Sunday 26 July 2015

My Time In The Kingdom of Tonga






Malo Lelei!
 
Kingdom of Tonga is located in the South Pacific Ocean, northeast of New Zealand. Although New Zealand is located pretty much at the end of the earth and near to the South Pole of Antarctica, this country is truly blessed with its close proximity to the islands when in need of tropical getaway. In this case to Tonga, it only takes around 2.5 hours by plane from Auckland. Initially, Tonga is known as “Friendly Islands” because when Captain Cook first visited in 1773, it was right in the middle of festivals and he received an invitation to all the events and festivities.  

 
 


 
 
 
I was there for Easter break around April this year and stayed for 6 days. I based myself in Nuku’alofa which is the capital located on the north coast of the main Island Tongatapu. Tongatapu itself is located in the southernmost island group of Tonga (Eua, Ha’apai, Niuas, Tongatapu and Vava’u). I had great time there though I think that Tonga probably the least developed country amongst the majority of other tourist destinations around South Pacific like Fiji, Cook Islands and New Caledonia. Not sure about Samoa or Vanuatu, I have yet to visit them. However, in a way I think it’s good as you get the feeling of experiencing true South Pacific. What you see is what you get kind of feeling. Embracing the rawness. It was obvious that there’s so much potential and development that could be done, but it seems they are pretty much happy and leave them as it is rather than making it too convenient for the tourists. This is just my two cents and I’m just delivering from what I have observed. I’m sure if you been there, you have your own version to tell. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed my trip! I think it's interesting that Tonga has its own unique character.

 
  

Love this Tonga Pa'anga $1 note with Whales theme


This is part of their everyday's dress. Embracing their own culture and they look stunning!

 
The island kept me active every single day, I was out and about exploring it by foot, car and a local rickety bus, on my own as well as with company of others. I did day tour around the island visiting some of interesting landmarks like place where Captain Cook landed for first time, stopping somewhere along the gravel road to see the unusual coconut tree that has 3 branches, went to famous Mapu’a ‘a Vaea Blowholes which was quite fascinating to see the forces of nature like this happened in front of me. Then we continued on to Ha’amonga’a Maui Trilithon known as “Mini Stonehenge”. On other occasion, I went with other travelers I met in my guesthouse to experience local dinner with fire dance show. You find this type of dance quite common around South Pacific countries. The moon was so bright that night, as we enjoyed our meal at the restaurant on the beachfront,  we could see the moonlight shining through the ocean in front of us and occasionaly listened to the sound of waves while chatting with others. Magical!  After dinner, we made our way to the cave which located not far from the restaurant. We were entertained by local men and women drenched in baby oil, doing fire dance and singing local songs with instruments of skin drum and Ukulele . There was also unique show when a guy played the Ukulele with his teeth. Such an impressive talent and wicked entertainment to end a great night!
 
 


Otaika, fresh raw fish in coconut milk. Common food around South Pacific countries

 
This activity was probably my favorite thing to do from the whole time I was in the Kingdom. To swim in the swimming hole located in the underground cave for the first time! The place is called Anahulu Cave and it’s located in central of Nuku’alofa. It was such a thrill to go inside the cave, the path was lighted by fluorescent and as I went inside, I could see the beautiful stalactite all around. Then at the bottom of the cave, we were presented with swimming hole. The water was bit cold but so fresh. We all jumped in and as we swam, we admired the stunning limestone above and beneath us.
 



Stalactite in Anahulu Cave



Fresh water swimming hole in Anahulu Cave

I found cemeteries in Tonga quite peculiar and interesting. I couldn’t help to go for a walk one morning to the one just down the road from my guesthouse just to look closely and at my own pace. There was this lovely color coded graveyard while the other can be quite full on and overly decorated complete with many chinaware around it. I also saw few graveyards that got this massive poster size photo of the deceased posing on top of his graveyard. I guess this is their tradition to pay respect and remembering their loved ones who already gone. That’s one of the quirky things I love to discover when traveling. Something that I never come across before.


Beautiful color coded cemetery



 

On Sunday, I did a day trip to Pangaimotu island which was only 10 minutes ride on a small boat from Faua Wharf as all the commercial trading were closed at the main island. They only allowed very few bakery and small eatery place to open. Sunday in Tonga and some other places in the South Pacific countries is a day that is dedicated to Church. Even the airport is shut down. Everywhere you can see Tongans and their bibles on hand making their way to the Church. During mass, I could hear their singing when I went for a walk that morning. It was angelic. In the afternoon, locals normally flock to Pangaimotu for some cooling off time with jumping off the shipwreck was one of the favorites!


 





In general, I think Tonga is a relatively cheap destination to visit in comparison to its neighboring countries. I stayed in a Dorm at Noa Guesthouse, which was only 5 minute walk to the town centre. Noa Guesthouse is a character itself, from Mote and Nana who run the business along with other staff to people that I met during my short stay there. I came as a guest but left as a friend. People that you cross path when you traveled can truly make significant remembrance and leave footprints as they were part of your journey. They made it even more special. I miss all of you and I really enjoyed the time we spent in the balcony at nights over local raspberry vodka with singing entertainment from Timani, my brother from another mother lol!


Soft Coral and beach at Pangaimotu Island
 

Shipwreck at Pangaimotu Island
 


Tonga is not a kind of place where you can lounge on the pool and have bartender mixing your cocktail in a pool bar. Well at least not for now. I think from where I’m sitting; its simplicity, rawness, peculiar things I encountered, countless interaction with locals and other curious like-minded travelers that really made this trip to be a one of a kind.

Malo a Pito!


*scroll down for Statistics

Snorkeling in Ha'atafu


Snorkeling in Pangaimotu island

Snorkeling in Pangaimotu island



Mini Stonehenge
 
Fire Dance at Hina Cave


Dancers at Hina Cave show


Statistics:

Flight : Return fare Auckland - Nuku'alofa - Auckland by Air New Zealand cost $330NZD (Seat & Carry On ONLY Fare). Flying time around 2.5 hours one way

Currency : Local currency is Tonga Pa'anga or TOP. $1TOP = $0.71NZD(rate of 28/7/15)

Accommodation : Noa Guesthouse-1x Bed in Dormitory @$30TOP/night ($21NZD) www.noaenterprises.com

Visa : $69NZD(Single Entry) - I applied 2 weeks prior departure(as advised by Tongan Embassy in Auckland). The process took about 1 week until I received the visa. You can check here if you require Tourist Visa in advance or not : http://www.tongaairports.com/passenger-information/ Please also check your local Tongan Embassy representative for more details.

Out and about in Tongatapu : There are public bus operating around the island however only until 5pm. Please note there are NO bus operating on Sunday. One way Fare is reasonable around $1.50-$2TOP($1.40NZD) depending on the distance.
Ferry : Return fare on a small boat from Faua Wharf near Nuku'alofa town centre to Pangaimotu Island $20TOP($14NZD) and it takes around 10 minutes.

Day trip tour : There are few day tour operator for example : Toni's Guesthouse (tonigh2@yahoo.co.uk), you don't need to stay in their guesthouse in order to use their service. Taxi drivers can also offers day trips, however ask around for more competitive price.

Taxi: Taxis in Tonga don't run by meter and are unmarked however it's identified by letter T at the beginning of the number plate. One way from International Aiport to downtown of Nuku'alofa is a fixed rate of $40TOP($28NZD) 



 

Tuesday 21 July 2015

Don't Let Your Nationality Refrain You From Seeing The World





Few months ago, there was an article about Most Powerful Passport In The World and as Indonesian, we’re on 60th ranking, in other words, it's not quite powerful. As result to this, sometimes I’m facing more complexities and questionnaires from visa application process to arriving at the border point of destination country. I been traveling with Indonesian passport for quite some time and have personally experienced this type of behaviour more than people who are traveling on privilege passports. When it comes to travel, if you’re coming from privilege countries, it’s more of a given when going on an overseas trip. You can just buy plane tickets and start planning on your itinerary. But for the rest of us, sometimes we need to think of visa bureaucracy that we need to get through first before feeling excited making plans on our choice of destination.



One occasion was when I travelled to Rarotonga in Cook Islands. I arrived at 1am, it was a long day already for me. I was standing in line just like everyone else waiting for Custom to stamp my passport. When it was my turn, they asked me to move aside and they held my passport. Another Custom officer came over and asked me questions about my itinerary for the next 7 days. They also questioned why I was traveling alone. I told them what I was planning to do and I was traveling on my own because I chose it this way to be more flexible meeting new people and get to know more of the culture. They also soon found out my New Zealand residency on one of the pages of my passport. This has somehow stopping them from raising their eyebrows as they let me go not long after.

 

Another situation when I was arriving in Cairns, Australia, although I was coming from Auckland, Custom officer still asked me about my purpose of visiting Australia and then they also told me to go to “Goods To Declare” line even though on my Arrival Card I ticked “No Goods To Declare”. Because of course they didn’t just believe that I didn’t carry anything and therefore I need to be thoroughly checked before they let me go. Again, this all because of the stereotype of my passport. I sometimes feel discriminated but I know in a situation like this, I have to remain calm and play by the rules.

 


Visa bureaucracy also can be complicated process and intend to linger on and on. Typical documents that I normally lodge are Visa Form, Bank Statement, Proof of Employment, Travel Insurance, Return Ticket, Booking of Accommodations at the destination country and other additional supporting documents depending on the countries I am visiting. Some examples are in preparation for my visit to South America next month, I needed to lodge my tourist visa and other documents way in advance. When I lodged my Bolivian visa application, on top of the normal paperwork, I had to submit Police Criminal Record. This is something that I never been asked before as part of Tourist Visa requirements. Bolivian Embassy also doesn’t have a representative office in New Zealand, so I had to send my passport to Sydney in Australia. Three weeks before I fly, I finally heard the good news. Honestly, I was a bit anxious of the prolonged process they took on my application. With Argentinian visa, I had to fly down to Wellington for a one on one interview that happened to be with the Ambassador himself. I felt quite honour to have met him in person actually. He turned out to be a very hospitable and was quite informative giving me some advice for my visit. However, this didn't change the fact that I was still facing questions afterwards by the Consulate officer. By far, Argentinian Embassy is probably the most meticulous when assessing visa application. The most smooth and straightforward was when applying for Brazilian tourist visa, it only took total of 4 days from the moment I sent my application by post to their Embassy until they returned my passport back with a year’s visa sticker on it. I didn’t even have to fly down to the capital for interview!




Although every country have their own rules and regulation, sometimes I feel it's unfair that passport holders from less privilege countries had to endure this process. However, I can’t change that fact on how people perceiving my nationality. It's ultimately beyond my control. All I can change is my perspective of the situation and how I act towards them. I guess by keeping myself composed and answer the questions thoroughly, they can see that I have good intention entering their countries. I know it takes more preparation for us to enter most of the countries in the world, but you just have to keep that positivity alive and be optimistic with all the requirements you need to comply because when you're sitting on the window seat on a plane that takes you to those dreamy places, you'll realize that the more difficult something is, the more rewarding it is in the end.




All these bureaucracy and challenges never put my spirit down and keeping my Indonesian passport gathering dust in the drawer is definitely not an option. If you invest enough effort and dedication towards it, you're already half way there. Here's my tips for everyone who wants to travel but was put off by visa bureaucracy: prepare cover letter that explains your itinerary and checklist of the documents you're submitting, be firm with your answers, be friendly and well-presented when going on an interview, having full time job has helped me a lot with the application process too and last but not least, have faith! Up to date, I have entered 24 countries with and without visa. And I'm just an ordinary Indonesian girl who is working full time and trying to fulfill her longlife dreams one step at a time. My passport have yet to fail me from fulfilling my wanderlust. People can think whatever they want towards your nationality, all you need to keep in mind is that you have nothing but best intention to see their countries and learning about their cultures. Never put your dreams on hold until you're old and jaded and let it be just dreams. Instead, chase them and start planning. Don't let anything refrain you from seeing the world and never stop exploring no matter what obstacle coming to your way!

 
"We may not get what we want, when we want. But with a bit of perseverance and a lot of patience, we can get what we need." -Sarah Strohmeyer-


Thursday 16 July 2015

I Am Frugal So I Can Travel







In this consumer-driven world we live in, it’s easy for us to be influenced and tempted by social media, TV, billboards etc to always keeping up with the trends. It could be clothing, latest iphone, cars or even area where you live can sometimes determine your social status. Before I moved to New Zealand, I was living in Dubai for four years and the lifestyle there has somehow made me more consumptive. I personally think that lack of nature and surrounded with concrete jungle had lured me to this circle with leisure time over the weekends were mostly spent in the shopping malls or clubs.



 Lake Rotoroa, Nelson National Park, New Zealand

I was buying unnecessary stuff and they ended up in piles. Kept on spending my hard earn income just to keep up with the Joneses. It was not very wise lifestyle and a big waste of money and space. After a while I realized, there was nothing that I need that I don’t already have. I started to cut a lot of my spending and slowly growing my saving back.  This changed habit also carried on since living in New Zealand, now, it’s just a normal thing for me to live frugally. Being surrounded by beautiful nature has helped me to do this a lot easier and on my leisure time, I love to spend it in the outdoors and most of them are free. There are many bush walks, waterfalls, lakes, snow-capped mountain in a reasonable drive away. My consumptive behavior has dropped down drastically. I appreciated more on what I already have rather than wishing for what I could have had.
 


Paradise Beach, Mykonos, Greece


Living frugally or minimalism does not mean you only eat cheese and crackers or rice and egg every night. It means spending your money where you want to without spending more than you have and more than you need to. For example, I haven’t been shopping for a while now because I think that my clothes are still decent. The same goes with my other things. I’m content when driving my $3K 1998 Toyota as it’s still function well and have no desire to upgrade to more flash car. I just don’t think keeping up with trends or Joneses or whatever they call it are important things anymore. More importantly, I refuse to be a slave of consumerism and let the stuff own me.



Chateau De Villandry, France


I have been living on a budget for a while now and quite strict with what I spend.  I brought my lunch to work. No flat whites from cafĂ© downstairs of the building I work at. I won’t pay $14 cocktail because I know that $14 is equivalent of 3 or 4 meals in Tonga or two nights’ accommodation in Asia. I’m doing all this because I know I will reap the rewards in the end and therefore it was worth every sacrifice I made. This is the reason why it’s possible for me to travel and see the world. I often ask myself what do you work five days a week for? I don't want a mortgage that’s for sure. I found my answer when flying over Whales in Kaikoura or snorkelling with George the famous giant Trevally fish in turquoise lagoon of Aitutaki in Cook Islands. You should not feel bad if you do not share the same wants as everyone else. Everyone has their own reason why they work hard for in their life and we don’t need justification for this. I am also not envy with people who were born with silver spoon living on much more privilege life. I believe there’s good reason why we are here at this point of our lives and all we have to do is to figure out how to make our life worth living and make the most of it.




Athens, Greece
 
Travel is not only for the rich, if you make it as priority in your life then there are always ways to achieve it. I would rather spend my money on a cheap return flight to Fiji than buying a pair of branded shoes or purse. It all comes down to what matters to you the most. You may have read some blogs or even following some travel bloggers out there who been living on the road for years with no trust fund or rich parents to support them financially. Why is this possible? Because they have the most important factors: courage, sacrifice and perseverance. I honestly admire their spirit and dedication to chase their travel dreams therefore I created a lifestyle of my own that sustain my passion for travels while managing working full time at the same time.
  
 
Sea Lions Colony, Kaikoura, New Zealand

Since I implemented minimalism, not only I am able to  create more space in my room, but also in my mind. Reducing consumerism habit really simplifies my life to live with less stress and therefore it makes easier to focus on my life goals, to do what I most love and passionate about.


"I'd rather have a passport full of stamps than a house full of stuff." -Anonymous-


Malimbu Hill , Lombok, Indonesia
 
 
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
 
 

Sunday 12 July 2015

Why I Love Solo Travel







Ok, first I have to admit that I was quite intimidated looking at flight website on the laptop in front of me. Am I really going to do this trip alone? Random scenarios were playing in my head, from convincing that it was the right thing to do to some percentage that told me "are you crazy?" and all the other "what ifs." I then kept telling myself that this is what I wanted to do and I should just bite the bullet, built up a courage and booked my flight anyway. The more I overthink, the more I questioned myself. So I just booked it! The route was Auckland-Kuala Lumpur-Phnom Penh-Hanoi-Jakarta-Auckland. I had three weeks on my own before meeting my family in Indonesia for family holiday in the beautiful island of Lombok. 



Royal Palace in Phnom Penh


Right after I booked it, there was no turning back, I thought. And to be honest, I felt a huge relief mix with some kind of nervous feeling. I was relief that against all odds, I made a pact to myself that this is my opportunity to embark on this journey and it's what I have been dreaming of. Feeling nervous as I didn't know what was going to happen, will I enjoy these foreign countries on my own, who's going to back me up if something goes wrong or even lost in translation was unavoidable factor and more importantly will I get bored and lonely? 


Ha Long Bay


The day of my solo travel came, I made my way to the Airport. This is it, you made it this far, I told to myself. Trying to ignore all these mix feelings inside me. Arriving in Kuala Lumpur Airport, I took a bus to my hostel. Asking people around me as I tried to get my bearing. Finally found my hostel. To my surprise, I met some people there who were doing it solo also. I stayed in dorm, so it was easy to meet people and relatively cheaper option. We all started to talk and I found comfort in them. Listening to their reasons and somehow I could resonate my story to them that they took the plunge despite all the silly reasons and fears. On New Year's Eve, we all ended up going on a pub crawl and watched fireworks between the skyscrapers. 
 



Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Tuk-tuk stand in Siem Reap

 
Then I flew to Phnom Penh in Cambodia after few days in KL. I met a Cambodian on the plane who didn't have a clue how to fill his arrival card. So I helped him filling the form out. With very broken English, he said that he been living in Malaysia for long time and haven't been visiting home for a while. His family live about 2 hours bus ride from capital of Phnom Penh. When we arrived at our destination and made our way out of the airport, he called his friend who was Tuk-tuk driver to pick him up. He then asked me if he can drop me off at my hostel. It was very nice gesture of him and so we hopped on a tuk-tuk exploring the busy and chaotic road of this city. We bid goodbye at my hostel and I told him if only I had longer time in Phnom Penh, I would have visited his village. I thanked and wished him a safe journey ahead. 

 
Ha Long Bay
 

Serenity of Ha Long Bay


This was just the beginning of my solo trip and yet it has been a positive experience so far. I told to myself, there was nothing to be worried about or afraid of. There are genuinely good people out there that would help and ask nothing in return. 

 

Hanoi

Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City


At the hostel I stayed in Phnom Penh, I told this girl in my dorm who was also solo traveler that my next destination was Siem Reap, and to my surprise, we happened to go on the same day! She then asked if I would be interested to stay in the hotel she has booked and paid for as her friend couldn't make it to meet her there in the end. Another kindness from a stranger. Together, we hired Tuk-tuk for whole day, from watching sunrise at the infamous Angkor Wat to visiting the rest of the temples around the complex until dusk. 


Hanoi


When I was back on my own, I enjoyed the time with myself sipping on a Vietnamese Iced Coffee at a little cafe in Hanoi while watching all the hustle bustle of street vendors, the noise of hundred motorbikes and people speaking foreign languages around me. I  didn't feel bored or lonely as what I've anticipated before. Even when I was in a quiet and serene spot of Ha Long Bay, when the night fell and everyone was asleep in our boat, I found inner peace with myself. Learning to live in the moment, to appreciate what's in front me and be grateful with all the opportunities that led me to that precious moment. I learn to admire all the  beautiful nature surround me instead of wishing if I could have shared it with someone. Even if there was someone I could share that with, it was just bonus. This experience was a personal journey and exactly what I wished for. Therefore in the end I was more than happy to do this alone. 


About to crawl inside Cu Chi underground tunnel, Ho Chi Minh City
   

Because of Solo Travel, I can stop and smell the roses, I have more time to talk to people more than when I traveled with companion, listened to their stories and made friends despite the language barrier. You just don't know who you will encounter every day and what's going to happen that day. I guess that's the beauty of it and this is why I love it! Of course it's not always a walk in the park, however, perspective is the key to change the way you look at certain things. 
 


With Avena at Angkor Wat


Angkor Wat Temples

After this trip, I became more confident that Solo Travel is my preferred method of travel. I grew to accept myself and enjoy my own company. To do whatever I want and go where ever my feet take me. It made me realized that when I was out of my comfort zone and familiarity, I have no one to depend on but myself, I could contemplate and think about what has been happening in my life and what I will do better moving forward.


"Making a big life change is pretty scary. But you know what's even scarier? Regret." - Zig Ziglar -

 
Siem Reap



Night Market in Hanoi

With Sibel at Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City