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South East Asia Escapade
  • Pia Moll McCarthy
Jan – Mar 2023

South East Asia Escapade

What was supposed to be a holiday in the Philippines has turned into an indefinite adventure. Read more
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  • Pia Moll McCarthySouth East Asia EscapadeTraveler

    Diving Komodo 8

    February 24, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    The last three dives of our trip consisted of a cave and wall reef dive (Police Corner), then an easy reef dive (Tatawa Kecil) and to finish off a very fun drift dive (Tatawa Besar) where we sighted numerous sharks and turtles while being carried by a nice current.

    From here the boat took us back to Labuan Bajo port and to our hostel where we collapsed into bed. The next day, we would be embarking on a 5 day overland trip of Flores Island. What a jam-packed itinerary!    Read more

  • Pia Moll McCarthySouth East Asia EscapadeTraveler

    Flores overland 1

    February 25, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ 🌧 22 °C

    We were picked up by Ivan, our local guide and driver for the next 5 days. Ivan is a Timor-Leste / Flores Indonesian who speaks good english and has studied botanics, as well having an insatiable travellers spirit and great sense of humour.

    He explained to us that the Indonesian people are a combination of the Indochina and Melanesian people, and that Flores is the island where these meet. It is also where the Islamic and Catholic religions meet, being Islam more predominant in west Indonesia and Catholicism in east Indonesia.
    Previous to the arrival of modern people, Flores was inhabited by Homo floriensis, a pygmy archaic human, the remains of which are the smallest to ever be found.

    Flores (flowers) was named so by the portuguese when it when missionaries arrived in the 16th century. It comes to no surprise that this island is called so beacuse at a closer glance one can see that it is a garden of eden where so many food, spices and wood types grow wild. The locals need just take a walk in the back garden wilderness to get food of all types.
    This is some of what grows here... cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, nutmeg, hazelnut, macadamia, cashew, coffee, cocoa, wild sweet potato, pinapple, bananas of all sizes and colours, oranges, rambutan, dragon fruit, snake fruit, etc. Eucalyptus, white majogany, dark mahogany, teak, bamboo, etc.

    On our drive through the island all we needed to do is stop and pick something off a tree, or buy it for next to nothing feom the locals who pick it to sell.

    Anyhow... on our first day we visited a spiderlike rice fields. They were designed so so as to avoid wats between clans. Each clan had a circle and in each clan a family had a pizza slice of the circle. The most powerful people of each clan eere entitled to the outer, and larger, rings of the circle.
    A group of teenagers from the nearby school accompanied us up the path while showing us all the wild fruit and plants growing in their back garden. Coffee beans on branches, pinaples sprouting around the path, a plant they pulled out for us to smell seemed a mentholated remedy for the common cold or breathing dificulty, etc. Quite mind blowing!

    Ivan showed us how the Asian make their Betel Nut Chewing (a combination of betel nut, betel leaves, and powdered red coral) for its narcotic and stimulant effect. Most of the elderly people have red mouths and rotten teeth as a result.

    We stopped at a local Warung for lunch, which proved to be ridiculously cheap, and afterwards Ivan stopped us at an Arak production place, a local liquor made from palmtrees the taste of which wasn't much unlike grappa or spanish orujo.    Read more

  • Pia Moll McCarthySouth East Asia EscapadeTraveler

    Flores Overland 2

    February 26, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ 🌧 25 °C

    We slept in Bajawa the first night of our trip. The second day consisted of many stops. We picked up a fellow traveller for thus day, a rumanian with a very good grasp of Bajawa and also an avid adventurer.

    Firstly, we visited a startegic viewpoint atop a volcano crater which allowed us to look out upon other volcanoes, the main one being Mount Inerie Volcano.

    We then made our way to a bamboo forest and workshop. We saw how they treat and seal the bamboo to make it more durable and also were able to see the showroom of houses, fueniture and small gadgets all made of bamboo. Very impressive!

    Next up was a waterfall. As it was Sunday, Ivan knew that everyone would be at church, so he took us on a little adventure to see numerous waterfalls. To get there we drove through very humble local villages with people going about their sunday morning lives.

    From here we went to lunch to a restaurant with privileged views over a valley under Mount Inerie where the Ngada People are settled in numerous villages. We were able to visit their tribe's capital village. This tribe have a mixture of old spiritual beliefs and catholicism.
    Originally from India, they also have a caste system. 8 clans, 8 chiefs and 8 megalyths with altars for offerings (cows, arak and pigs). Nadu (the umbrella-like structures symbolising men) and Baga (little houses synbllising women) are covered in fresh animal sacrificial blood for their new years' celebration (Reba).
    They have an abundance of tamarind, hazelnut, cashew and spice trees around. They do not farm rice, so they trade for it. Their main assett is the blue indigo plant, Tarum, a renowned clothes dye (used often for dyeing the jeans material).

    On the way back, Ivan stopped the car and picked a few nutmeg fruit for us as well as cut us some cinnamon bark off a tree on the roadside. Where were so surprised at how available it all is!!    Read more

  • Pia Moll McCarthySouth East Asia EscapadeTraveler

    Flores Overland 3

    February 27, 2023 in Indonesia

    We requested Ivan whether we could integrate a visit to Riung and a boat trip of 17 Islands in our trip, and not only did he call a friend to take us out, but he organised for his friend to fish some Barracuda and a Grouper for a BBQ lunch on one of the islands. Beforehand we stopped at a spot on one of the islands where thousands upon thousands of giant bats perch during the day.
    Snorkeling wasn't great as it had been stormy for the past few days and the water wasn't very clear. In fact, we were very lucky to be able to go out at all, as we had heavy rain downpour the afternoon before and the same day of our trip.
    After returning to land after lunch we made our way to Bajawa through seaside coconut groves and beautiful mountain forests.

    Ruteng, which we passed the previous day lies at 1800m, and Bajawa at 1200m. So we were able to see all sorts of diferent vegetation on our route.    Read more

  • Pia Moll McCarthySouth East Asia EscapadeTraveler

    Flores Overland 4

    February 28, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    We made our way up to Kelimutu Volcano Crater, 1900m, where there are three volcanic lakes which change colour from yellow, to green, to blue, to turquoise, orange, and red. The reason for this change in colour is unknown and still being studied. The local tribes atribute spiritual meaning to these colour changes and come once a year to pay tribute to the gods in thanksgiving.

    On the way down we enjoyed the mountain views and bought some fruit. Ivan got a man on the side of the road to cut us some sugarcane which we chewed on.

    In the afternoon we stopped at another traditional village, belonging to the Lio people. This village was burnt down by a neighbouring tribe 5 years ago and has been rebuilt since. Along with the buildings, a lot of traditional and old furniture was also burnt down, one of which being the famous drums made of girl skin centuries back!    Read more

  • Pia Moll McCarthySouth East Asia EscapadeTraveler

    Flores overland 5

    March 1, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ 🌧 27 °C

    On our last day in Flores, Ende, we hiked up to a viewpoint above the Nagu village in the mountains. Here we saw the real essence of village life in Flores. People walk down with their pickings or produce (cloves, cocoa, hazelnut, etc) to sell in Ende and then back up each day. A lot of the older people walk barefoot!

    The way up was so steep only a 4x4 would get up although the road doesn't look like any cars drive up it. The active lifestyle of the peolpe explains why everyone is so fit and ages so well.

    Once we passed the town, up in the middle of the mountains we encountered an 80 year old man who walks up to his hut every day and serenades the town and valley with his singing. We complimented him on his singing and his fitness, he answered that if he stays in his house all day long his knees start to ache which is why he walks up to his hut every day.
    On our way we sighted pepper plant, avocado trees, cacao, lots of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and teak trees. How nice to hear and be in such a vibrant forest!

    After the hike we went visit another tradition Lio village very full of life! We chatted tot he old ladies who live in the traditional style buildings, most have outlived their husbands.

    And to finish the day off, we dined over a sunset view. Next up... Ubud, Bali!    Read more

  • Pia Moll McCarthySouth East Asia EscapadeTraveler

    Ubud - Bali

    March 2, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    After a whole traveling from Ende through Labuan Bajo and to Bali, then the drive up to Ubud, we sat down for a nice meal and after a wander went to see the Legong Dance at Ubud Palace.

    What a contrast we noticed between being the rare sight in Ende where there was no non-Indonesian food to be found to the busy westernised Ubud. It's such a treat to the eyes to walk around and see temple upon temple decorated with hindu deities and flowers. The hotel we are staying at is accessed by walking through a temple.Read more

  • Pia Moll McCarthySouth East Asia EscapadeTraveler

    Ubud exploring

    March 3, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    After renting a scooter, the main mode of transport here, we made our way north of Ubud to see two beautiful Hindu temples, Pura Tirta Empul and Pura Gunung Kawi. We meandered through small roads lined by palm trees, temples and houses, surrounded by patches of rice paddies. What a heavenly ride!
    The former is renowned for its fresh drinking water spring which is seen as holy and therefore people flock here to do a spiritual cleansing and pray to the hindu deities. It has become so renowned that we saw almost more tourists doing the cleansing ritual than locals.
    The latter temple we enjoyed much more as it's much less renowned and therefore nice and quiet. It is built in a little valley surrounded by lushly vegetated hills giving it a feeling of an oasis.
    On the way back we drove through towards the Tegalalang Rice Terraces and had to turn back as we encountered a road which had totally collapsed down into the valley below due to a landslide. Quite the experience to see whar monsoon rains can do!
    The Tegalalang Rice Terraces are very accessible to the Ubud throng, and hence very touristy. The rice terraces had just been replanted (it's done 3 times a year), so they weren't covered in beautiful greenery. Nevertheless, it was still a lovely and impressive sight!    Read more

  • Pia Moll McCarthySouth East Asia EscapadeTraveler

    Ubud retreat

    March 5, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    So we rocked up at Radiantly Alive for a test Vinyassa Flow class and liked the place. Having seen the option, and wanting a physical challenge we decided to get a one week unlimited class pass, and what a surprise we were in for!!

    We secured ourselves a lovely hotel with pool for the week where we spent time between classes.
    Doing such intense work in such a hot and humid place, we found ourselves running out of sports clothes, so we went and bought Bali style yoga outfits.

    The first few days consisted in a series of physical yoga classes which we very much liked. But soon we discovered all these different practices we had never tried and decided to give them a go. We embarked on a 4-5 day totally unexpected whirlwind of self-discovery and energetic fields. It happened to also coimcide with the full moon, which I felt more acutely than usual. There definitely is a stron energy force going on in Ubud.
    Some of the practices we discovered were: Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra, Himalayan Kriya Yoga, Breathwork, Qi Gong, Embodied Connection, among others. Each and every one of thesr had a distinct and noticeable effect on us, allowing us to really feel, look in, see the shift and work through it. We traveled back into childhood and our life paths together sharing life paths, experiences, feelings, hurt, issues, etc. Laura and I got to know eachother infinitely more, to the core. And what beautiful cores! What a beautiful journey!

    We met up with Kati twice, who happened to have just started her yoga teacher training in Ubud, although we didn't think to make any photos at the time!

    We also happened to meet all sorts of people through the classes, lovely people we connected with, with their own story to share.    Read more

  • Pia Moll McCarthySouth East Asia EscapadeTraveler

    Monkey Forest and Funeral

    March 9, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    After some morning yoga classes we went for lunch and had planned to visit the Monkey Forest. David, who we met the day before at the Embodied Connection class, joined us and just as we were heading into the forest a local funeral parade passed by us and into the forest. Apparently, aside from housing on thousand plus monkeys, it is also the sacred place for the local villagers where they host funerals. The parade was regaling all sorts of offerings and the body was being carried in a sort of altar.

    The walk through Monkey Forest was absolutely stunning as we walked through ancient trees growing around a riverbed, moss-filled statues of hindu gods as well as temples. However, only entering the forest we were greeted with the sight of cheeky monkeys running around doing minding their as well as others' businness. What an experience to observe these creatures' behaviour, so similar to ours! The females eating fleas of the males while they lounge about, babies being carried and breastfed by their mothers, the large males marking their turf, the young ones being mischievous, etc.

    At the end of our Monkey Forest walk he stumbled upon the funeral party honouring their recently deceased member being cremated along with all the offerings. Having a 4 day mourning tradition, it seemed everyone had quite come to grips with this passing as there seemed to be no dramatic crying or sadness in the air.
    I was surprised by how at ease they were with tourists walking about and partaking in this intimate affair.    Read more

  • Pia Moll McCarthySouth East Asia EscapadeTraveler
    11

    Farewell Laura

    March 11, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Laura's last day was spent in the style if our time in Ubud, doing a breathwork workshop, some deep bonding coversation, and a delicious farewell meal.
    I had decided to stay on in Ubud and enjoy some alone time before joining Pau down in Uluwatu. As soon as I made my decision an amazing present dropped on my lap! One week's free accommodation at an amazing resort. David was offered this by a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend, so a stranger, and upon hearing I was looking for a place to stay he offered it on to me!
    What a peaceful place to stay, in the middle of rice fields, with a small stream running through it and the most beautifuk Balinese style decoration and furniture. What luxury and what luck!!

    So after an amazing Balinese massage by rice fields and a delicious farewell dinner, Laura left to the airport.

    The next day, after some morning classes I went to the Tjampuhan Spa with David where we met some people who invited us to dinner to their restaurant. We had a great night of laughter, karaoke singing and guitar sing-alongs.
    The Tjampuhan Spa reminded me somewhat of the all-time favourite anime film Spirited Away.    Read more

  • Pia Moll McCarthySouth East Asia EscapadeTraveler
    12

    More of Ubud Magic

    March 12, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Morning wake ups are always a delight at this lovely resort. There are flowers blossoming every day in the pond, and a walk through the rice fields and across a stream to breakfast is such an amazing morning routine.

    The latest activities, after some morning yoga (this time Tibetan Heart Yoga and Himalayan Kriya Yoga) were a visit to the amazing Pyramids of Chi, a venue set up in 2017 by a couple of Gong Healers who envisioned using the structure of three pyramids in which to stage amazing healing and sound activities.

    They offer a combination of Pyramid Power, Sacred Geometry, Polar Alignment, Ancient Sounds, and the ever-present magical energy of Bali to host sound and light healing as well as cacao ceremonies among many other activities.

    Myself and Olivia (whom I met the day before at lunch) attended an Ancient Sound Healing ceremony with Tibetan gongs, bowls and many other instruments. We laid down and let the music and its vibrations flow through us, bringing us into a state of deep relaxation (some of the others fell asleep, snoring away). The vibrations were so effective we could feel our limbs somehow numbing, and after a while I had the sensation of being buried inside some sort of matter. It is said these vibrations shift emotional blockages over the next hours or even days.

    After that and a late lunch we made our way to the Cacao Ceremony hosted in another of the pyramids. It consisted of live music, singing along, dancing, drinking Cacao and being grateful, happy, and empowered together. After leaving initial judgement behind we relaxed into it and had quite some fun, as well as a love of subliminal group therapy done.    Read more

  • Pia Moll McCarthySouth East Asia EscapadeTraveler

    Bye bye Ubud

    March 15, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    What a heartwrenching experience it was to leave such an amazing energy force as Ubud. I made friends in the yoga center, met old friends in Ubud and foremost, I found myself. I had the opportunity to get fit again, reconnect with my yoga practice and find my strength of will through it. Through other activities I felt my chest break open and feelings rush out. The singing I did through pre-/post- yoga Oms, Karaoke, Cacao Ceremony and Kirtan Ceremonies allowed me to find my voice again and revel in using it to its fullest.
    Also, I met some very interesting people who have added a lot to my experience and might continue to help me through my process.
    Now, the challenge will maintaining all of that...    Read more

  • Pia Moll McCarthySouth East Asia EscapadeTraveler

    Uluwatu - Pau

    March 16, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    I drove down from Ubud to Uluwatu to finally meet up with Pau and his gang of friends from home. As I had been gifted a free night at a 4* Hotel, I invited Pau to join on the experience.

    After that, they gang took me in at their rented villa for the last 3 nights I had left in Bali. We had a blast!Read more

  • Pia Moll McCarthySouth East Asia EscapadeTraveler

    Uluwatu with the gang

    March 18, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    The last days were spent in great company partying, dining out, driving to Uluwatu beaches and lounging by the villa pool. It was very nice to experience some of the Bali party scene before leaving, and who better than with my party buddy Pau!Read more

  • Pia Moll McCarthySouth East Asia EscapadeTraveler

    Singapore - Chinatown

    March 20, 2023 in Singapore ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    Early morning arrival in Singapore with accommodation in Chinatown, so I started by visiting the Budha Tooth Relic Temple. Very nice to visit, considering I'm starting to learn a little on budhism.
    There was a beautiful prayer wheel at the top of the temple (apparently the longest in the world), surrounded by a sacred garden.    Read more

  • Pia Moll McCarthySouth East Asia EscapadeTraveler

    Singapore - Gardens by the Bay

    March 20, 2023 in Singapore

    Now... the reason for me visiting Singapore was its modern architecture blended in with nature, especially the jewel airport terminal. The gardens by the bay complex exceeded all expectations I might if had of the city.
    The gardens by the bay complex hosts two huge greenhouses, one which is a cloud forest greenhouse (currently holding an Avatar expo mixed in with the greenery) and the other is the larges greenhouse in the world which impressively hosts garden representations from all over the world in the same open space. I really wonder how they manage to keep red roses, cherry blossom trees, baobabs and cacti all happy in an air conditioned greenhouse. It escapes my comprehension...

    The huge artifical treetop forest in the middle of the complex is one of its highlights. I was able to catch the dialy light show which was quite entertaining.    Read more

  • Pia Moll McCarthySouth East Asia EscapadeTraveler

    Singapore - Marina Bay

    March 20, 2023 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    The modernity of the high rise buildings around the Marina Bay (including the Marina bay Hotel, Marina Bay Sands shopping center, Helix bridge, Art and Science Museum) and the buildings in downtown Singapore are so modern and impressive that to walk around here feels out of this world. The numerous lights shows done around town after the sun sets are a feast for the eyes!Read more

  • Pia Moll McCarthySouth East Asia EscapadeTraveler
    1

    Bye bye Singapore - Farewell SE Asia

    March 22, 2023 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Last day in Singapore and also South Esst Asia. One could say the trip is ending, but to me it is only really beginning as it's about how you translate all the acquired knowlegde and experience into your daily life and routine.

    I got to know one of my hostel companions, Jake. A kindred spirit who also embarked on a self-recovery and discovery travel for 4 months. It culminated and ended for him in Bali. So it was especially fortunate to come across one another as we were is similar circumstances and had resonating feelings. Our conversations got quickly very deep as we walked around town and later on also at the airport.

    In between I booked myself in for another Sound Healing Session at Space2B, which had been recommeded to me by the Pyramids of Chi healer. It was a beautiful experience led by a beautiful woman full of lots to share. Afterwards we got to talking about Koshi chimes, as I felt such a connection to their sound. She explained the different elements to them and that it'a a process chosing which the right one for you is. And despite having them for sale at the space, upon seeing me revel at playing with her fire koshi she gifted it to me!!
    It seems the magic continues to happen!!

    How fortunate I am to to have the resources and independence to be able travel the world and meet such amazing people. I journey back with a treasure of magical experiences, inspiring people as new friends and contacts, and new tools/practices to undertake upon my return. Exciting!
    Qatar airways are a gem, and Doha airport boasts very comfy quiet rooms for separate genders, which make for a very nice experience.

    Meanwhile in Bali it's Nyepi, the local holiday where everything gets shut off, people stay home and everyone embarks on a day journey of introspection and gratitude. In a way, I feel I am doing the same while journeying back to the western world.

    Next stop, Dublin!    Read more

    Trip end
    March 31, 2023
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