2015 Cruise around Indonesia - part 1
We flew into Singapore and jumped into
a taxi for the Singapore Cruise Center. Dropped off 25 minutes later
– but unfortunately at the Marina Bay Singapore Cruise Center!
Complete emptiness except for 2 guards, one of whom tried to flag
(without success) the taxi before it departed. The other guard called
a new taxi and we did not have much of a wait before it arrived (in
the meantime another couple of people showed up in a taxi but were
given instructions to go to the correct center). Finally another 15
minutes later we arrived at Singapore Cruise Center @ HarbourFront!
And joined a very small queue checking in and boarding.
This cruise is on the Holland America
Line, aboard their flagship Rotterdam. Not as large as the Celbrity
ships I have been on but of good size. When we joined the ship it
had already been underway for about 35 days sailing from Southhampton
UK to Dubai and on to Singapore. It does that return voyage after we
do the 14 days around Singapore. We have met a few people who are
doing the whole 90 day voyage!
The South China seas behaved as we
sailed off towards Jakarta with cloudy skies but no rain. Mom and I
simply hung around exploring the ship – getting enough mileage in
that Mom did not go to the gym for extra threadmill activity. She
then was off to mass on several occasions for the beginning of Lent
and to arts and crafts demonstrations and participation. I was off to
the gym and checking out the bars and pool area – including
watching new crew members “kiss the fish” for crossing the
Equator for the first time (a whole enactment with King Nemo, his
bride, a prosecuting autorny, and a bevy of pirate crew to abuse the
“pollywogs”).
The first port of call was Jakarta –
but the docking was at the very busy Tanjung Priok – an hours drive
away from the drop off point for people going ashore (a bit easier
this year as the day was also Chinese New Year). We chose to stay on
board. Next port was also on Java – Semarang. Here we did the tour
to Borobudur. A 56 mile journey to one of the 7 man made wonders of
the world, and largest buddhist complex. Those miles took over 2
hours each way (and that was only possible because we had a police
escort clearing the way for the string of 8 buses). On the return
journey we were lead bus for a stretch and the close calls of
oncoming traffic and lead police car were breath-catching! But no
accidents. This section of Java is very scenic with miles of rice
terrace paddies with multiple volcanic mountains jutting up and
sections of crowded homes and buildings on rolling hills. We were
never away from visible civilization (as Java is the most populated
of Indonesia's islands and the country is the 4th largest
by population). At Borobudur we first had lunch and then started the
ascent of the complex. Mom made it up the 51 steps to the first tier.
100 more she passed up which took us to the next three levels.
Another passenger stayed with Mom as they carried along on the level
they were at to the opposite side of the complex – where the rest
of us met them on our descent. I was soaking wet with the humidity by
the time we connected again. A most worthwhile tour.
Onwards we sailed for a second full day
at sea heading towards Bali. Tonights main showroom attracted my
attention. Lance Ringhald, USA Gymnastics Champion and two time
Olympian, took the stage. At 44 he remains strong and super flexible
– showing off a full splits at the start of the show. Part
comedian, part juggler, fair musician on piano and singing. But still
all around entertaining in gymnastics – tonight highlighting the
“silks” as made famous by Cirque de Soleiy. All the time keeping
up an entertaining dialogue with the audience.
Bali arrival was at the port of Benoa
on Nusa Dua early in the morning. Departure gang plank was right on
our level across the hall – convenient. We had arranged a private
driver and car for the day. With the sun shining we set off to the
highland middle of Bali and the wonderful Hindu Temple complex on
Lake Banur, called Ulun Danu. Much cooler at the altitude and with
fresh breezes off the lake. We spent a good hour on the shore line
and through the complex. Next stop was a coffee and spice plantation,
with samples of drinks – but not the civet cat coffee which would
have cost $5 for a small cup to taste (the coffee smelled great –
but it is still processed through an animal's intestine!). Lunch was
at a small restaurant overlooking terraced slopes of rice paddys. No
workers in the fields but great scenery including watching the rain
clouds roll in and sprinkle on us as we were leaving. Next it was
down to the south west coast and Tanah Lot – volcanic black sand
beach with temples built on rocky outcroppings, including one with a
sea carved tunnel right through it. The temperature here was
noticeably hotter and more humid so after a wander through the
extensive shopping market adjacent to the temple we headed back to
the ship for the evening.
Tanah Lot (below)
