done working because you are sufficient enough to leave. Then yes, the company would be honoured to have you as their former employee.*

Quit with honour.

Does it make sense? It did to me, at first.

Let me give you an example. You know how a singer drop the mike after a great performance and left the stage with pride. Yeah that good, proud feeling moment. Then the singer left the stage knowing the audience gave a standing-o. But hey, it is the end of the show.

But you’re not a singer. You are an employee in an office. You work everyday to meet ends needs. You’re not a singer who has a timed performance and then get on to another gig. You wake up everyday to do your job, continuously, everyday, 5-days a week - and I am not even going to touch on the hours (of your life) you put into your job. That is your choice on how you manage your work-life time.

You are expendable. Harsh - but it is the fact. There is always another you somewhere out there. Not the same, nonetheless similar. Similar degree of education, similar working experiences, similar but different. Does it make any difference to the company? No. As long as it still operates the way it should be.

So when you are on top of the game - it makes more sense to me to stay in the company, to continue your great performance, make more, be more. It is not logical to leave the company when you are doing well because - what for? The company will finally see you, really see you, see your greatness and they will compensate on the great work that you have done or even promote you up the corporate ladder.

So then, WILL you leave? I don’t think so.

By then, you are compelled to do more, you have find your motivation yet again. If they promote you, you will be feeling proud and take that promotion, and once again you are challenged and motivated to live up the higher position they give you. And once again, the cycle continues.

You LEAVE when you feel that it does not serve you well and (or) no longer makes you happy - not saying that the moment you feel unhappy, you leave. But assess your problems - what demotivates you in the first place, why are you unhappy, how can you turn it around, try to see if there is a glimpse of hope, that you feel, you can be happy and motivated like when you first joined the company.

Remember the feeling when you first joined the company? Yes! That feeling of happiness, motivation, passion, love, the desire to be good, to look good, to achieve, to make positive impacts - for the company and for your resume of achievements.

But, it is UP TO YOU. It is YOUR choice and your choice only, to leave. Fuck it when you try to tell your friends or family about your miserable job and that you want to leave something that makes you unhappy - especially when their answer (mostly) would be; you should have a safety net before you leave your job. NO. I do not believe in that statement.

Let me tell you about 50:50 percent chance.

There is a 50:50 percent chance that if you choose to stay - you will be, either, more miserable or find your happiness once again. If its the latter then kudos. BUT there is a 50:50 percent change that if you choose to LEAVE - you will be, either, happier or miserable. And if its the latter - then NO regrets. Why? You were unhappy but you DO something about it. And it is something. Kudos. Give yourself a pat on the back. Both scenarios.

Regret - is a state of mind. It is a mindset and the good news is: you can change your mindset. Take it as a learning curve for self development and getting out of your comfort zone. Being outside your comfort zone there are opportunities of self exploration, self development, new experiences, new knowledge, the world is your fucking oyster. Embrace change, embrace your bravery - because being successful is nothing without being HAPPY. Your mental health matters.

You only live once. So, what is the point of doing things that make you miserable?

Taking a risk, is the key, to explore what is out there for you, to get out of your comfort zone, because by doing this you actually making a better human out of yourself. You will learn to adapt better, you will learn to survive stronger, hence, making you a surviving super strong human.

So quit your job? Take another job? Take some time off? YOU decide. No one else matter. DO what you feel is right for YOU. Take advice from other people but do not let their advice biased your decision making. THIS is your life, not theirs.

There is NO right or wrong decision. You just have to take it, and survive.

I claimed myself as a corporate “drop out” turned my life upside down and free dived into a social enterprise entity. Am I happy now? Not fully. But I am happy to say that I am HAPPIER than I was before. And it is something.

So I give myself a pat on the back. Good Job, Intan. 

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Facial Skin Care Regime

Being a woman 👩 (and some men), wearing make up and using facial skin care are essential. But it’s a continuous cycle that never ends, you put on make up and you clean them up and put facial skin care on and you put on make up again and the cycle continues.

Sometimes we (or I) want the best for our skin, right. But for me, they don’t have to be expensive. Some of the products that I used are available in the Guardian or Watson or even Indomaret.

I love what they call drugstore make-up and facial and body skin care products. They’re easy to find - time effective ✅, they’re affordable - good for my wallet ✅, and they’re good quality - yeap, you just got to find the correct ones ✅.

These are the products I used for my facial skin care regime - the half part of the cycle, usually in the morning before make-up;

Simple - Cleansing Facial Wipes. Its a brand from the UK, you can find it easily in the Guardian. I like this facial wipes because it removes my make up, even my waterproof mascara.

Simple - Refreshing Facial Wash. 100% soap free gel. Feels funny how it doesn’t get soapy.

BaliBody - Face Tan Water. A gradual self tanning water. I like to use this as a face toner and tanner, it’s a tanner toner 😂

Laneige - Time Freeze Skin Refiner. A thicker face toner with anti-aging ingredients, making my skin soft, supple and radiant.

Clinique ID - Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly with Anti-Wrinkle Serum. Yes. I am old and wrinkly. I use this as my moisturiser, its jelly so its seeps right into my skin and does not feel oily or heavy like normal moisturiser does.

L’oréal - UV Perfect SPF 50. My last ritual before make up. I still use SPF (you can find this easily in Guardians too hoho) even when my BB cream contains SPF 15. Since I have natural freckles, they’re getting more visible the more I spend time under the sun. Can’t complain, I love my freckles.

BaliBody - Coconut Lipbalm. Very hydrating and the scent is just... tropical heaven. What I like the most aside from the hydration effect, that it also contains SPF 15. 

So thats my first half of the facial skin care - make up regime.

The second half is just easy. I’m using drugstore make-up, like all of it now. Indonesian brands mostly... Ranging from Wardah to MakeOver to Purbasari. These products are easy to find - in drugstores or malls, they’re affordable, they don’t cause irritation on my skin.

So I reckon, if these are OK for me, why spend my dimes in Sephora?? 💸💸💸

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Me Love Self Care [Body]

I like to have that bronze-y colour on my skin BUT I originally have a fair skin and I don’t like to use fake tan. AND I am too lazy to put sun screen before tanning oil SO voila! I found this product that I absolutely love, BaliBody watermelon tanning oil with SPF15.

The scent is a bit watermelon-y but not too much. I dislike too much scent on body care products, too much scent means more fragrant additives. The texture is very oily but seeps right to my skin. Most of other tanning oil products are oily when apply, this one is like feels like body lotion, imo.

So then I sat under the morning sun for 1.5 hours. I like the result so far. I used it on my face, which I’m not supposed to, I guess. But I don’t have red spots after which I usually get when I put tanning oil (brand: Banana Boat) on my face. So, is all goody goody! Urgh, I’ve tried soo many tanning oil products, so far this one I like best.

When tanning, don’t forget to use protection on the lips too. This time I use BaliBody Coconut lip balm SPF15. Bruv, I love this lip balm so much, I can’t even… It’s hydrating and smell sooo coconut-y sooo good!

After shower I use the body lotion which I find the texture is quite interesting. Good that it hydrates and make my skin glow.  Contains Vit-E, shea butter, and aloe vera (aloe vera is good for after sun tanning, I think you all know). The one thing I don’t like is the small hole opening which I have to squeeeeze hard. BUT the scent is subtle (smells like shea butter) it does not overpower perfumes. LIKE!

Product used:

BaliBody Watermelon Tanning oil SPF15

BaliBody Coconut Lip Balm SPF15

BaliBody Luxe Moisturising Lotion

FYI BoliBody doesn’t ship to Indonesia due to regulation and stuff, but you can find them in Atilla & Co in Seminyak and Canggu. Thanks a bunch to Atilla & Co for bringing these to me from Australia.

PS: They’re vegan friendly products, if you care about these things, and they don’t test on animals.

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A Chilled Sunday at the Riverside

After an exhausting day in Ubud on Saturday, we decided to have a more relaxed Sunday in hanging out at the riverside of Blangsinga waterfall.

I discoverd The Mooi River Valley though their Instagram account @themooibali. Go check them out to see more of their pictures!

The Mooi River Valley is just next to the famous DTukad (hehe..) but I feel like the DTukad is crowded with lots of noise (they have a DJ booth). But if you are into river club with music on then you would probably like DTukad more. That’s DTukad on my left, in below picture.

But I was looking for a place to chill with less people and less noise. So, we decide on The Mooi Bali instead. Chilled underneath all those coconut trees and other trees, it is so lush. You know, looking at greenery is good for the eyes, and the soul I believe.

As for the food, I would say it was OK. But it was fine with me because I liked the ambiance of the place.

The three-tiered swimming pool is just overlooking the river valley is just perfect for a relaxed pool dipping.

Try the swing, or swings, as The Mooi Bali has two swings, if you want to feel a little bit of adrenaline flowing. It was exhilarating experience for me. Well, I was thinking, if I’m here, might as well do the swings. Which I’m glad I did it, a bit too overpriced though, 200K rupiah a pop.

The Mooi Bali is relatively a new place, no cover charge, no minimum charges, I hope it stays that way in the future. 

The thing in Bali that I noticed, they wouldn’t charge minimum spend when the place is new. But once the place become somewhat famous, they begin to have a minimum spend.

With Love,

Saturday Sunday Wanderland

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A Princess-like Treatment in Alila Uluwatu

Once in a while a queen needs to be treated like a princess, right? 😂 

That is the exact experience I had when I spent a beautiful Sunday in Alila Uluwatu. One of luxurious 5-stars hotel in Bali, located in Uluwatu, sitting above lime stone cliffs, overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Arrived just in time for lunch, a queen doesn’t eat like a princess 😂 She eats like a warrior ready for war. 

Anyway, so I had two appetisers, one main course, and a dessert. And, oh, I forgot about the complimentary bread and bread sticks. YUM! 

The lovely staff guided me into the main restaurant called Cire, which is located in the west wing.

The complimentary bread and bread sticks are amazing. One thing though, I don’t really feel the butter. I think the butter could be better.

Into the first appetiser, which I think is called Avocado with Prawn Salad. Those king prawns are perfectly seasoned and the avocado is fresh, but, it was not my favourite salad.

But the second appetiser though, I love it! Its Yellow Fin Tuna and arugula leaves with avocado dressing. It is a definite winner for me.

And then came the main course. The red snapper was fresh and that white foamy thing is actually coconut milk, the fusion of the red snapper, asparagus, and those things underneath the fish (don’t know what that was), is a perfect fusion of the east and the west. 

Ooh, I ordered a coffee latte (double shots) too as I was (already) feeling sleepy from too much eating 😂 

After two appetisers and a main course, I was feeling a little bit sleepy (obviously). So, I asked the staff to take my dessert into my cabana, yes I have my own cabana. Fancy. I chose the one near the pool.

They served me a pretty dessert, so fancy, it looks like a mushroom with dirt. It’s called The Last Mushroom. The head of the mushroom tasted like macaroons and the body of it is ice cream and the dirt is some crumbles (ENAK BANGET) I am not good in describing it so, here is the picture.

Looks amazing, right! They said it is  artfully tailored by the executive chef himself. Did I say I was full? I was SO full. But I ate the whole lot of this “artfully-tailored” The Last Mushroom dessert. 😋 

Every corner of this hotel is photogenic, I mean, EVERY corner. That’s me just walking casually to MY cabana.

Do you believe me now? Just pick any spot in this hotel, and voilà, perfect picture.

It was 4 pm, I thought, hey let’s try that gorgeous infinity pool, sipping my “Passionate Drink”. And it was so NICE. The water is on the perfect temperature. It was a hot sunny day, my first dip wasn’t cold and I don’t know what else to describe it than BEAUTIFUL.

I think I had enough of water and sun tanning, don’t wanna get too tanned 😀 It was time to see their main cabana and on to the next activity, sunset gazing with a couple of drinks 🍸 

On the way (with style haha) to the main cabana, which recently they revamped the main cabana into a sunset lounge. 

Aaaand....it is such a beauty.

I am in love in how this place is beautifully designed. This view was taken from the cabana lounge at 6pm.

I did say that this place is on a lime stone cliffs, right. We can actually go down to the beach, its just 600 steps. No biggie 😀 

This cabana lounge is the perfect place for sunset gazing. I mean, the colour of the sky....is amazing.

Had a two of drinks, Lychee Basil Martini and Kunyit Asam Rum, before heading back to Seminyak. No, I didn’t drive back. I had a friend/photographer who drove me back to my place. No drink and drive, people.

Found this beautiful place to take a final sunset picture. It was actually closed for public, but I was being naughty hehe.

Overall, I had a very nice, unforgettable time in Alila Uluwatu. Being treated like a princess once in a while is exhilarating. All the staffs are very nice and tended to me all the time. 

One thing that really made me in love with this place is the sustainability value this hotel holds. Its one of the foremost sustainable 5-starts luxury hotel in Bali. They have their own waste facility, OMG!

Until next time Alila, one of my favourite place in Uluwatu! You have my FULL recommendation 💕 

With Love,

Saturday Sunday Wanderland

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My Morning Routine

One of the perks of living 2 kilometres away from the beach is....the morning (or late afternoon, for sunset) walks! The beach is practically my backyard 😂

My target is to walk 4 kilometres (back and forth) 4-5 times a week, which I am proudly claimed, I exceed my own target.

The Seminyak beach is lovely in the morning. Less, almost empty with people. Not too hot as the sun is still at that perfect angle for vitamin D and not burning my skin and also creates perfect golden-hour-pictures 😂 

Not so far from the Seminyak beach, there is a lovely small coffee shop called The Farmer Brews. This small coffee shop has a nice view of a small paddy field on the side. So, nice morning coffee with paddy gazing 😂 

Located in Jl. Drupadi, just the opposite of Harris Hotel, this place is convenient for me to grab breakfast and coffee on my way (or back) to the Seminyak Beach. Depending on how hungry I am 😆 

My thoughts on the coffee: it is a single origin, micro roast, medium roast, 100% arabica Kintamani beans. Just the way I like my morning coffee. Most of the time I have a cappuccino or a piccolo latte. I like milk based coffee, to be honest, rather than espressos.

Breakfast: I still can’t get over 🥑 on toast.. The 🥑 always fresh and perfect ripe here. Always keep me from repeating the same order 😂Ps: I cheated on ordering some bacons.

Oh, the people here are the nicest. Once I spilled my coffee and they made me another one for free! ❤️ Definitely my breakfast/coffee wanderland 🎈

This lovely, small coffee shop has my FULL recommendation 💕 

With Love

Saturday Sunday Wanderland

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Little Vietnam in Bali

I love noodle soup, who doesn’t? I guess a lot. But Im one of those people who like hot, spicy, noodle soup.

A good friend of mine recommended this place caled Namnam Noodle Bar, located in Kerobokan, Bali.

To be honest, I underestimate the food. BUT, I was fortunately mistaken! 

This one pho noodle I would definitely come back for more 😊 

With Love,

Saturday Sunday Wanderland

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The Virtue of Silence

The time before I moved to Bali, unemployed and bored, I decided to spend 10 days of vacation to Bali. Four of which I spent with my friends of non-stop partying 😂 and five I spent on a retreat called the Bali Silent Retreat and one day I spent to visit my family who happened to be in Bali at the same time.

The Bali Silent Retreat Facility - Total Silence

This place is more than meditation and yoga retreat. Located in Tabanan, overseeing the Mount Batu Karu, simple but amazing place to be, to find your self (and way) in profound peace and silence. 

There is only one rule in this place: silence, speaking is not allowed. Which I think, not a problem for me at all. As I am always the Listener than a Speaker.

In this place I learn a lot about mindfulness. Of being present in the now. The past is the past, we can’t change the past. The future is the future nothing to worry about, what’s going to happen, will happen.

The Meditation and Yoga Place

I learned a lot about myself during this 5 days in The Bali Silent Retreat. For one, meditation is not for me. They have a schedule of morning and evening meditation and yoga. But I often skip the meditation part.

I really like the yoga practice as it is only Yoga Asana. This retreat is to release stress and not to put pressure on the body. So, yoga asana is perfect foe me.

BUT, I came across “walking meditation” and I love it. It is quite simple actually, set your mind into one thing, then I just walked into a labyrinth, after one round I change my foot for the first step. It’s to practice and activate he left/right brain. The Walking Meditation takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on how slow we walk.

Here, I practiced the art of doing nothing. Back to the primal needs of being a human; eat, sleep, and repeat.

The Excursion to a Hot Spring

Every morning, 10 AM, after meditation and yoga class, had breakfast and it was time to visit natural hot spring by the river nearby. It’s called The Espa Hot Spring. Here, we can actually talk. And... most importantly, they serve coffee (no coffee in the facility, they have alternate herbs with caffeine). But I can’t live without coffee.

That little spot beside the river is my favorite spot. The water is really warm and full with good minerals. My skin felt soooo soft after the trip to the hot spring. And the water in the river is beautiful, its cold and so refreshing.

So, what I LOVE about this place?

THE FOOD - OMG! so sooo good! Its 100% vegetarian and 90% vegan. Didn’t know vegeration food can be this good! 😂 

The silence! You are NOT allowed to speak, well it is a silent retreat 

The trip to the hot spring - the best 

Doing whatever I want in any time I want. Remember, primal needs: Eats, Sleep, Repeat 😂 

Making same-minded friends

The view of the paddy fields, the mountain, everything is pretty

What can I say about this place except, I LOVE this place. I spent 5 days here and immediately I felt my energy restored.

I would say, I highly recommend this place.

With Love,

Saturday Sunday Wanderland

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Taking a Break[Fast] in Neon Palms Bali

After that exhausting beach clean up that I did in Petitenget Beach, I was starving like I could eat a horse 😂 

Enter Neon Palms Bali, located just 300 meters from the entrance of Petitenget Beach in Jl. Kayu Aya. I was drawn to it because of the burst of colors this place has.

I was happy when I managed to fill my stomach with lots of food 😂 And my current obsession for breakfast is still avocado on toast with lots of butter. I know, I know, not good for diet.

I would love to visit this place again, the first floor has a clothing shops with reaally, reaaallly nice dresses 😂

Im a sucker for dresses.

With Love,

Saturday Sunday Wanderland

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The Purification Ritual in Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul Temple is located in Tampak Siring… about 2 hours drive from where I live in Seminyak. It is a sacred temple for ritual purification. Locals, local tourists and International tourists believed that the holy water will cleanse their souls and ward off evil.

There are 3 holy water pools with four purification rituals (I think). Well, I did 4 of them with the help of the Mangku. It is advised to call them at least 2 days before the ritual (2-7 days before) so they can prepare Pejati (big offerings) for the Gods. But you can also go there without notice and you can buy Canangs (small offerings).

First ritual is to pray to your God, whichever way you want to pray. I choose the Balinese style. For me, there is only one God.

Then there are 3 holy water pools with four purification rituals (I think, I kinda forgot). Well, I did 4 of them with the help of the Mangku.

The first pool is the biggest pool. It supposed to cleanse the soul from negativity - negative thoughts and in with positivity. Watch out for two water fountains though, they are meant to cleanse dead bodies 👻 

The second pool is to cleanse you from bad karma

And still on the second pool, you seeking forgiveness for all bad thought which was said and (or) done, subconsciously or not

And the third pool, the second biggest pool is to opening up the seven chakras (aura) and the eighth water fountain is a wishing fountain

It is said to be the best time to go there is the day of the full moon and (or) on the day of ones birth date. I was there on the week of my birthday. Still counts, right? 😂 

With Love,

Saturday Sunday Wanderland

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A Humble Trip to Desa Pupuan, Pujungan

Located in Tabanan district, Bali, just next to Mount Batu Karu, there is this village called Pupuan. I have been here quite often now as I am now working in a coffee company promoting sustainable coffee. This place is one of the coffee farms what we support.

I love everything about it here. The fresh air, the smiley people, people who seem like they don’t care about the problem in the city. They feel content of their life and living their life the way it is.

Most of the local people here are coffee farmers, they picked the red cherries coffee and leave them to dry in the sun, surrounded by these lush greeneries.

This basket of freshly picked red cherries coffees is up to 15kg. Both women and men do the harvest in the harvesting months, which usually in July until September.

I was there to do a photoshoot and glad that got to know them personally. Their attitude keep me grounded.

This is Pak Wayan Mulia, he owns an old motorbike to take me anywhere I need to be. I put my life on his hands on this old motorbike, but he reassured me that he is used to take 60kgs of red cherries. Ok, Im good. Im not that heavy. Haha.

There is a beautiful Shiva Temple about 2km up the hill. And next to it is the gate or opening to a trekking way to Mount Batu Karu. The trekking from Mount Batu Karu - which ends in somewhere in Munduk takes about 6 hours, I’d like to try that next time.

Fruits here looks like they’re on steroids! I guess the soil in this are is very fertilised.

I took a picture with these strong women, namely, nenek, mbok Wayan, and mbok Komang 😂 Can see how the bone structures of Balinese women and a Central Javanese woman is different, huh 😆 

With Love,

Saturday Sunday Wanderland

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A Short Weekend Getaway to Ciwidey, West Java

I’ve always wanted to go to The White Crater or Kawah Putih in Ciwidey. But I never had the time. And since I just quit my job (last June 2018) I made an impulsive decision to have a weekend getaway to Ciwidey, West Java.

Drove for about 4.5 hours from Jakarta, at 4 AM in the morning, and realised I should go earlier. The best time to visit Kawah Putih is early in the morning where it’s still misty and eery. 

It was still nice to see though. Everything is white-ish and the water looks turquoise and the sulphur smell wasn’t really bother me.

And I decided to spend the night in Ciwidey area. In a tent to be exact. Because, Why not?

It is normal in Ciwidey, as it is a mountainous area, at noon the temperature reaches 32 degree Celsius, and....drops to 11 at night. So my tips, bring both warm clothings and t-shirts.

Next morning, I decided to go to Rancabali, still in Ciwidey area but higher altitude. Everywhere I see is tea plantations. 

I think this can be a family little vacation, child proof 😂 or child safe, if you have kids and wanted to bring them “jalan-jalan”

One more thing, I am not really a fan of Sundanese foods, so food-wise, for me, not great. But hey, that is just my preference 😊 

With Love,

Saturday Sunday Wanderland

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A Day Trip to Nusa Penida

Hmm… I don’t think it is worth it just to spend one day in Nusa Penida, which unfortunately, thats what I did! 

One day trip include (photo ops only) Meeeh… Went to Broken Bay, Angel’s Bilabong, Kelingking Beach (nah, we didn’t go down to the actual beach as the guide said there was no time!) and Crystal Bay (which we didn’t swim because it was so HOT. Like, horrifyingly HOT.

I think we (and you who read this) need to spend a couple of days in Nusa Penida to explore what’s this beautiful island can offer. Well, I hope they repair the roads though, pretty messed up there.

BUT, it is a beautiful place to see and been. Hope will explore more of the Nusas Island in the near future!

With Love,

Saturday Sunday Wanderland

[mysaturdaysunday-blog]

Experiencing the K-Pop Culture

South Korea was NICE! Especially in the spring time where beot-kkot (Korean sakura) blooms. I was feeling lucky because I didn’t know it was the season for this flower to bloom and they only bloom for 14 days max!

Was a short trip to South Korea but it was a nice experience.

My First day was go straight to Mount Seorak. Mount Seorak was cool and breezy. Seoraksan is the third highest mountain in South Korea, it is said that the best time to go there is in autumn. Too bad I was there in spring.

Yep, for a tropical creature like me, I have to wear three layers, heat-tech t-shirt, a dress, and a jacket 😂 Oh, that legging is also heat-tech.

I think this is the oldest temple in Mount Seorak, which I forgot the name of the temple. Short memory problem, is my long term problem.

Then, I went to Nami Island. Nami island was nice to see. It was the place where the movie “Winter Sonata” was filmed. Heard its a famous movie, but I never watch it myself, so Im not sure this island is special for me.

I swear the photographer asked me to do that pose! 😂 

And Seoul is a GREAT place to shop! Other than that, it is just a regular metropolitan city.

FOODS are amaaazeballs in South Korea! I really love the chicken ginseng soup. It is hearty, healthy, and delicious!

With Love,

Saturday Sunday Wanderland

[mysaturdaysunday-blog]

A trip to the East Nusa Tenggara

As my second time traveling to Labuan Bajo, NTT, things are a bit different than the first time. They are starting to built infrastructure to attract more local and international tourists. I loved my first time I was here. The second time.. Umm.. not so much. 

Here is a picture of me overlooking the Labuan Bajo port.

1. Gua Batu Cermin

Didn’t go here the first time but this Gua Batu Cermin its a natural cave. It is recommended to visit at 12 noon when the sun is at the highest point and sunlight enters through the cave and create a mirror-like rays.

2. Kanawa Island

A chilled small island, white sanded beach, clear water, perfect for chilling and sunset gazing.

3. Komodo National Park

Wanna see some dragons? Yes, its the right place. The natural habitat for one of the seven wonders of the world, Komodo Dragon, a fierce yet majestic animal. It is actually a good thing now the park is closed temporarily for tourists (in 2019), these dragons are tired of humans. Who doesn’t?

4. Pulau Kelor

Perfect for snorkeling! Shallow water with many variety of colourful fishes. White sanded beach and very still and crystal clear water. 

5. Pulau Padar

Trekking to Pulau Padar is a must! its an easy trekking but dont forget to wear outdoor sport shoes and a hat. Keyword: outdoor sports. Steep pathway but the view is amazing!

BUT, now they finished building a stairs to go to the top of the hill (in 2018 I think). In my opinion, that is a mistake. 

Nusa Tenggara Timur is a must place to see in Indonesia. Its a place where you can go chill on the beach, white and pink beaches are exist here, snorkelling, diving, trekking, sailing, etc! 

With love,

Saturday Sunday Wanderland

[mysaturdaysunday-blog]

Little Brother Bday Weekend

Last April was my brother birthday and the family decided to spent the weekend in Pelabuhan Ratu. Its almost like an annual trip for us. We love the place (The Ocean Queen Resort). Here are some photos!

Everyday was: laying by the pool, reading books, sipping watermelon juice, and tanning. It was heaven!

Woke up at 5 AM everyday every morning there. Went for a run on the beach with breathtaking view. It is a good life.

The sunset was amazing! It is surreal how the colours formed in the sky like that.

Here is the family picture!

I love my beautiful family ;)

With Love.

Saturday Sunday Wanderland