Water, Water Everywhere
A weekend getaway to the Thousand Islands brings these seafaring friends more than they bargained for. No other start to...
For Whom the Beer Froths
Had you needed to take refuge from a local war a decade ago when the city’s foreigner hang-outs were livelier...
Love Thy Neighbours
Indonesians are among the friendliest people on the planet, keen to avoid confrontation at all costs. Just don’t ever give...
The Big Drink
It was breaking point for Jakarta. Days of torrential rain and years of incompetent urban planning were about to exact...
The Big Noise
Jakarta is not the ideal domicile for a person fond of peace and quiet. It is packed with roaring vehicles,...
Playing with Fire
The swiftest punch in the face I’ve ever received came from a dense fist of tobacco smoke. I was in...
Trains, Planes and Other Perils
As a lifelong train enthusiast, I felt a great sense of achievement upon making the journey across Java by all...
The Long Way Home
English teacher Daniel Pope recalls his 1997 nightmare journey from Bintan to Jakarta - It began with a motorcycle accident....