Saturday, May 31, 2014

The Beaches of Lombok, Indonesia

The Beaches of LombokIndonesia


Team Rinjani in Lombok Airport in Indonesia


My itinerary for Lombok was basically to climb Mt Rinjani, and heard a few too about the Gili islands from some backpackers I met back in Thailand, but never did I really hear much exactly about the beaches around (mainland) lombok.

After our descend from Mt Rinjani, Lombok the plan was to head to the Gili islands, Lombok but there wasn't enough time to do it. Plus the port is a little far off from the airport, so they'll have to risk missing their flight if we go ahead.

Then again, we asked around for what could be a good beach to spend the night and morning and that which is close to the airport. We passed by Senggigi on our way to the mountain foot, and it doesn't seem as enticing for a night. Instead, We were pointed to Kuta Beach.

Kuta beach (Lombok) seems to be the default destination in the area as this is where all guesthouses piled up. The sand is brown, but it tends to go lighter along with the bluer waters as it approaches noontime. 


Kuta Beach in LombokIndonesia


Kuta Beach in LombokIndonesia


From what i read in the internet about Lombok, Mawun beach seems to be the most published beach for swimmers and snorkellers. Probably because it is a (slightly) enclosed cove so there isn't any current. The long beach has sand that's fine and close to white. There is one huge tree next to the beach where people seem to gather around (for the shade) thus even if the beach is long, people tend to swim in the closest water.


Mawun beach in LombokIndonesia


Mawun beach in LombokIndonesia


Mawun beach in LombokIndonesia


sand in Mawun beach in LombokIndonesia

Further from Mawun, from the highway, there is a detour (left) for another beach called Mawi. And, While there are some who go here to swim, this beach is more for intermediate to pro surfers. It's also long a rough and dirt road from the highway to get to the beach.


Mawi Beach in LombokIndonesia


wave in Mawi beach LombokIndonesia


Limbonis in Mawi beach, LombokIndonesia

Meantime, there are no restaurants in the beach, and only some stores that sell drinks and chips. No accomodation option around. 

Heading straight further from the main highway is Selong Blanak. This is the beach for surfing beginners, though it seems it is not as the ride seems to be short. Nevertheless, Selong Blanak, i think, has the finest sand from all the beaches I've been to In Lombok.


Selong Blanak beach in LombokIndonesia


Selong Blanak beach in LombokIndonesia


sand in Selong Blanak beach in LombokIndonesia


sand in Selong Blanak Beach in LombokIndonesia


There are accomodation options around and some local restaurants to get lunch/dinner. Nasi goreng is sold at 20,000IDR.

There are 2 more beaches further which I've attempted to go to on another day, but the roads to these beaches are incredibly rough and slippery. From the junction in the main highway, it's probably about 5 kilometers rough road going in (and as you approach the beach, the more that the road becomes slippery). I did not make it to this beaches as it was almost 5pm when i got to 500meters close to the beach. I had to consider the time i'll need to get out of the highway, as it doesn't seem safe to be still around the road, and this rough, at dark).


Serangan beach in LombokIndonesia


Road to Torok beach in LombokIndonesia


Seger Beach on the other hand has brown (round grain) sand, with blue waters, yet the water seemed to be a little stirred up (not so clear). There are huts where you can take shade for free. Just like Mawun, there are no restaurants except for some stores for snacks. 


Seger Beach in LombokIndonesia


Seger beach in LombokIndonesia



View from Hill in Seger Beach in LombokIndonesia


sand (or pebbles for that matter) in Seger beach in LombokIndonesia



Tanjung A'an is probably the best one i've seen and i'd say it is best for people who just want to hang out on the beach; The scene is just perfect, and it's that type of beach that i'd just rather stare at the whole day, while sitting in a comfortable bench, and having some drinks on a side table ( or coconut). There are stores on the beach, and further to the right, facing to the beach, there's one restaurant that sells nasi goreng for 25,000IDR (and some other gourmet fish for 50,000). Instead of paying 5,000IDR for parking, you may want to ask for the directions to the restaurant, and park your bike there. Then, just order Teh Panas (Hot Tea) for 5,000. 


Tanjuang Aan beach in LombokIndonesia


Tanjung Aan beach in LombokIndonesia


Tanjung Aan beach in LombokIndonesia


Tanjung Aan beach in LombokIndonesia


Meantime, be wary of your time in the beach. There are a number of stories of tourists being stopped by some locals with machete and being robbed in this beach. The beach is far from the villages, and it's a rough road (and no people) on the way.

There are no admission charges on the beaches, except for parking fees at 50,000IDR per motorbike (10,000IDR for Mawi). Kuta is a long public beach so you can park anywhere.


parking notice in Mawun beach in LombokIndonesia


Motorbike rental is generally 50,000 per day, though you can haggle (as I did) for 40,000 (and also even lower depending on the number of days you will be taking it).

Fuel is cheap at 7,000 per liter, and a little bit more, 8000, as you go on the outskirts.


This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee here for detailed expenses and more info










The Beaches of LombokIndonesia


Team Rinjani in Lombok Airport in Indonesia


My itinerary for Lombok was basically to climb Mt Rinjani, and heard a few too about the Gili islands from some backpackers I met back in Thailand, but never did I really hear much exactly about the beaches around (mainland) lombok.

After our descend from Mt Rinjani, Lombok the plan was to head to the Gili islands, Lombok but there wasn't enough time to do it. Plus the port is a little far off from the airport, so they'll have to risk missing their flight if we go ahead.

Then again, we asked around for what could be a good beach to spend the night and morning and that which is close to the airport. We passed by Senggigi on our way to the mountain foot, and it doesn't seem as enticing for a night. Instead, We were pointed to Kuta Beach.

Kuta beach (Lombok) seems to be the default destination in the area as this is where all guesthouses piled up. The sand is brown, but it tends to go lighter along with the bluer waters as it approaches noontime. 


Kuta Beach in LombokIndonesia


Kuta Beach in LombokIndonesia


From what i read in the internet about Lombok, Mawun beach seems to be the most published beach for swimmers and snorkellers. Probably because it is a (slightly) enclosed cove so there isn't any current. The long beach has sand that's fine and close to white. There is one huge tree next to the beach where people seem to gather around (for the shade) thus even if the beach is long, people tend to swim in the closest water.


Mawun beach in LombokIndonesia


Mawun beach in LombokIndonesia


Mawun beach in LombokIndonesia


sand in Mawun beach in LombokIndonesia

Further from Mawun, from the highway, there is a detour (left) for another beach called Mawi. And, While there are some who go here to swim, this beach is more for intermediate to pro surfers. It's also long a rough and dirt road from the highway to get to the beach.


Mawi Beach in LombokIndonesia


wave in Mawi beach LombokIndonesia


Limbonis in Mawi beach, LombokIndonesia

Meantime, there are no restaurants in the beach, and only some stores that sell drinks and chips. No accomodation option around. 

Heading straight further from the main highway is Selong Blanak. This is the beach for surfing beginners, though it seems it is not as the ride seems to be short. Nevertheless, Selong Blanak, i think, has the finest sand from all the beaches I've been to In Lombok.


Selong Blanak beach in LombokIndonesia


Selong Blanak beach in LombokIndonesia


sand in Selong Blanak beach in LombokIndonesia


sand in Selong Blanak Beach in LombokIndonesia


There are accomodation options around and some local restaurants to get lunch/dinner. Nasi goreng is sold at 20,000IDR.

There are 2 more beaches further which I've attempted to go to on another day, but the roads to these beaches are incredibly rough and slippery. From the junction in the main highway, it's probably about 5 kilometers rough road going in (and as you approach the beach, the more that the road becomes slippery). I did not make it to this beaches as it was almost 5pm when i got to 500meters close to the beach. I had to consider the time i'll need to get out of the highway, as it doesn't seem safe to be still around the road, and this rough, at dark).


Serangan beach in LombokIndonesia


Road to Torok beach in LombokIndonesia


Seger Beach on the other hand has brown (round grain) sand, with blue waters, yet the water seemed to be a little stirred up (not so clear). There are huts where you can take shade for free. Just like Mawun, there are no restaurants except for some stores for snacks. 


Seger Beach in LombokIndonesia


Seger beach in LombokIndonesia



View from Hill in Seger Beach in LombokIndonesia


sand (or pebbles for that matter) in Seger beach in LombokIndonesia



Tanjung A'an is probably the best one i've seen and i'd say it is best for people who just want to hang out on the beach; The scene is just perfect, and it's that type of beach that i'd just rather stare at the whole day, while sitting in a comfortable bench, and having some drinks on a side table ( or coconut). There are stores on the beach, and further to the right, facing to the beach, there's one restaurant that sells nasi goreng for 25,000IDR (and some other gourmet fish for 50,000). Instead of paying 5,000IDR for parking, you may want to ask for the directions to the restaurant, and park your bike there. Then, just order Teh Panas (Hot Tea) for 5,000. 


Tanjuang Aan beach in LombokIndonesia


Tanjung Aan beach in LombokIndonesia


Tanjung Aan beach in LombokIndonesia


Tanjung Aan beach in LombokIndonesia


Meantime, be wary of your time in the beach. There are a number of stories of tourists being stopped by some locals with machete and being robbed in this beach. The beach is far from the villages, and it's a rough road (and no people) on the way.

There are no admission charges on the beaches, except for parking fees at 50,000IDR per motorbike (10,000IDR for Mawi). Kuta is a long public beach so you can park anywhere.


parking notice in Mawun beach in LombokIndonesia


Motorbike rental is generally 50,000 per day, though you can haggle (as I did) for 40,000 (and also even lower depending on the number of days you will be taking it).

Fuel is cheap at 7,000 per liter, and a little bit more, 8000, as you go on the outskirts.


This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee here for detailed expenses and more info










Read More »

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Day 29 (May 23, 2014) of the #limbonisASIA trip: An encounter with the Notorious Indonesian Hustler's

We've just completed the descend from the Mt RinjaniSince it's not so often that they get to have long leaves from work, and consequently trips to outside the country, they decided to spend the night in any convenient beach in Lombok.

The preference was for Gili islands but due to the ferry times, and the distance of the pier from the airport, it doesn't seem to be a feasible option.

We then asked around for Kuta beach, and it seems it is that closest to the airport. I have planned on getting to this beach too anyway.

The local staff from the Agency were telling us that after they drop us in Mataram, we will have to hire a private car to drop us to Kuta beach. They said the normal rate is 150,000-200,000 but since it is late, it may be somewhere around 250-300,000.

The driver of the car who'll drop us to Mataram said he has a friend in Mataram who can service us. He gave him a call, and was asking for 350,000.

When we reached Senggigi to get our climb completion certificate, we asked that we eat first as we are starving and the winding roads from Senaru to Senggigi, and an emty stomach made me puke already.

We took the chance to ask around too for asking prices for being dropped from Mataram to Kuta beach and from there they were asking for 600. We then thought 350K was a good price.

So after dinner, it was about 10 o'clock, we moved to Mataram. The guy was already waiting for us, and from his words, he seemed really hospitable. He asked if we have booked any room already, which is negative, and he volunteered to help us find one.

Everybody's tired and fallen asleep.

Then, we were awakened when we stopped by a guesthouse. We had to get to about 4 guesthouses before finding one.

We ended up with Chili Homestay which, this guy said and the owner confirmed, is his friend.

We lifted our bags and gave him 350. One of our folks handed me the 350 (which we'll divide equally later) and I checked and confirmed he handed 350 indeed. 3 bills of the same color and another different.

We asked for some coffee, and proceeded with calculating and dividing our costs.

After about 20 mins, same car guy went back and claiming we gave him the wrong amount. He said one of the 100s (thousands) is 10,000 and the 50 thousand is 5000.





I knew we gave the right amount so told him to wait while waiting for that folk who gave out the money (as he is in the toilet at the moment).

While waiting for him to come out, I tried to recall, and asked the rest of the folks if anyone checked the money.

Adrian, our friend who gave out the money, came out and I told him about what this guy was claiming. To verify things, we checked how much he'd shed so far from the 100USD we exchanged at our arrival. It seems it is correct.

We told the guy about our conclusion, and he was insisting it was wrong. He even had the guts to claim that apart from the 350K, he mentioned about an extra 50,000 for the driver.

It was very late, almost midnight, we're very tired, and did not want to stress ourselves further for an extra $12. We just gave the money away. We took the 15,000 and gave him another 150000.

And this guy's really funny, he still asked if we're forgetting about the 50,000 extra which I refuse to give out further.





This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee here for detailed expenses and more info
We've just completed the descend from the Mt RinjaniSince it's not so often that they get to have long leaves from work, and consequently trips to outside the country, they decided to spend the night in any convenient beach in Lombok.

The preference was for Gili islands but due to the ferry times, and the distance of the pier from the airport, it doesn't seem to be a feasible option.

We then asked around for Kuta beach, and it seems it is that closest to the airport. I have planned on getting to this beach too anyway.

The local staff from the Agency were telling us that after they drop us in Mataram, we will have to hire a private car to drop us to Kuta beach. They said the normal rate is 150,000-200,000 but since it is late, it may be somewhere around 250-300,000.

The driver of the car who'll drop us to Mataram said he has a friend in Mataram who can service us. He gave him a call, and was asking for 350,000.

When we reached Senggigi to get our climb completion certificate, we asked that we eat first as we are starving and the winding roads from Senaru to Senggigi, and an emty stomach made me puke already.

We took the chance to ask around too for asking prices for being dropped from Mataram to Kuta beach and from there they were asking for 600. We then thought 350K was a good price.

So after dinner, it was about 10 o'clock, we moved to Mataram. The guy was already waiting for us, and from his words, he seemed really hospitable. He asked if we have booked any room already, which is negative, and he volunteered to help us find one.

Everybody's tired and fallen asleep.

Then, we were awakened when we stopped by a guesthouse. We had to get to about 4 guesthouses before finding one.

We ended up with Chili Homestay which, this guy said and the owner confirmed, is his friend.

We lifted our bags and gave him 350. One of our folks handed me the 350 (which we'll divide equally later) and I checked and confirmed he handed 350 indeed. 3 bills of the same color and another different.

We asked for some coffee, and proceeded with calculating and dividing our costs.

After about 20 mins, same car guy went back and claiming we gave him the wrong amount. He said one of the 100s (thousands) is 10,000 and the 50 thousand is 5000.





I knew we gave the right amount so told him to wait while waiting for that folk who gave out the money (as he is in the toilet at the moment).

While waiting for him to come out, I tried to recall, and asked the rest of the folks if anyone checked the money.

Adrian, our friend who gave out the money, came out and I told him about what this guy was claiming. To verify things, we checked how much he'd shed so far from the 100USD we exchanged at our arrival. It seems it is correct.

We told the guy about our conclusion, and he was insisting it was wrong. He even had the guts to claim that apart from the 350K, he mentioned about an extra 50,000 for the driver.

It was very late, almost midnight, we're very tired, and did not want to stress ourselves further for an extra $12. We just gave the money away. We took the 15,000 and gave him another 150000.

And this guy's really funny, he still asked if we're forgetting about the 50,000 extra which I refuse to give out further.





This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee here for detailed expenses and more info
Read More »

Keeping budget within during Backpacking

Just how I always open every piece of what I write in this personal site, I always say, I'm that traveller who's just so spontaneous without prior reading, etc.

Well, for this long term backpacking trip, i've made a few reading about backpacking Southeast Asia. Not enough to be close to the reality though (I realized).

Some of those I've read suggests an average of $10-$15 as a minimum budget per day which seemed very encouraging. There also, I have a friend who has done Southeast asia backpacking for the same budget (around $12) per day, so I was confident I can do it as advised.

My first stop was thailand, which I have accepted as that which will take the bigger portion of my costs pie. This is why I have tried to limit my stay in thailand as less as necessarily interesting.

Malaysia's the same (and in fact, I'm expecting it to be more expensive than thailand, though I don't really have much in my list for Malaysia, so that's fine).

Indonesia came next; Of all the countries I will be visiting, Indonesia is that which I am most interested with as I think it mirrors a lot of my country; Not only the beaches, and mountains, and reefs, but also when it comes to culture, social issues, etc.

It would have been easiest and most convenient for me to put Indonesia in the last of my list (since it's quite close to my country), but I did not want to end up not being able to visit Indonesia because I've overspent somewhere and I have no more remaining funds for this country. 

This is why I put it ahead.

Based from what i heard before from other friends who's gone Indonesia, and also from a colleague back in the Philippines who's an Indonesian, I am not expecting to spend even the average ($12/day) in this country. In fact, I decided to make my trip to this country for 2 months, to help even out what I may have been spending in thailand and Malaysia.

Lombok was my first stop, and while I was expecting our planned Mt Rinjani climb to cost a lot, I did not expect the rest of the other things like food, accomodation, etc to be costing close to the average. 

Apparently, I am wrong. 

So far, I never availed services of laundry. It has been a month of travelling, and while I have been tempted to do it in thailand, since it's pretty cheap using those laundry machines on the road, I was telling myself, I'd rather not spend on anything not necessary no matter how cheap it goes.


By the time I run out of money, it would be difficult to even perhaps take laundry service from other backpackers I may be meeting just to get money to fund my travel further.

In Krabi, upon my arrival, I took out all my dirt clothes, and perhaps took 1.5 hours in the washroom tackling the stains; To my recall, there's probably 7 shirts, 5 shorts, and 4 undewears I washed.

At my exit from the toilet, I saw a sign, which I saw too on my way to toilet but did not bother, that said, NO WASHING OF CLOTHES OR WE CHARGE DOUBLE OF YOUR ROOM RATE.

I rushed to get into my room, so as not to be seen holding (a lot of) laundry.

There would be times when there is nowhere to hang clothes, so it will be handy to bring a lightweight yarn/nylon to hang around. Whenever possible, I don't waste the chance to clean up some clothes, no matter if it's just 2 out of 8 waiting (to be washed) or the whole set (if possible anyway).

It feels awkward to be hanging underwear everywhere, as it seems people send their underwears to the laundry too, but what i did was cover them with a thin textile, like my headware, so that they don't attract attention.

For transpo, it's cheaper to book in groups rather than individual. You may want to ask around the people you meet for their plans, iti, or destinations. Keep searching on social media such as facebook groups, using hashtags, and searching through forums. May not be as much saving, but it is still savings. It will also help a lot especially when you are in places where there are no dorm rooms, or just that the price of dorm room is almost the price of a room.

If you plan to stay longer, if legally possible, you can probably consider buying (and sell later) a motorbike. This is especially useful in Vietnam where you can sell your bike later in Cambodia where bikes are more expensive.

For Food, around 90% of the time, I would proabably be eating nasi goreng (from Thailand, to Malaysia, to Indonesia). Back home, I try to stay away from Rice, but for now, since it's the most filling at the cheapest price I can get, I just sticked to it. In vietnam and thailand, you can easily get cheap rice meals everywhere. It will also be handy to keep photos of food you normally order so in cases where there is no English menu available, or pictures of food they serve, you have something to show them.

In Malaysia, there will even be rice in coconut oil that sells for 1-2MYR. good enough for breakfast with coffee (0.7-2MYR)

In Luang Prabang in Laos, you can eat less on the streetside for lunch, and stack up in the evening on the vegetarian buffet for just $1.20.



Whenever there's a huge serving, I get it on take away, and eat the rest for the next meal.

There are also some probably not so cheap restaurants but with great view or fancy seating. What i did was order the cheapest I could, just so I can get the view and the seat. In this restaurant in Vang Vieng, Laos (where food is expensive) I ordered steamed rice inly and a fruitshake (which was a good buy at $0.60), an took out my $0.30 sardine can and lounged there for hours.



In Lombok, where accomodation itself is already almost $10 since there are no backpacker dorms and below this rate (except in Gili Meno), i bought myself a kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) and decided to have this for at least one meal of the day (topped over white rice which would cost only 3000IDR).

Also, if you are in places where cheap food is almost nowhere, try looking for an opportunity to cook. Some hostels allow use of their kitchen, or give free hot water. That case, you can probably stick onto instant noodles at least for that time. There are also cheap and handy water heaters that you can probably buy around.

You may also want to bring your water bottles so you will not need to buy drinks from the restaurant. In case you see 5L/6Liter water, go for that for the savings. You also help in keeping the community ecological. Also, i've trained myself to not beingg so particular with water. The more that you try to protect yourself, the more harm than you give yourself actually. You just make yourself super sensitive. Train yourself to drinking from tap. Unless you are in some complicated and highly urbanized and crowded cities, check if you can drink from tap instead.

In thailand (seen in Krabi and Chiang Mai), there are refilling kiosks on the road where you can refill a liter bottle for just 1 THB.

In case you're a coffee person like me, you may want to buy your instant coffee (3in1) and ask for water instead from your guesthouse. In case you are an addict as I am, for instance, in Vietnam, you can buy your filter for $1, and your granules for $3 per 500g. You can just ask your guesthouse for hot water then (and there was even a case we used shower heater water for our coffee.)

For the lack of dorms, luckily, upon arrival in Kuta Beach, I met a French Vietnamese surfer who was cool enough to share a room and others available for sharing, like the motorbike. We took a room in Ketapang homestay just in the beach road for 120K/night, so each is just 60K.

The Rock Backpacker Dorm in Ko Phi Phi, thailand

Gecko Guesthouse in Langkawi, Malaysia

75 Traveller's Inn in Penang, Malaysia

There are also some volunteer work in exchange for accomodation (and meals at times depending in the hours of work per day) which you may be interested in taking. Some sites like helpx.net and workaway.info or www.wwoof.org provide listings (for a registration fee) though some of them may be outdated. Helpx provide details of the last login and last update info for the hosts, but so far, out of the, probably 10messages i sent, i have not gotten a reply. 

Also, i did not want to spend for a registration fee in this site, and luckily i met a this indian guy in koh lanta who was willing to share his account with me. We just changed the password into something that we can share. Then, I just put the story on my emails to the host, to let them know i am co sharing an account (though i am not sure if this is a reason for not getting a reply til now). Of all three sites, wwoof is the one i've seen with most (and new) listings, then (between helpx and workaway, from the feedback i got from backpackers I met), it seems workaway is better.

Nevertheless, i see some replies from hosts through the messages sent by this indian cool guy, so it probably works; just not for the specific listings that i was sending messages to.

I also bought a local wine at cheap price compared to beer or cocktails in the bar, and put it in my thermal mug. It's what I drink when I go to the bar, and order water instead (which anyway, anywhere, is nearly the price you'd get it from a minimart).

You may feel some self pity after doing some of this (especially if you're probably not from a third world country or a third class family like me) but again, luxury is the last thing you'll need in travelling;  And the sight, sound and feel of travelling will make it so much worth. It's just about humility, self control, and extending your capabilities, experience and outlook. There may be times when you'd envy on the villas, buffet, speedboats, etc.. But these people don't have the same living freedom that you get.



Going around, try and see if you can join some local groups. More than the company, you have authentic information right from locals, and in cases, they could give you more tips on how to tour their place for cheap (if not tour you around themselves).

Most of all, stick to just what you need. Avoid yourself from buying unnecessary stuff such as souveneirs and such. Keep your fancy train, bus, boarding passes, entry tickets to museums etc. This is added baggage to your luggage too remember, which, in a good chance, will end up as rubbish after a few years.

I'll keep the article updated as I progress from my #limbonisASIA trip.



Just how I always open every piece of what I write in this personal site, I always say, I'm that traveller who's just so spontaneous without prior reading, etc.

Well, for this long term backpacking trip, i've made a few reading about backpacking Southeast Asia. Not enough to be close to the reality though (I realized).

Some of those I've read suggests an average of $10-$15 as a minimum budget per day which seemed very encouraging. There also, I have a friend who has done Southeast asia backpacking for the same budget (around $12) per day, so I was confident I can do it as advised.

My first stop was thailand, which I have accepted as that which will take the bigger portion of my costs pie. This is why I have tried to limit my stay in thailand as less as necessarily interesting.

Malaysia's the same (and in fact, I'm expecting it to be more expensive than thailand, though I don't really have much in my list for Malaysia, so that's fine).

Indonesia came next; Of all the countries I will be visiting, Indonesia is that which I am most interested with as I think it mirrors a lot of my country; Not only the beaches, and mountains, and reefs, but also when it comes to culture, social issues, etc.

It would have been easiest and most convenient for me to put Indonesia in the last of my list (since it's quite close to my country), but I did not want to end up not being able to visit Indonesia because I've overspent somewhere and I have no more remaining funds for this country. 

This is why I put it ahead.

Based from what i heard before from other friends who's gone Indonesia, and also from a colleague back in the Philippines who's an Indonesian, I am not expecting to spend even the average ($12/day) in this country. In fact, I decided to make my trip to this country for 2 months, to help even out what I may have been spending in thailand and Malaysia.

Lombok was my first stop, and while I was expecting our planned Mt Rinjani climb to cost a lot, I did not expect the rest of the other things like food, accomodation, etc to be costing close to the average. 

Apparently, I am wrong. 

So far, I never availed services of laundry. It has been a month of travelling, and while I have been tempted to do it in thailand, since it's pretty cheap using those laundry machines on the road, I was telling myself, I'd rather not spend on anything not necessary no matter how cheap it goes.


By the time I run out of money, it would be difficult to even perhaps take laundry service from other backpackers I may be meeting just to get money to fund my travel further.

In Krabi, upon my arrival, I took out all my dirt clothes, and perhaps took 1.5 hours in the washroom tackling the stains; To my recall, there's probably 7 shirts, 5 shorts, and 4 undewears I washed.

At my exit from the toilet, I saw a sign, which I saw too on my way to toilet but did not bother, that said, NO WASHING OF CLOTHES OR WE CHARGE DOUBLE OF YOUR ROOM RATE.

I rushed to get into my room, so as not to be seen holding (a lot of) laundry.

There would be times when there is nowhere to hang clothes, so it will be handy to bring a lightweight yarn/nylon to hang around. Whenever possible, I don't waste the chance to clean up some clothes, no matter if it's just 2 out of 8 waiting (to be washed) or the whole set (if possible anyway).

It feels awkward to be hanging underwear everywhere, as it seems people send their underwears to the laundry too, but what i did was cover them with a thin textile, like my headware, so that they don't attract attention.

For transpo, it's cheaper to book in groups rather than individual. You may want to ask around the people you meet for their plans, iti, or destinations. Keep searching on social media such as facebook groups, using hashtags, and searching through forums. May not be as much saving, but it is still savings. It will also help a lot especially when you are in places where there are no dorm rooms, or just that the price of dorm room is almost the price of a room.

If you plan to stay longer, if legally possible, you can probably consider buying (and sell later) a motorbike. This is especially useful in Vietnam where you can sell your bike later in Cambodia where bikes are more expensive.

For Food, around 90% of the time, I would proabably be eating nasi goreng (from Thailand, to Malaysia, to Indonesia). Back home, I try to stay away from Rice, but for now, since it's the most filling at the cheapest price I can get, I just sticked to it. In vietnam and thailand, you can easily get cheap rice meals everywhere. It will also be handy to keep photos of food you normally order so in cases where there is no English menu available, or pictures of food they serve, you have something to show them.

In Malaysia, there will even be rice in coconut oil that sells for 1-2MYR. good enough for breakfast with coffee (0.7-2MYR)

In Luang Prabang in Laos, you can eat less on the streetside for lunch, and stack up in the evening on the vegetarian buffet for just $1.20.



Whenever there's a huge serving, I get it on take away, and eat the rest for the next meal.

There are also some probably not so cheap restaurants but with great view or fancy seating. What i did was order the cheapest I could, just so I can get the view and the seat. In this restaurant in Vang Vieng, Laos (where food is expensive) I ordered steamed rice inly and a fruitshake (which was a good buy at $0.60), an took out my $0.30 sardine can and lounged there for hours.



In Lombok, where accomodation itself is already almost $10 since there are no backpacker dorms and below this rate (except in Gili Meno), i bought myself a kecap manis (sweet soy sauce) and decided to have this for at least one meal of the day (topped over white rice which would cost only 3000IDR).

Also, if you are in places where cheap food is almost nowhere, try looking for an opportunity to cook. Some hostels allow use of their kitchen, or give free hot water. That case, you can probably stick onto instant noodles at least for that time. There are also cheap and handy water heaters that you can probably buy around.

You may also want to bring your water bottles so you will not need to buy drinks from the restaurant. In case you see 5L/6Liter water, go for that for the savings. You also help in keeping the community ecological. Also, i've trained myself to not beingg so particular with water. The more that you try to protect yourself, the more harm than you give yourself actually. You just make yourself super sensitive. Train yourself to drinking from tap. Unless you are in some complicated and highly urbanized and crowded cities, check if you can drink from tap instead.

In thailand (seen in Krabi and Chiang Mai), there are refilling kiosks on the road where you can refill a liter bottle for just 1 THB.

In case you're a coffee person like me, you may want to buy your instant coffee (3in1) and ask for water instead from your guesthouse. In case you are an addict as I am, for instance, in Vietnam, you can buy your filter for $1, and your granules for $3 per 500g. You can just ask your guesthouse for hot water then (and there was even a case we used shower heater water for our coffee.)

For the lack of dorms, luckily, upon arrival in Kuta Beach, I met a French Vietnamese surfer who was cool enough to share a room and others available for sharing, like the motorbike. We took a room in Ketapang homestay just in the beach road for 120K/night, so each is just 60K.

The Rock Backpacker Dorm in Ko Phi Phi, thailand

Gecko Guesthouse in Langkawi, Malaysia

75 Traveller's Inn in Penang, Malaysia

There are also some volunteer work in exchange for accomodation (and meals at times depending in the hours of work per day) which you may be interested in taking. Some sites like helpx.net and workaway.info or www.wwoof.org provide listings (for a registration fee) though some of them may be outdated. Helpx provide details of the last login and last update info for the hosts, but so far, out of the, probably 10messages i sent, i have not gotten a reply. 

Also, i did not want to spend for a registration fee in this site, and luckily i met a this indian guy in koh lanta who was willing to share his account with me. We just changed the password into something that we can share. Then, I just put the story on my emails to the host, to let them know i am co sharing an account (though i am not sure if this is a reason for not getting a reply til now). Of all three sites, wwoof is the one i've seen with most (and new) listings, then (between helpx and workaway, from the feedback i got from backpackers I met), it seems workaway is better.

Nevertheless, i see some replies from hosts through the messages sent by this indian cool guy, so it probably works; just not for the specific listings that i was sending messages to.

I also bought a local wine at cheap price compared to beer or cocktails in the bar, and put it in my thermal mug. It's what I drink when I go to the bar, and order water instead (which anyway, anywhere, is nearly the price you'd get it from a minimart).

You may feel some self pity after doing some of this (especially if you're probably not from a third world country or a third class family like me) but again, luxury is the last thing you'll need in travelling;  And the sight, sound and feel of travelling will make it so much worth. It's just about humility, self control, and extending your capabilities, experience and outlook. There may be times when you'd envy on the villas, buffet, speedboats, etc.. But these people don't have the same living freedom that you get.



Going around, try and see if you can join some local groups. More than the company, you have authentic information right from locals, and in cases, they could give you more tips on how to tour their place for cheap (if not tour you around themselves).

Most of all, stick to just what you need. Avoid yourself from buying unnecessary stuff such as souveneirs and such. Keep your fancy train, bus, boarding passes, entry tickets to museums etc. This is added baggage to your luggage too remember, which, in a good chance, will end up as rubbish after a few years.

I'll keep the article updated as I progress from my #limbonisASIA trip.



Read More »

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Day 28-29 of the #limbonisASIA trip: The Descend from Mt Rinjani:Traverse into the Lake Segara Anak


Lake Segara Anak in Mt Rinjani, Lombok, Indonesia


We were called for Lunch by the guides at aboout 1:30. It would have been an hour and a half nap in my hammock, and now, lunch is ready.  Thank goodness we're having rice this time, and noodles (and plentiful of it); just more than enough carbs for the descend trekk to the lake.

Our guide, Adi, said it may take 3 hours to get to the lake.

The descend was  kind of steep at half of the time, requiring huge steps from the rocks on the mountain ridge. Thereafter, midway through, it was a simple walk in the grasslands.

descend to Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia


In just about 2 hours, we reached the lake. 

The lake was so wide it gave the impression that we're camping on a beach. The campsite is not as breezy and cold as that of the first night as we are on a lower altitude, plus we have the mountains surrounding us.

Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia

Just while we're waiting for our dinner to be prepared, we walked about 10minutes to the hotspring... just the kind of immersion we need after a tiresome day of trekking.

It was actually a waterfall (source of water would be the pristine lake) and just down the drop, next to it, are the spring holes. Water would have been around 60-70 degrees i'd say from the very part where it is coming from.

There was a group who camped right in the hotspring. as for us, it was an hour and a half splurge.

Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia en route to Hot Spring and Falls

Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia en route to Hot Spring and Falls

Hot Spring and Falls in Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 

hot spring in  in Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 


By the time we're back, we had our dinner, and afterwhich, looked for a spot very close to the lake, where we can drink the remainder of the rice wine that was given to us.

The stars were great, but I was just too lazy to take out my SLR for long exposure shots of the skies and the surrounding.

The following day, we were called at 6:00. Breakfast is ready and were reminded to be ready to leave by 6:30.

I would have wanted to stay about 2 more days in this lake had I not been in agreement with an itinerary.

Meantime, From the lake, it took us about 4 hours to climb at the very top of the hill; Quite steep and rocky, and again, the rails that don't really give you 100% assurance. At some point, it would have been almost rock climbing, as you'll literally have to crawl up.

 exit from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 

en route to Senaru from  in Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 


en route to Sinaru from  in Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 

en route to Senaru from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 

en route to Senaru from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 

en route to Senaru from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 

en route to Senaru from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 

We took some rest from the top of the hill, and were told that we'll have lunch at either post 2 or post 3 depending on our pace from there. 

It was exactly 12 o'clock when we had lunch, and later, I realized it was post 2 where we had it. 

Then, from post 2, It was another 4 hours walk. We had a few stops from some of the posts we passed by as we have been so tired.

Whenever there was the opportunity to run, me and my 4 other folks would run in the trail just to make it quicker. We had to be very careful though as some of the trees' roots could tangle with our feet that might just cause some emergencies.

There was that last break at some post, but we decided not to take it. We let the 3 european guys stay, and we 5 asians continued running.

en route to Senaru from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 


en route to Senaru from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 

en route to Senaru from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 

en route to Senaru from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 



After around 1 hour, we were seeing some arch. It was it.. the end, we said.

So, about 500meters before this arch, just right where we spotted it, everybody put their videos on as we kept running. 

Funny thing though is, as we reached the arch, the view doesn't seem to be the same as where we stayed the first night (where we were told it is exactly where we'll end the trail). We were misled. There's a kilometer more to go.. whoof!

en route to Senaru from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 


Then again, it was just a kilometer, so by 5:30, we were at the village in senaru. Finally!




This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee here for detailed expenses and more info

Lake Segara Anak in Mt Rinjani, Lombok, Indonesia


We were called for Lunch by the guides at aboout 1:30. It would have been an hour and a half nap in my hammock, and now, lunch is ready.  Thank goodness we're having rice this time, and noodles (and plentiful of it); just more than enough carbs for the descend trekk to the lake.

Our guide, Adi, said it may take 3 hours to get to the lake.

The descend was  kind of steep at half of the time, requiring huge steps from the rocks on the mountain ridge. Thereafter, midway through, it was a simple walk in the grasslands.

descend to Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia


In just about 2 hours, we reached the lake. 

The lake was so wide it gave the impression that we're camping on a beach. The campsite is not as breezy and cold as that of the first night as we are on a lower altitude, plus we have the mountains surrounding us.

Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia

Just while we're waiting for our dinner to be prepared, we walked about 10minutes to the hotspring... just the kind of immersion we need after a tiresome day of trekking.

It was actually a waterfall (source of water would be the pristine lake) and just down the drop, next to it, are the spring holes. Water would have been around 60-70 degrees i'd say from the very part where it is coming from.

There was a group who camped right in the hotspring. as for us, it was an hour and a half splurge.

Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia en route to Hot Spring and Falls

Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia en route to Hot Spring and Falls

Hot Spring and Falls in Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 

hot spring in  in Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 


By the time we're back, we had our dinner, and afterwhich, looked for a spot very close to the lake, where we can drink the remainder of the rice wine that was given to us.

The stars were great, but I was just too lazy to take out my SLR for long exposure shots of the skies and the surrounding.

The following day, we were called at 6:00. Breakfast is ready and were reminded to be ready to leave by 6:30.

I would have wanted to stay about 2 more days in this lake had I not been in agreement with an itinerary.

Meantime, From the lake, it took us about 4 hours to climb at the very top of the hill; Quite steep and rocky, and again, the rails that don't really give you 100% assurance. At some point, it would have been almost rock climbing, as you'll literally have to crawl up.

 exit from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 

en route to Senaru from  in Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 


en route to Sinaru from  in Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 

en route to Senaru from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 

en route to Senaru from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 

en route to Senaru from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 

en route to Senaru from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 

We took some rest from the top of the hill, and were told that we'll have lunch at either post 2 or post 3 depending on our pace from there. 

It was exactly 12 o'clock when we had lunch, and later, I realized it was post 2 where we had it. 

Then, from post 2, It was another 4 hours walk. We had a few stops from some of the posts we passed by as we have been so tired.

Whenever there was the opportunity to run, me and my 4 other folks would run in the trail just to make it quicker. We had to be very careful though as some of the trees' roots could tangle with our feet that might just cause some emergencies.

There was that last break at some post, but we decided not to take it. We let the 3 european guys stay, and we 5 asians continued running.

en route to Senaru from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 


en route to Senaru from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 

en route to Senaru from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 

en route to Senaru from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 



After around 1 hour, we were seeing some arch. It was it.. the end, we said.

So, about 500meters before this arch, just right where we spotted it, everybody put their videos on as we kept running. 

Funny thing though is, as we reached the arch, the view doesn't seem to be the same as where we stayed the first night (where we were told it is exactly where we'll end the trail). We were misled. There's a kilometer more to go.. whoof!

en route to Senaru from Lake Segara Anak in Mt RinjaniLombokIndonesia 


Then again, it was just a kilometer, so by 5:30, we were at the village in senaru. Finally!




This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee here for detailed expenses and more info
Read More »

Popular Posts