Bali-Indonesia

June 28 to July 1 - Bali, Indonesia

Did not realize that Bali is just South of the equator and not far from Australia. No wonder there are a lot of Australian visitors here. We could fly to Darwin, Australia to add one more Continent to our list but that is okay. By now, we can feel more of the accumulated fatigue and want to spend the days just to rest. Therefore, taking our time very easily here. Visited one private home, see a wood carving artist, Jeffrey scuba diving one morning. That is all.

Indonesia is a Islamic country, has 90% Islamic population, most in the world. Yet, Bali is an island of Hinduism. 90% of the population in the island believes in Hinduism. People are very religious here. Temples in private homes, in the village, and large ones in town. Hinduism statutes at every turns of the road literally. Temples are filled with worshippers and offering twice daily. Seems that people live a fulfilling live here.

Weather is warm (high 90s) and humid. Feels like Taiwan. The green moss in the garden has a Japanese flavor. Bali is basically a beach town, nothing like Jakarta. Perfect town to do nothing.

Passing the equator to Bali. Noticing the lattitude indicator at 00.00.00.

Welcoming Balinese grils.

Vibrant tropical plantations by the beach.

Sunrise view from suite.

Beautiful sunrise.

A private home with temple for family worship.

Typical temple entrance like two pieces of book ends.

Back yard.

The outdoor old kitchen. I like these photos. Somehow, they look like water color paintings.

Jeffrey taking a walk at the house.

Jeffrey scuba diving. The third one this trip. For 20 dollars, he got someone taking underwater pictures for him and giving him the memory chip. Good deal, huh. I am not good at fish species at all. If anyone can identify some of them, please comment freely.

Look at the size of the giant clams.

Jeffrey at sea bottom.

Nice dive.

Now that we are talking about fish, on Brunei newspaper, The Straits Times, there is one article talking about the premium fish. Here they are, with English and Chinese names. The $ are Singapore dollar which is 1.3 to 1 U.S. dollar.

Empurau I thought can be the "Chinese Shung Fish". The writing under the fish is" The freshwater fish is highly prized because of its elusiveness in the wild and its reputed unforgettable tender and delicate texture. Hence, it is also know by its Chinese name wang bu liao (which means unforgettable). The framed fish cost significantly less the those caught in the wild."

Humphead Wrasse (su mei) "Viewed as a status symbol because of its bulbous head and size, the fish is extremely rare and several countries have taken measures to protect it, such as allowing limited trade. It is extremely difficult to catch because it refuses to take bait on hooks.

There is no photo for the High-finned garoupa which is considered a premium fish also.

Leopard coral trout is more readily available.

We will fly north back to Brunei next and then to Cambodia.

Borobudur - Indonesia

June 26 to June 28 - Borobudur - Indonesia
Borobudur is in the center of Indonesia's Java Island. Java as many know is formed by volcano and still has a few active ones. Actually, we were welcomed by a 6.3 degree earthquake centered at west Java. The Volcanoes gave the island enriched soils that seems can grow anything.

The highlight of this place is the Buddhist temple believe to be build in 800AD and is discovered by British surveyors in the early 1900s. Maintenance now is mostly funded by UNESCO now.

Have not heard of Borobudur before this trip and indeed, at the temple site, we did not see many foreign tourists, most are locals and young students. This temple is quite different from what we have seen before. A square base build up to a center tip. Almost like a Pyramids. Hundreds of Stupas each represents a lotus flower stand inside has a statue of Buddha. Many many beautiful carvings telling the familiar stories of Syakamuni. The carvings are very detailed with vivid expressions. Javanese think Angkor Wat's carving is a follow up of their arts.

The town is very quite, unspoiled. We can feel the local people's earthy nature and friendship from their hearts. They harvest tobaccos, rice, tropical fruits, makes rattans, potteries.... Seems that nature are kind to them too. It is a little Shangri-La.

Smoking volcano welcomes us.


Green green rich land.

Horse carriage ride through the village.

Drying tobacco leafs.

Borobudur temple at dawn.

Two early visitors. The temple is not open to public only to special reserved visitors.

Now, visitors come.

Beautiful carving. Two beautiful dancers dance suductively to induce Syakamuni from his meditation to enlightment.

walking through history.

Jeffrey being interviewed by local college students.

Students asking his autograph... Why?

Private B B Q dinner and Java dancing performance for Fred's farewell. Fred will say good bye to us after arriving Bali.

The pool side set up is just outstanding.

Javanese dancers.

Nice ending to a joyous event.

Pilots invite Fred to photo with their airplanes before the flight to Bali. This is Citation jet, Owner, Steve and co-pilot, Gielln.

Okay, Fred is having fun with the French made "TBM". Owner Steve "W" painted a great shark face on the tip. You see, they are flying and having fun with their airplanes.

"TBM" owner Steve W. and co-pilot, Brian.

Now, he is on the plane with Jeffrey. Fly from Java to Bali is short, just about 2 hours.