Banyuwangi: Chasing Blue Fire and Exploring Nature
The adventure began with an 11-hour train ride from Yogyakarta to Ketapang Station. I checked in at Ketapang Indah Hotel, where the warm hospitality made my stay memorable—especially when they surprised me with a birthday cake!
Early the next morning, I set out to hike Mount Ijen, hoping to catch the famous Blue Fire. Although it had already disappeared by the time I arrived, the dramatic scenery of the Ijen Crater still made the journey unforgettable. I also visited Baluran National Park, often referred to as the “Little Africa of Java.” Since it was still the rainy season, wildlife sightings were limited to a few deer and many monkeys, but the savanna landscape still had its own unique charm.
Crossing to Bali: Culture & Coastal Vibes
From Banyuwangi, I took a ferry to Gilimanuk and continued the adventure in Bali. On my first day, I visited Uluwatu Temple and watched the Kecak Dance at sunset. The performance, the cliffs, the ocean breeze—it all made for a perfect Bali moment.
The next day, I met up with my office team and our guide, Bli Kadek Carman, who specializes in the German market. He’s very friendly and knowledgeable, so exploring Bali with him was a great experience.
We started by visiting the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, a beautiful lakeside temple that feels peaceful no matter how many times you visit. Next, we headed to Pura Puncak Penulisan. It has a lot of stairs, so reaching the top definitely felt like a mini workout.
Chasing Sunrises & Ancient Wonders
We continued to Kintamani to catch the sunrise the next morning with a jeep tour. Unfortunately, the rain decided to join us, so no sunrise that day. Still, the cool mountain air and atmosphere made it a nice experience.
From Kintamani, we continued to the Tabanan area for our final night in Bali. Along the way, we stopped at Mengening Temple, where we could perform a purification ritual similar to the Balinese Hindus. We also visited Gunung Kawi, an ancient temple site carved into a rock cliff. The place felt calm, sacred, and full of history. Before reaching our hotel, we made a food stop in Ubud at Warung Mak Beng. They only serve one dish—fried sea fish with yellow fish soup—and it’s simple but delicious.
A Trip Filled with Learning & Little Joys
This trip had everything I love—nature, culture, a bit of adventure, and lots of new experiences. It also helped me understand our destinations better, which I can now bring into my work at Kekayon Journeys.
I look forward to sharing these experiences with our guests—and helping them craft journeys that are just as meaningful and memorable.