Bali location Surfing

The main areas where surfers and tourists stay in order of distance from the airport are Kuta (busy, noisy and central), Legian (popular, some say better nightlife), Seminyak (more upmarket and less hectic). The three areas are merged in to one town. o Indonesian Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Thai Air. Bali International Airport is inWalking from Seminyak to Kuta takes about an hour depending on start and finish points. Legian is halfway between.

* Flights from Dubai to Bali involve a stop in Singapore or somewhere else in Asia. Singapore Airlines are worth checking, als the town of Denpasar but is only 15-20 mins by taxi from Kuta. Don't bother staying in Denpasar.

Traveller's checks are fine but the exchange rate is lower.

Accommodation
* Most, if not all, hotels have lush gardens and swimming pools. * Seminyak a bit more pricey (or there's just fewer cheap hotels in Seminyak) with some very luxurious hotels directly on the beach.
* Sari Beach Inn a good choice in Legian. On the beach.
* Jayakarta Hotel also worth considering.
* The Bounty hotel on Poppies I in Kuta - well-known party central in good location if you want to be in the middle of it all, good buffet breakfast included, ok rooms, swimming pool, 5 min walk to Kuta Beach.

Books and Guides
* "Indo Surf and Lingo" - available in Bali surfshops - good guide to where to surf.
* "Bagus" - introduction to language (Bahasa Indonesia). * Captain Cooks bar
* Macaroni's - on Jl Legian near Poppies II.
* Sea Side
* Tubes, Poppies I - the surfiest surf bar in Kuta. Surf movies on big screen, important sports matches, or latest Hollywood movies. Food reasonable, beer cold. Food &

Drink
* Don't drink the tap water. * Street food is cheap eg 6000 Rp for satay and rice (less than $1).

Sightseeing for surfers and tourists
* "Jalan" means "road" or "street". Jalan Legian is the main road through Kuta, Legian and Seminyak. You'll find shops including many surf shops, cheap bars and retaurants, and a couple of hotels.

Waves
* Balian - 2-3 hours from Kuta/Legian, rights and lefts (long), bigger than Kuta/Legian.
* Bingin - fast barreling wave.
* Changgu - 30 min drive from Legian.
* Kuta - fast beach breaks, beginners will be fine in the soup.
* Legian - not quite as fast or heavy as Kuta, but almost.
* Medewi - less challenging LH wave breaking over rocks but a 3 hour drive from Kuta/Legian/Seminyak.
* Oberoi - (seminyak) bigger than Kuta/Legian but easier to catch and ride because not so hollow or fast.
* Booties - not necessary if you only surf the beach breaks at Kuta, Legian, Seminyak or some of the reef breaks like Dreamland at high tide.
* First Aid Kit / Medicine Kit - not so important if you staying around Bali but perhaps useful if you go on a boat trip.
* Surfboard - shortboard for fast breaking, powerful waves. Plenty of selection if you want to buy one. Prices aren't very cheap though.
* Warm clothes - not necessary, climate is warm and dry or warm and wet or warm and humid.
* Drugs.

Kintamani

The villages of Kintamani and Penelokan provide a great view of the still active Mount Batur and its fantastic lake. Seven miles in diameter and sixty feet deep, Batur caldera is simply astounding. From Penelokan, take the road Kedisan on the shores of the lake where boats can be rented to cross over to Trunyan. The spectacular mountainous region around Kintamani with its deep Crater Lake and bubbling hot springs, make this region a must to visit.

Batur Lake is the largest lake in Bali and the region offers some of the most spectacular views to be found anywhere on the island. Batur Lake also provides water for an underground network of streams and springs across the southern slopes of the mountain. Kintamani is really great for day trips, trekking or simply for getting away from it all for a few days.

Kintamani can run through Payangan or from Denpasar through the Sangeh monkey forest, Plaga and Lampu, arriving to the north of Kintamani. Bemos to Kintamani are available from Ubud via Sakah (notable for its huge "Baby" statue). They also run via Tampaksiring and Bangli. From Denpasar bemos leave for Kintamani from the Batubulan terminal until late afternoon.

Tour to Kintamani is a very impressive experience where Kintamani Area have very beautiful panorama located in plateau and also encircled by mountain atmosphere with the windblast from Mount Batur.

Bali Indonesia Tourism Failing to Compete

The very first Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report prepared by the World Economic Forum has been published with its overall results presented in summary form at the international travel forum ITB in Berlin on Thursday, March 8, 2007.

An exhaustive survey that compared nations in terms of the factors that make a country attractive to tourism resulted in a hierarchical ranking of 124 countries. Switzerland, Austria and Germany finished in the top 3 countries for tourism with Angola, Burundi and Chad occupying the lowest 3 rankings in the list of 124 nations. Also finishing among the top 10 nation (in order of appearance) were Iceland, the U.S.A., Hong Kong, Canada, Singapore, Luxembourg and the U.K..

In determining how a country stacks up in tourism terms, the World Economic Forum looked at the following factors considered to serve as the drivers of a destination's tourism: policy rules and regulations; environmental regulation; safety and security; health and hygiene; prioritization of travel and tourism; Air transport infrastructure; ground transport infrastructure; tourism infrastructure; Information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure; price competitiveness; human capital; national tourism perception; and natural and cultural resources.

Relying on publicly available data, observations from Travel & Tourism experts and independent opinion surveys the final results are intended to evaluate the "factors and polices that make it attractive to develop the Travel & Tourism sector in different countries."
Indonesia Ranks#60
While a complete ranking of all 124 countries is available at [World Economic Report Tourism Competitiveness Ranking] some of the more salient rankings include:
• #1 Switzerland
• #2 Austria
• #3 Germany
• #4 Iceland
• #5 The United States
• #6 Hong Kong SAR
• #7 Canada
• #8 Singapore
• #9 Luxembourg
• #10 United Kingdom
• #12 France
• #13 Australia
• #30 Taiwan
• #31 Malaysia
• #43 Thailand
• #60 INDONESIA
• #65 India
• #71 People’s Republic of China
• #86 Philippines
• #88 Vietnam
• #96 Cambodia
• #122 Angola
• #123 Burundi
• #124 Chad

from www.balidiscovery.com

How to Acces to Bali by air, sea and Land ?

Bali very easily to be reached by plane and now there are opened international air lines running of a regular direct flights Europe, America, Australia and the majority of Asian countries to Ngurah Rai Airport. Denpasar is a instead Destination of Bali. Domestic flights are also available to Bali.

There are many modes of transportation to help you around Bali. A variety of excellent day of half-day and full and the packages during the night with excursion are provided by your office of hotel or many agents of voyage and organizers of voyages the ones of which around in Bali. Or you can find a car and a driver which will also act as a your guide. The taxis functioned starting from all the principal hotels and the airport with rates change according to destinations'. The companies of taxi, example Praja Taxi, Bali Taxi, Koperasi Ngurah Rai taxi instead of those belongs to the travel-agencies, proportioned taxis.

The public minibus or the large bus are available to each corner of the island with the price completely inexpensive but their stop here and much to take there and drop the local passengers. It can give you the experience of displacement with people of the country. For those which prefer to travel more into private, without-driver. The car or the rented motor cycle can be the choice. The types of cars available are usually Jimny or Toyota Kijang (a larger car with the part for 6 people). The price, however, always does not include the insurance and they change to depend on the type of vehicle and the duration of the hiring. A virtue important to have while on the road in Bali is patience! Although the system of road in the sectors strongly populated either completely reasonable (wise condition) compared to other countries in the process of development, it can be strongly encumbered at the peak periods. The ceremonious processions often catch up with the whole road thus if you are caught behind a procession, appreciate the color experiment. The roads can be completely narrow with the strongly pedestrian traffic on each side. the Gasoline-pumps and the service stations are available to each larger cities, however in the event of urgency there are always kiosks of roadside selling the fuel-outside of the drum at a dearer price of little.

While acting, to take please largest will be rules of traffic can somewhat different from those be led in your own country. The international license of control is required but one can apply for a provisional authorization in Denpasar and go for a test to the department of police force of traffic, Jalan Seruni-Denpasar, telephone (+62361)227711. It one is forced to carry a crash helmet while you are on the road and she is always available to the exits of hiring of motor cycle. The bicycles are available but consider dense circulation in Kuta, Legian and Denpasar. The bicycles are ideal in Ubud and the countryside if you are adapted. Some companies offer making excursions of the bicycle of mountain. The small horse-drawn vehicles invited to serve it dokar of at the convenient far-hours of transport and in addition to beaten ways.

BALI TOURIST INFORMATION

Overseas, you can contact the Indonesian embassy or consulate, or one of the following Indonesia Tourist Promotion Board offices:
ASEAN & Southeast Asia, 10 Collyer Quay #15-07, Ocean Building, Singapore 0104. Phone (65) 534-2837, fax: (65) 533-4287.

Australia & New Zealand, Level 10, 5 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. Phone (612) 233-3630, fax: (612) 233-3629, 357-3478.
Europe, Wiesenhuttenstrasse 17, D-6000 Frankfurt/Main 1, Germany. Phone (49 169) 233-677, fax: (49 169) 230-840.

Japan & Korea, Sankaido Building, 2nd Floor, 1-9-13 Ahasaka, Minatoku, Tokyo 107. Phone (813) 3585-3588, fax: (813) 3582-1397.
North America, 3457 Wiltshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90010-2203. Phone (213) 387-2078, fax: (213) 380-4876.

Travel Tips

Immigration
Visas are required except for the nationals of 48 countries namely Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom (Great Britain), United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Venezuela, Yugoslavia and Taiwanese holding MFA//M passports. The visa requirement is also waived for other nationals from friendly countries, attending a conference which has received official approval.

Visa free entry is for maximum of 60 days and is not extendable. Entry and departure must be through the airports of Polonia (Medan), Simpang Tiga (Pekanbaru), Hang Nadim (Batam), Tabing (Padang), Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta), Husein Sastranegara (Bandung), Juanda (Surabaya), Adisumarmo (Solo), Ngurah Rai (Denpasar), Eltari (Kupang), Supadio (Pontianak), Sepingan (Balikpapan), Sam Ratulangi (Manado), Pattimura (Ambon), Hasanuddin (Makassar), Selaparang (Mataram), and Frans Kaisiepo (Biak), and the seaports of Belawan (Medan), Batu Ampar and Sekupang (Batam), Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Tanjung Mas (Semarang), Tanjung Perak (Surabaya), Benoa and Padangbai (Bali), Bitung (North Sulawesi), Ambon (Maluku), and Tanjung Pinang (Bintan). There is only one land gateway, Entikong in West Kalimantan.

For other ports of arrival or departure, visitors must have visas, For others, tourist visas for thirty days can be obtained form any Indonesian embassy or consulate. Two photographs are required and a small fee is charged. Possession of passports is a must to all visitors to Indonesia valid for at least six months with proof of onward passage, either return or through tickets.

Transports
There are metered taxis in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Solo, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Bali and Lampung. For air-conditioned taxis flag falls are Rp.2,000 (Rp. 900 for each additional kilometer) and Rp. 3,000 (Rp. 1,300 for each additional kilometer). For Silverbird flagfall is Rp. 3,500 and Rp. 1,500 for each additional km. Hire cars are available and rates differ form area to area and it is best to ask the transportation desk of your hotel for information concerning rates and distances.

From Soekarno-Hatta airport to Jakarta city,
taxis add a surcharge ranging from Rp. 7,500/Rp. 9,000/Rp. 10,000 depending on the destination and the road tolls of Rp. 7,000. There are also Soekarno-Hatta International Airport buses which run every 20 minutes to five different points in the city. For those heading for the major hotels in the city center, take the bus to Gambir, a railway station, which is five to ten minutes away by taxi from the hotels. Bus fare is Rp, 5,000 per person plus luggage. At other airports there are transport counters with fixed fares for taxis.

Other forms of transport in Indonesia are bajaj for two passengers, small buses which ply regular routes, the man-driven pedicab "becak," all of which need advanced bargaining to come to a mutually accepted fare. Buses are very crowded, particularly in the cities and routes need to be identified. Trains traverse the island of Java and part of Sumatra. Fares are comparatively cheap but higher on air-conditioned express trains running between major cities.

Garuda Indonesia has an extensive network throughout the country. To all major cities on the archipelago, Garuda had daily services. Garuda services are supplemented by those of Merpati Nusantara, Bouraq, and Mandala, Lion Air, Awair and Pelita.

Communication and Electricity
Long distance calls within Indonesia are by direct dial. International Direct Dial (IDD) is available from major cities and hotels to 240 countries. Long Distance, IDD and facsimile services are also available at the telecommunications offices (Wartel) in major cities and hotels. Internet service is not a difficult things to find in big cities public internet services (Warnet). Most hotels in big cities use 220 volts 50 cycles and a two-pronged plug. However, some hotels in the provinces may still be using 110 volts. It is better to check before using an appliance.

Weather
Indonesia has two seasons, the dry season from June to October and the rainy season from November to March. There are occasional showers during the transitional periods and the general maximum temperature is 33°C (62°F) and the general minimum 21°C (41°F). Humidity is high at all times.

Shopping and Tipping
At most hotels a service charge of 10% is added to the bill. In restaurants where a service charge is not additional, a tip of 5 to 10% would be appropriate depending on the service and type of establishment. An airport or hotel porter expects Rp. 5,000 per bag.

Tipping taxi drivers Rp. 1,000 or leaving the change is appreciated but not mandatory. It is advisable to carry small change as taxi drivers are often short of change. The big cities have shopping complexes, supermarkets and department stores where prices are fixed. They stay open from 8.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. everyday and some even on Sunday. At small shops bargaining might be necessary.

Food and Health
The Indonesian staple food is rice steamed boiled or fried. Some accompanying dishes can be pepper hot - big red pepper or small green ones - so it is advisable to ask before ordering. Please be inform to also ask the price before ordering. There are many restaurants specializing in European, American and Oriental cuisine including the fast food restaurants.

A variety of beverages (both imported or locals) are available everywhere including very good Indonesian beer. Keep to bottled drinks if doubtful of water served in restaurants. Travelers coming from infected areas are required to submit International certificates of valid smallpox, cholera and yellow vaccinations.

Flora & Fauna , and Marine Life

Flora & Fauna:
Indonesia is divided into three distinct zoological geographical zones which includes a transitional area in the central part of the archipelago.

The Western islands of the Archipelago display predominantly Asian characteristics of verdant jungles, rare orchids and the giant Rafflesia, (a plant which produces a bloom over 1 meter in diameter). A land where tigers, leopards, elephants, rhinos and thousands of varieties of birds and insects make it their home.

Further east, the Central islands present a gradual shift from Asian to Australasian flora and fauna. Sulawesi, for example, boasts both monkeys and marsupials, while Komodo is home to a pre-historic giant lizards commonly “dragon” found nowhere else in world.

The Eastern most islands, however, are more indicative of Australasia with bush-like shrubs and hardy plants; brilliantly colored Lorries, Cukatoos and Australian marsupials become more common place. These wonderfully diverse illustrations of life are protected in numerous nature reserves and National Parks scattered throughout the archipelago.

Marine Life:
Marine tourism has taken off in Indonesia in a big way, with the establishment of protected Marine Parks, professional dive centers, certified dive masters guides, and some of the most colorful, breathtaking sea gardens anywhere in the world.

In the warm tropical, turquoise waters, magnificent coral reefs, alive with color support myriad types of fish and other marine life. Some of the underwater drop-offs are awesome and downward visibility can be as far as 30 meters in some areas. A journey into this extraordinarily vibrant underwater world is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience for both snorkellers and scuba divers alike. one of first if you want look about indonesian flora and fauna you can go to harau valley at there you can have natural life, and enjoy you life at sarasah bunta village

Indonesian Arts

Indonesian arts and crafts are powerful and wonderful expressions of life, born out of an extraordinarily rich cultural heritage. Many traditional works of art were developed in the courts of former kingdoms such as those centered in Java and Bali.

“Wayang” theaters from Java and Bali, for example, originate from ancient Hindu mythology and feature portions of the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics adapted to suit local conditions and age-old traditions.

Rigid discipline and artistry are the hallmarks of dances from Java and Bali, but those of Sumatra, Maluku and most of the other islands (one exception is the Gending Sriwijaya of South Sumatra) are characterized by a more flexible gracefulness and charm, a distinction which is further accentuated by an entirely different, non-gamelan, musical accompaniment.

Artistic traditions are actively being preserved in the many art and dance schools which flourish not only in the courts but also in modern, government-run or supervised art academies.

The Crystal Jade of Bintan Island

If you wishing for an exotic vacation in the tropical lands of Indonesia and far away from modern way of life with lively cultural atmosphere or just want to satisfy your sanity with luxurious resorts to stay and a flavor of wild nature, coral reefs, tropical rainforest and delicious seafood, the Island of Bintan is the finest place for you. Here, among the golden sand beaches, warm weather almost the year with sunshine, you would discover the other side of the Asian life. Facing the South China Sea, Bintan become an exotic place to visit.

Welcome to the island of Bintan
Bintan Island, Indonesia, is the largest island in the necklace of Riau Archipelago, covering an area of 1,140 square kilometers. It is located about 48 km southeast of Singapore. In old Chinese, the name of Bintan Island means the “Memory of a Dream”, and in true sense of the term is a land of long dust covered roads, lush green vegetation and sleepy villages, nestled amidst mangrove swamps or fishing villages built on stilts over the water. Bintan Island is truly a unique paradise. Simple life, beautiful beach, friendly people which bring unforgettable leisure and relaxing. The island gives the refreshment to our mind, body and soul.

Most of the tourism of Bintan Island is concentrated on the north coast around Lagoi. There are many wonderful and interesting places to visit in and near the Bintan Island, Indonesia. The island has a population of about 200.000, and like the rest of Riau this is a true mix of cultures like Malay, Bugis, Chinese and the Orang Laut (sea people). Bahasa Indonesia is the national language and simple English is widely used. In relation to Jakarta, Bintan is in the same time zone as Jakarta, +7 hours to the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). In relation to Singapore, Bintan is 1 hour behind Singapore time.

The resort destination spreads crossways the northern shores of Bintan and faces the South China Sea, and comprises a good collection of beach resorts and hotels to suit the budgets and needs of all holiday makers. In Bintan the main currency used in Indonesia is the Rupiah (Rp). However, the Singapore Dollar (SIN $) is widely accepted in some places. Almost all prices are denoted in Singapore dollars, while all shops will accept Rupiah, prices would be converted from Singapore dollars at very poor rates and rounded up. Prices are expensive compared to Singapore and very expensive compared to almost anywhere else in Indonesia. Most hotels and resorts accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit card payments.

How to get there

You can reach Bintan from Singapore or Indonesia (Batam) by Ferries. Most international travelers arrive from Singapore.

From Singapore
There is a regular ferry service operated by Bintan Resorts Ferries that plies between Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore and Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal in Bintan. The journey takes about 55 minutes with high speedboat catamaran. Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal is the departure terminal from Singapore. We can choose which destination we want to arrive in Bintan Island. Sri Bintan Pura Ferry Terminal at Tanjung Pinang or Bandar Bentan Telani at Lagoi (Bintan Resort). Please remember to check in at least an hour before the ferry departs. For more information on the ferry schedule and online ferry ticket purchase, please visit: www.brf.com.sg. Ferry tickets may also be purchased directly. While doing hotel or resort reservation, they also offering for transfer into and out the Ferry Terminal to the hotel or resorts.

From Indonesia
Telaga Punggur is a ferry terminal located 20 minutes by taxi from Hang Nadim Airport, Batam. The price cost around Rp.50.000 from the airport to Telaga Punggur. There are regular speedboat services plying between Telaga Punggur Ferry Terminal in Batam to Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal Bintan. The cost around Rp.100.000 (one way) and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes until an hour depend on the weather. Its amazing moments while on the journey with beautiful scenery surrounds.

Transportation Nearly Bintan Island
There’s no public transportation in the resort area. There are cars for rent including the driver at the hotel lobby, shuttle service within the resort area or to other places on Pulau Bintan. The cost depends on the type of car, but mostly around SGD80 until SGD100 for 12 hours rental. From the resort area, there are shuttle services from the hotels to Tanjung Pinang. It is rather expensive at about SGD88 for a return trip per person on the shuttle bus. The journey will take about 1.5 hours.

Resorts & Spa
There are many hotels and luxurious resorts with cozy atmosphere for you to choose from, but mostly fairly expensive and using Singapore Dollar and American Dollar, even if using Rupiah it will convert again into Dollar. The resorts area is a private place with a strictly security, even the locals are not allowed into the resort area. There's police and army guarding the entrance into and out of the resort area. Once after the guarded entrance, you will get to feel and see the real Indonesian way of life.

Rest and relax at the private beach on the resorts or getting a smooth spa and massage on the pavilion facing the beach. There are also services for Aromatherapy and yoga for body and soul relaxing. In some resorts there are many hammocks near the beach free for you to relax on or have a swing.

Activities
Bintan Island is also a well known for the various activities that tourists can engage in while on a holiday. Water sports, like kayaking, snorkeling, diving, scuba diving, fishing, and swimming are the most popular activities of Bintan Island. From virgin white sands to crystal clear waters during the magnificent sunset and colorful coral reefs, one can indeed find everything for a picture perfect holiday in the Bintan Island, Indonesia. Your holiday at Bintan Island will not be complete without experiencing some local nature and heritage tours.

Recreational activities include snorkeling, jet skiing, canoeing, wind surfing, golfing, fishing, sailing, diving, island hopping and shopping. Sun seekers may take a leisurely walk along the white sandy beaches and enjoy sun bathing in the warm sunshine. Whether your trip is for business or pleasure, golfing is truly an unforgettable experience for everyone. Golf is popular, with several excellent golf courses charging much lower prices than in neighboring Singapore. Water sports of all sorts are also popular, although the scuba diving here is lackluster.

Places of Interests
Among the various leisure activities that this exotic island has to offer to its visitors, including paradise beaches, golfing, spa treatment at the resorts and delicious seafood, there are a number of attractions that reflect the island’s past and deserve tourist’s attention. Most of the tourism is concentrated on the north coast around Lagoi, while the east coast is still untouched and worth a visit. A wonderful experience will take you deep into the tropical rainforest or back in time to Bintan’s glorious royal past or right into the villages to meet the locals and experience their simple way of life.

Tanjung Pinang
About an hour and forty-five minutes from Lagoi by car or 50 minutes by speedboat to Tanjung Pinang. Tanjung Pinang is the main port town on Bintan Island, Indonesia. The trip to Tanjung Pinang, Bintan, is a good experience to learn more about Indonesia’s culture, food and its people. Visit the town areas of Bintan especially Tanjung Pinang to savor a taste of the local lifestyle and enjoy cheap shopping and tasty local fare. Tanjung Pinang is a friendly small town with strong Malay traditions among the society. The whole place has warm tropical feelings all around.

Shopping at Tanjung Pinang is pleasantly affordable, with its colorful variety of goods and cheap bargains. The shop houses here offer all kinds of dried foodstuffs, electronic goods, antique ceramics and handicrafts but the best bargain is to be made with the street side peddler. With their display of jeweled stones, hand-made toys, local artifacts, hand-made Javanese batik clothes and light cotton wraps (also known as sarong) dyed in various vibrant hues, the roadside peddlers are ever willing to explain their wares if you asked them. The famous food from Tanjung Pinang is otak otak - grilled over a charcoal stove - is actually fish meat cooked in coconut milk blended with Indonesian spices and wrapped ingeniously within two cuts of coconut leaf.

Tanjung Uban
The second main town and also district centre in Bintan is Tanjung Uban. It also serves as a take off point for Batam. The main thoroughfare is the 'Pelantar' (boardwalk) with its houses, accommodation, shops and restaurants built over the sea. The simply local way of life we can see in this Tanjung Uban region. There’s also Kampong Eco Tour will takes you to one of the traditional villages where you can experience the real Bintan village life. In local market featuring an amazing variety of fish, gigantic prawns, dried shrimps, crunchy crackers, savory ikan bilis (anchovies), and all kinds of sweet, sour or salty tidbits, fresh green vegetables, and local tropical fruits all stacked high on wooden carts, the rock bottom prices are still open to bargaining. Do note that most peddlers deal in the local Indonesian Rupiah so it's best to have your money changed before you head down south.

Berakit
Fisherman Village, for those who prefer a more hands on experience in the mangrove take a crack at the Traditional Fishing Tour where guests can ride authentic sampans with fishermen and fish using their traditional traps and nets. Berakit is an incredibly traditional fishing village largely at the north eastern summit of Bintan, comprises 'atap' (thatched roof) houses over tidal estuary. Many of the sea faring 'orang laut', the original settlers of this myriad of islands, have relocated here. At this village you can see the daily activities of the Riau fishing community, such as the thousands of 'ikan bilis' (dried fish) being dried in the sun.

Sebung Pereh & Busung
Sebung Pereh and Busung are typical of the small Malay fishing villages that can be found around the coastal coconut plantations. The settlers in these villages live in unique traditional houses on stilts, elevated over the water and lead fairly simple lives, often getting by without modern amenities or even electricity.

Trikora Beach
Trikora Beach you don't want to miss this one. White sand and Blue Ocean as far as you can see tranquil waters with pleasant atmosphere. Untouched sandy beach with rocky headlands and is great for snorkeling and sun bathing. Here you can try fresh young coconut juice while on the beach. The most popular beach on the east coast of Bintan Island, Indonesia, is the Trikora Beach. The sand is white, the water is spotless, and it is a great place to relax in. With its dusty white sand and clear pristine waters, Trikora Beach also serves as a getaway for the locals during holidays and festive seasons.

Kawal
Kawal Located a few minutes away from Trikora is Kawal, a charming fishing port where fish auctions are frequently held. Being the only deep water canal in the North East, Kawal is also the fishing centre of Bintan. From the bridge in the centre of the town, observe a vista of fishing boats, houses and storage yards all built on stilts. A remnant of the past at Kawal is the large kilns once used to make charcoal from "bakau" (mangrove wood).

Senggarang & Penyengat
The best way to experience in Bintan Island is to visit the offshore villages located a few minutes' ride away from Tanjung Pinang. The silence fishing villages of Penyengat and Senggarang, a mere 15 minutes away present an interesting contrast between the local Malay and Chinese cultures. Senggarang Chinese Village is a small Chinese settlement that features Buddhist Temples with emphasized Chinese theme. Today, Senggarang is an old settlement mostly built on stilts and the village's cobbled square is lined with a number of hundred year old Chinese temples with carved doors and eaves.

Penyengat Island is a famous historic place in Tanjung Pinang where remains of old Malay palace are located. Around 1803, Penyengat Island developed from a centre of protection into a state, which became the seat of the Yang Dipertuan Muda of the Riau Lingga Kingdom. Since then, Penyengat Island became the center of government, tradition, Islamic religion and the cradle of ancient Malay heritage. Don’t forget to bring insect repellent when you plan to visit this place.

Pasar Oleh-Oleh
Pasar Oleh-oleh located at Lagoi, Bintan. This is an artificial market in that it is built solely to tap into the flow of tourists into Bintan who demands an alternative place to shop, eat and buy groceries. There are many shops here selling arts and crafts, to swimwear, to sunglasses and office wear. Some folks argued that this is a tourist trap, but the groceries here are indeed cheaper than those at the resorts. Pasar Oleh Oleh has a collection of shops selling the local handicraft items and the prices are reasonable. The handicraft items are mainly wooden crafts and a lot of items made of sea shells too. You can buy your travel souvenirs in here.

Pujasera
This is the local vendor centre, ideal for tourist on a budget. The food here are mainly Indonesian and the Indonesian Rupiah is used and ‘not’ the Singapore Dollar. This vendor centre was originally meant for employees and their families working within the resort grounds. So, if you want to have real Indonesian fare at cheaper prices, this is the perfect place. Take the shuttle bus to Pasar Oleh Oleh and then walk out towards the employee barracks. The walk should take 5-10 minutes to get there. The vendor centre is in the middle of town.

Explore Tips:
* Don’t forget to bring sun blocks, sunglasses, caps, and insect repellant.
* Taking anti-malaria pills 2 weeks before visit Bintan Island.
* Find updating information of ferry schedule.
* Paid attentions to the weather before do travel.
* Preparing your passport for Non-Indonesian Citizen.

Ujung Kulon National Park

In the remote south west of Java, the national park of Ujung Kulon is the site of one of Indonesia’s most pristine and untouched natural attractions. It is no coincidence that Ujung Kulon is classified as one of Indonesia’s World Heritage Sites and has been a natural reserve since 1937. Most well known for being the home of the last one horned white Javan rhinoceros of which a population of about 60 remains, Ujung Kulon receives about 6,500 visitors a year from all over the world.

With over 120,000 hectares, Ujung Kulon comprises the extreme southwestern tip of the island of Java, Indonesia, the two islands of Pulau Handeuleum and Pulau Peucang just offshore, and the island of Pulau Panaitan separated from the mainland by the Panaitan Straits.

The Ujung Kulon area offers various different landscapes, from the Gunung Payung massif in the southwest and the low rolling hills of the Telanca Plateau in the northeast, to the swamp area characteristic for the lower lying isthmus. Inventories of the Ujung Kulon wild life are the subject of numerous books. The fauna on the peninsula and the islands is almost too extensive to describe in short.

The Javan rhino, a highly endangered species, together with leopards, Javan gibbons, banteng, eagles, pythons, crocodiles and turtles represents just afraction of the wide range of carnivores, deer, primates, birds, reptiles and amphibians present

The terrestrial scenery proofs to be an ideal attraction to hikers, eco-tourists and researchers, and is well matched in popularity by the Ujung Kulon coast and its water sport possibilities. Scuba diving and game fishing enthusiasts rate the marine location among the richest in the archipelago with an abundance and variety of fish and superb coral reefs.

Numerous reef species, such as butterfly fish, batfish, triggerfish and moorish idol, dominate the shallower waters, while deep water species include sharks, tuna, barracuda and marlin. It is because of this last species, the black marlin, that the Sunda Strait has the reputation of being an excellent and challenging game fishing ground.

Apart from the outstanding natural beauty of Ujung Kulon, the cultural heritage is another inspiration for many researchers and historians. The Tanjung Layar lighthouse on the extreme western point of the peninsula guided Dutch, English and Portuguese sailing ships safely through the Panaitan straits during colonial times. The eruption of the nearby Krakatau Volcano in 1883 required the lighthouse to be rebuilt after being leveled by the 40-meter tsunami.

Panaitan Island is believed to have been an important staging post for sailing ships. Captain James Cook is known to have anchored his HMS Endeavour there in the 18th century. The island bears a Ganesha statue on the top of Mt. Raksa, a Hindu archaeological relic from the first century AD.

Visitors are advised to access the park by boat, as overland accessibility is poor. Boat excursions with professional guides are organized from the nearby peninsula of Tanjung Lesung.

Thousand Islands

White sand, coconut palms fringing the shore, multicoloured coral reefs, abundant shoals of unique, colourful fish, a golden sun setting in clear blue skies….does that fit your image of Jakarta? Unlikely, but then you’re probably forgetting that the beautiful Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands) are also part of what is known as the city of Jakarta.

Located on a gulf facing the Java Sea, Jakarta has four main ports from which to access the Thousand Islands: Ancol Marina, Sunda Kelapa, Tanjung Priok and Tanjung Kait. Ancol Marina is the most usual departure point, speed boats leaving regularly to whisk you away from the city heat to the cool, palm fringed beaches of paradise. However chartering a boat is also possible for anyone with a more adventurous spirit. The Marina Jaya Ancol itself is buzzing with yachts, motor and sail boats, and is the place to go for marine recreation. Jet skies canoes, sail boats wind surfering and waterskiing are all to be found, along with all kinds of fishing gear you may need for hire. Numerous stalls along the beach serve drinks and snacks while tents are available for sunbathers and sea-lovers.

But it is the Tousand Islands which are the real jewels. The Kepulauan Seribu, as they are known locally, are a group of islands sprinkled across the Java Sea to the north of Jakarta. As the name suggests, the way the islands lie seemingly scattered closely to each other offers you a thousand of beaches, a thousand pleasures and a thousand golden sunsets. The surrounding waters in particular are a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers, Kotok being the most famous.

Despite the romantic name, there are in fact about 340 islets in Kepulauan Seribu. Islets that have been developed for tourism include Bidadari, Ayer, Laki, Puteri and Tanjung, and bungalows, restaurants, diving and sailing facilities are available on all these islets and others. For anyone with dreams of Robinson Crusoe style seclusion, delightful beaches can also be found in Matahari, Kulkul Kotok, Pelangi, Sepa, Onrust, Edam, Bokor, Kelor, Rambut, Ubi Kecil, Untungjawa, Pari, Perak, Melinjo, Pancalirang, Gosong, Ringgit, Sebaru, Hantu, Antuk, Bira, Panjang, Kelapa, Panggang, Lang, Tidung Besar, Payung, Kongsi, Pari, Damar Besar, Kelor, Kapal, Cipir and Nyamuk.

So if you are in Jakarta and become weary of the frenetic turbulence of the modern metropolis, hop on an early morning boat and escape across the Java Sea to a paradise island in the sun…. you can be there in time for breakfast on Saturday morning, and back in town by sunset Sunday evening without even leaving Jakarta!

Thousand Islands (Pulau Seribu) scaterred in the Bay of Jakarta, accessible ranging from 20 minutes to 2 hours by speedboat off Marina Jaya Ancol or Tanjung Kait. The Thousand Islands or Kepulauan Seribu consist of around 340 isles, including sand bars.

Set in a clean blue sea filled with myriad of tropical fish living among muticolored corals, the Thousand Islands are tremendously tempting places to spenc your vacation. Some of them have been developed into holiday resorts for real lovers of sea, sand and sun.

Furnished with ample, holiday comforts such as accommodation, restaurants, pools and other sport facilities it is an ideal place for a change from the routinism of your life. For water sports and underwater world lovers, it’s a paradise.

Pulau Ayer Island Resort & Cottages

Located about 14 kilometers north of Jakarta, or 30 minutes boat trip from Marina Ancol, Jakarta, part of the Thousand Island’s covering a total area of 60 hectares, a beautiful spot to witness the famed sunset of the Jakarta bay.

Bidadari Island Resort

Being the nearest Island Resort, Pulau Bidadari is reachable in 20 minutes ride on speedboat, about 15 kms, from the Ancol’s Marina. The cottages are built among trees which provide shady and comfortable envronment giving you the

feeling of being integrated with the nature. And those floating over the sea give you the touch of fishermen’s home atmosphere.

Pelangi Island Resort
Pelangi Island is 70 kms from Marina Ancol, Jakarta and can be reached by speedboat around one and a half hour trip.Densely covered by lush palm and pine trees which is surrounded by watch sandy beach in the middle of silver clean blue waters will make this green tropical Pelangi Island on ideal gateway to enjoy the sea, sand and sun.

Putri Resort Hotel

Located just a few breast-stroke away from Jakarta, Putri Island offers paradisian beauty on its soft and white sandy beach and crystal clear water all around. A holiday resort of which you will dream to return over and over again.

Alam Kotok Island Resorts
Alam Kotok offers a chance to holiday in the untouched island habitat of the exotic “ Thousand Island” just 90 minutes from Jakarta. This peaceful tropical atoll has been kept in its original pristine state, the flora and the fauna undisturbed by cozy cottages tucked amongst the foliage, looking out to sea. Here the only sounds are the wind in the trees, birdsong, and the gentle waves lapping the shore. Discover the gentle rhytm of island life, diving the colorful coral reefs, swimming and wandering at leisure.