Thetraveljunkie.org – We travel a lot but we rarely do so for pleasure, but we finally decided to switch off and call it a holiday! You all know that we have been in Solo visiting friends, and we manage to get some rest and enjoy everything that the beautiful city has to offer. For this trip, we stay at The Sunan because they make us feel right at home. We had a gorgeous breakfast in bed. Although our holidays are coming to an end we will always have these photos of our fantastic time there.
Thetravelunkie.org – In Central Java we visited Surakarta, Wonogiri, Klaten, and Gunung Kidul. We parked everywhere and we walked for a little while to take some photos all around. If you travel to Central Java you must hire a car and we recommend that you get a convertible. I think every single tourist there got one but being able to see the jungle whilst driving, listening to music and feeling the breeze on your face is an unmissable experience.
Thetraveljunkie.org – We have traveled a lot in the last few months, all over the world, and the more we travel the more we realise that Java Island boasts lots of incredible places which deserve to be discovered. You don’t have to go far to see amazing places and there’s plenty for anyone to do around them.
Thetraveljunkie.org – I headed over to Solo with my friends. I woke up at 7am to have a dip. It was divine. One morning we took a walk down to one of springs in Klaten. The spring is called Umbul Manten. The actual entrance to the spring was cut through rice field and you had to walk down some steep steps. It’s an incredible natural space where you can enjoy nature while having the place to yourself. We still wonder whether our stay was nothing but a dream. It certainly seemed so.
Thetraveljunkie.org – Located at Jalan Gunung Sahari, ibis Styles Jakarta Mangga Dua Square is surrounded by shops, banks and midscale commercial buildings. It is only 5 minutes by car from Beos Kota Train Station, 10 minutes from JIExpo Kemayoran and 20 minutes from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The hotel has 211 contemporary rooms, 3 modern meeting rooms called Milkyway, that can be combined formed into large ballroom and sTREATs Restaurant, which serves international and local cuisine. And, have you checked out the street art in ibis Styles Jakarta Mangga Dua Square?
Thetraveljunkie.org – A shot from a breathtaking ANA between Tokyo and Jakarta. The pictures have a weird quality that make them look like paintings. To travel is to live. These days, travel usually begins with a mouse click – airlines, destinations, restaurants, hotels, even the best gear for an expedition, much of it either booked or ordered after minutes, or in some cases hours, of scrolling, linking, and clicking.
Thetraveljunkie.org – When in the Sendai airport for our flight to Tokyo with ANA, I took a long stroll through the whole airport to stretch my legs. It felt great to walk. It was as if the simple motion was re-setting all my muscles and bones back into place. It felt good. I watched the light, from behind glass. I know, it’s a brilliant photo.
Thetraveljunkie.org – After our trip to a traditional market in Sendai city, we made our way to Iwanuma – Shimonogo and Sendai Bay! We decided to drive in the direction of Sendai and then carry on driving to Sendai Bay. After 45 minutes on the road, we arrived at Sendai Bay for the history about 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. We had very little time, so we tried to be as quick as possible. There was absolutely no one!
Thetraveljunkie.org – We have travelled a lot but we had never been to Tohoku, so Sendai seemed like the perfect place for our trip to the continent and it has inadvertently taken a little spot in our hearts. Sendai was our base but we travelled to a lot of different areas in the country. We spent the last days at the incredible ANA Holiday Inn Sendai Hotel, using our IHG Rewards Club points.
Thetraveljunkie.org – During our last visit to Sendai we went to a local restaurant in Ichibancho area. We came across a totally refurbished space, filled with lots of light and very welcoming. The menu is full of delicious things. If you are ever in Sendai, don’t miss this spot, its seafoods, Japanese salad and noodles are to die for!
Thetraveljunkie.org – Matsushima has been long celebrated as a place of romance, spirituality and elegance. Come for the landscape of 260 pine-covered islands. Uncover the stories behind the mysterious caves, three red bridges, and centuries-old temples. Take a leisurely walk around Fukurajima Island. Explore Matsushima from the water with a sightseeing cruise. Matsushima is more than just a pretty place, it is a full experience.
Thetraveljunkie.org – After walking around Matsushima Retro Gallery, we went all the way up to Godaido Temple. This is a must-see symbol of Matsushima. It was founded in 807 and reconstructed by Date Masamune in 1604. It is named for five Buddhas of wisdom housed within. Leading to the temple are unusual red bridges with spaces between the planks – if you trip you are not yet ready to reach the temple! Free to enter, closed evenings.