I have been on the road almost seven weeks now (since arrived in Darwin). To my regret the fleet split into two  where one is going up North and another one is taking more traditional route (through Flores). I have been assigned to the one which is taking Northern Route. It is a less travelled route but a very interesting one. I wish I could be at two places at the same time. Because of the support given at almost every route on the Northern Route, there have been more organized (although sometimes it was a bit disorganized) events at every stop which gave participants to witness many cultural events sponsored by local Governments.

One of the challenges facing anybody who is trying to organize anything in Indonesia is so many unknown or unpredictable things that could happen along the way which is not always unpleasant. Although at most cases they are beyond our control, I sincerely apologize.

Soon the fleet will converge in Lovina Beach, Bali where visa extension will take place. Stories will be exchanged, experiences will be shared and so on.

Anchorage at Lovina is exposed which cause uneasiness to those who anchor there, especially to those who plan to take overnite land tour. Last two years, I do not remember anybody reported any case of anchor dragging. Hopefully this year would be the same. Security is also quite good here with no reported any accident.

Dinghy landing is provided with fee posted. Walk a bit farther to the main road where laundry is cheaper. Those brave souls can rent motor bike at lot of places here offer bike rental. It is best way, although not the safest way of getting around. Car rental are plenty. It is best to get a driver with it. he rate is probably the cheapest in the country.

Bali is probably the most organized place for Sail Indonesia where programs are well scheduled and almost everything goes as scheduled. With plenty of restaurants to choose from and better facilities around, Lovina Beach is easily one of the favourite stops. Being in Bali .... well, no more can be said.

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I will be in Bali on 21st of September, 2014 until whenever necessary to process your visa extension. As you well aware that visa extension is must be done before your present visa expired. There is fine for anyone who overstay their visa.

You are required to submit :

1. Passport
2. 3 (three) photographs (4 x 6).
3. IDR 500.000 (as it was last year).

Last year it took three working days to process visa extension.

I will based myself at the place to be posted soon (one block from the beach).

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This is a ceremony where girls who enter puberty will undergo a traditional a series of procedures which will end with this joyous occasion where those girls will be paraded around the village carried on bamboo framed carriage carried on the shoulder of young men.

For one week before this day, all girls were kept inside the house where they are not allowed to go outside. They are given series of lectures to prepare them for adulthood. Special diet are prepared for them. There are many rituals have to be followed during this time.

This event is held once every two years in the Island of Kapota, just about one mile from Wanci (capital of Wakatobi). It involves hundreds of people.

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It has been awhile since I posted anything on this blog. Hectic schedule and laziness are things to blame. Finally I have the chance to sit down and having internet connection (although it is a bit slow) leaves me with no excuse. I do owe apology to everybody.

Since leaving Alor, we have stopped at Wakatobi, Pasar Wajo and Bau Bau. These are all scheduled stops on Sail Indonesia 2014. So far, it is fair to say that although there have been some glitches along the way, common impression from those who taking part on this route are quite positive.

Yes, there were plenty of surprises, but luckily there were rather pleasant surprises. People as expected have been helpful and friendly. At the moment I am working on editing hundred of pictures I have taken and also some information to support it. With strings of interesting and exciting events we have witnessed so far I have definitely have a lot to tell. Unfortunately information that I desperately need are rather hard to come by. I am working on it .

This morning we are leaving for Regency of  Bombana. Hopefully we would have good Internet connection so I can putting something new on this blog.

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Few days ago I was talking to some locals in Alor regarding  this so called "SUWANGGI". According to them not along ago (it was also published in the local paper) this old woman found at the bottom of communication tower shaken bun not hurt after she supposedly crashed into tower during mid flight. It was not clear whether the accident caused by navigational error, mechanical problem(?), weather condition or anti aircraft missile. She was found with her luggage (or whatever) strewn all over the place. No report on the damage to the tower.

In another incident, it was reported another supposedly "suwanggi" crashed into parked heavy equipment. Not clear whether he was making landing approach or just took off but somewhat losing altitude. None of these flights were monitored by local flight controller.

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Those who arrive in Wakatobi will be given thirty liter of disel. FOC It also available for sale. Price will be announced later.

Entrance into the lagoon has been dredged to three meters in low tide and up to six meters during high tide. Guide will be provided. They are standing by on Channel 77.

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As it is now events in Alor will not start until August 9th. From we have witnessed, there a lot of things going on in the public square where most of the events will take place.

Sail Indonesia's participants have been invited to take part in the Opening Ceremony which will be followed later in the evening with Gala Dinner. Usually Gala Dinner accompanied and followed by traditional dances from different parts of Alor.

One of the major factors which have contributed to the success of Sail Indonesia Rally is active roles play by the local Governments. They are not only staging events where among other things, showcasing their traditional arts performance which otherwise we would not have the opportunity  to witness it. Working within different agencies under their umbrella, they also provide security and making procedure as simple as possible. Without their cooperation it would be impossible for us to do or job effectively.

This is one of major reasons that Sail Indonesia only appoint our route after we make sure that we have the local Government cooperation. We also only depend heavily on the feedback we have gotten from previous Sail Indonesia participants. Of course, our personal experience play a big part on it.

At the moment the fleet (mostly) is in Alor. Some are considering going on unscheduled stops which within their right, provided they are on the list of their CAIT. We fully respect that.

Due to the fact that they will be no support either by us or by local Government it causes us great concern. There have been many instances that where some problems arose where we were unable to do much of anything due to our limitations. Of course we hope that everything would go well.

The Northern Route proven to be a great success last year (mostly based on the feedback we got). From all indications, this year would not be different. We are fully understand the challenge in making about two hundred miles passage from Alor to Wakatobi, but it is safe to say that your hardship will be fully rewarded.

I will be at every stops along the appointed route (except Medana bay) to provide assistance whenever necessary. Hopefully I will be able to fulfil my responsibility.

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