AUSTRALIA - Lake Conjola - December 2010 January 2011

We stayed at Lake Conjola for a week in the camping area.

 

The lake is very big and pretty. It branches off in a number of directions with islands interspersed at various sections. In parts, in was fairly shallow but navigatable by kayak. The fishing was very good. I had my first try at snorkelling from my kayak. I caught a few bream and chloe the same as well as a large leatherjacket.

The walk to the beach was either via the lake or the coastal heath. The latter had a boardwalk or bush tracks. The sand on the beach is very soft and white to red. The surf was only small when we were there but it was fun. The lake empties out at the northern end of the beach. That was fun to bodyboard down at high tide and running out.

Green island is on the northern end. the waves can be good but not this time. We had a walk around the island, Lots of rocks, pools and other coastal features.

 

One morning, I walked along the beach to Narrawallee Inlet. Nice walk and the views at Buckley's Point were good. The inlet was also very pretty.

Overall, a pretty place with a lot of natural activities to do.

Indonesia - Java - Bromo and Ijen - volcano treks - May 2009

I joined a tour to visit Bromo and Ijen volcanoes. just grabbed a hotel brochure and rang a number. Only two of us going - myself and a French Canadian lady, Helene.

We were picked up on time by a guide and a driver. These guys were nice, friendly and very helpful.

We drove along the west coast of Bali, stopping whereever we wanted to have a look and take photos. We even stopped at a temple for a blessing for a voyage to Java.

At Gilmanuk, Bali we boarded the ferrry to bali. The port was well organised and very tidy. The trip was good as we sat on the top deck and enjoyed the approaching view of java and the diminishing view of Bali.


At Java, we landed at Ketapang harbour, then we drove a short while and stopped for lunch.

The journey to the Arabica hotel started as coastal towns then we drove steadily upwards through smaller towns and villages. Eventually, we were driving through dense rainforest and a deteriorating road. we were happy but the driver was finding it harder and harder to neogotiate the rutted road. The road finally levelled out and we meandered along between coffee plantations.

The Arabica Hotel was nice. Nothing fancy but clean and the food was good.

It was late afternoon so we walked dowwn the road and through the local village. The people were very friendly and proud of their village. They explained that most people in the villaged worked either in the coffee plant or in the fields. The village wealth was evident in well organised lanes and houses with small gardens.

Wandering back up the hill, we walked among the houses just a short distance from the hotel. One family invited us into home where we were introduced to the kids and grandparents. The view over the valley from the back of the house was very pretty.

The next morning, we were up early and drove a short distance to the start of the Ijen walk. The trail was basically a rutted road leading through the trees. Every now and then there were magical views over the Javanese landscape. Along the way, we noticed an ever increasing amount of baskets full with sulphur resting by the side of the trail.

We arrived at a mist-filled clearing with a small shelter. Around the shelter were a number of workers who were carrying the baskets of sulphur down the hill.

We continued on with the mist descending upon us at intervals obscuring our vision until it lifted. We reached a sign and the edge of the crater rim. We walked along the rim but the crater was filled with low cloud and mist. We picked a nice spot and sat and watched the workers appear from the depth of the crater with baskets laden with sulpur or going the opposite way with empty baskets.

The mist began to lift after about 1/2 hour revealing a massive milky blue lake in the base of the steep crater with plumes of sulphuric smoke bellowing from one spot near the edge of the lake. We climbed slowly down the steep path while the localss ran past us.

At the bottom there was a small, flat clearing next to the plumes of sulphuric clouds that issued from the bowels of the crater. It was amazing watching these guys walk into the mist of poisonous gas and come out coughing and spluttering laden with baskets of sulphur.

We continued to the lake edge. I was tempted to try the water. On the edge it warm but after one step it was hot. hot, hot. Putting my shoes back on I realised I had just had an instant exfoliation. Problems started now as the sulpur cloud began to descend on the lake edge as a total whiteout. For a while, there was no oxygen and I had to hit the ground low to breathe. Luckily, it lasted a short time but for days i was coughing and sputtering like the locals.

We made our way back up the steep rocky track to the rim of the crater. We talked at length to one of the workers. He told us of tourists falling to their deaths and that the workers did this job every alternate day (to recover) for 100 0000 rupiahs. This is considered to be excellent money but very unhealthy.
We walked back down the mountain and drove back to the hotel and then a very long drive to Bromo and the Cemara Hotel. The countryside along the way was very changeable and pretty. Our driver use to drive trucks along these roads and told us many stories of his trips via our guide.

Bromo was an incredible sight to arrive at late afternoon. We were on a crater edge looking over the sea of sand with Bromo as a distinctive sight bellowing smoke. Other volcanoes contributed to the background of this awesome vista.

The next morning, we were up in the dark and on our ponies. We rode to the base of Bromo over the sea of sand and climbed the steps to the crater rim. The rim was guarded for a short distance by a low castle-like wall and path. We walked to the far end of the wall and sat watching the sun gradually rise over the volcanic foreground. Unfortunately, clouds of sulphur would descend upon us making it difficult to breathe.

The top of the rim was also quite a social scene with a small number of tourist from all over the world and other parts of Java. We had a few conversations and learnt a bit more on life in Java.We descended the stairs and rode our ponies back to the hotel.

The journey back to Bali was about 12 hours with eating and stops. Along the way, we met a few locals and had some interesting conversations.

I was tired when we got back and my cloths and myself stunk of sulphur.

Overall, it was excellent – the Javanese, views, craters and countryside made it a worthwhile trip.

Information

Price was approximately $US295. The trip length was three days and three nights.

Take a damp scarf – use as a sulphur gas mask

Take warm clothes – cold at hotels at night and on craters

Switzerland - july 2006

 

 

We camped near Interlaken for about a week. The weather was sunny and hot at the start but turned cold and very wet. The camping area was full at the beginning but was empty of tents bar one after two days of rain. Luckily, we had Australian tents.

We wandered around the countryside and the towns. Public transport was easy as we brought an interlaken card which included all forms of transport - chairlifts, trains, trams, buses.

The mountains were spectacular, as were the great walks (eiger trail), alpine botantical gardens, glaciers, cafes, restaurants, rivers and lakes.

AUSTRALIA - Snowy Mountain - HIKES

Although, I've made posts on some of the Snowy Mountain walks, this video deals with a number of walks.

AUSTRALIA - Kosciuszko NP - Main Range Track and Summit Trail - HIKE - april 2005

This a very pretty and scenic 21 km walk. We started at Charolottes Pass and followed the well defined track towards Blue Lake lookout, crossing over the Snowy River and alpine herbs.

 

At Carruther's Peak, there were excellent views over the western ranges and lowlands. The track became rougher pasing Club Lake and Lake Albina. At Kosciuszko, we followed the road to the top of the mountain.

Descending Kosciuszko, the old road lead pass huts, rivers and vistas of the high ranges.

Time: full day
warnings:
weather changes - take wet and warm weather gear.
sunscreen and insect repellent
plenty of water and snack food ( nuts, dried fruit and chocolate are my walking stables)
basic first aide kit

AUSTRALIA - Mount Kosciuszko - HIKE - january 2006

This is a great easy summer walk of about 22km return. It starts at the top of the Threadbo chair lift. It meanders along tracks and raised platforms through mountains ranges and rocky outcrops and lakes. There are plenty of alpine flowers and plants - very pretty.

At the base of Kosciuszko, the track becomes a road that winds its way up to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko. The return is via the same direction.

On our journey it started as a beautiful sunny day, cloudy and very windy at Kosciuszko and rain by the time we reached Threadbo. There were plenty of people going forward when we were nearly back, so they would have been wet and cold and there are no shortcuts. Come prepared!

time: 4 to 5 hours
grade: easy
precautions:
take insect repellent and sunscreen - flies were insane
clothes for wet and cold weather - changeable
plenty of water
snacks to eat along the way
study and comfortable walking shoes

indonesia - Bali - HIKES

There are some beautiful walks and treks in Bali.

Guide

Some walks in Bali you can self guide others you are better to hire a guide. The benefit of hiring a guide as well as knowing the bestroute is also in the commentary they provide.

Special note

Bali is hot and tropical. Do not underestimate the heat. On most days, it is fairly hot and sticky by 10 am so start your walk early. I start at 5:45 am just before dawn. Balinese life will be coming alive as you walk.

What to take

Day pack
Hat
Appropriate walking shoes and socks
Map or directions
Compass
Knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia or a phrase book
Camera
Water at least a litre, better 2 litres for longer treks (it does get hot)
Money
Salt for leeches or check when you get back
Some bandaides and antiseptic powder
Stingoes
Costumes and sarong if there is a place to swim

Treks and Walks

Bukit – coastal cliff walk

Padangbai – temple headland, Tugas Bias, black sand beach

Gunung Batur – volcano climb, lake walk

Ubud – ricefields

Danau Bratan – lake walk,

Nusa Lembongan – coastal walk, island walk

Amed – Gunung Seraya and villages, coastal walk

Balian - beach, river crossing and cliff top south walk

Medewi – beach and river crossing walk

Candidasa – beach to cliff temple walk, Tengangan to Tirta Gangga trek

Gunung Agung – volcano climb (definitely need guide)

Pemuteran – beach to temple walk, hinterland walks

Tirta Gangga – ricefield walks

Bedugul - Goa Jepang, Gunung Catur, Pura Puncak Mangu (monkeys here) trek

Danau Buyan and Danau Tamblingan - southern side Lake Buyan over saddle to Lake Tamblingan trek 4 km and/or trek around Lake Tamblingan – canoe, walk, temples, rainforest.

Agung Lesong - Trek

Munduk - waterfall trek

Gunung Batukau – temple in forest Pura Luhur Batukau

Jatiluwih – ricefield walk

Indonesia - Bali - Tirta Gangga - 2005

It is a small village in highlands near Candidasa. It is very quiet and relaxing. It has beautiful views of the neighbouring rice fields. It is really worthwhile staying for a few days.

Getting there

By car with or without driver is the easiest. Motorbike.
Though I have seen people arrive by bemo and bicycle.

Accommodation

There are quite a number of clean, cheap places to stay amongst the rice fields or with valley views. The water palace also has rooms.

Eating

There are some small restaurants around the main square or eat at your hotel. The food is cheap and tasty though it takes awhile to cook. A good sign that the food is fresh.

Activities

The water palace (Taman Tirta Gangga) has beautiful gardens on various levels and two pools for swimming, one for locals and the other for tourists. Water is cold and clean. Goggles are fun as there are fish and crabs in the pool. there is an entry fee for the gardens and another entry fee for the pool.

There are walks around the rice fields with or without a guide. The guides are very informative about the local culture and the plants of the area. There are great views over the rice fields. This is a great place for the rice field photos.

Talking to the locals is very interesting as they are very friendly.

Best Points: quiet, pretty, nice views, ricefield walks, water palace gardens and pool.

Worse Points: none

Indonesia - Bali - Gunung Batur - a volcano trek - 2009

The tour can start from any venue in Bali but the cost will vary. It can be booked at any of the hundreds of tour agencies in Bali or arrange your own transport and hire a guide at the base car park at Gunung Batur. Purchasing on the web or at an agenct in your homecountryWe started at Ubud and the tour was 250 000 r person. This included pick up and drop off at your hotel. For the trip you need shoes, warm top, comfortable walking clothes, torch and water. A reasonable level of fitness is required though there are lots of rest stops.

The driver picked us up at our hotel at 2 am driving for approximately one hour to reach the car park at Gunung Batur. At this point we met our guide. The torches provided weren’t very good but we had our own. The trek up to the crater edge to Gunung Batur 1 is in the dark. The walk is reasonably graduated and it becomes steeper in the last ½ hour. There are many points to rest along the way. If you need more rests tell the guide. Once you reach the top you are covered in perspiration which becomes icy cold with the altitude and cold breeze. You are now glad you have a warm top. If you are still cold there is a shelter to huddle inside from the wind.

The sun gradually rises from approximately 6 am. The mountains (Gunung Abang and Gunung Agung) and misty Danua Batur come into view with the increasing light. The sun rises over Gunung Rijini in Lombok as a fiery red ball. The ever increasing light creates a magical scene of the nearby and distant scenery. While you have been watching this glorious procession, your guide has been preparing a breakfast of banana jaffle and egg using volcanic heat.

Not long after the sun rises the mountain monkeys appear. During the cold night they have been huddling in the nearby volcanic crater next to a heat vent for warmth.

The next stage of the trek is an easy level walk along trails to Batur II and views of Batur III. Batur erupted periodically in 1999 to 2000.

The trail down starts on loose volcanic sand which makes for a comfortable step/slide down the steep track. Eventually, the track joins with the upward trail, leading back to the carpark and your waiting driver.

Worse points: getting up early

Best points: views and feelings of achievement.

Indonesia - Bali - Danau Bratan - 2009

Candikunning is situated near Danau Bratan. It is a small town with a tourist/local market and a number of restaurants (Indonesian food is the main items on the menus). Nearer to the lake and towards Bedugul are a number of hotels.

The weather is cool with mist filling the lake in the evening and/or early morning. The local people are very friendly and helpful. In general, it is a peaceful and relaxing place that is very different to the rest of Bali. The scenery is calming.

THINGS TO DO

All these can be arranged from your hotel. Guides are needed on some treks.

Visit the beautiful Pura Ulun Danu Bratan – beautiful temple on the lake. It is worth seeing by boat as some of the temples which are part of the complex are on small islands.

Taman Reckreasi Bedugul – this has a number of water sport activities.

Bali Botanical gardens – 7 000 rupiah entry - lots of grass areas to sit. Heaps of people from all over Bali and Indonesia come here to relax, especially, on the weekend. Get a picnic lunch from Candikunning market and the bakery down the road from the market. There are a number of greenhouses in the grounds with specific types of plant species. A treetops ropes course which is divided into colour coded levels and is heaps of fun – 230 000 rupiah per person.

Hired a canoe for 30 000 rupiah per hour and canoe around Danau Bratan. Two hours is plenty. Visit the Japanese caves (Goa Jepang) and the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan.

Walk through Candikunning and the market. The people were either friendly or indifferent when we visited it. The market has also small alleys to walk through. The markets are very interesting selling fruits, vegetables, flowers and tourist items. Strawberries sell for 5 000 rupiah a large punnet or 3 punnets for 10 000 rupiah.

On the left of the road down the road from the market is an excellent bakery. The food is excellent and it has an amazing variety of European pastries.

Drive along saddle above Danau Tamblingan and Danau Buyan – amazing views

Visit Mundok and walk around the one road town. There are places to stay here as well.

Trekking at:

Start at Danau Bratan - trek 4 hours - goa jepang, gunung catur, pura puncak mangu (monkeys here)

Start at Danau Tamblingan finish at Danau Buyan

Trek to Gunung Lesong

Trek around Lake Tamblingan – start with locals canoeing you across lake canoe, walk, temples, rainforest.

Waterfall trek at Mundok