About the Creator
About Me
Hey, I'm Retno!
I'm an Indonesian travel creator and photographer originally from Jakarta, Indonesia. Through my lens and diaries, this isn't your average travel guide. I'm here to bring you slow travel diaries, raw mountain photography, and authentic budget itineraries from the snow valleys of Kashmir to the backwater canals of Kerala, representing a unique Indonesian traveler's perspective in India.
You'll find detailed budget breakdowns, real-time cultural observations, and the raw side of high-altitude routes. I keep it real 100% of the time because neither travel nor life is perfect, but the lessons along the road are.
Through Retno Explorica, my goal is to inspire you to explore the world intentionally—connecting with locals over Noon Chai, utilizing public transport, and staying in family-owned homestays.
But first...
How did I get here?
I crafted my own corner of the internet after slow travel journeys through remote mountain passes, coastal spice routes, and high-altitude valleys. It might sound cliché, but taking the slower road completely transformed my perspective on what it means to truly connect with the world.
Life Before Travel
Before committing to full-time travel writing, my life revolved around standard office routines and templates in Jakarta, Indonesia. The career path was secure, and according to expectations, it was the ideal next step.
But sitting at a desk day after day, I couldn't stop asking myself, "Is this it?"
I quickly realized that a static routine wasn't for me. I wanted to break away, explore the unknown, live in small mountain hamlets, and document the stories of individuals living far-flung lifestyles.
It was a wild, daunting thought. But I dedicated two years to saving every dime, building my photography skill set, and learning independent travel dynamics. And then... I hit the road.