Discover Indonesia's most epic beaches

There's no better way to make the most of summer than to embark on an adventure. So, here are the most amazing spots, breathtaking views, endless sunshine, and a host of experiences that will have you planning your trip to Indonesia. Impressive volcanic mountains, crystal-clear waters, and white-sand beaches... Indonesia is the perfect place for any nature-loving adventurer. Are you planning a trip to Indonesia soon? At Blue Banana, we're bringing you the best Indonesian beaches you should add to your trip. Let's go! INDONESIAN BEACHES KUTA BEACH Kuta Beach We show you one of the best Indonesian beaches and surely the most famous beach in the country: Kuta . Located in the southwest of Bali , Kuta Town's main beach is a stunning location for epic adventures. Swim in crystal-clear waters, enjoy the tropical climate, surf, scuba dive, savor its incredible traditional cuisine... thousands of adventures that will make it an unforgettable destination. Nusa Lembongan Nusa Lembongan Beach Another of the best Indonesian beaches It is, for us, Nusa Lembongan . It is located off the coast of Bali, with some brutal views and wild green hills overlooking the ocean. Here you can explore firsthand its coral reefs or even do kayak either snorkel in its crystal-clear waters. Batu Bolong Beach Batu Bolong Beach Surfer, it's your moment... Discover the beach of Batu Bolong in the surfing town of Canggu , Bali. It's a spot perfect for those adventurers who want to practice some water sports . A beach of black sand and the best waves to start practicing on the board. Plus, Canggu is the perfect destination for those looking for a truly adventurous place to experience unforgettable moments. OULAU WEH BEACHES Pulau Weh Beach Finally, a top place, where you can connect with nature and dive without limits . We are talking about Sumatra , a must-see destination for true adventure lovers. For us, the best spot is Pulau Weh, one of Indonesia's best beaches for its opportunities to dive among coral reefs and endless marine life. And, for lovers of Hiking , there are endless possibilities for brutal routes, with incredible views like the Pria Laot waterfall, located in an environment that will make you connect with nature. Thousands of opportunities will make Indonesia a top destination for all types of adventurers. What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today and embark on the adventure! What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today and embark on the adventure!

Indonesian Nature

After many of you asked us about epic vacation destinations, we can't help but recommend an adventure trip to Indonesia . This region of Asia is a true paradise for nature and adventure lovers. From exploring volcanoes and tropical islands to water sports like scuba diving and kayaking, Indonesia has something for every adventurer. Plus, the blend of local and foreign culture will give you experiences you won't find anywhere else in the world. A place where the beauty of nature blends with the excitement of adventure. Breathtaking sunsets, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking landscapes. Want to know everything about an adventure trip to Indonesia? Let's go! THE BEST SPOTS IN INDONESIA Indonesia is a top destination if you want to connect with the nature and not put the brakes on your adventure. It's full of brutal spots that offer the opportunity to live unique experiences. For example, one of the best places to visit in Indonesia is the Tanjung Puting National Park , located in Kalimantan , the Indonesian part of Borneo. Here you can see proboscis monkeys and orangutans in their natural habitat, as well as enjoy stunning tropical landscapes. Another interesting place to explore is the Komodo National Park, where you can find the famous “dragons” which you're sure to be familiar with. It's an incredible experience to wander through these wild lands, where the world's largest lizards roam freely. Komodo dragon WHAT TO DO IN INDONESIA IN 15 DAYS? From Based on our experience, we recommend that you reserve at least 15 days to complete the entire route , to allow for any setbacks. During these 15 days, we can divide the adventure into three different spots. First, you can explore the country's nature, where you can find wild beaches and volcanoes with unimaginable views. In addition, the tropical forests from Indonesia are a paradise For adventurers like you. If you like this idea, you'll find some incredible national parks for hiking and unwinding in the best spots in the country. And of course, in a adventure trip to Indonesia You can also enjoy many water adventures such as diving, snorkeling, or kayaking along its incredible endless coastline with crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. ROUTES THROUGH INDONESIA Depending on how you want to approach your adventure in Indonesia, dozens of routes come to mind. If you want to make the most of your trip and enjoy a limitless experience, we recommend some itineraries you can explore during your trip. Surfing Itinerary Day 1-3: Arrival in Bali and surfing in Canggu and Seminyak. Day 4-6: Transfer to Lombok and surf at Kuta Beach. Day 7-9: Travel to Sumbawa and surf at Lakey Peak beach. Days 10-12: Transfer to the Mentawai Islands and surf at Hollow Trees and Macaronis Beaches. Days 13-15: Return to Bali and surf at Uluwatu Beach. Diving and Snorkeling Itinerary Day 1-3: Arrive in Bali and snorkel at Amed and Tulamben beaches. Day 4-6: Travel to Nusa Lembongan Island and dive at Manta Point and Crystal Bay. Day 7-9: Transfer to the Gili Islands and dive at Shark Point and Turtle Heaven. Day 10-12: Travel to Flores Island and dive at Komodo National Park. Day 13-15: Return to Bali and snorkel at Menjangan Beach. Mountaineering and Trekking Itinerary Day 1-3: Arrival in Bali and trekking on Mount Batur and Mount Agung. Day 4-6: Travel to Java Island and trekking on Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen. Day 7-9: Transfer to Lombok Island and trekking on Mount Rinjani. Days 10-12: Travel to Sumatra and trek in Gunung Leuser National Park. Days 13-15: Return to Bali and relax in Ubud. Whatever your plan, an adventure trip to Indonesia will be an unforgettable and inspiring experience for anyone looking to experience adventure firsthand. The breathtaking views and culture of this epic destination will make your trip unforgettable— don't limit yourself!

COSTA RICA - Pura Vida

How are you? How are you? I'm going to get straight to the point because I really want to tell you about my trip to one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. As always, it all starts with a call from Gonzalo. And also as always, I know something's up, and what's worse, it's up now. It's December 30th, and Gonzalo wants to be in Costa Rica in a week. Many calls later (to change schedules, holidays, meetings, and various other jobs), we all manage to be available for those dates. It's decided: on January 9th, 2021, we're leaving for Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a Central American country with tropical forests and coasts on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. It's known for its beaches, volcanoes, and rich biodiversity, but, most importantly, Costa Rica is our winter escape... And how eager I am to get there! January 9, 11:00 a.m. We arrive at the airport; the Madrid runways are supposedly closed, but we have to go through there before continuing to the Costa Rican capital, San José. What's happening makes no sense. No one knows what to do, and everything at the airport is chaotic. We arrive at the counter and are told it's impossible to fly and that we probably won't be able to fly for a few days. The worst part isn't not being able to leave on the day we had planned, it's all the planning that was already confirmed: all the flights, insurance, cars, accommodations, PCR tests, etc. Everything we've done has been useless, and we have to change everything. January 11, 8:30 a.m. Second attempt. Second slap in the face. Our flight is canceled again.   January 13, 9:30 a.m. Finally. Finally, they're letting us fly. We're off, PURA VIDA! Núria, Gon, Axel, and I left Barcelona and arrived in Madrid to meet up with Nacho, Juan, and Pascal. After the reunion, we got ready to take an 11.5-hour flight to San José. When we arrived, we went through all the checks: health, passport, insurance... It's midnight and we're inside. We still have to rent cars and drive to Arenal, the volcano that will be our first location for the shoot and is three hours away. Before I get started with the actual Adventure Journal, I'd like to introduce you to the people who were lucky enough to travel with me. First off, Núria, my great friend and travel companion, who I can always count on both in front of and behind the camera. She'll blow you away either way. Besides delighting us with her presence every morning, she never says no to anything, is quite cuddly, and occasionally goes crazy, which is the most fun part. Gonzalo, you already know him and how indispensable he is for every trip. Dictator, thinker, organizer, photographer, and surfer. He's got it all, even a cute dog! But he never wants to make beers on trips. Nobody's perfect. Axel, the most recognizable face in all of Blue Banana and possibly the image of some of your wildest dreams and worst nightmares. Driver, photographer, blogger, etc., a jack-of-all-trades, but he's still definitely part of the family for all the laughs he makes us have. Pascal, our new discovery of the trip. A German who can easily make a video of you doing parkour or backflips. Organized, cheerful, patient, and energetic 24/7. Just don't let him go hungry. You've been warned. Juan, one of the founders of Blue Banana. He's crazy enough to challenge you to anything, even if he's never tried it before. A clear example of self-confidence. Plus, he's the kind of person who doesn't need to make any effort to be funny; even when he's serious, he makes you laugh. Nacho, the most patient person I know, basically because he puts up with me the longest on trips and vice versa, eh... but he's the boss, so you have to put up with him. He's the last to go to sleep and the first to offer me a beer. As an Operations Manager, he's pretty bad, but as the founder of Blue Banana, he's not bad at all. After all, we're going to Costa Rica, right? DAY 1. NOTHING GOES WELL FOR US We started, and we started badly. We arrived at the hotel at 3:30 in the morning. Along the way, the police stopped us because there was a curfew in Costa Rica at the time, and it was clearly very late. We showed them the flights, and they let us through, but not before warning us to be careful depending on which area of ​​Costa Rica we were visiting. At 5:30 a.m. we're all ready and heading out to Arenal, a volcano that scientists consider still active and one of the most iconic in existence. Our plan is to go paddleboarding with the volcano's reflection in a lake just below. Adding to our bad luck, the weather is chaotic. It's foggy and raining, so no paddleboarding, no reflection, nothing. We decide to go to La Fortuna Waterfall, since the weather doesn't seem to be improving, and on these trips, every minute is precious, and we're racing against the clock. Upon arrival, we're told we have a half-hour descent ahead of us to reach the waterfall. The path is made up of rocks that are a perfect half-meter long. A spectacular workout for the butt. When we reach the bottom, we realize the trip has been totally worth it, and after shooting, we decide to go for a swim. Now it's time to go back, and the climb, ugh, isn't as fun, but we're pumped and can't stop. We return to the early morning spot and find a rope swing next to the lake. We still can't see the reflection because of the fog, but it's no longer raining, so we can jump in and do a little paddleboarding with some boards we rented there. By the way, it's already 9 a.m., and we've done so much. We continued our journey to the Río Celeste to watch the sunset there. We'd seen photos and the day had cleared up, so we all imagined something spectacular. Legend has it that when God finished painting the sky, he cleaned his brushes in the river, and that's why it has this color. Later, scientists interrupted us and told us it was an optical illusion caused by the composition of the water. The thing is, the water in this river has a very strong and distinctive turquoise color that—beware!—none of us ever saw. Why? Because Nacho failed as Operations Manager. We arrived at 5:00 PM, and the park closed at 2:00 PM. This means the park has been closed for 3 hours (and 1 minute for nothing). Anyway, between the rain and this failure, tomorrow can only get better. We grab the cars and head to Samara, where we'll spend the night. Samara is a town on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, a 3-hour drive away. *We drove a lot on this trip because we wanted to cover all of Costa Rica in 10 days, and the hours we spent driving were insane. We recommend taking a longer trip to see everything at a leisurely pace. DAY 2: WE VISITED SPECTACULAR BEACHES, HAD A GAME WITH A QUAD AND A MOTORCYCLE, AND STAYED ALIVE THANKS TO A WAITER We woke up in Samara and fell in love with this part of Costa Rica. We finally saw the sun in the morning, and how magical it was. A long, long beach lined with palm trees and absolutely no one else around. A beautiful spot. Highly recommended. We skated a bit along the roads next to the beach, and after a couple of hours of filming, we headed off to breakfast. Something I'd like to highlight is the friendliness and good vibes of all the locals. After breakfast, we rent a quad and a motorcycle to get some action-packed shots. We look for a secluded spot, so as not to cause a stir, and find a sort of abandoned lot perfect for filming. Our intention is to do everything possible to avoid injury, but we're not at all sure that something won't happen. Luckily, we all know exactly what we're doing, and the shooting turns out great. On the way back, we stop for lunch at a small house. We arrive at Camaronal Beach, which is very close to Samara. Axel, Juan, and Nacho are going to return the quad and motorcycle; the rest of us stay on the beach and rent a couple of boards to do a little surfing. Once again, a 1-kilometer beach, completely empty, with perfect waves breaking. We spent a fantastic afternoon, and before nightfall, we decided to return to Samara to watch the sunset there. We're exhausted, it's 6:00 PM, and we've been up and down since 5:00 AM. We can't take any more photos, so we're going to have some beers and dinner. We've earned it. We had dinner at a restaurant in Samara next to our hotel. Juan, Pascal, Gon, and Axel headed back to the hotel to start transferring all the material to the computer and planning tomorrow's day. Núria, Nacho, and I stayed a little longer at the bar, and when we left, Nacho swore he knew how to get back to the hotel; it was right next door and there was no need to use Google Maps. He said he knew Samara like the back of his hand, and we trusted him. After walking for 25 minutes in single file along an unlit road with three flashing phones, we started to realize we were lost. We all knew it, but we'd been walking for so long that no one said anything so as not to discourage the others. We had no internet, so we couldn't check. In the distance, we saw two figures standing on a bridge and decided to ask them, but before we could get there, a motorcycle passed by and stopped. He asked us if we were lost, and it turned out to be the waiter from the restaurant where we had dinner, who had recognized us by our sweatshirts. We basically walked 25 minutes in the opposite direction and arrived at Torito, an area not recommended for nightlife, especially for three lost tourists with flashlights in hand. Daniel lets us use his phone to send the location to Axel, and luckily, he's the only one who isn't asleep yet. It takes him two minutes to come and get us, and after thanking the waiter for his help and giving him a few sweatshirts, we make it back to the hotel. Conclusion: Nacho is not to be trusted. DAY 3: WE SURF HUGE WAVES, SEE TURTLES HATCHING, AND MAKE IT TO MONTEVERDE NATIONAL PARK We woke up at 5:30 and headed to the Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge. The sunrise was beautiful from there. But every good thing comes with a bad side: we got a flat tire. You know, our luck. The waves are huge. Gonzalo goes into the water, but it's impossible. We only have an hour to create all the content we need for that spot. When we're done, we leave some wet T-shirts on the beach in the hopes that some local surfer would pick them up and decide to represent Blue Banana in the tropics. Before leaving the beach, we see the lifeguard enter a shelter. He explains that he has to free some newly hatched turtles and asks if we want to join him. *They keep the turtles protected from beach tourists, but as soon as they hatch they release them into the water. She gives us a bucket so we don't touch them with our hands, as they could be contaminated with anything and the turtles could be harmed. It's beautiful to release a newborn turtle and think that its life begins at that moment. After a once-in-a-lifetime experience, we return to reality. Time to fix the flat tire and stop to buy something for breakfast, because we still have a three-hour drive ahead of us until we reach Monteverde National Park. When we arrive it starts to rain, but it doesn't matter, because we can't waste time or the spot, it's incredible! Hanging bridges in the middle of a jungle that's 90% virgin forest. After an hour exploring the park, we headed to the hummingbird shelter to see if we could capture one on video. It's incredible how beautiful they are and how fast they move. When we get there, we head back to the road and stop along the way to take a few shots with the drone, because the views are beautiful. Once the drone is in the air, we wait and wait, but it doesn't return. This is crazy, and given our history with drones, we're giving up. We managed to land it and ended up having to drive around for a while to locate it, but we got it back, except, as always, we were running late and still had to find a restaurant with an open kitchen. Luckily, we found one with a foosball table. Needless to say, Núria and I crushed it; we're just too good. DAY 4: WE GOT A GAMBLE TO GET TO THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACH IN THE WORLD, WE HAD THE BIGGEST FAILURE OF THE TRIP AND SLEPT IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE Today we're going to Punta Uvita, a beach shaped like a whale's tail in the Pacific. We arrived and the entrance was closed, but we needed to take photos in the light of dawn, so we took a chance and jumped over the fence. We crossed the stretch of jungle before reaching the beach, and when we arrived, we saw that the tide was still too high and we had to cross a very deep creek created by the tide (all of this with our backpacks on our heads, of course). This is always scary because of all the gear we carried, which clearly couldn't get wet. We made it without any casualties. Without a doubt, my favorite spot in Costa Rica. Beautiful light, a beach surrounded by lush, pristine vegetation. The reflections left by the waves on the beach don't seem real. It's getting late, the light is too harsh for photos, and people are starting to appear. As we leave, we realize that during normal hours, admission is charged, but we didn't know that, so we're spared. We're lucky to be the first to arrive. Our next destination is Manuel Antonio Park, where we'll be looking for monkeys, sloths, and all kinds of animals. There are supposedly tons of them, and we hope to see them all. Manuel Antonio Park is one of the most important parks in Costa Rica, so we know it'll be a very touristy place, which we're not entirely happy about because, as you know, we always seek the most natural and pure adventure. Anyway, when you visit countries you've never been to, you have to do everything, including the touristy stuff. The visit, at least in our case, turns out to be the biggest failure of the trip. Besides having to pay for absolutely everything, we don't see any monkeys or sloths, just iguanas and the occasional ant. We decide to continue the trip and head to Sierpe. Always with a smile. We descend super fast toward a river where we have to take a raft, board the car, and cross it to reach our hotel. As always, we're short on time, and the bad thing this time is that if we miss the raft, the return trip to get to the hotel will be too long. Thanks to our driving skills, we manage to arrive on time. Tonight we stayed at an eco-hotel in the middle of nowhere. It's run by a family with a beautiful story: an American guy who came to Costa Rica, fell in love with a Tica (as Costa Ricans like to call themselves) and never left. This is his home now. The service is great, the dinner is delicious, and we go to bed happy, having been awake since 4:30 and having to get up early again tomorrow. DAY 5: WE SEE CROCODILES, BUILD A CABIN AND EXPERIENCE ONE OF THE BEST SUNSETS OF THE TRIP We woke up very early to watch the sunrise while sailing through the Sierpe Mangroves. Sierpe is the gateway to the largest pristine mangrove forest in Central America, a refuge for countless species of birds and other wildlife. We went with the intention of seeing crocodiles, sloths, monkeys, and every kind of wildlife we ​​could find. As we travel through the canals, the captain explains that food is plentiful and therefore, if someone falls off the boat, the crocodiles will not attack them directly. *The hidden crocodiles that can be found are about 4-5 meters long compared to those near the town that are around 2-3 meters long. When we're done, we treat ourselves to a few beers while watching one of the best sunsets we've ever seen. Cheers. DAY 6: A FAMILY OF DOLPHINS VISITS US AND WE END THE DAY WITH A BONFIRE AND NIGHT BATHING We woke up leisurely and allowed ourselves to rest a little. The hostel owner joined us for breakfast, and after explaining all our travels, he told us about a friend of his who owns a boat and could take us to see dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and, with a bit of luck, even a humpback whale. They took us to Golfo Dulce, one of the world's three tropical fjords, where humpback whales from Antarctica and Alaska come at different times of the year. Without a doubt, this is the best place to observe pods of dolphins traveling in numbers of hundreds of individuals. When we finish, we get back in the car to continue our route, but along the way we get diverted due to roadworks and end up on the beach. We took the opportunity to take some shots of the cars on the sand while Pascal drove the FPV. The cars ended up looking white from the dust and sand. *Something we always experience is embarrassment when returning rental cars because people never understand how they end up like this. We managed to see thousands of dolphins playing around the boat. Every time they came close, one of us jumped in to swim with them, but it was impossible; they were too fast. After a bit of a mess there, we arrived at Pavones beach and watched the sunset. It's a beautiful beach where we end up building a bonfire and drinking beers we bought at a nearby beach bar. Before leaving, we go for a night swim. DAY 7: 8 HOURS BY CAR TO REACH A SPOT THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE DUE TO RAIN We woke up early to continue the trip. This time we headed to the Caribbean, towards Bajos del Toro, but first we stopped at some waterfalls. We had an eight-hour drive, but we're so used to it now that no one complained. We took turns eating, sleeping, and singing. We made a pit stop along the way, and by pure chance, we saw the first sloth of the trip! FINALLY. The second stop was the Tárcoles River Bridge to see crocodiles. It's a very famous bridge and, therefore, also popular with tourists, because you can always see crocodiles basking in the sun below. There are many, and some are gigantic. We leave the Pacific Ocean behind and head back to the Poas Volcano National Park. We've come to see the San Fernando Waterfall, which we've heard wonderful things about. It's raining when we arrive, and we decide to stop for lunch while we wait for it to subside, but it doesn't seem like it's going to. We try to go down because it's only supposed to be for half an hour, but it's raining so hard that it's impossible for shooting. Although we're really looking forward to seeing the waterfall because it looks impressive from the top, our cameras and clothes are getting wet, and the ground is too slippery with such a steep slope. We're soaked from the rain, so we decide it's best to head back to the hostel and think that tomorrow will be the day we reach the Caribbean. Our home for the night is a pair of beautiful wooden cabins in the middle of nowhere, in Bajos del Toro. When we arrive, we all grab a beer. Well, everyone except Pascal, who starts a full workout while making the rest of us feel terrible. When he's done, he joins in, of course. In true German style. DAY 8: WE VISIT AN ACID WATERFALL, CROSS A FAST-FLOWING RIVER, AND GET A PCR TEST FROM THE CAR When we wake up, it's raining. *Rain is a very common phenomenon in areas near the Costa Rican jungle, unlike in coastal areas. You have to see everything, not just stay on the beaches, but don't forget the rain . Luckily, while we're having breakfast, the sun rises, and with it, we head out to some waterfalls that someone recommended to us. They're spectacular and very wild. *The Toro Waterfall is located in an ancient volcano that hasn't erupted in years and is about 100 meters high. Another interesting fact is that the water that flows out is acidic, so swimming is prohibited for your own survival. It stings our eyes just from being near it. From there we went to the twin waterfalls, which, as their name suggests, are two identical waterfalls. They're not as high as the one we saw this morning, but access is much more difficult. You have to walk for a while and cross a rather complicated river with a very strong current. Of course, it's raining. Although some people almost died along the way, we managed to cross. *Special mention to the guide who accompanied us and who crossed the river as if he were walking through his own home. After our adventures, we have to return to the real world and head to the capital, San José, to get the PCR test that will allow us to return to Spain. The PCR test is done from the car; we just have to open the window. When we get out, we have lunch next to the hospital and continue on our way. We still have five hours until we reach the Caribbean region. It's 5:30 p.m. and we're heading to Cahuita National Park. We don't want to arrive too late so we have time to rest a little. DAY 9: THE LAST DAY OF THE TRIP ALWAYS INVOLVES WHIMS Last day of the trip. We're in Cahuita, a town on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This place is a perfect combination of paradisiacal white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, beautiful coral reefs, and a tropical rainforest teeming with life. We got up early to catch the sunrise, but it's very cloudy. Although that doesn't mean we have to stop, we have to take photos no matter what. We're on one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. It's the only day we haven't had any luck with the lights on the beach, so we can't complain. Everything important has been taken. We just need a few photos for the website, and we'll be done. When we're done, we look for a restaurant where we can have pancakes for breakfast, a treat to say goodbye to the trip. Afterward, we head to another beach in the center of town to finish filming a couple of team stories, and then all that's left to do is enjoy and relax for the afternoon. We buy a couple of smoothies and relax on the beach. Unfortunately, tomorrow we'll be back and the trip will be over. DAY 10: CHAOS. We wake up and the last day is always chaotic. A mix between a ring and a flea market, where we all fight over which clothes we want to keep and how to fit everything into our luggage. The flight is at 5 p.m., but we still have to cross all of Costa Rica (about 6 or 7 hours by car) and return the cars. We don't have the PCR results yet, so we're crossing our fingers and hoping everything goes well so we can return. All the results were negative. We managed to arrive on time and catch our flights. We spent the flight sleeping and catching up on sleep. Upon arriving in Madrid, we parted ways. Nacho, Juan, and Pascal stayed behind, while the rest of us continued on to Barcelona. When booking the flights, I had a problem with mine, so I had to spend three more hours alone at the Madrid airport, which allowed me time to reflect on everything that had happened. Everyone tells us how lucky we are. And we know it. But these trips aren't easy. They require a lot of physical effort and a lot of patience to put up with everyone traveling with you. You have to be motivated at all times to endure and bring out the best in yourself, both personally and professionally. But we all know that anyone would give anything to be able to experience them. I love traveling, and I love traveling alone because it allows me to experience places more personally. In this case, having been so intense, having explored so many parts of Costa Rica (literally from north to south and east to west), I think we all fell in love with this place, and some even considered leaving everything behind and staying. It's impossible for Costa Rica to leave you indifferent. It has a magic that captivates and fascinates you. Now I fully understand all those people we've met along the way who told us they'd found their place in that land. Upon arriving in Barcelona, ​​a friend gave me the book Pura Vida by José María Mendiluce, which says about Costa Rica: "There, life fails to conform to rules, nor are rules able to control lives." And I wonder, isn't this the same philosophy of Blue Banana? If I ever disappear, You know where to look for me, Anna

ISLANDA - Luoghi nascosti e posti migliori per ...

Hello! Let me introduce myself, I'm Felip, a content creator, surfer, skater, skier... Well, a bit of everything. But what brought me here was my passion for adventure and discovering hidden corners of the world surrounded by nature. I've accompanied this crazy gang from Blue Banana on a couple of expeditions, and this was my third campaign with the team. Iceland, a fucking natural paradise, a no-man's-land, with a mix of ice, fire, and green... It feels like another world. Speaking technically, Iceland is the second largest island in Europe and the third largest in the Atlantic. It covers an area of ​​103,000 km² and is located in the North Atlantic Ocean, between Greenland, Norway, and Scotland. I was accompanied on this trip by incredible people, which made it even more magical. Suzie, Hildur, Gon, Charlie, Axel, Pascal, Nacho, and Jhonny are responsible for making my time so good. Our trip to Iceland lasted about 11 days, and we traveled along the entire south coast from Reykjavik, the capital, to Höfn, a small fishing village on the eastern tip of the island. We traveled in late August/early September, and it still rained and the sky was cloudy most days. I see very few hours of sunshine in this country. Day 1 The trip begins. We all arrive at Reykjavik airport and have our first team meeting, as the group includes people from Spain, Sweden, and Germany. To make things even better, we decide to go to a restaurant in the capital and start talking about the entire trip. We end up at a burger joint, and once we're ready, we start the journey to our first accommodation. To make the trip more comfortable, we decided to sleep in different hotels/apartments and spend two nights in each to get the most out of each area. We spent the first night near the first spot (Skógar). Day 2 One of the most intense days of the trip is about to begin, or so I think. We woke up at 5 a.m. to head to Skógafoss, an incredibly beautiful waterfall surrounded by green meadows and with a massive drop. I'm loving it so far! We go early in the morning because we want to avoid the crowds, as it's a very accessible waterfall (you only have to walk about 50 meters to reach the base). First, we film at the base, where the entire waterfall falls, and then we climb some stairs on one side of the waterfall to see everything from above. It's worth the climb. Of course, we have to accept that the weather isn't exactly cooperating at the moment. It's been raining all morning, and between the rain and the waterfall, we're all soaked. But there's still the day ahead. We return to the hotel, have breakfast (how I love the all-you-can-eat buffet... 😋), and get ready to head to the next spot. This spot wasn't on the agenda, but it happens to be my favorite of the day: Kvernufoss. We take a very easy hike, a maximum of 20 minutes, to reach this waterfall, located in an incredible, almost perfect location! You can enter behind the waterfall, and there's a whole canyon leading up to it. We finish shooting and head to another area where there's a huge cliff with a couple of waterfalls inside that are well worth visiting. Plus, access to the site is very easy: Gljúfrabúi and Seljalandsfoss. As you can see, the names are very easy to pronounce. We finished the shoot by almost swimming in Seljalandsfoss (you can find everything on the Iceland blog, in Part 1). Already soaked, we returned to the hotel to eat pizza, dry our clothes, and rest. It was an intense day, with more than 15 hours of shooting between waterfalls, cameras, and drones. More tomorrow. Day 3 We woke up at 5:00 a.m. We like to get up early to enjoy the empty spots. This morning's mission was to go to the Plane Wreck. We left the car in a parking lot next to the road and started hiking along a flat but long path. After an hour of walking, we arrived at this incredible place that looks like something from another planet. Complete with black sand and a wrecked plane in the middle of nowhere. Of course, the rain is a must! We're getting used to it. After shooting, we return to the hotel for breakfast, collect all our bags, and head to Reynisfjara Viewpoint, which overlooks an incredible beach. We're at the top of the cliffs, but I decide to head down to try some shots; I almost kill myself trying, but the location is worth it! Next spot: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon. This spot joins the list of surreal landscapes. I think it's in the top three of the entire trip; it's so beautiful! We shoot through the entire canyon, but the fog eventually takes us over, and we have to give up for today. Our accommodation for the day is an Airbnb nestled between rivers and waterfalls. Day 4 We woke up early, although we slept a little more today, made some sandwiches, and set off on our adventure. First stop: the Skaftafell Glacier. We visited the entire glacier from the lake where all the icebergs reside and shot there. Gon, flying the drone in search of patterns, ran out of battery and lost connection between the controller and the drone. Luckily, I managed to see him, but we were on the verge of losing him. Next idea: climb to Kristínartindar summit, but fog and bad weather prevent us from doing so, since the goal is to see the entire glacier from the mountains on the sides and with the fog it is impossible. After capturing some epic shots, we eat and head off-road to another glacier exit (since it's a huge glacier): Svínafellsjökull. This spot has incredible views, and Pascal manages to capture the most epic shots by diving into the ice crevices with the FPV drone. When we decided to leave, a loud noise started, which scared us all, and suddenly we saw a piece of glacier fall into the water. We were amazed! Flying the drone from there, we discovered another spot on the other side of the glacier where there's a lot of ice. Access is easy, so we decided to go and investigate. The views, once again, are breathtaking, and the expedition above the ice... Advice: don't do it. I'll say no more. We go to dinner at a restaurant in the nearest town and return home to rest, recharge our batteries, and dry our clothes. Day 5 Good morning! Time to wake up, tidy up the house, and get ready for the next leg of the trip. First stop: Diamond Beach. This beach is one of Iceland's most typical beaches, thanks to all the small icebergs that remain on the beach as the tide rises and falls, as it's located right at the mouth of a river that flows from the glacier. They really look like diamonds on the black sand. We take some amazing shots running through the sea and the ice cubes and end up a little soaked, again... We love it! We also see seals for the first time on this beach. The photos, the textures emerging from the ice cubes, are incredible... Everything is great! We finished and our intention is to go to Jokularsson, although it is so cloudy we decided to leave it for another day. In the afternoon, we go in search of a movie spot. It ends up being the best hike I've ever done: the Múlagljúfur Canyon. I never would have imagined something as beautiful as this canyon could exist. The hike lasts just under an hour. At the end, you reach a river with cliffs on both sides, waterfalls cascading down… Surreal! After making the most of the site, we head to the next accommodation in the eastern part of Iceland, in the village of Höfn. Day 6 We got up at 4:30 because we wanted to see the sunrise. Mission failed; the clouds changed our plans again. We go to Stockness Beach, an incredible beach with black sand and tall, green grass on the small hills, with mountains all around, seals bathing in the sea... The only problem is the wind. I start flying my drone to go and film some mountains, and when I bring it back, there's such a headwind that it can't move forward and, to top it all off, it runs out of battery in a place inaccessible by car, several kilometers from where we are. Nacho and I go in search of the lost drone, which appears even further away than it should, but luckily everything is fine. We stopped for lunch at a restaurant on the way to Jokularsson, and when we reached the glacier, we were incredibly lucky. Thanks to the wind, everything had cleared up, and it was even sunny. It was the first day of the trip that we managed to shoot in the sun! We flew the drone normally. Suddenly, while flying the FPV drone, Pascal loses connection with the drone as it passes behind an iceberg, and the FPV goes straight to the bottom of the glacier lake. This time, there's no way to recover it... On the way back to Höfn, to make the day even better, we got a flat tire. Once the tire was replaced, we could finally go eat and rest. Day 7 Today we have about an eight-hour drive ahead of us. We're heading to the Highlands, a route comprised largely of off-road vehicles. We make our first stop at Jokularsson, basically to go skinny dipping in the frozen lake (yes, that's right, you can check it out in blog 8). We'll take some drone shots of the icebergs near the sand, then continue. Along the way, we found a meadow with a very steep slope and decided to skate around it, like crazy! The landscapes here have me amazed. Once you leave the South Iceland Highway and head towards the Highlands, it's all off-road roads and you'll cross rivers of varying sizes. We're traveling in a 4x4 and a van, and at one of these rivers, the van stalled, although everything seemed fine afterwards (Spoiler: it wasn't). The last spot of the day is Bláhyur, a lake surrounded by green and black mountains. We climbed the highest mountain to watch the sunset, which once again lingered between clouds and more clouds. Even so, it was an incredible experience, given the views of this natural park. Today we're sleeping in a hostel in the middle of nowhere. We're exhausted, and we're looking forward to a pretty poor dinner because our schedule isn't typical in this country. Tip: Eat dinner early and stick to your schedule, otherwise you'll end up eating at the most expensive places. Day 8 We woke up at 6 a.m. ready to explore the Highlands, but the van wouldn't start and decided not to work. Between one story and another, we managed to make progress at 10 a.m. with the 4x4 and the Land Rover. This time we were truly prepared for every river we encountered! We head towards Landmannalaugar, where a landscape that seems like it's from another planet awaits us (sorry for repeating myself, but this place has me amazed and I can't find any more adjectives to define these landscapes that have no possible normal description). We left the car in a sandy parking lot where people were camping and began the hike. Suddenly, we found ourselves in a place that looked like the center of a giant crater, with volcanic rocks and moss on top, colorful mountains all around, geysers everywhere, and a wide variety of unimaginable landscapes. We explored a bit and ended up at some colorful mountains, arranged as if painted, and we got THE shot of the trip. After this excursion, we hopped back in the car and headed back to the hotel. Day 9 Today we woke up and set out to explore the surroundings of Landmannalaugar. We started with a shoot on the roads between volcanoes and got some epic shots out of the Landy's windows. We ended on a road that goes over the lakes and managed to capture some brutal shots with the FPV at full speed. Then, heading to the next spot, we stopped to shoot at another spot lost in the Highlands that had a river with incredible textures right next to it. Gon worked his magic and took the best drone shots of the entire trip. By the way, don't ask me the name because I have no idea. Next, we climbed the crater of the Stutur volcano, which was spectacular. The views were out of this world, and the landscape was a thousand colors. Hungry as hell, we go to a spectacular place in the middle of the Highlands for lunch: some buses away from everything that have a small shop selling basic groceries. We buy some sandwiches and something to drink. It's great for continuing shooting into the afternoon, since that's all there is around. Getting in and out of there requires crossing several very deep rivers. It's true what they say about not being able to travel around here without a well-equipped and equipped 4x4 because there are always so many rivers to cross. To end the day, on the way to our next hotel, we do an express photo op at the Maelifell volcano. A stunning landscape, filled with black sand surrounding an incredible green mountain, with glaciers and mountains in the distance. We take the opportunity to take some photos and some FPV shots of the tent and the Land Rover. After the shoot, we continued on our way to the last hotel of the trip—well, more than a hotel, a campsite with bungalows in the middle of nowhere: Básar Hut & Campsite. To get there, we absolutely had to use the Land Rover 4x4, otherwise crossing the rivers would be impossible. It's also prohibited without a fully equipped 4x4. At two of the rivers we crossed, the car sank above the hood, and since it was nighttime, we were left blind. In fact, a property manager had to come and find us to find out which route to take so we could cross the rivers correctly. Day 10 We woke up surrounded by nature and took the morning a little more leisurely. We had breakfast and went exploring the area. We took the opportunity to record footage of the Land Rover crossing the rivers during the day and ended up in the Stakkholtsgjá Canyon, a beautiful place, different from the canyons we'd seen so far, wider and with higher walls. And on top of that, we were alone, flying the FPV and exploring the caves. We ended up at a more enclosed spot where there was a waterfall with a huge drop that bounced between the moss walls, where only a trickle of light entered—unbelievable! To finish the last full day of the trip, after lunch, we'll hike from our accommodation to Thórsmörk Mountain. The views from the top are breathtaking: a glacier, various rivers, mountains, and more mountains with spectacular shapes. For a change, the sun hasn't risen yet, nor have we seen the last sunset of the trip. After the last supper, we had a celebratory beer and went to sleep. Day 11 We woke up and started the route back to Reykjavik. We stop at the Flói Nature Reserve, at some geysers, but we're short on time and can only record a couple of shots before starting the return journey. It's time to go to the airport, return the cars, and catch a flight home. See you soon, Iceland! Author Profile Felip Vives is a young man from Barcelona who loves surfing, skateboarding, photography, and traveling. He's joined us on every crazy adventure we've suggested; he's a jack-of-all-trades. He's accompanied us on many trips, including to Iceland, Panama, and Fuerteventura. He acts as an action man, a model, a filmmaker; he does whatever it takes to get THAT shot (he even climbs wherever necessary!). He's already part of the Blue Banana family, and we share our way of enjoying life and our desire to seek adventures around the world.

SPAIN 2021 - UNKNOWN ROADS, LITERALLY

Hello everyone! I'm Anna Mendiola, a photographer, motorcycle enthusiast, and adventure lover. I've accompanied the Blue Banana crew on many of their trips, including Indonesia, the Azores, and Costa Rica... incredible! This time, I'm here to tell you about my latest adventure with them: a road trip through Spain with BMW Motorrad. Together with Pol Alberdi, we started the bikes without knowing where our next stop would be. Everything was in the hands of our Instagram followers, who decided our every step through surveys... Infinite possibilities and destinations completely unknown to us. But Pol and I were prepared for anything. So, we started in the Pyrenees, and from there, everything was unpredictable. The first stop was a hot air balloon ride to watch the sunrise from the top... brutal. From there, we crossed all kinds of roads and traveled to our next destination: Mallorca. We toured the Mediterranean coast, visited spectacular coves, and spent a day boating around the island. Crystal-clear waters, abundant nature, unimaginable landscapes, and much more in a week where we discovered incredible places in Spain. But this is just a brief summary. There's much more: dozens of stories, incredible photos, breathtaking landscapes, and reflections on the trip that you can only find in our eBook. To learn everything behind our journey, access your private Blue Banana profile and return to this page to download in just one click all the details of a story that begins and ends on wheels. Because you don't have to travel far to discover places that will leave you speechless... don't miss it! Until the next adventure, Anna Author Profile Anna Mendiola She's a young woman from Barcelona who loves photography, motorcycles, and, above all, adventure. She's up for anything, and no matter what we suggest, she never says no. She's accompanied us on many of our trips, including to Costa Rica, Indonesia, and the Azores. She models, showcases her photography skills, and gives it her all on a motorcycle. She's already part of the Blue Banana family, and we share her way of living and seeing life, our desire to explore the world and discover every corner of it.

AZORES 2020 - Traveling in the middle of a pand...

Okay, guys, this trip has been a fucking crazy trip, I'm not going to lie to you. We had another destination in mind to generate all the content for the new collection, and five days before the release date, with everything bought and reserved, a new law came out that forced anyone arriving in the country to quarantine, so we had to put together an express trip to another destination and bet everything on one, with the risk of the same thing happening to us again, but we had no other choice, so we chose: AZORES + MADEIRA. Wonderful islands separated by thousands of miles, it was a perfect fit for us to produce the content for AW20. We all took a PCR test less than 72 hours before the flight, and after testing negative, we set off on the adventure with more enthusiasm than ever! First things first, let me introduce you to the amazing team of creators, models, and thinkers who went on this adventure. From left to right, Nacho, co-founder of Blue Banana and operations intern for the Media team during productions; Axel, who is Axel, there's no possible description for this guy, only that he's crazy as a fucking goat. In the middle, I, Gon, I'd say the only one with a bit of sense, but that's a lie, I'm also crazy... To my right, Santi, an elegant content creator until you put a few beers in front of him, then he's a real joker. If you see him, call him SSSSoosi. Continuing to the right, Juan, the other founder of Blue Banana and a guy with an iron pulse, a magician with the Steady Cam, I'd say. Then there's Anna; you've probably already seen her in one, I mean one, in all of BlueBanana's ads, with an impeccable smile from 5 in the morning until 1 in the morning, this girl knocks us all out. And the best for last, Miss Cova, a constant positive vibe, a rainy and cold day with expectations of radiant sunshine is a gift for this woman, joy 24/7, a pleasure! Okay, now let's get down to business! First of all, here's the itinerary we followed: As you can see, it's quite busy and the days are quite long. I recommend adding 3 or 4 more days to take things more relaxed, especially knowing that you never know what the weather will be like in the Azores. Day 0 and 1: Our FPV flight is down, we visit one of the most beautiful spots of the trip, and Strike 1 tries to see the Corvo caldera. We started the trip sleepy, but very motivated. It took us two days to arrive, but it was worth it. Our first destination, Flores Island , a paradise for nature lovers. The first place we visited was Ribeira do Ferreiro, one of the most famous spots to see on the island, and we soon understood why. A spectacular set of waterfalls that rose above a green cliff and flowed into a lake with a perfect reflection. We enjoyed the spot alone for a couple of hours, and then headed to the next, a stunning waterfall by the sea. We recorded some footage with the FPV, did a bit of skating, and headed straight to the port. We hadn't even been cruising for 5 hours and it was time to change islands! We boarded the boat and headed for Corvo Island, a small, remote island with only a village and a crater. We were going there just to see the crater, with a lot of uncertainty about the weather, as we hadn't yet seen the sun during our trip. We had two opportunities, one that afternoon and another very early the next morning. Afterwards, we left the island to head to São Miguel, the most famous island in the Azores archipelago. The first attempt was a tragedy. We reached the crater with visibility below 3 meters, with winds of over 50 km/h and heavy rain. With long faces but eager to create, we took advantage of the downhill curves to film on our skates, yeah! Then we returned to the hotel to rest and prepare for a second attempt the following morning. Up to this point, we had taken three planes, a boat, and completed a rather unpleasant PCR test. All to get where we were. If we didn't make it, all the efforts made up to that point would have been for nothing. Day 2; The weather gives us half an hour, we see dolphins, and Juan almost loses his cap in the middle of the Atlantic. At 5 a.m. the alarm went off, we woke up, and headed for the crater. It looked clear, but the closer we got to the summit, the worse it looked. All the damn storms that then reach Spain start in the Azores, so keep that in mind! We had a half-hour window of sunshine before it started pouring with rain, just enough time to create all the content we needed and head off to our next destination. Done! Yiha! We took the boat back to Flores Island in the nick of time, saw a few dolphins, and almost lost a cap in the Atlantic, but all was well. We returned the rental car and headed straight to the airport. It was time to fly back to São Miguel (the main island and where we stopped on our first day). There we rented a beautiful villa near Ribeira Grande, known for its surfing and good local food. That afternoon we relaxed and backed up the SD cards, which were loaded with precious megabytes! Day 3: We head to the most famous spot in the entire archipelago and lose ourselves in a lush forest straight out of Hawaii. The next day, early (for a change), we headed to Sete Cidades, the most famous spot on the island and the one through which most people know the archipelago, and no wonder, you don't see those views every day! We spent a couple of hours recording, ALONE. One good thing about Covid was that everything we visited was empty of tourists, and it was a real blast, to be honest. In the afternoon we visited one of the most famous waterfalls on the island and had a nice swim. The path there looks like something straight out of Hawaii, such amazing greenery! Day 4; We lose an FPV drone in the middle of the lake and go down to rescue it. The next day we saw a beautiful sunrise and continued the day with a hike at the foot of Lagoa do Fogo. Santi flew the FPV drone, and within 30 seconds it was already in the lake, so we had to go down and find it! After a long search, we finally found the drone and were able to recover the SD card with all the videos—a miracle! In the afternoon we had a blast skating down the roads leading to Lagoa do Fogo, a real treat if you like downhill! We'd just packed our bags and gotten everything ready because the next day was time to leave the Azores—short but intense! The adventure continued in Madeira. Day 5: We barely made it into Madeira, it rained all afternoon, and we ended the day above the clouds.  We arrived at the airport without the results of the PCR tests we had taken, and the entry was a bit complicated. We spent an hour trying to explain that we hadn't received the results but that we had the tests done. We managed to get through to the São Miguel hospital where we had been tested. After calling the hospital and having the Portuguese people talk to each other, we got through—we were in! We headed straight for the adventure, straight to Caldeirão Verde, a hike that lasted about 4 hours round trip. We had exactly 4 hours before sunset, which we wanted to see on another mountain above the clouds, so we had to run (as always). We want to do everything, and that comes at a price, even if not everyone likes it sometimes, haha. We completed the Caldera excursion in two and a half hours, with the content done. On a shitty, rainy, and dark day, we headed for the mountain to try to see the sunset with no expectations. We made bets. The most pessimistic said we'd be eating our snot, while Nacho and I hoped it would open up. And so it did. After half an hour of climbing, we were above the fucking clouds. HOLY CRAP! We rounded out the content with a historic spot and went to dinner like champions at the local bar. The last day was left, and we had almost all the content done, so we were quite calm even though we had suffered with the weather throughout the trip, we knew how to take advantage of the fog always with a good face. Last day: We started the day at 2000 meters and ended up seeing sperm whales. To top off the trip, of course, we had to get up early. We went to see the sunrise at Pico Arrieiro. What a sight! We could see the sea from the nearly 2,000m elevation gain. A spectacular view. We spent that afternoon on a whale-watching tour, where we saw sperm whales, dolphins, and some rare whales. The boat driver was amazed. We saw another fin, and it seemed just like the others, just as it is. We ended the trip watching the moon rise over a sea of ​​clouds on Pico Ruivo, and satisfied with the work done, we went to make some beers, which we had easily earned! Author Profile Gonzalo Pasquier is a young Spanish adventurer and photographer. He lives and works for travel, and his photographs are inspired by his passion for nature. At Blue Banana, we are fortunate to have him on our team, and his mission is none other than to make this new adventure a reality and capture it in our brand through content with a unique perspective that takes things to the next level. This isn't about what we do, but how we do it. And Gonzalo Pasquier is the man in charge of proving it.

SRI LANKA - EXPLORING THE TEARDROP OF INDIA ON ...

Hey guys! This month we're bringing you a trip that's becoming very popular lately, and we think you'll love it! Sri Lanka, or "Ceylon," is an island nation in Asia, located in the Bay of Bengal, also known as the teardrop of India. If you have an adventurous spirit and enjoy exploring new cultures, Sri Lanka won't disappoint you. A total of 13 nonstop days, traveling from the beach to the island's highest mountains, connected by a blue train that you can hang from the door. This time, we're suggesting a SUPER LOW-COST trip, although we encourage you to add your own twists to make it special. We're leaving you with MyMaps as usual so you can take a look at the route: Day 1 - Arrival at Colombo Airport + Bus to Anuradhapura Day 2 - Temple Bike Rides and Sunset Swim (Anuradhapura – Triconmalee (Upuvele)) Day 3 - Day of walks, volleyball matches and temples (Upuvele) Day 4 - Pigeon Iceland Diving and Bus to Sigiriya (Upuvele – Sigiriya) Day 5 - The Lion's Rock in Sigiriya and 7 hours by bus to Dalhousie (Sigiriya – Dalhousie (Adams Peak)) Day 6 - Climbing Sri Lanka's highest mountain and taking the blue train (Adams Peak – Ella) Day 7 - Visit to the tea plantations and excursion to Ella's Rock (Ella) Day 8 - Trip to Arugam, the PLACE TO BE in Sri Lanka (Ella – Arugam Bay) Days 9, 10 and 11 - Surfing all day in Arugam Bay (Arugam Bay) Day 12 - Beach day in the south of Sri Lanka (Arugam Bay – Tangalle) Day 13 - Going back home (Tangalle – Airport) TIPS for the TRIP After this brief introduction, we'll share the itinerary and our experiences on the trip. Let's go! Day 1 - Arrival at Colombo Airport + Bus to Anuradhapura We landed at Colombo Airport (the capital of Sri Lanka), went through visa control, and collected our checked baggage. We exchanged some cash (the airport doesn't usually have the best exchange rates) and bought a SIM card for data (from DIALOG, you get 4GB for 800 LKR). We asked at the airport tourist office how to get to Anuradhapura since neither of us had looked into travel information. In short, we started the trip feeling very lost. We left the airport and found ourselves surrounded by taxi drivers, who, as is common in Southeast Asia, were waiting at the airport entrance to take us. ** I don't recommend getting these as they tend to be a bit pricey. We take a bus from the airport to the central bus stop in Colombo. This bus costs 130 LKR, which is approximately 60 cents, and takes approximately one hour to reach Colombo. The bus drops us off at the Colombo bus stop, which at first glance seems like a madhouse; there are 100 buses, all moving in no particular order. We look for the bus to Anuradhapura, find it, and are told it leaves in 5 minutes, so we have time to buy a couple of drinks and some food, since the trip takes about 6 hours (it costs approximately 200 LKR). The bus ride is incredibly difficult; they drive terribly, and the bus is so crowded that there's no room to even stretch our legs. When we arrive, the tuk-tuk drivers start pestering us to get into their tuk-tuk to go to a hostel they say belongs to someone they know. We ignore them and walk about 200 meters away. There, with the help of the guide, we find a hostel called FRENCH GARDEN, where a night in a four-bed room costs 5,500 LKR. Being tired, we don't want to look any further, so we decide to stay at that hotel. They're quite friendly, although we can't get the price down. We shower and go out to dinner in the town center. There are several cheap and somewhat shabby restaurants, but the food is typical Sri Lankan. We're exhausted from the trip, so after dinner, we take a short walk and go to sleep. Day 2 - Temple Bike Rides and Sunset Swim (Anuradhapura – Triconmalee (Upuvele)) We got up around 8 a.m. since we were exhausted from the previous day's trip. We had breakfast at the hostel and rented bikes there (400 LKR per person) to visit the temples in the area. At the hostel, they gave us a map with the most important temples in the area, and we planned a route to see them all. Of course, between temples, we competed to see who got there first, and we got a few shouts from the frightened locals. You have to pay up to €25 to enter some temples! ** I recommend going only to the free temples as there isn't much difference with the paid temples. **It is important to bring something to cover your knees and shoulders, as it is necessary to enter most temples. We spend the night visiting temples until 2 p.m. because the taxi we hired to go to Triconmalee leaves at 3 p.m., as there are no more buses to get there. At 3:30 p.m., we take a taxi and pay 8,000 LKR for a 2:30-hour ride. On the way to Triconmalee, we read in the guidebook that a good place to sleep is Upuvele Beach, 3 km north, so we tell the driver to take us there. We find a beachfront hostel called Shivas, where the night costs about 8,000 LKR for a room with six beds. After dropping off our backpacks, we head to the beach and swim while watching the sunset behind the palm trees. We took the opportunity to book the dives at Pigeon Island as they are usually full for the following day (they cost around 75 euros for 2 dives the same morning). Another activity you can book is a snorkel trip at Pigeon Island, and the dive sites you can book are located right on the beach. We shower and go to dinner at a restaurant on the main road right next to our hotel. The food is good and cheap. After dinner, we go to sleep. Day 3 - Day of walks, volleyball games and temples (Upuvele) We got up very early to watch the sunrise on the beach. After chilling for a while, we went to the hotel for breakfast. We weren't sure what to do, so after breakfast we asked the hotel owners, and they told us we could visit the Salli Muthumariyamman Temple. We started walking north along Upuvele Beach. After walking for an hour, we came to a river. We looked for a nearby bridge, but in the end we decided it would be easier to swim across. Luckily, the river doesn't have much current, so it was quite easy, and the water was only 1.5 meters deep. Once we crossed the river, we climbed a rock and reached the temple. It's a very different temple from the others, colorful and well-maintained. We lay down to rest on the sand after our wonderful hike. On the way back to the hotel, we found a lively bar, Fernando's Bar, with a volleyball net and tables on the sand. We decided to eat there and play a few games of volleyball with a group of French people. We return to the hotel and quickly change to take a tuk-tuk to visit the new temple in Triconmalee (Thirukkoneswarm Kovil). The ride from the hotel to the center of Triconmalee costs us about 100 LKR. On the way to the temple, we pass a soccer field where some locals are playing a game. They invite us, and we beat the hell out of them... but we end up dead. After the game, on the way to the temple, we passed by Fort Frederick, a granite and rock fort built in 1624 by the Portuguese from the remains of a destroyed Hindu temple. You have to enter the temple barefoot, so you have to pay 20 LKR to store your shoes. We arrived before sunset, which we really liked because it offers beautiful views of Triconmalee Bay. On the way back home, we looked for a restaurant for dinner, but since none of them appealed to us and we were very tired, we decided to return to the one we had the night before next to the hotel, where we were greeted with a smile. We had dinner and went to bed early because the next day they picked us up at 6:00 a.m. to go diving. Day 4 - Pigeon Iceland Diving and Bus to Sigiriya (Upuvele – Sigiriya) We woke up early and arrived at the dive resort at 7 a.m., had breakfast, and set up our gear. We were told there was a strong current and visibility would be a bit poor, but we went for the dive anyway. In the end, it wasn't so bad, and the site was amazing. ** I recommend taking the snorkeling trip as it is much cheaper and you see more or less the same thing. After the two dives we visited Pigeon Island, which has incredible crystal-clear waters with beautiful coral and white sand on the beach. The only downside to the trip is the large number of tourists on the island. But I still think it's worth it. Upon returning to the hotel, we pick up our room and go find the bus to Sigiriya. To get to Sigiriya, we have to take two buses: the first to Dambulla and then another to get from there to Sigiriya. We arrive around 7:00 PM and, of course, miss the connecting bus. Luckily, an hour later, a local man picks us up in his car and drives us to Sigiriya. We find a hostel with a room for 5,000 LKR with six beds and a fan. It's a bit cramped, but it's fine now. We drop off our backpacks and head for dinner. At the local restaurant, they explain that it's best to climb Pidurangala Mountain, as the Sigiriya (Lions Rock) archaeological site can be seen at sunrise. We go to bed early because the next morning a taxi will pick us up at 4:30 to take us to the foot of Pidurangala. Day 5 - The Lion's Rock in Sigiriya and 7 hours by bus to Dalhousie (Sigiriya – Dalhousie (Adams Peak)) We woke up at 4:15, and the taxi (900LKR) picked us up at 4:30 to take us to the entrance of Pidurangala Mountain. We arrived at the start of the hike, where you have to pass through a temple to enter and pay 500LKR to climb the mountain. The hike is very short, about 20 minutes, and fairly easy, except for a bit of rock climbing at the end. ** To climb Lion Rock you have to pay about 10,000LKR, while for Pidurangala it is only 500LKR. We arrived at the top just in time to see the sunrise, and it was truly spectacular. It's important to bring warm clothing, as it tends to get cold early in the morning. Around 10:00, we returned to the hostel, where they prepared a delicious breakfast after all the work! That night we had dinner at Ristorante Christl, 5 minutes from the hotel, and I highly recommend it too, because they were very fast and the price-performance ratio was good. After some good pizzas we went to bed early, because, of course, we had to get up early again the next day! After breakfast, we rested at the hotel and around 2:00 p.m. decided that the next day we would climb Adams Peak, a 2,240-meter mountain. We asked, and they told us we had to get to Dalhousie first. It's important to get to Dalhousie early, as the journey is very long. We took three buses and a taxi to get there around 11:00 p.m. The route is Sigiriya-Dambulla-Kandy-Hatton, followed by a taxi from Hatton to Dalhousie. We arranged the taxi and hotel from the bus from Kandy to Hatton due to time constraints. **Buses only operate during the pilgrimage season. The only way to get to Dalhousie is by taxi, which costs around 3,000–4,000 LKR each way. In Dalhouse, we slept in a hostel called Green House. It's pretty precarious (for a change), but since we don't need to sleep for long, we don't give it much thought. The Adams Peak hike starts around 3 AM. It's 12:30 AM, so we set our alarms for 3:30 AM and go straight to sleep. It's been a long day. Day 6 - Climbing Sri Lanka's highest mountain and taking the blue train (Adams Peak – Ella) The alarms sound, but it's impossible to get up. In the end, we all get up at 4:15, and at 4:30 we start the hike. It's not raining, but it seems cloudy. This is normal at this time of year; often, after sunrise, the sky clears up. Imagine a very steep, almost vertical mountain covered in lush vegetation. After climbing more than 5,500 steps of varying height, you reach a sacred temple hidden at the top, shrouded in clouds. After 2 hours and a half of climbing stairs, we reached the top. You can't see anything and it's quite cold, but we're happy because it's something you must do in Sri Lanka. We got off and arrived at the hostel at 9:30, where we arranged a taxi for 10:00, as we wanted to catch the 11:15 train from Hatton to Ella. The taxi driver arrived a little late, but then drove fairly quickly, and we arrived just in time to buy our train tickets. ** We decided to take the 11:15 train because we were told that the 13:00 train was always very full. The best thing to do is get a seat and see the entire route from Hatton to Ella through the window. The journey takes about 5 hours. The first two hours have good views to the right, and the next three to the left. The scenery is spectacular, and the train is very cheap. Six tickets cost around 1,000 LKR in second class. We arrived in Ella and were exhausted and a little overwhelmed by the train, as it was quite full and we had barely slept. Upon arriving in Ella, the usual thing happened: 40 locals came offering tuk-tuks and accommodation. Luckily, a very friendly woman came up to us and offered us a place to sleep for 500 LKR per person per night with breakfast for 200 LKR: the Holiday Home Guest Inn, which is also an eight-minute walk from the center. We had dinner at a restaurant called Rasta, where we had delicious local food. After dinner, we went to the famous Ella Cafe Chill restaurant for some beers. Dinner might be a bit pricey because they serve Western food, but it's worth it since there's a great atmosphere. It gets chilly at night, so it's a good idea to pack a sweater before going out to dinner. Day 7 - Visit to the tea plantations and excursion to Ella's Rock (Ella) We get up early again, have breakfast at the hotel, grab a couple of bottles of water, and head off to see the tea plantations. The lady at the hostel recommends we go early to see the locals at work. You can visit the tea production factories, but we decided to see only the plantations. After the plantations, we decided to climb the small mountain of Ella's Rock. We asked a couple of locals, and they told us it was best to hire a guide. We skipped the guide because we wanted a bit of an adventure, even though we knew we'd get a bit lost... but that's why we came! The great thing about this hike is that there are many different paths, and you can create your own route. It's truly worth it, but it's very important to bring water because it can get hot during the day. From the peak, you can see the entire Ella Valley with all the tea plantations. A hike up is highly recommended! We return exhausted and end the day at Café Chill drinking some beers with a group of Italian women. Day 8 - Trip to Arugam, the PLACE TO BE in Sri Lanka (Ella – Arugam Bay) We woke up early to have breakfast and go find the bus to Arugam Bay. The bus leaves at 7 AM and we make a stop in Monaragala before finally arriving at Putuvil, the next town over. From Putuvil, you have to take a tuktuk that costs 250 LKR to get to Arugam Bay. Upon arriving at Arugam Bay, the bus drops you off at the most central part of the beach. From there, we started looking for hostels as usual, ending up at Samantha's Folly for the first night (a few beachfront cabins, the cheapest option at 5,000 LKR). After dropping off our bags, we went looking for somewhere to eat. Unfortunately, it was a holiday, but everything was closed, but we found a restaurant open that was not only very cheap but also very good, and the people who worked there were super nice. In the afternoon, when we're all exhausted, we go for a walk and look at the prices of surfboards to rent (approximately 700 LKR/day). We walk to the main point to check out the waves and we're really looking forward to surfing. On Saturdays, there's a really cool party at Mambo Beach. It starts around 10 a.m. and ends at 5 a.m. **Illegal alcohol can be purchased in small supermarkets (a bottle cost about 2500 LKR). We ended up having dinner at the same place, where we ate delicious rice with vegetables, and at night we had a drink at the hotel. Around 1:00, we started partying. Of course, we stayed at the party until the end! We watched the sun rise and went to sleep in the cabins. Days 9, 10 and 11 - Surfing all day in Arugam Bay (Arugam Bay) We woke up to rain, and that's when we realized sleeping in the cabins wasn't such a good idea. So we decided the best thing to do was find another hostel. The same people who run Samantha's Folly offered us the Lazy Bay Arugam Bay for 3,400 LKR/night for a three-person room with air conditioning. This second hotel is actually really good. It's very central and right across from the place where we always end up eating. In the afternoon we go to a surf shop to pick up the boards and get them for 2000 LKR for 3 days. We grab our boards and head to the main point to surf. The first day is incredible. The main point is divided into two parts: the pros' section and the beginners' section. ** It's important to be careful when entering and exiting the water, as it's very easy to cut yourself on the coral or rocks. This is especially true at low tide. We surf for two and a half hours, watching the sun set while we steal waves from each other. We leave exhausted but very happy, and head straight to dinner and bed, because the next morning we wanted to see the sunrise while surfing! We spent the next two days exploring the different surf spots in the Arugam area. Getting around requires a tuktuk, as some spots are about half an hour away. It's difficult to negotiate the price; the best thing to do is arrange it through the hotel where you're staying. One afternoon we went to Whiskey Point to surf, and just as the tuk-tuk was picking us up, a wild elephant appeared out of nowhere! So we took refuge in the hostel and canceled the surf session… we almost died! Day 12 - Beach day in the south of Sri Lanka (Arugam Bay – Tangalle) We got up at 5:30 a.m. to pack our bags. At 6:00 a.m., the tuktuk was waiting for us to take us to Putuvil, where the bus to Tangalle leaves. The bus isn't direct; it first stops in Monaragala before arriving in Tangalle. It took us about six hours to get there. When we got there, as always, many locals came trying to sell their hotel, but we looked on Google Maps and headed to the beach, where there seemed to be more. On the way to the beach, we asked around at a couple of empty hotels. We found a place that would let us rent it for 400 LKR. The place is called Sarath's. It's a bit overcooked, but for what we paid, we couldn't ask for more. After eating at a restaurant we found on TripAdvisor (Famili Restaurant), we took a tuktuk to Pehebiya Beach, where there's a really nice swing for taking photos. Next door is a cafe (Verse Collective) that's great for chilling out, and we took the opportunity to take some photos on the ropes at sunset. **During July and August, the weather tends to be quite bad in the south of the island; luckily, it didn't rain on us. We also recommend Unuwatuna Beach, one of the most famous beaches in southern Sri Lanka, next to Galle. We returned to the hotel for dinner at the same place where we had eaten and spent a good amount of time talking with the owners. They were all a great family; they helped us arrange a van to return to the airport the next day. Day 13 - Going back home (Tangalle – Airport) We woke up quietly and had breakfast around 9 a.m. Our flight didn't leave until 8 p.m., so we decided to do a little sightseeing in Tangalle, buy some traditional souvenirs for family and friends, and take a break from the long journey we'd endured. At 2:00 PM, the van picks us up and takes us directly to the airport. It takes about 3 hours, but it all depends on traffic (you never know in these countries). We arrive at the Colombo International Airport terminal, four hours early. We load our bags and bid farewell to Sri Lanka. PS: The entire stay cost us €300 per person, I don't think anyone can beat that! And that's all, folks! I'll leave you with a couple of tips that I think will be very useful for your trip. ENJOY! TIPS for the TRIP Check the weather first! For your luggage, it's a good idea to check the weather forecast for the areas you're planning to visit, but if not, you can always buy it at your destination. It's essential to pack a toiletry bag with basic medications, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a raincoat, and a swimsuit. ** Tourist visas must be processed at least 48 hours before travel. This can be done at http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/center.jsp?locale=es_ES and the price is USD 35. It's hard to find establishments that allow card payments, so it's best to exchange cash in the villages. The exchange rate is usually €1 🡪200 LKR. They don't usually rip you off, but it's always a good idea to be cautious when exchanging money. Where to eat and sleep will depend on your tastes and amenities, but in this case, we suggest options for backpackers who want a real experience. The approximate cost per day is €10-30. The best thing you can do to eat locally is to look in a guidebook or on TripAdvisor. We found many excellent and very cheap restaurants. Drinking water should always be purchased in bottles; you can find it in supermarkets, restaurants, and small shops. It usually costs between 70 and 80 LKR. Most restaurants serve fried rice or noodles with vegetables, which average around 300 LKR. **If you don't like spicy food, it is highly recommended that every time you order a dish you ask them to not have it spicy, since it is normal for them to put spices in all dishes and many times they are very spicy. There are plenty of options for sleeping. When you arrive at a destination by bus, train, or taxi, there are usually many tuk-tuk drivers offering you places to sleep. My recommendation is to get away from there as quickly as possible, as they tend to be quite crowded. The locals are usually very friendly and will always try to help in any way they can, although they often don't understand a word of English. The cheapest rooms usually cost around 500-1000 LKR per person, depending on the amenities. ** One trick to get a lower room rate is to recommend them on TripAdvisor or Google Maps. ** Many hostels offer breakfast for an extra charge, usually around 200-400LKR, otherwise you can buy juices and biscuits for breakfast at the supermarket. How to get around There are various modes of transportation: bus, train, tuk-tuk, and taxi. In Sri Lanka, public transportation runs from around 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (approx.). The bus is the cheapest way to travel long distances. It's usually very crowded, so for the most comfortable travel, it's best to take the first bus of the day. Ask locals for schedules and where the stops are; you can buy tickets on the bus. Driving in Sri Lanka is very bad, and it's a bit scary at first. They're overtaking you everywhere, and suddenly the bus slams on the brakes because it's about to hit someone, but you get used to it over time. The train is a must-see on your trip, especially the one connecting Kandy with Ella. The price is similar to the buses, and you can travel in three different classes. You'll find the famous tuktuks everywhere, and they're ideal for short distances. The price is usually around 100 LKR per kilometer, so it's a good idea to check the route beforehand on Google Maps. A private taxi/van is the most comfortable way to travel, but also the most expensive. However, sometimes it's the only option to get around because there are no buses or trains to get there. ** To know the best way to get to your destination, it's best to ask the locals, if possible more than one, because sometimes they don't even know you're asking, but they'll always answer with a big smile. Author Profile Axel Blanch He's a young adventurer who loves the sea and the mountains. He enjoys outdoor sports such as freeskiing, surfing, and all extreme sports. At Blue Banana, we're fortunate to have him on the team, and his mission is none other than to make this new adventure a reality and capture it in our brand through content with his own unique perspective, taking it to the next level. This isn't about what we do, but how we do it. And, along with Gonzalo Pasquier, they're responsible for demonstrating this.

RAJA AMPAT – LAST PARADISE ON EARTH

Hey! Today I'm bringing you one of the most spectacular places in the world: Raja Ampat. Still untouched and undiscovered, the islands of Raja Ampat are not easy to reach, and information about them is quite limited. This place is a must-see on your trip to Indonesia if you're looking for pristine landscapes, tranquility, and, above all, diving. Yes, because Raja Ampat is one of the hotspots for marine biodiversity, boasting the greatest variety of coral in the world and nearly 1.5 million hectares of protected land, creating an explosion of underwater life worthy of a visit for any diving enthusiast. Lorenzo Ferretti, one of our collaborators ( @lorenzowanderlust ), was there a few months ago, exploring the magnificent islands of Raja Ampat for 10 days, and he brought us all the necessary information to plan the trip and lots of tips that, once there, come in handy! The places we saw were the following (links to the days): ARRIVING AT RAJA AMPAT FROM SORONG TO WAISAI . FROM WAISAI TO KRI ISLAND TRAVELING TO KRI ISLAND GOODBYE BONUS As always, I'm leaving you a mymaps with the route so you can find your way around the map! ARRIVING AT RAJA AMPAT Raja Ampat is located off the coast of West Papua, which is a remote area of ​​Indonesia. The first step, from wherever you are, is to get to Sorong, the largest and most important city near Raja Ampat. The easiest way to get to Raja Ampat is by flying to the city of Sorong in West Papua. If you're coming from another country, the best option to get to Sorong is to fly to Jakarta (Java) first. Direct flights operate daily from Jakarta, although the cheapest includes a stopover in Makassar. They cost around €100 one way. If you're already in Indonesia, you can also consider Surabaya (East Java) and Makassar (Sulawesi), from which direct flights also operate daily. Surabaya in East Java is the best option for those who don't want to miss Mount Bromo (which we visited on our trip to record the new LINK collection). We opted to visit Raja Ampat first and then fly from Sorong to Surabaya to visit the Bromo area. If you're in Bali, the best option is to fly from Denpasar to Makassar and then take another flight to Sorong. Anyway, you have to arrive by plane! Once there, your next destination will be Waisai, the main city of the Raja Ampat Islands. FROM SORONG TO WAISAI Unless you're staying at a resort (which may include a private transfer directly from Sorong City), you'll need to get to Waisai on your own. Located on Waigeo Island, Waisai is Raja Ampat's main town and essentially a gateway to all the islands of Raja Ampat. There are two main options to get here: BY FERRY: The first (and cheapest) option is to take the Express Ferry, which departs twice daily from the port of Sorong. **Taxi drivers will ask you for around 100,000 IDR ($7 USD) for a 3km ride from the airport to the port. You can bargain it down to 50,000 IDR or less if you're patient enough! Boats depart twice daily from Sorong, at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Sunday to Friday) and at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. (Saturday), and take approximately 2 hours. Tickets cost 100,000 IDR (US$7) and can be purchased directly at the port, or even on the boat itself, so don't worry about booking in advance. BY AIR: The other option to get to Waisai is by air. Although websites like Skyscanner don't list them, two airlines operate this route: Susi Air and Wings Air (Lion Air Group). Susi Air, which flies three days a week; Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:40 a.m. Wing's Air every day 10:20 am And as you may know if you've traveled a bit in Southeast Asia, flight times can change at any time and without notice, so it's always best to call and confirm your flight schedule! FROM WAISAI TO KRI ISLAND And just when it seems like you've arrived, there's still a little bit more to go! There are many journeys and it takes a long time to get there, but it's paradise... you didn't expect to arrive by plane, did you? (Well, before continuing, stop and take my advice, go to the supermarket next to the port, and buy the beer you need for the days in Raja Ampat, since on the islands there is nothing but the food cooked by the homestays!) There are different options here, depending on the island you want to visit and how much time you have. Since we had practically a week, we decided to divide our days between two destinations: Fam Island and Kri Island. These are the two main destinations in Raja Ampat, so whatever your route, we recommend you visit them! Regardless of your destination, you must change ports to catch the boat that will take you to your island. So, after exiting the ferry, you'll have to walk to a different port (a two-minute walk) where you'll have to pay the "Environmental Service Fee." What does the fee include? In 2014, the Raja Ampat Environmental Service Fee was introduced to generate the significant funding needed to effectively manage Raja Ampat's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This means that each traveler must pay a fee upon arrival. Keep your ESF purchase receipt because there are strict controls and they may require it at any port, island, airport, etc. The entry permit is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. International Visitor Fee: 1,000,000 IDR ($65 USD) Domestic Visitor Fee: 500,000 IDR ($32.50 USD) After this break, we continue! Once at the port, your chosen resort (which will include private transportation) or the homestay family will pick you up by boat. The price is always shared per boat, so, although it's not easy, it's best to find other people traveling to the same island/homestay as you to share the costs. Locals generally don't live near homestays. Most of them live in villages on different islands, and they only visit their homestays when they have reservations. Therefore, unlike the rest of the country, in Raja Ampat it's advisable to book accommodations well in advance. TRAVELING TO KRI ISLAND If you're traveling to Kri, like we were, since it's the most popular of the islands outside of Waisai, you'll find other boats that go there fairly easily, so you can save some money by sharing the boat. Finally! We've reached our destination! Kri Island, a 1.5-square-kilometer island in the middle of the archipelago. There's no public transportation between the islands from here, but it's not hard to find other travelers willing to share the cost and explore the surrounding area. Especially to go to Pianyemo, the famous viewpoint of the islets. When we arrived, we went straight to our accommodation, a homestay. You see, in Raja Ampat, there are two types of accommodation: either stay with a local family or go to a luxury resort (which we couldn't afford, at the moment). So we stayed at a homestay. These are very basic bungalows built on the beach or over the water and run by local families. Raja Ampat has a website where you can book. The website is www.stayrajaampat.com; all the homestays are listed there. You can filter by location, price, activities, and other features. The most common price is 350,000 IDR ($23 USD) per person per night, including three meals. On the islands, there are only accommodations; I mean, there are no restaurants, warungs, or anything like that. Your homestay "mom" will be the one who cooks for you and your travel companions during your stay. That's why we can't recommend enough that you LOOK AT the REVIEWS of each homestay to see if they have a variety of dishes, since they always (and we mean ALWAYS) include rice and steamed vegetables, sometimes with eggs or fish. Breakfast was the hardest part, and you usually have a choice between fried plantains or white bread (literally, nothing else). TIP: When you buy your beers, buy a jar of jam too—it can save your breakfast! (You're welcome.) Keep in mind that when you stay with a homestay you won't have any other dining options, so shop around! Most homestays don't have 24-hour electricity. Power is typically provided from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. by generators, so we recommend bringing a headlamp or small flashlight; it came in very handy for us! Water usually comes from wells and is then pumped and collected in large buckets. So don't expect much. The hardest part was adjusting to the shower, which in many homestays can be saltwater. And as expected, forget about Wi-Fi if you're not at a nice resort! Take advantage of the opportunity to unwind, and you'll post stories when you get back home! We spent a few days relaxing in paradise, and from Kri we took a few island-hoping trips, easy to plan through the homestay. We toured the surrounding islands, snorkeling and exploring islets. The underwater visibility is excellent, and the marine life is incredible. And best of all, the trips are super cheap—around 50,000 IDR if you get a good group of people or travel with several friends. On these day trips, the sun is devastating; avoid sunburn! Even if you're used to beach life, you're not in Fuengirola; the Raja Ampat sun is very strong! Make sure to buy a sunscreen free of chemicals that harm coral; you can find them under the name "reef save." We also did a few dives. We wanted to take advantage of being in a diving mecca, and Kri Island is one of the most popular spots in Raja Ampat, and for good reason. The reef at Cape Kri is simply incredible and well-known for its healthy and diverse coral. The average price we found for a dive was approximately IDR 450,000, €25, including equipment rental. The lowest price we found was IDR 350,000, €18, including equipment rental, for a dive right in front of the dive center. But if you don't want to or don't have a diving license, don't worry, the snorkeling in Raja Ampat is also impressive... take an Island Hopping trip and you'll see! *The Raja Ampat area is known for strong ocean currents between the islands, so be careful! After a few days exploring Kri and its surroundings, we booked a boat to our next destination: Fam Island. There, our daily plan was going to be the same, but we had a different objective: to visit Pianyemo, the most famous island in the area; some very photogenic islets surrounded by turquoise water. So as soon as we arrived at Fam Island, we booked the boat that would take us there, and the next day we spent the day exploring the area, the blue is out of this world and having it all to ourselves made it even more special. Wonderful! We enjoyed the views and a great snorkeling session, and packed our bags to continue our trip through Indonesia. These were undoubtedly very special days, during which we learned a lot about the local culture and literally immersed ourselves in their homes. Grateful for everything we had experienced and eager for more, we boarded a plane to Surabaya to explore a completely different landscape: the volcanic region of Bromo National Park. Here's a summary of the minimum expenses for the trip to give you an idea of ​​your budget: 3,000,000 IDR, 170€ per person, round trip (Jakarta - Sorong flight), although it depends a lot on when you take it, maybe you can get it a little cheaper. 200,000 IDR, 12€ per taxi, from Sorong Airport to Sorong Port to take the ferry to Wasai and the same return trip (7€ each way) 200,000 IDR, 12€ per person, one way ferry ride (Sorong - Waisai), the same return journey (7€ each way) 100,000 IDR, €60 per person for the Environmental Service Fee, yes, it's very expensive, but it's the price to pay for having a well-protected site with such a wide biodiversity. 2,000,000 IDR, 115€, for the boat from Waisai to Piaynemo, but it's per boat, so the more people you find to share, the cheaper it will be! 600,000 IDR, €35, for the boat from Waisai to Kri, one way. 350,000 IDR, €25 per person, per night, including 3 meals – roughly the cost of the homestay. We, who were 2, making the trip from Waisai to Piaynemo - Piaynemo to Kri - Kri to Waisai (sleeping on Kri and Piaynemo islands), the total cost of transportation was around 4,300,000 IDR, which is 2,150,000 IDR, 125€ per person, but remember that the more you are, the less you will pay. Our trip in particular was 10 days long, we spent approximately €650. This price does not include diving and day trips that can be arranged from the homestays to explore the surrounding area: A day trip can cost anywhere from IDR 100,000 to IDR 10,000,000 per boat, depending on where you're staying and where you're going. Typically, if you plan to spend the night on different islands and take day trips near your homestay (10-15 km), the cost of a day trip is approximately IDR 400,000-600,000 ($27-$40 USD) per boat. GOODBYE BONUS: - Overwater bungalows! Overwater bungalows are amazing, but besides being beautiful, they have a couple of practical advantages. It's windier, which is a real relief since temperatures are quite high year-round. Plus, there are fewer mosquitoes than on land, and the price is very similar, so I wouldn't think twice if I were you! Author Profile Gonzalo Pasquier is a young Spanish adventurer and photographer. He lives and works for travel, and his photographs are inspired by his passion for nature. At Blue Banana, we are fortunate to have him on our team, and his mission is none other than to make this new adventure a reality and capture it in our brand through content with a unique perspective that takes things to the next level. This isn't about what we do, but how we do it. And Gonzalo Pasquier is the man in charge of proving it.