Thursday, October 6, 2016

#SULOngSULU: Seats for Malassa Elementary School in Bongao, Tawi Tawi



Earlier this opening of the school year, we have excess school supplies from donations for the schools in Sulu; Some of the excess were sent to Tawi Tawi and received by Malassa Elementary School.

It was brought to our attention that the students don't have seats, and attend classes sitting on their slippers or sacks of rice (although really this is not uncommon in the Sulu Archipelago). I also remember visiting this school a few years ago, and yes, other than they were provided a brand new building, there was nothing else. There were no seats indeed.  (And looking at the previous school, i don't get why they had to build a new one, when repairing the old one would have been cheaper, and that the savings could have been used for seats. And, how this project be approved when they knew for a fact it will be, at a standard, non operational anyway since there are no seats. Either way, it is not the time to find faults and blame. There are kids on the compromise.)


 

We have some cash available allocated supposedly for building an alternative learning structure for the badjao kids in Tandu Dagmay, Patikul, Sulu, but because of the recent military operations, we have to postpone the setup until security and logistics is feasible. Meanwhile, we thought, rather than the cash sitting in the bank, we might as well have the kids seat with them for now.

We have asked the principal, through 51st PNP SAF in Tawi Tawi, to request a quote, and were told a bench would cost P2,000 each and can accomodate 5 students. There are 165 enrolled students at the moment and with 5 per bench, this would mean, 33 benches, and P66,000 at least. Looking at the remaining cash though, cheap cost of timber, and if we could use volunteer labor, it would be easier and quicker to furnish the chairs.

Our friend Ken from Tawi Tawi found us a solution through 51st PNP-SAF who agreed to do the chairs bringing down the cost to P1,000 a bench. And with standard 30 students a class, we would like to build 36 benches, in case enrollment rise up later, up to 180 students in 6 classrooms.

 As of 06 October, we have sent our cash on hand to Tawi Tawi to start the construction, and looking forward to having our first batch of seats as soon as possible.

Special thanks to 51st PNP SAF who have always and always been supportive in bringing what we can to this side of the country.


Available Cash from SULOngSULU donations: Php20,799.00
Additional Donations:
Pamela Manabat Php1,000.00 received
Genalyn Apol Viluan Php5,000.00 received
Lyd Jamae Nadonza Php1,000.00 received
Team Reachout c/o Jaylyn Sarmiento Php3,401.00 received
April Sampang Php1,500.00 received
Le Helene Limguangco Php2,000.00 received
Total Donations Php34,700.00

For Donations:

Bank Code: 021000021
Account Number: 5686 3371 99
Name on Account: Joseph Ian Macalino

Via Paypal 
 
Email Address: jibmaxatnewroad@gmail.com
Suggested in PHP currency to minimize devaluations. In third world, every cent counts J. Otherwise, USD will be fine. 




as of October 18, 2016:

PNP SAF has started construction of the chairs and the following pictures were received.







Earlier this opening of the school year, we have excess school supplies from donations for the schools in Sulu; Some of the excess were sent to Tawi Tawi and received by Malassa Elementary School.

It was brought to our attention that the students don't have seats, and attend classes sitting on their slippers or sacks of rice (although really this is not uncommon in the Sulu Archipelago). I also remember visiting this school a few years ago, and yes, other than they were provided a brand new building, there was nothing else. There were no seats indeed.  (And looking at the previous school, i don't get why they had to build a new one, when repairing the old one would have been cheaper, and that the savings could have been used for seats. And, how this project be approved when they knew for a fact it will be, at a standard, non operational anyway since there are no seats. Either way, it is not the time to find faults and blame. There are kids on the compromise.)


 

We have some cash available allocated supposedly for building an alternative learning structure for the badjao kids in Tandu Dagmay, Patikul, Sulu, but because of the recent military operations, we have to postpone the setup until security and logistics is feasible. Meanwhile, we thought, rather than the cash sitting in the bank, we might as well have the kids seat with them for now.

We have asked the principal, through 51st PNP SAF in Tawi Tawi, to request a quote, and were told a bench would cost P2,000 each and can accomodate 5 students. There are 165 enrolled students at the moment and with 5 per bench, this would mean, 33 benches, and P66,000 at least. Looking at the remaining cash though, cheap cost of timber, and if we could use volunteer labor, it would be easier and quicker to furnish the chairs.

Our friend Ken from Tawi Tawi found us a solution through 51st PNP-SAF who agreed to do the chairs bringing down the cost to P1,000 a bench. And with standard 30 students a class, we would like to build 36 benches, in case enrollment rise up later, up to 180 students in 6 classrooms.

 As of 06 October, we have sent our cash on hand to Tawi Tawi to start the construction, and looking forward to having our first batch of seats as soon as possible.

Special thanks to 51st PNP SAF who have always and always been supportive in bringing what we can to this side of the country.


Available Cash from SULOngSULU donations: Php20,799.00
Additional Donations:
Pamela Manabat Php1,000.00 received
Genalyn Apol Viluan Php5,000.00 received
Lyd Jamae Nadonza Php1,000.00 received
Team Reachout c/o Jaylyn Sarmiento Php3,401.00 received
April Sampang Php1,500.00 received
Le Helene Limguangco Php2,000.00 received
Total Donations Php34,700.00

For Donations:

Bank Code: 021000021
Account Number: 5686 3371 99
Name on Account: Joseph Ian Macalino

Via Paypal 
 
Email Address: jibmaxatnewroad@gmail.com
Suggested in PHP currency to minimize devaluations. In third world, every cent counts J. Otherwise, USD will be fine. 




as of October 18, 2016:

PNP SAF has started construction of the chairs and the following pictures were received.





Read More »

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Entrance Fees: How much does it cost to see Bali, Indonesia?




It's but common to see tourist destinations with all those infinity pools and luxury hotels, etc, but gladly, Bali is not one like Maldives where you will surely break a pocket to visit. Bali could be as cheap as spending $7 a day (as I do).

Depending on how you spend and how oriented you are about where to get them cheap, you can stay in a hostel for $4 a day, and eat for $1 a meal. 

Meantime, Below are the Entrance Charges on main attractions in Bali sorted by Tripadvisor Rating and Cost. Depending on your budget (and of course your time), you can tick which one of these your money can get you to:

ATTRACTION Tripadvisor Price/Person
Rating IDR USD* CUMULATIVE
Batukaru Temple 5 15000 $1.15 $1.15
Kerta Gosa 5 15000 $1.15 $2.31
Beji Temple 4.5 15000 $1.15 $3.46
Gunung Kawih Temple 4.5 15000 $1.15 $4.62
Kehen Temple 4.5 15000 $1.15 $5.77
Penglipuran Village 4.5 15000 $1.15 $6.92
Tirta Empul Temple 4.5 15,000 $1.15 $8.08
Jatiluwih 4.5 20000 $1.54 $9.62
Tirta Gangga Water Garden 4.5 20,000 $1.54 $11.15
Kintamani Batur Volcano & Lake 4.5 30000 $2.31 $13.46
Tanah Lot Temple 4.5 30,000 $2.31 $15.77
Ulundani Beratan Temple 4.5 30,000 $2.31 $18.08
Batuan Temple 4.5 $0.00 $18.08
Buddhist Monastery 4.5 $0.00 $18.08
Banjar Hotspring 4 5000 $0.38 $18.46
Dreamland Beach 4 5000 $0.38 $18.85
Bajra Sandhi Monument 4 10000 $0.77 $19.62
Kecak & Fire Dance 4 10000 $0.77 $20.38
Tegalalang Rice Terraces 4 10000 $0.77 $21.15
Bali Botanical Garden 4 15000 $1.15 $22.31
Gitgit Waterfall 4 15000 $1.15 $23.46
Goa Lawa Temple 4 15000 $1.15 $24.62
Munduk Waterfall 4 15000 $1.15 $25.77
Taman Ayun Temple 4 15000 $1.15 $26.92
Tegenungan Waterfall 4 15000 $1.15 $28.08
Taman Ujung Water Palace 4 35,000 $2.69 $30.77
Monkey Forest 4 40000 $3.08 $33.85
Uluwatu Temple 4 40,000 $3.08 $36.92
Bali Butterfly Park 4 85000 $6.54 $43.46
Bali Museum 3.5 15000 $1.15 $44.62
Goa Gajah 3.5 15000 $1.15 $45.77
Barong & Kris Dance 3.5 100000 $7.69 $53.46
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park 3.5 100000 $7.69 $61.15
Meduwe Karang Temple 3.5   DONATION $0.00 $61.15
Alas Kedaton 3 15000 $1.15 $62.31
Bali Orchid Garden 3 15000 $1.15 $63.46
Besakih Temple 3 35000 $2.69 $66.15


*prices as of August 2016 and exchange rate used is 13,000IDR=1USD



It's but common to see tourist destinations with all those infinity pools and luxury hotels, etc, but gladly, Bali is not one like Maldives where you will surely break a pocket to visit. Bali could be as cheap as spending $7 a day (as I do).

Depending on how you spend and how oriented you are about where to get them cheap, you can stay in a hostel for $4 a day, and eat for $1 a meal. 

Meantime, Below are the Entrance Charges on main attractions in Bali sorted by Tripadvisor Rating and Cost. Depending on your budget (and of course your time), you can tick which one of these your money can get you to:

ATTRACTION Tripadvisor Price/Person
Rating IDR USD* CUMULATIVE
Batukaru Temple 5 15000 $1.15 $1.15
Kerta Gosa 5 15000 $1.15 $2.31
Beji Temple 4.5 15000 $1.15 $3.46
Gunung Kawih Temple 4.5 15000 $1.15 $4.62
Kehen Temple 4.5 15000 $1.15 $5.77
Penglipuran Village 4.5 15000 $1.15 $6.92
Tirta Empul Temple 4.5 15,000 $1.15 $8.08
Jatiluwih 4.5 20000 $1.54 $9.62
Tirta Gangga Water Garden 4.5 20,000 $1.54 $11.15
Kintamani Batur Volcano & Lake 4.5 30000 $2.31 $13.46
Tanah Lot Temple 4.5 30,000 $2.31 $15.77
Ulundani Beratan Temple 4.5 30,000 $2.31 $18.08
Batuan Temple 4.5 $0.00 $18.08
Buddhist Monastery 4.5 $0.00 $18.08
Banjar Hotspring 4 5000 $0.38 $18.46
Dreamland Beach 4 5000 $0.38 $18.85
Bajra Sandhi Monument 4 10000 $0.77 $19.62
Kecak & Fire Dance 4 10000 $0.77 $20.38
Tegalalang Rice Terraces 4 10000 $0.77 $21.15
Bali Botanical Garden 4 15000 $1.15 $22.31
Gitgit Waterfall 4 15000 $1.15 $23.46
Goa Lawa Temple 4 15000 $1.15 $24.62
Munduk Waterfall 4 15000 $1.15 $25.77
Taman Ayun Temple 4 15000 $1.15 $26.92
Tegenungan Waterfall 4 15000 $1.15 $28.08
Taman Ujung Water Palace 4 35,000 $2.69 $30.77
Monkey Forest 4 40000 $3.08 $33.85
Uluwatu Temple 4 40,000 $3.08 $36.92
Bali Butterfly Park 4 85000 $6.54 $43.46
Bali Museum 3.5 15000 $1.15 $44.62
Goa Gajah 3.5 15000 $1.15 $45.77
Barong & Kris Dance 3.5 100000 $7.69 $53.46
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park 3.5 100000 $7.69 $61.15
Meduwe Karang Temple 3.5   DONATION $0.00 $61.15
Alas Kedaton 3 15000 $1.15 $62.31
Bali Orchid Garden 3 15000 $1.15 $63.46
Besakih Temple 3 35000 $2.69 $66.15


*prices as of August 2016 and exchange rate used is 13,000IDR=1USD
Read More »

Friday, August 5, 2016

The Mishaps of July 19, 2016



After staying more than 3 weeks in Sumenep, Madura, I decided to move on and take the previously planned Sulawesi route. This is the best time to do it, no matter if the time is not enough to see a big portion of Sulawesi.

I left Sumenep at 1pm, tuesday, last day of the ferry schedule before it goes on a 3-day break. It was supposed to take about 4 hours to the junction after the Saramadu Bridge, but because it would have been rush hour upon arriving, that took another 1.5 hours, effectively arriving at the Tanjung Perak port at nearly 7pm.

Friend from Makassar have told me to head straight onto the ticket agencies in tanjung perak and if none available, look for the calo (touters).

Indeed there was no more ticket, and the salesguys would easily offer the 4days after trip (as if 4 days is nothing) saying this is the next one available. One office, I have asked about where I can find calo, and he said, sit down and i'll look for one, but he said it will be for the day after (and not PELNI but another private company).

I decided to walk outside and try other Calo's. None has tickets for that day.

Seemingly pointless, I decided to walk back into the passenger waiting area and see what is going in there.

There were several people (papua indonesia origins) with baggages apparently looking for the same thing as I am around 1 guy talking to them while on the phone too. This guy is offering tickets (same day) to Makassar for 1.5 times the price of the original. Then, I told him i'll get one too, while I excused myself that I'll quickly run to the ATM to get more money. I rushed to get back.

When I got back, he had only 2 tickets, and effectively sold them to the first 2 he spoke with. There were about 6 of us left. The Papuan guys were trying to talk to the security personnel, but to no avail. It was about 8:20 when I heard the honking ship, signalling it is ready to depart, while my imagination is saying "HAHA! We are leavingg. try your luck next time.
It's really impossible now. The boat has left.

I sat down the grass, lit up a cigarette. Then, I thought, Sulawesi might not just be for me right now. I looked up the ticket prices and nothing changed... still 3x their normal price for this week.

I then thought about spending my time in Bali instead since I was planning to cut a trip there to buy my board. I was also considering Malang, but it would have been very late by the time I arrive. The city is also on hills, and I don't want to experience the same as the trip to Bogor where I was caught off by the extremely cold weather at 6pm, still nowhere to sleep, and freezing.

So, I walked out the port and waited for the Bus to Bungurasih. The guys around said the bus would only cost 7,000 while the Angkots will be asking around 80K.

It took an hour to get that bus and surprisingly, the collector asked for 15K saying we will head straight to bungurasih. That trip took 45 mins...

In Bungurasih, I headed straight into the lane for Bali. There was no more bus. There was a guy asking for 250K to Bali (which otherwise is normally 120K). Apart from the price hike, later, I found it it was actually a trip to Probolingo, and then from Probolingo, I will be waiting and taking another Bus ride to Bali. There were still buses to Banyuwanggi for 54K (ekonomi) but the problem is, from the bus station to the port is another problem, then the crossing, then from port forward.

I needed to rest. My baggage is a little overweight. I looked on Traveloka to see if I can still get a cheap accomodation in Malang for the night. I thought it was more practical spending the night there rather than going back to the city.

Indeed, there is still a hostel listed. I booked it, and when it came to the payment page, I realized, I am missing my ATM card. Instantly, I knew I would have forgotten it again in the machine whilst rushing to get back to Calo.

I have only a few minutes left to get that booking. I contacted friends online on FB messenger, and thankfully, sister is still up. So i got that booking and took the bus. Even the Calo's in the surabaya bus station were kind of confused why suddenly I am going to Malang.

It took about 2 hours to reach Malang, and along the way, I reviewed my booking to figure out where the hostel is and how far away it is from the bus station. As I was looking at the details, I saw the call hotel link with their number on it. I decided to send them a message to inform them of my late arrival. The reply though was... We are Full.

In a little while, we reached the bus station. There is no hotel. I walked onto a Waroeng and asked a bapa if he knows any inn around. He said, the inns are a bit far, but shall I be ok with Kos (student accomodation), he can give an acquaintance a call so they can pick me up. I asked how much, and he said, 75K.

I was imagining the look of the Kos, and for just a few more hours, it was probably not practical to spend that. Also, it was not really as cold as I thought it was.



Instead, I asked Bapak if it was ok to stay in the carpet he laid on the ground for dine in customers. He said it was fine. I took out my phone for entertainment and got into the email confirmation from Traveloka. I decided to send a quick reply about the notice I received from the hostel, I they can process a refund.

A few minutes later, they called up and told me they were trying to reach the hostel, but none is picking up. They asked me instead to look for book any hotel instead, and they will be refunding the cost of the stay. I was a little bit wary of the offer, and asked, is there a cap on the rate? I told them, I don't really mind just waiting in the bus station for a few more hours, but if there is this offer, I can look somewhere nearby, though if it would be very expensive, I probably will not. They said, no cap. I can book any.

I asked Bapak if there is any walkable hotel around and he said there is one in about 250m distance. I walked towards it and again, I saw one of the Papuan guys. In fact, from the port, I met them in the bus station again. I asked him if somebody is out to pick him up, and he said Yes, though he is not sure if the guy can come that late night, or probably will have to wait until the morning.

I told him he can share the room with me for free, but just like most papuans I met, they were very shy and timid.

I walked ahead and thankfully, the hotel is open. They have a cheaper 170K room.



The next day, as instructed, i sent the invoice to Traveloka and instantly received the refund to my account, along with a discount voucher with the amount of my transaction, for future use :-).

Thankfully, I finally got some rest for myself though probably because  of that i was so tired, had a few coffee so far, could not directly just land to REM sleep. Anyhow, that traveloka deal was way better than waiting in the bus station.

Next day, a motorcycle hit me in the pedestrian lane. Was not hurt except for the thumb that was pressed hard onto the motorcycle. But... the next day, I just decided to stay put within meters distance from the bed so I can put myself back up altogether.




After staying more than 3 weeks in Sumenep, Madura, I decided to move on and take the previously planned Sulawesi route. This is the best time to do it, no matter if the time is not enough to see a big portion of Sulawesi.

I left Sumenep at 1pm, tuesday, last day of the ferry schedule before it goes on a 3-day break. It was supposed to take about 4 hours to the junction after the Saramadu Bridge, but because it would have been rush hour upon arriving, that took another 1.5 hours, effectively arriving at the Tanjung Perak port at nearly 7pm.

Friend from Makassar have told me to head straight onto the ticket agencies in tanjung perak and if none available, look for the calo (touters).

Indeed there was no more ticket, and the salesguys would easily offer the 4days after trip (as if 4 days is nothing) saying this is the next one available. One office, I have asked about where I can find calo, and he said, sit down and i'll look for one, but he said it will be for the day after (and not PELNI but another private company).

I decided to walk outside and try other Calo's. None has tickets for that day.

Seemingly pointless, I decided to walk back into the passenger waiting area and see what is going in there.

There were several people (papua indonesia origins) with baggages apparently looking for the same thing as I am around 1 guy talking to them while on the phone too. This guy is offering tickets (same day) to Makassar for 1.5 times the price of the original. Then, I told him i'll get one too, while I excused myself that I'll quickly run to the ATM to get more money. I rushed to get back.

When I got back, he had only 2 tickets, and effectively sold them to the first 2 he spoke with. There were about 6 of us left. The Papuan guys were trying to talk to the security personnel, but to no avail. It was about 8:20 when I heard the honking ship, signalling it is ready to depart, while my imagination is saying "HAHA! We are leavingg. try your luck next time.
It's really impossible now. The boat has left.

I sat down the grass, lit up a cigarette. Then, I thought, Sulawesi might not just be for me right now. I looked up the ticket prices and nothing changed... still 3x their normal price for this week.

I then thought about spending my time in Bali instead since I was planning to cut a trip there to buy my board. I was also considering Malang, but it would have been very late by the time I arrive. The city is also on hills, and I don't want to experience the same as the trip to Bogor where I was caught off by the extremely cold weather at 6pm, still nowhere to sleep, and freezing.

So, I walked out the port and waited for the Bus to Bungurasih. The guys around said the bus would only cost 7,000 while the Angkots will be asking around 80K.

It took an hour to get that bus and surprisingly, the collector asked for 15K saying we will head straight to bungurasih. That trip took 45 mins...

In Bungurasih, I headed straight into the lane for Bali. There was no more bus. There was a guy asking for 250K to Bali (which otherwise is normally 120K). Apart from the price hike, later, I found it it was actually a trip to Probolingo, and then from Probolingo, I will be waiting and taking another Bus ride to Bali. There were still buses to Banyuwanggi for 54K (ekonomi) but the problem is, from the bus station to the port is another problem, then the crossing, then from port forward.

I needed to rest. My baggage is a little overweight. I looked on Traveloka to see if I can still get a cheap accomodation in Malang for the night. I thought it was more practical spending the night there rather than going back to the city.

Indeed, there is still a hostel listed. I booked it, and when it came to the payment page, I realized, I am missing my ATM card. Instantly, I knew I would have forgotten it again in the machine whilst rushing to get back to Calo.

I have only a few minutes left to get that booking. I contacted friends online on FB messenger, and thankfully, sister is still up. So i got that booking and took the bus. Even the Calo's in the surabaya bus station were kind of confused why suddenly I am going to Malang.

It took about 2 hours to reach Malang, and along the way, I reviewed my booking to figure out where the hostel is and how far away it is from the bus station. As I was looking at the details, I saw the call hotel link with their number on it. I decided to send them a message to inform them of my late arrival. The reply though was... We are Full.

In a little while, we reached the bus station. There is no hotel. I walked onto a Waroeng and asked a bapa if he knows any inn around. He said, the inns are a bit far, but shall I be ok with Kos (student accomodation), he can give an acquaintance a call so they can pick me up. I asked how much, and he said, 75K.

I was imagining the look of the Kos, and for just a few more hours, it was probably not practical to spend that. Also, it was not really as cold as I thought it was.



Instead, I asked Bapak if it was ok to stay in the carpet he laid on the ground for dine in customers. He said it was fine. I took out my phone for entertainment and got into the email confirmation from Traveloka. I decided to send a quick reply about the notice I received from the hostel, I they can process a refund.

A few minutes later, they called up and told me they were trying to reach the hostel, but none is picking up. They asked me instead to look for book any hotel instead, and they will be refunding the cost of the stay. I was a little bit wary of the offer, and asked, is there a cap on the rate? I told them, I don't really mind just waiting in the bus station for a few more hours, but if there is this offer, I can look somewhere nearby, though if it would be very expensive, I probably will not. They said, no cap. I can book any.

I asked Bapak if there is any walkable hotel around and he said there is one in about 250m distance. I walked towards it and again, I saw one of the Papuan guys. In fact, from the port, I met them in the bus station again. I asked him if somebody is out to pick him up, and he said Yes, though he is not sure if the guy can come that late night, or probably will have to wait until the morning.

I told him he can share the room with me for free, but just like most papuans I met, they were very shy and timid.

I walked ahead and thankfully, the hotel is open. They have a cheaper 170K room.



The next day, as instructed, i sent the invoice to Traveloka and instantly received the refund to my account, along with a discount voucher with the amount of my transaction, for future use :-).

Thankfully, I finally got some rest for myself though probably because  of that i was so tired, had a few coffee so far, could not directly just land to REM sleep. Anyhow, that traveloka deal was way better than waiting in the bus station.

Next day, a motorcycle hit me in the pedestrian lane. Was not hurt except for the thumb that was pressed hard onto the motorcycle. But... the next day, I just decided to stay put within meters distance from the bed so I can put myself back up altogether.


Read More »

Monday, July 18, 2016

Schedule of Ferries from Kalianget, Sumenep

Travelling in an area such as Sumenep makes it tricky for Information. 

At one point when I was in Banyuwangi, I've read about once a week, not sure of the day of the week, trip from Jangkar, Situbondo to Kalianget, but apparently, upon reaching Kalianget, there's more.

Anyway, below are the trips an tariffs for boats in Kalianget.

There are schedules for Kangean, Jangkar, Raas, etc









Travelling in an area such as Sumenep makes it tricky for Information. 

At one point when I was in Banyuwangi, I've read about once a week, not sure of the day of the week, trip from Jangkar, Situbondo to Kalianget, but apparently, upon reaching Kalianget, there's more.

Anyway, below are the trips an tariffs for boats in Kalianget.

There are schedules for Kangean, Jangkar, Raas, etc









Read More »

Friday, July 15, 2016

Pulau Gili Ganteng in Sumenep, Madura



We're awaiting the weekend for a trip to Gili Labak as it is the only chance we wont have to charter a boat through sharing with hopefully other travellers. For this day, we thought of checking out Pantai Simbilan in Gili Ganteng.

Gili Ganteng is 1 hour by boat from Tanjung port in Sumenep, Madura. There is no transport in Gili Ganteng, hence, it is advised to drive by a motorbike, which you can bring to the island for 4,000 rupiahs on top of the passenger fare (10,000 rupiah as of posting); Besides, right from Sumenep itself, it is necessary to have your own motorbike since there is no public transportation even in this town. you can charter an ojek, but with about 20kms away from city center, you better off look for a rental motorbike.


ferry in Tanjung, Sumenep to Gili Ganteng


boat in gili ganteng, sumenep, madura, indonesia

road in gili ganteng, sumenep, madura, indonesia


The roads in Gili ganteng are mapped on google maps. Hence, it will be best to have your google maps ready before arriving. There is also Telkomsel signal in the area. 

There are 2 Tanjung ports that both have boats to the island. Fare is also the same. The boats apparently are only until a little after lunch. Afterwhich, you may have to charter the boat for the price of 10 passengers (100,000 rupiah). 

There is not much at all choice for places to eat around the island except for Roda 3 or push carts that sell noodles, fried rice, etc. There are stores though to buy your drinks, and other camping needs in case you think about camping.



pantai kahuripan in gili ganteng, sumenep, madura, indonesia

pantai kahuripan in gili ganteng, sumenep, madura, indonesia


pantai simbilan in gili ganteng, sumenep, madura, indonesia

pantai simbilan in gili ganteng, sumenep, madura, indonesia



The places of interest will be pantai Simbilan and Kahuripan islands. The beaches on the eastern side of the island are great for views, but may probably not exactly right for swimming as the water is too shallow even up to perhaps 1 km away from the island. 


beach on the eastern side of Gili Genteng, sumenep, madura, indonesia








We're awaiting the weekend for a trip to Gili Labak as it is the only chance we wont have to charter a boat through sharing with hopefully other travellers. For this day, we thought of checking out Pantai Simbilan in Gili Ganteng.

Gili Ganteng is 1 hour by boat from Tanjung port in Sumenep, Madura. There is no transport in Gili Ganteng, hence, it is advised to drive by a motorbike, which you can bring to the island for 4,000 rupiahs on top of the passenger fare (10,000 rupiah as of posting); Besides, right from Sumenep itself, it is necessary to have your own motorbike since there is no public transportation even in this town. you can charter an ojek, but with about 20kms away from city center, you better off look for a rental motorbike.


ferry in Tanjung, Sumenep to Gili Ganteng


boat in gili ganteng, sumenep, madura, indonesia

road in gili ganteng, sumenep, madura, indonesia


The roads in Gili ganteng are mapped on google maps. Hence, it will be best to have your google maps ready before arriving. There is also Telkomsel signal in the area. 

There are 2 Tanjung ports that both have boats to the island. Fare is also the same. The boats apparently are only until a little after lunch. Afterwhich, you may have to charter the boat for the price of 10 passengers (100,000 rupiah). 

There is not much at all choice for places to eat around the island except for Roda 3 or push carts that sell noodles, fried rice, etc. There are stores though to buy your drinks, and other camping needs in case you think about camping.



pantai kahuripan in gili ganteng, sumenep, madura, indonesia

pantai kahuripan in gili ganteng, sumenep, madura, indonesia


pantai simbilan in gili ganteng, sumenep, madura, indonesia

pantai simbilan in gili ganteng, sumenep, madura, indonesia



The places of interest will be pantai Simbilan and Kahuripan islands. The beaches on the eastern side of the island are great for views, but may probably not exactly right for swimming as the water is too shallow even up to perhaps 1 km away from the island. 


beach on the eastern side of Gili Genteng, sumenep, madura, indonesia






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Sunday, July 3, 2016

School Supply distribution in Island Brgy Sila, San Vicente, Northern Samar

kids in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar


We have 500 bags ready for distribution to schools in Patikul, Sulu and I've come home from my study in Indonesia just for this distribution. We don't have clear chance of being able to deliver on time, and the bags are also awaiting delivery. Our provision is in fact for more than 500 students, but we don't want to purchase anymore, just yet, while we are still unclear of the logistics part.

Meantime, i remembered about my last visit in Brgy Sila, San Vicente, Samar, the island captain has informed me that they have only less than 100 students in the brgy, and the situation is a little similar to that of Sulu. Some teachers have to share the task of several grade levels under 1 instruction and 1 room.

I thought, since we had excess provisions, we might as well give to this marginalized area as well. I have called the village captain, and great timing indeed, he said it will be their island fiesta.

It was already vacation season, approaching election, and as expected, buses are fully booked. We had to take chances on extra trips from bus companies in Cubao Terminal. Luckily, we got a bus to Legazpi city, from where we transferred to a van going to Bulan, and from there a boat going to Brgy Sila. It was a travel forever for my friends, especially to 2 who have come all the way from Baguio City.


brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

kids in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar


kids in the elementary school of brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

kids of the elementary school in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar


It was quite easy distributing to this island. The captain had good contacts with the teachers who in turn knew their head counts by heart. In fact, during the distribution, they also had the list available so called each student one by one. 

After the distribution, we took the extra time to take the friends around the beautiful islands of Brgy Sila, and after, were served with local seafood.

In the evening, we were called to attend the barangay celebration, and was pulled to the dancing as well. :-)



pink beach in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar


abundant seafood in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

sayawan in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar



boat back to Bulan Port from Brgy Sila, San Vicente

sleeping in the Naga bus station awaiting the morning for the bus forward

For those who'd be interested in conducting an outreach program for the kids, please pm for the list of the students and contact numbers of the school staff. 

For information on how to go to pink beach or brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar, please visit this link

To see other interesting places in San Vicente, Samar, see this one.

kids in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar


We have 500 bags ready for distribution to schools in Patikul, Sulu and I've come home from my study in Indonesia just for this distribution. We don't have clear chance of being able to deliver on time, and the bags are also awaiting delivery. Our provision is in fact for more than 500 students, but we don't want to purchase anymore, just yet, while we are still unclear of the logistics part.

Meantime, i remembered about my last visit in Brgy Sila, San Vicente, Samar, the island captain has informed me that they have only less than 100 students in the brgy, and the situation is a little similar to that of Sulu. Some teachers have to share the task of several grade levels under 1 instruction and 1 room.

I thought, since we had excess provisions, we might as well give to this marginalized area as well. I have called the village captain, and great timing indeed, he said it will be their island fiesta.

It was already vacation season, approaching election, and as expected, buses are fully booked. We had to take chances on extra trips from bus companies in Cubao Terminal. Luckily, we got a bus to Legazpi city, from where we transferred to a van going to Bulan, and from there a boat going to Brgy Sila. It was a travel forever for my friends, especially to 2 who have come all the way from Baguio City.


brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

kids in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar


kids in the elementary school of brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

kids of the elementary school in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar


It was quite easy distributing to this island. The captain had good contacts with the teachers who in turn knew their head counts by heart. In fact, during the distribution, they also had the list available so called each student one by one. 

After the distribution, we took the extra time to take the friends around the beautiful islands of Brgy Sila, and after, were served with local seafood.

In the evening, we were called to attend the barangay celebration, and was pulled to the dancing as well. :-)



pink beach in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar


abundant seafood in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar

sayawan in brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar



boat back to Bulan Port from Brgy Sila, San Vicente

sleeping in the Naga bus station awaiting the morning for the bus forward

For those who'd be interested in conducting an outreach program for the kids, please pm for the list of the students and contact numbers of the school staff. 

For information on how to go to pink beach or brgy sila, san vicente, northern samar, please visit this link

To see other interesting places in San Vicente, Samar, see this one.

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Saturday, July 2, 2016

SULOngSULU Year 2 Distribution




Last year, with a call for help from a youth group in Sulu, we started the #SULOngSULU project. This is a citizen action drive in aiding the needs of our students in the Sulu area. Thus far, this circle of a few travelling friends have attended to a renovation of a primary school, distribution of school supplies, and sending a few more lab materials for a chemistrylaboratory.

This year around, I am travelling around Indonesia, but I did not want my proximity to deter me from contributing to the progress of my country. Before leaving, I had a word with these friends and asked if we can go ahead with little things like this, and I am glad they were feeling the kind of fullfilment I get when I see something done.

Apart from these friends, social networks has helped bring our advocacy to other people. There was Wina Asuncion who set up a benefit concert , Mara Balayan who did a Hand Lettering workshop, Maria Isabel Bernal of GivingIzReceiving who sold T-shirts to fund a planned Alternative classroom for theBadjaos, and also accounting firm SGV (through Mr Christian Lauron) who shared in time for the company's anniversary.


Overall, these activities and solicitations came up with P65,147 cash, and around estimated P28,000 worth of school supplies.




We were able to furnish 500 bags with 1 box of crayons, 4 pencils/ballspens, 1 sharpener, 1 eraser, 1 ruler, 2 pad papers, 3 notebooks. Some supplies were in excess so some bags got 5 notebooks, 3 pads, and scissors.

Other materials such as envelopes, art papers, bodpapers, tapes, ledgers, yellow pads, lesson plans were provided for the teachers.

Around 428 students in 6 primary schools received bags. 82 bags on the other hand went to Brgy Sila Elementary School, in San Vicente Northern Samar.

The 500 bags were packed complete initially, and because of logistics concern with the AFP Civil Relations Group keeping us in the limbo of whether we will be able to deliver or not, we thought about holding any further purchasing of additional bags and school supplies for more students as we may end up overstocked with goods, not to mention we have almost filled up our friends apartment with donations.

Meanwhile, we had excess funds, so we thought about sharing it to other areas who may need it, and is easier to deliver. There has been excess funds beyond the planned distribution target, so we thought about giving them out to others in need.

The planned distribution was to be 3rd week April, but PAF C130 flights to SULU have been held specifically for election related matters, apart from that the kidnapping issues in Sulu at the time made the flights too busy to accommodate any civilian related matters.

We were almost getting frustrated waiting for every announcement of flight, and thinking of moving it again through Cebu Pacific Cargo services as the first time, but the cost is not practical as it will triple the cost of the items.In the end, if we move with this option, it will seem as if we bought the items at the same price as they would have been sold in Sulu, and making all the fundraising efforts useless, as we have ended up making business for the transport companies instead and sweating it all out for nothing.

But with the help of 51st SAF in Tawi Tawi, we were able to connect to 50th SAF in Sulu who took care of the logistics; they have sponsored the shipping of the goods with 2GO, and even hand carrying some on the commercial flights of their personnel. They also took charge of the moving from Zamboanga henceforward up to distribution.




While we aimed for 1000 kids and we may come up with 1000 bags, the security situation causing trouble with logistics make it not practical to proceed with school supplies. Incidentally, from the recent distribution of excess school supplies in Tawi Tawi, we have been told that the children of Malassa Elementary School don't have seats. Students come to class and squat. Hence, the excess funds will be used to build seats for the school. Currently, we are awaiting for an estimate cost of the materials from 51st PNP SAF Group in Tawi Tawi.



Meanwhile, the funds from the T-shirt sales of GivingIzReceiving will proceed with building the Alternative Classroom for the Badjaos. At the moment, we are awaiting correspondence from the village chief about seeking and finding interested Badjaos to work on the renovation of the structure, after shipping and provision of materials.

Pls see here for an excel file of the received donations, tally of expenses, and data on school supply recipients.





Last year, with a call for help from a youth group in Sulu, we started the #SULOngSULU project. This is a citizen action drive in aiding the needs of our students in the Sulu area. Thus far, this circle of a few travelling friends have attended to a renovation of a primary school, distribution of school supplies, and sending a few more lab materials for a chemistrylaboratory.

This year around, I am travelling around Indonesia, but I did not want my proximity to deter me from contributing to the progress of my country. Before leaving, I had a word with these friends and asked if we can go ahead with little things like this, and I am glad they were feeling the kind of fullfilment I get when I see something done.

Apart from these friends, social networks has helped bring our advocacy to other people. There was Wina Asuncion who set up a benefit concert , Mara Balayan who did a Hand Lettering workshop, Maria Isabel Bernal of GivingIzReceiving who sold T-shirts to fund a planned Alternative classroom for theBadjaos, and also accounting firm SGV (through Mr Christian Lauron) who shared in time for the company's anniversary.


Overall, these activities and solicitations came up with P65,147 cash, and around estimated P28,000 worth of school supplies.




We were able to furnish 500 bags with 1 box of crayons, 4 pencils/ballspens, 1 sharpener, 1 eraser, 1 ruler, 2 pad papers, 3 notebooks. Some supplies were in excess so some bags got 5 notebooks, 3 pads, and scissors.

Other materials such as envelopes, art papers, bodpapers, tapes, ledgers, yellow pads, lesson plans were provided for the teachers.

Around 428 students in 6 primary schools received bags. 82 bags on the other hand went to Brgy Sila Elementary School, in San Vicente Northern Samar.

The 500 bags were packed complete initially, and because of logistics concern with the AFP Civil Relations Group keeping us in the limbo of whether we will be able to deliver or not, we thought about holding any further purchasing of additional bags and school supplies for more students as we may end up overstocked with goods, not to mention we have almost filled up our friends apartment with donations.

Meanwhile, we had excess funds, so we thought about sharing it to other areas who may need it, and is easier to deliver. There has been excess funds beyond the planned distribution target, so we thought about giving them out to others in need.

The planned distribution was to be 3rd week April, but PAF C130 flights to SULU have been held specifically for election related matters, apart from that the kidnapping issues in Sulu at the time made the flights too busy to accommodate any civilian related matters.

We were almost getting frustrated waiting for every announcement of flight, and thinking of moving it again through Cebu Pacific Cargo services as the first time, but the cost is not practical as it will triple the cost of the items.In the end, if we move with this option, it will seem as if we bought the items at the same price as they would have been sold in Sulu, and making all the fundraising efforts useless, as we have ended up making business for the transport companies instead and sweating it all out for nothing.

But with the help of 51st SAF in Tawi Tawi, we were able to connect to 50th SAF in Sulu who took care of the logistics; they have sponsored the shipping of the goods with 2GO, and even hand carrying some on the commercial flights of their personnel. They also took charge of the moving from Zamboanga henceforward up to distribution.




While we aimed for 1000 kids and we may come up with 1000 bags, the security situation causing trouble with logistics make it not practical to proceed with school supplies. Incidentally, from the recent distribution of excess school supplies in Tawi Tawi, we have been told that the children of Malassa Elementary School don't have seats. Students come to class and squat. Hence, the excess funds will be used to build seats for the school. Currently, we are awaiting for an estimate cost of the materials from 51st PNP SAF Group in Tawi Tawi.



Meanwhile, the funds from the T-shirt sales of GivingIzReceiving will proceed with building the Alternative Classroom for the Badjaos. At the moment, we are awaiting correspondence from the village chief about seeking and finding interested Badjaos to work on the renovation of the structure, after shipping and provision of materials.

Pls see here for an excel file of the received donations, tally of expenses, and data on school supply recipients.


Read More »

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