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In the backpacking world, karma counts
The CouchSurfing Project is an international online not-for-profit organisation that encourages members to open their houses to each other, allowing for low cost backpacking experiences and cultural exchanges
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T
he CouchSurfing Project is an international online not-for-profit organisation that encourages members to open their houses to each other, allowing for low cost backpacking experiences and cultural exchanges.
The movement is slowly gaining pace in Indonesia with more than 7,000 members across the country, 2,000 of which are in Jakarta.
“Of those [7,000 members], 3,776 offer free accomodation to domestic and international travelers,” said CouchSurfing ambassador Indonesia Nancy Margaretha.
The backpacker oriented community opens doors as a way to boost cultural understanding, she said.
As part of efforts to promote the Couch Surfing community and show another aspect of the nation’s capital, the group recently conducted the Jakarta Amazing Race around Central Jakarta, which visited some of the city’s lesser-known locations.
Sixty-two tourists, divided into 12 groups, took part in the massive scavenger hunt.
They were given clues to find certain places in Jakarta that often go unnoticed, such as the tomb of famous activist and poet Soe Hoek Gie in Taman Prasasti Museum, Tanah Abang, the statue of Greek god Hermes on Harmony bridge, 300-year-old Buddhist temple Dharma Jaya in Pasar Baru shopping arcade and Taman Kodok in Menteng.
Nancy, who is also the writer of Backpacking Modal jempol-jelajah Eropa Rp 500,000/bulan (Zero budget for exploring Europe on Rp 500,000 [US$54]/month), said since its establishment in 2007 the community always tried to widen their network by opening their doors to backpackers who needed a place to stay.
Experienced traveller Eva said that despite the obvious monetary benefits, the community offered a great travelling experience.
