Sojourn with Friends at Bandung, Indonesia

Being an expat comes with a lot of gains. Aside from the perks with financial and professional compensations, you also get to travel different places that you have never seen before.

My friends and I who all came from the same school in Batangas, Philippines teach in different schools in Jakarta, Indonesia. However, Teacher Marina is assigned in an international school in Bandung, Indonesia. It is about three hours from the city of Jakarta.

Bandung is the capital of Indonesia’s West Java province and the country’s third largest city. Set amid volcanoes and tea plantations, Bandung is known for its historical values because of colonial and detailed architecture. It is also the perfect getaway from Jakarta since the weather is relatively cool.

From scenic places and picturesque mountains, Bandung offers wide array of activities such as shopping, mountain hiking, rappelling, rafting, horseback riding, rough riding, and treating yourselves with its famous cuisines!

It was the end of the school year break when all our schedules finally agreed and we were able to book our visit. Travel is by land in a van and there are many terminals in Jakarta where you can make reservation. The expat teachers of her school are accommodated in a beautiful house located just within the city and since they are all in vacation, we are allowed to use their rooms during our visit. If you don’t have a place to stay, there are many high-quality hotels to choose from that offer affordable cost.

Bandung is not only defined by its cool weather and scenic array of mountains, there are also many factory outlets where you can buy famous brands at a cheaper price. A little drive and you will be able to go on a hike, visit waterfalls, experience rappelling and water rafting.

The water rafting is the best activity that we have done! We all thought that we would not get wet and even insisted to bring our purse, camera and cell phones. We ended up living them in the locker and after the experience, we could have lost or ruined everything since it was a very rough experience. We were not only wet but totally soaked. Nobody brought extra clothes so we were all so cold when we went home!

The water rafting is the best activity that we have done! We all thought that we would not get wet and even insisted to bring our purse, camera and cell phones. We ended up living them in the locker and after the experience, we could have lost or ruined everything since it was a very rough experience. We were not only wet but totally soaked. Nobody brought extra clothes so we were all so cold when we went home!

The water rafting is the best activity that we have done! We all thought that we would not get wet and even insisted to bring our purse, camera and cell phones. We ended up living them in the locker and after the experience, we could have lost or ruined everything since it was a very rough experience. We were not only wet but totally soaked. Nobody brought extra clothes so we were all so cold when we went home!

The water rafting is the best activity that we have done! We all thought that we would not get wet and even insisted to bring our purse, camera and cellphones. We ended up living them in the locker and after the experience, we could have lost or ruined everything since it was a very rough experience. We were not only wet but totally soaked. Nobody brought extra clothes so we were all so cold when we went home!

The water rafting is the best activity that we have done! We all thought that we would not get wet and even insisted to bring our purse, camera and cell phones. We ended up living them in the locker and after the experience, we could have lost or ruined everything since it was a very rough experience. We were not only wet but totally soaked. Nobody brought extra clothes so we were all so cold when we went home!

One of the beautiful falls in Bandung that you must visit! 

Some of my friends stayed for almost one week but since I had shorter vacation, I was only there for three days. The short time I spent was more than enough to enjoy and take a break from the usual hustle and bustle of the city.

Floating market offers variety of stores such as this one where you can buy souvenirs. 

Experience the unique culture of Indonesia by riding this beautifully decorated car on the way to the floating market. 

One of the factory outlets where you can buy branded clothes and shoes at a cheaper price. 

Needless to say, it is one of the most memorable and unforgettable time that I have spent with my friends in Indonesia.

Here’s some information about the must-visit places:

Trans Studio Bandung
Jl. Gatot Subroto No.289, Cibangkong, Batununggal, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat 40273, Indonesia

Family-focused indoor theme park with thrill rides, a theatre and play areas for younger children.

Keraton cliff
Popular place known for its picturesque forest views, particularly at sunrise & sunset.
Lembang, Ciburial, Cimenyan, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat 40198, Indonesia

Maribaya Waterfall
Serene, tree-lined waterfalls with pools for swimming, plus hot springs & a restaurant.
Kampung Cikondang Lamajang Pangalengan, Cibodas, Lembang, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat 40391, Indonesia

Farmhouse Susu Lembang
Theme park with European-style buildings, Dutch costumes for rent, a mini zoo & a hip restaurant.
Jl. Raya Lembang No.108, Gudangkahuripan, Lembang, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat 40391, Indonesia

Djuanda Forest Park
Taman Hutan Raya Ir. H. Juanda is a conservation area and botanical garden in Bandung, Indonesia. It covers 590 hectares, stretching from Dago Pakar to Maribaya. The park takes its name after Djuanda Kartawidjaja, the last Prime Minister of Indonesia.
Kompleks Tahura, Jl. Ir. H.Djuanda No.99, Ciburial, Cimenyan, Kota Bandung, Jawa Barat 40198, Indonesia 

De' Ranch
Family-friendly ranch offering pony & horseback rides, plus kids' games, farm animals & dining.
Jl. Raya Maribaya No.17, Kayuambon, Lembang, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat 40391, Indonesia

Floating Market Lembang
Floating market where local foods, snacks & items like clothing are carried by sellers on boats.
Jalan Grand Hotel No.33E, Lembang, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat 40391, Indonesia

Kawah Putih
Kawah Putih is a striking crater lake and tourist spot in a volcanic crater about 50 km south of Bandung in West Java in Indonesia. Kawah Putih lake is one of the two craters which make up Mount Patuha, an andesitic stratovolcano. Mount Patuha is one of numerous volcanoes in Java.

Miniature Railways Floating Market Lembang
Jl. Grand Hotel No.33E, Jalur Kampung Leuit No.A1, Lembang, Kabupaten Bandung Barat, Jawa Barat 40391, Indonesia

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The Fundamental Joy of Teacher’s Sacrifices: Teacher’s Appreciation

The world of teaching has always been a complex, inundating and more often than not, immensely challenging. It is therefore not a wonder to find ourselves overwhelmed by the ambiguousness of our chosen profession. However, it is through this confusion that we must find the affirmations of our worth and eventually afford ourselves with the immeasurable joys of teaching.

Amidst the chaos and noise, it is a joy to know that we are part of the journey of the world’s future. It is a comfort to be reminded that the small knowledge we plant and the way we shape little hearts, will have a big impact on how the future would be defined.

In spite of the long, arduous, not fully compensated sacrifices, it is a joy to know that our labors are not in vain. The amount of love we pour on our students are not lost in sight for we do not know the extent of our influences on the students’ lives.

Through the monotonous activities that teachers face each day, we are empowered with creativity. As teachers, we are gifted with the minds that continuously seek to provide interesting and challenging tasks. It is a joy to have that special job of orchestrating complex activities for little minds and shape them to be the future full of innovative ideas.

Conversely, while teachers face the everyday test of disruptive students and lack of supplies, there is the overflowing of graces and hopes through hearts that are resourceful. It is a joy as a teacher to know that we could teach hunger and apathy and teach the little minds how to face them in real life and eventually lay groundwork for lifelong learning.

Finally, what an immeasurable joy to know that the act of teaching itself is already a JOY. We are part of something greater than ourselves. We are part of instilling values, beliefs, experiences and goals. We are part of teaching diversity, faith and hard work.

Indeed, there’s pain but also immeasurable joy in the art of teaching.

Weekend Travel Guide to Indonesia’s Small Paradise: Cirebon

Cirebon is widely known for its batik creations. 

One of the pleasures of teaching in Indonesia is the luxury of travel that the country offers. There are many places easily accessible by car and weekends are enough to indulge in a quick visit to unique places such as Cirebon.

Goofing around with my head coordinator from Singaporean and a co-teacher from Mauritius, Ms. Mazlinda and Ms. Marie. 

With the mom and sister of my friend. 

At one of the remnants of a palace. 

Some of the structures in this old palace are flooded with water. 

The city is considered of historical importance because of its opposition to Dutch colony and famous sites dated back as far as 16th century. It only has about 300, 000 population. The city sits in northern West Java, Indonesia with two known palaces; the Keraton Kasepuhan and Keraton Kanoman.

Aside from the palaces, the city has also mosques which are adorned with striking gold and calligraphy on its walls and giant pillars. Mosques are largely influenced by Arab culture.

Welcome sign of Cirebon. 

The city’s main industry is fishery so it is famous for the products such as shrimp paste and shrimp crackers. It also offers wide variety of batik art influenced by Chinese culture. A stroll around the city would give you a glimpse of highly industrialized factories.

Cirebon is also known for its milk tea so we got to try it! 

More batik choices. 

Amazing experience at the remnant of a palace. 

The travel with my head coordinator, her mom and sister, and a co-teacher include going to batik shops, enjoying unique cuisines, drinking its famous milk tea, and visiting historical places such as Sunyaragi cave (which is technically not a cave but a remnant of a palace). On the way home, we also decided to stop over the hot spring. Warnings are all over since it’s too hot and the danger of burning yourself is so real.

This is a hot spring which is too hot that I could only dip my feet for about 10 seconds!

If you enjoy historical and heritage places, here are some that you may visit for a short stay in this Indonesia’s small paradise:

1. Sunyaragi Cave
Jl By Pass Brigjen Dharsono, Cirebon, Indonesia

2. Keraton Kasepuhan
Jalan Kasepuhan, Cirebon, Indonesia

3. Kanoman Market
Jln. Winaon, Cirebon 45117, Indonesia

4. Shrine of SunanGunung Jati
Jl. Makam Sunan Gunung Jati, Cirebon, Indonesia

5. Kanoman Palace
Jl. Winaon | Lemah Wungkuk, Lemah Wungkuk, Cirebon 45117, Indonesia

The city is considered of historical importance because of its opposition to Dutch colony and famous sites dated back as far as 16th century. It only has about 300, 000 population. The city sits in northern West Java, Indonesia with two known palaces; the Keraton Kasepuhan and Keraton Kanoman.

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The Ultimate Guide to a Perfect BALI Experience

The name Bali is more famous than the country where it belongs to- Indonesia. This is not without credence since 80% of Indonesia’s tourists visit Bali and Bali alone. A co-teacher from the U. S. once told me that she never heard of Indonesia before but she was familiar with Bali. In fact, part of the reason why she decided to teach in Indonesia was to be able to visit Bali.

The perfect tropical paradise sits on the beautiful array of beaches, volcanoes, and wide expanse of temples and rice fields. While majority of Indonesia’s population has Islamic belief, Bali is the only Hindu-majority province with 83.5% adhering to Balinese Hinduism. An interesting trivia I found out from our tourist guide was that the reason why Bali did not allow skyscraper buildings despite of being one of the top destinations in the world was because buildings could not be higher than temples as a sign of respect to their gods.

My travel to Bali was suffused with wide array of experiences which were truly unique amongst different destinations in the world.

1. CULTURAL IMMERSION

Bali’s richness in culture could be attributed to its spirituality. A visit to different temples would give you a glimpse of how their culture and traditions were elaborately influenced by their spirituality.

Our visit to Penglipuran village was extremely unique. Many tourists visited Bali thinking of beaches but the island offers more than that. The village alone was like being transported to something so extraordinary in the world. Houses were built differently and the customs and traditions were so unique which made the experience more unforgettable.

2. GASTRONOMIC DELIGHT 

Indonesia's well- known for its thousands of authentic cuisines and the best are found in Bali. We indulge ourselves to the unlimited choices of foods and spices which were famous in the world. There’s the ‘satay’ or marinated chicken in the skewers, nasi goreng or fried rice, vast seafood made more delicious with different sauce and spices.

3. AESTHETIC/ ARTISTIC VALUE

Bali is renowned for its distinctive arts. Even without entering museums and art exhibits, very detailed statues and other form of arts are prominently displayed all over the island. In fact, the Indonesian Film festival is held every year in Bali.

One of the highlights of our visit was watching a cultural play showcasing the different cultures and traditions of Indonesia. It includes an exhibit of different art works which was unique in the world.

4. BEACH PARADISE

With Ms. Joana, my former co-teacher who is a native of India. Just like me, she's also a Form Teacher (Lead Teacher) in one of the Secondary 3 classes. 

Beautiful Bali sunset! 

The sunrise and sunset in Bali is exceptional. You could totally lose yourself to the tropical beauty of the different beaches. There was a distinct sense, a quintessence of the authentic Balinese experience.

Our sunset experience included visiting a beach with a temple that you could reach by traversing knee-deep water. It has also a cave with what they call as the, “holy snake”.

The corals were perfect for divers and there were myriad waves for surfers. Shores were adorned with fine white sands which was perfect for your feet as you allowed the sun to kiss your skin.

Tanah Lot Temple 

Bali was definitely unparalleled with the combinations of food, beauty, culture and unique experience. It was a living postcard with its beautiful places and it was a fantasy that evokes thoughts of utopia.

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