On Monday, July 06, 2026, the time showed exactly at 08.00 am when my taxi docked in the magnificent lobby of the Sheraton Surabaya Hotel. This five star Hotel was the starting point of my meeting with Mr. Rowan Sakul, a tourist from Australia who has booked my services since three months ago.
The taxi door opened, and a friendly smile instantly greeted me. Mr. Rowan is not alone. She comes with her elegant cousin Sophie, and her cheerful daughter Phoe. After greeting them and tidying up the luggage into the trunk, we immediately split the road to the first destination: Pekalen Rafting!
Inside the cab, the atmosphere was very warm. The active Phoe does not stop admiring the landscapes along the way. Mr. Rowan shared that the taxi order three months ago was the best decision to make sure this family vacation went smoothly for 2 days.
Arriving in Pekalen, the real adventure begins. As soon as the inflatable boat hits the first Rapids, screams of excitement break out! Sophie screams with joy whenever the river waters wash over them, while Chloe laughs fearlessly.
"Look at that, Dad! It's beautiful!"shouted Phoe pointing upwards.
They are completely mesmerized as the boat crosses a high cliff with a line of exotic waterfalls. Mr. Rowan, Sophie, and Phoe repeatedly give the driver thumbs up. The Pekalen Rapids successfully pumped their adrenaline to satisfaction.
After getting wet and enjoying a traditional lunch at Becamp Pekalen Rafting, the journey continues. The next destination is Jiwa Jawa Bromo Hotel, where they will spend the night. All the way uphill to Bromo, all three fell asleep because of fatigue after rafting. Once in the soul of Java, they were immediately amazed by the cool air and beautiful scenery of the hotel. I also said goodbye to rest, in the car park and I also stayed overnight at jiwa jawa hotel
The next morning, the adventure continues in a still very blind time. Exactly at 03.00 am, I was ready to take them to watch the legendary Bromo Sunrise with a jeep that had been ordered far away by MR. Rowan Sakul. The cold was bone-chilling, but the spirit of this family from Australia did not subside in the least. As the sun rises slowly, emitting a golden color over the expanse of the sea of sand and the Bromo caldera, Mr. Rowan, Sophie, and Phoe stood transfixed.
"This is breathtaking," Sophie whispered in amazement as she captured the moment with Phoe.
Around 09.00 am, after exploring the crater and the sea of sand, we returned to Jiwa Jawa Hotel. They cleaned themselves, had breakfast, and did the check-out process with a very satisfied face.
The last trip was to take them back to the Sheraton Surabaya Hotel. In the taxi to Surabaya, Mr. Rowan shook my hand tightly.
"The planning three months ago was perfect. Thank you for being part of the best adventure of our family," said Mr. Rowan is sincere.