By Aulia R. Sungkar (Ollie) The writer is a freelance journalist, entrepreneur, and supporter of medical cannabis legalization in Indonesia. This op-ed was written as an assignment for Harvard University's online course, "Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking," completed in November 2023. Indonesia is renowned for its strict drug laws, classifying cannabis as a Schedule I substance, equating it with highly dangerous drugs like heroin. The country's legal system has … [Read more...]
Bali Bucket List
By Prasiddha Gustanto The writer is editor at ALVEO Five of the breathtaking places to visit on the Island of the Gods Of all the 17,000 islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago, not a single one of them commands more international adoration than the island of Bali. With all of its gorgeous natural, cultural and spiritual destinations, the place is globally viewed as a tropical paradise. Its tourism industry nickname, “The Island of the Gods”, reveals as much. Whenever you look … [Read more...]
Medan: Historical & Cultural City
By Prasiddha Gustanto Senior writer and editor at ALVEO The rich diversity of North Sumatra's Capital makes it more than just a pit stop to other destinations The city of Medan in North Sumatra isn’t usually seen as a tourist attraction. A common perception of this major metropolis is that it’s simply just a stop to get to other places for sightseeing in the country. Yet despite it not being an international tourism icon the way places like Bali and Borobudur are, the city still offers a … [Read more...]
Wonderful Waterfall
By Rafa A. Ramadhan - senior writer at Alveo A trip to Indonesian giant curtain waterfall of Tumpak Sewu Located in between Lumajang and Malang Districts, Tumpak Sewu waterfall boasts magnificent natural scenery. The distance, which is 66 kilometers from the city of Malang, East Java, can be easily reached. Indeed, travelers can access the waterfall with no fuss. A two-hour drive from the city, you can relish the magnificence of waterfall. It’s not free as you have to pay Rp10,000 per … [Read more...]
Sunrise of Java
By Ulia F. Rachma Editor at ALVEO Exploring the charm of Banyuwangi in East Java I believe many of you have been to such Javanese cities as Yogyakarta, Malang, Surabaya, but I also know that Banyuwangi is not as famous as those aforementioned cities. Banyuwangi, being a city located at the easternmost tip of Java Island, is widely known as “the Sunrise of Java”. Its geographical location, which is close to the Island of the Gods, indeed shares some similarities with Bali, both in terms … [Read more...]
Bali’s Secret Heaven
By: Felicia Yulianti Writer at ALVEO The must-visit natural, insta-worthy and cultural tourist attractions in the suburb of Bali mainland When someone says Bali, what comes first in mind is probably Kuta Beach or Tanah Lot. Off the mainland Bali, Nusa Penida offers a sense of heaven on earth owing to its breathtaking landscape of enjoying the beauty without too much crowd, go to Kelingking earlier in the day or later in the afternoon. BROKEN BEACH Pasir Uug Beach, or … [Read more...]
Indonesia’s Raja Ampat: A perfect marine wonderland
Ared soldierfish, sheltered in a crevice, is looking bashfully at me with big doll eyes, like a wee escapee from a Japanese anime film. Then silvery trumpet fish with Pinnochio noses shimmy past. I am hovering above a gloriously alive coral reef in my wetsuit, blowing bubbles and loving the sensation of weightlessness again after a hiatus of long years from scuba diving. Raja Ampat, meaning Four Kings, is a quartet of islands (Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool) on Indonesia’s far … [Read more...]
Stunning Samosir
Once ruled by kings for nearly 400 years, this ancient island at the centre of the world’s largest volcanic lake is a wonderland of nature and culture Words: Aulia R. Sungkar Photography: Suwandi Chandra Jetstar Asia Magazine, February 2014 A four-hour drive from Medan to Parapat, a small town on the Uluan peninsula, followed by a 45-minute ferry ride, takes me to Samosir Island, a wedge-shaped landmass roughly the size of Singapore at the centre of Lake Toba. It’s a tiring … [Read more...]
Victory City
By Aulia R. Sungkar (Ollie) Published in Property Report Magazine #106, August 2013. As one of several Asian nations enjoying highly favourable economic growth rates, Indonesia is increasingly appearing on the international investment radar. Southeast Asia’s largest economy continues to show a positive outlook for real estate investors, with a growing number of high net worth individuals contributing to a boom in Jakarta’s luxury condominium market. The Indonesian capital has seen … [Read more...]
Bali: beyond the usual suspects
Bali may have its fair share of tourists seeking nothing more than seven days of sun, sand and sex in the southern party triad of Kuta, Legian and Seminyak, but this only forms a small part of what’s on offer. In reality, Bali is a lush Indonesian island teeming with cultural experiences, delicious food and exhilarating adventures. For those after a little slice of Balinese culture, food and adventure, consider the following, less visited possibilities: 1. Southern Bali: Bukit … [Read more...]
