From Licensed Guides to Content Creators: Rethinking Tourism in the Social Media Era
Written in conversation with Walkwithan In today’s digital era, social media has become the main stage for tourism promotion. A single post, photo, or video can instantly attract travelers to visit a destination. But behind the viral reels and perfectly edited clips, one question often arises: how can we tell the difference between a real tour provider and someone who just sells the idea of travel online? That’s where my conversation began — with Edy, Sam, and Safra, three licensed guides who’ve spent years on the ground, leading real tours across East Java. Social Media vs. Real Experience I opened our chat by asking how licensed guides see the rise of influencers in tourism. “If we talk about social media,” said Edy, “we can show our experiences to everyone. But many of those content creators only sell the image — they don’t really organize tours. So when they finally get…
From English Tutor to Tour Guide: The Story of Edy Who Learned from An Opportunity
Edy never planned to become a tour guide — it all began by an opportunity. From teaching English in a small course to leading travelers through Ijen’s smoky trails, his journey is a story of courage, trust, and finding purpose in unexpected places.
Sulfur: Pimples Treatment?
Sulfur is a yellow, non-metallic element with medicinal properties. The use of sulfur as a therapeutic agent dates back nearly 70 years. However, in recent years it has received little attention. In dermatology, sulfur has been employed in the treatment of many diseases, including acne vulgaris, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, pityriasis versicolor, scabies, and warts Sulfur has antifungal, antibacterial, and keratolytic activity. In the past, its use was widespread in dermatological disorders such as acne vulgaris, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, pityriasis versicolor, scabies, and warts. Adverse events associated with topically applied sulfur are rare and mainly involve mild application site reactions. Sulfur, used alone or in combination with agents such as sodium sulfacetamide or salicylic acid, has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of many dermatological conditions. Raw volcanic sulfur just taken from the crater vent
Hiking: to Achieve a Peaceful State of Mind
Hiking is the most cleansing and exhilarating of exercise for me. What I like most about hiking is spending some time away from the busy life where it is always seems like people are running around trying to get somewhere and stressed out. When I am away from the city life, away from the noisy cars driving back and forth sometimes honking at one another, when I am away from this and in an area where I’m more with nature, I just feel at peace, yet revitalized at the same time. Depending on where you’re hiking, your vision will be a lot different from what you see in the city. For me, it’s usually lots of green trees, dense coffee plantation, blue skies with clouds floating, and sunrays passing through the leaves of the trees lighting the pathway in front or nearby. Even though physically, it may seem exhausting, it…
Sam Java Tour Presents a Unique Cigar & Coffee Experience in Collaboration with Griyacerutu
As a travel agency focusing on international travelers, Sam Java Tour is committed to creating unique experiences that combine natural beauty, local culture, and authentic interactions with communities. This October, we are proud to announce a strategic partnership with Griyacerutu, the largest cigar agent in East Java. Through this collaboration, we are expanding our tour services by offering exclusive experiences that allow travelers to enjoy local cigars and coffee as part of their cultural journey in Jember and its surroundings. During the tour, travelers will not only explore stunning natural destinations but also have the opportunity to: 📸 Cultural Experience Gallery (Suggested images to feature on the blog) ✨ Discover East Java’s Authentic Tobacco & Coffee Culture with Us Through this collaboration, Sam Java Tour offers a travel experience that blends natural exploration and cultural immersion — perfect for cigar and coffee enthusiasts, as well as travelers seeking something different.…
How to Get to Kawah Ijen for Backpackers
🚐 From Bali to Ijen For backpackers coming from Bali, the journey begins with a 3-hour drive to Ketapang Harbor, Banyuwangi. From Banyuwangi, Kawah Ijen is about 40 km away.The most practical way to reach the base camp (±1,800 m a.s.l.) is by joining a shared car transport service, which is affordable and convenient. Please call Imam, our local guide live in Pakel village to get for the transportation and he is ready to give you the option for type of transportation whether you are traveling in group or solo. For those who prefer public transportation, follow these steps: 🌤 Best Time to Visit While Kawah Ijen is visited year-round, the best season is from May to September, during the dry season, when the skies are usually clear.This period gives you the highest chance of enjoying a stunning sunrise over the crater. At night, temperatures can drop to 5°C, so…