Leaving the crowded Surabaya to wander further into the scenic countryside towards the far eastern side of East Java on the main coastal highway in a hired car with my brother. It was a pleasant journey with interesting and pristine views along the way.
Known as a dokar, this traditional jiggling horse cart wagon offers a mode of transportation service through the peaceful villages. The soft rhythmic sounds of bells together with the steady tempo of the horse galloping gave a pleasing countryside feel.
Children going to school in a crowded 'becak' under the hot sun. (Please show this picture to spoiled kids who refuse to go to school, especially those who are chauffeured in luxurious cars!)
A dumping site at the roadside that became a piece of oil painting artwork through the lens of my humble camera.
A true classic Dutch colonial cottage of more than 100 years old that still retains its vintage charm. We had a short visit as it's now the home of our friend's aunt. Everything inside and outside were still in place. The interior designs had a rustic relaxing farmhouse feel. And the history and tales of the colonial times related by her aunt were a precious piece of knowledge for keeps.
Fueling stations for both human and vehicles along the roadsides are a common sight where vendors sell drinks, snacks and retail petrol in small quantity filled in bottles.
Neat rows of emerald paddy fields that lined the sides of the road
Lush Tobacco Plantation waving at us too
After a two hours' drive, we reached the city of Probolinggo, 80km southeast of Surabaya. It's the nearest city where tourists make a transit to the famous Mount Bromo which takes another 45km (two hours) to reach by minibus, car or jeep and required an overnight stay in order to see the natural beauty of one of The Most Spectacular Sunrise in the World. (in unGodly hours as early as 3:30am!)
It was not in our travel itinerary and also we were not geared for the adventure, so we have to save it for another day.
Another 60km on the road took us to Paiton - a village town in the district of Probolinggo. Paiton is a less visited destination of East Java. We stayed at Paiton Resort Hotel whose restaurant served delicious traditional Indonesian cuisine.
Lalapan is a popular traditional dish of Indonesia. Plain white steamed rice is served with a wide spread of several Indonesian specialties as main dishes and fresh vegetables which cannot get any yummier without the Spicy Sambal Terasi.The best way to sample Indonesian specialities as main dishes come in small portion.
Upon request, their chef happily taught us how to make the original *Sambal for Ayam Penyet and Sambal Terasi for Lalapan. "Pedas but ShiOk ShiOK!!"
(*Sambal is a chilli-based condiments. There are different varieties to go with different dishes.)
Not far from Paiton resort is Pembangkit Tenaga Listrik Uap (PLTU) or Paiton Power Generation complex - a group of power plant units that supplies electricity power to Java- Bali. It's Indonesia's largest and most efficient coal-fired power plant.
Then heading to Pasir Putih Beach or White Sand Beach that lies on the north coast of East Java, 174km from Surabaya and 21km west of Situbondo. So called because of the long stretch white sand that encompasses the beach. A quiet and less touristy beach but it's a popular weekend retreat for the local people.
It may not be as famous as other beaches, but this unspoiled beach is ideal for wind surfing, sailing, canoeing, snorkeling, diving, swimming, strolling or one can hire a traditional boat (US$5 an hour) to go fishing with the fishermen or take a good look at the exotic colourful fishes and exquisite beautiful corals.
After leaving footprints on the white sandy beach, we drove back to Paiton Resort Hotel.
The next day, we made our way to Bayuangga Bus Terminal in Probolinggo to board an express bus. No idea why the cracks and tiny holes on the windshield of the driver's side of the bus, but Thanks Goodness, we had a safe journey back to Surabaya.
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