Keep Calm And Wander

Indonesia’s “Broken Beach” – Keep Calm and Wander

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Broken Beach - Keep Calm and Wander

The Broken Beach in Nusa Penida is one of the most-visited tourist attractions on the small island, next to Bali. But is it really broken? When I saw it personally, I couldn’t figure out why they call it as such. Nothing there is broken.

Broken Beach Views

As you can see in these photos, there is a natural bridge with a natural arched tunnel under it. The water passes through the tunnel and smashes to the small beach below.

Of course, there’s no way going down to the beach, except taking a boat tour – as we were told. You see, the area is circular, and the hole in the middle forms a 50-200 meters high cliff. It is a unique rock formation and truly one of the island’s natural wonders.

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Indonesia’s Jatiluwih Rice Terraces – Keep Calm and Wander

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Indponesia's Jatiluwih Rice Terraces - Keep Calm and Wander

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is really beautiful. I mean, it won’t be called Jatiluwih if it’s not really stunning, right? I was told that “jati” means real, and “luwih” translates as beautiful or good. You see, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You might wonder why but when you are standing there, you’d understand why.

Its five rice terraces are interconnected with a brilliant water irrigation system, known as subak, that goes through canals and low head dams. These water management systems mirror the philosophical belief of Tri Hita Karana, which brings all together with the balance of nature, of the spirit, and the human world.

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Indonesia’s Kelingking Beach – Keep Calm and Wander

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Indonesia's Kelingking Beach - Keep Calm and Wander

Yes, Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida is your ultimate hiking trail down to the white seashore. That is, I assume, if you are into a treacherous hike and reward yourself by frolicking in the white sandy beach and the turquoise salty water.

Perhaps you’ve seen this area on many tourism promotions for Bali and Indonesia.

Pantai Kelingking in Nusa Penida, according to the Traveler’s Choice Awards in 2019, grabbed the 19th spot of the best beaches in the world.

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Ba Vi National Park – Keep Calm and Wander

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Ba Vi National Park - Keep Calm and Wander

Ba Vi National Park is a protected park just outside Hanoi. In what supposed to be an hour drive, it took us almost two and a half hours because of the unpredictable weather. It was a fight between the sun, clouds, and fog.

On our way up to the mountain, we would see the sun for a while, then the clouds covered it up – and suddenly a fog would envelop us. We didn’t really plan on what to do there. And worse, we even had no idea what to do and see up there. We just followed our GPS and stopped at a few places that caught our attention.

The road to the mountaintop was not an easy one. You’ve got to drive carefully because of its narrow zigzag-y road where one side is a dangerous cliff. Adding to that is a foggy road that we had to turn on the headlights a few times. As we got closer to the main attraction of Ba Vi National Park, the temperature also changed.

Putrajaya Walking Tour – Keep Calm and Wander

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Putrajaya Walking Tour - Keep Calm and Wander

This short Putrajaya walking tour is not really the kind of tour you’d like to join. I did it without a tour guide nor a map on hand. I did it because I like walking and I want to see what’s beyond the Putra Masjid, a landmark you shouldn’t miss. When I got out of the Pink Mosque, I walked across the street and onto the huge square.

From the square, I walked closer to the country’s impressive Legislative Building. There must be no session that day because the surrounding areas were so quiet. Aside from its well-manicured gardens, you’ll also see a huge sculpture of a hand. I tried to get closer to find its description but didn’t find one.

Near the Legislative Building is a long bridge. I walked across it, enjoying the lake views.

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The National Museum in Jakarta – Keep Calm and Wander

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National Museum in Jakarta - Keep Calm and Wander

The National Museum in Jakarta has more than a hundred thousand relics coming from different parts of the country.

This institution in Jakarta has more than a hundred thousand relics coming from different parts of the country.

It’s a must-visit if you want to know Indonesia’s cultural history. I have one word to say – impressive!

The National Museum is a Beautiful Building

The locals nicknamed it the Elephant Museum. There’s even a bronze Ellie on the top front of the building. So, there’s no surprise why and how this museum got its monicker after the gentle giant. The facade is, obviously, colonial. This impressive 1862 structure has its long history back when the city was occupied by the Dutch.

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Changi International Airport’s Rain Vortex – Keep Calm and Wander

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Changi International Airport's Rain Vortex - Keep Calm and Wander

Check Out the Rain Vortex at the Singapore Airport

The Rain Vortex at the Jewel at Changi International Airport in Singapore is mesmerizing. It was the first “tourist attraction” I’ve seen in Singapore. A friend picked me up at the airport and despite carrying my 14-kg backpack, we took a short bus ride to The Jewel.

The Jewel is a nature-themed zone filled with shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment emporiums. And at the heart of it is this amazing attraction that collects, what else, water. 

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Singapore’s Cloud Forest Park – Keep Calm and Wander

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Singapore's Cloud Forest Park

The Cloud Forest Park in Singapore is a must-visit tourist attraction at Gardens by the Bay. From the moment I entered, the sound of the man-made waterfall was a welcome relief from the topsy-turvy world outside. The mist that the waterfalls produce was such a fresh, cool feeling that embraced my skin.

I wasn’t really planning to go here because I thought it’s just another tropical garden. But a friend of mine convinced me to go because she really thought I’d like it. And guess what – she knows me well. I did like it!

As expected, plants are everywhere. There are plants that look familiar but most are unknown to me.

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Singapore’s SuperTrees – Keep Calm and Wander

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Singapore's SuperTrees - Keep Calm and Wander

The SuperTree Grove at Gardens by the Bay is one of a kind tourist attraction in Singapore. Such a concept is, perhaps, a pioneer in the world on how we see trees. It’s not just a man-made tree but there’s more to that.

Singapore’s SuperTrees

There are 18 super trees in the garden. Standing at 25-20 meters, they look like strange trees when they’re lit up at night.

Yes, they look strange for a first-time visitor, but they’re spectacular to look at!

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The Imperial Citadel of Than Long – Keep Calm and Wander

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The Imperial Citadel of Than Long - Keep Calm and Wander

The Imperial Citadel of Than Long in Hanoi is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its cultural, political, and architectural significance. Unlike other UNESCO World Heritage Sites I’ve been to, the citadel was kind of a disappointment to me. I thought I was gonna see much more than just one edifice of a bygone era.

Standing or sitting at the facade gave me an impression of its well-maintained domain. But, of course, I was wrong! Go up and you will find its outgrown sods.

I believe that there is more to this sole structure but they’re not showing it -yet? The brochure I had said about objects (coins, ceramics) that were excavated in 2004 but I didn’t see one.

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