JOGJAKARTA & BEYOND - Day 5

DAY 5 - CILACAP & BACK TO JOGJA

Cilacap is a town by the sea. Pretty modern and pretty big. There are several big hotels. I arrived by bus from Kroyo a day earlier, at about 4pm. I immediately asked for direction to the beach and cycled there looking for a losmen.

Fishing is a big industry here. There were the huge fishing boats moored at the jetty, meant for deep sea fishing. These fishing boats reminded me of my birthplace. My late father was once a fisherman, in a small village by the sea off Tumpat. I grew up as a fisherman's son, tasted a little bit of hardship in my growing up years. However, my father prospered and later owned several boats. Life became a lot easier. I tried deep-sea fishing once and I threw out everything from my gut. I recalled longing for solid ground the whole night i was rocked from side to side, up and down. That must have been my longest night. And I was 16!

Across Cilacap is an island, Nusa Kambangan. There is a prison there, something like The Alcatrazz. I did not venture there though I was told ferries ply there. Reason? Simple. Stay away as far as possible from prison!


There were of-course small time fishermen here too. They would venture a few kilometres off the coast and return daily. Their sampans were similar in design with those found at Glagah. These pictures were taken on my arrival in the evening and boats would have returned with their catch.

I decided not to stay too long in Cilacap since I have only 2 more days before flying back. I would need these 2 days to visit Solo and to tour Borobudur.

I found out express buses ply Cilacap - Jogjakarta daily. I booked the 10am bus, paid IR40,000 for my fare and another IR40,000 to the conductor for the bike, without receipt. I didn't want to argue with him though but I suspect he pocketed the bike fare.

The journey was in air-conditioned comfort, traversing the major road link to Jogja, passing several major towns of KEBUMEN, PURWOREJO and WATES. On my way to Cilacap, I had travelled the coastal village roads and I was glad I did that.

Back In Jogja, I cycled from the bus terminal back to Marlioboro. This time around, I decided to stay at a little bit "upmarket" losmen for IR75,000 a night. Reason? A lounge where I can sit and read and write.

Tomorrow would be solo in SOLO.