FROM “PERJALANAN ASIA” TO “THE JOURNEY”

This picture taked in Malacca, Malaysia, 1991. When he journeid around 1991-1992. He bought a bike in Kuala Lumpur, he named “The Master”. He dreamed being Philippe Fogg, one of characters in “Around the World in Eighty Days” by Jules Vern. Gola Gong biked from KL to borderline of Singapore for a month. He slept everywhere, such mosque, shelter bus, home village, grave and once in a while in guest house. He went back KL with taxi, continuing by train to Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Then he biked to Bangkok for a month. Through Hat Yai, Songkla… biking along the South Thailand. Sleeping in several wat and tried to understand Monk’s life. Along the journey he sang a song from Queen, “I want to ride my bike…..” After a month, he and his bike, The Master arrived in Khaosan Area, Bangkok, resembled to Malioboro, Yogya, Central Java. Then he felt so sorry caused have to sell The Master. The story of his journey around The South Asia published as series in Anita Cemerlang Magazine (1991-1992). According to GG, Bens Leo, the editor of Anita Cemerlang was so meritorious support his journey obsession. Then Eka Budianta and Hikmat Kurnia (Puspa Swara Publishing) republished it on a novel titled “Perjalanan Asia” (Asian Journey). Recently rewrote and republished in Maximalis Salamadani, Bandung (May 2008) with “The Journey”. If you are traveling lovers and bagpackers, should collecting this book! (Translated by Tias Tatanka)