Half a year ago, I was living halfway around the world. On special weekends I would visit special islands, The days would start with the sun. Except when I brought out the camera. Especially on expensive photo trips.
One remarkable island out of the 15,000+ that Indonesia has is called Belitung. Off the east coast of Sumatra, almost directly north of Jakarta, this island has/had two claims to fame. First, during the Dutch colonial period, it was exploited for its vast supply of tin. When tin fell out of favouring the world, the island met with a similar fate. Decades later, a talented Indonesian writer, Andrea Hirata, published Lashkar Pelangi (The Rainbow Troops, in English). A blockbuster movie followed that successful book, and brought out visually what Belitung should forever be famous for: its landscape of crystalline waters and rocks with personality.
After reading the book, a visit to the island was on my list, but it took my reliable partner in photo-adventures: Rajbir, to make it happen. And the expert guidance of our photography guru, Ranar, to make it better.
THAT particular trip we were blessed with an overcast sky and no sun to make those colours pop.
But we persisted.
Over 2 days and 2 nights.
Until the last day, when the sun finally shed it’s shyness and cast some shadows.
Success!
A Busy Life of Leisure 
Beautiful photos Aarti!
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Thanks Sara! Missed you on that tour.
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The photographs are amazing Aarti
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Thank you so much Tina!
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Aarti, How do you manage painting like photos ? Awesome 🙂
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You are too kind, Potler! Thanks.
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Aarti – what Photos !! Kamaal ki cheezein!! Thanks for sharing – looking forward to Peru Photos next 😉😍
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Rita, so sweet of you! If you haven’t been to Belitung, you must visit. The beach with the rocks is simply stunning! Peru posts are up already 😀
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Your photos are breathtaking! I’ve just posted my photos of Sumatra from about 12 years ago. They don’t compare in any ways to yours, but they’re a wonderful reminder of a magical adventure.
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Thank you Jane. I loved your blog too!
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Your photos are crazy, Aarti!! Love love love every single of them, especially the one with lighthouse.
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Aarti – you are a genius with the camera !!
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Monali, I had a fair bit of guidance!
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