York Street Mechanics, Boys Will Loves This Restaurant

Apa rasanya makan dikelilingi motor motor besar di dalam ruangan? Mungkin bagi sebagian besar pria, inilah tempat yang sangat menyenangkan untuk makan dan bersantai sambil melihat motor motor klasik yang menjadi dekorasi utama tempat ini.

What is it like have your meal surrounded by large motorbike indoors? Probably for most men, this is a very pleasant place to eat and relax while looking at classic motorbikes that became the main decoration of this place.

Simple building

Who park their motorbikes inside? Well, its also a decoration and don't worry, its clean :)

Boys must love this place

A workshop in the middle of the restaurant, you can see inside also

York Street Mechanics terdengar seperti bengkel, namun tempat ini adalah restoran yang menyediakan makanan sehari hari warga Auckland, New Zealand. Nama "mechanics" di cafe ini bukan hanya nama untuk mempercantik ruangan yang dihiasi dengan motor motor klasik ini, namun di tengah restoran anda akan menemukan bengkel.

York Street Mechanics sounded like a garage, but this place is a restaurant that provides residents of Auckland, New Zealand daily meals. The name "mechanics" in this cafe is not just the name to beautify the rooms which are decorated with classic motorbikes, but in the middle of the restaurant you will find the workshop itself.

A cozy place

The fish is really good

There's a lady mermaid, I can't pose like her for sure

Meski mencantumkan nama mekanik, bukan berarti makanan disini dengan rasa seadanya. Menu yang saya pilih sederhana, fish and potatoes, but it was awesome!

Although using "mechanical" as a name, it doesn't mean the food isn't good - well, you won't consider a mechanic would be a great chef to don't you? - but actually, even when I'm ordering simple meal like fish and potatoes, the taste is awesome!

@marischkaprue -not a mechanic, but loves seeing classic motorbikes

Photos by Ferry Rusli

NOTES:

• York Street Mechanics terletak di 3 York Street, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand, contact: +64 95314214
• York Street Mechanics located at 3 York Street, Newmarket, Auckland, New Zealand, contact: +64 95314214
• Waktu operasional: 07.30 - 23.00 (Senin - Jumat), 08.00 - 23.00 (Sabtu), 08.00 - 15.00 (Minggu)
• Operational hour: 07.30 - 23.00 (Senin - Jumat), 08.00 - 23.00 (Saturday), 08.00 - 15.00 (Sunday)

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Manta Show at Manta Sandy, Raja Ampat

Pari manta adalah salah satu makhluk terindah menurut saya. Cara mereka berenang, sayap yang membentang, semuanya begitu anggun dan indah. Sulit menjelaskan kekaguman pada pari manta jika tidak melihat langsung gerakan indah mereka di dalam laut. Disini, anda dapat menyaksikan sekerumunan pari manta bergerak indah, sambil "terbang" di atas anda berkali kali.

Manta rays are one of the most beautiful creatures in my opinion . The way they swim, stretch their wings, everything is so graceful and beautiful. It is difficult to explain this fascination of seeing manta rays if you don't see them directly at the sea. In this place, you can see a group of manta rays moving beautifully, "flying" above you several times.

Manta Sandy is even beautiful above the water

Terletak di antara Pulau Mansuar dan Pulau Arborek, Raja Ampat, titik penyelaman Manta Sandy adalah salah satu lokasi wajib disambangi bagi penyelam. Sesuai namanya, anda akan menemukan pari manta di antara koral dan dasar laut yang berpasir putih.

Located between Mansuar and Arborek Island in Raja Ampat, Manta Sandy dive spot is one of the mandatory spot for divers. Just like the name itself, you will find manta rays among the corals on white sandy seabed.

a few manta going back and forth around the coral reef

Saya dan teman teman melakukan entry backroll dari perahu dan langsung menuju ke kedalaman. Arus terasa semakin kencang dan saya melihat terumbu karang di area flat yang berpasir putih. Disini "tempat menonton" seakan sudah disediakan. Ada jejeran batu karang yang dibuat menjadi semacam garis pembatas, dan di balik garis itulah berkumpul penyelam yang menahan posisi dari arus dengan hook atau sekadang memegang karang keras.

 
Me and friends did the back roll entry from the boat and headed straight into the depths. Currents beginning to feel stronger and I see the coral reefs in the flat area with white sandy seabed. The interesting thing is the "viewing area" seems like been "prepared," there area rows of rocks arranged as the diving line, behind the lines is the place for divers to stay, hold a position by hook or holding a coral to fight against the strong currents.

the manta ray flying above us

each of the manta ray have unique pattern, just like a fingerprint!

Sebelum saya sempat berpikir entah siapa yang menjajarkan batu batu itu, seekor black manta besar datang ke arah kami, diikuti beberapa manta lainnya, sebagian adalah manta alfredi dengan corak di antara dua insangnya. Corak setiap pari manta ini unik, sama seperti sidik jari manusia dan dapat digunakan untuk identifikasi pari manta.

 
Before I could think whoever it juxtaposes the rocks, a large black manta coming towards us , followed by several other manta rays, some are alfredi manta with the pattern between their two gills. This pattern is unique on each manta rays, just like human fingerprints and can be used for identification.
 

Sekitar delapan pari manta dengan lebar sayap sekitar tiga hingga empat meter ini lalu lalang di atas karang dan berkali kali melewati kami, memberi sensasi yang luar biasa saat melihat makhluk yang anggun dan besar ini menutupi cahaya persis di atas para penyelam.

 
Approximately eight manta ray with wingspan of about three to four meters passing over the reef and many times passing us also, giving great sensation when the graceful creature cover the sunlight just above the divers.

Got so close with the manta ray and he (or she?) doesn't seem care at all

Beberapa manta berkeliling, sedikit melakukan "salto" dan "parkir" untuk membersihkan diri dari parasit. Untuk ritual satu ini mereka mengandalkan ikan kecil jenis wrasse dan butterfly yang mendatangi mereka untuk memakan parasit di tubuhnya. Pari manta juga cenderung cuek dengan penyelam, selama kita tidak mengejar mereka secara ekstrim, manta manta ini tampak tidak perduli saat posisinya sangat dekat dengan kami, para penyelam.

 
Some manta are circling around, did some acrobatic movements and "park" to be cleaned by small fishes such as butterfly and wrasses. Manta ray is also tend to ignore the diver, the don't seem care at all even when we got so close, as long as you don't chase them brutally.

Enjoy the live show!

Anda cukup mengambil posisi di "area penonton" dan nikmati pertunjukkan gerakan dari makhluk anggun ini. Amazing indeed.

You simply just have to take a position in the "viewing area" and enjoy the show of this graceful creature. Amazing indeed .

@marischkaprue - want to have more dance with the manta ray

NOTES:

• Manta Sandy terletak di antara Pulau Mansuar dan Pulau Arborek, Raja Ampat.
• Manta Sandy located between the Mansuar and Arborek Island in Raja Ampat.
• Siapkan hook sebelum menyelam di Manta Sandy karena area tempat cleaning manta ini adalah area dengan arus yang cukup kencang.
• Prepare your hook before diving in Manta Sandy because the cleaning spot is an area with strong currents.
• Opsi dive operator: Mangkur Kodon Dive Centre: contact via Luki +6285254275968, atau Papua Diving: contact via +628114807610
• Dive operator, option: Mangkur Kodon Dive Centre: contact via Luki +6285254275968, or Papua Diving: contact via +628114807610

Belum punya sertifikasi menyelam? ini saatnya untuk bergabung menikmati keseruan bawah laut, ambil paket sertifikasi di Bali with me, here --> Dive Course Trip Bali 11-14 April 2014

Terjebak Biru Di Arborek, Raja Ampat.

You know I love sea with different colors. Perbedaan warna biru, biru muda dan turquoise selalu membuat saya tersihir, simply happy and relax. Mungkin warna biru secara psikologis memang menenangkan, namun warna dan pemandangan yang berpadu sempurna adalah obat bagi apapun masalah yang sedang anda pikirkan.

You know I love sea with different colors. Different kinds of blue, light blue and turquoise always mesmerize me, giving happiness and relax feeling. Maybe blue is psychologically soothing, but the color and the scenery is a cure for any problem you are might be thinking.
 

The clear water around Arborek

The dock

Kampung Wisata Arborek terletak di Meos Mansar, Raja Ampat, Papua Barat. Tidak perlu bertanya mengapa wilayah ini menjadi kampung wisata, sejak menjejakkan kaki di dermaga Pulau Arborek saya sudah dibuat terpesona dengan laut yang berwarna warni.

Arborek Tourism Village is located in Meos Mansar, Raja Ampat, West Papua. No need to ask why this island turned into tourist village, set your foot at the Arborek dock and you'll stunned by its sea colors.

Lihatlah warna biru yang berpadu dengan turquoise, hijaunya pohon kelapa yang menghiasi pesisir pulau, serta langit yang membiru. Sebagian area di sekeliling Arborek sangat dangkal dengan pasir putih di dasarnya dan sejumlah koral menambah pesona warna laut disini.

Look at the blue mixed with turquoise, the green palm trees adorn the coast of the island and the blue sky. Some of the area around Arborek dock is very shallow with white sand at its base and a number of sea corals adds the charm here. 

Look at the stunning view!

Near Manta Sandy you can find this heaven!

Arborek pun sangat dekat dengan lokasi penyelaman yang jadi salah satu favorit di Raja Ampat yaitu Manta Sandy. Ingat pengalaman saya bertemu manta? Di Manta Sandy ada delapan pari manta yang berkeliling, bahkan begitu dekat dengan para divers. Namun sebelum bercerita tentang keindahan dan serunya bawah laut, mari kita nikmati the super beautiful Arborek sea!

Arborek is also close with one of the most favorite sites in Raja Ampat which is Manta Sandy. If you remember my story about dancing with the manta rays, well here I encounter eight manta rays, so big and so close to the divers. But before telling you about the beauty and thrill of the sea bottom, let's enjoy the super beautiful Arborek sea!

perfection!

@marischkaprue - her favourite colour is the colours of the sea

NOTES:

• Pulau Arborek terletak di Raja Ampat, Papua Barat.
• Arborek Island located in Raja Ampat, West Papua.
• Cara menuju ke lokasi yaitu dengan penerbangan menuju Sorong, Papua Barat dan dilanjut dengan naik kapal ferry (harga tiket VIP sekitar Rp. 220.000,-) menuju Waisai. Dari Waisai menggunakan kapal kecil menuju Arborek dengan waktu tempuh sekitar 2 jam
• To get there you will have to take a flight to Sorong, West Papua, then took a ferry boat (VIP ticket Rp. 220.000,-) to Waisai. From Waisai take a boat to Arborek, its about 2 hours boat trip 
• Untuk pilihan penginapan di Raja Ampat lihat disini
• For option of home stay in Raja Ampat, see here

Pianemo, the "mini" Wayag in Raja Ampat

"I don't have to die to go to heaven, I just have to spend my money for the right reason, travel"

Trip ke Raja Ampat, Papua Barat selalu identik dengan mahal. Harga tiket pesawat ke Sorong memang seringkali lebih mahal dibanding harga tiket ke Hong Kong, begitu pula dengan transportasi dengan kapal di wilayah Raja Ampat karena mahalnya bahan bakar minyak disana, untuk ke Raja Ampat kita memang harus merogoh kocek lebih.

Most Indonesian people imagine Raja Ampat as an expensive destination. Flights to Sorong is often more expensive than the price of a ticket to Hong Kong, the same thing goes for the boat transportation in Raja Ampat due to the high price of the fuel there. Simply saying, to get to Raja Ampat, we gotta spend more money.

The beautiful sea in Raja Ampat

Namun terkadang harga dan perjuangan sebanding dengan hasil. Raja Ampat memiliki landscape yang luar biasa, indahnya laut, gugusan pulau dan pemandangan yang membuat kita terbelalak, mengagumi ciptaan yang kuasa.

But sometimes the price and struggle are so worth. Raja Ampat have incredible landscape, the beauty of the sea, islands and scenery that make us stunned, admiring the power of creation.

This is not Wayag

Sebagian besar orang mengingat Raja Ampat dari foto Wayag, gugusan pulau karang yang tersebar indah dan terlihat jelas dari atas bukit. Rupanya Raja Ampat tidak hanya punya satu daerah gugusan pulau karang, di area barat dari Pulau Gam, sekitar 2 jam dengan speed boat dari Waisai, anda dapat menemukan "mini Wayag."

Most people remember Raja Ampat from Wayag photos, islands made of coral rocks scattered beautifully and clearly visible from the top of the hill. Apparently Raja Ampat don't just have one area of those coral islands, in the western area of the Gam island, about 2 hours speed boat trip from Waisai, you can find a "mini Wayag."

Pianemo, the mini Wayag. Taken using Sony Xperia Z1

turquoise lagoon between the islands

Pianemo nama lokasi dengan kontur yang sangat mirip dengan Wayag, hanya dengan gugusan pulau pulau karang yang lebih kecil. Selebihnya sangat mirip dan dengan sensasi visual yang serupa.

Pianemo is the name of the place that is very similar with Wayag, but apparently smaller. At a glance, this area is indeed giving you a similar visual sensation.

Pretty combination of colors

Masuk ke area Pianemo saya menikmati menyusuri pulau pulau karang yang timbul di laut berwarna warni, sebagian biru tua, sebagian turquoise karena dangkal dengan pasir putih di dasarnya, sangat indah.

Coming into Pianemo area, I enjoyed the feeling at the moving boat through the small islands which arise in different colors sea, some blue and some turquoise due to the shallow water with white sands at the bottom, really beautiful.

Climbs up up up!

Namun untuk mendapat sensasi utama anda harus mendaki ke atas bukit, hanya sekitar 15 menit untuk sampai di atas bukit namun karang keras dan tajam membuat kami mesti berhati hati saat melangkah naik. Namun tanpa sadar anda akan sampai di titik semua gugusan pulau karang ini terlihat jelas, membentuk panorama yang indah dan mempesona.

But to get a major sensation you have to climb up the hill, only about 15 minutes to get on top of the hill but you have to get through the sharp and hard coral rocks so it will slow you down. Even though it will be a little hard to climb, without you notice you'll find yourself at the point where the islands is visible clearly, forming a beautiful and enchanting panorama.

It might be a mini Wayag but I got the excitement as big when I see this. Taken using Sony Xperia Z1

Standing at one of the best spot to see Pianemo. Taken using Sony Xperia Z1

Saat kami datang matahari bersinar terang, sangat terik namun membuat warna Pianemo semakin jelas. I think this heaven is welcoming us greatly, then I know I spent my money for the right reason.

When we came the sun shining so bright, makes the colors more vivid. I think this heaven is welcoming us greatly, then I know I spent my money for the right reason.

@marischkaprue - always searching for new heaven

NOTES:

• Pianemo terletak di bagian barat Pulau Gam, Raja Ampat, Papua Barat.
• Pianemo located at the western side of Gam Island, Raja Ampat, West Papua.
• Cara menuju ke lokasi yaitu dengan penerbangan menuju Sorong, Papua Barat dan dilanjut dengan naik kapal ferry (harga tiket VIP sekitar Rp. 220.000,-) menuju Waisai. Dari Waisai menggunakan kapal kecil menuju Pianemo dengan waktu tempuh sekitar 2 jam
• To get there you will have to take a flight to Sorong, West Papua, then took a ferry boat (VIP ticket Rp. 220.000,-) to Waisai. From Waisai take a boat to Pianemo, its about 2 hours boat trip 
• Bawa sepatu trekking atau sendal yang nyaman untuk menaiki bukit karena kontur karang yang keras dan tajam
• Bring your shoes or comfy slippers to trek into the top of the hills, the coral rocks are quite sharp so prepare your footwear.
• Untuk pilihan penginapan di Raja Ampat lihat disini
• For option of home stay in Raja Ampat, see here

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• Modest Homestay With Million Dollar View in Raja Ampat

Modest Homestay With Million-Dollar View in Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat selalu jadi destinasi impian, sejumlah foto yang memperlihatkan surga dan beningnya laut di timur Indonesia ini membuat Raja Ampat jadi salah satu must visit list before we die.

Raja Ampat has always been a dream destination, a number of photographs showing the heaven and those clear sea water in eastern Indonesia, Raja Ampat became one of the ​ must visit list before we die.

The modest homestay

Clear water in front of Mangkur Kodon homestay

Akomodasi yang satu ini jadi pilihan kami saat mengunjungi Raja Ampat, terletak di Pulau Kri, Papua Barat, Mangkur Kodon memiliki salah satu area homestay terbaik dengan cekungan pantai berpasir putih, pulau di seberang dan luasan area air laut dengan pasir putih sebagai karpet yang membuat warna turquoise memancar di saat matahari bersinar cerah.

We stayed at this home stay duringour trip to Raja Ampat. Located at Kri Island, West Papua, Mangkur Kodon have one of the best view for homestay, with stretching white sandy beach, another island across the area and the extent of sea water with white sands as carpet that makes the turquoise color radiates when the sun is shining brightly.

Greeted by these friendly dog in Kri Island

Another separate homestay in Mangkur Kodon

Bangunan bangunan sederhana tanpa penyejuk ruangan dibangun di atas pasir putih, ditambah satu bangunan yang dibangun di atas pantai yang tergenang air laut. Sayangnya kadangkala di saat puncak musim liburan homestay ini terlalu padat, kapasitas ideal hanya sekitar 25 orang namun bisa dipadati lebih dari 40 orang sehingga sebagian harus berjejalan di dalam bangunan sederhana ini.

Mangkur Kodon have several simple hut with no air conditioning. These hut built on top of the white sands and one hut built on top of the sea water. Unfortunately sometimes during the peak holiday season this homestay is too dense. The ideal capacity of only about 25 people but during high season can be filled with more than 40 people so it won't be that comfortable to sleep in such small space.
 

Daylight is good for your eyes

View from Mangkur Kodon, see how clear the water is

Sunset, seen from Mangkur Kodon

Di luar sepotong kekacauan dalam menangani kapasitas tamu, Mangkur Kodon memiliki pemandangan yang luar biasa, a simple paradise to spend your vacation.

Aside those chaotic in handling guest and capacity, Mangkur Kodon have wonderful view, a simple paradise to spend your vacation.

@marischkaprue - accomplished one of her dream destination in 2013.

NOTES:

• Mangkur Kodon terletak di Pulau Kri, Raja Ampat, Papua Barat.
• Mangkur Kodon located at Kri Island, Raja Ampat, West Papua.
• Cara menuju ke lokasi yaitu dengan penerbangan menuju Sorong, Papua Barat dan dilanjut dengan naik kapal ferry (harga tiket VIP sekitar Rp. 220.000,-) menuju Waisai. Dari Waisai menggunakan kapal kecil menuju Pulau Kri (biaya pengganti bahan bakar minyak sekitar Rp. 500.000,- dari Waisai menuju Kri, dengan kapal berkapasitas 15 orang).
• To get there you will have to take a flight to Sorong, West Papua, then took a ferry boat (VIP ticket Rp. 220.000,-) to Waisai. From Waisai take a boat to Kri (the price is about Rp. 500.000,- from Waisai to Kri in a boat with capacity of 15 people).
• Tarif menginap di homestay Mangkur Kodon Rp. 500.000,- per orang per hari, sudah termasuk makan 3 kali sehari.
• Price to stay in Mangkur Kodon is Rp. 500.000,- per person per day, includes 3 meals per day. 
• Di Mangkur Kodon juga terdapat dive centre, namun disarankan untuk membawa peralatan diving sendiri karena keterbatasan alat.
• There is a dive center in Mangkur Kodon but I suggest you bring your own diving gears due to the very limited of gears available for rent.
• Di saat high season pelayanan dan manajemen homestay sedikit kacau karena overload, jika anda tidak sabar usahakan untuk tidak datang di saat high season.
• During high season, the service and management in this home stay could be quite a challenge for your temper. If you're easily boiling up I suggest not to come during high season.
• Pilihan lain homestay dengan pengelolaan lebih rapih ada di Maria Homestay, Yenwaupnor, Raja Ampat dengan tarif sama. Untuk booking Maria homestay melalui ibu Maria +6282199347626 atau +6281247361290 / email: mariarumbiak@ymail.com 
• Another alternative for better management is in Maria Homestay, Tenwaupnor, Raja Ampat, with similar price. For booking in Maria Homestay you can contact Mrs. Maria directly +6282199347626 or +6281247361290 / email: mariarumbiak@ymail.com

ps: 

I got complaint about this homestay antara lain kekacauan koordinasi kamar dan makanan sehingga nomor kontak booking Mangkur Kodon dihapus dari postingan ini. Jika masih ingin menginap di Mangkur Kodon, dapat langsung bertanya via email ke marischkaprudence@gmail.com ,namun harus disadari terdapat resiko pengalaman yang tidak baik karena kekacauan koordinasi.

RELATED STORIES:

•  Pianemo, The mini Wayag