05 Wali Songo: Jakarta - Skyscrapers and Colonial Landmarks..

"The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled..." - Plutarch

(Añjali Mudrā, a sign of respect, welcome and goodbye)

DAY 05: 12 Oct 2025 (Sunday)
Route: Cirebon - Jakarta
Hotel: Orchardz Jayakarta Hotel, Jakarta

My head felt a little groggy when I woke up this morning. I moved slowly, careful not to upset my uneasy stomach, and settled for a light breakfast of salad and toast - hoping the queasiness would pass before we set off to visit the last of the nine Wali Songo, Sunan Gunung Jati.

(Neo Samadikun Hotel, Cirebon)

(Keraton Resto & Cafè)

(A simple breakfast for the upset tummy)

Cirebon, a coastal city in West Java where the rhythm of the sea meets the whispers of history. Once a powerful sultanate, it was here that faith and culture intertwined, spreading Islam through the western lands of Java. The city still carries traces of its past - a blend of Javanese grace, Sundanese warmth, Chinese artistry, and deep Islamic devotion. Today, Cirebon is not just known for its intricate batik and mouth-watering seafood, but for the quiet dignity of its heritage - a place where every street, every breeze, seems to hum the legacy of Sunan Gunung Jati.

(White attire for the royal visit - with Pak Ady)

(Decorative masks on the mantelpiece)

We visited the tomb of Syarif Hidayatullah bin Syarif Abdullah, better known as Sunan Gunung Jati (1448–1568). His resting place lies in Astana Gunung Jati, about six kilometres north of Cirebon - one of the most sacred and majestic pilgrimage sites among the Wali Songo. Built on the slopes of Gunung Jati, the complex seems to rise gently, symbolising his spiritual elevation.

(Masjid Sharif Abdul Rachman, Cirebon)

(Our group in white attire)

(Visitors queuing patiently to visit the tomb)

(The gate-keepers, registration and donations)

The tomb is enclosed within nine gates, known as Lawang Sanga, each representing a stage of spiritual ascent. Only the royal family and caretakers may pass beyond the inner gates, while ordinary visitors stop at the fifth gate to offer prayers and recitations. We were fortunate that our group was met by Pak Awang, an official from the Gunung Jati Kraton, who kindly guided us into the private chamber that holds the tombs of Sunan Gunung Jati, his family, and his closest companions.

(The start of the steep climb through nine Lawang Sanga)

(The red bricks gates decorated with ceramics)

(Taking a rest in between the gates)

(The 9th gate before the private chamber)

(Intricate carvings on the wooden doors)

(The mythical Nagasari plant)

Inside, the atmosphere felt solemn yet deeply peaceful. The architecture revealed a beautiful fusion of Javanese, Chinese, and Islamic influences - ceramic tiles with intricate patterns, walls adorned with delicate Chinese porcelain, and graceful Arabic calligraphy that seemed to breathe remembrance and faith. Surrounding the main tomb are graves of royal figures from the Cirebon Sultanate, a reminder that Sunan Gunung Jati was not only a revered wali but also a wise ruler and scholar.

(Managed to reach the uppermost gate)

(The private chamber of Sunan Gunung Jati)

(Surrounded by tombs of families and companions)

(Among the privileged visitors)

It was humbling to sit in front his tomb - before a man who once united faith and leadership, who spread Islam across West Java, and whose legacy endures through the spiritual and cultural life of Cirebon. The air felt sacred, filled with quiet reverence, as if every stone still whispered his teachings of devotion, wisdom, and peace.

(Visitors leaving the tomb of the last Wali Songo)

We continued our journey, travelling about 222 kilometres toward Jakarta. Midway, we stopped for lunch at Rumah Makan Simpang Raya, a nasi Padang restaurant at the R&R km 101 along Jalan Cikopo–Palimanan. The rich aroma of rendang and spicy sambal brought back our appetite, and after the meal, we performed our prayers at the peaceful Masjid Martowidjoyo nearby.

(Nasi Padang mini banquet for lunch)

(Jamak prayers at the R&R Masjid Martowidjoyo)

Before reaching the capital, we made a brief detour to the Grand Outlet in Karawang, East Jakarta - Indonesia’s first international luxury outlet mall. Surrounded by greenery and open spaces, it offered a refreshing change of pace, with rows of designer stores and cosy cafés. We strolled leisurely through the area before settling at the food court, resting our tired legs and enjoying the cool afternoon air over a glass of teh tarik and a bowl of Indonesian ABC dessert.

(Dozing off before the next stop)

(The Grand Outlet in Karawang)

(It's time to stretch cramped legs)

(Rows of designers stores)

(Having Teh Tarik and Air Batu Campur at the foodcourt)

We then continued our journey toward Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling capital - a sprawling metropolis on the northwest coast of Java that stands as the nation’s economic, cultural, and political heart. It is a city of contrasts: gleaming skyscrapers rise beside colonial landmarks, affluence meets hardship, and vibrant nightlife thrives amid the chaos of heavy traffic and pollution.

(Slow traffic entering the city of Jakarta)

(The bullet train track runs parallel to the highway)

By the time we arrived, night had fallen. The neon-lit skyline shimmered beautifully against the dark sky, welcoming us into the city. Dinner was at Warung Tekko, where we had ayam penyet and an assortment of side dishes. The food was delicious, but fatigue dulled my appetite.

(Warung Tekko for dinner)

(Clean and neat dining area)

(Tasty mouth-watering dishes)

We checked into the Orchardz Jayakarta Hotel for the night. It was our final evening in Java — exhaustion lingered, but we still took some time to pack and reflect before turning in for some much-needed rest.

(Waiting for our room keys)

(Orchardz Jayakarta Hotel)

👈 04 Wali Songo: Cirebon - The Legacy of Sunan Gunung Jati...

06 Wali Songo: Time To Say Goodbye... 👉

06 Wali Songo: Time To Say Goodbye...

"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today..." - Malcolm X

(A shared enjoyment of Java coffee)

Day 06: 13 Oct 2025 (Monday)
Route: Jakarta - Kuala Lumpur
Flight: OD 349 CGK 1630/KUL 1945 (Batik Air)

When we had our breakfast at the hotel café, there was excitement in the air. Some were already feeling homesick, while others looked forward to some last-minute shopping for Indonesian oleh-oleh to bring home. Since our flight was scheduled in the late afternoon, we still had time for a brief photo stop at Monas, the National Monument of Indonesia and a few other attractions.

(Breakfast by the pool)

(A good simple breakfast)

(The gentlemen in the group)

(The ladies, minus me...)

Standing proudly at 132 meters in the heart of Merdeka Square, Central Jakarta, Monas was built to commemorate Indonesia’s struggle for independence. Its golden flame, covered in gold leaf, symbolizes the undying spirit of the Indonesian people. Next to Monas stands Istana Merdeka, the official residence of the President of Indonesia. We only managed to take pictures from afar but were still moved by the monument’s grandeur and symbolism.

(Demonstration site at Taman Pandang Istana)

(Street Arts - depicts themes of cultural arts)

(A street vendor in front of Merdeka Palace)

(The 132 m tall National Monument)

(A group photo at Monas)

Our next visit was to the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. Located in Central Jakarta, near Merdeka Square and directly across from the Jakarta Cathedral, the mosque was built to celebrate Indonesia’s independence. Completed in 1978, it was designed by architect Frederich Silaban and can accommodate more than 120,000 worshippers. Its grand modernist design - with a vast dome, tall minaret, and marble interiors - beautifully represents national unity and religious harmony.

(The Istiqlal Mosque - largest in Southeast Asia)

(Jakarta Cathedral - view from the mosque)

Our final stop was Thamrin City Mall for some last-minute shopping before heading to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport for our return flight to Kuala Lumpur.

(Thamrin City Mall)

(Multi-story mall of Muslim fashion)

As we left Jakarta behind, a gentle sadness filled our hearts. Our journey through Java had come to an end. It was hard to part with a land so deeply rooted in history, faith, and timeless beauty. Every step here felt like walking through living stories, and leaving felt like closing a precious chapter of our travels.

(Soekarno-Hatta International Airport)

Our Batik Air flight OD311 departed half an hour late, and by 8.20 pm we arrived safely in KLIA. Alhamdulillah.

👈05 Wali Songo: Jakarta - Skyscrapers and Colonial Landmarks...

China 2025: A Journey Across Yunnan’s Living Heritage...

“The road is obstructed and long, but if you walk it, you will arrive...” - Chinese proverb

(Yak-riding at Napahai Lake, Shangri-la)

Date: 24 August - 01 September 2025

Route: Kunming - Dali - Lijiang - Shangri-la
Travel Agent: Kembara Sufi

This marks our fourth journey into China, each visit adding another layer to our tapestry of travel. My first encounter was in 2003, when I attended a Banknote and Security Printing Seminar and later took a brief holiday in the classical gardens of Suzhou. In 2009, the two of us explored the imperial grandeur of Beijing for a week. Then, in 2013, we embarked on an epic adventure along the Silk Route, tracing the legendary path from Guangzhou through Xi’an, Dunhuang, Hami, Turpan, and Urumqi, all the way to Kashgar.

Now, more than a decade later, we set off on a new chapter: a 9-day journey into Yunnan. From the vibrant city of Kunming to the serene beauty of Dali, the old-world charm of Lijiang, and finally the mystical landscapes of Shangri-la, this trip promises a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking natural scenery.

(Kembara Sufi group photo at KLIA)

The 9-day Yunnan itinerary:

Day 01: Jurassic Welcome At Kunming Airport...
Day 02: A Traditional Yunnan Dining Experience...
Day 03: A Joyful Mawlid At Nanmen Mosque...
Day 04: A Dragon In The Clouds Of Snow Mountain...
Day 05: Double Rainbow at A Tibetan Town...
Day 06: Healing The Body, Balancing The Mind...
Day 07: From Tea Treasures to Trendy Streets...
Day 08: Lost Among A Maze of Rocks...
Day 09: End Of The Journey...

Travel is never just about the places we visit, but also about the people we meet, the cultures we encounter, and the stories we carry home.

Next Trip: Jejak Wali Songo, Indonesia

Yunnan 01: Jurassic Welcome At Kunming Airport👉

01 Yunnan: Jurassic Welcome At Kunming Airport...

“Tranquility cultivates the body; simplicity nourishes virtue...” - Chinese proverb

(A display of dinosaurs fossils at the Arrival Hall) 

Day 01: 24 August 2025 (Sunday)
Flight: OD 670 KUL 2215 / KMG 0230+1 (Batik Air)
Route: Kuala Lumpur - Kunming
Hotel: Country Inn & Suite By Radisson, Kunming

We are all geared up for the trip.

Booked a Grab car for 3.00 pm. From our Bidara House, the traffic was smooth and we arrived at KLIA before 4.00 pm. Performed Asar prayers at the Surau Anjung Tinjau. Met the rest of the Yunnan Kembara Sufi group at the departure hall. All together there were 31 of us. After a short briefing by Arif Arzumi, the tour leader, we group checked-in.

(The start of our journey)

(Fast group check-in)

Had a light dinner of mushroom pie and pastries from Bread History at the foodcourt before we cleared Immigration controls and headed to the departure gate.

(Having a light dinner at the food court)

Boarding was supposed to be at 9.15 pm. The flight was delayed to 10.45 pm. In-flight meal was served an hour after departure. It was a 4-hour flight to Kunming and we had a short nap before landing.

(Melaka's charm at KLIA Heritage Lane)

(More than an hour delay in our flight)

Arrived in Kunming Changshui International Airport around 3.30 am. In the early hours of the morning, immigration and customs at Kunming Airport were fast and efficient, making our arrival smooth and hassle-free, setting a pleasant tone for the start of our journey.

(Nothing worse than feeling groggy)

(A welcoming committee, a group of dinosaurs)

A huge dinosaur and two little ones welcomed us at the Arrival Terminal. What a surprise! Miss Lee Ling of Wancheng Tourism, our local tour guide was already waiting for us. She will be with us for the whole trip. The bus took us direct to the Country Inn & Suite By Radisson, located quite near the airport. After freshening up, we had a light sleep before the wake-up call at 6.00 am.

(The Country Inn & Suite By Radisson, Kunming)

(A comfortable and cozy room)

👈A Journey Across Yunnan’s Living Heritage...

Yunnan 02: A Traditional Yunnan Dining Experience...👉