Living the life in Manokwari…

Rendani airport, Manokwari from the air

I never been to Papua before, so when I said I’m gonna taking up a post in Manokwari, I’ve been clouded with many information on security issues, living conditions etc…etc… and it turned out not like as most people have said….

Bakaro beach

Although Manokwari is a capital city of West Papua, it couldn’t be compared with other provincial capital in western part of Indonesia. So far, living in Manokwari is like living in a small town somewhere in any part of Indonesia, with no chained mall or theatre and a laid back atmosphere…blue sky, beautiful beaches and mountainous areas… so many places to explore! 

Well, Manokwari has so many places to offer for people who like trekking, birding, snorkeling and diving. I only manage to see a little of it and still craving for more...

By the way, those who enjoy beers or any alcoholic drinks, sorry… you couldn’t find it here, even in a 4 star hotel, as its not permitted to be sold in Manokwari by local law!

Anyway… although I should live away from my hubby and children (missing them a lot!), I enjoy living the life in ManokwariJ 

and here are some of the reasons why....

Home after collecting firewood - Mansinam island

a small waterfall at Maripi village

Anggi lake showered with early morning light

Anggi lake just before sunset

A tease of Bromo

I’ve dreamed to come to Bromo since I was still in high school but never got a chance until last year. I was so fascinated by stories and pictures about Bromo and got curious about it. So in October 2010, finally I spent a weekend in Bromo. Yipppyyyy, I’m very excited!!!!

Bromo is part of Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National park, situated around 145 km (90 miles) from East Java capital, Surabaya. The mount Bromo (2,329metres) itself easily recognize as the cap fully blown at previous eruption and left the crater with frequently belches with sulphur smoke. Mount Bromo located side by side with mount Batok (2,470 metres) and surrounded by a vast sea of sand and savanna.

The main destination ofcourse the Bromo crater which to get there we have to climb hundreds of steps!. I haven’t managed to go there yet in this trip, so I have a reason to come back to Bromo ;p, but unfortunately couldn’t do it soon since mount Bromo just erupted twice on 23 and 27 January 2011 and still on alert status as an outcome of the current escalated eruptive activity at the site.

Besides the crater, Bromo also famous for its sea of sand which also known as whispering sand and the savanna. I only was passing through the sea of sand to get to the savanna. The savanna in Bromo is different from the savanna I saw in Sumbawa island, West Nusa Tenggara. Despites the location itself in an altitude of more or less 2,000 metres indeed makes the savanna different from the dry land of Sumbawa.

Certainly a weekend visit is not enough to see many interesting places around Bromo, so I promise myself that I will be back to Bromo soon after it is safe again, cause I couldn’t see the famous sunrise in mount Bromo as the fog is too thick and drown the mountains in it so I could only see the tip of mount Semeru (3,676 metres). It is definitely a tease for me….it’s another reason to comeback there…..

Smoking mt. Bromo (left) and mt. Batok (right)

Sunrise looming over a thick fog

sunrise viewed from mt. Pananjakan

can't get enough of blue morning sky over hilly mt. Pananjakan

the very tip of mt. Semeru viewed from mt. Pananjakan

the hilly sides of savanna, Bromo

the savanna, Bromo

a horse rider looks tiny in the middle of savanna

Mr. Fadly and his gorgeous horse, Sultan

Holiday destination - where do you want to go?

“Are you a beach or mountain person?”

Have you ever been asked this kind of question? I do....many times... :D Particularly when discussing with friends for the places that we'd like to visit.

Well..it’s hard for me to categorize myself as one of it. I like to go to the beach and I also enjoy to go to mountain. Each place has its different charm.  I love to see trees, greenery, blue sky and clear mountain air. I love warm white sand or cold black sand, the horizon, the color of the sea, the wave and the hot sun. I couldn’t decide which one I like best.

 

So....which one is interest you the most? the beach or the mountain?