Touring to Banyuwangi

BACK DATE: 26 December 2013

It's really challenging invitation to joint touring with Peugeot 806 club across Java. We connected by a high freq radio in each car which enabling nine of us  to stay in a row. 

Even bit difficult to keep it steady as most of time none of car will allow we - nine only-  just passed them by *grin*  

It was started on rainy season which firstly I doubt about the schedule. Yet, it accomplished smooth with no rain during nine days touring. 

Day 1: Jakarta - Surabaya

We started at around 02am with some stops in Semarang where we took lunch then arrived in Surabaya late evening and took overnight here. 

Day 2: Surabaya 

Before off to the edge east of Java, we sneaked to  "House of Sampoerna". It built by Dutch in 18th century for orphanage shelter. Later bought by Sampoerna to run his first tobacco factory which been developing to be one of the largest tobacco company in Indonesia.  

In the center of the house were a museum. Many of the unique items are displayed. Some brought my childhood back *nostalgia* 

The warung, traditional shop. It provided snack, candy, chips, softdrink, etc. Just like mini circle K

Oldish Warung. Here, they served hot beverages: tea, coffee, wedang ronde (glutinous balls in ginger water) and some snacks. Usually only open at night. 

The Gallery

Banyuwangi is the eastern most end of Java island. It serves as port between Java and Bali. It is surrounded by mountains and forests to the west and by the sea from east to south. 

We stayed for two days in Ketapang Indah Hotel. Nice hotel with a great view, clean room and ordinary so-so food. From here we headed to Kawah Ijen (Ijen Crater) and Taman Nasional Plengkung (Plengkung National Park),  

 From the backyard of the hotel, the silhouette of Bali island was peeping.