We divided the remaining three weeks among three Indonesian
islands: Sumatra, Java, and Bali. This length of time would give us the
flexibility to plan along the way and allow for inefficiencies in travel, at
least we thought. We left a lot of territory uncharted but throughout the trip
we seldom found another traveler keeping our pace.
Had we had any idea where we wanted to go upon landing in
the Medan, maybe Indonesia wouldn’t have smacked us so hard in the face. Wake
up…we’re not in Malaysia anymore and worlds away from Singapore. Upon being
swarmed by cab drivers and tour guides we immediately sensed an increase in attention
and how aggressive people were about selling their services. Unaware of what
was going on around us, we stayed on-guard, wondering if there were ulterior
motives to people so seemingly helpful. It was draining to constantly be questioning
the character of everyone we met, unsure if in some unknown way we were getting
taken advantage of.
But we were later rewarded at the most beautiful lake I’ve
ever visited, Lake Toba. Accommodation and food prices were even cheaper than
Malaysia…and put right on our room tab. Cozy chairs to accompany a traditional
Batak dance performance. We really needed this moment.
Later on we hiked a volcano in Berstagi and recuperated in
the hot springs below. The following day we went off-book to a waterfall
crystal blue, thanks to volcanic sulfur and phosphorus. It required a few hours
of jungle trekking but reaching it was exhilarating. We couldn’t quite bare the
icy cold water, though. Our final morning in Berstagi we woke to a layer of
volcanic ash due to an overnight eruption!
In Bukit Lawang we ventured into the jungle in hopes of
catching a glimpse of the endangered orangutans. And successful we were! Maybe
too successful, as we were soon chased back by an aggressive female. No matter
how exhausted you are, when someone yells “Run!” you can always find a little
energy to get the heck out.
There were situations when we’d question what the heck we
were doing out here in southeast Asia. The majority of the time I kept my cool,
but in some uncertain situations I’d glance over to Robin to reassure myself that
at least she felt in control of the situation. We paired well in that we never
had simultaneous meltdowns!
To round out Sumatran adventures, we returned, ticketless,
to the Medan airport in hopes of catching a flight to Java. Though we got one,
there was a number of moments we each thought that plane might not make it
safely to Jakarta…
After an intense and nerve-wracking first day in Indonesia, we're on the last leg to Toba!
Good morning, Sumatra!
Rebirth
Crater of Sibayak
My secret waterfall!
Sibolangit Waterfall
Bungalow chillin' at the "Isolation Cabin"
My orangutan sister
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