NATREKK

Want to travel somewhere for a low budget, but have no friends or no idea on how to do it? Why not join travelers' or backpackers' groups?

Backpacking around Indonesia is Heru Hendarto's passion. The 32-year-old loves to be on the road with fellow backpackers, exploring every corner of the archipelago. "I first got into traveling when I was a university student. At that time I chose mountain hiking because of my limited budget," Heru told Sunday Post recently.

Heru still prefers backpacking, saying that he can go to many places with low budget.

"It's so satisfying because we can explore the area and mingle with the local people," he said.

"On the road, we can even get a ride from a truck driver and have a chit chat with him, which you couldn't do with more upscale traveling."

His main ambition is to visit all the Special Backpackers prepare their meal outdoor. provinces in this country before heading to other countries.

"I've never been backpacking overseas because I want to fi nish traveling around Indonesia fi rst," he said, adding he's visited 24 provinces so far.

Heru said that it's easier and cheaper to travel to neighboring countries like Malaysia, Singapore or Thailand than in remote areas in Indonesia.

"It costs about Rp 6 million for the round trip to Luwuk *Central Sulawesi* and you might spend more if you go farther," he said.

"So, I feel like I can go to those countries sometime in the future. However, my goal is to fi nish my trips around Indonesia. If I have enough money, I want to go to Merauke and Wamena in Papua."

While many backpackers out there like traveling alone, Heru opts to go with friends for safety reasons. "It's just because I mostly travel in villages, not big cities where I can get easy access and accommodation." He later decided to join in a local backpacking community, Indobackpacker, to help his hobby.

This community, established in 2004, is dedicated to backpackers and travelers who want to share experiences and exchange information on trips and travel destinations, as well as look for fellow travelers.

If you are a novice backpacker who has very little experience in organizing itineraries during the trip, joining other backpackers is a good idea. The destinations are various, from areas in Indonesia and Southeast Asian countries (such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos) to Europe.

The backpackers or budget travelers of the group mostly love adventurous trips and do not mind enduring difficulties to cut costs.

Members of the group occasionally arrange gatherings by backpacking to places around the Indonesian archipelago. "We encourage our members to arrange their own trips because that is the point of backpacking," said Aris Yanto, one of the moderators of Indobackpacker.

The group also provides comprehensive travel tips via its website www.indobackpacker. com.

Being a woman doesn't limit housewife Maria Anggraeni, 23, from spending her free time backpacking, saying that it brings a lot of interesting experiences.

"I, for instance, was once stranded in a gas station with four fellow backpackers on our way to Ujung Kulon *West Java* because it was already dark. We took a shower at the public toilet and slept in the musholla *praying room*," said Maria, whose husband works in Papua.

"I'm a woman but it's not a big deal as long as I watch my behavior."

Like Heru, Maria wants to see as much of Indonesia as possible before exploring other countries.

"I've ever been to Singapore and Thailand, but if I have enough money, I want to see astonishing places in my country." Now, Maria is currently planning a trip to Bali.

"I plan to go there by train by myself, but it would be nicer if I had friends with me. I've posted a message via Indobackpacker to look for a fellow backpacker," she said.

"It's not a big deal going somewhere with someone that you don't know well. It's like a blind date."

Heru has also no problem backpacking with someone he barely knows.

"It's fun and interesting. After the fi rst two days, you will see their real characters." Another traveling community is Nature Trekker Indonesia (Natrekk), established in 2004 by a group of close friends.

The non-profit community is more of a nature lovers' group dedicated to those who enjoy trekking, hiking, backpacking, diving, climbing, snorkeling, rafting, caving and many more.

The group occasionally arranges nature explorations focused more within the Indonesia archipelago to promote local tourism, posting the details via a mailing list and its website www.natrekk.com.

"Members can even take their families, like kids or old people, with them because we sometimes provide trips that are suitable for a whole family," said Andrey Acorbusie, one of the founders of the group.

He assured that it wasn't expensive to participate in Natrekk's activities. "When we arranged a trip to Badui in 2004, each participant was charged about Rp 185,000 *US$19*."

"Before the trip, some members complained about the cost, saying that it was too expensive. But after they took part in the trip, they took back their words, saying that it was worth it."

Ingrid Diana has enjoyed being a Natrekk member since 2005. She's in charge of preparing water activities like rafting. Before arranging a trip, Ingrid fi rst surveys the travel destination and makes budget calculations.

"I later promote the trip through the mailing list, make a list of participants, receive payment from them and make sure every accommodation and transportation is well prepared from the departure to arrival."

Natrekk itself has annual events like the anniversary of Natrekk, Natrekk Fun Adventure and Kelana Nusantara.

"Natrekk is a free community. If you fi nd nice travelers during our event, you can arrange a trip and go there with them," Ingrid said.

"Members, who already know each other or have an interest in going to same destination, sometimes propose trips on the mailing list."

So, are you interested in widening your travel horizons? Just log on to the Internet, join the communities and get ready to go with your backpack.

Triwik Kurniasari ,  THE JAKARTA POST ,  JAKARTA   |  Sun, 02/28/2010 3:10 PM  |  Lifestyle