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About Me

About Me
CrystalPhuong.net is a Personal Style & Travel Blog based in Singapore, written by Crystal Phuong. The blog was nominated FOUR times in Top 10 Best Fashion Blogs in the annual Singapore Blog Award from 2012- 2015, voted as one of the Best Lifestyle Blogs in Singapore in 2013 by Hotelclub.com, and Best Travel Blogs in 2016 by Foodpanda.com. Crystal hopes to connect and inspire young women to lead a healthy and happy life. Be confident, be positive, and be kind.
Showing posts with label Indonesia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indonesia. Show all posts
WHAT TO DO IN YOGYAKARTA?

WHAT TO DO IN YOGYAKARTA?


Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta- Sunrise in Borobudur temple

I visited Yogyakarta in April 2017. Because I posted so many photos about this trip on my Instagram (if you haven't followed me, you don't know what you miss), I thought I could skip writing blogs. But when I realized Instagram posts aren't going to give you much information about my experiences as a dedicated blog post, so here we go. After 2 years of collecting memories around the world (Thailand, Cambodia, Australia, Taiwan, Japan, USA, Indonesia, Dubai, London, Philippines), I'm back to the blogging business, trying to finish the blog entry about Indonesia while I'm sitting in my bed in South Korea. I certainly have a lot to catch up just from the country list above. For now, let's start with this trip so I can share with you what to do in Yogyakarta aka Jogja. 

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta

We stayed at Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta. Hyatt hotels always know how to treat their guests. The front desk invited us to the VIP lounge, served us fruit juice and while helping us to check in. The entire process was very quick and enjoyable. That's the way to welcome your guests!

It was still early when we arrived, so we decided to start the first activity of the trip. It wasn't the typical "hanging out by the pool and drinking pina colada" activity that I usually did. Instead, we went on a jeep tour (my first time) to explore Mt. Merapi, the most active volcano in Indonesia located on the border between Central Java and Yogyakarta. I know what you are thinking. I'm asking myself the same question too, "What was I thinking?" 😅  "What if the volcano suddenly erupts?" "What if its pyroclastic flows killed us on the way down?" I still love my life- the list of fear went on. But then, the adventurous and curious Crystal in me said: "Shut up and go." So after almost 2 hours driving up under the hot sun (if I can still remember well), here I was posing in my jeep car, looking like a badass on Mt. Merapi. Poor the jeep driver, though, he had to take many photos to get one good one. I hope his photography skill has improved since, so he can have many happy customers.

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta- Mt. Merapi

The most active volcano was sleeping while I was there. If you consider doing this tour, ask your guide to drive along the slope of Mt. Merapi that is totally destroyed after the last great eruption of Merapi in November 2010. It was fun. While doing so, let's pray that the volcano didn't erupt as I did.

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta- Mt. Merapi 2

Along the way to the mountain, you'll see many Instagram-worthy spots like this heart-shaped deck where I was standing. Instagram truly changes our lives, including the people at Mt. Merapi. I bet 10 years ago, no one in Mt. Merapi thought this woody spot could generate income for them. Do you want to have an Instagram photo? $2 and the heart-shaped deck is yours for 3 minutes. Easy money!

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta- Mt. Merapi volcano

After Mount. Merapi, we drove down to visit Prambanan temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia and the second-largest in Southeast Asia (according to Wikipedia). Prambanan temple is built in 10th century and is a complex of 240 temples. You heard it right. 240 temples. It's impossible to visit all of them, so I could only walk to the main temple and decided to admire this magnificent beauty through my photos and memories I had of this place. I didn't know what to do and where to go in Yogyakarta because I had someone else planned the entire trip, so when I got here, I was overwhelmed. I couldn't stop looking up.

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta- Prambanan temple

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta- Prambanan temple 2

From Prambanan temple, we moved to Candi Ijo (Ijo temple) as our tour guide said this is the best place to catch the sunset in Jogja. He clearly knew what he was doing. Look at this sunset view.

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta-  Sunset in Yogyakarta 2

I'd do anything for the sunset photo including climbing up to this unstable deck so I could look like a Wonder Woman looking over Yogyakarta

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta-  Sunset in Yogyakarta

or standing at the edge of the rooftop while looking like my knees wasn't feeling weak at all. Crazy things we do when we are young, you know.

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta-  Sunset in Yogyakarta 3

We went back to the hotel after watching the sunset and the first thing came to my mind: pool time. 

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta-  Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta

That's not the hotel pool in case you are wondering. 

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta-  Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta 2

The next morning, we woke up at 4 am so that we could catch sunrise Borobudur temple. It's a must-do activity in Yogyakarta. I'm not a morning person, but I won't mind giving up my sleep for a beautiful view like this. 

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta- Borobudur temple

I had no idea what to expect and I was trying to wake myself up while walking in the dark, all the way to the top of this temple. By the time we arrived at the top, I was wide awake and blown away by the stunning view. This temple is beyond your imagination.

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta- Sunrise in Borobudur temple

This sunrise made the steep climb at 4 am so worth it. 

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta- Sunrise in Borobudur temple 2

After leaving Borobudur, we went to Mendut temple another ancient monument in Jogja. What caught my attention was this giant tree just right outside the temple. I just had to take a moment to appreciate this beauty.

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta- Candi Pawon temple

Then, we ended up at King Palace before heading back to the hotel. 

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta- Kraton royal palace

Day 3, we woke up early for the breakfast and left hotel quite early for another day full of exciting adventures. 

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta- Breakfast at Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta

An hour drive from the hotel later, we arrived at Jomblang Cave, a collapsed sinkhole that's part of a cave system that runs through Gunung Kidul, outside Yogyakarta.

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta- Jomblang cave

Behind us, that's the cave entrance. There is any road for you to climb up or walk down, hence, this place is definitely not for the faint heart. You need to wear proper footwear (rubber boots given by the local tour), helmet, and master the single robe technique. Then, they'll lower you down 30 meters to the ground.

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta- Jomblang Cave 2

It was scary at first, but as soon as I placed my feet on the ground, the excitement kicked in. In front of me was the gigantic, dark, mysterious cave that is full of hidden surprise. The tunnel is 250 meters long approximately. The further you go, the darker it gets, and you'll need a torchlight to be able to see things inside. It's dark, muddy and slippery. I wasn't too sure about what I was doing and why I let myself get into this situation. But as the saying goes "The cave you fear holds the treasure you seek," I indeed found my treasure upon reaching to this spot called "Light of Heaven."

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta- Jomblang Cave 3


Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta- Jomblang Cave 5

As if Jomblang Cave wasn't impressive enough, the tour guide recommended us to try river tubing at Goa Pindul.  Goa Pindul is a cave formed by karst with an underground river located about 7 kilometres south of the city centre Wonosari, Gunung Kidul. All we had to do was to sit back, relax, and let the crystal clear river take us to discover the hidden beauty of Pindul Cave. 

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta- Goa Pindul

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta- Goa Pindul 2

To me, river tubbing at Pindul Cave was a wind down moment after the adventure at Jomblang. Then, I came back to this rose petal spa after a long day out in nature. It was a perfect trip. 

Crystal Phuong- What to do in Yogyakarta- Spa at Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta


That pretty much sums up my Yogyakarta trip. Now, if you have never heard of Yogyakarta or still consider visiting this city, I highly recommend you make a trip. This city won't disappoint you, I guarantee!

Thank you so much for reading!
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3 DAYS IN BALI

3 DAYS IN BALI


Crystal Phuong- #TravelwithCrystal- Bali, Indonesia

After a winter trip to Vietnam during Lunar New Year, I flew to a tropical paradise called Bali and spent a good few days there before heading to the US. No matter how many times I visit Bali, this place has no lack of surprises to please an avid traveler in me. Last time I was there, I went parasailing and ocean walking. It was incredible, and I thought nothing could top that. But I was wrong. Keep on reading and you'll know why I said that. 

Crystal Phuong- #TravelwithCrystal- Bali

Landed in Singapore just in time to catch this flight to Bali. It was such an adrenaline rush running from one terminal to another, but that's what we'd do for the things we love, wouldn't we? 

Crystal Phuong- #TravelwithCrystal- Bali, The Royal Beach Seminyak Bali Hotel

 We stayed at The Royal Beach Seminyak hotel again, but instead of a deluxe room, we had a villa with a private pool to ourselves. The beginning of our wonderful trip started just like that. 

Crystal Phuong- #TravelwithCrystal- Bali, The Royal Beach Seminyak Bali

Crystal Phuong- #TravelwithCrystal- Bali, Seminyak Beach during sunset

Crystal Phuong- #TravelwithCrystal- Bali, Seminyak Beach at sunset

 Couldn't miss any sunset at the Seminyak beach whenever I'm back at this place. 

Crystal Phuong- #TravelwithCrystal- Bali, Mount Batur Volcano at sunrise

Next morning, we woke up at 2 am to start our sunrise trekking at one of the most popular destinations in Bali: Mount Batur volcano.  Mount Batur is still an active volcano, located at the center of two concentric calderas, north west of Mount Agung on the island of Bali, Indonesia. It stands at 1717 meters above sea level and it took us more than 3 hours to reach the top. 

Crystal Phuong- #TravelwithCrystal- Bali, Mount Batur Volcano at sunrise

The 3-hour climb in the dark wasn't fun, to be honest, and I had to take many breaks in between to catch my breath. My legs were shaking so badly. But because I didn't give up, the reward for me at the end was pretty amazing. 

Crystal Phuong- #TravelwithCrystal- Bali, Mount Batur Volcano

Not every day I can have a photo of me standing above the clouds while watching the sunrise like that. A moment like this definitely is one of the most surreal memories in my life by far.

Crystal Phuong- #TravelwithCrystal- Bali, Mount Batur Volcano

Crystal Phuong- #TravelwithCrystal- Bali, Mount Batur Volcano at sunrise


Clearly, this beautiful sunrise view on top of Mount Batur made the painful trekking at 2am so worth it. It's official the most beautiful photo in my travel diary.


My colorful and delicious reward for not giving up half way.


After volcano trekking, we headed to a Hotspring nearby called Toyadevasya. Its beauty blew my mind. I've never seen a Hotspring so beautiful like that. The weather in the morning was chilly enough for us to appreciate the warm water once we dip into that pool.


With a volcanic mountain as a backdrop, I wouldn't want anything else at that moment.



Then, we filled ourselves up with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.


A stormy rain came as soon as we finished our swimming at the Hot Spring. If Luck wasn't by our side, we could have been walking on the slippery slope, being stranded in the middle of the mountain in a heavy rain. That would be a horrifying experience for us all.


Leaving the Hot Spring, our driver took us to Tegallalang Rice Terraces, one of the most popular places in Ubud. You'll expect nothing but a luscious green horizon that will please your eyes.


I could stand here and look at this view for hours. The only thing missing was a cup of green tea latte.


Back to my all time favorite, the beach. Seminyak beach is always so beautiful regardless at what time of the day. We still had a few places to visit before we called it our day at Seminyak beach, but I'll leave it to you to find out in this travel video, mostly shot and edited by yours truly. Please subscribe to my new Youtube channel if you haven't done so. Thank you so much for reading and watching! See you in the next travel + fashion post. It's about San Francisco, baby!


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WITH LOVE FROM BALI

WITH LOVE FROM BALI



One of my personal goals every year is traveling, as much as I could. It doesn't matter whether I'm going to a new or back to the same old destination, traveling always feeds my soul and brightens my perspective. I was in Vietnam in February, visited Bali in April, went to Vietnam and Phuket in June, then came back to Bali in July again. Now, as I'm about to plan my next trip to Australia, I'm in a hurry to share with you some great memories I had with Bali over the last couple of weeks, before they become long overdue. 

I mentioned before, in the previous blog post, that I decided to take a risk to pick Padma Resort Legian instead of The Royal Beach Seminyak. It turned out to be the best choice I've made and Padma Resort impressed me every single day we were there. 

CrystalPhuong- Hotel room in Padma Resort Legian

Calling this place home for the weekend. 

Shoes for traveling- Padma Resorts Legian

Obviously, I had a phobia of not bringing enough shoes for the 3-day holiday. 

Crystal Phuong- Singapore Travel Blog- Padma Resorts Legian

Everything about this hotel was so photo worthy, including the white robe and fresh orchid. The poser? Not so much. 

Floral bathtub in Padma Resorts Legian

Pampering time. 

Padma Resort Legian swimming pool and bar

Poolside situation. 

CrystalPhuong- Travel Blog- Dinner at Potato Head- Bali

First dinner in Bali at Potato Head Beach Club and it was really a good one. It was a little bit distance away from our hotel (45mins drive), but the delicious food and the view made up for the heavy traffic journey. 

Crystal Phuong- Singapore Travel Blog- Seminyak beach in the morning

An afternoon walk by the beach. 

Crystal Phuong- Singapore Travel Blog- Beautiful Seminyak Beach

Crystal Phuong- walking by the beach- Seminyak, Bali

Just before the sunset, a couple of photos would hurt nobody. Thanks to my lovely and patient photographer. 

Dinner by the pool at Padma Resort Legian

Best candle light dinner date by the pool with no carbs, only protein. 

Crystal Phuong- Singapore Travel Blog- Bali street shopping

Couldn't get away with some street shopping at the crowded Legian street. 

Colorful shop at Legian shopping street, Bali

Bali street and life

Colorful shop at Legian street in Bali.

We actually ended up in a gorgeous spa to hide ourselves from the sun and the busy street. $150++ for 2-hour spa package for two people seemed like the best investment by far. 

Beautiful Bali beach sunset

Then, we quickly came back to our hotel, just in time to catch this golden hour 



and had a little fun while at it. 

Padma Resort Legian, swimming pool facing the ocean

Lunch by the pool, Padma Resort Legian, Bali

Crystal Phuong- Singapore Travel Blog- Padma Resort Legian pool party

Hanging right here while waiting for the sun to set. It was the best feeling in the world. 

Beautiful sunset in Bali

Sunset in Seminyak beach, Bali

Peace is seeing a sunset and knowing who to thank. 

I'm thankful for the opportunities that allow me travel places, document my life through each place I've been, and share them with you. Places like this always fill me with so much energy, positivity, and love. I hope these photos make you feel the same. 

Thank you so much for reading! 
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