"Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school..." - Albert Einstein
My husband and I have always loved discovering new places, but this time our travels took on a much deeper meaning. We joined a group of fellow travelers on a six-day journey across Java to trace the history of the Wali Songo — the nine revered Muslim scholars whose dakwah shaped the spread of Islam in Indonesia.
Starting in Surabaya, we set out along the Pantai Utara Road toward Jakarta, stopping at the tombs of the wali along the way. Each visit felt like more than just sightseeing; it was a spiritual reminder of faith, history, and the sacrifices made centuries ago. Each tomb carrying not just history, but a quiet presence that stirred something within the heart.
It was more than just a trip. At every stop, between the prayers, the stories, and the shared silences, I felt a deep reminder of faith, humility, and the legacy of those who came before us. The long drives gave us time to reflect, while the companionship of others made the journey even more memorable.
Each visit to the tombs was physically and mentally challenging - a journey that called for stamina, patience and perseverance. It humbled you, inside and out.
The 6-day Jejak Wali Songo itinerary:
(08 - 13 October 2025)
Day 01: KL - Surabaya
Day 02: Surabaya – Gresik - Tuban
Day 03: Tuban - Kudus – Demak - Semarang
Day 04: Semarang - Cirebon
Day 05: Cirebon - Jakarta
Day 06: Jakarta - KL
Java is not foreign to me. This recent journey was, in fact, my fourth visit to Indonesia’s most populous island. My first encounter with Java was in 2002, when I accompanied my husband on his work assignment and spent a short but memorable weekend in Jakarta. Five years later, in 2007, I returned - this time with my son, his wife Ella, and Ella’s mother - for a shopping getaway in Jakarta and Bandung. It was also a sweet honeymoon treat for the newlyweds. Then in 2008, my husband and I joined the BNM Puspanita group for a tour of Central Java, exploring the royal cities of Surakarta and Yogyakarta, and standing in awe before the timeless beauty of Borobudur.
This fourth trip, however, felt different - deeper and more meaningful.
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