All posts by Shem MD

Shem MD is a young doctor who really has a passion for travel and food. He started his hobby of writing about travel and food when he graduated from medical school and became the founder of Travelfore.com. Through a blog created by him, he aspires to gather stories from people all over the world about their experiences in travel and food. He also was a true lover of the art of magic, musical instruments, and mind-blowing movies. And most importantly he is a big fan of Liverpool Football Club. The words often out of him were "Nomad is my middle name !" Shem MD also get Internet Marketing Fundamentals Practitioner Certification, Social Media Practitioner Certification, Content Marketing Practitioner Certification, Display Advertising Practitioner Certification from Marketmotive.com and a member of OMCP Organization. Shem MD also get Hootsuite Certified Professional and a Hootsuite Media Inc. Community Ambassador for Asia Pacific (ID) (Volunteer) Passionate in Digital Marketing, Internet Marketing, and Social Media. Specialties: Entrepreneurship, Business Building, Creative Strategy, Social Media Strategist, Travel and Food Blogging, General Medical Practitioner, Skin Care Business, Magic Props, and Concept Consultant.

Top 7 Useful Websites for Backpackers

06/27/2014 Shem MD Leave a comment

So you want to explore the world, traveling to places, yet still do not know which best place to visit? You are ready to backpacking and still confuse about where to start? Lots of websites and blogs are available to give you reference about places to go and to stay in your destination, sometimes with complete guide about the place. As backpackers are very adventurous as well as very budget-conscious, you need the best reference before visiting certain place.

List of Useful Websites for Backpackers

For backpackers, below are top useful websites as your reference.

Backpacker.com
As the online version of a magazine, the website offers complete guide for the backpackers with different sections for easier navigation. There are destination, gear, the nature, survival, community, and skills information provided. All information is downloadable using GPS-enabled devices that will help any backpacker to plan their trip carefully in details.

Couchsurfing.com
This site allows you to get free place to stay, as well as meet and connect with local people at your destination. Couchsurfing also contains complete information about possible travelling partner, about places from the local’s point of view, and even give you useful information about part time jobs available in the destination country. Moreover, you can also ask question about specific travel tips or related things about your destination place, and the community will help you to get the answer.

Backpackforever.com
Just like couchsurfing, backpacker forever also has its own community that shares its stories and tips for traveling around the world. Join their community and get help or become help for other travelers and earn money with their ad-revenue service. To get the money, you have to write about your backpacking experience that will be categorized according to the region and country.

The Backpacker
The Backpacker will be a great help for beginner backpackers who are about to start their adventure. With special section for beginners, this site also offers other people to add reviews through Trail Database, and get informed via Trail Talk. They also have forum to serve as means of communication between travelers, and provide information about outdoor sports for outdoor enthusiasts.

Trails.com
This site has two versions; free and paid. It allows you to search for any type of activity using the map-based destinations. When you decide to go to certain place, the section will help you hotel, or places to stay based on the map information. The discussion board also helps you to communicate with other backpackers.

Gorp.com
With more than 50,000 of destination places worldwide, gorp.com is a perfect place to surf. Various services are available at your hands, such as Weekender Guide to help you plan your exciting weekend holiday, or get more information about backpacking needs. Their Adventure Finder also helps you when confuse in choosing best destination place.

Hostel Bookers
What will happen if you do not have place to stay in your destination? Hostel bookers help you find the best budget-friendly travel deals, by which you can find cheap hotel or hostels. You can also compare price to get the best deal.

The World’s Most Luxurious Spas

06/17/2014 Shem MD 1 Comment

Spa is one of women’s favorite places to have their body and soul treated and beautified. Both beauty spas and health spas have gone along the way to provide their loyal customers who do not hesitate to spend their money with luxurious facilities and relaxing treatment. Below are some of the most luxurious spas in existence.

List of the World’s Most Luxurious Spas

Amangiri Spa, Utah

Located in a desert setting, Amangiri spa brings its customers to different atmosphere of having spa treatment. With craggy rocks surrounding, Amangiri spa incorporates traditional element of Novajo culture, with holistic approach to aim for healthy balanced life by preserving the four elements; earth, water, fire, and wind. With facilities such as water pavilion, outdoor terraces, fitness center, yoga pavilion, and floatation room, Amangiri spa combines the fusion of modern facility with magnificent desert view.

Six Senses Spa, Maldives

Situated in beautiful Maldives, Six Senses spa provides luxurious spa suite facilitated with steam, sauna, Jacuzzi and bathtub. Both indoor and outdoor treatment rooms are available to meet the customer’s needs, by combining natural therapies from Asia including Tibetan hot stone massage, Chinese acupressure, and traditional Indian Ayurveda healing practice.

Marrakech Spa, Morocco

It is home to luxurious spa treatments in Royal Mansour, Morocco, the spa is set with thirteen treatment rooms, three private suites and offers latest anti-ageing technology treatment. The treatment houses are designed in beautiful, magnificent glazed pavilion that makes the view more luxurious.

The Scarlet Hotel’s Spa

Located in Mawgan Port, Cornwall, this spa brings holistic principle in every treatment, offering peace and quiet surrounding for the guests. Ayurveda treatment is aimed to give wellbeing of your mind, body, and soul. There is also a cliff-top hot tub, allowing you to relax while stargazing.

MAIA Spa, Seychelles

Take yourself in Maia Spa and enjoy the most relaxing atmosphere while getting your body treated. With sound of waterfall, bird song, and open-air atmosphere, you will get the ultimate relaxing spa treatment. Maia spa offers Balinese-style spa in private open-air pavilion, surrounded by natural rocks.

Bulgari Spa, London

In the busy London, you can have wide selections of spa treatments in Bulgari Spa. The facilities include steam rooms, fitness rooms, saunas, luxurious private spa suite and the dramatic private pool complex. The architecture is very dynamic and extremely stylish, with glass surrounding that reminds you to the outstanding Byzantine mosaic.

Velassaru Spa, Maldives

It sets luxurious spa treatment; and yoga facilities are specially designed to fulfill your needs to recharge. Optimum solitude and peace sits on the clear water to ensure your wellbeing and rejuvenation.

Le Meridien Spa, Barcelona

Enjoy spa treatment under the sunshine in Le Meridien Spa, as this place offers you with wide ranges of treatments, from La Prairie from Switzerland, Ayurdeva Indian treatment, or other methods to give you the ultimate experience.

Hayman Spa, Hayman Island

The spa in Hayman Island, Australia, is a perfect place to get your treatment done. The design allows you to relax, rejuvenate, and restore your mind and spirit back, with its state-of-the-art treatments options. Its signature treatment is the Ocean Massage treatment.

Ayana Resort Spa, Bali

Get excited and relaxed in Ayana Resort Spa, Bali, as you can enjoy spa treatment on the rocks. Surrounded by the sea, the spa villas allow you to have Lava Me Tender treatment for anti ageing, amazing jade treatment, or hot shell massage.

Bibimbap – From Royal Table to Street Food

06/13/2014 Shem MD Leave a comment

Perhaps, some of you are not familiar with this dish; Bibimbap. This particular food is undoubtedly well known for its delicious flavor and variation in South Korea. Some people even call it the Korean’s best dish that is now widely available not only in its origin place, but also around the country and even overseas. This signature Korean dish offers all food lovers with unique taste and very healthy ingredients because it contains lots of veggies and it is gluten free.

Although it is a traditional Korean dish, not only traditional community who love to enjoy this healthy food; international community also starts to like this particular food. Now, there is “Italian” version of Bibimbap, which is characterized by Mediterranean-style veggies and lemony soave. So, what makes this so favored among people?

A Brief History of Bibimbap

There are some different versions when it comes to history of Bibimbap. During Joseon era, bibimbap was believed a special dish that was served only for royal families. It also became a ritual food. According to Siuijeonseo, a recipe book compiled in the 1800s, there are four version references of Bibimpab. The most famous theory is the royal theory, where the food is served for the king and the royal families during Joseon Dynasty. .

The second theory cited in the recipe book refers Bibimbap as a seasonal dish for the peasant during the farming season. They could not eat easily on the farm, so that they took one bowl, and mixed rice with other side dishes to eat in the rice fields. According to the third theory, Bibimbap was served during the revolutionary movement by the peasants who protested against widespread corruption. They were forced to mix rice in one bowl with side dishes due to the lack of bowls and plates to place the food.

The last theory, or the Eumbok theory, states that Bibimbap is a dish served during ancestral rites at the end of a ceremony. People would eat the food by placing each food offered into one bowl or plate and mixing them together.

Best Place to Eat Bibimbap

The word Bibimbap itself means ‘disorderly’ and ‘mix’. It is true since people put various food ingredients in one bowl and then mixed it. This dish is now one of three best Korean dishes known internationally, and becomes a favorite among foreigners. The dish contains rice with top of thirty different vegetables and red pepper sauce for the spicy flavor. Bibimbap also provides a good harmony in flavor and balanced, healthy food to consume, and serves and nutritious meal as well. With various types of vegetables, egg, nuts, ginko, and other ingredients, the dish is ideal to serve after work when your body needs healthy food supply.

There are lots of places you can visit in Korea to enjoy Bibimbap, but the most recommended one would be Jeonju or Jinju. Bibimbap even made its way overseas by various franchises like in Bon Bibimbap, which is currently available in more than 125 countries around the world, including US, Japan and China. It keeps the original recipe of Bibimbap, and even serves various versions of Bibimbap.

Destinations, Indonesia, Theme and Amusement Park

Pandawa Beach Bali – Peace in Seclusion

06/11/2014 Shem MD 1 Comment

Bali comes with endless options when it comes to tourist attractions. One more new mesmerizing site, Pandawa Beach has recently opened to public, with its amazing natural beauty and beautiful landscape that stretches along the blue coast. The tropical surrounding of Bali attracts millions of people every year and allows the tourists to sit back and relax, escape from their busy routines.

Most people are probably only familiar with Kuta beach, or Seminyak, but Pandawa Beach now offers wider option for you to get peace in seclusion and enjoy your exclusive time alone or with your romantic encounter. Pandawa beach quickly becomes a favorite among local people and visitors due to its relaxing features.

Pandawa Beach and Mahabharata’s characters

Previously, this beach was named Secret Beach before famously known as Pandawa Beach because of its hidden location behind high cliffs. Its exclusive location in the village of Kutuh, South Kuta District, Pandawa beach is actually near from Nusa Dua and Uluwatu areas. The difficult access to this beach makes this hotspot relatively empty, only few people with the waves sound, so that makes Pandawa Beach a perfect gateway for both domestic and international tourists. However, the local authority has finally recognized the potential of this beach, resulted in better access and introduction of this beach as one of mainstay attractions.

Pandawa beach got its name not without reason. As your journey come near to the location, you will be greeted by famous wayang statues; the Panca Pandawa, characters of Mahabarata, namely Yudhistira, Bima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sadewa. There will not much to see during your way to the beach, as your view will be mostly dominated with high cliffs and hills view, until it finally reaches the beach side, outstanding panorama unquestionably unfolds right in front of your eyes. Pure white sand with blue water, light breeze and clear blue sky unite in harmony and hypnotizing anyone who saw.

Well preserved environment of Pandawa Beach

The majestic hills will serve as your private walls. They conceal you from the familiar crowd and usual activity. Pandawa beach still preserves its quiet atmosphere and clean environment. Maybe, that is because there are still few people who visit this place. Taking the road to Pandawa Beach from Ngurah Rai International airport is only 1 hour, with domination of high coastal view along the road. However, the carved statues of Mahabharata’s characters become distinct fascinations for the tourists when you finally enter the area.

Just like any other beaches, there are various activities, which you can do at Pandawa Beach. Water sport is provided for those who love outdoor activities such as canoeing and paragliding. You can ask for local’s assistance when the wind is quite strong, usually started from Timbis Hill near Pandawa Beach and enjoy the beautiful panorama from the height.

Take a swim and get sunburn from the warm sun during the day. If you prefer sitting back and relaxing along the beachside, roll out the mats and simply sit under the trees or umbrella to enjoy fresh coconut water. Other option is you can observe the culture and custom of seaweed farmers along the coast.

Cultural and Historical Heritage, Destinations, Indonesia

Places to Visit in Majapahit Historical Tour

06/10/2014 Shem MD 1 Comment

Majapahit Kingdom can be considered as the Golden Age of Indonesian ancient history. This Hindu-Buddhist kingdom was the largest in Indonesia, spread from Western to Eastern Indonesia, and it even had sent its marine troops to Thailand, Kampuchea, and China. The kingdom is not only famous, but also becomes an epitome of political and cultural grandeur. Such huge kingdom of course left many historical sites that now become tourist attractions in Java.

If you are interested in ancient history and Indonesia, you can visit various historical sites related to the golden age of Majapahit era, mostly located in Trowulan Site. Trowulan is one of the capitals of Majapahit in the past, and now, it becomes the most important Majapahit site in Java. It is also listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage, and keeps amazing relics such as temples, tombs, bathhouse, and proofs of activity and trade center such as clean water distributor system, marketplace and housing complex.

Historical Majapahit Sites in Trowulan
Here are several historical sites and buildings you can see at Trowulan Site:

Candi Tikus

Although being called ‘candi’ (temple), this is actually more like a bathhouse. This beautiful bath pond was built in rectangle shape, made of red bricks and surrounded with terraces. It has a main structure that was inspired by Mount Mahameru. It is called Candi Tikus (Rat Temple) because the pond was inhabited by rats when discovered in 1914.

Gapura Bajang Ratu

Gapura (gate) Bajang Ratu is one of numerous gates that have beautiful and sophisticated shapes and intricate details, which are the main characteristics of Majapahit relics. This gate was built following the death of Jayanegara, the second king of Majapahit.

Candi Brahu

Candi Brahu is one of the most prominent Buddhist style temples at Trowulan Site. The temple was built from red bricks and is thought to be a special place to cremate the bodies of kings. The temple is twenty meters high and facing the west.

Makam Putri Campa (Campa Princess Tomb)

Makam Putri Champa is a tomb of a Muslim princess from Campa Kingdom in Vietnam who became the wife of the last Majapahit king. The tomb dates back from year 1448.

Candi Minak Jinggo

Minak Jinggo Temple is unique because it shows strong connection between Majapahit culture and Chinese culture, particularly in Ming Dynasty era. While the temple is still undergoing restoration, it already shows many interesting elements. For example, the exterior was made of andhesit stone, while the interior was red bricks. On the top of the temple, there is a Qilin, a Chinese mythological creature shaped like a lion-headed horse with deer’s antlers.

Troloyo Cemetery Complex

Troloyo Cemetery is an ancient cemetery complex dates back to 14th century, with really prominent Islamic influence. This proves that some Majapahit people already knew and embraced Islam as their beliefs, and also shows the trace of Islam history in Java Island.

All of these different sites show variety of differences in design elements, from Hindu to Buddha and Islam, as well as Java and China. This proves that Majapahit era was a diverse era, when various cultures and beliefs were accommodated.

Asia, Cultural and Historical Heritage, Destinations

China Terracotta Warriors, the Splendor of First Dynasty

06/09/2014 Shem MD 1 Comment

Everyone who is interested in ancient culture must be familiar with China Terracotta Warriors, a colossal archaeological finding that consists of around seven thousands of life sized warriors, horses, chariots and other objects such as pots, plates and bowls. First unearthed by farmers accidentally in year 1974, the finding soon became object of interest of all archeologists from all over the world. Terracotta Warriors are relics of the very first dynasty in China, the Qin, created under the commission of Emperor Qin Shi Huang when he was thirteen years old, as guardians of his mausoleum.

The whole project took around eleven years to complete, and now, it becomes a popular attraction for all Chinese and ancient culture enthusiasts from all over the world. You can order tour package to visit the site, which is located Xian, Shaanxi Province, near the site of Qin Shi Huang’s tomb.

What to See at the Site
If you go to Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horse Museum, whether alone or with tour group, you will see three large pits called Number 1, Number 2 and Number 3 Pit, which signify the order of their findings and excavations, covering an area as wide as 16,300 square meters. Here are things you will see:

Number 1 Pit: the largest pit that contains common column soldiers with lines of horse chariots. Each of the soldier and horse chariot is very detailed, and you can even see clear facial expression on each soldier statue.
Number 2 Pit: this pit contains thousand warriors and wooden chariots.
Number 3 Pit: this pit contains warriors with higher ranks, a chariot and four war horses, and judging from the positions and details, were most likely the command center of the entire terracotta army.

Besides what you can see in these three pits, there is also exhibition hall where you can see individual relics and findings which have been exclusively selected. There is also Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum, which is surrounded by large park formerly known as Lishan Garden. In this area, you can also see other beautiful and interesting relics from the first emperor in China, including other museums.

Popular Activities at Tour Package to Xian
Many tour packages to Terracotta Warrior site offer double trips to the museum and mausoleum, and if the tour itinerary is longer, you probably will be taken to the nearest tourists attractions such as City Hall and Small Wild Goose Pagoda (which is actually the relic of Tang Dynasty, but also beautiful). However, the site is also a popular object for more cost efficient one day tour, but of course that depends on the policy of your selected travel company.

This magnificent finding has landed Xian’s name in the international list of must-visit place in China, including a list in UNESCO. The details and intricacy of each relic, including the warriors’ garbs and facial expressions, show magnificent feat of human’s artistic ability and devotion. This is truly a must visit spot you totally have to put in your itinerary in China.

Jakarta Great Sale Event, Your Next Shopping Fest in June

06/05/2014 Shem MD 2 Comments

Jakarta is famous for many things, but one of the most prominent fame factors must be shopping. Shoppers from all parts of Indonesian archipelago know that they can shop until they drop in Jakarta, probably only competed by Singapore. Jakarta government knew this and made shopping feast as annual event. That’s right: now you can be in shopper’s paradise every year during Jakarta Great Sale, an annual event held with participations of both big stores or malls and small business owners.

This year’s event will be held from June 7th to July 15th, and will involve participations of over seventy five shopping centers in Jakarta. There will also be thousands of small business owners participating in this event, giving them opportunities to promote their goods and products to enthusiastic shoppers from all parts of archipelago. In the end, the government hopes that this year’s event will bring a lot of income to the province like last year’s successful great sale.

What You Can Expect in Jakarta Great Sale
This year’s Jakarta Great Sale will be no different from last year; around seventy-five shopping centers have officially joined the event, giving venues to thousands of small business owners that will have their own stands inside. If you are an avid shopper, you will have fun getting extremely generous discounts in this great sale; many shopping centers and malls even give discounts as high as 70% for various goods and products such as clothes, utensils, shoes, accessories, foods and beverages, beauty products, electronics, toys and many more.

You will also get opportunities to see a lot of new and unique products sold by small business owners with innovative ideas, and your shopping contributions will of course help them promoting their business better. Plus, there will be other events such as musical performance, fun competition, stage show and door prize. Shoppers can even start signing up for FJGS 2014 Shopper Card now, which will further give more convenience in shopping activities.

Huge Income Expected from Jakarta Great Sale
Handaka Santosa, the head of Jakarta Great Sale project, is optimistic about the result of event. According to official data, the 2013 Jakarta Great Sale event brought income as huge as 11.8 trillion rupiahs. This year, Santosa and his team expect no less than 13.5 trillion rupiahs, judging from the huge enthusiasm as well as the General Election event that will be held on July 9th.

He predicts that many politicians, supporters and their families will also have some time to shop and participate in the event, especially because the event will also be held at the same day with Jakarta’s 487th anniversary.

Jakarta Great Sale is one of the most successful annual programs to bring more revenues for city and province, but more than that, this event is also a time where people can have fun together and shopping with way more discounts that they can usually expect in Jakarta. Plus, this also helps small business owners to promote their products and get more exposure in public.

Get Ready for Indonesia’s Tour de Singkarak in June

06/05/2014 Shem MD 5 Comments

Exotic Sumatra Island in Indonesia is packed with enthusiastic readers every year for Tour de Singkarak, which is an annual event of cycling tour held as one of tourist attractions in West Sumatra. This tour is a routine event in UCI Road Calendar for Asia Tour, and has drawn thousands of cyclists from around the world and all walks of life. With unique combination between sport and tourism event, the tour will again bring the cyclists in a long, well planned route around beautiful and interesting popular spots in West Sumatra.

First held in 2008, Tour de Singkarak has become annual tourism agenda and brought positive impacts to local economy, as well as promoting West Sumatra as another great travel destination in Indonesia.

New Tour de Singkarak in June 2014
This year’s Tour de Singkarak will be held from June 7th to 15th and consist of nine stages. These nine stages are by no means light, and as usual, the route of each stage will consist of various popular West Sumatra travel destinations. Here are the nine routes that the cyclists will use in the next Tour de Singkarak:

Stage 1: from Padang Pariaman to Pariaman, 98.5 km (June 7th)
Stage 2: from Pasaman to Pasaman Barat (West Pasaman), 123.5 km (June 8th)
Stage 3: from 50 Kota to Tanah Datar, 100 km (June 9th)
Stage 4: from Bukittinggi to Agam, 165 km (June 10th)
Stage 5: from Payakumbuh to Solok, 102 km (June 11th)
Stage 6: from Padang Panjang to Solok City, 111 km (June 12th)
Stage 7: from Sijunjung to Dharmasraya, 167.5 km (June 13th)
Stage 8: from Sawah Lunto to Solok Selatan (South Solok), 167 km (June 14th)
Stage 9: from Pesisir Selatan to Padang (capital city), 120 km (June 15th)

As you can see, this year’s Tour de Singkarak will present quite challenge, not to mention many young blood and professional teams that will participate. In the end, this event is something that any cyclists and Indonesia travel enthusiasts cannot skip.

Indonesian Team Will Present Best Performance
In the last Tour de Singkarak, Indonesian national team managed to snag the third place in the tour. This year, riders from other countries can expect the same challenge from Indonesian national team, especially since the team joins this tour as preparation for their involvement in the next Asian Games. Also, the Pegasus Team, which is Indonesia’s continental cycling team, will also participate and no doubt present quite challenge for other teams.

Other cyclists must also prepare for the performance of three past champions: Ghader Mizbani Iranagh, Oscar Munoz and Amir Zargari. However, many spectators also wait in anticipation if there will be an underdog champion that wins the tour. Nevertheless, this year’s Tour de Singkarak has been welcomed with enthusiasm by professional cyclists and West Sumatra people, and surely will become another successful event with a lot of cheering, enthusiasm, and of course promotion of beautiful natural and cultural attractions in the exotic West Sumatra.

Asia, Destinations, Editor's Picks, Indonesia

Indonesian Exotic Travel Destinations You’ve Never Heard Of

05/26/2014 Shem MD 8 Comments

Indonesia consists of 33 provinces and around 17,000 islands, but you probably only knew a handful of tourist destinations such as Bali, Lombok, Mount Bromo, Boroudur Temple, Bunaken and such. It is unfortunate, because Indonesia is rich of hidden beauty that is still unexplored by many. These hidden paradises are very exotic and beautiful, and since they are still pretty much unknown, they make really great escapades from urban jungle.

Hidden Paradise in Indonesia
Why follow common tourist destination suggestions from your travel brochure? If you are looking for places that are rarely visited, look no more than these hidden paradises in Indonesia for tourists:

Benang Stokel Waterfall, Lombok

Lombok may be famous for its beaches and small islands (gili), but if you love nature, do not miss Benang Stokel Waterfall, which is located only 30 kilometers from Mataram, the capitak city. This waterfall is still relatively untouched, so the water is clear and cold, and the surrounding is very cool and refreshing.

Jomblang Cave, Yogyakarta

Make this cave the next destination for your cave exploration! Located in Pacarejo Village in Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta, this cave is breathtaking with its underground river. Also, check out beautiful and out-of-the-world forest that grows in the cave, which is still relatively untouched. The trail to the cave is very rough, but the reward is amazing.

Kanawa Island, East Nusa Tenggara

Kanawa Island is one of small islands that are parts of Komodo National Park in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Therefore, the beauty in this island is very well preserved. You can see corals and fish from the beach even without snorkeling, and you can spend the night in rustic cottages. Plus, the island only gets electricity from 5 to 9 PM; while this may be a downside for you Wifi addict, this makes staying in this island really calming, outback and relaxing.

Pulau Merah Beach, West Java

This beach is located on the foot of Mount Tumpang Pitu in Banyuwangi area, and well preserved because it is surrounded by natural sanctuary. Pulau Merah (Red Island) got its name from a small hill on the beach that has reddish sand. It is a bit difficult to reach the beach, but once you get there, the most spectacular beach and sunset will be your reward.

Weekuri Lake, East Nusa Tenggara

Weekuri Lake is a saltwater lake located in Northwestern Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The lake is surrounded by greens and rocks, and the water is so clear and blue you can easily see the bottom. So far, the only visitors are handfuls of locals, so it is still counted as a hidden paradise in the eyes of national and international tourists.

Bantimurung National Park

Bantimurung National Park is located in South Sulawesi and becomes a home for various east Indonesian birds, butterflies and mammals. Plus, there is also a long line of Karst Mountain and eternal spring.

There are still so many hidden paradises in Indonesia that you must visit, but you can start from making these places as your next lists to visit on your next travel.

Asia, Destinations, Editor's Picks

Beppu, the Most Beautiful Hot Spring Travel Destination

05/23/2014 Shem MD Leave a comment

If you love enjoying local attractions, rural Japan and natural phenomena in your travel, you must come to Beppu. Located near Mount Tsurumi in Kanawa region, Beppu is famous for eight hells (jigoku) or hot volcanic mud pools that present stunning views. However, this area is also famous for other things such as public hot baths, culinary delights, cultural tourism, and of course Japanese style motels.

How to Go to Beppu

The easiest way to go to Beppu is by plane; the plane is landed at Oita Airport, and Beppu can be reached using daily shuttle bus that costs around 1,450 Yen. If you are from Tokyo, you can use overnight train trip using The Fuji from Tokyo Station right to Beppu (about 17 hours of trip). You can also save money if you use Sonic Train from Fukuoka and Kokura, because you can apply for discount ticket to save money on several stops. If you use car, you can drive through Oita Expressway and make your exit at Beppu Interchange.

Meanwhile, if you use ferry boat, there are three routes you can try: using Uwajima Un’yu Ferry from Yamatahawa, and Kansai Kisen and Diamond Ferries from Osaka. However, unlike Uwajima Un’yu and Kansai Kisen that stops at Beppu Port, Diamond Ferries only stops in Oita.

The Eight Hells of Beppu

The Eight Hells or ‘Jigoku’ in Beppu are something worth visit. These eight volcanic mud pools (one with geyser activity) presents really beautiful and a bit scary sight, especially because the super hot volcanic pools have various colors. Since they are protected natural phenomena, they are managed by The Beppu Jigoku Association, and you must buy tickets to enter the Jigoku areas.

The eight Jigoku are Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell), Yama Jigoku (Mountain Hell), Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell), Kamado Jigoku (Boiling Hell), Oniyama Jigoku (Demon Mountain Hell), Oniishibozu Jigoku (Shaven Monk’s Head Hell), and a geyser called Tatsumaki Jigoku. The best way to purchase tickets is by buying combination tickets for all eight pools with just about 2,100 Yen. However, if you only want to visit one of the time (not planning to visit all), each Jigoku ticket costs 400 Yen.

Things to Do in Beppu

Besides visiting the Eight Jigoku, you can also take refreshing bath at onsens, or public hot bath with natural hot water. The best one is Takegawara Onsen, a hot bath from Meiji Era with only 100 Yen of admission ticket (another 1,000 Yen plus sand bath). Hyotan Onsen is perfect for family; not only it has indoor and outdoor pool with family friendly setting, but it also has restaurant. You can also bring family to Aqua Garden, a water park in Suginoi Palace Hotel.

For eating authentic Japanese dish in cozy place, you can visit Toyotsune, a small restaurant near Beppu Train Station that has operated for more than 20 years. Hanatokei Coffee and Tea is a nice coffee shop with cozy setting, while 68 Bistro serves both Japanese and Western dishes in casual setting.

Also, do not forget to close your trip with shopping trip to Tokiwa Department Store, B-Passage and You Me Town Department Store.

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