Looking for a cheap stay in Yogyakarta? The Capsule Malioboro Hotel & Cafe is a good budget option to stay and just a few minutes walk to the main tourist road. I like capsule hotels and have stayed in several cities abroad. But unlike the traditional pods that started in Japan, I do prefer the so called space capsules. These are plastic pods, airconditioned with amenities inside with privacy to boot. It’s also secure with a sliding door that can be accessed via a keycard….Continue Reading “The Capsule Malioboro: budget place to stay in Yogyakarta”

Indonesia Travel

Starting from 2016, I’ve been doing my Indonesia travel yearly, except for this year due to the pandemic. I love the country. It’s beautiful people, great food and amazing culture is what makes me come back again and again. And this month of August is supposed to be time for my trip to this archipelago, just like back in 2016, 2018 and 2019 when I was traveling around. As Indonesia celebrated its National Day yesterday, it is fitting that I reminisce on my trips to…Continue Reading “Indonesia Travel, fond memories of the country”

Istana Maimun Medan

Ah, Istana Maimun, the royal palace in Medan. It was curiosity that brought me to this city, the capital of North Sumatra in Indonesia. Also called as the Maimun or Maimoon Palace. Built at the center of a sprawling 2,772 square meter land and always beckons as you pass Jalan Brigjend Katamso. The wide and green lawn is a fitting space that frames the elegant gold and white structure. The unique architecture is one of the city’s gems. The day was bright and sunny as…Continue Reading “Istana Maimun, Medan’s top attraction and landmark”

Beyond Bali

I fell in love with Indonesia when I first visited the country last year. So many interesting places, culture and food. You can drive or climb up volcanoes and be overwhelmed. Or you dive into its waters and be charmed. And like us, Indonesians are very hospitable and friendly. Indonesia and the Philippines have many things in common. We are both an archipelagic nation. We have hundreds of different tribes, languages and cultures. Both countries have been colonized, the Philippines by the Spaniards and Indonesia…Continue Reading “There is more to Indonesia beyond Bali”

Things to do in Bali

My first visit to Bali was just limited to a transit stopover from Lombok’s Gili as we were enroute to Surabaya. My second visit last October was a prize after winning an online contest sponsored by Tourism Indonesia. It is a culinary tour in this wonderful island by the Ministry of Tourism with the centerpiece of the visit a cooking class and a fine dining experience. Although not as exhaustive, here are eight things to do in Bali, listed here based on our tour for…Continue Reading “8 things to do in Bali for two days”