Travel and Arrival @ Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort Malaysia
Activities
My Bintan Indonesia Trip!
July 15-16 2017
Arrival and Departure @ De Bintan Villa
Activities
Food Trips
Sky Lantern Experience
Beach Mode @ Lagoi Bay
It was a weekend trip in Bintan Indonesia. It was my first time to visit this part of Indonesia so I got no clue of what to expect from the place. I heard it's a good place for vacation but I also heard that it was expensive. So what's my actual experience?
I booked a hotel through agoda.com which is very convenient. I chose De Bintan Villa because it looks like a place that can represents the culture of the island. It was cheap and looks like a nice place to escape from the busy world. So, me and my sister arrived in the terminal. The terminal was still under renovation that time so it was so crowded and uncomfortable. We were picked up by the hotel. The travel was about 40 minutes from the terminal. I don't know if you hate long drives but i love the idea of that long duration of travel to the hotel so I can get a view of the other parts of the island. When we arrived I was not disappointed. The place is just as nice as what it looks like in the website. I love the cottages style, that's the room I chose. It was over the hilltop and the view is fantastic. My villa was near the pool so it got extra advantage. Upon arrival me and my sister had a good lunch of traditional dishes. It was a blast. We went to our rooms and I was really happy to see how traditional it is. I love the design. I love going to hotels that captures the culture. Then we just rest for a while and tried the zip line, they call that flying fox in Bintan and Batam as well. We tried the free biking after that but there's not much place to go around unfortunately. We then have our dinner. The menu seems very restricted with the traditional dishes and there's not much of a variation if you will need to go for a more western choice of food but the food was really good. In the evening we tried the sky lantern but was not able to fly everyone's lantern because of the wind direction but we enjoyed helping each other for our lanterns to fly. Thank God my sister's lantern went first because it's her first time. The rest of the guests did not make it even we paid for it but nobody complains and we just enjoyed the moment. After that we still decided to go for a night swim. They turn off the lights in the pool around 9 pm but they allowed us to swim. It's in our advantage since we just had the pool by ourselves and I enjoyed a few laps to put me in a good sleep. It was really cold up in our villa and the morning was just awesome. We stayed for awhile in the balcony before going for breakfast buffet. I'm a breakfast person but also very western in the choice of food for breakfast so it was a little bit disappointing not to have the usual breakfast buffet you get to taste in normal breakfast buffet setup, there was also very few choices of food but again the food taste great. It's nice to taste something that really represents what the place we travel can offer. Then, our rock climbing was cancelled due to raining, so piece of advice don't go in rainy seasons. It was one of the few things I really want to try, I was really looking forward for that but there's really no chance, plus they got a big group of people that needs to be assisted with programmed activities. We decided to just go to the beach and it's about 30 minutes travel away as well further down the end of the island. It was in lagoon bay and it was an awesome beach but it's still low tide in the morning so we need to walk far to get to the deeper part and it did not really get so deep until noon time wherein we also need to be back to the hotel already. That was a little disappointing as well but I enjoyed just lying down the beach and taking pictures of the nice display of beauty. We went back that afternoon. I normally just settle everything by card and since they said all activities can be add up to the room bill and they accept card I did not change much of cash but I got so blessed that their machine worked but I saw some got problem and at first mine can't go through as well because of poor connection but it did not take that long and all was perfect. They send us back to the terminal and that wraps up our weekend in Bintan. They had a very good staff, very friendly and accommodating. We had a blast in our last meal there by the way and I am not a typical coffee lover but my goodness I love their cappuccino! I hope when you get to Bintan you will also try this place.
My Australia Trip!
JANUARY 2017
Melbourne Victoria Australia
Hi Friends! Just a quick update! January 2017 I finally got to be in Australia for a holiday and a visit to some of great people I met in the mission school in Pemba, Mozambique. This is actually a miracle because ever since I started going for mission trips I had this guilt from within to plan any trips for my own pleasure. I have this thought that instead of wasting the money I should use it in a much more worthy purpose but God allowed me to understand Him deeper in the beginning of the year. I realized I also need a break and just don't do anything and relax and rest in His presence. This Australia trip is my "ME TIME" with God to actually hear where will He bring me this year. So, did I get the answer? Wait until you see my next trip..:) Meanwhile enjoy my adventure with awesome people in the city of Melbourne and the visit in the bush as we camp in Marysville and to finally try the HOT AIR BALLOON in Yarra Valley.
Tasmania Australia
Next Stop is Tasmania! This is one place that seems similar to my hometown and I feel so home in this place. Awesome display of nature! It is truly of the greatest creations of God! I love my stay in this cold but cozy Country side of Australia! Plus I got a great time with some awesome friends back in Pemba and new found friends!
Day 1: On our 1st day we traveled from the airport to one park. In the travel time our tour guide introduce herself. She's Naoemi. She's collaborating with omega tours and in Israel she is under SAR-EL tours.
Sar El means in Hebrew Minister of God.
1st stop: Canada Park also known as Ayalon park in Hebrew. It was said that in 1967 there was that 6 days war, Israel won victoriously. Canada park was established on the land of two palestinian arab villages "Imwas and Yalo". The trees that can be found there are olive, pomegranate, pine, almond and "CAROB" trees. The park is where they say the "Emmaus road" is just at the back where in the accounts of Luke tw of the disciples was walking in the road of Emmaus when Jesus showed Himself after resurrection. They did not recognize Him at first. -Luke 24:13-35
Then we continued to go pass by some valleys. We passed by the Valley of Sorek where the samson and delilah story happened. - Judges 16:4
2nd stop: "Valley of Ella" the valley of terebirth (Hebrew: emek haelah) this is where the valley where David fought Goliath.
After we had our lunch we went to the Mt. Of Olives. That is where Jesus ascended and the place where He will come back again someday. From there we had the glimpse of the old city of Jerusalem from afar. Then we went down to the Garden of Gethsamane. Went inside the walls of the old city.
Inside the walls we went to the POOL OF BETHESDA, via Delorosa(the station of the cross) this is the way where Jesus carried His cross. We saw part of antonia's fortress as well.
Day 2:
2nd Day! The Jerusalem Tour.
After the good starter first breakfast in the Hotel our 1st stop is one of my most awaited place, "THE TEMPLE MOUNT". This is where most of the Jewish people believed the place where Abraham almost sacrifice Issac. And the original location of the Holy of Holies. On our way on top of the mountain we passed by a bridge and we saw from below the Jewish people weeping and praying. They were all facing the western wall where they wail and pray because that is the closest wall in the Holy of Holies. On top we saw the "Dome of Rock" and Al-Aqsa Mosque (Arabic: المسجد الاقصى al-Masjid al-Aqṣā, IPA: [ʔælˈmæsdʒɪd ælˈʔɑqsˤɑ], “the Farthest Mosque”), also known as Al-Aqsaand Bayt al-Muqaddas, is the third holiest site in Islam and is located in the Old City of Jerusalem.
(Here I felt the most intense feeling of disappointment and grief. In a way I am thankful to be able to sing worship(fall afresh) in the Holy of Holies. I felt the deep pain for both the Islam and Jewish community.)
We also see the Dome of the Spirit. Then we went down and was able to go in the western wall where they are praying. We had the opportunity to see as well the other side of the western wall where the old market place might be located and see the southern wall. We also saw the gate of Jaffa and some old roman structures within the city.
We had our lunch and went to the Holocaust Museum. (The feeling there was unexplanable. But thank God we are saved.)
We end the day with going to the Western tunnel. Here i was amazed of the architectural of the place. Herod really deserves that Herod the great tag line. I just hope He could have used it in a greater sense.
While waiting for the second group to come out of the tunnel that is when I just stare in the dome of rock and western wall and prayed and worship. I can say I was disturbed in spirit seeing them that night but God knows best He gave me the passage to answer my questions on the next day.
Day 3:
Last day in Jerusalem and trip to Bethlehem.
In the morning we went first to the market and had the chance to see and buy some delicacy from there. We also walk around and risk to take photo beside a moving train. Hahahahh...
After the morning walk in the market we went to see the Israel Museum. We got to see the model of the old Jerusalem before the 1st century. We went inside the museum and saw the first scrolls of the bible found (the book of Isaiah).
After the museum we went to St. Peter's church and we got to see the dungeon where many believed is the place where Jesus was put before his trial. There we read Psalm 88 which is describing the agony of Jesus when He was there. It was an unforgettable moment. We end the day in a very powerful sharing and renewing of our covenant with God in a covenant meal partaking in the Garden of Tomb where Jesus was laid down after His death. It was a powerful encounter I must say. One of the best place to feel Gods' presence.
After that we hop in the bus again and traveled to BETHLEHEM!!! Yahoo!!!
Day 4:
Yahoohhh!!! Day 4 is in BETHLEHEM!!!
We only went in three places. The Mangers Square where the "Church of the Nativity" lies in the center of Bethlehem on Manger Square. It is one of the oldest Church in existence today. The first Church was built by the Roman Emperor Constantine back in the fourth century A.D. over the Grotto where Mary gave birth to Jesus.
Here we sang another song and had the chance to take photo where the possible location of the birth of Mary.
Then we went to the Shepherds' Field. This is where the Caves where shepherds “kept watch over their flock” in the area east of Bethlehem. Here, the Gospel of Luke tells us, an angel announced the birth of Jesus. The angel’s good news was not given to the noble or pious, but to workers with a low reputation. Jewish literature ranked “shepherd” as among the most despised occupations of the time — but Christ was to identify himself with this occupation when he called himself “the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11). The traditional place of the angel’s visit is the town of Beit Sahur. Originally known as the Village of the Shepherds, it is now an eastern suburb of Bethlehem. The tradition connected with the Shepherds’ Field is complicated by the fact that archaeologists have identified more than one possible site.
Then we went to the First Baptist Church where we heard one powerful story from the Pastor. His life moved me! At the end I asked him to pray for me.
Rev. Khoury is pastor of the First Baptist Church in Bethlehem, a city nowadays governed by the Palestinian Authority. The First Baptist Church has been bombed by Muslims fourteen times. Rev. Khoury himself has been ambushed and shot three times. Still he keeps saying: "Israel is God's people and His promises will be fulfilled."
Read more about The First Baptist Church of Bethlehem at http://www.theanchorchurch.org/2.html
Day 5&6:
Alright! Day 5 we are leaving Bethlehem! Going to the Dead Sea for the first stop! I got those two photos of the dead sea! Then thank you ate anne for the picture while floating! The rest of my photos was not with me yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hahahhah... But it's ok. We enjoyed the mud and floating! It was a joyful experience! We were all like kids! after the dead sea we went to...
2nd stop : Qumran! This is the place where they found the 2000 years old dead sea scroll made by the nomads living in that place at that time. The scroll was found by a shepherd boy while chasing for a lost sheep. While he was selling it in the market an archaelogist was on his side and took notice of the base! Tadahh!!! Something special! Almost all old testament books were found in the 11 caves of this place except the book of Esther. The place was full of magnificent rock formations! Amazing indeed.
We had our lunch did some shopping(for the rest! Not me! Haha)
3rd stop: Ein Gedi!!! This place!!!!!!! It actually consumed me! Like I'm lost in the wilderness! In this place where David find refuge while escaping from King Saul. Most of the psalm are believed to be written in this place. This is like a secret hideout for David. While I was here it was like the Spirit of David came down. While the rest was moving I enjoyed staying back at climb up alone. I enjoyed every rock formation. Imagining how David did it alone! How he feels. It was really a place of refuge.
Then we head off to the Desert!!!! Yahoo!!! Desert time! Camel ride time! The place was Kfar Hanokdim. It's an Arab territory in a nomad style of living as well.
We had a very nice worship time and sharing that night while having a Bonfire! Then I tried to play guitar while gazing upon the stars while all my fingers were freezing! Hahaaha...That night we slept on a big tent!
Day 6: we had a nice meal and heads off to JORDAN RIVER! Beit' Abara is near in the Jordan river where John the Baptist reside. Here we had a covenant meal again and had a solo time again with the Lord! I played a guitar while in some hill up sitting on soil and rocks. This i where I was reminded again by God what I need to continue doing. "rhema word : Love" Love for giving, for the lost and for His works to be done here on Earth.
Next stop was one of my favorites! The Tel Meddigo! This is an old city where we can see the Armageddon or the valley of tears where all the battles was done and where the last battle will happen. From there we can also see Mt. Tabor where Deborah lead the Israelites army.
The word "Armageddon" appears only once in the Greek New Testament, in Revelation 16:16. The word is translated to Greek from Hebrew har məgiddô (הר מגידו), har - Strong H2022 - meaning "a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively): - hill (country), mount (-ain), X promotion." This is a shortened form of Harar - Strong H2042 - "to loom up; a mountain; -hill, mount". Megiddo - Strong מְגִדּוֹן H4023 /meg-id-do'/ "Megiddon or Megiddo, a place of crowds.")[4] "Mount" Tel Megiddo is not actually a mountain, but a tell (a hill created by many generations of people living and rebuilding on the same spot)[5] on which ancient forts were built to guard the Via Maris, an ancient trade route linking Egypt with the northern empires of Syria, Anatolia and Mesopotamia. Megiddo was the location of various ancient battles, including one in the 15th century BC and one in 609 BC. Modern Megiddo is a town approximately 25 miles (40 km) west-southwest of the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee in the Kishon River area.[6]
Day 7:
Day 7 Morning: Sea of Galilee Boat Ride! Bro. KaiMing shared a very powerful message then we enjoyed the stillness of the sea, enjoyed the view (the handsome boatmen) i mean scenery! Hahahha.. And we learned a dance (i will upload later). After docking we went to the ancient boat museum and heads off to Mt. Arbel. Here we sang praises like literally (screaming out from the mountain top!) awesome view as well!
Then we had the St. Peters Lunch! (Tilapia) ahhahaha..
Next stop is the Mount of Beatitudes. There we read the beatitudes passage led by cute CJ. Then went down to the Sea of Galilee. Amazing peace is what you will feel once you were there! I had a great solo moment with the Lord that time. The experience was so divine!
Finally! Capernaum! Where most of the ministry of Jesus happened. We saw the old house of Peter. The place was undescribable for me. like really walking where Jesus walked.
Then...pasalubong shopping mode before going back to the hotel.
Day 8:
Mt. HERMON!!!! Snow time!!! We are in the highest peak. The Mountain is divided into two. One part to belongs to Syria and the other belongs to Israel.
We enjoyed the free spirit there like we are back in our childhood but on a much more serious note, the mountain is not fully in the governance of Israel. God promised the full mountain to the Children of Israel.
Someday...
Part 2:
Tel Dan, The Dan River And The Largest Karst Spring In The Middle East…
However, also near the springs are the ruins of the biblical city of Dan. Named for the tribe of Dan, which was described in the Book of Judges as the largest of the twelve Israelite tribes, the city of Dan was the northern home of ancient Israel:
This area is believed to have been one of the key rest stops on the historic route from Egypt to Syria. Before Dan acquired the name for which it is now known, it was named Laish or Leshem.
Egyptian documents dating back to the nineteenth century BCE describe the Canaanite city of Laish as a prominent and prosperous trading center. It wasn’t until the eleventh century BCE, some eight hundred years later that Laish was conquered by the Israelites of the Exodus story, and the city’s name was changed to Dan.
Here we sat under an old oak tree where Naoemi explained the History and towards the end she said that whatever we see at the back beyond the borders already belongs to Lebanon.
Amazing how history, geography and theology comes all at once. It was a fruitful day!
Day 8: Last Day! Nazareth!!!!
Then we wen to Caesarea! The town was built by Herod the Great about 25–13 BCE as the port city Caesarea Maritima. It served as an administrative center of Judaea Province of the Roman Empire, and later the capital of the Byzantine Palaestina Prima province during the classic period. Following the Muslim conquest in the 7th century, in which it was the last city to fall to the Arabs, the city had an Arab majority until Crusader conquest. It was abandoned after the Mamluk conquest.[3] It was re-populated in 1884 by Bosniak immigrants, who settled in a small fishing village.[3] In 1940, kibbutz Sdot Yam was established next to the village. In February 1948 the village was conquered by a Palmach unit commanded by Yitzhak Rabin, its people already having fled following an attack by the Stern Gang. In 1952, a Jewish town of Caesarea was established near the ruins of the old city, which were made into the national park of Caesarea Maritima.
There's many accounts of Jesus teaching here together with His disciples. I was lost in the history and architecture of the place. I was like brough into the depth of the old village. I imagined how Jesus walked there.
I wonder if Herod only knew. If Herod only used all his gift of engineering and architecture and leadership for Gods Glory!!! It could have been an amazing journey!
This place is just breath taking!
Then we went back to the Airport!!! Waahh!!! Going home is the hardest part. Hahahahah But thank you Lord for everything!!!! Super! Not enough words to explain the whole trip experience! THANK YOU LORD! Toda La El! Hallelujah!
Batam Indonesia Escapade With Charity
September 2015
The Departure, Arrival, The Place and the FOOD!
Water Sports
My vacation in Batam Indonesia with my best friend. I love where I stayed. It's in Batam View Beach Resort. It is a very nice place to stay. A little bit expensive but worth the price.