Selasa, 28 Agustus 2012

Bukit Daun

This is a protected recreation forest located between Bengkulu and Curup, about 45 km from Bengkulu. It is inhabited by a great variety of animal species. Located in a sparsely populated region of Sumatra, Bukit Daun forms a twin volcano with Gedang volcano, which is truncated by a 3-km-wide probable caldera. The 600-m-wide summit crater of Bukit Daun contains a crater lake; a smaller crater lake is found at Tologo Kecil on the SSW flank. No historical eruptions are known from Bukit Daun, although active fumaroles occur in the SSW flank crater.

SUAYA

The graveyard lies on one of the hillsides. It is carved as the resting place of the kings and king's family; in conform to the Toraja King dresses, placed in front of stone grave. There are some stone steps to reach the hill, where the kings had their contemplation during their life. A museum will be built in this place to keep the property of King Sangalla.

Minggu, 26 Agustus 2012

About Indonesian


Indonesia is a vast and beautifully diverse country consisting of more than 17,000 islands, of which anly about 6,000 are inhabitated, stretching more than 5,000 kms between the Australia and Asia continental main island and dividing the Pacific and Indian Oceans on the Equator. Indonesia offers the blend of scenic beauty, flora and fun, culture and marine parks. There are stunning architectural features on the island.

The main island of Java is the most populous and where the capital city, Jakarta, located. Jakarta is home to millions of people, a varied blend of shops, good museums, great nightlife, nationalistic monuments and bustling port of Old Batavia. The cultural capital of Yogyakarta is relaxed and offers a window to traditional arts and crafts.

It is possible to experience traditional Ramayana theatre in Yogyakarta. Nearby archaeological site of Borobudur and Prambanan is one of the seventh world best heritages located in Central Java. Volcanoes from a backbone to Java with Mounts Bromo and Merapi popular tourist sites. Other Javanese towns of interest include Bogor, Bandung, Surabaya, Solo and Malang.

Just off East Java are the popular island resorts of Bali and Lombok. These tranquil islands are the tropical playgrounds of Idonesia with great beaches, resorts, nightlife, food, shopping and interesting cultural contrast. It is posible to experience Balinese dance and theatre in Ubud, Bali.

The islands to the east of Lombok provide an adventurous journey to many varied cultures. Komodo island is the home of the famous dragon reptile and Flores is renowned for its incredible beauty and challenging dives. Sumba is the home of to many intricate ikat textiles and Sulawesi is a cultural melting pot.

Balinese boats crusing round the islands
The island of Sumatra, the word's fifth largest, is less settled and featured vast rainforest, orang utans, beautiful Lake Toba and commercial centres of Bukittinggi and Medan.

Kalimantan is the Indonesian part of the island Borneo and its transected by wide rivers and forests for plantations. Several ethnic groups live here and there are opportunities to visit their villages. The travelling is adventurous with enermous distances between settlements.

Irian Jaya is culturally unique even by Indonesian standard to the rest of Indonesia and a part of west Irian province is the most original tourist areas in the world. The scenary ranges from snow capped peaks to vast riverine wetlands with view people in between.

Indonesian food varies from region to region but it is cheap, easily accessible and fresh. Fresh fruit is a highlight. Indonesian love to watch and play badminton and football. The diverse culture ensures many diverse holidays most of which are related to religious calendars.
You will find white sandy beaches at Bira, 178 km from Ujung Pandang to the south. Traditional shipbuilding is also located in this area. Not far from this area visitors can cross to Selayar Island.

Jumat, 24 Agustus 2012

The Indonesian Folk Dances

Amazing Tourism Place - The Indonesian Folk Dances

Base on the history of folk dance, Indonesian folk dances offer a particularly colorful and emotional brand of folk dance. Many people don't realize it, but Bali is in Indonesia, and Indonesia shares a border with Papua New Guinea. Comprising more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is a huge area of the world, and the fourth most populous country on the globe. It should come as no surprise that this huge land mass is steeped in classic traditions, one of the brightest being folk dancing.

Like most of the performing arts of the Orient dance in Indonesia is believed by many scholars to have had its beginning in religious workship. Even today, many dances are considered sacred or can be traced back to their early spiritual associations. Among these are not only the temple dances of Bali, but also such seemingly profane dances, such as the Bedoyo Ketawang of Solo, performed only on such rare occasions that they are in peril of becoming lost for the lack of younger generation dancers able to perform them.Dance traditions today are as widely diverse as the various ethnic cultures of which they are part. Nurtured to refined perfection in the royal Javanese courts and princely homes the classical dances of Central Java are highly stylized expressions which have probably already attained their basic movements during the height of the Hindu-Javanese culture from the 8th to the 13th century. From the courts, those dances eventually reached the broad strata of the common people who gave them a more spontaneous form of expression.

In the hands of the people, these dances provided a rich source not only for popular dance dramas, but also for social dances which often display clear erotic overtones, such as Tayuban or Ngibing.
The bumbung dance of Bali which incidentally evolved into the beautiful "bumblebee dance" and Tamulilingan, a creation of Bali's late famed maestro of the dance, I Mario.Other popular folk dances still display strong magic associations, as for instance the "kuda lumping horse dance". Whereas rigid discipline and artistry mark the dance of Java and Bali, those of Sumatra, Maluku and most of the other islands (one exception is the Gending Sriwijaya of South Sumatra) are characterized by their gracefulness and charm, a distinction which is further accentuated by the entirely different, non- gamelan, musical accompaniment.

The old traditions of dance and drama are being preserved in the many dance schools which flourish not only in the courts but also in the modern, government-run or supervised art academies where at the same time the search is continually being conducted for new expressions better adapted to modern times though based on the old traditions.

Derawan Island


On the south of Ternate City, the Portuguese built the unfinished Kayu Merah Fortress on 1510. The peak of Gamalama is 1271 meters high and can be reached by trail. It has three craters and its surrounding environment is very beautiful. Stones from Gamalama's eruption are scattered across the landscape.

Kamis, 23 Agustus 2012

Tanah Merah Waterfall

The location of Tanah Merah Waterfall is about 14 Km from Samarinda downtown, precisely in Purwosari orchard, north Samarinda district. This tourism place has compatible calm for family recreation because equipped with wide park area; ancient verandah palace to took a rest, booth, open stage and others. To reach this place can join with others public vehicle of Segiri Market - Siring River route.

Rabu, 22 Agustus 2012

Enjoy in Bali after dark

Night life in Bali starts late, which means around midnight. Many visitors wonder where crowds of expats suddenly come from around 1:00 in the morning – even when all of Kuta has been very quiet during the whole evening, the IN-places often become crowded after midnight.

There's a simple explanation: during the early evenings many of Bali's night owls either still work, visit friends at home, or simply sleep. Most of them visit pubs, bars, or discos only in the early morning hours. Therefore, if you plan a night out don't start your dinner too early. Between 9:00 p.m. and midnight there are not many places we can recommend.

Visitors looking for company don't need to worry. Wherever you go in Sanur and the Kuta area, there are many other single travellers with the same problem around – day and night. In Bali's discos you'll meet also many "kupu kupu malams" ("night butterflies" or working girls) and young boys who compete with the females and service all sexes. All taxi drivers know the more popular karaoke bars and massage parlours in Kuta and Denpasar, and the various "Houses of ill Repute" in Sanur's narrow back lanes.

As reported in the BALI travel FORUM: "Prostitution is illegal in Bali. However, like in many countries, everyone turns a blind eye. Many girls can be found in nightclubs and bars in most areas. They look usually just like the girl next door, albeit with a bit more make up on, and they usually dress to please the eye. For the most part, they are gentle, easy to be with, and a lot of fun if you want to dance, drink and have a little fun with. Most will be yours for the whole night for about 300,000 Rupiah although prices range from 100,000 Rupiah to 1,000,000 Rupiah and more – depending on the season, the time of night, the situation and the quality of service".

SANUR & NUSA DUA

Some quite popular places in Sanur are the BORNEO PUB on Jalan Danau Tamblingan and the TROPHY PUB in front of the Sanur Beach Hotel. Both, however, close around 1:00 a.m.

The JAZZ GRILLE, located at the Komplek Pertokoan Sanur Raya No. 15/16 at the By-Pass opposite the Radisson hotel, was opened in February 1999 and attracts tourists and locals alike with live bands (from 9:30 to 12:00 p.m.), a smallish menu, and a billiard table upstairs. KAFE WAYANG in the same building has life music with a good local band and jam sessions with foreign guests every Friday – no wonder it's very popular with many residents. JANGER is currently the only disco in Sanur. Most tourists and even the expats living in Sanur prefer to go to "Kuta" if they look for some fun.The discos and pubs in Nusa Dua's 5-star hotels are often rather empty. They are mostly frequented by those visitors who stay in-house and are too tired to make the 30 minutes drive to Kuta.

THE "KUTA" AREAE

verybody looking for some action and fun in the evening goes to "Kuta" which nowadays means the area extending about 4 miles or 7 kilometers North from the original village of Kuta and includes now Legian, Seminyak and even Basangkasa. Here are most of the better entertainment places offering EVERYTHING single male or female visitors as well as couples might be looking for.

There are several places such as CASABLANCA etc. – down-market open-air pubs and very noisy discos full of stoned Aussies courting Javanese "Kupu Kupu Malams". PEANUTS Discotheque on Jalan Raya Legian at the Jalan Melasti corner (about the border between Kuta and Legian) has been re-opened very soon after it was gutted by a fire. The huge (air-conditioned) dance floor is often crowded, guests are a mix of locals and younger foreign visitors.

Closer to the center of Kuta you find the BOUNTY SHIP with a noisy, over-air-conditioned disco in the basement and the re-built PADDY'S RELOADED not far from the original PADDY'S. When most places close around 2.00 or 3.00 in the morning, night owls of all kinds continue drinking at nearby MAMA'S until sunrise.

For a somewhat more civilized evening out, you can have dinner and a couple of drinks at the bar at either TJ's or KORI in Kuta, at POCO LOCO in Legian, at the open street side bar at NERO Bali right opposite AROMAS Restaurant in Kuta, at the re-built MACCARONI CLUB in Kuta, at MADE'S WARUNG in Basangkasa (see BALI - Restaurants to Enjoy), or at the trendy HU'U Bar & Lounge near the Petitenget temple, LA LUCIOLA and THE LIVING ROOM.

Something more outrageous and only for open-minded people is HULU CAFE between Jalan Padma and Jalan Melasti in Kuta/Legian, a place which calls itself the "only real gay bar in all of Bali" with drag shows starting at 11:00 p.m. three times per week. The performances are actually kind of funny!

You'll find a large and quite popular HARD ROCK CAFE right at the beginning of Kuta's beach road with live music from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Expect to find many singles of all kinds here looking for company. If you think this is too noisy, too crowded, or the air-conditioning too cold for you, try the CENTER STAGE at the HARD ROCK RESORT located in the back of the CAFE. As the name implies, the band performs on a raised stage in the middle of the huge round lobby bar until 11:00 p.m. Both HARD ROCK outlets are expensive by Bali standards.

The JAYA PUB on the main road in Seminyak features also live music and attracts many Indonesian customers who don't mind the chilling air-conditioning and the sometimes horrible bands and singers.

Seminyak's best place to have a drink and some fun at night is nowadays probably SANTA FEE Bar & Grill, Jalan Abimanyu No. 11 (also known as Gado Gado Road or Jalan Dhyana Pura). Life music, reasonably priced cocktails, a surprisingly good wine list (you have to ask for it, but the prices are very low for Bali standards), and a menu offering local, Mexican, and Japanese dishes as well as a choice of pizzas around the clock and the friendly service attract many visitors until the early hours. If you feel too hot downstairs, you can move to the small air-conditioned "Wine Lounge" upstairs where you find also a rather good choice of wines to take home.

Other popular night spots nearby in the same street are SPY BAR, LIQUID, Q Bar ("for the alternative lifestyle"), Antique Bar, SPACE, THE GLOBE and "A" BAR. New bars and "Chill-Out Lounges" are opening all the time, and most of them feature DJ's and/or live music on certain nights. Just walk down the road and check them out !

UBUD

Don't expect too much here. We are not Ubud nightlife experts, but names frequently mentioned include PUTRA BAR, Jl. Monkey Forest (every night live music ranging from Reggae to rock), MAGIC BAR, Jl. Monkey Forest (live music and sometimes great atmosphere), JAZZ CAFE, Jl. Tebesaya (live music and jam sessions on different nights), EXILE BAR (Saturday nights only, great music), and FUNKY MONKEY (early hours cafe).

Selasa, 21 Agustus 2012

Pintu Kota

Pintu Kota is a big coral that looks like a gate and stay at Banda Sea. This tourism object is located in Airlaow village and Seri Village. The uniquely of this is the specific coral form. Gotong Royong Market in the harbor area is slowly being replaced by sanitized setting of a newly built Merdeka market. Shopping along Patty Street of the market, look for framed montages from shaped pieces of mother of pearl, 'ikat' cloth from Taimbar and miniature ships cleverly made from wire and cloves. At the end of Patty Street, there is the Al Fatah Mosque.

Borobudur Temple

When you visit Jogyakarta, the center of Javanese Arts & Cultures and one of Indonesia's most important centers of learning where's you can visit the Kraton, Royal Palace of the Sultan (Javanese King) where Javanese traditional music Gamelan and Ramayana Ballet are regularly performed, or during the free program, you explore around the long main street Jalan Malioboro, a great place to practice your bargaining skills before you enter the higher quality Batik workshops and enjoying the night life. Don't miss visit Borobudur Temple, It is located at Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia, 42-km northwest of Yogyakarta or 90-km southeast of Semarang and leave very early morning from Jogyakarta or Semarang direct to Borobudur, you will enjoy the Beautiful sunrise from this beautiful temple


Borobudur Temple ("Candi Borobudur" in Indonesian) is Indonesia's single most visited tourist attraction. Borobudur temple is the one of the best-preserved ancient monument in Indonesia that are most frequently visited by over a million domestic as well as foreign visitors. It also had been acclaimed by the world as a cultural heritage main kind. The architectural style has no equal through out the world. It was completed centuries before Angkor Wat in Kamboja. Borobudur is one of the world's most famous temples, it stands majestically on a hilltop erlooking lush green fields and distant hills. Borobudur is built of gray andesite stone. It rises to seven terraces, each smaller than the one below it. The top is the Great Stupa, standing 40 meters above the ground. The walls of the Borobudur are sculptured in bas-reliefs extending over a total length of six kilometers. It has been hailed as the largest and most complete ensemble of Buddhist relieves in the world, unsurpassed in artistic merit and each scene an individual masterpiece.Borobudur Temple is the temple monument comprises six square platforms topped by threecircular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. A main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa and one of the world wonders and the biggest Buddhist temple in the ninth century Mahayana Buddhist monument measuring 123 x 123 meters.

Borobudur Temple is one of the greatest Buddhist monuments and one of the most magnificent Buddhist shrines in the world was built at the end of the 9th century by the Hindu kings of the Sailendra dynasty between 750 and 842 AD; 300 years before Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, 400 years before work had begun on the great European cathedrals. Little is known about its early history except that a huge tropical heat to shift and carve the 60,000 Cu m of stone. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles revealed Borobudur Temple in 1814.

Borobudur has since been preserved through several restorations. The largest restoration project was undertaken between 1975 and 1982 by the Indonesian government and UNESCO, following which the monument was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Borobudur is still used for pilgrimage; once a year Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument.

Overnight place
Many hotels and lodging can be found in there, from the cottage till five star class or more can be made the choice to stay and overnight.

Senin, 20 Agustus 2012

ALOR AND LEMBATA ISLAND

Alor and Lembata Islands are the least visited and are therefore the most unspoiled regions of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Trek to the rim of Pantar volcano, visit the traditional whaling village on Lembata or dive the straits of Alor at a dive destination rated by all to be amongst the best in the world.

Alor Island regency is the least visited and therefore the most unspoiled region of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT). Trek to the rim of a volcano on Pantar or dive the straits of Alor and Pantar in a dive destination rated by all to be amongst the best in the world. Alor diving is known as the best in the world With its smoldering Volcanoes reaching down into crystal clear waters fringed with pristine coral reefs, coconut fringed pure white sandy beaches and traditional villages built half way up mountains, the scenery is as spectacular above as it is below the waterline. The eight distinct dialects and more than 50 sub-dialects spoken today, testifies to the diversity on Alor.

Alor traditional culture has been influenced over the ages by the Indian, Chinese and Javanese traders as well as by the Islamic and Christian religions. This can be seen in the silk thread woven into the original weavings and the mix of Mosques and Christian churches dotted throughout the Island. The traditional dances, Ikat weavings motifs and the varies architectural style greatly from area to area. With more than a dozen traditional villages within one hours drive from the capital Kalabahi - Alor is a cultural tourists heaven.

Lembata Island is known throughout the world as the home of traditional whaling but what is not known is that the people of this Island are especially rich in cultural tradition. The beautiful rich Ikat weavings are entirely made from homegrown cotton, spun and dyed by the weaver. The scenery throughout the Island is breathtaking, from the ever-imposing "Ile Ape" volcano of the palm fringed bays to the colorful bustling local markets - beauty and excitement are everywhere.

Lamalera village located on the southern tip of Lembata Island is the home of a traditional whale hunting community. Here, Sperm Whales have been hunted for centuries using all hand made equipment; their spears, rope and boats are all made in the village. The boats are without motors and the harpooner must jump from the boat to implant his harpoon in to the whale to ensure success.

Minggu, 19 Agustus 2012

Ambon City

The name of the island Ambon is believed to come from the word apon, meaning "plantation'. Indeed, Ambon was one of the firsts Moluccan islands to be occupied by the Portuguese and used as a plantation. Ambon City is the Main City and seaport of Ambon Island, and is the capital of Maluku Province. It is one of the largest cities in eastern Indonesia.

Ambon, the provincial capital of Maluku, which is built on a hillside overlooking the bay, has a number of interesting sites of historical and cultural interests. Among them are the remnants of some old forts built by the Dutch East Indies Company during the heydays of the spice trade and the Siwa Lima Museum with its local arts and crafts collection. More ruins of forts are found such as the Dutch one at Lima and those of the Portuguese at Hila, which are almost entirely hidden underneath the contorted roots of a giant Banyan tree.

The ANZAC War Cemetery near Ambon town is the site of services held every year to commemorate the Allied soldiers who died in the region during world War 11. Ambon is at Maluku end of the annual yacht race between Darwin, Australia and Ambon. The race usually takes place in August.

Ambon, as a beautiful city, has a lot of tourism objects that offer the tourist much beautiful scenery. On arrival in AMBON, you will be met at Pattimura airport, transfer to your hotel. After lunch, visit WAISELAKA POND in WAAI, its clear crystal water inhabited by holy eel, The Crazy Bamboo Performance. You can have dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Surf , surf and surfing

The surf in Bali is generally not huge, but most often in the 2-6 foot range (shoulder-high to double overhead). Larger waves can occur on some of the exposed reefs, but a mellower surf break can always be found in Bali by anyone who wishes to avoid life-threatening conditions. Bali has surf breaks both the west-facing and east-facing coastlines and, because of this an offshore wind can be found somewhere on the island on any given day. Because of the number of surf breaks and the quality and consistency of the waves in Bali, it is still possible to find a many places to surf with only a small to moderate crowd.

The surf is always up on the Island of the God's! and regardless of what country you hail from you will feel the mystique of surfing Bali's beaches ...with so many exotic locations available on the island you can choose from white sands, black sands, amazing scenery, traditional fisherman and fishing villages which all add to the unique experience that comes with Surfing Bali.In Bali spirits come out to play in the moonlight, every night is a festival and even a funeral is an opportunity to have a good time. The surf camp is architect designed and newly built. Located near the balinese pipeline, there are a variety of breaks nearby suitable for surfers of all standards - from beginners to professionals. Uluwatu, Padang, Impossibles, Bingin, Dreamland and Balangan are all easily accessible from the centrally located Surf Camp. Feel the adventure , hot , winds , wet so exiting and more
adventure.


Sabtu, 18 Agustus 2012

Derawan Island

Derawan Island is preserve area that went out to sea, part of Sangalaki island, which is located not far from offshore Batu foreland, between Berau and Tarakan. This island has beautiful panorama with clean white coast with adjoining coconut palm forest, and a number of small villages encircle island. This place has known as sea tourism location especially for dive and snorkeling activities.

Although situation of outlying, but the popularity of Derawan Island and islands in vicinity increasingly as location sea tourism. The marines around Derawan Island is rich with fish especially a kind of fish that always forage on the surface of water whereas birds fly above it to pounce adrift food on the sea. Green tortoise, which is scarce laid eggs along the Derwan Island beach, is not far from diving Derwan Dive Resort location. You will not meet car or motor in this island while electrics only live a few nocturnal clocks.

Jumat, 17 Agustus 2012

Raja Ampat Island

The Raja Ampat Island in Irian is group spreads out over a huge area and consists of over 610 islands. The four largest islands are Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool.

The area's reefs are covered in a diverse selection of both hard and soft corals. Most of the areas reefs are pristine, with mile after mile of perfect hard corals, drift after drift of soft corals of many species and colors ranging from brilliant red, to shocking yellow pretty pink and exotic purple. Most reef dives are very colorful. The tourist would be able to experience the best dives sites within those islands, which include Cape Kri, Mellisa's Garden, Sardines Reef, The Passage, Nudibranch Rock, Wai Island Night Dive.

Raja Ampat is the western island of Papua Island. The name of Raja Ampat based on the legend. This area had begun with 6 eggs that found by King Waikew in Waigeo Island. But from the 6 eggs, just 5 eggs had crack. From the fifth eggs that had cracked, the 4 eggs was become men who become King of four big islands that is Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool. That woman was born a child named Gura Besi that known as the historical man of Raja Ampat, because of his heroic story.

The regency that formed based on the constitution number 26 in 2002, is the development of Sorong regency on 12 April 2003. This regency has 10 districts and 85 villages with about 48.707 men.
Geographically, this area has strategic location. Its boundaries is:

North side: Pacific Ocean
West Side: North Maluku
South side: Maluku Sea
East Side: Sorong Regency

For the fauna sector, Raja Ampat has rarely fauna, such as; red birds of paradise (Paradise Rubra), Wilson birds of paradise (Cicinnurs Republica), Maleo Waigeo (Spilocuscus Papuensis), and rainbow fishes.

indonesian multy culture

History

The strategic position of Indonesia, has had distinctive influences on both the political and economic history of the islands.Fossils of "Java Man" (Pithecanthropus Erectus) which date back some 500,000 years, were discovered near the village of Trinil in East Java by Dr. Eugene Dubois in 1809. This discovery was followed by other finds in later years which are evidence of Java's earliest inhabitants.Major migration movements to the Indonesian archipelago have been traced as far back as 3,000- 500 B.C. These first migrants were of Mongoloid stock from China and Tonkin and have been credited with introducing new Stone, Bronze and Iron Age cultures as well as the Austronesian language.

History

Indonesia came under the influence of a mighty Indian civilization through the gradual influx of Indian traders in the first century A.D., when great Hindu and Buddhist empires were beginning to emerge.By the seventh century, the powerful Buddhist Kingdom of Sriwijaya was expanding and it is thought that during this period the spectacular Borobudur Buddhist sanctuary was built in Central Java.The thirteenth century saw the rise of the fabulous Majapahit Hindu empire in East Java, which united the whole of what is now modern day Indonesia and parts of the Malay peninsula, and ruled for two centuries.Many monuments spread through Java such as the Prambanan temple complex near Yogyakarta, the Penataran temple complex in East Java as well as the ethereal temples on the Dieng Plateau are remnants of this glorious period in Indonesia's history.

Rabu, 15 Agustus 2012

MOUNT LOKON AND MAWAHU

Volcano Loko (1580 m) and Mahawu (1311 m), both have very beautiful cauldron. Lokon is usually assumed become more beautifully and simple road ought to be made for the climbers in competent condition. Unfolding vapour cauldron temperature 600 m under the top of the mountain. The lake that about 60 m depth has covered with yellows brimstone.

The good time to start the journey from Kakaskasen is at 7 mornings, reach the crater in morning still cold and the sun has just fulfilled the crater. This thing is important for contact the observation post of Mount Lokon and Mount Mahawu in Kakaskasen III, Tomohon.

Mount Lokon Located to the west and not far from the resort, the active Mt Lokon affords a magnificent panoramic view of the Highlands and out towards the sea. Solidified lava flows meander down the side of the volcano and can easily be followed up to the steaming crater (a brisk walk of about 45 minutes). Ash is often seen around the tip of the crater and is sometimes blown into the nearby town.

Mount Mahawu Opposite Mt Lokon is its smaller sister, Mt Mahawu. The gentler slopes of Mahawu offer a less challenging hike but the view is no less impressive. Inside the crater is a steaming emerald-green lake ringed with yellow sulphur deposits.

Selasa, 14 Agustus 2012

Bromo and Semeru Mountains

If you are traveling to East Java, unfortunately if not visit to the Nature Tours area of Bromo-Semeru National Park. Moreover the weather is cool and fresh condition and nature mountainous is imprisoned.Bromo-Semeru National Park is the only conservation area has a unique of sand sea caldera in Indonesia with wide around 5,250 hectares and resides at height of 2392 above meters of sea level

Bromo and Semeru Mount are Active Mountain and the most famous objects as a tourist in East Java. This beautiful tourism area will not find in other places. You can see the active volcano from the Peak of Bromo Mountain and spread of Sand Ocean, also you can bear witness the majesty of the Semeru Mountain and beauty sunrise.


Event around of 14th or 15th in Kesodo [to-ten] of mount according to the Java calendar, you can witness the Kesodo ritual ceremony, which was held by the Tengger Ethnic. Kesodo is a rituality ceremony for pray as omen blessings from the God.How to achieve in this area.You can reach this area by a car Around 125 Km from Juanda Intrnational Airport (Surabaya). And there are four main gates to enter to this national park area that is: Cemorolawang village if through via Probolinggo traffic lane, Wonokitri village through via Pasuruan traffic lane, Ngadas village through via Malang traffic lane and Burno village through via Lumajang traffic lane.Overnight placeVarious hotels and lodging can be found in the Bromo-Semeru National Park district, from the cottage till four star hotels can be made the choice to stay in the Bromo with low price.And you can wander around in the area National Park with rented of the vehicle jeep type 4x4. Or if you want to wander around only at sand sea of Bromo, you can ride on horseback, which many available for rent in there.SuggestionThe best season for visits around June till October and December till January.Your health should be excellent and should be prepared the previsions of cold weather such as warm clothing, headgear, gloves and the much provision of foods and drinks when you trip will be better if you buy a stock of food and drink as your stock.
Original post by Gusn

Sabtu, 11 Agustus 2012

Gado Gado

Ask almost any seasoned dining veteran on the island, expatriate or visitor, which restaurant has one of the best beach views and the answer will, invariably, be Gado Gado.

The kitchen command changed hands, the menu strayed into foolishly ambitious territories and the once loyal crowd collectively voted with their feet.

Gado Gado was but a memory, albeit a fond one. From the entrĂ©e selection the foie gras terrine with vanilla, fig compote, herb salad and toasted brioche is palatable but nowhere near as rewarding as the excellent ceviche of fresh sea bass with fresh herbs and a sour dough crumble – a dish that is unusual, highly original and rewarding, full marks.

A token nod is cast at any visiting vegetarians with just one main course being available – a semolina gnocchi with marinate artichoke, morel mushrooms and creamy goats cheese sauce. The roasted duck breast with red cabbage, caramelized apple, pommes salardaise and cumin jus could easily have been a disaster but arrives at the table in pristine condition. The duck breast perfectly pink and tender, the cumin jus bringing the dish to life and matched exquisitely to a recommended Pinot Noir on the advice of the staff.

Dessert is a short lived affair with an excellent vanilla infused crème brulee rounding off an impressive return to form for the team at Gado Gado.

Talang Lake

Talang Lake tourism object that located in Lembang Jaya districts is state ± 2 Km of the twin lakes (Diatas Lake and Dibawah Lake). The Lakes that located about 1.400 m of sea level is state between the cool and fresh hills with fruits and vegetables fields. The nature lover who likes to hiking, the small lake with about 1,9 Ha width, that actually is one of the two of Mount Talang Purba crater, can reach by foot from Alahan Panjang or the twin lakes in one hour walking.

Jumat, 10 Agustus 2012

Ngalau Indah Caves

On the road from Bukittinggi to Payakumbuh these caves extend deep into the mountainside. The domains of thousands of bats, which we won't see but only, hear and sense as they fly close over our head. At the main entrance is a stone with an outline of an elephant visible on its face. The coolness and damp air is refreshing after the tropical heat outside. The path through these caves leads out to the top of the mountain from where it is quite panoramic. The drive up to the hillside itself is worth making because of the variety of the exquisite views along way.

Kamis, 09 Agustus 2012

Jeram Semaka Waterfall

Jeram Semaka waterfall is located in Pekon Way Kerap Semaka district that be at a distance around 25 km from the centre of the government of the Tanggamus Regency. Physically, this waterfall consisted of 3 levels where the source of his spring came from TNBBS II, where at the moment the location is still being very natural. This tourist attraction is potential enough to be developed because apart from having the special attraction like his nature situation that beautiful, and luxuriant forest with the temperature of revolving air of 20°-30°C, also had the location of the development reached ± 5 hectares with the potential for the inhabitants of this area as the producer of pepper and biggest coffee in the Lampung province moreover is one of the areas of the rice barn.

Rabu, 08 Agustus 2012

Bali Dance, Music, and Theaters


Dance, music, and the theater of wayang are other forms of expression laden with religious connotations. The Trance Dance, for example, is performed when a village is suffering, say from an epidemic or bad harvest. The dance is intended to appease the gods and goddesses, with the hope that they will bless the village. Other dances also manifest the great complexity of Balinese daily lives which are never detached from their religious beliefs. Throughout the year, you can regularly find scheduled dance performances, especially the Balih-balihan or entertainment dances.

Dances

Along with the Hindu religion, the Indian influence in Balinese dances is also significant. Balinese strong identity adapts these various influences with indigineous religion of animism and folklore traditions, creating an expression distinctively flavored by Balinese ethnicity.

Much like the training of gamelan orchestra players, dance training begins when one is still very young. The teacher will stand in front of the children and start dancing. The children will follow her every movement. Once the teacher feels that a child understands the basic sequence, she will stand behind the child, and direct the child by holding her wrists. Practicing with a gamelan orchestra will only happen when the dance is considered to have entered the student. The dancer must learn to fully express the character that she is dancing for; self expression is not a known concept.

Based on their religious functions, Balinese dances can be categorized into three

1. Wali (sacred) Dances

These dances are considered sacred, and must be performed in the inner court of the temple.

1. Rejang

Danced by females, Rejang dance is a procession of those who have just barely learned to walk to those who can barely walk, moving in a slow and stately fashion towards the altar, twirling fans or lifting their sashes. Their costumes range from a very simple attire to an elaborate dress complete with headdress as you would likely find in Tenganan.

2. Baris

Literally means warrior formation. Baris is a warrior dance usually danced by men. The movements are dramatic. It is hard to distinguish whether it is the dancer that follows the orchestra, or the other way around. You could say that they both go off into their own dimensions, yet at certain well-defined times meet to create an astounding tapestry. The dancers wear elaborate head decoration, from a gold-colored head band to leaves and strings of cempaka blossoms. Variants of this dance are sometimes danced by children and women. You can find this dance performed in Sanur, Tabanan, and Ubud.

3. Pendet

This dance is usually performed by married women, moving in very dignified and elegant way to carry and present offerings to the gods and the goddesses.

4. Sang Hyang Dedari (Trance Dance)

This dance is normally performed to entertain the gods and the goddesses to appease them or to ask for their blessings. A bad harvest or an outburst of an illness may warrant such a dance. The preparation for this dance may take months, as prepubescent girls who have never danced are trained to relax their mind to be able to get into a trance state. Day after day they visit the priest at the local temple to receive their lessons. When the priest concludes that they are ready, and the time is right, the dance will be performed in the court of the temple. Dressed in elaborate attire and immersed in the smoke of burning incense, the two young girls slowly dance as the accompanying chant of the village women gradually relax them to get into trance. The gods and the goddesses will enter their bodies as they enter trance, and they will dance with movements that they have not mastered in their normal state. They may act and sound like a horse or a monkey; at times, they end up dancing while balancing their back on a piece of bamboo supported by two men on both ends. When they collapse, the village women will chant to ask the gods and the goddesses to peacefully leave the bodies of the young girls. If they refuse, dancing will continue until they agree, at which point the girls will simply collapse.

5. Barong

Barong is probably the most well known dance. It is also another story-telling dance, narrating the fight between good and evil. This dance is the classic example of Balinese way of acting out mythology, resulting in myth and history being blended into one reality. Wanna know the story?

2. Bebali Dances

These dances are ceremonial, and usually performed in the middle court of a temple. In the spectrum of sacred and secular, these dances fall in the middle.

1. Gambuh

Gambuh is a danced drama. It tells the courtly story of a Javanese prince in his quest for a beautiful princess.

3. Balih-balihan Dances

These dances are often considered secular and entertaining. They are performed in the outer court or even outside the temple.

1. Janger

Janger is performed by young girls. Peacock crown shaped headwear made from intricately woven gold-colored, dried coconut leaves rests gallantly on their heads. The girls are open shouldered, dressed in a piece of cloth wrapped around the chest, and a batik wrap on the waist down. Most of the dances are performed sitting down, with highly coordinated hand, shoulder, and eye movements.

2. Kebyar

Kebyar is usually danced by two women with beautiful, long, shiny black hair, accentuated at the top by a band of cempaka blossoms. Fans on one hand, they move dramatically. Feet are strongly grounded, and hands and feet move abruptly.

3. Legong

The dance of legong tells a story. It is the most feminine dance. It is usually danced by two females before they reach puberty (in fact, they must retire by the time they reach puberty).

4. Kecak

Kecak is a spectacular dance usually performed at night, surrounding a bonfire. The westerners called this dance The Monkey Dance, for the movements may remind us of monkey's movements. There can literally be one hundred or more bare chested men, sitting down on the ground surrounding the bonfire, led by a priest in the middle. The only music to accompany them are the beats of their palms hitting their chests, their thighs, or other parts of their bodies, or their claps, rhythmically accompanied by shouting and chanting.

The dancers move in unison, creating a spectacular choreographic performance. Either hands stretched out, pulled in, rested on the shoulder of the next person, or waists gyrated left and right, etc.

Regularly scheduled performances of these dances, especially the Balih-balihan dances, can be found throughout the year.

Selasa, 07 Agustus 2012

Ranau Lake

amazing tourism destination - Ranau Lake is surrounded by mountainuous highland and natural view. It is located in the West Lampung sharing border with South Sumatera Province. Cottages and boat are available. Liwa is the nearest town from Lampung (capital of West Lampung). Beauty of Chilli of nature that still natural made this area an area of the tour visit in Lampung West. In this area tourists could enjoy the beauty of the Ranau Lake that was surrounded by green hills as well as the Seminung Mountain that erect soared._Fresh and clear him Ranau Lake water very supportive for the swimming activity.

Tourists could also enjoy the beauty of nature scenery ranau with boating the motor. Moreover for that wanted to be submerged in hot water, in this area also was gotten by the source of hot water.

Senin, 06 Agustus 2012

BALI: friendly people, fascinating culture

Bali is one of thousands of beautiful islands in Indonesia, lies to the east of Java and the west of Lombok. Bali is well known as "The Goddess Island" or "The Island of The Thousand Puras/Temples." Bali is also associated with "Paradise", and not without reason. The combination of friendly, hospitable people, the physical beauty of the island, a magnificently visual culture infused with spirituality and (not least) spectacular beaches with great surfing and diving, and the year-round pleasant climate have made Bali Indonesia's unparalleled number one tourist attraction. That's why Bali is also a place regarded by many visitors as the "Ultimate Island". If it's not enough to convince you that Bali is so gorgeous, know this, the island of Bali is year after year voted by the readers of all major travel magazines as the most enchanting travel and holiday destination in the whole world.

Hence, what to do in Bali? The answer is endless. It depends entirely on you and yourself. Bali is a wonderful destination with something for everyone, and though heavily traveled, it is still easy to find some peace and quiet if you like. If you are a spa buff, you will find Bali as the world spa capital - from budget to most exclusive ones. If you are a beach lover, I'm sure you'll rate Bali among the top ten of your beach favorites. If you are an interior or fashion designer, Bali is the place where you can get the most unique and fresh ideas. Whatever you do, there is always a piece of Bali just right for you.

Yes, Bali is multidimensional. Culture, nature, arts, cuisine, sports, shopping, whatever - could be found at their most unique elements in Bali. Even doing nothing comes at its best in this Island of Paradise. During the Nyepi celebration - a yearly tradition where people observe silence, cease from doing any evil, cut out lights entirely. Unquestionably, it is the best remedial solution for your tired soul.

Minggu, 05 Agustus 2012

Baiturrahman Mosque

Sitting in a vast expanse of green fields, the white washed walls and minerals, and charcoal blacks domes of the Grand Mosque are the most famous landmark in Aceh. The Great of Baiturrahman Mosque is the main feature of Banda Aceh today. Lying at the heart of the city completed with excellent architectural style, this mosque is really one of Indonesia prime tourism sides.

The Mosque was built in 12 Century and had caught fire several time include when the Dutch attacked Kutaraja (Banda Aceh) in 1873. Another mosque to replace the former one was later built by Dutch Military Government that was completed in 1883. The Mosque is extra ordinary in architecture and ornamentation. It has five onion shaped domes, two tall mine rates, wide white walls, and around is pillars various kinds of beautiful ornament.

Pemali Hot Spring

Most of Indonesian Island, lies in a volcanic belt, however, Bangka Island has no volcanoes. The Pemali Hot Springs is naturally created pool from the underground hot springs in the area. The tin workers found it and today a recreation park exists around the spring's area. Please make sure to bring along your swimming suit and be ready to jump into the hot water pool or just relax and enjoy the panoramic view of the recreation park.

Pemali Hot Springs is the main tourism of Sungailiat town. This hot springs come from the active land and suit for health and avoid the rigidly by stand in the water. This tourism objects has equipped with some tourism facilities such as; hotels, shops, etc.

TANJUNG KELIAN OLD LIGHTHOUSE

The old lighthouse was built in 1826. It is located about 9 km of Muntok district. In the surrounding area we still can find wrecks of Dutch and British ships, which were torpedoed by Japanese warships during the Second World War, on 16 February 1942.
Take our time to climb up 199 steps to reach the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the spectacular view from the height of approximately 60 M above sea level.

We can see the whole beaches in Muntok.

Sabtu, 04 Agustus 2012

Gajah Cave

Goa Gajah, literally means 'Elephant Cave”. Although named by 'elephant' it doesn't mean there is any real elephant live or ever live here. The name Goa Gajah derived from 'Lawa Gajah', which is mentioned in the manuscripts that found in this site. This temple complex was built for the first time around 11 century based on epigraph found in this site.
A seven-meters deep cave with a shape of T-letter is the major attraction of this Bedulu village's local temple.

The cave it self is carved in a solid stone hill of the river valley. The main figure of the carving at the cave entrance is 'boma', a barong face, accompanied with big clapping fingers on its side. Leaf, flower, and some horror figures can be noticed if we give more attention look to the rest of the carving. Some holes that are considered to be used as meditation or sleeping quarters can be found in the wall of the cave. Nowadays, those holes are used to place offerings whenever there is ceremonies taking place. On the left end side of the cave is Ganesha statue, believe it as 'the God of knowledge'. Meanwhile on the right end side can be found three 'linggas', that each of them dedicated to the three common God manifestations in Bali, Brahma, Wisnu, and Siwa. There are other three stone carvings in the centre wall, one of them figuring head and face.

Three other statues of Ganesha, demons and Men Brayut, a legendary lady with her beloved children, are placed on a high building located on the left side of cave entrance. It is considered that these statues are 1000 years old. In the middle of the complex, in front of the cave, there is bathing place that is not any longer used by the local people. The angle figures within the bathing complex are about similar to common figures found in India. On the south part of the complex, there are along flight of step leads down the lower part of the valley. After crossing a bridge above a small creek and follow another flight of steps up to eastern side of the valley, a headless sitting Buddha statue can be seen. This is the evident of a close relationship between the two religions.

Vacation In China :Great Wall Review


I highly recommend visiting Mutianyu. We went in winter and it was snowing. The views are stunning and the climb provides excellent views. My sister has also visited Badaling and said Mutianyu was far better to visit because Badaling is overcrowded with tourists and has lost its authenticity due to reconstruction of the wall to make it easy for tourists to climb.

At Mutianyu, we only shared the wall with a handful of tourists. We considered visiting Simatai or Jinshanling but we were told Simatai's steps are far steeper and harder of climb (not great if you're afraid of heights) and Jinshanling is much further away.

In terms of how to organise, we did it through our hotel (Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing) at a cost of 420RMB per person. It included transport in a car with a driver, an English-speaking guide and lunch.

This is tip for your honeymoon in Bali

Bali is the Paradise for Honeymooner that many pairs such would like to spend a special opportunity on the island. It' s mesmerized various views such as ; Beaches, mountain, rice catch and romantic place, and romantic place to stay like : Bali hotel, Resort, Villa, Bali private Villa does not make disturbance, no loud clay/tone, really Serenity, for you possible, perfect honeymoon, fair clay/tone too receives to nature. Fresh atmosphere refresh your mind and body. Bali rich culture would contribute, to make your honeymoon the unforgettable one, finds you something, which is singular, beautifully, memorable and fun , the experience of a lifetime, which cannot be gained at other places.

Bali is a tiny island but has so much wonderful things to offer. Many travel agents / tour operator provide worldwide choice of honeymoon ideas.
Here are some tips to get comfortable honeymoon in Bali:
- Schedule your departure day two days after the wedding to give you ample time for rest after the activities and the celebrations. If you must travel immediately, remember to leave in the middle of the day and not the early morning so you’ll get a good night’s sleep.
- Ask your travel agent for Honeymoon Packages, these usually offer the best destinations for honeymooners, not to mention discounts and freebies.
- Never, ever overbook day trips, you’re not just traveling, you’re with your new spouse, better save up some energy for the night’s fireworks.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions, ask about certain perks, events.
- In addition to the above, don’t be afraid to request extra stuff, like a big bathtub, a double bed, or a romantic view.
- Don’t forget to bring your marriage certificate along with you, especially if the name of the bride is already under her husband’s name.
- Pack your camera and lots of film; you won’t want to miss anything. You might also want to pack a disposable underwater camera and extra batteries, these are absurdly pricey in tourist spots, and you wouldn’t want to overspend.
- Mention to anyone, especially in the cafĂ© or in the tour boat, that you’re on your honeymoon, yes this may sound a bit embarrassing, but some restaurants give extras like free drinks or gifts for honeymooners. This also works for birthday celebrants.
- If you want an active honeymoon, research and prepare for water sports; the tropics are a great place, to learn them, always remember to consult hubby before you try one though.
- Stock up on sun protection. The higher the SPF the better, as you’ll probably be spending whole days out in the sun; you wouldn’t want to get skin cancer after just two weeks of marriage.
- Some travel agencies include island-hopping trips, these are great ways to explore, and enjoy. This is especially good because you’ll get a change in scenery, and won’t easily get bored, especially if you have an extended honeymoon.
- Even if your valuables are inside your hotel room, keep them under lock, and if you decide to bring them with you, always watch out for stray pickpockets.
- Bring with you a stock of candles and massage oils that you can place inside your hotel room for that romantic evening after touring and swimming.Remember that the entire objective of a honeymoon vacation is to have an unforgettable romance. Follow the quick tips above and you can head your way to a memorable honeymoon in Bali.

Jumat, 03 Agustus 2012

Jeram Semaka Waterfall

Jeram Semaka waterfall is located in Pekon Way Kerap Semaka district that be at a distance around 25 km from the centre of the government of the Tanggamus Regency. Physically, this waterfall consisted of 3 levels where the source of his spring came from TNBBS II, where at the moment the location is still being very natural. This tourist attraction is potential enough to be developed because apart from having the special attraction like his nature situation that beautiful, and luxuriant forest with the temperature of revolving air of 20°-30°C, also had the location of the development reached ± 5 hectares with the potential for the inhabitants of this area as the producer of pepper and biggest coffee in the Lampung province moreover is one of the areas of the rice barn.

Dendam Tak Sudah Lake

This small lake, located 8 km from Bengkulu, has been curiously named Dendam Tak Sudah ('never-ending grudge'). The lake has facilities for water-skiing and boating and its surroundings feature an abundance of orchids known as Vanda hokriana. When they bloom, the lakeside transforms into a huge exotic flower garden. Dendam Tak Sudah Lake is surrounded by mountainous scenery and hosted by habitat for typical water orchid called Vanda Hookeriana (Merr.), naturally a hydro parasitic plant, as well as a means of natural conservation in biodiversity. This lake has been used for fishing, canoeing and other water sports facility proposed.

Maninjau Lake

Maninjau Lake is a lake in the district of Tanjung Raya, Agam regency, West Sumatra province, Indonesia. The lake is located about 140 km north of Padang, West Sumatra's capital, 36 kilometers from Bukittinggi, 27 kilometers from Lubuk cone, Agam regency capital. Maninjau which is a volcanic lake is located at a height of 461.50 meters above sea level. Size Maninjau approximately 99.5 km ² and has a maximum depth of 495 meters. Formed since the eruption of Mount Cekungannya named Sitinjau (according to local legend), this can be seen from the shape of the hill around the lake that resembles like a wall.
According to the legend in Ranah Minang, the existence of Lake Maninjau closely related to the story of Bujang Nine. Lake Maninjau a source of water to the river named Rod Antokan. In one part of the lake, which is upstream from there Antokan Batang Hydroelectric Maninjau. The highest peak around Lake Maninjau diperbukitan known as Puncak Lawang. To be able to reach the lake from the direction of Bukittinggi Maninjau if it will pass through a winding road known as Curved 44 along about 10 KM from morning until into Maninjau Ambun.

The lake is listed as the eleventh largest lake in Indonesia. While in West Sumatra, Maninjau is the second largest lake after Lake Batur which has an area of 129.69 km ² are located in two districts of Tanah Datar and Solok district. In the vicinity of Lake Maninjau there are tourist facilities, such as Hotel (Maninjau Indah Hotel, Pasir Panjang Permai) as well as lodging and restaurants.

Rabu, 01 Agustus 2012

Enggano Island

Enggano lies about 110 miles (177 km) south of Bengkulu city. It is about 22 miles (35 km) long east west and 10 miles (16 km) wide north south. Its average elevation is about 330 feet (100 m). Hills, rising to about 922 feet (281 m), cover most of the area. The island covers an area of 40,260 hectares, which is dominated by dense rainforest with its wild buffaloes. Mainly we can see the culture, or the life manners of traditional society and native's Enggano dances. A pioneer boat at Baai Island Harbour or hiring a small boat at Bintuhan seaport can reach the island. Visitors can see the culture, or the life manners of traditional society and native's Enggano dances. A pioneer bat at pulau Baai harbor or hiring a small boat at Bintuhan seaport can reach the island.

There are 5 clans Isukul spread over the entire island: The Kaharuba, Kaarubi, Kaitora, Kaahoao and the Kauno. A matrilineal society, descent is traced through the female line and daughters usually inherit farmlands. Half call them Christian, the other half call them Mosleem. But actually this society is one of the last truly animist strongholds in Indonesia. Engganese culture is sure now to disappear as a result of assimilation into an indiscriminate Indonesian culture.