Travel News

National Parks Deosai - Pakistan

2011-07-03T19:35:00.000-07:00

Deosai National Park is located in Skardu, Pakistan. The National Park is located in the valley Deosai (4.114 asl), which are among the highest plateau of the world. Deosai famous for its spring when it is covered by a carpet of millions of flowers and different kinds of butterflies.

Road Access

Deosai Plains and Deosai National Park is accessible via two routes. One is through Skardu City and the second through the District aStore. The road starts from aStore Chilum, continues through the terrain and paved roads to the main lake before climbing into Deosai. The route from Skardu is through unpaved roads that can be raised within two days. With the jeep was only a matter of hours. Deosai Lake is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan. The beauty of the Himalayas visible everywhere around Deosai. It also is home to the endangered Himalayan brown bears. Less than 19 bears lived there in 90 and now its population increases. Now nearly 55 brown bears living in Deosai. The view here is taken Sheosar Lake in Deosai.

Geographical

Deosai National Park at an altitude of 4114 meters on average (13,497 feet) above sea level, making the Plains Deosai second highest plateau in the world, after the adjacent Tibetan Plateau. Park protects an area of 3000 square kilometers (1,200 sq mi). It is also known for its rich flora and fauna of the ecoregion Karakoram-West Tibetan Plateau steppe mountains covered by the spring wildflowers and a variety of sweeping butterflies.

Wildlife

Deosai National Park was established in 1993 to protect the viability of the Himalayan Brown Bear, Pakistan's largest omnivore, and its habitat. Having long been a prize for hunters and poachers kill, bear now has hope for survival in Deosai where the number has increased from only 19 in 1993 to 40 in 2005.

Deosai Plains is also home to the Himalayan Ibex, Red Fox, Golden Marmot, Gray Wolf, Urial Ladakh, Snow Leopard, and over 124 resident and migratory birds. Birds in the park including the Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, Griffon Vulture, Laggar Falcon, Peregrine Falcon, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and Snowcock.

10 Most Beautiful Beaches in The World to Visit (Pictures)

2011-07-03T19:09:00.000-07:00

1. Pink Beach - Komodo Island (Indonesia)

2. Maldives Beach (Maldives)

3. Whitehaven (Australia)

4. Mnmbe Lodge (Tanzania)

5. Tulum Beach (Mexico)

6. Lanikai Beach (Hawaii)

7. Kondoi, Coral beach Okinawa (Japan)

8. Horseshoe Bay (Bermuda)

9. Boracay (Philippines)

10. Fernando De Noronha (Brazil)

5 Destinations FlowersTrips

2011-07-03T18:40:00.000-07:00

For the continent that has four seasons in every year, the arrival of spring may be waiting for their fans because it usually flowers in season flowers will bloom. Expanse of flower gardens that initially only seen as a field of green the dominant color will change color with cheerful colors. Here are five destinations for those fans of Interest:

1. Netherlands

Trips to the Netherlands during the spring without seeing the tulips and daffodils are a big mistake. During bermekarannya, tulips will be harvested and shipped to all corners of the world. Flower plantation in the Netherlands will be the color of the rainbow when the flowers are blooming. Usually this will occur during April to September, you will definitely find a beautiful expanse of tulips on the moon's orbit. Visit Alkmaar in the Netherlands where the addition meets these demands North'll travel interest you also will be told the history of the city and tried to free cheese results of their fields. In addition, other tourist destinations is the city flower Keukenhoff renowned as the largest plantation relationship.

2. Japan

Japan is famous for cherry blossom (cherry blossom) which bloom spreads in the city of Tokyo, Nagasaki, Kyoto and Osaka. Rural areas in Japan grew to be beautiful when the flowers are blooming. It would be nice if a trip to Japan at the time of this flower blooming, you will not stand for a picnic near the flowers with green grass hamapran as a base and a broad expanse of bright blue sky as the roof.

3. New Zealand

The country has beautiful landscape of innumerable. If you want to get the landscape flower gardens with colorful candy, go to the south of the island and admiration for you in New Zealand will increase. During the summer, try to visit Lake Tekapo filled with beautiful flowers around it.

4. France

Tourists will flock to Provence in France every year to see the expanse of the garden of lavender, poppies and sunflowers. This scene like the scene live version recorded by the painter, very beautiful. In Provence, you will not be interest-only travel but also tour the city where you will be taken to the winery, landmarks and rural areas. Besides in Provence, you can tour the interest in Luberon and Ventoux, to add your photo collection.

5. Denmark

Most of the Danish territory filled with forests, grasslands and plantations. No wonder the Danes, including the tourist destination for flower lovers. In the spring, you'll see the old palace backgrounds flower beds. Flowers that you will encounter in the spring in Denmark, among others, poppies, daisies and red clover. If you are a fan of orchids, you should take the visit to the town of Gentofte.

Dive in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil really Amazing!

2011-06-12T07:10:00.000-07:00

Fernando de Noronha is one of 21 volcanic islands in Brazil. Since 1988 the coast was declared a national marine park as an area of land vegetation and animal marine life. Many historical sites you'll meet there, one of which fort ruins at Sao Pedro and Dolphin Bay. Therefore Fernando de naranho included in the Unesco World Heritage list as the most beautiful marine park in the world.

The most interesting is biodiversity, which until the 19th - century, coastal forests blanketed the towering into the sky. Half a coastal area covered by shrubs that are prepared to be secondary forest for domestic and international tourists. There are 15 endemic plants and 2 birds on this coast that the material world researcher observation.

No doubt fernando de Noronha is considered the world's best place to dive.
You can enjoy the ocean depths with different difficulty levels. From 8 meters to 63 meters to a depth for certified divers. Here are also offered outside iasa beautiful landscape for surfing, namely Laje Cacimba and Concecio.

If you're interested in visiting Fernando, come between March to November, warm sea water fit for diving. Another case if you want to surf, it is recommended you come between December to February. Feel the wind will take you climbing the waves that raced with your heart

5 Places Around the World, Most Favorite for Honeymooners

2011-06-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

1. The Seychelles

This area is an area favorite and ranked first for many honeymoon couples. Situated in the Indian Ocean, where it menawakan beach with white sand, crystal clear sea, and some unique fresh food.

2. Marrakech, Maroko

Marrakech is the perfect honeymoon destination. Honeymooners can relax and unwind, while enjoying the wonderful cultural attractions and beautiful city views. Also Honeymooners can taste the delicious local cuisine and can be romantic camel ride around the city.

3. Jamaica

This is the area's favorite honeymoon Honeymooners selected third. Located in the Caribbean Sea, this region has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world who really pure.

4. Las Vegas

In the past, the city is nicknamed the city of sinners, but that image vanished with the increasing number, newlywed couples who make this city as a honeymoon destination. For who likes adventure and clubbing, the city is indeed very suitable to go.

5. Bulgaria

Perhaps the biggest surprise if the Bulgarian city on the list. Located in southeastern Europe, the city was known to have a diverse history and culture. The beach was reportedly offers beauty for Honeymooners.

The town is known by the nickname The Big Apple is also an excellent shopping town in the world. Not to mention with some interesting sights. Not surprisingly, this place is a decent place you visit with a partner before he died.

Miraculous Phenomenon in Henan, China

2011-06-05T21:23:00.000-07:00

In Henan, China, you will find the local geothermal anomaly called "Bingbing bei" or the back of the ice. All regions China has normal seasonal changes, residents in the area of western Liaoning Province, China, has a constant warm temperature.

But when summer came, and the start of this miraculous phenomenon. When the air temperature reaches a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and the sun shines with bright, large-scale changes occur, and the temperature at one meter below the soil reached -12 degrees Celsius, so the ground was frozen and all the water turned into ice.

Stonehenge, Mysterious place in England

2011-06-05T21:12:00.000-07:00

Stonehenge is a mysterious stone structure in rural England. No one knows what the purpose built, whether the court, or place of worship, or temple, or perhaps a sign of a UFO? Try to visit, see if you can solve the mystery!

Pyramids of Egypt

2011-06-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

One of the most mysterious and magical place on the planet. Being in North Africa, this country has more than 80 pyramids spread along the river Nile. Masing2 nearly 100 meters high, made of giant stones each weighing 100 tons. Until now the legend of the pyramid are still inviting new gossip, new myths and beliefs are also emerging. Of all the pyramids, the highest is the Pyramid of Cheops.

All the pyramids were built only by piling one stone on another stone. Not found in glue, nails, or any adhesive used in the manufacture of the pyramid. All the stones somehow fit together, making it very difficult to find any cracks or gaps. Issues concerning the construction techniques used are also not answered until today. So if you are looking for mysteries, pyramids, pyramids of Egypt will continue to provide a mystery to you.

Mysterious Island, Easter Island

2011-06-04T08:02:00.000-07:00

Easter Island, this island is between Tahiti and Chile, and gained international popularity because of remarkable colossal statue shaped the human face. Each statue is 14 feet tall (about 4 meters), weighs about 14 and made of volcanic stone, and were the work of Rapa Nui society.

Yet known how the statue was made with primitive technology owned by the community. There are various theories about the origin and meaning statues, including one of them is fantastic theory which says that the statue was made by a UFO. But, until now the truth of all existing theories have not been revealed. Will you be one who can reveal it?

Mount Everest, The Highest Mountain in the World

2011-06-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

Mount Everest is also called Chomolungma or Qomolangma (Tibetan) or Sagarmatha (Nepali Language) is the world's tallest mountain when measured from the peak height above sea hinggda, which means as high as 8.848 meters or 29.029 highway. Mountain which is part of the Himalayas is located on the border antarara Sagarmatha Zone, Nepal and Tibet, China.

This mountain get their English name from the name of Sir George Everest. This name was given by Sir Andrew Waugh, the surveyor-general British India, the successor of Everest.

At the end of 2007 climbing season, has done countless 3.679 2.436 ascent to the summit by a private person, and there have been 210 deaths on the mountain because the condition is very difficult and his body was often left alone in there where he fell.

The top of each mountain is part of the most special. Mount Everest is the tallest mountain peaks in the world. Located in the mountains of the Himalayas, these mountains make the border of Nepal and China seem so small.

Radhanath Sikdar, mathematician and surveyor from Bengal, was the first state as the highest peak Mount Everest through trigonometric calculations in 1852. This calculation is done using teodolitdari distance of 150 miles away in India. Most of the people of India believe that these peaks should be named according to Sikdar, not Everest.

The altitude reached 29,035 feet (8850 m) which has been determined by using GPS satellite equipment on 5 May 1999. Which was believed to slightly low at 29,028 feet (8848 m), which established in 1954 with an average size of a few places around the mountain. The new height was confirmed by the National Geographic Society.

His reputation as the hardest mountain climb in the world is clear. Basically there are two paths to the summit, which tests even the most seasoned climbers - reached the top just means you browse the history books where you become one of the explorers rare with a superhuman ability to survive against the cold air and physical challenges that is in the mountains.

Although the easiest route to the summit was found on the Nepalese side, the Chinese border almost exactly the most popular among climbers - a little fact that even tried to climb to the summit, although there are many smaller roads and more to dimanage toward the parts of a challenging mountain Everest the climbers of all skill levels.

The high Mount Everest is almost impossible to understand just by looking at the pictures. Original views of the mountain is indeed impressive to see them let alone imagine a successful climb this mountain - there are about 2,000 climbers have managed to do, most do so in the last ten years.

But this does not mean it is becoming easier - hundreds of people have died trying to find ways to reach the highest peak of Mount Everest, not including anecdotes and stories of the climbers who have climbed to the summit of the mountain and never returned.

Fatigue is the main reason that most causes the climbers were forced to return home, but on May 29, 1953, the couple's first successful climber set foot on the highest peak of Mount Everest. Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit, starting adventure for miles under the Nepal side.

They were the first survivors of "the death zone" (zone of death) that is found in the area is above 24,000 feet, where Hillary write his name a record as the first explorers set foot on the summit of Mount Everest.

It is difficult, but for years the climbers continue to try - now at a cost of U.S. $ 70,000 you can join an expedition with little or no experience though. This adventure, however, very, very dangerous. For every five climbers who left their mark on the top of Mount Everest, one of whom died.

To this day for the mountain climbers who feel that climbing Mount Everest is a good idea remains a fierce debate. For climbing Nepal government is a source of revenue for the guides who accompanied the climbers and costs around 25,000 U.S. $ per person.

This does not mean that Everest is not an attractive tourist destination location. The Everest base camp, located near the temple Rosphu in rural areas of Tibet, visited by thousands of tourists every year, for those who think that the origin to set foot on the famous mountain is already a victory.

City of Perugia, Italy

2009-06-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

Perugia is known as the team kick bolanya. But taukan you that the city has its own unique Perugia for the tourists?

City of Perugia is located near the center of Italy. Located in the Umbria region close to the hilly cities such as Assisi, Spello and Gubbio. Because the area is located in the hills, the city of Perugia bersuhu usually more cold compared with other cities such as Rome is the capital of Italy.

Transportation

To be able to reach the city of Perugia, or you can use some public transport such as trains or buses. Akan easier if you travel using your own vehicle or rental car.

Festival

Perugia is known as chocolate. In mid-October festival is usually held Eurochocolate festivals. And in July, usually held the music festival Jazz Festival, the Umbria Jazz Festival.

Tourism

Some object or an interesting place to visit if you are in the city of Perugia are:

Piazza IV Novembre, the Etruscan arch, and the Oratorio of San Bernardino in Piazza San Francesco.

Dreamland Beach

2009-06-17T19:51:00.000-07:00

Dreamland is located in the Village Pecatu, Badung Regency, which is located in the southern island of Bali. You can reach this beach about 30 minutes from Kuta Beach to the Jimbaran. Beaches are still beautiful and natural is located at the south end of South Badung. You will see the beach in this way to the famous temple that is Bali Pura Uluwatu.

You may be puzzled why this beach called Dreamland? Beach in Bali to use other local name, while the beach is one of the English language, which means that dreamland dream land.

In fact there are home-usulnya. Perhaps, this beach called Dreamland in the region because Pecatu akan had built one of the biggest tourism center and terunik in Southeast Asia. In addition, there will also be built superluks resort area with a combined weight of tourism and the authenticity of natural beauty and preservation of the environment. Before this area is barren and arid regions.

At the time of monetary crisis 1998, the mega project is dormant. However, because local residents are hoping that this project is finished, in the hope that they can switch to the business of agricultural tourism, so they named this place as a land of dreams in English called dreamland. Since it is this area called Dreamland.

The Beauty of Dreamland Beach

When you enter the area of tourism Dreamland Beach, your eyes will be dazzled with the beauty of this beach. Hilly areas and bertebing make you look as though the coastal region is lower in the sea. Dreamland is a beach surrounded by cliffs, which soar high cliffs and coral reefs that are large.

While you're down the rocks and stair to the beach, you will terpukau with rock cliffs on top of that there is a green pasture that is high enough. Many foreign and local tourists who enjoy the fun in the area of pasture that.

Dreamland Beach area is also very enthralling eyes. You will be attracted by keputihan brown sand carpet clean with a sheer coral crevice. You can enjoy a beautiful sunset or the sun sinking in the narrow coastal area which is located right under the steep wall of coral.

Sea of Dreamland in the area also has a high waves and large. Therefore, many peselancar happy surfing on this beach. Dreamland is also one of the surfing destination in Bali.

Tourism as a Land Dreamland Dreamland

Sand brown white clean bright, beautiful high cliffs, as well as the blue sea water, making a lot of tourists to come to the beach that never sponsored by Tommy Suharto this. Although not yet setenar Pantai Kuta, Dreamland or "dream land" will make the tourists more and more to come to this beach. Various tourism facilities available in the start area, from the villa, resort, shopping, shopping malls, to a golf course. Yes, because Dreamland Beach keunikannya add one more area attractions that captivate the beach on the island of Bali.

Affandi Museum, Visiting the Palace Maestro

2009-06-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

Visiting Affandi Museum is located in Jalan Raya Jakarta-Solo, or precisely western edge Gajah Wong River, giving the opportunity for you to trace all the means of life Affandi. You can view the magnificent works of the maestro during life, the work of the painter who ditampungnya, means of transportation that dipakainya first, the ditinggali home to a studio that is now used to develop talent to paint children.

Museum complex consists of 3 pieces with the gallery as the gallery I purchase a ticket and the beginning of the tour. I opened the gallery in person by Affandi since 1962 and inaugurated in 1974 this includes a number of paintings from the early Affandi work until the end of his life. Painting is usually the form of paintings and works of sktesa reproduction is placed in the top 2 larik down and aft to meet arch-shaped room.

I was in the Gallery, you can see a number of valuables during Affandi life. At the end of the room, you can see the car Gallan Colt 1976 is colored sulfur modified so that it resembles the shape of fish, also a bike that looks ancient onthel shiny as a means of transportation. You can also see his work as a statue of reproductive self-portrait with daughter, Kartika.

Gallery II Go, you can see a painting of the painters, both beginners and senior, who ditampungnya in the museum. Gallery inaugurated in 1988 which consists of two floors with paintings that can be viewed from different angles. The first floor contains many paintings that are abstract, while 2 load floor with the painting style but have a realistic decision.

Gallery III which is the next goal is a building shaped roof with a curved line formed pelepah a banana leaf. Can be said, the gallery floor is multifunctional 3, first floor functions as exhibition space as well as the location of "Sanggar Gajah Wong" place for children to hone talent to paint, both as a floor space of painting and repairs, while the ground floor down the store as a collection painting .

Not far from the Gallery III, there is a tower that can be used as a place to see the scenery. You can see the entire panorama of the museum, River to the bustle Gajahwong road. Go down and walk to the west of the tower, you can see the house berarsitektur unique Affandi used as a place to live with his wife and children.

The house was built with the concept of houses with buffer main pillar of concrete and another pillar of wood. Shingle roof of a house-shaped banana leaf pelepah and arch-shaped building. Floor under the house, now used as the location of Cafe attic, where penjuualan food and drink for visitors, while the house is up laintai private room Affandi.

On the left side of the house, there is a trailer that now serves as Mushola. Cart is one of the elements complement complex Affandi house that serves as a health Affandi wife, Maryati. Originally, Maryati want of a caravan which many use as a residence for the United States. Affandi approve the concept of the building, but with the realization that more to Indonesia, the trailer.

Before leaving, you can stop in at the eternal home of the maestro who died 23 May 1990, is among the Gallery I and II. Affandi eternal home is in close proximity to the house belonging to the immortal wife. Eternal home page is decorated by rimbunan tree roses.

Parangtritis, Most Famous Beach in Yogyakarta

2009-06-16T21:22:00.000-07:00

The beach is one of the beaches have visited, not only because it is the most popular beach in Yogyakarta, but also has a close relation with various other tourism objects, such as the Sultan's Palace, Beach Parangkusumo and Merapi area. Beach is located 27 kilometers from the city of Yogyakarta is also the part of the power of Ratu Kidul.

The naming has historical articles. Perhaps, someone called Dipokusumo which is a fugitive from the Kingdom of Majapahit came to this area beratus-hundred years ago to do semedi. When he saw drops of water droplets-that flows from the rock crevice, he was named this region be Parangtritis, from the chopper (= stone) and tumaritis (= water droplets). Beach, located in the area that is named the same.

The beach is a beach full of myths, is believed to realizing the unity of the trinity consisting of the Mount Merapi, the Kraton Yogyakarta and Parangtritis. Beach is also believed as the place with the Senopati bertemunya Panembahan Sunan Kalijaga shortly after the retreat. In the meeting, the Senopati reminded to stay humble even as authorities have kesaktian.

A number of tour experience can be perceived in this beach. Enjoy the nature of being the most prominent. Enchantment of nature that can diintip from different locations and the way so that the views you are more varied and different experiences. When you stand on the beach edge, which appears natural charm of the high seas is a very knowledgeable deburan with waves of hard-edge and high cliffs on the timurnya.

To enjoy them, you can just run from east to west and looked to the south. In addition, you can also rent a hansom cab service that will take you through a similar route without tired. There is also a bid to ride a horse to explore the beach. Costs, you can discuss with the tenant services.

After enjoying the scenery Parangtritis edge of the beach, you can go to Cave Langse way to experience a different experience. On the road to the Cave Langse land, you can look west and see the beauty of another Parangtritis. Roller to the edge of the beach will be visible silver-stained, and will be colored like gold when the sun began to redden, or towards the evening. Exotic scenery is enjoyed opportunity YogYES during a visit several days ago.

Satisfied with the natural scenery you can enjoy the experience of touring with the historical places there are around Parangtritis Beach. One is The sheik Martial Belu located in the road to the beach. You can ascend the stairs through the main road connecting the mountain with this sacred place of burial. In general, many pilgrims came on Tuesday kliwon.

Finished the tomb, you can challenge themselves to go to Cave Langse, I must be on foot as far as 3 km and through the canyon at 400 meters with a tilt angle is almost 900. To enter the cave that is also often called the Cave of Ratu Kidul as this, you must request permission in the first interpreter lock. According to one of his guards Depok Beach is in the youth often down the cave, you can see the sea south of the more beautiful so successfully to enter the cave.

5 on 5 days in the Chinese, you can see the Peh Cun ceremonial procession in Parangtritis. Peh Cun, derived from the word meaning peh rowing and kiss, which means boat, is a form of gratitude to God Tioghoa people. This also means the Khut Gwan (Yuan Qi), a patriot and ministers in the kingdom, known loyalitasnya the king until he difitnah by colleagues and choose suicide.

Feast Peh Cun in Parangtritis are unique because they are not filled with attractions titivate dragon boat paddle as in other places, but with the attraction of eggs stand. Attractions starts at around 11:00 and culminate at 12:00. In the middle of the day, according to belief, the eggs can be stood upright without supported. However, so enter at 13:00, the eggs will drop by itself and can not be established again.

Parangtritis to achieve, you can choose two routes. First, the route of Yogyakarta - Imogiri - Siluk - Parangtritis offering spectacular river and mountain coral. Second, the route passes Yogyakarta - Parangtritis can be mdah because the road is relatively good. It is recommended, you do not wear the green shirt to honor local residents who believe that green shirt can bring disaster.

Prambanan, Beautiful Hindu temple in the World

2009-06-16T21:05:00.000-07:00

Prambanan temple is extraordinary beautiful building built in the 10-century to the government two princes, Rakai lure and Rakai Balitung. Tower at 47 meters (5 meters higher than Borobudur temple), the temple has been the desire to meet the author, show Hindu triumph in the land of Java. This temple is located 17 kilometers from the city of Yogyakarta, in the middle area that is now built beautiful gardens.

There is a legend that Javanese people always told about this temple. Alkisah, a man named Bandung Bondowoso loved Roro Jonggrang. Not because of love, Jonggrang make a request Bondowoso temple with statue in 1000 for the night. The request was fulfilled almost before Jonggrang ask villagers pound of rice and make a big fire like atmosphere that form morning. Speed can make the new 999 and then cursed statue Jonggrang into the statue to the 1000 feel-dicurangi.

Prambanan temple has 3 main page in the main, the Vishnu Temple, Brahma, and Shiva temples. The three temples are symbols of Trimurti in Hindu belief. All of them face to the east. Each main temple has a temple facing the west, namely Nandini for Shiva temples, Angsa to Brahma, and Garuda for Vishnu. Besides, there are 2 wedge temple, temple curtain 4, and 4 corner temples. Meanwhile, a second page 224 has a temple.

Entering the temple of Shiva temples located in the middle of the building and the most high, you will find the room 4. One main room contains a statue Siwa, while the other 3 rooms each contain Durga statue (Siwa's wife), Agastya (Shiva temples teachers), and Ganesha (the son of Siwa). Durga statue that have been used as the statue in the legend of Roro Jonggrang told the above.

In the Vishnu Temple, located in the north of Siwa temple, you will only see one room contains a statue of Vishnu. Similarly Brahma temple located in the south of Siwa Temple, you will only find one room contains a statue Brahma.

Temple facing enough bait is Garuda temple that is located near the Vishnu temple. Save this temple stories about her half-human bird called Garuda. Garuda is a mystical bird in Hindu mythology is well-gold, a certain kind of face white, red-winged, beaked and winged like a hawk. Estimated, figure is Hindu adaptation on her Bennu (means' up 'or' shining ', usually associated with the god Re) in Ancient Egypt mythology or Phoenix in Ancient Greek mythology. Garuda can save his mother from the curse of Aruna (Garuda sister who was born disabled) with a steal Amerta Tirta (holy water of the gods).

The ability to save that which be admired by many people until now and used for a variety of interests. Indonesia to use the state emblem. Perhaps, the creator of the symbol of Garuda Pancasila find inspiration in this temple. Other countries that also use the symbol for the country is Thailand, with the same reason but the form of adaptation and kenampakan different. In Thailand, Garuda is known by the term or Krut Pha Krut.

Prambanan temple is also a relief that the Ramayana story. According to experts, relief is similar to the Ramayana story is revealed through oral tradition. Relief in the Kalpataru tree is interesting that in the Hindu religion is considered as a tree of life, sustainability and environmental suitability. In Prambanan, relief depicted the Kalpataru tree lions flank. The existence of this tree makes experts consider that the 9-century to have wisdom in managing the environment.

Same as figure Garuda, Kalpataru is now also used for a variety of interests. In Indonesia, Kalpataru Wahana become the symbol of the Environment (Walhi). In fact, some scientists in Bali to develop the concept of Tri Hita Karana for conservation with the view Kalpataru relief in this temple. Tree of life also can be found in the gunungan used to open the puppet arts. Evidence that a relief that there has been worldwide in Prambanan.

If careful, you can also see various birds relief, this time a real bird. Reliefs at Prambanan birds so natural, so the biolog can even identify them to genus level. One Yellow relief crest cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea) that invite questions. The reason, it was only found in the Masakambing Island, an island in the middle of Java Sea. Then, if the type of first ever many there are in Yogyakarta? Please find out the answer themselves. For, until now there has not been even one person who can solve the mystery.

Well, there are many more that can be extracted at Prambanan. You certainly should not be fed. If it is finally tired, you can relax in the garden around the temple. Interested? Come soon. Since 18 September 2006, you can enter zone 1 Prambanan although not into the temple. Some of the damage the earthquake 27 May 2006 are now fixed.

Borobudur, the Biggest Buddhist Temple to Century-9

2009-06-10T19:30:00.000-07:00

Who do not know the Borobudur? This Buddhist temple has 1460 relief and 504 Buddhist stupa in the complex. Mendamba millions of people to visit the buildings included in this World Wonder Heritages. Not surprisingly, for the architectural and functions as a place of worship, Borobudur is captivating.

Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga, one of the kings of Old Mataram Kingdom, the descendant of Sailendra dynasty. Based on Kayumwungan inscription, an Indonesian named Hudaya Kandahjaya revealed that Borobudur is a place of worship which was completed 26 May 824, almost one hundred years since the initial build. Borobudur own name according to some people that means a terraced mountain-terrace (budhara), while some others say that Borobudur means monastery, located in the high places.

Borobudur-shaped building punden berundak consists of 10 levels. Height 42 meters before the renovation and 34.5 meters after the renovation because the bottom level is used as a backstop. Six levels below the square-shaped and three levels on top of one circular and the highest level in the form of a Buddhist stupa facing to the west. Each level represents the stages of human life. Available mahzab Mahayana Buddhism, the people who want to reach the level through the Buddha must have every level of life.

The base of Borobudur, called Kamadhatu, symbolizing man who still passionately attached. Four-level above the men called Rupadhatu that have been able to free himself from lust, but is still bound to the form and shape. At these levels, a statue of Buddha placed open. Meanwhile, three levels above where the Buddhist stupa placed in the perforated Arupadhatu called, symbolizes the human that has been free from lust, appearance, and shape. The top of which is called the Nirwana Arupa, where the Buddha reside.

Each level has a beautiful relief-relief that shows how skillfully the author. Relief will be legible when you walk runtut clockwise (the left temple from the entrance). At Borobudur reliefnya tells a story about a very melegenda, the Ramayana. In addition, there is also relief that describes the conditions at that time. For example, relief of farmers' activity reflecting the progress of the agricultural system at that time and the ship is a relief representation of the progress of the voyage at that time Bergotta (Semarang).

Overall relief of the Borobudur temple reflect the teachings of the Buddha. Therefore, this temple can be a media education for those who want to learn the teachings of Buddha. YogYES invite you to corral every alley-narrow alley in Borobudur in order to understand the philosophy of Buddhism. Atisha, an Indian origin budhis on the 10 th century, had visited the temple that was built 3 centuries before Angkor Wat in Cambodia and 4 centuries before the cathedral in Europe this Court.

Thanks to the Borobudur and the start script from the teachings of Buddha Serlingpa (one of the king of the Kingdom of Sriwijaya), Atisha Buddhist teachings are able to develop. He became head of a monastery Vikramasila and teach people about Tibetan Dharma practice. Six of the manuscript Serlingpa also summarized into a core teachings called "The Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment" or better known by the name Bodhipathapradipa.

One of the questions that now have not missed Borobudur is about how the condition around the temple when the temple was built and why it is found buried in the circumstances. Some say Borobudur initially stood dikitari swamp and hidden due to eruption of Merapi. Is essentially Kalkutta inscription reads' Amawa 'means susu seas. Word is then defined as the lava of Merapi. Some others say that Borobudur buried cold lava of Merapi.

With all the grandeur and mystery that is, reasonable if many people from all world penjru enter Borobudur as a place that must be visited in his life. Besides enjoying candinya, you can also get around to the villages around Borobudur, Karanganyar and Wanurejo like to see people make a craft activity. You can also go to the top of Watu Kendil to be able to see the panoramic view from the top of Borobudur. What are you waiting for? No need to worry earthquake 27 May 2006, because of Borobudur is not affected at all.

Beautiful sunrise in Sanur Beach, Bali

2009-06-09T23:13:00.000-07:00

Sanur Beach is located in Sanur Village, South Denpasar district, Municipality Denpasar, Bali Province, Island of Bali.
Sanur Beach is about 6 km from the center of Denpasar city and can be implemented using the two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, you can also use the public a very lively back and forth along the Denpasar to Sanur.

On the day of week and public holidays, Sanur beach visited by many residents of Denpasar, they come with their families to relax.
Sanur beach is a place of recreation that is suitable for family holidays in Bali, with the atmosphere of a quiet beach and ombaknya not make too big Sanur Beach is ideal place to conduct activities such as swimming, MANCING, main canoeing, bathing dilaut and parasailing activities.

In the beach can be sports activities such as beach volley, children can play sand to be formed into the desired shape and that is not less interesting is the number of tourists from abroad are more preoccupied sunbathing while enjoying the beauty of Sanur Beach.

North of Sanur Beach, the beach like a circle half a circle, while the south east of the turn be.

Sanur beach has waves of the sea water is not so great, and if the marine waters subside they will look beautiful coral reef that extends and colorful.
Sea water waves Batam quite large when approaching the day hours to die.

Sanur Beach on the southeast, which is located opposite the sea can be seen the group of islands of Nusa Penida.
Sanur Beach on the east, the coast can be seen south of the island of Bali with gunungnya.

In the afternoon when the sea water receding and gelombangnya only a small ripple, from Sanur Beach to the south can be seen across the sea have cluster seizures Island and the hills rock kelaut project.
Place for a strategic review is located on the east coast that is in Semawang and Mertasari.

Sanur Beach Dikawasan tour Le Mayeur Museum, there is a previously is a studio painting. Le Mayeur Museum, the name is taken from the name itself is a painter AJ Le Mayeur.
AJ Le Mayeur Belgium is home painter who settled in Bali in 1937 and married a girl named Bali Ni Nyoman Polok. Ni Nyoman Polok is a famous Legong dancers at that time. Melalui AJ Le Mayeur, Sanur Beach began kedunia introduced internationally.

If the famous Kuta Beach akan beauty sunset (sunset), the famous Sanur Beach akan beautiful panoramic sunrise (sunrise). It is incomplete, if not see the beautiful sunrise in the morning in the Sanur Beach.

The facilities are
The Sanur Beach area there are many lodging, hotels, star hotels, restaurants, food stalls, souvenir stalls, fast food restaurants (Mc Donald, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Dunkin Donuts), villas and resorts.

Sanur Beach area around the lot sold goods art crafts from Bali, such as cloth, clothing, sandals, hats, necklaces, bracelets and others.

Beautiful sunset in Kuta Beach, Bali

2009-06-09T23:00:00.000-07:00

Kuta Beach is the recreational beach, located on the south side of Badung regency and Denpasar is only ± 9 km from Denpasar, the capital of Bali is Denpasar.
Kuta is the first area of the fishing area, and then evolved into a regional tourism and Kuta area has now become a destination for foreign tourists.
Regions have become icons Kuta Bali tourist area of Kuta and a gain as International City, as it has become a place tourists from all over the world and tourists from within the country.

Kuta Beach with white sand can be used as a place to relax and unwind, can also serve as a place to spend time during the holidays on the island of Bali.

Activities can be conducted in Regions During Kuta:
In the afternoon until the evening, activities that can be done is dipantai sunbathing, surfing and sport activities.
Kuta Beach has waves that the sea is good, so is suitable as a place for sports surfing (surfing), peselancar especially for beginners.

In the afternoon many who play the ball on the beach and there is one thing that awaited-by tourists are waiting to see the beautiful sunset (sunset) dikala twilight days. Famous Kuta beach sunset it, so that Kuta Beach is often referred to as sunset Beach (Sunset Beach).
If the famous Kuta Beach as a beach sunset (Sunset Beach), the Sanur Beach in Bali is famous as a beach sunrise (Sunrise Beach).

In the Kuta area facilities:
Kuta area has the complete facilities, facilities that are dikawasan Kuta include: lodging, hotels, restaurants, spas, shopping, swimming pool, bar and there are many other supporters here.

Airport I Gusti Ngurah Rai located not far from the Kuta area, only around 2 km and can be a vehicle with two wheels and four-wheel vehicle with ease.

The Battle of Palembang: Sumatra

2008-02-08T20:07:00.000-08:00

I am not one for modern history but much prefer ancient history, but my late father was a history buff and having fought and lived through WW2, it was only natural that a bit of his interest in WW2 history rubbed off on me. I was reading an interesting article the other day about the infamous Battle of Palembang during the Second World War and was amazed at the amount of firepower that was used during this conflict.

I thought you’d like to read this article from Wikipedia:

The Battle of Palembang was a battle of the Pacific theatre of World War II. It occurred near Palembang, on Sumatra, on February 13-February 15, 1942.

The Royal Dutch Shell oil refineries at nearby Pladju (or Pladjoe) were the major objectives for the Empire of Japan in the Pacific War, because of an oil embargo imposed on Japan by the United States, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. With the area’s abundant fuel supply and airfield, Palembang offered significant potential as a military base to both the Allies and the Japanese.

Defences in the Palembang Area

In January, the American-British-Dutch-Australian Command {ABDACOM) decided to concentrate Allied air forces in Sumatra at two airfields near Palembang: Pangkalan Benteng, also known as “P1″ and a secret air base at Prabumulih (Praboemoelih), or “P2″.
The British Royal Air Force created No. 225 (Bomber) Group at Palembang. It included two Royal Australian Air Force squadrons and a large number of Australians serving with British squadrons.

The group could only muster 40 Bristol Blenheim bombers and 35 Lockheed Hudson light bombers. The Blenheims had flown from the Middle East and Egypt, where they were considered too old to cope with newer German and Italian fighters. (A handful of United States Far East Air Force B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bombers also operated out of Palembang briefly in January, but these were withdrawn to Java and Australia before the battle commenced.)
No. 226 (Fighter) Group RAF also arrived at Palembang in early February: two squadrons of Hawker Hurricanes transported to Sumatra by the aircraft carrier HMS Indomitable. They were joined by the remnants of British, Australian and Royal New Zealand Air Force Hurricane and Brewster Buffalo squadrons, which had both inflicted and suffered heavy losses in intense air battles over the Malayan and Singapore campaigns.

The Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) South Sumatra Island Territorial Command, its command in the Palembang area, consisted of about 2,000 troops under Lieutenant Colonel L. N. W. Vogelesang: the South Sumatra Garrison Battalion and a Stadswacht/Landstorm (”home guard/reserve”) infantry company in Palembang, a Stadswacht/Landstorm infantry company in Jambi (Djambi), as well as various artillery and machine gun units. (KNIL units in other parts of Sumatra lacked mobility and played no part in the fighting.) The Royal Netherlands Navy was represented by the minelayer Pro Patria and the patrol boats P-38 and P-40 on the Musi river.

The Battle

Airborne attack

While the Allied planes attacked the Japanese ships on February 13, Kawasaki Ki-56 transport planes of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Chutai, Imperial Japanese Army Air Force (IJAAF), dropped Teishin Shudan (Raiding Group) paratroopers over Pangkalan Benteng airfield. At the same time Mitsubishi Ki-21 bombers from the 98th Sentai dropped supplies for paratroopers. The formation was escorted by a large force of Nakajima Ki-43 fighters from the 59th and 64th Sentai.

As many as 180 men from the Japanese 2nd Parachute Regiment, under Colonel Seiichi Kume, dropped between Palembang and Pangkalan Benteng, and more 90 men came down west of the refineries at Pladjoe. Although the Japanese paratroopers failed to capture the Pangkalan Benteng airfield, at the Pladjoe oil refinery they managed to gain possession of the entire complex, which was undamaged. A makeshift counter-attack by Landstorm troops and anti-aircraft gunners from Praboemoelih managed to retake the complex but took heavy losses. The planned demolition failed to do any serious damage to the refinery, but the oil stores were set ablaze. Two hours after first drop, another 60 Japanese paratroopers were dropped near Pangkalan Benteng airfield.

On February 14, the surviving Japanese paratroopers advanced to the Musi, Salang and Telang rivers, near Palembang.

Amphibious Assault

The main Japanese invasion force, an amphibious assault fleet under Vice-Admiral Jisaburo Ozawa of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), was on its way from Cam Ranh Bay in French Indochina. It was made up of the Imperial Japanese Army’s 229th Infantry Regiment and one battalion from the 230th Infantry Regiment. A small advance party set out eight transports escorted by the cruiser Sendai and four destroyers. The main force followed in 14 transports, escorted by the heavy cruiser Chokai and four destroyers. The covering force included the aircraft carrier Ryujo, four heavy cruisers, one light cruiser and three destroyers. Additional air cover was provided by land-based IJN planes and the IJAAF 3rd Air Division.

On the morning of February 13, a river boat commandeered by the British Royal Navy, HMS Li Wo — under Lieutenant Thomas Wilkinson — ferrying personnel and equipment between Singapore and the Dutch East Indies, ran into the Japanese fleet. Although Li Wo was armed only with a 4-inch (100 mm) gun and two machineguns, its crew fired at the Japanese troop transport ships, setting one on fire and damaging several others, while under fire from the Japanese cruisers. This action continued for 90 minutes until the Li Wo ran out of ammunition. Wilkinson then ordered the ramming of the nearest transport, before his ship was destroyed by Japanese fire. Wilkinson received a posthumous Victoria Cross (VC), the highest award for gallantry in the British Commonwealth, and the only VC awarded in the Dutch East Indies campaign.

On February 15, an ABDA naval force comprised of five cruisers: HNLMS De Ruyter, HNLMS Java and HNLMS Tromp, HMS Exeter, HMAS Hobart and 10 destroyers, under Admiral Karel Doorman, made an abortive attempt to intercept the Japanese force. Planes from Ryujo and land-based aircraft made a series of attacks on the Allied ships, forcing them to withdraw to the south of Sumatra.

As the Japanese landing force approached Sumatra. The remaining Allied aircraft attacked it, and the Japanese transport ship Otawa Maru was sunk. Hurricanes flew up the rivers, machine-gunning Japanese landing craft.

However, on the afternoon of February 15, it was ordered that all Allied aircraft were ordered to Java, where a major Japanese attack was anticipated, and the Allied air units had withdrawn from southern Sumatra by the evening of February 16, 1942. Other personnel were evacuated via Oosthaven (now Bandar Lampung) by ships to Java or India.

Stone Jumping and Surfing: Nias Island, North Sumatra

2008-02-08T20:01:00.000-08:00

Stone jumping (hombo batu) and surfing are the two most well-known attractions for tourists coming to the island of Nias, 75 miles west of Sumatera, which only take place in Teluk Dalam on Nias’ south coast. Young Nias men jump over 2-meters stone walls for Rp 50,000, in the village of Bawomatoluo. Meanwhile, surfing was introduced and developed by foreign tourists on the beach of Sorake.

Coming all the way to Nias, however, tourists should not limit themselves to stone jumping and surfing, since the island — with a civilization dating back to the Dongson period of North Vietnam — has a unique traditional architecture adapted to the frequent earthquake tremors in the region as George Junus Aditjondro writes.

Two original solutions were created by the Nias ancestors. Firstly, all houses were set on a series of vertical pillars (enomo) which are not anchored into the ground, but rest on stone blocks.

Secondly, the vertical pillars were reinforced by slanting piles (ndriwa), which created a very resistant earthquake-proof three-dimensional structure.

While surviving earthquakes, Nias traditional architecture is presently endangered by two big challenges, namely deforestation and modernization. Nias has largely been stripped of its forests over the past 150 years since head hunting ceased and the population grew rapidly. This has nearly depleted the native efoa, manawa dano, and simalambuo hardwood trees, used for the pillars of the traditional clan houses (omo hada), chief houses (omo sebua or omo nifolasara) and large meeting halls (omo bale).

Secondly, modernization has reduced the strength of the clan (mado), with most Nias people preferring now to live in Malay houses, while the government has also forsaken Nias traditional architecture in all official buildings.

The billions of rehabilitation and reconstruction dollars channeled to Nias through the NAD-Nias Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Body (BRR), overlooked the need to revive this cultural heritage of Nias.

Fortunately, two European charities — the German aid organization, Johanniter Unfall Hilfe, and the British Turnstone Tsunami Fund — have assisted the rebuilding of remaining omo hada on the island. Johanniter cooperated with the Nias Heritage Museum (Museum Pusaka Nias) in Gunungsitoli, the capital of the Nias district, while the Turnstone Tsunami Fund cooperated with the Medan-based North Sumatera Heritage.

With Johanniter’s assistance, Museum Pusaka Nias has helped families rehabilitate 26 traditional wooden houses in 13 villages. In addition, with financial assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta and the Muenster and Konstant Municipalities in Germany, the Museum has rehabilitated eight more traditional houses in seven other villages. Then, with the assistance of other donors, the Museum has distributed funds — ranging from Rp 200,000 to Rp 5,000,000 — to 357 traditional house owners to rebuild their traditional houses.

The museum was trusted by all those donors due to the serious dedication of its director, Johannes Hammerle, OFM Cap, a naturalized German-born priest, to revive Nias traditional architecture. The Museum director has studied chief houses (omo sebua) since 1990, and supervised the construction of the museum compound — with its various wooden buildings — according to Nias traditional architecture, involving Nias and German carpenters.

In the museum compound, one can observe a South Nias rectangular wooden house, used as a guest house, where the author has twice stayed, and a North Nias oval wooden house, used as an office building. The oval house, called omo laraga, originated from Sinandraolo village near Gunung Sitoli. Owned by the family of Ama Jeni Telaumbanua, it collapsed during the 2005 earthquake.

The traditional house was rebuilt in the museum compound and modernized with an indoor toilet, with the financial assistance of Brigitte Ott and Guenter Ott and their colleagues from the German International School in Jakarta. The omo laraga was inaugurated on June 22, 2007, with the traditional house inauguration dance, Fameheu Omo, by high school kids dancing and jumping on the floor, to test the house’s structural strength.

Meanwhile, the Turnstone Tsunami Fund has rebuilt the chief house (omo nifolasara) in the village of Hilinawalo Mazingo, the oldest omo hada in Southern Nias. This magnificent chief house had survived nearly three centuries, but was in desperate need of restoration after falling victim to intense sun, rain, insect infestation, neglect, and finally, the March 2005 earthquake.

In 2005 and 2006, the Turnstone Tsunami Fund focused on training a younger generation of Nias men, ranging from 23 to 50 years of age, by the elderly village carpenter, Ama Liana, in four-week courses, supported by the Carpenter’s Company of the City of London.

Following two carpentry courses, all houses in Hilinawalo Mazingo and four surrounding villages had been fully repaired by mid 2006. In addition, this project also supported a reforestation education project with local teenagers, led by a Nias school teacher, Yamin, and using afoa seedlings.

Thanks to these massive programs, Nias will have much more to offer to tourists than swimming and snorkeling in Teluk Dalam, watching stone jumping in Bawomatoluo, and surfing at Sorake. It would be nice if BRR and all aid agencies contribute to reviving this unique cultural heritage.

As Roger Miall from the Turnstone Tsunami Fund suggested is his email letter to me, some help from BRR to build a road to the village of Hilinawalo Mazingo would encourage tourist to visit the restored chief house. Meanwhile, tourism agencies should incorporate visits and short periods of living in Nias’ omo hada in their packages, similar to tourism packages in Sarawak, East Malaysia, where tourists are encouraged to visit and live in Dayak long houses. Or in Mentawai, where tourists also can visit and live for short time in the indigenous people’s longhouses.

The author is currently researching the reconstruction of Aceh and Nias, and can be contacted at georgejunusaditjondro@gmail.com

Museums in Jakarta: West Java

2008-02-08T19:53:00.000-08:00

When it comes to museums and galleries you will always find me fossicking around and enjoying the exhibits. Not only do the items displayed in a museum give you a cultural insight but also a historical one. If you are visiting Jakarta in West Java, then you have a literal plethora of museums to visit.

Here’s just a few you might like to have a look at:

National Museum,
Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No. 12, Central Jakarta
(Tel. 3812346, 3868172),
Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Free English Language Tours: Tuesday, Thursday at 9:30 a.m, 2nd Saturday and last Sunday of month at 10:30 a.m. For further information on all tours telephone IHS Library 5725870.

Puppet Museum,
Jl. Pintu Besar Utara No. 27, West Jakarta
(Tel. 6929560),
Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Jakarta Museum of History,
Taman Fatahillah, West Jakarta
(Tel. 6929101),
Tuesday to Friday, Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fine Arts and Ceramics Museum,
Jl. Taman Fatahillah No. 2, West Jakarta
(Tel. 6907062),
Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Satria Mandala Military Museum,
Jl. Gatot Subroto, South Jakarta
(Tel. 5227949).

Textile Museum,
Jl. K.S Tubun No. 4, West Jakarta
(Tel. 5606613),
Tuesday to Sunday (except Friday), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Forestry Manggala Wana Bhakti Museum,
Jl. Gatot Subroto, South Jakarta
(Tel. 5703265/46 ext.5557/8),
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stamp Museum,
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta
(Tel. 8409286),
Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The 1945 Fight For Freedom Museum,
Jl. Menteng Raya No. 31, Central Jakarta
(Tel. 3909148),
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monas Museum,
Jl. Silang Monas, Central Jakarta
(Tel. 3840451).

Maritime Museum,
Jl. Pasar Ikan No. 1, North Jakarta
(Tel. 6693406, 6602476).

Pancasila Sakti Museum,
Jl. Pondok Gede, East Jakarta
(Tel. 8400423).

Indonesia Museum,
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Bambu Apus, East Jakarta
(Tel. 84000526, ext. 383).

Sports Museum,
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Bambu Apus, East Jakarta
(Tel. 8401685).

Transportation Museum,
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Bambu Apus, East Jakarta
(Tel. 8400662, 8400482).

Telecommunications Museum,
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Bambu Apus, East Jakarta
(Tel. 8462498).

Science and Technology Museum,
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Bambu Apus, East Jakarta.

Freshwater Aquarium Park Museum,
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Bambu Apus, East Jakarta
(Tel. 8409471).

Insectarium Museum,
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Bambu Apus, East Jakarta
(Tel. 8409471, 8409472).

Bayt Al-Qur’an Museum,
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Bambu Apus, East Jakarta
(Tel. 8416466),
Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nusa Penida Coral Conservation: Bali

2008-02-08T19:47:00.000-08:00

The Indonesian chapter of the Nature Conservancy (TNC), a non-governmental environmental organization based in the U.S., has stated that the coral reef around Nusa Penida Island off Bali will be the focus of a new conservation program.

“Nusa Penida is part of the 75,000 square km of the coral triangle that lies in six countries: Indonesia, Philippine, Malaysia, Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands,” country director of TNC Rili Djohani told a conference in Sanur as Irawaty Wardany explains.

She said the coral in the area was threatened by illegal fishing activities that use poison or explosives to kill the fish.

“Around 120 million people depend on the fishing sector for their lives, therefore we should preserve the coral (as the home of the fish) from devastation,” she said.

She added that the TNC was looking forward to establishing a close cooperation with the government, private sectors and the local people in carrying out preservation efforts.

“I hope next month we can gather all the stakeholders to discuss what should be done to preserve the coral in the area,” she said.

Rili added that as an archipelagic country, Indonesia had a strategic position in global sea conservation efforts.

Program manager of the TNC’s Coral Triangle Center Abdul Halim said that the conservancy had worked with some partners including the local government and people, universities and non-governmental organizations, to build sea conservation areas in Indonesia.

“So far we have made sea conservation areas in Komodo Island in East Nusa Tenggara, Derawan Island in East Kalimantan, Wakatobi in Southeast Sulawesi and Raja Ampat in West Papua,” he said.

He added that they would start to establish conservation areas in three islands in Bali; Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.

The three islands have a combined coral reef area of 13.01 square km and a 2.5 square km of mangrove forest.

Saleh Purwanto from Bali’s Maritime and Fisheries Agency said that there were seven spots in Bali that were prone to coral devastation, the areas around Nusa Penida, Sanur, Menjangan, Tulamben and four others in Karangasem Regency area.

“Those seven spots should be the focus of our monitoring program,” he said, adding that the coral destruction was also caused by irresponsible tourism activities.

The three islands have gradually been transformed into tourism resorts in the past ten years while Sanur, Menjangan and Tulamben have seen intensive tourist activities for decades.
Unfortunately, he said, the agency could not monitor those areas optimally due to a lack of human resources and funding.

“Therefore we need the involvement of the local communities in monitoring the activities around the areas,” he said.

Ida Kade Arga from the Maritime and Fisheries Agency of Klungkung, the regency that oversees the three islands, said that the agency was currently educating the locals of Nusa Penida on alternative livelihoods.

“We have conducted trainings for the processing of seaweed and other sea resources. Our primary aim is teaching them that fishing is not the only available source of income ” he said.

He pointed out that most of fishermen who conducted illegal fishing in Nusa Penida were not local people.

“Local people in Nusa Penida have a high level of awareness on coral preservation already,” he said.

I Wayan Suarbawa, one of the Nusa Lembongan’s community leaders said that people in the island already knew the importance of protecting and preserving the coral reefs.

“We realize that by preserving the coral reefs we will also preserve our asset of maritime tourism, which has become the main attraction of this island,” he said.
- Source : Indonesia Travel Guide

Indonesian Food

2007-03-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Rice (Nasi) is the basis of most
Indonesian meals.

Noodle (Mie) is common in Chinese dishes.
There are many regional specialties.

More expensive international dishes are widely available in the tourist areas.

Street hawkers and Warungs offer the cheapest local food. Check the level of
hygiene first

Balinese Specialies

Lawar - Chopped and shredded Papaya,
Jackfruit, green beans, coconut and leaves, served with other dishes;

Babi Guling - Roasted pork, stuffed with herbs
& rice;

Betubu bebek - Smoked duck;

Bubuh
Injin - Rice pudding with coconut & fruit

Indonesian Specialities

Sate-
charcoal-grilled chicken or mutton pieces usually served with peanut sauce

Nasi goreng- fried rice Nasi
campur- cold rice served with meat, vegetables, tofu and fermented beans

Gado gado-salad with peanut sauce and prawn
crackers

Cap cai - fried vegetables

Ayam goreng - fried chicken

Mie Bakso- noodle soup

Rijsttafel
- rice with as many as 15 different side dishes.

Deserts

Pisang goreng -
banana fritters

Bubur - sweet black rice with
coconut milk

Es buah & es campur -
crushed ice with fruits and condensed milk.

Drinks

Kopi - Coffee,
local coffee is excellent and cheap, from Rp200. More expensive nescafe and
expresso is also available Fruit juices/shakes
are available in every travelers-style restaurant.

Bottled
beer, & soft drinks are available everywhere.

Fruits

Rambutan -
similar to a lychee, has hairy, red skin.

Durian -
huge, smelly, spiky fruit Nanka (Jack-fruit)
similar to Durian, used a lot in cooking.

Manggis
(Mangosteen) round - purple fruits with soft white clusters inside - delicious.

Belimbing - star fruit.

Tap Water

Not drinkable. Buy mineral water or
purify/boil.

Ice

Ice is
generally safe because it is government regulated, but the handling of ice may
not be hygienic

Bali

2007-03-07T20:36:00.000-08:00

A vibrant culture, unique arts and ceremonies, a friendly people and scenic beauty make Bali an island almost unreal in today's changing world and is therefore the main destination for pleasure tourists to Indonesia. Bali's international airport, Ngurah Rai, is the nation's eastern gateway, served by numerous international airlines and charter flights.
Sanur and Kuta are located on the eastern and western coasts of the southern part of the island. The Nusa Dua peninsula on the southern tip is still growing as a tourist resort.
Bali's culture is based on its unique form of Hinduism called "Hindu Darma" which has been retained after the Islamization of Java, since then developed through the centuries. Though the caste system is observed, it is notas rigid as in India. Religion is the source of traditional customs in family and community life. Its influence is also strongly felt in the arts. With a completely different lifestyle from the rest of Indonesia, the Balinese have managed to preserve their culture despite the overwhelming foreign influences brought by the increasing number of visitors.

Bali's "rajas" and princes were deprived of their kingdoms by the colonial government in the early part of this century, but many of them still own their palaces and are respected as patrons of the arts. The classical dance drama is based on the old Hindu epics of the Ramayana and the Mahabarata, or on local folklore (such as Barong dance).
The island of Bali is mountainous in the center with a cluster of volcanoes of which one is the active Mount Agung and considered sacred. Terraced rice-fields dominate the landscape, with small streams bringing water for irrigation.
The attraction of Bali is its unique art and culture. It almost seems that every person is an artist in some form, whether it is painting, weaving, carving, basketry, etc., or even in decorations which are done at many shrines in public areas, on roads, paddy fields or in homes. Villagers spend their free time in these arts which are taught from a very young age.
The soul of the Balinese is in his religion, so it finds its expression in the arts.
A friendly people, the Balinese who are more exposed to international tourists, generally speak more English than people in other parts of Indonesia. Keeping pace with the number of visitors and the need for their accommodation, more hotels have been built, from small bungalow types for the budget traveler to the luxurious Nusa Dua tourist resort area. Water sports have gained in popularity : surfing on Kuta, wind surfing at Sanur, sailing and scuba diving at several other tourist parts.

Bali Bird Park

2007-03-03T20:47:00.000-08:00

Bali Bird Park opened in october 1995. With more than 1.000 birds of over 250 different species housed within lush tropical gardens, the Park is renowned for its dedication to perfection and has already become one of Bali’s most visited destinations. Devoted not only to birds, the park is also a botanical oasis and gardeners’ paradise.

More than 300 exotic trees and other plants are on display, some of them of great rarity and difficult to cultivate. The collection is constantly increasing as new species are added from around the world. The Park is dominated by the dramatic Toraja House. More info : http://bali-bird-park.com.

Coban Rondo Waterfall (Malang-Indonesia)

2007-02-28T21:28:00.000-08:00

Coban Rondo waterfall is found in Malang regency, East Java, Indonesia and is arguably one of the most beautiful and peaceful tourist resorts on earth. It is located inside Pandansari village, Pujon subdistric, about 12 km from Batu city.

Coban Rondo waterfall have too high about 6m. It is tourist place that the easiest to take a road. So, It is fulfilled trees “Pinus” and “Cemara” that make fresh atmosphere. Coban Rondo have not only waterfall but also beautiful area in Batu, vegetation various, animal various and villa area.

Balekambang Beach (Malang, Indonesia)

2007-02-26T19:31:00.000-08:00

Balekambang beach is located inside the Bantur subdistric, about 65 Km short of the Malang city. It is reached to go by Gondanglegi subdistric and Bantur subdistric then to Srigonco village. Other that, It is reached to go by Kepanjen subdistric, Pagak subdistric and turn left to Bantur subdistric.

Balekambang beach is wonderful area with some tourist facilities at that place. It have villa, swimming pool, information office, restaurant, mosquito, etc. It is fulfilled coralreef with wide area of 2 km x 200 m in the direction of sea. It have three island in a row in the direction of west, Ismoyo island, Anoman island and Wisanggeni island. Ismoyo’ island have a pura that is joined a bridge with wide 1,5 m. A traditional ceremony is “Suroan” and Jalanidhi Puja. It’s held annualy on Rabiulawal 12 (Javanese ‘s calendar ) to commemorate the birthday of Muhammad SAW (moslem prophet).

How to Master Bahasa Indonesia? Bagaimana Menguasai Bahasa Indonesia ?

2007-02-23T02:48:00.000-08:00

Before you go to Indonesia, you can study Indonesian Language and try to speak in Indonesian. Bahasa Indonesia is used as national language but Indonesia has many local language like Javanese, Sundanese, Balinese. Don’t worry, you can talk bahasa Indonesia to other Indonesian people anywhere.

This is a Tips and Trick to master bahasa Indonesia:

1. Go to Republic of Indonesia country. Indonesia has many great Islands; you can visit one of these Islands. Open http://www.nusaland.com to know Indonesia Islands. Bali is most favorite tourist destinations. So go to Indonesia!

2. Before you go to Indonesia , buy an Indonesian dictionary for travelers or other Indonesian language practices book. Read and master it.

3. At Indonesia , try to speak in Indonesian. Talk to taxi driver, people at street, and people at hotel in Indonesian. They will reply in Indonesian. Open your dictionary if you do not understand. If you still not understand what they talk, they will translate into English, many of Indonesian can talk Basic English. Keep try to reply in Indonesian. Do not worry to make mistake. Almost Indonesian people still understand what you talking about, although you talk with wrong pronunciation or wrong grammar.

4. If you go to Indonesia , with family or friends, try to talk in Indonesian with them. If they reply in your mother language, keep talk in Indonesian. Ask them to reply in Indonesian too. It is better to learn Indonesian language together than learning alone.

5. Learn Indonesian from your local travel guide or office boy at hotel. They will teach you with pleasure.

6. To master vocabulary, read newspaper, Indonesian magazine, Indonesian internet news. If you do not understand, open your dictionary or open http://www.sederet.com at internet.

7. Listen to people speaking, watch local TV station, listen to radio broadcasts to master Indonesian pronunciation.

8. Keep try and try. Do not worry about mistake.

Those are eight steps to master bahasa Indonesia. The most important think is your effort to learn. More efforts to learn, faster you understand bahasa Indonesia.

In Indonesian language (Dalam Bahasa Indonesia):

Sebelum pergi ke Indonesia, kamu dapat belajar bahasa Indonesia dan mencoba berbicara bahasa Indonesia. Bahasa Indonesia digunakan sebagai bahasa nasional tetapi Indonesia mempunyai beberapa daerah yang mempunyai bahasa sendiri, seperti Jawa, Sunda dan Bali. Jangan khawatir, Kamu dapat bicara bahasa Indonesia dengan penduduk Indonesia dimanapun kamu berada di wilayah Indonesia.

Ini adalah Tips dan Trik untuk bisa bahasa Indonesia.

1. Pergi ke Negara Indonesia. Indonesia mempunyai pulau-pulau besar. Kamu dapat mengunjungi salah satunya. Buka http://www.nusaland.com untuk mengetahui pulau-pulau di Indonesia. Bali adalah tempat tempat tujuan favorit bagi turis . Selanjutnya Pergilah ke

Indonesia

.

2. Sebelum pergi ke Indonesia , beli kamus bahasa Indonesia untuk wisatawan atau buku praktek berbahasa Indonesia. Baca dan kuasai.

3. Di Indonesia , coba berbicara dalam bahasa Indonesia. Berbicara dengan sopir taksi, orang di jalan dan orang di hotel. Mereka akan balas dengan bahasa Indonesia juga. Buka kamus jika kamu tidak mengerti. Jika kamu tetap tidak mengerti dengan apa yang mereka katakan , mereka akan menterjemahkan dalam bahasa Inggris, Beberapa orang di

Indonesia

dapat bicara bahasa Inggris. Coba balaslah dengan bahasa

Indonesia

. Jangan kawatir membuat kesalahan. Orang Indoensia akan mengerti apa yang kamu bicarakan, walaupun dengan salah pengucapan atau strukturnya.

4. Jika kamu pergi ke Indonesia, dengan keluarga atau teman, cobalah berbicara bahasa Indonesia dengan mereka. Jika mereka membalas dengan bahasamu yang lain tetaplah dibalas dengan bahasa Indonesia. Mintalah ke mereka untuk berbahasa Indonesia juga. Lebih bagus dengarkan bahasa Indonesia bersam-sama daripada sendiri.

5. Dengarkan bahasa Indonesia dari penunjuk jalan wisatamu atau pegawai hotel. Mereka akan membantu kamu untuk belajar.

6. Untuk menguasai kosakata, baca koran, majalahread, berita di internet. Jika kamu tidak mengerti, buka kamusmu atau buka http://www.sederet.com di internet.

7. Dengarkan orang berbicara saat lihat televisi, dengar radio untuk menguasai pengucapan bahasa Indonesia.

8. Coba, coba dan coba... Jangan kawatir tentang kesalahan.

Delapan langkah diatas adalah cara untuk menguasai bahasa Indonesia yang sangat penting sebagai usaha untuk mempelajarinya. Berusahalah untuk mempelajarinya supaya lebih cepat mengerti bahasa

Indonesia

Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace (Yogyakarta, Indonesia)

2007-02-20T10:29:00.000-08:00

The palace court with its grand and elegant Javanese architecture lies in the center of the city. It was founded by Prince Mangkubumi in 1755. The Prince was then called Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono

I. He chose the right location of the compound between the Winongo River and the Code River. The palace stretches out from north to south.

The front yard is called alun-alun Utara (the North Square), and the back yard is called Alun-alun Selatan (the South Square).

The layout of the buildings shows that the Palace, the commemorative column and Mount Merapi lie in one line.

The palace meeting hall is called the Pagelaran, where formal meetings of palace officials are held, while the "Manguntur Tingkil" hall is the place where the Sultan is seated.

The palace visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the kraton in former times by visiting the life-size diorama of wedding ceremonies on the palace meeting hall, performed by puppets which are intentionally arranged to create such an atmosphere. Sets of Javanese musical instruments, antiques and heirlooms have made the palace of Yogyakarta worth to visit.

Deep Seas And Dragons

2007-02-20T10:19:00.000-08:00

Ada acara menarik mengenai Taman Nasional Komodo yang dikemas dalam bentuk seminar, dengan informasi sebagai berikut :

Nama Acara / Event Name : Deep Seas And Dragons : Komodo National Park

Deskripsi/Description	:	Pembicara : Kal Muller
Jadwal/Time	:	Tgl. 27/02/2007 Jam. 19:30 s/d 21:30
Lokasi / Tempat /Place	:	Erasmus Huis, Jl. HR. Rasuna Said Kav. S-3 Jakarta
Kontak / Telepon/Contact	:	Informasi / 021–5725870
Dresscode	:	Bebas
Harga/Price	:	Rp. 30.000,-

Borobudur Temple (Magelang, Indonesia)

2007-02-20T10:08:00.000-08:00

The Borobodur Temple complex is one of the greatest monuments in the world. It is of uncertain age, but thought to have been built between the end of the seventh and beginning of the eighth century A.D. For about a century and a half it was the spiritual centre of Buddhism in Java, then it was lost until its rediscovery in the eighteenth century.

The structure, composed of 55,000 square meters of lava-rock is erected on a hill in the form of a stepped-pyramid of six rectangular storeys, three circular terraces and a central stupa forming the summit. The whole structure is in the form of a lotus, the sacred flower of Buddha.

For each direction there are ninety-two Dhyani Buddha statues and 1,460 relief scenes. The lowest level has 160 reliefs depicting cause and effect; the middle level contains various stories of the Buddha's life from the Jataka Tales; the highest level has no reliefs or decorations whatsoever but has a balcony, square in shape with round walls: a circle without beginning or end. Here is the place of the ninety-two Vajrasattvas or Dhyani Buddhas tucked into small stupas. Each of these statues has a mudra (hand gesture) indicating one of the five directions: east, with the mudra of calling the earth to witness; south, with the hand position of blessing; west, with the gesture of meditation; north, the mudra of fearlessness; and the centre with the gesture of teaching.

Besides being the highest symbol of Buddhism, the Borobodur stupa is also a replica of the universe. It symbolises the micro-cosmos, which is divided into three levels, in which man's world of desire is influenced by negative impulses; the middle level, the world in which man has control of his negative impulses and uses his positive impulses; the highest level, in which the world of man is no longer bounded by physical and worldly ancient desire.

It is devotional practice to circumambulate around the galleries and terraces always turning to the left and keeping the edifice to the right while either chanting or meditating. In total, Borobodur represents the ten levels of a Bodhisattva's life which he or she must develop to become a Buddha or an awakened one.

Hotels and Travel in Indonesia

2007-02-20T09:51:00.000-08:00

Information about Hotels and Travel in Indonesia, visit http://www.hotelstravel.com/indonesia

Bali Villa Rental Tips & Tricks (Indonesia)

2007-02-20T09:42:00.000-08:00

This info from http://goarticles.com who is written by Joanna M Lawson

If like me, you have been bitten by the 'Holiday Villa Bug', you will already know that no hotel can match the privacy and luxury of a good Villa Holiday. The great news is that today there are even more villa rental options out there than ever before. Not to mention the fact that if you know how to choose the right holiday rental villa you will be saving a lot of money in comparison to the same level of service in a comparable quality hotel.

It seems that no where in the world has seen as big an explosion of luxury fully serviced holiday villas, as the island of Bali in Indonesia.

OK, I happen to be blessed with a great line of work, as a Travel Writer, and have been lucky enough to stay in some of the best tropical resorts around the world, especially in Asia. But still for me, nothing compares to the peace, luxury and delights (not to mention the cost effectiveness) of staying in a good serviced villa in Bali.

So, what makes a 'good holiday villa'?

Like everyone else, I have learned how to choose the perfect villa through luck, some mistakes and sheer experience.

Here are my top tips for choosing the right villa in Bali for your next Bali holiday.

Location-Location-Location

This sounds obvious, but it is not always easy to make the right location decision when we are sat at home, far away from our holiday destination.

Like every other world-class holiday destination, Bali offers a range of options, from 'central' locations, to those which offer 'absolute tranquility'.

I personally like a balance between the two. On a Bali villa holiday, the last thing one needs is to be sooo central that you feel like you are an extension of a night club's base unit till wee hours of the morning. On the other hand, I really don't want to be more than 15-20 minutes away from where the restaurants, shops and the action is. I like my villa to be certainly quiet, preferably amongst rice fields, but at the same time accessible (within 30 minutes of the airport, and a few minutes from the action).

The great thing is that Bali caters for all of these tastes.

Those seeking a central location, with a lively night life may want to look into Legian and Seminyak, (I exclude Kuta area from this list, as there are hardly any proper rental villas left in this bustling tourist centre).

Those who don't mind a bit of a trek, and don't want to go out and about much during their holiday, may opt for areas such as Uluwatu or Canggu and beyond.

For me the perfect choice is Kerobokan and Umalas areas. Quiet rural environment, surrounded by rice terraces and real villagers going about their real daily routines (instead of trying to push you a handicraft (Kuta) or pull you into a restaurant you really couldn't care for (Seminyak)).

Quality and Availability of Service Now this is an area where villas differ from each other immensely. In Bali most villas proclaim to be 'fully serviced'. However, how 'fully' and how 'serviced' range from the most basic to being totally pampered.

A good villa should provide a guest to total staff ratio of nearly 1 to 1, or at least 1.5 to 1. So, if you are a group of 8 you should be looking at, at least, 5-6 full time staff, or for a group of 4 at least 3-4 full time staff. Sounds ostentatiously high? It really isn't once you consider the effort it takes to keep a holiday villa, its gardens, and the pool in a tip-top shape.

Of course, quantity is never the only answer. The staff needs to be full-time and fully-trained at a professional level. There are too many villas out there, which are run by 'part-time' managers and staff who actually have other full time jobs elsewhere!

Your Own Chef

One of the great pleasures of traveling to a foreign destination is to experiment with and experience the local cuisine. And what better place to experience this, than in the comfort of your own villa!

So, make sure that your villa comes with its own Chef. Once you have tasted the delights of enjoying home cooking in your own villa, you will probably not want to venture out to restaurants at all. The best thing is, having your own private villa Chef in Bali, is substantially cheaper than eating out.

However, make sure to check how the Chef arrangement works.

Ideally, the Chef cost should be included in your rental rate. In this case all you have to pay for are the cost of the ingredients which are purchased for you, typically at the local market/supermarket prices, with no mark-up. So, financials of eating at your own villa becomes just like eating at home, but without lifting a finger, and at substantially lower Bali prices.

Some villas claim to offer a Chef service, but charge restaurant/hotel prices for each dish that the chef prepares for you. I prefer to avoid these, as I can always pop out to a restaurant if I so wished anyway.

So, check to make sure that the Chef is part of your villa team, and that you will not be charged incrementally for food on a per item basis.

Your Villa Manager

A professional Villa Manager makes a huge difference to your enjoyment of your holiday. Even if you have been to Bali many times before, a good Villa Manager can be a much valued life-line, a great source of shopping tips, and a problem solver. A good villa manager can provide a wealth of directions/advice, from where to eat, to which river to choose for your white-water rafting adventure in which season, or where the cheapest golf courses are, to which temples to visit to see which local ceremonies.

Needless to say, they should also be managing the villa team, and making sure that the quality of service and cleanliness are never compromised.

Before I book a villa in Bali, I always check to see what the Villa Manager arrangement is like, and that there is a full time Villa Manager on site at the villa I am planning to rent. Typically, for good villas, you can expect to have your own dedicated Villa Manager, or have a Villa Manager who is working at 2-3 adjacent villas. However, if a Villa Manager is expected to look after 5-6+ villas, then you are most likely not going to see him for more than a few minutes a day, only during his courtesy visits (at best), so you loose out on the real benefits of having the inside-track.

Villa Quality & Upkeep

Be very, very weary of any rental villas which can not provide you with more than at least 20 recent photos of the property. These photos should show you not only the outside of the buildings, but also the living/dining areas, as well as insides of bedrooms.

If you are not provided with a sufficient number of photos giving you a clear idea of the property, then it is quite likely that there is something substantially wrong with the property, such as a building overlooking it, an abattoir next door, or at the least peeling paintwork or missing fixtures/furniture.

Remember, not all villas are created equal. But additionally, not all villas are kept and maintained equally well. It is your right to request and see these photos of the property.

Mod-Cons

OK, you are planning to stay on a tiny island, in the middle of the tropics. What mod-cons should you expect? From own experience, I would suggest that even in the middle of the tropics, good Bali villas should be able to provide at least the following mod-cons:

Air-conditioning in all bedrooms

Clean, Western style kitchen -fully equipped with a fridge, microwave, electric kettle, and a coffee maker, as well as sufficient crockery and cutlery

Safe deposit box - at least one for your private villa use, and preferably one in each bedroom

TV/Satellite/DVD Player - as there will always be someone who wants to catch the news, or children who will need entertaining

Telephone - whilst many of us live attached to our mobile/cellular phones, it is important that there is a permanent phone connection at the villa, in case of emergencies

En-suite bathrooms - if you are looking at going as a family or a group of friends, you really don't want to spend your holiday in Bali queuing for the next available slot at shared facilities!

Enjoying a fully staffed and serviced villa with your own Chef may seem like an un-attainable dream in most other parts of the world. However, renting a Villa in Bali is by far one of the most cost effective ways of enjoying this beautiful island and the company of its hospitable people.

Now armed with this check-list you are ready to plan you next dream holiday in a Villa in Bali. Like me, you will probably never want to leave, and go back to reality!

Many happy returns...

Short News about Indonesia

Indonesia has many great Islands; you can visit one of these Islands. Open http://www.nusaland.com to know Indonesia Islands. Bali is most favorite tourist destinations. (read other article about bali in this blog)

Bali’s Island, Indonesia

2007-02-20T09:41:00.000-08:00

Thinking about traveling to somewhere different on your next vacations? Then here is an interesting option for you: Bali.

Bali is a wonderful area with an array of fun filled activities to choose from. It is the main tourist area of Indonesia. People enjoy visiting Bali because unlike other tropical destinations, Bali hasn't been broken into an array of hotels and water front resorts. Other that, The people of Bali are very friendly. Many speak English to interact with tourists.

The people of Bali are very artistic. They enjoy painting, weaving, carving, basket making, and other arts. Children are taught art from a very early age. They often display their makings to sell to the tourists. Dance is also a fundamental part of life in Bali and it's not uncommon to see local people engaged in a ritualistic dance.

One of the most amazing sights you'll witness while in Bali is the serene beaches. Much of the sand in Bali is white. For someone venturing there from North America, where the sand is a dingy brown, this is a delight. Not to be outdone, there are also beaches in Bali, mainly in the southern regions that boast black sand. The beaches are a main attraction with surfing being one of the most popular activities. Others enjoy renting a boat for the day to relax on the open waters.

Temples are a main attraction in Bali. They are called Pura. The temples provide an opportunity to explore religion and art of the culture. The people of Bali are still very religious, and it is very important that those visiting the Temples show respect for their religious beliefs.

Art galleries exhibit creative and attractive art work to view. Wildlife and nature reserves are popular in Bali. Many people go to get a glimpse of the very dangerous Komodo Dragon, a large lizard that is found only in the area and is extinct. The rare Java tiger is also displayed.

Lodging in Bali ranges from small bungalows to huge fancy hotels, all with basic accommodations to meet the needs of tourists. The view from your hotel will be wonderful because of the rich beauty of the area regardless of where you choose to stay.

Traveling around Bali can prove to be an adventure. Transportation is fast and efficient in the urban areas but when you wander into the more rural settings you'll find yourself faced with an unending maze of country roads. These are best left to the natives as they know how to navigate from point a to point b without getting lost. You can arrange for a private tour of the islands of Bali and if you have the resources to do this, it's a wonderful way to fully experience the area.

It's been said that once you visit Bali it's very difficult to leave. The pure beauty of the surroundings and the climate make it a tiny corner of serenity. If you get a chance to visit the islands of Bali don't let the opportunity pass you by. More info about Bali : http://bali-places.com

The bathing Ceremony of Gong Kyai Pradhah (Blitar, East Java, Indonesia)

2007-02-20T09:35:00.000-08:00

A traditional ceremony of bathing an ancient heirloom “The Gong” namely Kyai Pradhah. It’s held annualy on Rabiulawal 12 (Javanese ‘s calendar ) to commemorate the birthday of Muhammad SAW (moslem prophet).

The prince Prabu as owner of the heirloom (the Gong) had message, this ritual ceremony must be to hold.

In accordance with the book story of “Babad Tanah Jawi” there was a King ruled in Kartasura (1704 – 1719 AD) one of cities in central Java which to punish his old brother (The Prince Prabu) because he want to kill the King.

The king knew that planning and he punished him. Ordered the prince Prabu and wife (princess Wandansari) to clean out the wild jungle in “Lodoyo”. Be follow by his loyal servant, Ki. Amat Tariman and brought the heirloom “The Gong” (one’s of javanesse instrument) namely : “The Kyai Bicak” as a magic weapon for to clean out the jungle.

Once upon a Time Ki Amat Tariman was lossing of the Prince Prabu, and they were ringing the gong, hopely the Prince Prabu heard and founded them.

In fact, the prince Prabu did not come but a several tigers appear and close to them and guiding where the Prince Prabu was, caused of that the Gong also namely : “Kyai Pradah”. Finally, in their wanderings during 15 years, the prince Prabu come back to the Palace and loyal to the King.

The prince Prabu gave the Heirloom to a window (Nyi Partosuto) from generation to generation, and be bath as the prince Prabu’s message. Water in which the gong is bathed is believed by some people to have magical power, such as to heal of the disease.

The annual fair (the bazaar) usually takes place on one week before this event and held in the square of Lodoyo, Kalipang village, Sutojayan Subdistrict, Blitar city, East-Java, Indonesia. With the public vehicle (microlet, minibus) to Lodoyo-Blitar’s destination (about 15 km) this place can be reach. The ceremony has become an attractive tourism even to visit.

Tambakrejo beach (Blitar, East Java, Indonesia)

2007-02-20T09:31:00.000-08:00

It’s located at Tambakrejo cillage, Wonotirto subsdistrict about 45 km from Blitar city, East Java, Indonesia. Various facilities are available at that place, like park area for car and motorcycle, a small house, entertaiment stage, children laying, mosque and bathroom. On the top of hill, villa is available too. From the villa the visitors can see the scenery and the village around there. The facilities in the villa are seven bedroom, electricity, clean water, living room, kitchen, garage, park area. To use the villa the visitor should contact Blitar regency goverment Tourism service. In this place also complited with kisk fot fish selling (roasted fish) and fresh fish from the fisher that can be bought arround until 10.00 am.

Rambut Monte Trace (Blitar, East Java, Indonesia)

2007-02-20T09:26:00.000-08:00

This place is very pleasant to be enjoyed. Because there is the big and old three. This make shady under the three. Inside the trace there is temple, lake with a very clear water. It come from the big well in the middle of lake so water looks bluish. In the lake there are so many rare fish called Sengkaring. It a hundred years fish that believed by the people. It says at Krisik Village, Gandusari subdistrict, Blitar city, East Java, Indonesia. The transportation is easy with scenery of rice field and tea plantation. We can reach these place by public vehicle/mikrolet. More about 16 km from Wlingi – Semen Krisik. It is also an alternative road to Batu (Malang, East Java, Indonesia) via Ngantang Dams.

Penataran Temple (Blitar, East Java, Indonesia)

2007-02-20T08:52:00.000-08:00

It is located inside the Penataran village, Nglegok subdistric, about 14 km north of the tomb’s Bung Karno (Blitar city). It is the big temple in East Java. It was built within the period of 250 years starting from 1197 AD up to 1454 AD. The building was found and built when there was Majapahit kingdom (14” century). Penataran temple was built for offering as the prove there was Inscription of Palah which was inscribed by the king of Kadiri, Srengga. Then the development was continued when there was Majapahit Kingdom, as the prove that the year inscribed there was 1347 AD at the big statue Dwarapala on the main temple (the rule era of Tribhuana Tungga Dewi) then the year temple was inscribed 1369 AD (the rule era of Hayam Wuruk) continued to last building, it was holypond with the year inscribed there was 1415 AD (the rule of Wikrama Wardhana).

The relief which was inscribed at the big temple was the story of Ramayana and Kresnayana. There were also the relief of Tantri, Sang Setyawan and Bubuksah – Gagang Aking. Penataran Temple has Hinduism and Budhism background.

There are some tourist facilities at that place, Penataran Temple, two unit of swimming pool for adult (International size) special swimming pool for children, lake, motorboat, water cycle, archaelogy museum and tennis court. All these facilities are opened everyday from 07.00 a.m to 05.00 p.m