Thetraveljunkie.org – One of the things we like the most about big islands such as Java is being able to enjoy them from a different perspective. we’re constantly on the lookout for the best view and we came across a pretty cool one during our last trip to Central Java. We were motor-biking around Wonogiri when we came across the Bukit Cumbri at 11am. We found an amazing hill where you can enjoy the city once we arrived on the top floor with 2 geckos.
Thetraveljunkie.org – The best thing about going to a perfect hideout is that local people will recommend new places to see and eat. That’s exactly what we did when we went to Bintan Island. We found the Cassia Bintan: more than just a hotel. We typically don’t pay much attention to hotel lobbies; usually we’ll make a hasty beeline towards our room right after check in. But Cassia Bintan’s – dubbed the Meeting Point – was hard to dismiss. Between its super modern design, and the fact that it was an entire cafe, mini marketplace, games corner unto itself, you’ll find yourself hanging out here a lot.
Thetraveljunkie.org – Today we want to share these photos from Angsana’s Spa Resort in Bintan, which we stayed at Cassia Bintan, and it seems to transform us back in time. Walking into the spa room allows you to open the door to a different era, the perfect way of forgetting about everything and just taking in the sound of water, music and atmosphere. We recommend that you visit all the different rooms, but don’t forget to book yourself into the Angsana Spa ritual, 2 hours traditional massage, because it will change your life. We can’t wait to go back, it is one of our fave spas in the world.
Thetraveljunkie.org – We spend much of our lives complaining about how we don’t have enough time to do this or that. This is why we escaped to the South China Sea with Cassia Bintan, we think is the perfect time to find time for yourself. The hotel is the newest addition to the exclusive Laguna Bintan Integrated Resort, which houses a suite of facilities including indulgent spas and an 18-hole golf course.
Thetraveljunkie.org – On our recent break in Bintan Island, we arrived on an evening flight fom the city, checked in at the Cassia and headed to the Cove restaurant at Banyan Tree for a late dinner. We choose to dine in the cool comfort of the indoor area while other couples chose to sit al fresco under the tropical trees and enjoy a cocktail or two.
Thetraveljunkie.org – Candi Sukuh; one of the most unique and beautiful Javanese Hindu temples, will take you on a journey through the sexual tantra practiced in Java in the 15th century. A Javanese-Hindu temple, it is located on the western side of Mt Lawu, the border between Central and East Java provinces.
Thetraveljunkie.org – We went to a temple at 1,400 meters above sea level, on the western slopes of Mount Lawu, Central Jawa, it named Cetho Temple (Candi Cetho), a Hindu temple heritage character of the last days of the Majapahit in the 15th century and the temple is believed to have supranatural powers within its exotic shape. It was around one hour from Solo to the temple by motorbike. We will forever remember the exotic Cetho temple, view of Lawu mountain with all the trees in bloom, must be stunning. Any excuse is valid to go back.
Thetraveljunkie.org – Right across the road from our hotel, The Sunan Hotel Solo, was Indonesia’s legendary recording studio: Lokananta. It’s the must-go to spot to visit in Solo if you like Indonesian music and it’s a great historical lesson for those not yet too familiar with traditional Indonesian music. We loved it. Stepping into Lokananta was like a pair of retro arms embracing me and as they say, if only those walls could talk…
Thetraveljunkie.org – We stay in many hotels around the world so it’s nice when you have a restaurant that stays true to its culture and heritage. That’s the case at The Sultan Hotel Solo which serves an authentic Javanese breakfast in its Narendra restaurant. We loved the little touches that make Javanese food so unique like the steamed coconut cream atop nasi liwet and the various bubur such as the sumsum and mutiara. We love a hotel that is so confident in itself that it serves local food without trying to imitate anyone else. So well done The Sunan Hotel Solo – your Javanese breakfast was great.
Thetraveljunkie.org – Breakfast in bed and bathtubs. My two favourites in any hotel. well, we certainly recommend it. The Sunan Hotel Solo put on this great spread for us. Delicious. Can you think of a better way to start off your morning in the spirit of Java?
Thetraveljunkie.org – We love Solo, a city of wonderful memories for me where I first met my bojo. We always love to go back there to relax and unwind. Solo operates at a slower pace than many Indonesian cites and a weekend there is always relaxing and chilled. We love that we can jump on a plane from Jakarta and an hour later be in Solo, with its art, food and proximity to great cultural spots. That’s one reason we chose The Sunan Hotel, for its convenient location.
Thetraveljunkie.org – Unexpected intrusions of beauty. This is what life is all about. Kuang Si Waterfall. We’d seen amazing photos of these falls and their blue waters, however, after a few days of heavy rain we didn’t get to see these blue but they were totally pumping and so exciting to watch… Definitely worth the drive there and the walk up. Sometimes you don’t get what you expect but it is equally as beautiful.