Yippie! a podcast interview!
LashWorldTour news:
I’m thrilled to report that my very first podcast interview has just gone live on Amateur Traveler Podcast. Chris Christensen asked me all about traveling through Java, Indonesia.
My 2-month trip through Java:
A few years back, I visited Java for two months: cycling, climbing volcanoes, exploring several towns, and delving into the fascinating culture.
Highlights of my trip included:
* wild clubbing in Jakarta
* climbing 3 active volcanoes solo, including Mt. Semeru, Java’s highest peak
* marveling at Borobudur Temple, one of AE Asia’s 3 major ancient temples
* attending the Sultan of Solo’s annual birthday party and watching the dance of virgins
* learning all about Javanese gamelan music, gorgeous batiks, and remarkable puppets.
Podcast interview on Amateur Travler:
On this podcast interview, Chris has me recommend the best places and activities in Java as well as describe accommodation, give suggestions and warnings, and discuss my most memorable moments.
Listen to my podcast interview about Java. You can either download it to your computer or listen to it without downloading. Photos also accompany the video version, which you can watch on an iPod, iPad or iPhone.
have scooter, will drive! ...off to Java Indonesia
Upcoming solo motorbike trip through Java:
And if you enjoy hearing about Java, stayed tuned to LashWorldTour… I’m heading back to Java in about one week! This time I’m renting a motorbike in Bali and riding across the ferry between Bali & Java, where I’ll explore eastern Java for 2-3 weeks.
I’ll be exploring 2 or 3 jungly national parks, hiking more volcanoes, and driving around rugged Madura Island, just off the coast of north Java near Surabaya city. Come ride along!
Meanwhile, you might like to see my photo gallery of Volcano Climbing in Java
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Hi! I'm an American nomadic world traveler who's been traveling solo since 1998. I’m passionate about traveling the world nomadically and then sharing it all with you. I hope to inspire you to travel the world, to entertain you with tales from the road, and to help you reach your travel dreams. Welcome! 
4 comments
Si @thedepartureboard.com says:
2012/07/18 at 6:38 pm (UTC 8 )
Hi Lash, Thoroughly enjoyed listening to the podcast. It may have been eleven years since I visited Java, but it all came flooding back. Interesting to hear that visitor numbers are down. Definitely preferred Java to Bali, both very different.
Love the blog, kind regards, Si
Ps. We would love you to take part in our Picture The World Project: http://www.thedepartureboard.com/picture-the-world-project
Lash WorldTour says:
2012/07/19 at 6:37 am (UTC 8 )
Hi Si,
thanks for listening to the podcast! Glad it brought back fond memories. Yeah, I think even 10 years ago visitor numbers to JAva and Sumatra were way down. Not sure why. IN Bali, loads and loads of young guys from Java, Sumatra, and Lombok have flocked to Bali, hoping to earn a living in the tourist industry and/or meet western girlfriends. When I traveled through Java I met several people in the tourist industry who were really hurting for work in what used to be a lucrative field for them- guides, guest houses, local products/souvenirs, and so on.
Interesting that you preferred Java to Bali. What did you like about it most?
I’m heading over to east Java next week to drive around by motorbike a few weeks. Let’s see what it’s like there now!
thanks for stopping by! cheers, Lash
Ant says:
2012/07/20 at 11:21 am (UTC 8 )
Hi Lash, I was just hunting for info on traveling from Bali to Java via scooter and I’ve come across your blog :) I will be in Bali next week and was looking to do this ride! Maybe we could travel together for a bit? I’m not sure what the rules are iregards to taking a hire bike from Bali to java is? But I’d love to ride over for a few days and finally get to Java! Anyway I think you have my email address?… I I think I’ll be in Bali from the 24/07/2012
Best on your travels! Ant.
Lash WorldTour says:
2012/07/20 at 11:30 am (UTC 8 )
Hi Ant, Wow, cool! We should definitely try to meet up here in Bali and consider riding over to Java together! I’ll send you an email so you can contact me when you get here. One Balinese friend told me that you can’t drive a rental bike from Bali to Java because it’s written in teh contract that you must stay in Bali. However, I’ve never had a contract when i’ve rented a bike here! I guess if you go to a super official rental shop, they might have them. I’m getting my bike in a rather rural area and there’s definitely no contract, insurance, or anything. The one thing i’d caution you about riding a motorbike in Bali, though, is that you should be very very careful about police pull-overs in S bali- Kuta/Seminyak/Legian and Sanur. They LOVE to pullo ver toursits and get a bit of pocket money. If you have your helmet on (must) and an international driver’s license that includes driving motorbikes and the bike registration papers, supposedly they can’t get you on anything. But they’ll try their best. If you cnot’ have one of those, you’ll have to pay. I completely avoid driving a motorbike/scooter in s. Bali nowadays. cheers, lash