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Lebaran – The End of Ramadan Posted by sasha on Jul 6, 2016
Today is an important holiday in Indonesia and all across the Muslim world. Eid al-Fitr (“festival of breaking the fast”) marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which people fast from sun up to sun down. In Indonesia, it’s known as Hari Raya Idul Fitri, or more commonly Lebaran. While Idul Fitri is simply the Indonesian…
Exploring Ende (Video) Posted by sasha on Jun 27, 2016
Ende is one of the biggest towns in Flores, but it still feels like a sleepy fishing village. Check it out in this short video, showing the blue stone beach, a night market, and more.
Exploring Ende Posted by sasha on Jun 22, 2016
After hiking up for sunrise at Mt. Kelimutu, the next stop of our trans-Flores journey was Ende. Capital of the Ende regency, this town is different from much of Flores in that it’s home to a substantial Muslim population; most of the island’s inhabitants are Catholic. It’s not exactly the most scenic place – it’s…
Balinese Cremation Ceremony Video Posted by sasha on Jun 16, 2016
In Balinese culture, Ngaben (cremation ceremony) is a very important event. Most people on the Hindu island are cremated, and the ceremonies are often grand events with the entire village showing up. See what it looks like in this short video, taken in a village in the north of Bali:
Balinese Cremation Ceremony Posted by sasha on Jun 14, 2016
The culture of Bali is unique in that people practice a form of Hinduism that combines traditional Hindu beliefs with Buddhism and local animist religions. Anyone who visits the Island of the Gods will be able to witness this firsthand, from the daily offerings that can be seen just about anywhere to the elaborate ceremonies…
Koka Beach and Mt. Kelimutu Posted by sasha on Jun 8, 2016
Visit the stunning Koka Beach and climb Mt. Kelimutu to take in the sunrise over its three colored lakes. This is one of the highlights of traveling in Flores, and Indonesia in general.
Hiking Mt. Kelimutu Posted by sasha on Jun 2, 2016
After exploring Maumere, where we relaxed at a secluded resort, went on an epic snorkeling trip, and hiked up an active volcano, our journey across Flores continued. Next up was one of the most famous sights on the island – sunrise over the three colored lakes of Mt. Kelimutu. Hire a Driver While it’s entirely…