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Mamá Calor goes online!

It all started 10 years ago.

Searching for myself, I was drawn to London, the city that never sleeps. London is a city to fall in love with, where you can get every desire fulfilled and still ask for more. But, captivated by this love, my relationship with this city has changed over time. Like any relationship that drifts apart, my relationship with London evolved into somewhat of a love-hate relationship.

London was my first great love – I had an affair with Spain in the meantime, but my heart kept returning to London. I just couldn’t get enough of that town. Now, finally, after 10 years, I have ended my relationship with London and dared to embark on an uncertain new adventure… a new relationship. Perhaps the second love?

My new adventure has taken me to Indonesia – who’d have thought I would end up here? 34 provinces, over 13,000 islands, 700 national languages.

I’m part of this country now. My relationship with Indonesia is only one month old, but I can say already that I’ve fallen in love with every facet of it … I have butterflies in my stomach again! I cannot get enough of Indonesia and I want more. Every morning I long for the sun to kiss my skin and for the warmth to touch my heart.

 

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Einreise Bali

Es ist viel einfacher, als man denkt. Seit Covid habe ich mein geliebtes Land nicht mehr besuchen können. Jetzt ist es wieder so weit und die Einreise ist viel einfacher. Man kann das E-Visa on Arrival online von zu Hause aus beantragen und muss nicht so lange am Flughafen auf das Visum warten.

Das E-VoA kostet etwa 30 €, Sie zahlen einfach mit Kreditkarte und drucken Ihr E-VoA-PDF-Dokument zu Hause aus.

Wichtige Informationen: Das E-VoA ist nur 30 Tage gültig, aber Sie können Ihr Visum um weitere 30 Tage verlängern.

Hier geht es zu der website: https://molina.imigrasi.go.id

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Temples in Yogyakarta

Beautiful view of Merapi (Volcano) from Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple

 

The most famous and the most visited Temple in Yogyakarta (Jogja) is the Borobudur Temple.

It is the largest Buddhist temple in the world with the area of 2.500 m2.

Ticket (per person): Rp.300.000,

Opening times: 8:00 am – 6:00 0m everyday.

Bike rental: Rp. 20.000

http://borobudurpark.com/en/temple/borobudur-2/

 

Pramabanan Temple

Prambanan Temple 

According to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia. In my opinion this temple belongs to the most beautiful temples in the world.

Ticket (per person): Rp. 300.000,

Opening times: 6:00 am – 5:45 pm

Bike rental: available

http://borobudurpark.com/en/temple/prambanan-2/

 

Prambanan Temple

 

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Gili Gede – Getting here and away.

Most people I met who travelled to Gili Gede have arrived from the following, Bali other Gili islands, other Indonesian bases and internationally.

This is a breakdown of each of these set off and arrival points:

Taxi:

From international points and flying in from Bali etc. this would be via Lombok International Airport. There are no or seldom Crab-drivers outside the Airport. It’s been said that the area outside Airport is controlled the Taxi mafia. However, a taxi service from the international Lombok Airport to Tembowong harbour, Sekotong costs around RP 250.000 to 350.000 and it takes approx. 90 minutes. From Tembowong harbour you will need to get a taxi-boat to cross to Gili Gede, this will cost you Rp 25.000 per person, and it takes 10-15 minutes.

Kuta Lombok: Rp.400.000 – 450.000

Mataram: Grab available

Sengigi: Grab available

Tip: Ask your Grab driver to swap numbers and when every you need a taxi, you can contact your Grab driver and negotiate a deal – the deal you get is better than the normal taxi drivers.

Slow Ferry:

From Padangbai in Bali to Lembar harbour at a cost of Rp 44.000 per person and it takes approx 4-5 hours. From the harbour in Lembar you will need a taxi or Ojek (scooter with a driver) to Tembowong harbour it takes around 45-50 minutes.

Cost of the taxi: Rp. 150.000-250.000

Cost of Ojek: Rp. 75.000 (one person)

Fast Boat:

You have two options depending on the price.

  • Ekajaya fast boat:

From Serangan harbour, Bali to Lembor harbour, Lombok at a cost of Rp. 275.000 and it takes approx. 2 hours.

http://www.baliekajaya.com/schedule-fares.htm

  • Gili Getaway fast boat:

From Serangan harbour, Bali to Gili Gede (sub-village Orong Bukal), Lombok at an approx cost of Rp. 700.000, and it takes 2 hours.

http://giligetaway.com/gili-gede/

Scooter:

Another option is to rent a motor to go around Lombok. So, if you decide to come to Gili Gede but you worry about where to park your motor safe while you are staying on Gili Gede. I would recommend you go Thamarind harbour, Sekotong  (5-10 min before Tembowong harbour), they offer this service for only at a cost of Rp.20.000 a day. The boys are very reliable and they speak English. – I always park my motor there.

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Next Destination => Gili Gede, Lombok, Indonesia

Gili Gede is the new place I will call home.

 

I never thought I would make this move – moving to an Island with no electricity, no reliable water source, no hospital, no pharmacy, no supermarket, no shopping malls, no beauty salon, no restaurants, and so on – basically nothing is on Gili Gede.

But, I fall in love! No, not with a man – but with Gili Gede.

 

Let me introduce you to my new home.

Gili Gede means “big island” and the island is approx. 4km long and various from 300m to 1.5 km in width. Here is no transport on the island, other than by boat, but the beach and coast walk offer access around and across the island. If you need transport you simply wave at a passing local boat with a roof on it and it will pick you up and deliver you to your destination for a small taxi fee.

There are five sub-villages on the island; Tanjungan, Labuan Cenik, Orong Bukal, Pengamatan and Gedang Siang. I will live in Labuan Cenik. Most of the locals are generally fishermen or boat builders or both and are seen daily repairing their nets, boats and motors. More and more locals are participating in the tourist sector by working at hotels, building new accommodation, transporting and guiding tourists as boat captains etc.

The spoken language on the island (mother tongue) with much of souther Lombok, is Sasak. Bahasa Indonesia is a second language and used for general and inter-tribe communication in the whole of Indonesian.

As mentioned before, there is no electricity on the island as yet, so it is necessary to use a generator, generally form sunrise to about 11:30pm. There is also no reliable water source on the island so I need to bring fresh water by boat, which is obviously not environmentally friendly, until the government connects the island to the main grid electricity.

 

Typical house on the Island
Outdoor Kitchen
Boats
Views
Coconut Garden
Local ladies
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Give Bahasa Indonesia a Go

Indonesian speakers are very relaxed about mistakes, pronunciation etc. The fact that Bahasa Indonesia is often not their mother tongue may account for this, as they often get it a bit wrong. Try these out and see the response.

Welcome   Selamat datang

Good morning   Selamat pagi

Good afternoon    selemate sore

Good evening   Selemat malam

Good night   Selemat tidur (sleep)

Thank you   Terimakasih

You’re welcome   Sama sama

Where are you going?   Mau ke mana? (be prepared to be asked this often)

I’m just walking around   Jalan jalan

Where are you from?   Dari mana?

I’m from …   Dari…

Enjoy your meal   Selemat makan

Enjoy your drink   Selemat minum

How are you?   Apa kabar?

I’m fine   Kabar baik

What is your name?   Siapa nama anda?

My name is …   Nama saya …

See you next time   Sampi jumpa lagi

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Lombok, a place where the sun always shines.

Lombok is the sister island of Bali. Lombok is a destination that is sought after by every adventure lover, be it a diver, surfer, beach-lover or mountain lover. Lombok offers a treat for every single visitor. You need enough time to explore every corner of the exotic island.  

Gunung Rinjani (Mount Rinjani)

Is one of three blessed mountains beside Gunung Semeru in Central Java and Gunung Agung in Bali. The Rinjani volcano also has an outstanding reputation worldwide for its breathtaking natural landscapes. Especially the emerald, pine-fringed crater lake Segara Anak, which is normally used as a campsite. There are three starting points for visitors, namely the Desa Sembalun (Sembalun village), the Senaru route and the Aik Berik route.

Gunung Rinjani from Gili Gede

Trio Gili

The three islands of Gili off the west coast of Lombok is an absolute must for Lombok visitors. Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air are popular destinations for many tourists. Gili Trawangan, the largest of the Gili Islands, is the most coveted island of travelers. This Island, is also called Party Island, and offers a variety of fully equipped accommodations. However, if you are looking for some quite place, you have the opportunity to travel to Gili Meno or Gili Air. I personally liked Gili Meno much better than Gili T or Gili A., but again is all about what you are looking for. Despite everything, the Gillis trio are overcrowded with the guests arriving by speedboat daily from Bali. There is a speedboat connection from Padang Bali, East Bali to Gili T.

Gili Meno

Gili Gede

Gili Gede means “big island” and the island is approx. 4km long and varies from 300m to 1.5km in width. There are five main villages on the island; Tanjungan, Labuan Cenik, Orong Bukal, Pengametan and Gedang Siang. The locals are generally fishermen or boat builders or both and are seen daily repairing their nets, boats and motors. The predominant, mother tongue, language spoken by the people, as with much of southern Lombok, is Sasak. Bahasa Indonesia is a second language and used for general and inter-tribe communication in the whole of Indonesia.

Gili Gede
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What is it like being a Darmasiswa Student?

If you are also passionate about learning languages then why not Bahasa Indonesia? The Ministry of Education of Indonesia gives the opportunity for foreign students to live and study in Indonesia for one year. The scholarship program is called Darmasiswa. Last year, I became one of the lucky ones who got the Darmasiswa Scholarship to study Bahasa Indonesia at the Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY).

UNY is one of the universities in Indonesia which has been taking on Darmasiswa students since 1999. Also, UNY is the institutional organiser of BIPA ( Indonesian Language for Foreign Speakers).

Darmasiswa
Darmasiswa Students and Tutors

In the first semester, the program emphasises on survival language. Including activities inside and outside the school. For example, going to the Pasar (market) and learn how to bargain.

The language classes are based on theory and practice, including activities which are carried out regularly by lecturer and tutors. Therefore,the Learning module is based on lecturing, tutorials, workshops and excursion.

Lecturing: Three times a week. Students can learn the language which lecturers in class. Learning orientation is on communication skills and grammar.

Tutorials: Tutors as teaching assistants has the responsibility to strengthen the learning outcomes with lecturers. Tutorial activity is more practical.

Workshops: Workshops were mainly on Fridays and the main purpose to the workshops is to learn more about Indonesian art and culture.

Excursion: Through excursions, student get to know Indonesia closer in literature , social communities, tourism, and cultural heritage. This activity is conducted by discussion model, exploration study, and direct visit.

OUR visit to Culture Camp, first hand experience with the local villagers.

Darmasiswa
Gunung Kidu Regency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

During the Culture camp we stayed with local families.

Darmasiswa
Culture Camp, Darmasiswa, UNY
Darmasiswa UNY
Bathroom
Darmasiswa - Culture Camp
My bedroom
Darmasiswa UNY
Kitchen

UNY has provided many other opportunities to explore Indonesian culture such as, traditional Dance, trips etc.

Darmasiswa
Traditional Dance
Darmasiswa
Kraton Yogyakarta
Darmasiswa
Darmasiswa students and local teachers, and tutors
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Are you planning a trip to Indonesia?

Few things you need to know before traveling to Indonesia.

  • The majority of the population is Muslim and very conservative especially in small villages, when you are walking around and through villages make sure you dress appropriately.
  • It is important to exchange money before you arrive to Indonesia as it is difficult to exchange currency in most cities. Also, carry cash with you as many places don’t offer  card payment.
  • Another very important thing I have noticed when travelling through Indonesia is that cellular network (2G,3G) are widespread throughout Indonesia. However, 4G network is usually available in the major cities. Therefore, I would recommend to have google offline map.
  • Emergency contact details:

Police: 110 

Ambulance: 118 

Medical: 119

  • Contact details of Embassies:

UK: +622123565200

Spain: +622131142355

France: +622123557600

Germany: +622139855000

Netherlands: +62215248200

 

 

 

 

 

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“Batik” a cloth with small dots

It would be impossible to visit Indonesia without noticing Batik. Batik is the art of decoration cloth by using technique of wax-resist dyeing. This technique is an ancient tradition and has been practised for centuries in Java, Indonesia. When I went to buy my first Batik I was overwhelmed by the choice.

I could not decide which colours or patterns I liked so I spent the whole day on Jalan Malioboro (Malioboro street), Yogyakarta, and return back home without a Batik.

I signed up for a batik course at my university, and there, I learned first about the philosophy of batik, and the meaning of every motive and their origins. I think it is important to know about the meaning before you buy your first traditional batik.

  • Parang Yogyakarta
Batik, Indonesia
Traditional Batik, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

One of the holy and the most powerful motives. Parang means war and this motive served as warfare. The Parang Barong (large Parang motive) is only used by the king. One of the myths of this batik is that if you wear this Parang batik on your wedding, you will always fight with your partner like the meaning of the word Parang.

  • Parang Solo
Batik
Traditional Batik, Solo, Indonesia

Same meaning as above.

  • Sidomukti Yogyakarta
Batik
Traditional Batik, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The meaning of the batik is wealth, prosperity, well-being. Is usually given as present with the meaning of life can finally prosperous in the world and the hereafter.

  • Sidoluhur Yogyakarta
Batik
Traditional Batik, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

According to my Javanese friends this batik means that life consists in finding the majesty of material and non-material. Sublimation material could mean fulfilling all bodily needs with hard work.

  • Truntum Mangkoro Yogyakarta

    Batik
    Traditional Batik, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The meaning of this motive is that the person who wearing this batik is expected to lead or be role model for others. More specifically, this motive is used by the groom in the hope of being able to take the bride into the married life. Likewise, parents are expected to be good role modes for their children.

  • Ciptoning Yogyakarta

    Batik
    Traditional Batik, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The meaning of this motive is the symbol of wisdom. In the old days this batik was worn by the knights.

  • Kawung Yogyakarta

    Traditional Batik
    Traditional Batik, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The pattern of this motive symbolises justice and power. This batik us worn by the king and his family. Also, it symbolises that people will always remember their origins.

  • Kawung Solo
Traditional Batik
Traditional Batik, Solo, Indonesia

Same meaning as above.