Chilling human remains of Peru’s ancient Chauchilla Cemetery. Last burial took place here around 1000AD. Thanks to the dry and dusty weather the 1000 year old remains are very well preserved. Hanging coffins in Sagada, Philippines. This tradition of burial on cliffs goes back more than two millennia. It’s said it was chosen so that […]
Chilling human remains of Peru’s ancient Chauchilla Cemetery. Last burial took place here around 1000AD. Thanks to the dry and dusty weather the 1000 year old remains are very well preserved. Nazca Mummy Nazca Female Mummy Nazca Graveyard Nazca Mass Grave Hanging coffins in Sagada, Philippines. This tradition of burial on cliffs goes back more than two millennia. It’s said it was chosen so that the deceased could be closer to their ancestral spirits. Sagada Hanging Coffins Sagada Hanging Coffins Ventanillas de Combayo near Cajamarca, Peru Chachapoyas Burial Chambers Ancient Cemetery of the Chachapoyas Chachapoyas Burial Chambers Chachapoyan mummies called by locals ‘Ancient Wise Men’. Discovered on a cliff in an Amazonian region of Peru. Unique with the human sculls atop their heads. Ancient Wise Men Ancient Chachapoyan Burial Place Eerie cemetery in a desert near Nazca, Peru. It is just a modest graveyard for locals living in the area. Nazca Desert Cementary <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-647" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/E2wide.jpg" alt="2000 Years Old Skull Found in the Desert" width="620" height="928" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/E2wide.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/E2wide-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> 2000 Years Old Skull Found in the Desert St. Louis Cemetery in New Orleans, USA. As the city was built on a swamp the deceased have to be buried here above ground in crypts and mausoleums which with time resemble small villages hence cemeteries in New Orleans are nicknamed ‘Cities of the dead’. New Orleans Cemetery St. Louis Cemetery in New Orleans Cemetery on Siquijor Island in the Philippines. The tombs are layered on top of each other. Only the richest families can afford either a big tomb or a tomb standing on it’s own. Siquijor Seafront Cemetery Siquijor Island Cemetery Imperial Tomb in Hue, Vietnam. Emperors Tomb near Hue Interior of Imperial Tomb You can enjoy all the photos from this post in our gallery by clicking following link Cemeteries Around the World Photo Gallery
Swimming with Whale Sharks in the Philippines
Whale Sharks are humongous fish that have very little to do with the antagonist from the Jaws. Well, putting the size aside that is. They feed on plankton and small sea creatures so the risk of being snatched by a killer fish are zero with this type of a sea monster. There are two reliable […]
Whale Sharks are humongous fish that have very little to do with the antagonist from the Jaws. Well, putting the size aside that is. They feed on plankton and small sea creatures so the risk of being snatched by a killer fish are zero with this type of a sea monster. There are two reliable spots for spotting Whale Sharks in the Philippines. It’s Donsol in Southern Luzon or Oslob on Cebu Island. We went to Donsol as we have heard that the sharks have been coming there between December and May since forever and the setup in Oslob is more artificial meaning that the sharks are attracted to the place by humans who feed them. From Donsol you can also make a trip to visit the Mayon Volcano near the city of Legazpi which is said to have the most perfect conical shape of all the volcanoes in the world. The whole swimming with whale sharks experience is provided by Donsol Whale Shark Interaction Center. It is touristy with government agency registration, licensed guides and other swimmers kicking you in the face in an underwater chase of Whale Sharks, but overall I would say it is worth it as the animals are truly amazing and on a good day you can spot loads of them. We have managed to catch up with eight I think. Water clarity and visibility could be better, but this is nature and murky waters could be expected when there is loads of plankton about. Hope you enjoyed the video documenting our day with Whale Sharks. We certainly enjoyed the experience.
Many of us who come from countries with less flamboyant weather in the winter wonder what it would be like to spend Christmas and New Year’s holidays a bit less traditionally. How about in a warm tropical country on a sunny beach? If you enjoy traditional Christmas or are a religious person consider your priorities […]
Many of us who come from countries with less flamboyant weather in the winter wonder what it would be like to spend Christmas and New Year’s holidays a bit less traditionally. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-556" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/My-na-hustawce-2.jpg" alt="Us and a tree swing on a beach" width="620" height="414" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/My-na-hustawce-2.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/My-na-hustawce-2-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Happy holidays everyone! How about in a warm tropical country on a sunny beach? If you enjoy traditional Christmas or are a religious person consider your priorities as most of the many tropical countries do not celebrate Christmas and those that do may do it in a different fashion than you are used to. If you have a bit of adventurous spirit and don’t mind getting away from tradition, Christmas on the beach are just for you. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-543" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Hustawka-Koh-Chang.jpg" alt="A swing on Kai Bae beach on Koh Chang in Thailand" width="620" height="620" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Hustawka-Koh-Chang.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Hustawka-Koh-Chang-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Hustawka-Koh-Chang-300x300.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Truly relaxing setting for Christmas Do not count on a Christmas dinner like you have at home. Having said that it is an opportunity to explore wonders of cuisine of the place you choose to escape the Christmas madness to. We chose to spend our Christmas on Koh Chang Island in Thailand and truly enjoyed our tropical Christmas feast. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-551" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Christmas-dinner.jpg" alt="Lola with her Thai Christmas dinner" width="620" height="827" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Christmas-dinner.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Christmas-dinner-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Christmas dinner – feeling festive If you are not after food in your travels then maybe a Christmas morning in a clear turquoise water kayaking to another island is your cup of tea. For those of us used to having to put layers upon layers of clothes during Christmas, spending this time in an exotic location may be quite an experience. New year swim anyone? New Year offers plenty of opportunities to party, but instead of dressing up you can stroll casually into a beach party in nothing more than your swimsuit if you choose to. Anyway you do not need much more thanks to tropical weather and it may be a proper dress anyway especially if the party leads you to enjoy a New Year’s Eve swim. Tropical Christmas Eve activities Anywhere you choose to spend this time have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
They say all roads lead home. Well it depends what map you are using. For the sake of adventure you sometimes need to get off the beaten path and take little used roads that will lead you to those amazing sights you are on a quest to find. Whatever you are after a beautiful lake, […]
They say all roads lead home. Well it depends what map you are using. For the sake of adventure you sometimes need to get off the beaten path and take little used roads that will lead you to those amazing sights you are on a quest to find. <img loading="lazy" class="size-x-large wp-image-768" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2915-1260x841.jpg" alt="View from the road from Quy Nhon to Kon Tum, Vietnam" width="1260" height="841" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2915-1260x841.jpg 1260w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2915-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2915-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2915-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2915-1530x1021.jpg 1530w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2915.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px" /> Enjoying the view Whatever you are after a beautiful lake, mountain pass or some little town in the middle of nowhere – come prepared. Carry a map. In this age of smartphones and mobile internet available almost everywhere, travelers tend to trust whatever map app we are used to at home. Google Maps (https://maps.google.com/) or any offline map for that matter which may work great for you over there but may fail you big time in more exotic places. <img loading="lazy" class="size-x-large wp-image-766" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3218-1260x841.jpg" alt="Pristine lake by the road from Quy Nhon to Kon Tum, Vietnam" width="1260" height="841" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3218-1260x841.jpg 1260w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3218-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3218-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3218-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3218-1530x1021.jpg 1530w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3218.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px" /> Some bad roads lead to beautiful places <img loading="lazy" class="size-x-large wp-image-765" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3237-1260x841.jpg" alt="Lake on the way from Nhon to Kon Tumto in Vietman" width="1260" height="841" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3237-1260x841.jpg 1260w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3237-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3237-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3237-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3237-1530x1021.jpg 1530w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_3237.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px" /> Another picturesque lake just few kilometers away During our motor biking trip to Vietnam we deviated from main roads for most of the way from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to Hanoi. One of the scenic although not the shortest roads to the place we aimed to stay in for the night took us to some uncharted territory. Uncharted by Google that is. The map below shows the route we have taken versus the one that Google Maps shows as optimal. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-762" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Map-2.jpg" alt="Road Map showing missing part of road DT669B in Vietnam" width="1164" height="735" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Map-2.jpg 1164w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Map-2-300x189.jpg 300w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Map-2-768x485.jpg 768w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Map-2-1024x647.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1164px) 100vw, 1164px" /> Dirt Road DT669 which Google Maps recomended to us and missing DT669B that we miraculously found Some roads shown on Maps that we have attempted to take were impassable according to the locals who we decided to believe after our experiences at the beginning of the route in torrential downpour. We took the road that friendly locals suggested. You should make an effort to communicate with them and to trust their judgment in situation like we found ourselves in. On a partially flooded dirt track in the jungle at dusk. <img loading="lazy" class="size-x-large wp-image-764" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR3721-1260x945.jpg" alt="A wet dirt track in the Vietnamese jungle that Google Maps recomended" width="1260" height="945" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR3721-1260x945.jpg 1260w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR3721-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR3721-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR3721-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR3721-1530x1148.jpg 1530w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR3721.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px" /> This is road DT669 that Google Maps recomended to us instead of paved road – we marked it on the map above We ended up taking perfectly paved although extremely quiet road that was not marked on Google Maps that after an adventurous journey full of amazing vistas led us to our home for the night safely and extremely wet. <img loading="lazy" class="size-x-large wp-image-763" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR3812-1260x945.jpg" alt="Road DT669B in Vietnam with some mesmerizing cloudy skies" width="1260" height="945" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR3812-1260x945.jpg 1260w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR3812-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR3812-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR3812-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR3812-1530x1148.jpg 1530w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR3812.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px" /> Meet DT669B, the road that Google Maps almost made us miss All I am trying to say is that Google Maps as great as it is most of the time should be used with a bit of caution by more adventurous travelers. There is never a better knowledge about local area than local word of mouth which I encourage everyone to use even if you can only communicate by series of nods and hand gestures. It is all part of fun so go out there exploring! <img loading="lazy" class="size-x-large wp-image-767" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2992-1260x841.jpg" alt="River and pasures near Quy Nhon in Vietnam" width="1260" height="841" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2992-1260x841.jpg 1260w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2992-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2992-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2992-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2992-1530x1021.jpg 1530w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_2992.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px" /> Virtually deserted landscape in Vietnam off the beaten track Click on the here to see full gallery of photos from this trip UPDATE: Google has updated it’s maps and now road DT669B is displayed correctly as well as recomended as prefered route. With all fairness Google Maps served us well in most places we visited and despite it’s imperfections we find it a great map app. You just don’t want to miss the opportunity to confirm Google Maps recomendations with the locals. Especially in more remote or not too popular areas of the world.
What do you imagine when you think of Borneo? An island covered with oldest tropical forest in the world? Lush jungle inhabited by strange plants and animals that you can’t find anywhere else on the planet? The home to Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey and Pigmy Elephants? Do you expect sounds of the jungle to welcome you […]
What do you imagine when you think of Borneo? An island covered with oldest tropical forest in the world? Lush jungle inhabited by strange plants and animals that you can’t find anywhere else on the planet? The home to Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey and Pigmy Elephants? Do you expect sounds of the jungle to welcome you with calls of Gibbons when you step out of the plane? Forget that and get your expectations in check. What you know from National Geographic Channel and books about wildlife is still there but not as easily accessible and widespread as one could expect. Decades of logging at the scale unprecedented in human history destroyed what used to be and arguably still is in some areas one of the most diverse natural habitats in the world. <img loading="lazy" class="size-x-large wp-image-750" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR0430-1260x945.jpg" alt="Kinabatangan River motor boat ride" width="1260" height="945" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR0430-1260x945.jpg 1260w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR0430-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR0430-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR0430-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR0430-1530x1148.jpg 1530w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GOPR0430.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px" /> With our guide and host on the way to explore the Kinabatangan River This is not to say that visiting Borneo is not worth it. It can be an amazing experience when you set your expectations right and plan your trip well. Most of the area of Malaysian Borneo is now sadly covered by oil palm plantations. When you want to visit real jungle you will need to plan your destinations ahead of time and be prepared to travel hundreds of kilometres between national parks. Having said that once you get to the parks hidden in a handful of relatively small areas scattered across Borneo you will be rewarded with a true jungle experience. If you can afford it that is. <img loading="lazy" class="size-x-large wp-image-759" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_0488-1260x841.jpg" alt="Tuwau National Park, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia" width="1260" height="841" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_0488-1260x841.jpg 1260w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_0488-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_0488-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_0488-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_0488-1530x1021.jpg 1530w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_0488.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px" /> Majestic Borneo jungle Trips to most national Reserves are not cheap and in most cases independent travel into protected areas is not allowed without a guide accompanying you. This translates into using one of the private tour operators assigned by Malaysian government to manage tourist activities in National Parks. Prices for a 3-4 night stay with a guided tours range from MYR 1500 (USD 500) to MYR 6000+ (USD 2000) per person. Also once you spend all those money not always can you expect luxury for your buck. After all you are up for a trip into the jungle. Be prepared to get hot, sweaty and rained on a lot. The humidity is very high most days of the year and that combined with high average temperatures means that torrential downpours are common even in a dry season. They call it a rain forest for a reason. <img loading="lazy" class="size-x-large wp-image-753" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_7185-1260x817.jpg" alt="Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia" width="1260" height="817" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_7185-1260x817.jpg 1260w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_7185-300x195.jpg 300w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_7185-768x498.jpg 768w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_7185-1024x664.jpg 1024w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_7185-1530x992.jpg 1530w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_7185.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px" /> One of the most venomous snakes on Borneo Once you get to the real jungle the experience is truly amazing. The forest is alive with sounds day and night. The buzzing of insects mixes with bird’s songs and calls of primates living in these amazing natural reserves. The parks are full of tall tropical trees and all kinds of vegetation. It is like a theme park for a nature lover. Giant caterpillars, frogs, snakes and occasional orchid or a Rafflesia flower are all little wonders when you get a little deeper into the jungle. Orangutans or endemic Proboscis Monkeys are not that easy to find in some places and you are not guaranteed to see any when you go for a 3 or 4 day trip, but you stand a pretty good chance. So be realistic, but hopeful. <img loading="lazy" class="size-x-large wp-image-754" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6559-1260x841.jpg" alt="Misty Borneo Jungle Lake, Sabah, Malaysia" width="1260" height="841" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6559-1260x841.jpg 1260w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6559-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6559-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6559-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6559-1530x1021.jpg 1530w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6559.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px" /> A lake by less popular Bornean road Most well preserved areas in Sabah include Maliau Basin, Danum Valley, Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Visiting these parks is quite expensive as mentioned before. If you are on a budget you have an option to try and arrange a stay at the research canter located in Danum Valley. This is not easy to arrange remotely. Best way is to show up at the research canter office located in Lahad Datu and discuss a possibility of staying with them. It is not going to be cheap for what you get but this could be your only budget option. This way you could do 3 nights in Danum Valley with some trekking for MYR 1500 instead of MYR 3000-4000+ for the only other option there. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-760" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_0361.jpg" alt="Crocodile in Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia" width="1104" height="679" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_0361.jpg 1104w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_0361-300x185.jpg 300w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_0361-768x472.jpg 768w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_0361-1024x630.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1104px) 100vw, 1104px" /> Crocodile spotted during Kinabatangan River cruise There are very few places that can be seen on a budget with Kinabatangan National Park and Tawau National Park being prime examples. Kinabatangan River is the longest river in Borneo and what rainforest is left at her banks, houses some most easy to see wild Proboscis Monkeys, Orangutans, Pigmy Elephants and even crocodiles. To visit it you need to get to the village of Sukau from where you can arrange boat trips and jungle trekking. The prices range from MYR 40 per person for a two hour boat trip for those with flexible schedule to MYR 180 for package of 3 boat trips and a short jungle trek with one night accommodation included. For independent travellers the family run guesthouse at the end of the village Sukau B&B is a good value for money at MYR 50 for a double room with breakfast. Another a bit more expensive option would be Sukau Greenview Bed and Breakfast at MYR 95 for a double room. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-758" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_0604.jpg" alt="Red Monkey in Tawau Jungle, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia" width="1132" height="693" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_0604.jpg 1132w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_0604-300x184.jpg 300w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_0604-768x470.jpg 768w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_0604-1024x627.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1132px) 100vw, 1132px" /> Red Monkey in Tawau National Park Another park we visited is Tawau National Park located close to the city of Tawau. If you visit it on a week day you may expect to be one of the very few visitors as locals from Tawau City like to visit it in numbers during the weekend. There is a budget accommodation available at MYR 70 per room and since the park is away from the town you need to factor in dining at local kitchen at inflated prices. Tawau Parks has one great advantage over most other parks. It has a well-developed trial system that for the most part can be trekked without a guide. For a trip to one of the mountain peeks a guide accompanying the party and climbing permit is required. All can be arranged at the park’s office at as for Borneo reasonable prices. <img loading="lazy" class="size-x-large wp-image-752" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_7741-1260x841.jpg" alt="Orangutan in Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia" width="1260" height="841" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_7741-1260x841.jpg 1260w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_7741-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_7741-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_7741-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_7741-1530x1021.jpg 1530w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_7741.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px" /> Young male orangutan in Sepiliok Orangutan Sanctuary Another park worth mentioning is Sepilok National Park. It is close to the city of Sandakan and on the way to Kinabatangan Nature Reserve. It offers some independent treks and has an Orangutan Rescue Center in which you can see the man of the forest pretty close especially during feeding times. This is not the best way to experience these majestic animals, but if you want virtual guarantee to see them it is worth stopping over. The treks around the Orangutan Rescue Center are relatively well marked and you can get a taste of the jungle experience in between feed times. There is also Proboscis Moneys Sanctuary run by the owner of the oil palm plantation that preserved small part of their habitat and now runs a commercial operation. You can skip it if you are heading to Kinabatangan River as you are likely see many Proboscis Monkeys during boat trips. <img loading="lazy" class="size-x-large wp-image-751" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_9827-1260x769.jpg" alt="Proboscis Monkeys, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia" width="1260" height="769" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_9827-1260x769.jpg 1260w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_9827-300x183.jpg 300w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_9827-768x468.jpg 768w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_9827-1024x625.jpg 1024w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_9827-1530x933.jpg 1530w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_9827.jpg 1741w" sizes="(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px" /> Proboscis Monkey male packleader proudly displays his attributes Sabah is home to one of the gems of international diving the island of Sipadan. The best diving locations accessible from village of Semporna in south eastern Sabah, although if you want to dive in Sipadan you will most likely have to stay in one of the resorts in Mabul or other neighbouring islands. Diving in Sipadan requires a permit that is only distributed through off shore tour operators. Your cheapest option is Uncle Chan that offers diving in Sipadan for MYR 800 and the cheapest room for MYR 120. Other tour operators offer mostly packages with Scuba Junkie offering potentially best deal with 3 night/4day trip including 13 dives of which 4 in Sipadan for MYR 2500. Before making a decision to dive there you need to remember that Philippine rebels/terrorists are operating in this area and are known to be targeting tourists for kidnapping. You can expect that in the best case scenario your travel insurance will not work there since most governments are advising against the travel to areas surrounding Semporna. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-504" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/New-Sunset-Borneo.jpg" alt="Sunset at the Tip of Borneo" width="620" height="414" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/New-Sunset-Borneo.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/New-Sunset-Borneo-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Sunset at the Tip of Borneo You need to plan your transportation within Sabah. If you want to be independent you may want to rent a car. The cheapest we have managed to get was MYR 70 per day for a small 660cc city car. It will take you around most places as roads in Borneo are generally good and traffic outside of main cities is generally light, but if you want to go to places like Danum Valley or Maliau Basin you may consider a 4×4 to travel in comfort and at good speed. Prices for 4×4 start at MYR 360 per day. There is one official motorcycle rental place in Kota Kinabalu operated by GoGo Sabah, but their bikes are generally in poor condition and they charge rates similar to car hire rates. Motor biking is not popular in Malaysia to the extent it is in other Asian countries so do not expect repair shops at every corner and take some extra petrol with you when visiting more remote areas. <img loading="lazy" class="size-x-large wp-image-757" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6093-1260x841.jpg" alt="Car we rented to explore Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia" width="1260" height="841" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6093-1260x841.jpg 1260w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6093-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6093-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6093-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6093-1530x1021.jpg 1530w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6093.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px" /> The car we rented in Kota Kinabalu You can also take a bus between major cities or take an Air Asia flight which more often than not will be competitively priced. Transfer to National Parks can be easily arranged from major towns, but in some cases like in Dannum Valley it can be quite expensive. While you are in one of major towns do not miss going to some local restaurants town folks go to. The food is usually delicious at low prices and will give you a local dining experience. <img loading="lazy" class="size-x-large wp-image-756" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6101-1260x841.jpg" alt="Road crossing oil palm plantations in Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia" width="1260" height="841" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6101-1260x841.jpg 1260w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6101-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6101-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6101-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6101-1530x1021.jpg 1530w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/DSC_6101.jpg 1800w" sizes="(max-width: 1260px) 100vw, 1260px" /> Palm Plantations start just on the border of protected areas To sum up Borneo left us with mixed feelings. The national parks offer undoubtedly amazing experience when you manage your expectations right. You can enjoy variety of wildlife, but access to some parks is priced out of backpacker’s budget. Some of the amazement with wonderful lush nature and stunning creatures living in it fades away when you contemplate how much damage oil palm industry done to this unique ecosystem over last 20-30 years. At times you may find yourself in places when you’ll be surrounded by oil palms as far as eye can see. On the other hand when you visit what’s left of the rain forest you will help to preserve it as without tourist interest and aid from wildlife protection organizations none of this wonderful nature may be left in Borneo soon. TRAVEL TIPS: *Staying in Maliau Basin and Danum Valley requires fitness certificate confirmed by a doctor. *Maliau Basin also requires a personal insurance policy that covers helicopter evacuation. *Danum Valley Field Center Office is located across the street from the airport in Lahad Datu. If you want to get to the Valley with your own vehicle you need to obtain a permit first. *For car rental we used Borneo Express. They were the cheapest and willing to negotiate. They are located in Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan airport and also in Wisma Sabah in Kota Kinabalu. Their website is: www.borneocar.com *Sukau B&B website: www.sukaubb.blogspot.com Located at the very end of the village, very quiet with nice terrace and riverview. The Sukau Greenview B&B website: www.sukaugreenview.net *It is common practice to negotiate the prices.
How to rent motorbike and have it kited for touring Indonesia
Some people will say that you are crazy to consider riding a bike in a country like Indonesia. Most Indonesians are oblivious of the traffic laws and some don’t even bother to get a driving licence. The traffic in Indonesia is hectic and dangerous they would say, but I say screw it – riding a […]
Some people will say that you are crazy to consider riding a bike in a country like Indonesia. Most Indonesians are oblivious of the traffic laws and some don’t even bother to get a driving licence. The traffic in Indonesia is hectic and dangerous they would say, but I say screw it – riding a motorbike in Indonesia is the most natural way to getting to know the country as most locals travel by motorbike, even kids. It is not to say that you need to be a hard-core biker to ride in a country like Indonesia, but I would advise that you have your skill and confidence in check and an open mind to cope with the roads and the traffic. Once you do it’s an enormous adventure and lots of fun! <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-466" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/On-bike-to-Larantuka-3.jpg" alt="Motorbiking in Indonesia" width="620" height="261" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/On-bike-to-Larantuka-3.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/On-bike-to-Larantuka-3-300x126.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Pack up and hit the road! Here are some lessons we have learned that we hope will help you picking the right motorbike and gear for touring Indonesia. Where to rent a motorbike But I am getting off the topic. So how do you go about renting a motorbike in Indonesia? When you pick your starting point of the journey across Indonesia you may consider plane ticket prices, what you want to see and what route would be most convenient. Although if you are up to covering long distances in Indonesia by motorbike consider where you will have the biggest choice of reliable bikes that will get you around the country. The answer is – undoubtedly Bali! Bali has been a hotspot for international tourism for years and created a market for all sort of services aimed at the tourist industry. You will find the most motorbike rental shops in Bali and direct consequence of that fact – the best deals you can get. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-459" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Where-to-rent-motorbike-in-Bali.jpg" alt="Where to rent motorbike in Bali" width="620" height="293" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Where-to-rent-motorbike-in-Bali.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Where-to-rent-motorbike-in-Bali-300x141.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Where to rent motorbike in Bali Legal requirements for riders in Indonesia First things first. Let’s go through boring legal stuff. International Driving Permit – you do need one in Indonesia and it has to specifically have a category A (motorbike driving licence) marked on it. If you don’t have that and you are stopped by the police you may get away with a bribe, but you never know. Another thing is a motorcycle registration document. I cannot stress that enough, you have to have an original not a copy. Most rental shops will tell you that it is okay to ride with a copy, but it is not true. Especially when you plan crossing the sea to another islands you may be asked to provide an original registration document of the bike and if the police stops you asking for it, and they will at some point particularly in Bali and Lombok, you will need to pay up or have your bike impounded for up to 30 days. So when you are looking for your best deal keep that in mind. I even requested a copy of the document confirming ownership to be on the safe side, but this is not legally required. Basically the minimum you need is a valid category A International Driving Permit and an original Indonesian registration document for the motorbike you are riding. And obviously a helmet – it is required by law! <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-467" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Friendly-convesations-with-locals-Blog.jpg" alt="Helmet is required in Indonesia" width="620" height="365" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Friendly-convesations-with-locals-Blog.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Friendly-convesations-with-locals-Blog-300x176.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Be prepared. Wear a helmet! Where to start Denpasar, the city you are most likely to arrive at in Bali, is not a small town so you may feel confused when it comes to where to start your search for a dream machine that will take you everywhere you need to go. When you ask for a rental quote and tell the shop you want to take the bike across to other islands you may hear a simple no in reply. Rental shops are wary of allowing their bikes out of Bali as there have been cases of people calling them from Lombok asking to pick up the bike from there when they have been safe at home in Europe or America. Do not get discouraged by that. As long as you get an original registration document you are free to go wherever you want within Indonesia, but you need to respect the contract you sign and return the bike to the place you agree you would. My suggestion would be to look for a business outside main tourist areas like Kuta like Canggu, Sanur, or Ubud. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-464" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Bali-Traffic.jpg" alt="Day on the motorbike in Denpasar, Bali." width="620" height="354" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Bali-Traffic.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Bali-Traffic-300x171.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Day on the motorbike in Denpasar, Bali. Renting vs. Buying One thing you need to understand about riding in Asia is that bikes larger than 125cc. are hard to come by and in some cases illegal to ride. Most of Asian courtiers get by with 125cc. bikes 150cc. being considered a bigger bike. You will not find a 500cc or above easily in these parts of the world so be prepared to make the best of what you get. If you are feeling down by now consider that the standard bikes available in Asia are mostly super cheap to maintain or repair should you need to do that. The advantage of renting versus buying a bike is that you can get a lot more for your money. You can rent nearly brand new bike for about IDR 1,000,000 a month which is about GBP 50 or USD 80 and buy a used one that has been run down for a minimum of IDR 5,000,000 and you may expect to spend more on repairs especially if you press the bike hard during your adventure. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-469" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/new-honda-airblade.jpg" alt="New Honda Airblade" width="620" height="776" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/new-honda-airblade.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/new-honda-airblade-239x300.jpg 239w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Don’t count on anything like that for USD 300 Our bike of choice The bike we chose was Honda Vario Techno 125cc. a 2013 model with fuel injection and liquid cooling which comes handy in the heat. Although the bike is an automatic scooter type thing it carried us and all of our luggage comfortably even along most challenging roads, hills, mountains and even across some river beds. The seat of Honda Vario Techno is one of the widest in the market and there is enough legroom to accommodate even a larger bloke or gal. I myself am 186cm/ 6ft2in. in height and felt surprisingly comfortable even during 300km days. Honda Vario Techno 125cc. has another important feature – a strong metal tail piece that will allow you to install a backpack rack or a tail box. The bikes specs say that you should not put more than 10kg of weight in the back, but we have tested it with around 50kg of luggage (two large backpacks 20kg each and a small one approx. 10kg) and it worked surprisingly well. Having said that you need to understand that such a weight puts a lot of pressure on the rear tire so I would recommend replacing it for a brand new one before you set out. We have learned it the hard way and only replaced the tire once it got misshaped after 2000km and numerous inner tube punctures. After the replacement we have suffered only one flat tire in the next 4000km we did. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-460" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Fully-loaded-Honda-Vario-Techmo-125cc..jpg" alt="Our Honda Vario Techno 125cc. fully loaded" width="620" height="465" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Fully-loaded-Honda-Vario-Techmo-125cc..jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Fully-loaded-Honda-Vario-Techmo-125cc.-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Our Honda Vario Techno 125cc. fully loaded Your luggage on the motorbike How will you carry all you need during a motorbike trip is a major question for most people contemplating motorbike touring. Obviously you can ship your touring bike from home and have the advantage of all the side boxes, pillion boxes and whatever you have the bike kitted with, but this is a rather expensive option and should the bike need any repairs most likely it is going to be difficult to get spare parts not mentioning the cost of it and the delays you will be facing. We opted for kitting our Honda scoter with a backpack rack of our own design. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-457" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Your-luggage-on-the-motorbike.jpg" alt="Scenic Flores road, bags packed and ready to go" width="620" height="381" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Your-luggage-on-the-motorbike.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Your-luggage-on-the-motorbike-300x184.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Scenic Flores road, bags packed and ready to go How to make a backpack rack The question should really be where. From what we have learned touring Indonesia by motorbike is not really that popular with tourists so it is not that easy to have a proper rack made as most local people consider the idea of covering thousands of kilometres with your bags on your motorbike crazy. On the other hand in Bali a prime surfing destination we saw scores of people riding bikes with surfboard racks that looked quite sturdy. That gave us an idea of finding a surf rack shop and have them make a backpack rack for us. It again is not as straightforward as you think due to the language barrier. Having talked to several motorbike rental shops in north-western Denpasar we have been recommended a reliable surf rack shop. Once we got there and talked to the owner, or rather used our sign language and hoped he understood English with few Indonesian words in between, it appeared he wasn’t interested in making a rack for us saying it was not possible or too difficult. It took us an hour to convince him that we believe in his abilities and explaining our vision of the finished project before he reluctantly agreed to make it for us and made an appointment in two days’ time. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-475" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Getting-our-hands-dirty-Blog2.jpg" alt="Getting the backpack rack installed" width="620" height="827" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Getting-our-hands-dirty-Blog2.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Getting-our-hands-dirty-Blog2-224x300.jpg 224w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Getting the backpack rack installed We brought our bike as agreed as the rack was custom made to fit it and spend a full day literally showing our vision to the man with a welding skill for him to make it a reality. The process required some creativity and persistence on our part, but at the end of the day we had a backpack rack that ideally fitted our bike, would carry our luggage across Indonesia and hopefully other countries we plan to visit. Coverring long distances with passenger and luggage Seriously, we were so happy with the rack the man made for us that we took it with us to Malaysia and now Vietnam. This piece of equipment carried our bags for 6000km in Indonesia and is now carrying two 20 kilo backpacks in Vietnam on a different model of Honda – Airblade. Having setup like that will allow you to ride a motorbike with passenger, two large backpacks and a samller bag or backpack across pretty much any country you think of touring. Safe and adventurous journey! <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-473" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/me-and-my-partner-in-crime.jpg" alt="Riding motorbike on a tropical beach" width="620" height="349" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/me-and-my-partner-in-crime.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/me-and-my-partner-in-crime-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Me and my partner in crime Useful information We have rented our bike in Canggu from Benny’s Motorcycle Rental (tel. +62 831 1997 6032) the establishment I can highly recommend. Their bikes are new and reliable and they present an unprecedented level of customer service. Our rack was made by Bengkel Las. Adress: Jl Merdeka Raya no. 75B, Kuta-Bali, tel. 0817 975 20 77. The shop makes surf racks for many rental companies. English is limited, but a great welder, metal worker.
Ijen is an active volcano in eastern Java that spits sulfur gases which ignite on contact with the air creating blue fires, a phenomenon that can be seen only at night. The blue fires are unique as these are the largest phenomenon of this kind in the world. After day long preparation mostly by […]
Ijen is an active volcano in eastern Java that spits sulfur gases which ignite on contact with the air creating blue fires, a phenomenon that can be seen only at night. The blue fires are unique as these are the largest phenomenon of this kind in the world. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-389" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-blue-fires.jpg" alt="Ijen's blue fires" width="620" height="414" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-blue-fires.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-blue-fires-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Kawah Ijen’s amazing blue fires. After day long preparation mostly by seeping late we set out at around midnight form Banyuwangi, an eastern coastal town in Java. The motorbike ride took us an hour and was an experience in itself as the road was totally empty once we passed the villages close to Banyuwangi. It was a lightly overcast bright night due to it being close to full moon which made our climb up the mountain even more enjoyable. The road and surrounding forest was illuminated as if by streetlight. We reached the starting point of the trek and were one of the first tourists to arrive with an aim of pulling through the night until the sunrise. We were made to pay an entrance fee of IDR 100,000 which has increased from IDR 15,000 on August 1st 2014 and were on our way up the Ijen crater rim. There is no guide required nor is one necessary for the ascend as the path is wide and clearly recognizable either in a moonlight or with an aid of a torch that’s a must-have on a trip like that. At the beginning of the trail we were joined by one of the sulfur miners that spoke little English and was missing few teeth. He joined us for the beginning of the trip to gauge if we needed or were willing to pay for a guide. We have politely declined both in English and broken Indonesian that matched his English and he went on to inquire with other people about the same thing. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-385" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-blue-fires-and-smoke.jpg" alt="Ijen's blue fires" width="620" height="414" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-blue-fires-and-smoke.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-blue-fires-and-smoke-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Blue fires. We have heard stories of sulfur miners being underpaid for what is undoubtedly a dangerous job that leaves a permanent mark on their health. Nowadays it seems that some of them are waiting for the first tourists to hit the trail to offer them their guiding services to draw some extra income. We preferred our own company for the ascend to the rim that is 3 km long first 1.3km of which is quite easy with the remaining 1.7 km being quite steep so you may feel a little sweat on your back, but isn’t it what reaching the summit is all about. We are not particularly fit but didn’t find the trek particularly challenging, but again this is may be relative. Also note that the difficulty increases if the trail is wet as it may get very slippery so do not forget to bring good trekking shoes. It took about 90 minutes to reach the viewing spot where we found few tourists crowding already along with some of the miners blocking the way down to the crater. We hear that you may skip taking the guide, but from our experience you would either have to engage in physical conflict with miners blocking the entrance or wait for the main tourist wave and blend in with one of the groups that actually came with a guide. We opted for negotiating the price down to IDR 30,000 and went on down into the crater of an active volcano to see the blue flames up close. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-387" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-blue-fires-in-the-dark.jpg" alt="Ijen's blue fires up close" width="620" height="414" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-blue-fires-in-the-dark.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-blue-fires-in-the-dark-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Ijen’s blue fires up close. Soon we realized that hiring the miner/guide was a good idea. The 300 m deep crater can be a challenge to descend into especially when you are one of the first ones to get down there. The gradient exceeds 45 degrees in places and even thought the miners made the path to get to the sulfur extraction point, it is not always obvious and a wrong choice can really cost you your life. Be very careful when going down as some of the rocks are loose and others covered with sulfur dust can be extremely slippery. I would not venture down at all if it was raining. If you prefer to wait for the main wave of tourists the descend is going to be much easier as there is going to be a human chain literally illuminating the way down for you, yet whether it is safer to do it with them is debatable with hundred or so people crowding down a narrow steep trail. Anyhow once you reach the bottom a truly amazing sight awaits you provided that you can bear an immense stench of sulfur that will irritate your lungs and eyes and can be really dangerous especially when you get caught in a sulfur cloud that gets out of the crater every few minutes. It is not a place for people with asthma and a proper gas mask is very reasonable piece of kit to take with you if you are planning get down into the crater. Like everything it is a matter of opinion, but I found the intense blue fire dancing on the rocks and spilling over them as the gas liquefies a sufficient reward for risking breaking my neck on the way down and nearly suffocating when trying to wait out the sulfur cloud to take a good shot of the flames. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-390" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-in-the-volcano-crater-sorrounded-by-gases.jpg" alt="In the Ijen's crater " width="620" height="354" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-in-the-volcano-crater-sorrounded-by-gases.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-in-the-volcano-crater-sorrounded-by-gases-300x171.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> You could use a better mask than this one but better that than nothing. You can watch miners getting dangerously close to the flames that reach 600 degrees Celsius to extract sulfur usually by chopping chunks of it with nothing more than a metal rod, often having nothing more than a piece of cloth for a gas mask. Once chopped off the sulfur cools down quickly and losses its red color and flexibility becoming yellow and fragile. The miners who can carry up to 90kg of sulfur up the crater and down to the car park, constructed several ceramic pipes to channel sulfur to a more accessible place for extraction which still seems ridiculously close to the flames and toxic fumes. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-391" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-sulfur-miner-in-gas-cloud.jpg" alt="Mining operation is quite dangerous with all the sulfur fumes around" width="620" height="414" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-sulfur-miner-in-gas-cloud.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-sulfur-miner-in-gas-cloud-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Mining operation is quite dangerous with all the sulfur fumes around. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-384" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-blue-fires-and-pipe-system.jpg" alt="Ijen's blue fires and a pipe system" width="620" height="414" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-blue-fires-and-pipe-system.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-blue-fires-and-pipe-system-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Ceramic pipe system constructed by miners to channel sulfur gases. The operation of mining sulfur does not look as dangerous as it is when you look at the causal manner sulfur miners go about their business and the number of tourists making the trip into Kawah Ijen crater. One needs to remember though about long term effects of inhaling sulfur gasses and the unpredictable nature of active volcanoes especially after recent eruption of Mount Unzen in Japan. Ijen is an active volcano and about 35 years ago it showed its deadly nature. There was an underwater eruption that momentarily increased Ijen crater lake water level. The gasses that were eventually released killed about a dozen people who were inside the crater at that moment. It is something that one needs to consider when going down an active volcano crater. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-393" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-sulfur-mining-at-night.jpg" alt="Miner carrying extracted sulfur" width="620" height="414" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-sulfur-mining-at-night.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-sulfur-mining-at-night-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Not an easy job and not exactly 9-to-5. Once we had enjoyed Ijen blue fires enough we decided to go back up just in time to make it for the sunrise on the rim. It was still completely dark when we started our ascend, but the path we sometimes dreaded on our way down did not look that scary anymore thanks to a number of latecomers that were lighting our way up with their head torches. We have paid our guide and decided to head up the light chain quickly as he was carrying some serious load of sulfur from his spear wielding sulfur mining operation. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-392" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-sulfur-miner-with-spear.jpg" alt="Miner extracting sulfur with a spear" width="620" height="414" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-sulfur-miner-with-spear.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-sulfur-miner-with-spear-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Spear wielding mining operation. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-395" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-basket-with-freshly-mined-sulfur-at-night.jpg" alt="A basket with freshly mined sulfur" width="620" height="465" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-basket-with-freshly-mined-sulfur-at-night.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Ijen-basket-with-freshly-mined-sulfur-at-night-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Sulfur packed up and ready to go. When we got back to the entry point into the Ijen crater there were already many people waiting for the sunset, but we decided to reach the highest point of the volcano crater rim. The path that will take you up is initially not obvious apart from the general direction. Up! It gives you a few options to meander in channels made of cool magma or maybe cracks in crust of the rim for a few minutes and then narrows down, but is clearly identifiable for most of the way. It will lead sometimes directly at the very rim of the crater through the bushes that grow there. The path will take you to the wider part of the rim from where you can enjoy the sunrise. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-405" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/The-path-near-the-volcano-rim.jpg" alt="The path near the volcano rim" width="620" height="414" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/The-path-near-the-volcano-rim.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/The-path-near-the-volcano-rim-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Narrow path near the rim edge. You can see the whole lake of Kawah Ijen from along the steep almost vertical drop into the crater and a way easier slope down the volcano cone on the other side where the sun rises. The view from there is simply amazing! When you look at the Ijen acidic lake and see the tiny fuming part on its left where you can enjoy the blue flames at night, the size of the crater becomes apparent. There is a higher part of the mountain that is not directly at the crater rim that can cast beautiful shadow over large part of the sky when you watch the sunrise. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-407" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/The-view-of-the-whole-IJen-volcano-crater.jpg" alt="The view of the whole IJen volcano crater" width="620" height="414" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/The-view-of-the-whole-IJen-volcano-crater.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/The-view-of-the-whole-IJen-volcano-crater-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Perfect view of the largest acidic lake in the world, Kawah Ijen. There were not too many people up there as most of the crowd stayed at the lower point of the rim near the start of the path down the crater. Since we had our own transportation we stuck around until everyone else was gone. The dusty, windy place above the clouds was entirely ours for this little while. When we looked at the crater lake we noticed that while the sun was rising we started to cast shadows on the lake surface from 500 meters above. We played with this effect like children doing different silly poses that made us laugh and added to an amazing morning we were having. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-406" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/The-rising-sun-over-Ijen-casts-shadow-on-the-volcano-crater.jpg" alt="The rising sun over Ijen casts shadow on the volcano crater" width="620" height="414" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/The-rising-sun-over-Ijen-casts-shadow-on-the-volcano-crater.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/The-rising-sun-over-Ijen-casts-shadow-on-the-volcano-crater-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Early morning shadows in the lake. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-413" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Up-top-the-Ijen-volcano-2.jpg" alt="Up top the Ijen volcano" width="620" height="414" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Up-top-the-Ijen-volcano-2.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Up-top-the-Ijen-volcano-2-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Long way down … . <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-404" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/The-loaded-sulfur-basket-which-I-really-was-not-able-to-lift-....jpg" alt="The loaded sulfur basket which I really was not able to lift ..." width="620" height="414" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/The-loaded-sulfur-basket-which-I-really-was-not-able-to-lift-....jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/The-loaded-sulfur-basket-which-I-really-was-not-able-to-lift-...-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Loaded sulfur basket which I really was not able to lift … . On the way down we have enjoyed beautiful mountain vistas in different light setting. When we ascended at night the surrounding area was lit by the moonlight and this sunny morning made us experience the place again as if it was a different one. All in all Kawah Ijen is an amazing place even though there is a considerable number of tourists visiting it already. Especially dusty and windy rim up top made it for a bit of an unearthly experience. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-402" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Sulfur-miner-heading-to-weighting-station1.jpg" alt="Sulfur miner heading to weighting station" width="620" height="349" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Sulfur-miner-heading-to-weighting-station1.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Sulfur-miner-heading-to-weighting-station1-300x168.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Miner loaded with sulfur on his way down to weighting station. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-403" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/The-beautiful-landscape-seen-from-the-path-leading-up-down-the-volcano.jpg" alt="The beautiful landscape seen from the path leading up down the volcano" width="620" height="414" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/The-beautiful-landscape-seen-from-the-path-leading-up-down-the-volcano.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/The-beautiful-landscape-seen-from-the-path-leading-up-down-the-volcano-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Above the clouds on our way down. <img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-401" src="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Our-view-on-the-way-down-from-the-volcano.jpg" alt="Our view on the way down from the volcano" width="620" height="414" srcset="https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Our-view-on-the-way-down-from-the-volcano.jpg 620w, https://www.escapethecrowds.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Our-view-on-the-way-down-from-the-volcano-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px" /> Panoramic views on the way down the Kawah Ijen volcano. TIPS: • Most tours start between 1.00 and 1.30am so if you want to avoid the traffic on the road and up the mountain go earlier. • There are a few guesthouses close to the volcano or you can stay in Banyuwangi which has a bigger selection of hotels in a decent price range but you have to travel longer distance. • you can find a hideaway place and with luck there will be a fireplace, where you can warm up and stay out of the cold and wind. It’s located on the opposite side to the entry point into the Jien crater. See photo below. Ijen Retreat. • Take proper hiking shoes, warm clothes, a gas mask and a head torch. (We saw people wearing winter jackets and winter hats even … though not mandatory. A good windproof jacket with a hoodie, a long sleeve blouse and long pants with long socks should suffice.) • In the parking lot and in the midway up the volcano there is a small ‘cafeteria’ which sells snacks and tea or coffee. The one midway the trail may be closed at night. • If you are getting there by motorbike at night it’s a good idea to wear gloves as it gets really cold the higher you are. As we didn’t have gloves we used socks and they did the job! ENJOY ! To see more photos click on this link Blue Fires of Ijen Gallery.