away from keyboard – Page 2

Simpang Lima Gumul, the Real Paris of Java

About 15,000 kilometers away from the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, I had the opportunity to encounter its Indonesian “twin.” This remarkable structure stands proudly at a five-way intersection, serving as a gateway to Pare, Kediri City, Plosoklaten, Wates (Pesantren), and Menang. They refer to it as Simpang Lima Gumul, located in Ngasem Subdistrict, just a half-hour land trip from Kampung Inggris in Pare.

The Charm of Pantai Klayar

White sand. Clear water. Exotic rocks. Beautiful lagoon. This is the most gorgeous beach I have visited so far. Klayar Beach or Pantai Klayar! It is located at Donorojo District, East Java Province, about 60 minutes or 35 km west toward Pacitan City. Since it is quite secluded and not familiar to many people, you can find a peace of mind while enjoying the beach.

Cetho Temple, Greatness from 15th Century

Complex of Cetho Temple

In Javanese, cetho means clear. Hence, Cetho Temple or Candi Cetho could be a perfect place for travelers who are looking for clarity deep in their hearts. Cetho is one of the respected Hindu temples in Indonesia. It has been built since the end of Majapahit era in 15th century.

Grojogan Sewu Waterfall

A stream near Grojogan Sewu

Let’s take another trip to some waterfall. This time, it is a cluster of waterfalls located in the slope of Mount Lawu, Tawangmangu District, Karanganyar Regency, around 27 kilometers east of Karanganyar City, Central Java Province. The waterfall is part of the Grojogan Sewu National Park. A mix of tourism forest and waterfall, it is a 20 acres forest managed by Natural Resources Conservation Board (KSDA) of Bogor.