FLORES - THE HIDDEN GEM OF INDONESIA

When it comes to Indonesia, most would think of Bali, Java or more recently popular Lombok Island. What about Flores Island? It is a lesser known island in the East Nusa Tenggara, located between Lombok to the west and Timor Leste to the east.

The people and culture here are unique. Most of them are Catholic and the natives have curly hair like those in Papua New Guinea. To get from one tourist destination in the east to another in the west, it takes a very long journey in a few days. What I remember most about the island is the simple lifestyle, unique culture and beautiful lakes. The most memorable food I had was fried banana as there are many fried food stalls around, selling what they call in Indonesia "goreng gorengan", which simply translates to fried food.

There are many beautiful places to explore. We went to 4 key main highlights, the most iconic Kelimutu Lake, the traditional Bena Village, Cancar Spider Web Rice Field and the famous Komodo Island.

Kelimutu Lake
This is the key highlight where people come to witness the three color lake of the volcano. There are 3 lakes and at an undetermined time, there will be 3 different colors simultaneously. The 3 colors are mainly blue, green/white and red/dark brown. The color changes due to the chemical reactions in the volcanic basin. When we were there, we only saw 2 colors, red and blue. Kelimutu Lake is located in Kelimutu National Park. The best time to visit is early morning to catch the amazing sunrise at the summit. It only takes 30 mins to trek from the entrance.

Bena Traditional Village

It belongs to the Ngada tribe. The unique feature of the village is the high thatch roof with traditional megalithic culture still displayed. Stone monument in the center of the village is iconic. 

Cancar Spider Web Rice Field 

The paddy field here is divided among family members in a spider web formation. 

Komodo Island

It is the habitat of the world's largest monitor lizard, known as Komodo dragon. It has the most infectious saliva, full of  bacteria. This is how they prey by biting its victim and let the bacterial saliva infect the prey until it dies before eating it. There are jungle treks and breath taking views to go around the island. The view from Sulphurea Hill is amazing with volcanic mountain and sea backdrop.

Even though we went to only 4 key areas, the whole journey from the east to the west along the long shaped island took 9 days. That was because the transportation here was not fully developed for tourism as of 2010. The best way to travel is to rent a van, even that can take a whole day to travel from one destination to another.

Along the journey, we get to enjoy the rustic countryside view with paddy fields and seaside.

Flores has remained one of the less explored destinations. It was a blessing to travel with 2 friends whom we met through an earlier trip to Laos. 

GREAT WALLS OF BEIJING

GREAT WALLS OF BEIJING

Have you ever wondered to visit one of the seven original wonders of the world, The Great Wall of China? To me, it was a dream came through when I visited Beijing in June 2019. There are in fact, few great wall sections around Beijing, mainly Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshanling, Simatai, Gubeikou, Jiankou, Huanghuacheng, Juyongguan and Huangyaguan Great Walls. Most are fully restored, while some are partially restored and wild. I went to four of the great wall sections around Beijing.


Jinshanling Great Wall
Jinshanling Great Wall is considered one of the toughest as steep. It took me 4 hours to walk from one end (2nd bell tower) to the other end in the restored section. The view is superb, as there are wild greeneries around and not many people when I visited, hence less crowded.

How to get there: There is a direct tourist bus from the Dongzhimen Wai Bus Station that leaves at 7.40am. The bus returns at 4.00 pm (Apr-Oct peak season only)

How to get to Dongzhimen Wai Bus Station: Dongzhimen Wai stop is located to the Metro Line 2 Dongzhimen Stop, Exit B and you need walk around 5 to 10 mins to get to the corner of Xiang He Yuan S Street and Dongzhimen Wai Xie Jie, and Bus stop is outdoor there.

Mutianyu Great Wall
This great wall is more crowded and restored. In order to save time, I took a cable car up and toboggan down as a new experience. The surrounding view is more urban and less wild.

How to get there: There is a direct tourist bus from the Dongzhimen Wai Bus Station that leaves at 8.30am. The bus returns at 4.00 pm

Huanghuacheng Great Wall
Huanghuacheng Great Wall is one the most recently restored and open to public great wall. It has one of the most beautiful sceneries with mountain and dam as the backdrop.

How to get there: There is a direct tourist bus from the Dongzhimen Transportation Hub Station Station (Station 418) that leaves at 8.30am. The bus returns at 4.00 pm (Apr-Oct peak season only)
Alternatively, take bus 916/916 Express from Dongzhimen Transportation Hub Station to Huairou District (3rd Area of Hanhuayuan Stop) and change to bus H21 to Huanghuacheng

Simatai Great Wall
It is the only great wall that is open at night for a section. The view is superb with surrounding hills and it is quite steep as well. However, the section that is open to public is quite short with only 5-6 towers, hence, not very worth the entrance fee.

How to get there: There is a direct bus from the Dongzhimen Wai Bus Station via Gubei Ancient Town
Dongzhimen to Gubei Ancient Town: 8:00am to 15:30pm

Gubei Ancient Town to Dongzhimen: 11:00am to 21:00pm

Overall, I am fully impressed with the wonders of the Great Wall. Each of the Great Wall section has its own beauty. All are quite steep and great for hiking. I am glad to visit four Great Walls.

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