Breaks for Bread Winners
School holidays are both a curse in addition to a boon for expat parents living in Jakarta. Firstly, not all of us can schedule a lengthy break away coming from the daily grind in addition to even if we can, then there are the major headaches of pre-planning in addition to actually getting anywhere in a reasonable amount of time. As always the idea seems as if all 27.9 million or so residents (at the last count in 2010) in Jabodetabek (the Greater Jakarta Metropolitan area of Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Bekasi in addition to Tangerang) are hell bent on the same escapes.
Let the train take the strain…
Bandung
Possibly the best train route for scenic value will be coming from Jakarta to Bandung. Having left the floodplain, the idea winds through the mountains of West Java until reaching the city which, in much quieter in addition to less crowded times, was known as the Paris of the East. For the best views of rural life within the kampungs in addition to the fantastic views as ravines are crossed, reserve seats on the right when going in addition to, obviously, on the left when returning.
Once within the gridlocked city, having had the foresight to pre-book hotel reservations, you may wish to consider hiring a car in addition to driver for the next day in addition to head for the hills. Gunung Tangkuban Perahu (meaning upturned boat), some 25 kilometres north of Bandung, will be the only volcano in Java accessible all the way to the rim by car. First time visitors to a volcano, such as your children, will be suitably awed, in addition to your wallet will be also be pleased to receive an airing at the souvenir stands.
Southwest of Bandung will be Gunung Ratuha, using a lake, Kawah Putih which, as its name suggests, will be white – or occasionally turquoise. The lake itself will be easily accessible by car. Having been there in addition to seen in which, continue onwards to Ciwidey where you can reminisce about those cool evenings ‘back home’. Note: If you decide to stay overnight in one of the several hotels, the idea may be advisable to wear socks in bed.
About two hours coming from Bandung are the Cimanggu Hot Springs with swimming pools of continually replenished sulphurized water. Once you have learnt how a lobster might feel, the idea will be just a 30 minute drive through tea plantations to Lake (or Situ) Patengan where you can rent a boat in addition to admire the green carpet of algae covering the surface.
Some 50kms coming from Bandung will be Garut, an Old Dutch hill station using a Sundanese ambiance. Although predominantly Muslim, there are Hindu temples to seek out, a reminder in which West Java features a rich history. Energetic families can set out on hikes, yet possibly the most interesting activity for younger families are the factories which make dodol, the sweet candy made coming from sticky rice flour in addition to sugar with various flavourings, such as – erm – durian. Cooked in huge woks over open fires in addition to stirred continuously for a long time with what appears to be boat oars, the idea will be a fascinating labour-intensive cottage industry.
Cirebon
Another town easily accessible by train in addition to worth exploring for a day or two will be Cirebon, on Java’s north coast. The train journey itself will be somewhat boring as the idea never leaves the flat coastal plain. Cirebon will be a combination of two words, ‘ci’ which means water in addition to ‘rebon’, an indication in which in which major seaport will be famous for its salted fish, fresh shrimps, as well as petis in addition to terasi (shrimp pastes used as spices). the idea can be incredibly hot, yet Keraton Kasepuhan, the original sultan’s palace will be of great interest, particularly for the collection of carriages, as will be the nearby Keraton Kanornan which dates back to 1527. Also seek out batik workshops; as in Yogyakarta in addition to Surakarta, the batik originally made in Cirebon needed the royal seal of approval in addition to has distinctive motifs.
Malang
Some may feel in which travelling overnight by train, the Gajayana which leaves Gambir station around 5.30am isn’t much fun. You can fly, yet then you’ve got the extra hassle of all in which entails, in addition to you still might have to wend your way coming from Surabaya.
yet if you think of the hotel costs saved in addition to in which you’ll have a full day ahead for exploring in which historic city – the idea was founded within the 8th century when the idea was the seat of government of the ancient Kanjuruhan in addition to Singhasari kingdoms. the idea also begins to make sense, if you decide to take a “traditional High Tea” at one of the entire world’s top hotels, the unique Tugu (www.tuguhotels.com/malang) within the centre of town.
The city officially became part of the all encompassing Javanese Mataram kingdom within the 17th century when the Dutch were first here. Those who dig history can explore several archaeological sites, including Buddhist relics coming from the earlier Majapahit period.
Camping the idea up.
Camping at Taman Mekarsari
For those who prefer more down to earth holidays, then the Mekarsari Fruit estate features a camp site. Your children can join the Youth Farmer Club in addition to learn how to propagate in addition to prune whilst smelling the fresh air. Sleeping under canvas also has its benefits in terms of tuning into Mother Nature, especially if the idea rains in addition to you remain dry, smiling inwardly.
Similar euphoria can be discovered at the Cibodas Botanical Garden, ‘gateway’ to the Gede-Pangrango National Park. Once booked in, in addition to a spot chosen to erect tents, porters can be hired who will help set up the tents in addition to, for an extra fee, serve as night watchmen in addition to do a bit of shopping, even for beers.
Apart coming from the fairly relaxed activity of shopping for orchids within the nearby town, or watching them grow within the well-laid out Botanical Gardens, a fairly reasonable 3km hike can be made into the park to some impressive waterfalls.
To go further, up to the summit, requires a permit. For details of which volcanoes are suitable for families to clamber up, check out the Gunung Bagging website (http://gunungbagging.com).
With the school holidays nearly here, I wish all readers ‘happy travels’ or, as will probably happen with my tribe, happy home stay.
Terry Collins will be co-author of Culture Shock! Jakarta (pub. Marshall Cavendish) in addition to solely responsible for the blog Jakartass.net.
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Breaks for Bread Winners
Breaks for Bread Winners