Vacation

Mentawai Island: the Ultimate Diversity of the Hidden Paradise

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Located in the middle of Indian Ocean, 150 km and takes 9 hours trip from Padang, West Sumatra-Mentawai glowing with all the nature spirits and make it an extraordinary escaping spot from a hectic life. Mentawai is the natural habitat for 16 endemic species, and some of them categorized as endangered species e.g. Simakobu monkey (simias concolor-eat leaf as primary food).

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The present life of Mentawai people categorized as the legacy from Neolithic era and they have a strong believe in nature spirit, for their life strongly affected by nature. They believe that nature is the center of life. All the genuine attributes make Mentawai a perfect place to gain cultural experiences, here you will notice a very fascinating and indigenous culture, like traditional cloths, art, music and the way of life. The entire culture attributes strongly reflects their respect to nature.

Tattoo is one of the most important symbol for Mentawai people, its reflect maturity, manhood and status. The art of this body painting inherit from their ancestor. The tattoos ink naturally made from leaf.

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Among the surfers, Mentawai is the best place to fill their demand for challenges and natures beauty. The beaches offer one of the highest wave in the world, 3 to 4 meters, totally challenge your gut. Once you grounded your self in this hidden Paradise Island, next you will paddle out to the worlds best surf. Dont call your self Surfer if you havent ride Mentawais waves said most of the surfer to expressed their surfing experiences in Mentawai

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There are four ultimate diving spot here in Mentawai ,Siberut, Sipora, Pagai Utara (north Pagai) and Pagai Selatan (south Pagai). You can find great waves here year round, but the best waves are during dry season, March to October. Make sure you have the gut to explore all the glassy waves, because the best way to entitled your surfing experiences remarkable is through finding your own.

Getting There

Take flight from Sukarno Hatta air port, Jakarta to Tabing air port, Padang-west Sumatra (flight served every day)
Trip from Teluk Bayur port, Padang to Mentawai island by Ferry

Where to Stay

Lot of visitors said, that the best housing to stay is the local people house. Offer you a distinctive way of living in a unique architecture and experience interacting with local people. Other wise you could stay in a budget hotel in Siberut

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Moving Around

To access all the beauties offered, you can use boat owned by local people. You can find the boat a long the beach and the rate depend on your bargaining power

Boost your taste with exotic and fresh sea foods that you can found in the local restaurants run by local people. If you are lucky enough, you can pick and cook your own sea food, but make sure you know the secret recipe/spices from Mentawais people. For those who are not sea food lover, you can find regular meals for your dining.

Souvenir Tips

Local hand made souvenirs like traditional hats, traditional bag and accessories will be genuine souvenirs for your relatives and friends. You can buy it in a souvenirs shop or buy it from local people directly.

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Other Things to See or Do

Beach Activities

sight seeing
Diving
Snorkeling

Cultural Activities

Learn how to perform the Traditional dances (war dance and gratitude to nature)
Traditional ceremonies
Mentawai is one of the best place to conduct an Ethnographic study since its one of the oldest tribe in Indonesia

Ecotourism Activities
As the habitat for rare primate, the natural rain forest of Mentawai will be the perfect place for research or other educational purpose. Here, you can conduct research about

Snub-nosed monkey/Simakobu (Simias concolor) monkey family eat leaf as primary food
Joja or Lutung Mentawai (Presbytis potenziani) easily identified for the long tail, white face and black hair head
Bokkoi atau Beruk Mentawai (Macaca pagensis)
Kloss Gibbon/Bilou or Siamang Kerdil (Hylobates klossii) famous for the beautiful voice, different compared to general monkey

Travel Tips

Nature and culture come to be understood and respected
Bring your own surf board with you, because its may hard to find surf board shop in Mentawai
You may arrange your travel using the local travel agent in Indonesia
Great wave can be find year round, but best wave is during dry season March to October
Bring your personal medicine
You may arrange your visit by contact the travel agent and airline services in Indonesia

(www.my-indonesia.info)

Photos Copyrigt : www.freelinesurf.com.au

West Nusa Tenggara

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The Wallace Line, named after 19th century naturalist, Alfred Russell Wallace, marks a point of transition between the flora and fauna of Western and Eastern Indonesia and acts as the Western boundary of West Nusa Tenggara, which includes the islands of Lombok and Sumbawa. The northern part of the island is mountainous and lush with tall trees and shrubs. The south, on the other hand is arid and covered by savannas. Large Asian mammals are absent and replaced instead by marsupials, lizards, cockatoos and parrots. The difference becomes more pronounced as one move further east, where dry seasons are more prolonged and corn and sago are the staple food, instead of rice. At around the time Islam first came to these islands in the 16th century; four Hindu Kingdoms co-existed in apparent peace in what is now West Nusa Tenggara. Lombok experienced strong Balinese influences, but has retained a unique identity. The indigenous people of Lombok, the Sasaks, are predominantly Moslem and have a strong, distinguished tradition, as do the people of neighbouring Sumbawa. Soft, white sand, virgin beaches are typical in Lombok. Famous for its ikat handwoven textiles, the island has exceptional charm and is relatively undiscovered, except for the town of Senggigi, which is becoming a major resort area.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Singosari No. 2 Mataram 83127
Phone. (0370) 631730, 633886, 6358474, 6387828-9 Fax. (0370) 637233, 635874 Website : http://entebe.com
E-Mail : disbudpar@wasantara.net.id

Getting there:

Regular shuttle flights from Bali and Surabaya as well as ferries, provide excellent transportation links between the islands of the province as well as the rest of the country.

Tourism Events=]

Bau Nyale Putri Mandalika is an event which held once a year during a full-moon Feb at Kuta beach on Lombok Island is full of co¬lorful sea worms, called “Nyale”. People flock to the beach to catch the Nyale and indulge in a night of merry-making. It is linked to a popular folktale of a beautiful princess, Putri Mandalika, who willingly sacrificed herself by jumping into the sea and promi¬sing to return in the form of the Nyale once in a year.
International Surfing Competition. An international competition held on July 2008 at Hu’u Beach, Dompu which is considered as one of the best surfing areas in the world. This event is continuation of the one held in Nias and Includes a Variety of Traditional art performances.

Places of Interest

Mataram and Cakranegara

Mataram and Cakranegara. Mataram is the capital of the province, which has in the past decades joined with Ampenan, the port, and Cakranegara to become the province’s biggest urban complex. At the beginning of the 18th century, Mataram was the residence of the crown prince of Karang Asem, a kingdom in southern Bali. The ruler had his seat in Cakranegara. Lombok’s biggest Balinese temple is the Pura Meru in Cakranegara; it was built in 1720 by Anak Agung Made Karang. Dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu, it has three courtyards. Three pagoda-like places of worship stand in a line from north to south in the innermost courtyard. The one on the north is dedicated to Vishnu and has a roof with nine tiers. The central one is dedicated to Shiva with 11 tiers on its roof, and the southernmost one is for Brahma with a roof of seven tiers. Nearby is Taman Mayura. Once part of the royal palace, it has an artificial lake set in the middle of a park. A raised path leads from the side of the pond to a pavilion built in the middle of the lake. In former days justice was meted out and religious rituals were performed in this open-sided pavilion.

Pura Lingsar.

Pura Lingsar. This may be the only Hindu shrine in the world were both Hindus and Moslems come to worship. About 7 kilometers west of Narmada, it was built 1714 and rebuilt in 1878 to symbolize harmony and unity between the Hindu Balinese and Moslem Sasak population of the area, especially those who adhere to Lombok’s unique Wektu Telu school of Islam. The Balinese temple is built on higher ground, behind the Moslem section of the compound. In the lower yard is a spring near which pilgrims stage a mock battle between Hindus and Moslems, hurling rice cakes at each other.

Sukarare.

Sukarare. This is a traditional weaving center village is located in the south of Cakrane¬gara. Lombok is known for its brightly patterned songket cloth. The techniques, patterns and motifs have been handed down through the generations.

Sengkol,

Sengkol, Pujut and Rambitan. Time seems to have frozen in these three villages in southern Lombok on the road from the capital to Kuta Beach. All the houses and barns are built in the age-old traditional style, and life continues daily here as it has for centuries.

Batu Bolong Beach.

Batu Bolong Beach. Located 9 km from downtown Mataram, this beach has a huge rock with a hole in it. A Hindu temple lies on top overlooking the Lombok Straits to majestic Mount Agung of Bali. After sunbathing, relaxing and and frolicking on this beautiful beachfront, stay till the end of the day to watch one of the most stunning sunsets you have ever seen when the sun slowly begins to dissapear behind Mount Agung.

Taman Mayura.

Taman Mayura. The Mayura Park is all that remains of the Karang Asam kingdom of Bali, who’s King A.A. Ngurah, structure called Balai Kambang, which once functioned as a legal court of Justice and a hall for important meetings. Curiously, its architecture shows both Hindu and Islamic influences, adorned with stone statues in the form of a Moslem hajji.

Kuta Beach

Kuta Beach. Also known as Putri Nyale Beach. On the south coast of central Lombok, it is one of the most scenic mid unspoilt. From Kuta to Tanjung Aan (Cape Aan) is five km away, stretches an unbroken expanse of clean white sand lapped by waves of the Indian Ocean. Kuta is safe for bathing and swimming. Further to the west are the surfer’s and windsurfer’s beaches. Each year, on the 19th day of the 10th month of the Sasak lunar calendar, Kuta Beach is the site of great festivals. Fishermen sail out to sea while young men and women gather along the bach to join in the merrymaking, tease each other and perhaps meet to build a more lasting relationship.

Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan. Gili, in Sasak Language means “island”.

Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan. Gili, in Sasak Language means “island”. These three islands are clustered together just off the northwest coast of Lombok. Coral gardens abound in clear waters around the islands. Gili Air, the nearest island, can be reached in 10 to 15 minutes by outrigger boat from Bangsal harbour.

Mount Rinjani

Mount Rinjani a 3,726 meter active volcano, is one of the tallest mountains of Indonesia. In the basin of the volcano’s huge caldera lies the sickleshaped Crater Lake, Segara Anakan, surrounded by steep walls. The mountain is popular with hikers. Sembalun Bumbung and Sembalun Lawang are two traditional Sasak villages on the slopes of Rinjani.

Mount Tambora,

Mount Tambora, Sumbawa. Not active at present, the 2,820 meter Tambora is noto¬rious for its savage eruption on April 5 - July 15, 1815. Falling debris, hot gases and lava streams killed more than 12,000 people. Some 44,000 more perished of hunger in the aftermath of the explosion. The top, now an immense caldera, has two distinctly co¬lored lakes. From the rim of the crater, the breathtaking view over the rest of the island includes Mt. Rinjani and the island of Lombok rising out of the sea.

Sape, Sumbawa

Sape, Sumbawa. Shipwrights still make sailboats the traditional way in this port town on Sumbawa’s east coast. Sape is a convenient point of departure for trips to Komodo Island across the strait, home of the prehistoric Komodo lizard.

Hu ‘u Beach,

Hu ‘u Beach, Dompu Regency. This gorgeous white sand beach is one of Indonesia’s surfing meccas and located at 37 km from Dompu. An International competition held July in here, considered as one of the best surfing areas in the world.

Pura Agung Gunung Sari.

Pura Agung Gunung Sari. This great temple on a hill at Gunung Sari, about four kilometers from Mataram, was the site of the infamous Puputan battle, fought on November 22, 1894, between Lombok’s last Balinese ruler, Anak Agung Nengah and followers, and the Dutch troops under General Van der Vetter’s command.

Narmada Park

Narmada Park 11 kilometers from the east of Mataram, was built in 1727 by King Anak Agung Gede Ngurah Karang Asem as both pleasure garden and place to worship Shiva. Its big pool is said to represent Segara Anakan, the Crater Lake on the volcano Rinjani, where they used to make offerings by throwing valuables into the water. As the king became too old to make the pilgrimage up the 3,726 meter high mountain, he had Narmada constructed to represent the mountains and the lake. Near the pond is a place of worship and a spring whose water is believed to give dedicated pilgrims eternal youth.

Senggigi Beach

Senggigi Beach. In north of Bangsal, this beach is one of the most scenic and popular beaches on the island of Lombok. Snorkeling and good accommodation are available.

South East Sulawesi

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The south-eastern Peninsula and Buton group of island are inhabited by descendents of the Torajans and Bugis peoples, and due of the strong influence of the Islamic Bone Kingdom most of the people in this part of Sulawesi are Muslim. There are five diverse cultural groups: The Tolaki, Morunene, Buton, Muna (locally called the Wuna), and the Bajo. Most of the land area of Southeast Sulawesi is covered by natural jungle, with extensive plantations of teak and ironwood, which are used for local handicraft and contribute to the local economy. For those who like challenging adventures and ecotourism, come to Lambusango and Kakenauwe Protected forest, Wakatobi Marine National Park, Basilika Islands.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Teban Nunggu No.2, Kendari 94111
Phone. (0401) 326634
Fax. (0401) 327435

Getting there:

Garuda Indonesia Airlines fly directly from Jakarta, Surabaya and Manado to Kendari.

Tourism Events

Atraksi Adu Kuda (Horse Fighting Attraction) performs in almost every celebration in Muna Island. The fight is between two male of horses, which start to fight after they have got provoked by the way of switching their lover (the female) between one to another. As their temper raise, they start to raise their front feet as a sign of their readiness to fight. The fight used to be happened incredibly, it can make every heart of the audience beat rapidly. Nevertheless, there is Muna philosophical value that they want to share from the fight, which is the right and responsibility are everything in spite of the soul have to pawned.

Places of Interest

Kendari

Kendari is a capital of Southeast Sulawesi Pro¬vince Southeast Sulawesi. It lies of a sloping hill overlooking beautiful Kendari Bay. Kendari artists are known for their artistic handicraft in traditional designs, using indigenous roots and ironwood. Silverworks from Kendari is widely known as its good quality and designs.

Batu Gong Beach and Toli-Toli Hill.

Batu Gong Beach and Toli-Toli Hill. 20 km from Kendari to the north, Batu Gong beach is a new recreational resort along a 3 km white-sand beach. At the edge of the beach are huge stones, which when hit sound like a gong, hence the name of this area. Gorgeous views the sea can be enjoyed from the top of nearby Toli-Toli hill resort.

Moramo Bay

Moramo Bay. This pristine bay is only one and one half hours by car or speedboat from Kendari. The white sand beaches of Moramo by are host to a endless water activities and sports: from sun bathing to water sking, swimming to boating, highlighted by snorkeling or diving in the crystal clear water.

Buton Island Group, “Pakande-kandea”.

Buton Island Group, “Pakande-kandea”. The most fascinating cultural appeal of Buton Island can be enjoyed when local people conduct cere-monies, celebrations of folk events which welcome honored guests, food and cakes are offered to visitors and traditional dances are performed. Buton Island is also well-known for its asphalt, and for its teak and ironwood. Nirwana Beach is located 12 km from the village of Baubau, and is popular for swimming and its fine white sand beach. The small adjoining island, only thirty minutes away by sailboat, is a fisherman’s paradise. There is daily boat service from Kendari, with a stop-over in Raha, the capital city of the island of Muna.

Sea Garden of Pulau Hari

Sea Garden of Pulau Hari. In Indonesia “hari” means daylight. Because of the way the sun’s rays reflect off the waters surrounding this island, the local people call it the “Island of Daylight”, Pulau Hari, Swimming; boating and other marine sports find a natural home along these shores. Pulau Hari is blessed with an amazing coral reef with excellent snorkeling and diving.

Napabale and Motonunu Lakes

Napabale and Motonunu Lakes. Napa¬bale Lake is connected to the sea via a na¬tural tunnel. At low tide strong swimmers can brave this span of water for an exciting and unusual experience. It is dangerous to attempt this feat during high tide, as the water rises to only one half meters below the roof of the tunnel. Motonunu Lake is known for its clean, clear, darkblue water. Both lakes are 15 km from Raha, the capital of Muna Regency, on Muna Island. They are accessible by sailboat, from Raha, in only 45 minutes.

Wakatobi Marine National Park

Wakatobi Marine National Park is lies just off the south – eastern tip of Sulawesi, variable paradise for snorkeling and scuba enthusiasts. It can be reached by chartered flight from Denpasar direct to Tomia or by shipline of PELNI which call in regularly at the Port of Bau-Bau.
Wakatobi Resort : www.wakatobi.com

Lambusango and Kakenauwe Protected Forest

Lambusango and Kakenauwe Protected Forest which is base to operation Wallace is home to the significant endemic population of Anoa, Tarsius & Cuscus. It can be reached by a local minibus within one and a half hours or klik www.opwall.com

Basilika Island

Basilika Island. Basilika (an acronym) derivers from a group of islands just off the western-part of Buton namely : Batauga, Siompu, Liwutongkidi, Kadatua. Its atolls and coral reefs are spectacular and wonderful. You can get to Basilika by a speed boat just for a half hour.

Moramo Waterfall

Moramo Waterfall No other in Indonesia is quite like the Moramo Waterfall. It passes a 2 km plateau, with 127 separate terrace plumes, the top of the waterfall some 100 meters above its basin pool. There are seven main terraces, each with its own natural bathing pool. Surrounded by lush jungle, this is the perfect place for those who love nature at its most sublime. Only 65 km east of Kendari, Moramo waterfall is easily accessible by car, or by crossing Moramo Bay by boat, and enjoying panoramic views of the sea.

West Papua

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West Papua is a province of Indonesia on the western end of Papua island. It covers the Bird’s Head (or Doberai) Peninsula and surrounding islands. The province has a population of approximately 800,000, making it one of the least populous of all Indonesian provinces. The capital of West Papua is in Manokwari.

Tourist Office:

The Nature Conservancy
Raja Ampat Field Office

Jl. Gunung Merapi No. 38 Sorong
Papua, Indonesia.
Phone/Fax: +62-951-323437

Anton Suebu, Papua Bird’s Head Marine Portfolio Manager, l

Getting there:

By plane : Batavia Air and Merpati Air serve daily flights to and from Manokwari via Makassar. The Airport is about 7 km from down town. The cab is available in the airport.

Tourism Events=]

Tifa dance, Tari Api (Fire Dance) and Tari Mayai Marowa (Dance to celebrate winning of a war) are the West Papua’s dances which can be seen in a cultural performance.

Places of Interest

Pasir Putih Beach

Pasir Putih Beach. A soft white sandy beach with clear water, beautiful scenery, and gentle breeze makes it a good place for recrea¬tion and swimming. Only 2 kilometers from Manokwari town, this beach can be reached by motorcycle, car, or public transport.

Amban Beach

Amban Beach. Facing the Pacific Ocean, ha¬ving a wave altitude of 2 meters most of the time, this beach is perfect for water skiing and wind surfing. Located five kilometers from Manokwari town, this beach can be accessible by motorcycle, car, or public transport.

Lake Kabori

Lake Kabori Stretching out with beautiful panorama, it is a wonderful place for fishing fresh water fish like goldfish, “mujair” (a kind of fresh water fish), and fresh water cat fish. Situated 20 kilometers from Manokwari town, this lake can be reached by motorcycle, car, or public transport.

Traditional House: Rumah Kaki Seribu

Traditional House: Rumah Kaki Seribu. This house is particularly built by the Arfak ethnic group. Rare and unique in design, this type of house has many pole to support it. It is for this reason that the house is called Rumah Kaki Seribu (House with one thousand feet). Its walls are made of tree barks; its roof is made of coarse grass. This house can still be found in remote places like Kebar and Anggi.

Meja Mountain And Japanese Monument=]

This mountain, looking like a table in the distance, is a preserved and protected area. Still a virgin forest, having enchanting and beautiful panorama, this area is good for hiking, and other similar sporting activities. A monument, called Monumen Jepang, has been erected on this mountain to commemorate the first arrival of the Japanese Army, divisions 221 and 222. Only two kilometers from Manokwari town, this place can accessed by motorcycle or on foot.

Maredred Waterfall

Maredred Waterfall. Located in Pasir Putih village with a beautiful natural panorama, this waterfall has various types of flora and fauna. It is a wonderful bathing place. It can be reached within ten minutes by boat from Fak-Fak town and by walking within two and a half hours following the river bank.

Tubir Seram Island

Tubir Seram Island. Located in front of Fak-Fak town, this island has an amazing and beautiful natural scenery. It has a garden full of many colourful flowers and many types of plants. A monument, called “Perjuangan Merah Putih”, was erected there. A mini museum was also built there to keep artifact of historical values. It is accessible within five minutes from Fak-Fak town by boat.

Mermaid Cagement

Mermaid Cagement. This unique fish is traditionally raised in Webra village. This place can be assessed by various types of vehicles.

Pepera Monument

Pepera Monument. Erected in 1969, and located in the center of the town, this monument commemorates Indonesia’s struggle to have West Papua (the former name of Papua) back. It is located in the center of the town.

World War II Monument

World War II Monument. Built by the Dutch in 1948 in the center of the town, this mo¬nument commemorates the assassination of police officers and other government workers by Japanese Army.

Japanese Army Fortress

Japanese Army Fortress. Built in 1944/1945 and located at the center of Kokas town, this fortress was used as a defense and hi¬ding place for the Japanese Army during the Second World War. It can be reached within four hours by boat from Fak-Fak town.

Pre-historical Hand Palm Picture

Pre-historical Hand Palm Picture. Ancient reddish pictures of hand palm, weapon, and animals on the cliffs of the islands at an average altitude of 10-30 meters from sea level in front of Kokas town.

Sorong

Sorong is a coastal city and regency in Pa¬pua and has some beautiful islands.

Cape Of Cassuwary

Cape Of Cassuwary. It is a beautiful long and clean beach where there are kept plenty of exotic corals. It is also suitable for diving lovers. The distance from Sorong town is 3 km and can be reached by vehicles.

Crocodile Island

Crocodile Island. An island with slightly sloping beach, soft sand and pure water is very suitable for swimming and fishing. It is located 0.5 km across Sorong town and accessible by speed boat.

Kafiau Island

Kafiau Island. An island located in the middle of Dampir Waigeo Straits is very rich of sea biotics. Apart from its scenic nature, it has also an interesting and enchanting sea bottom that is very suitable for diving lo-vers. It is about 1.5 hours to reach by motor boat from Sorong town.

Matan Island

Matan Island. An island with various kinds of trees, soft sands and pure water is a place for bathing and fishing. It is accessile approximately 20 minutes from Sorong town by speed boat.

Klaijili Hot Spring

Klaijili Hot Spring. Here is a hot spring found in Makbon District that is used to cure skin diseases. It is situated 60 km from Sorong town and reachable by vehicles.

The Raja Ampat Islands And Coral Tria-ngle

The Raja Ampat Islands And Coral Tria-ngle. The Raja Ampat, or “Four Kings,” archipelago encompasses more than 9.8 million acres of land and sea off the northwestern tip of Indonesia’s West Papua Province. Located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, the seas around Raja Ampat possibly hold the richest variety of species in the world. Four large islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool, plus hundreds of smaller islands area known as the Bird’s Head functional seascape, which also contains Cenderawasih Bay, the largest marine national park in Indonesia.
Located off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea, Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands and encompasses more than 9.8 million acres (40,000 km²) of land and sea.
Raja Ampat are the richest in the world. The area’s massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resistant to threats like coral bleaching and disease - threats that now jeopardize the survival of corals around the world. In addition, Raja Ampat’s strong ocean currents sweep coral larvae across the Indian and Pacific Oceans to replenish other reef ecosystems. Raja Ampat’s coral diversity, resilience, and ability to replenish reefs make it a global priority for marine protection. Raja Ampat’s total number of confirmed corals to 537 species (a remarkable 96% of all scleratinia recorded from Indonesia are likely to occur in these islands), and 699 mollusks species, the variety of marine life is staggering. Some areas boast enormous schools of fish and regular sightings of sharks, such as wobbegongs. In Mansuar, it’s highly likely you’ll encounter large groups of manta rays and turtles. From the boat and often close to shore you may get the chance to done your snorkeling gear for some unforgettable interaction with resident pods of dolphins or even some passing whales.
On land, the survey found lush forests, rare plants, limestone outcroppings, and nesting beaches for thousands of sea turtles.

Research Forest

Research Forest This forest with many types of plants is used by the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry of Cenderawasih University for research purposes. Situated seven kilometers from Manokwari town, it is accessible by motorcycle, car, or public transport.

Activities » Nature » West Papua

Raja Ampat, a Reefy and Fishy Diving Experience

Raja Ampat is a 43.000 km2 island and has more than 610 islands, located at the west-side of Papua, Irian Jaya and its famous for diving. Here you can find more than 540 type of reefs, 1000 type of reef's fish, and 750 types of mollusk. It means, Raja Ampat offer 75% of world's reef. Healthy with unusual reef structure dive spot with the most diverse marine is the best way to express the beauty of Raja Ampat.

Here you'll witness other unique species such us pigmy seahorse, webbegong, manta ray and endemic fish called eviota raja (king eviota). One of the best spot is Chicken Reef; you'll surrounded by thousand of fish, bamboo shark and snappers. There just too many species to be named in Raja Ampat, just come and experience all the glories of Raja Ampat.

One of the most breathtaking diving experiences is the encounter with school of barracuda (an expert assistance will be needed in certain diving spot), reef shark, and tortoise shell. In certain dive spot like Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo you could find Dugong or mermaid.

Raja Ampat offers you another cutting edge experiences except the under water habitat, the above water view, beautiful sunset

The four main island offer you a world class diving spot and reefs
Waigeo Island
Misool Island
Salawati Island
Batanta Island

seahorse

Getting There">
Getting There

Take 6 hours flight from Jakarta toward Sorong via Menado. Flight serves every day (please check to specify the flight schedules)
2 hour flight from Manado to Sorong is by jet, extra luggage is allowed
To access the dive spot please contact and use the professional diving organizer
From Sorong, there are 2 type of boat available; Speed Boat (40 minutes - 1 hour boat trip, carry 15 passangers and cost Rp. 2 million/ US$ 208.55); Long Boat (2-3 hours boat trip and could carry 10 passangers-cost Rp. 1,2 million/ US$ 126) - please note that all rates are subject to change without notice
Domestic flight served by Silk Air, Garuda Indonesia, Pelita Air and Merpati
To enter Papua you need to have passport photo page, 3 Copies of the passport page with the Indonesian Visa)

Where To StayYou may choose those alternatives where to stay during your visit to Raja Ampat:

Hotel (star or budget) in the city
Sorido Bay Resort famous for the house reef
Kri Eco Resort is a traditional resort built over the water
Island camp
Living on Boat (most of diving agent provide this service)

Moving Around

You may rent small boat if you wish to make a personal escape a long the line of the beaches

Dining Guide

Dining are prepared by diving organizer, from international menu to local traditional food made fresh by local people
Try Sup Ikan (fish soup)- Local people called it Sup Ikan Kuning (Yellow Fish Soup)-with local spices
Sea food

Souvenir TipsMany divers said that the best souvenir ever after visit Raja Ampat is the stories/experiences to tell, other wise if you wish to have other souvenirs for your own or to be given to your friends, this stuff will be perfect

Asmat sculptures
Traditional cloths
traditional music instruments
Suling (traditional flute)
Tambur (traditional drum)

Other Thing to See or DoRaja Ampat is a famous place for under water photography and here you can shot a perfect picture of under water life. Its supported not only by the richness of the habitat but also the flat sea wave

Wreck diving
Sailing
Kayaking
Explore the islands by boat
Visit the Red Bird of Paradise
Explore bat cave
Make your own wood sculpture guided by Asmat artist
Fishing using traditional Papuan technique
Trekking to discover waterfall
Feeding couscous
Snorkeling

Travel Tips

Oct/Nov is the best season for diving the area because the sea wave is typically flat and its perfect for photograph
Bring your under water camera, because you wont let all the under water beauty pass without capture your experiences
For beginner please take a course first on how to dive and shot picture
To organize your travel you can arrange it using travel agents services in Indonesia
Sun block, sunscreen and hat are required
Bring your own anti-malarial medicine

Address:

Dinas Kebudayaan & Pariwisata Raja Ampat
add. Kampung Waisai, Distrik Waigeo Selatan
Kabid. Kalasina Rumbekwan
(+62)81344644434
Or.
Mr. Wawan (Staff)
(+62) 81344422779

Contacts:

To arrange your diving activities, you can contact the company listed below:

PINDITO
Pindito - Schoner Tauchen Travel Ltd.
Trockenloostrasse 45, P.O Box
CH-8105 Regendsorf
Switzerland
www.pindito.com
info@pindito.com

Grand Komodo Tours & Dives
www.komodoalordive.com

KARARU Dive Voyages
Jl. Danau Poso 65b
Sanur, Bali 80238
Indonesia
www.kararu.com
info@kararu.com

Tantalizing Taman Sari (Water Castle), Yogyakarta

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When a traveler is browsing in Kraton, then she/he should not miss The Water Castle or known as Tamansari, less than 1 Km west of Kraton. Just west of the Kraton, are the ruins, pools, arches and underground passages of the former pleasure gardens. It was built in 1758 by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I as a rest house and pleasure park for the Royal family. Tamansari means beautiful garden. It was badly damaged due to an earthquake in 1867. Some parts of it, for instance "Umbul Binangun" bathing pools have been restored.

Upon seeing the ruins of Taman Sari, some cultural experts say that it has multi purposed functions, such as:
1. A Rest house, in the form of water castle with beautiful park. The air is fresh due to:

Artificial lakes and canals
Bathing pools
Large gardens with several kind of varieties of trees

2. A place for sport and entertainment

Boating and swimming
Deer hunting
Classical dance Bedoyo and Srimpi
Gamelan music

3. A place for meditation

4. An important palace and shelter for the Sultan. It was well protected. It had 2 Bastions
with 12 and 6 Cannons.

The Castle itself divided into two (2) complexes. They are:

1. Umbul Binangun - swimming pool complex
It is the swimming pool where only the Sultans women can frolic. In this complex only woman employees serve the Sultan. Theres also a three story tower, with Sultan private bedroom stands south of the swimming pool and The Sultans private bath-pool is behind the tower. Somewhere in the south part of the palace, there is a special place, believed to be Sultans meeting place, from time to time with the Goddess of the South Sea, Kanjeng Ratu Kidul.

2. Pulo Kenongo - Complex
Pulo Kenongo, the Palace of Kenongo Island was found in the middle of Segaran Taman Sari. (Taman Sari artificial lake, which was connected by water canal to the other artificial lake nearby the kraton) Kenongo is a name of flower trees planted in the front yard, where the fragrance spread out in the palace. Just like in a palace, there were living rooms, bedrooms, rooms to make Batik, a hall to perform classical sacred dance of Bedoyo and Srimpi, gates and sentry-boxes guarded strongly by the palace soldiers.

Getting There

There are two ways to visit this place. The one is through Pasar Ngasem Bird Market, just go inside and find an alley called KP III, turn left, walk about 200 m, there is the Pulo Kenongo rest house complex. The other is through Jalan Taman Sari, from Pasar Ngasem, go by becak to South Square, around 0,5 Km turn right, there is the East-main Entrance, leads the way to the Royal Swimming pools.

Where to Stay

Tourist who wants to stay in the heart of the city has many choices since there are a lot of star and non-star hotels available.

Moving Around

On foot

Other Things to See or Do

Sightseeing into the castles complex and buy some souvenirs at Pasar Ngasem.

Dining Guide

There are many local 'warungs' (food stalls) that serve local foods. You can try one of the famous Yogyakarta local dish calledGudeg, a curry of jackfruit, chicken and egg served with rice.

Souvenir Tips

Pasar Ngasem - Bird Market, here is a market place which sells several kinds of cute birds and pets. Traditional products and household earthenwares are also sold here. In this area Batik Painters do not only sell their products, but some also give instruction in this art. Art shops and galleries of medium quality can be found allong the alleys.

Travel Tips

No travelers is allowed to take picture of Sultan private bedroom at Umbul Binangun - Swimming Pool Complex.

For short distances you can take a becak (pedicab) to drive you around.

Some drivers offer you a city-tour for almost a whole day for 10.000 Rp per person.

Dress comfortably. Wear sneakers and a hat, the temperature in Jogjakarta is quite high. Bring along an umbrella, in case of rain.

When visiting Kraton or Taman Sari, avoid wearing shorts or mini-skirts. Your pants or skirts should be long enough to cover your knees. This conveys the message that you understand the local customs. And the locals will also respect you more.

Bring along a camera to capture the memorable moments. You are allowed to take pictures in this site with a minimum fee. (Visit Indonesia)

Baduy

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Imagine a peaceful place, surrounded by verdant atmosphere. Sound of nature the rustle of the wind amidst the bamboo leaves, the chirping of the birds, the faint rush of the river. Baduy village, located in the hills of Kendeng mountain, about 75 kilometers southward from Rangkasbitung, West Java, is the perfect place to people who want to taste a bit of serenity seldom found in big cities. Those with a taste of adventure might find trekking to Baduy village both interesting and stimulating.

Getting There

Rent a car. The car will stop at Ciboleger Village.
From Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, take a train to Merak via Rangkasbitung. It will take about 1.5 hours. From Rangkasbitung, use a public transportation (called ELF by locals) to Ciboleger. The trip will take approximately 2.5 hours. The sight of The Farmer?s Family statues in Ciboleger will greet you, bidding you welcome. Follow the footpaths?on foot, enjoy the natural landscape around you. You'll then pass through Gajeboh Village. Here you can see Baduy women weaving clothes. Proceed by crossing Ciujung River, the widest river in Baduy area. The sight of the bridge made of bamboos tied to one another (no nails are involved!) might deter you from moving onward, but no need to fear! The bridge is strong despite of its crudeness. You'll then enter Cicakal Village. Here you can rest and spend the night. The journey on foot from Ciboleger to Cicakal will take about 2 hours.
Alternatively, to enter Inner Baduy Village, you can use Koranji line then pass through Kroya Market. Every week, Baduy people visit this market to exchange their farming goods with whatever they need. From this place they'll move on to Cikapol Village.

Where to Stay

You can stay at traditional homes in Baduy, in Cicakal Village. The houses are built of woven bamboos with ijuk leaves. These houses might last for up to 25 years (in one condition: the roof should be changed once per 5 years). Baduy people don't believe in technology, so don't expect electrical goods here.

Moving Around

You'll be able to explore the lush forest and natural sceneries (for Baduy people never disrupt the nature). You?re welcome to take pictures as long as you haven't entered Baduy Dalam (Inner Baduy) area. People in Outer Baduy are more tolerant with signs of technology.

Dining Guide

There are no restaurants in Baduy, so please bring your own food. Sometimes you can ask the locals to share their meals with you.

Souvenir Tips

Traditional cloths (mostly blue) woven by Baduy women.

Other Things to See or Do

Traditional Baduy homes, Baduy women weaving cloth, Baduy people's activities (it's surprising to know that there are so many things to do without electricity!). Take pictures if you must in Outer Baduy Village, but never in Inner Baduy.

Travel Tips

Make sure that you're fit and strong for this journey. Two-hours walk doesn't seem to be that difficult, but bear in mind that you'll be passing through rugged terrain and a river.

Dress accordingly. Use clothes that will make it easier for you to move, preferably cotton. Bring spare clothes and towels. Use sneakers for comfort.

Bring your own snacks/food/drink, also medicines.

Bring a torchlight to move around at night. Baduy people use damar (oil lamp) which might not be convenient enough for you to use.

Bring an umbrella or a raincoat, in case of rain.

To make the journey easier and more enjoyable, you can try to use travel agents featuring Baduy. For instance, you can contact Trekmate, Mapala UI, Caldera, and other travel agents.

Respect the locals and their customs. For instance, never ever take whatever that does not belong to you in Inner Baduy. Ask your guide or locals for more information regarding what should and should not be done in this area.

Bring spare battery for your cellphone (if you must bring it) and camera.(Visit Indonesia)

East Java

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The Majapahit dynasty, based in and around East Java, began the foundations of an empire that was to dominate the entire Indonesian archipelago, the Malay Peninsula and part of the Philippines for hundreds of years. This was the beginning of profitable trade relations with China, Cambodia, Siam, Burma and Vietnam. As the power in Central Java declined in the 10th century, powerful kingdoms rose in East Java to fill the power vacuum. During the reign of King Erlangga both East Java and Bali enjoyed lucrative trade with the surrounding islands, and an artistic and intellectual renaissance. Parts of the Mahabarata epic were translated and re-interpreted to conform to an East Javanese philosophy and view of life, and it was from this era that East Java inherited much of its temple art. Today the open-air amphitheater at Pandaan performan-ce¬s tell some of the stories of this glorious past, set against an impressive backdrop of distant volcanoes, capturing the spirit of the province’s culture and scenery. East Java’s claim to fame in modern history is its vanguard role in the struggle for independence against colonial forces in 1945. Little of the Majapahit Empire’s former glory still stands in East Java. Nevertheless, East Java has a variety of attractions, ranging from temple sites to unspoiled beaches, stunning volcanoes, extra ordinary highland lakes, resplendent marine parks and fantastic wildlife reserves. The provincial capital, Surabaya is second in size, population, and commerce only to Jakarta. It is also the most industrialized province in the nation with the strong economy based on agriculture, (coffee, mangoes and apples), fisheries and oil.

Tourist Office

Jl. Wisata Menanggal, Surabaya 60241, Phone. (031) 853114-6, 8531820-1 Fax. (031) 8531822 Website : http//www.eastjava.com Email : eastjava@indosat.net.id.

Getting there

The province is efficiently connected to the rest of Java by good roads, regular trains, and air services between Surabaya and other major cities in the country including Denpasar on Bali, which is only half an hour’s flight away.

Tourism Events

Reog Ponorogo is a unique and daring performance in which dancers carry a very heavy headdress of tiger head ornamented with peacock feathers. The dance depicts a fight between a tiger and two noblemen on horseback. The Reog Festival held every August 17 in Ponorogo, 200 km southwest of Surabaya.
Karapan Sapi (Bull Races) in Bangkalan Madura, about two hour by speedboat from Surabaya is a very popular sport among locals. It is an annual championship event and held every September and October after harvests.

Places of Interest

Trowulan - Pandaan - Tretes.

Trowulan - Pandaan - Tretes. Trowulan village and the surrounding area is believed to be the site of ancient capital of Majapahit. Archaeological excavations in the area have recovered many teracotta ornaments, statues, pottery and stone carvings which are displayed at the Trowulan Museum. The map in the museum is a guide to nearby sites of historical interest. The Candra Wilwatika open-air theatre in Pandaan, 45 km south of Surabaya presents classical East Javanese ballet performances on each full moon night from June to November. The performances are based either on the Ramayana stories or East Java’s legends and folklore. The backdrop of Mt. Panangungan makes the performances an enchanthing experience. 10 km from Chandra Wilwatika is Tretes, one of the most beautiful mountain resorts of East Java.

Mount Kawi Fortune Hunting.

Mount Kawi Fortune Hunting. This sage’s grave on Mt. Kawi is a famous pilgrimage site for those who seek to increase their worldly blessings. Possesing an intensely Javanese atmosphere, with frequent wa¬yang and gamelan performances, the grave itself is built on a hilltop. On both sides of the long stairway leading to the top is an assortment of sacred springs, Chinese houses of worship, flower and souvenir stalls and other interesting sights.

Surabaya.

Surabaya. This city offers many good hotels, shooping centres and plentiful sources of entertainment. Its well stocked zoological garden includes several species of Indonesia fauna: orang utans, komodo dragons and a collection of noctural animals. Kalimas is an old traditional harbour for the world famous Bugis Schooners, which can still be seen in all their former glory.

Mount Bromo.

Mount Bromo. Many local and foreign tra¬velers make the trek for the mystical experience of watching the sun rise from the crest of the Bromo volcano. A pony ride from the village of Ngadisari takes you over a sea of sand to the foot of the volcano. Ascend the 50 steps to reach the rim. On the vast expanse of sand, formerly a Caldera, there are two volcanoes: the extinct Batok which is the perfect cone and Bromo. Volcanic sulphur fumes and smoke still emanate from the depths, and when the God of Bromo begins to rumble, the surrounding population quickly brings their offerings. The annual offering ceremony of Kasada is held on the 14th day of Kasada, the 20th month in Tenggerese calendar year. It is a dazzling event where villagers from the surrounding areas bring their humble offering to holy volcano.

Alas Purwo National Park/Wildlife Reserve.

Alas Purwo National Park/Wildlife Reserve. Located on the tip of East Java, just off the Surabaya-Banyuwangi mainroad, is dry country side of open savanah, forests and scrubland, bordered by marshes, swampy groves and white sand beaches. 81 km to the south of Banyuwangi, this park is a home to 700 wild buffaloes and many other species of world animals which can be observed from viewing tower. A landrover or jeep is needed to traverse these rugged, grassy plains. In the nearby there is G (Grajagan) Land which the waves is famous for foreign surfers.

Kaliklatak.

Kaliklatak. A commodities plantation 450-750 m above sea level on the slopes of Mt. Merapi, Kaliklatak covers 2.500 acres of land producing coffee, rubber, cocoa and spices. Tour the plantation to see the entire process, from cultivation to harvest and processing for export.

Sukamade Turtle Beach.

Sukamade Turtle Beach. 78 km south of Banyuwangi, the beach is known for its deep turquoise waters and 250 kg sea turtles which come to lay their eggs here.

Meru Betiri Reserve.

Meru Betiri Reserve. Here at the southeastern tip of province is where the last of the Javenese tigers sought refuge. A hundred and fifty years ago the Javanese tiger inhabi¬ted most of Java and was even considered a nuisance in some populated areas. Wildlife of all kinds thrives here, like black panthers, leopards and sea turtles.

Malang.

Malang. 90 km south of Surabaya lays Malang, one of the most attractive hill towns on Java. A strong sense of civic pride is evident from the well-maintained and elaborately painted becaks, the groomed Main Square, and clean buildings and streets. The cool climate is a welcome respite from Surabaya. 20 km from Malang on the southern flank of Mt. Arjuna, are Selecta and Songgoriti, popular hill resorts with hot springs. Nearby Batu is famous for its apples gardens.

Temples.

Temples. Between Surabaya and Malang is the town of Singosari, where remnants of the 13th century Singosari Kingdom include a temple and two gigantic guardian statues, the main gateway to the capital of the kingdom. Jago temples dates back to 1268, and is one of the most enchanting temples in East Java.
Scenes from folktales and the Mahabarata epic decorate the side panels. Kidal temple was completed in 1260 to honor one of the kings, and is a gem of Singosari temple art. Located 120 km southwest of Malang and 11 km North of Blitar is well-preserved Penataran temple in the Singosari-Majapahit temple complex, dating from the fourteenth century. The temple terraces are decorated with Ramayana bas reliefs.

Bull Races (Karapan Sapi)

Bull Races (Karapan Sapi) Across the Madura Strait, half an hour by ferry from Surabaya is the island of Madura, famous for its unique traditional bull races (Karapan Sapi).

Kawah Ijen (Ijen Crater).

Kawah Ijen (Ijen Crater). The volcanic cone of Ijen dominates the landscape at the eastern end of Java. Crater of Ijen is filled by a spectacular turquoise blue lake, its surface streaked in wind-blown patterns of yellow sulphur. Kawah Ijen is the world’s largest highly acidic lake and is the site of a labor-intensive sulfur mining operation in which sulfur-laden baskets are hand-carried from the crater floor. Many other post-caldera cones and craters are located within the caldera or long its rim. The largest concentration of post-caldera cones forms an E-W-treding zone across the southern site of the draw to its waterfalls, hot springs, and dramatic volcanic scenery. It is located at Licin sub district, 45 km from the city of Banyuwangi. (Visit Indonesia)

West Sulawesi

2009-07-16T00:12:00.001-07:00

West Sulawesi Province is the extension of South Sulawesi Province which was established through Law No. 26 Year 2004. With Mamuju as the capital city of the province, Administratively, the province is divided into 5 Regencies. Geographically, the province is located in the cross position of the Golden Triangle of South Sulawesi, East Kalimantan, and Central Sulawesi as well as directly faces national and international sailing route of Makassar Straits. Topographic condition of West Sulawesi Province comprises ocean, low land, and high land, has enable the province have fertile land. Climate in the region generally belongs to tropical.

People of coastal area of West Sulawesi are well known as brave marine people. Using their San¬deq boat, the cruise to all over Indonesia and even reaching as far as neighboring country of Malaysia and Australia. Meanwhile, the people who live in mountainous area of the province has cultural similarity with Toraja ethnic in terms of architecture of the house, their language, their cloth as well as in their traditional cere¬mony. West Sulawesi Province has fantastic natural tourism in form of its still natural mountain view, uniqueness of culture of the people, as well as its vast array of tourism objects of special interest which are scattered in its coastal and mountainous areas where special skill needed to enjoy them.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Pattimura No.12 Mamuju 91511
Phone. (0426) 21244

Getting there:

By air: Tampa Padang Airport 27 km from Mamuju capital city.
Belang-Belang Bakengkeng Harbor Mamuju District; Fery Simboro Mamuju Harbor connected Mamuju-Balikpapan, Batulicin, and Surabaya; Ujung Polewali Harbor in Polewali Mandar; Palippi natural harbor in Majene; Manakara Harbor in Mamuju.

Tourism Events

Sandeq Race in Majeneis an annual traditional Mandar boat race that start from Mamuju to Makassar. During the race will be hightlighted by traditional arts and culture performances on August 17, 2008

Places of Interest

Karampuang Island

Karampuang Island in Mamuju Regency. Karampuang Island is a white sanded marine tourism objects with its complete facilities. There are untouched natural coral reefs found surrounding the island.

Tamasapi Waterfall

Tamasapi Waterfall, Mamuju Regency. In this 70 meter high waterfall, tourists may enjoy refreshing weather of the mountain with its clear and natural water.

Banoa Sibatang

Banoa Sibatang. It is a traditional house of Kalumpang in Mamuju Regency with its specific construction and form which is very attractive.

Custom House of Mamuju

Custom House of Mamuju. Custom House of Mamuju consists of several complex of building, namely: Salssa (House of King) which serve as the main house, bandara raja (royal family), pengawal raja (guard), lumbung pangan (food barn), black smith, gold crafter, horse stall, and deer stall complex.

Majene

Majene 302 Kms from Makassar in the Western port of Sulawesi has a long beach line. The view in the coastal area is mostly covered with white sand. This town is famous for its silk “Sarong Mandor Weaving”

Limboro Natural Hot Water Bathing Place

Limboro Natural Hot Water Bathing Place. It is located at the top of Limboro Mountains with its cool weather, beautiful natural scenery of cocoa and nutmeg plantation area.

Sandeq Boat

Sandeq Boat. It is an international fastest sailing boat contest. This boat has its own specifics which functions as fishing boat as well as race boat where each year boat ra¬cing of this kind is held to encourage marine development.
Mandar Museum in Mamuju Regency. Used to keep and preserve historical remains.

Cemetery Complex of King and Royal Family

Cemetery Complex of King and Royal Family. This graveyard is located in a hill of 50 meter above sea level high in Mamuju Regency. From this place, visitors can enjoy the beauty of Majene City beneath.

Palippis Beach

Palippis Beach. This is a marine tourism object in Polewali Mandar regency with a beautiful and attractive natural panorama comprising a blend white sand, hills, and natural caves.

Gusung Toraya Island.

Gusung Toraya Island. This 1.5 Ha island in Polewali Mandar has beautiful beach panorama as there are vast array of clean white sands, a suitable place for sun bathing, swimming, fishing and having recrea¬tion.

Kunyi Natural Tourism.

Kunyi Natural Tourism. It is a tourism object of a three storey 30 meter high waterfall with its clear, clean and cool water, surrounded by plantation of lansium fruit, durian, rambutan, and coffee and serves as a place for agro tourism.

Liawan Waterfall

Liawan Waterfall. This waterfall is located in the forest, Mamasa regency where the place is also accomplished with camping ground. In this area, a number of facilities to have rest, to cook, and to roast fish.

Mambulilling Mountain

Mambulilling Mountain. This 2,741 m high mountain is the ideal destination for those who loves mountain climbing. The mountain has an attractive mountain panorama, suitable for trekking.

Panorama of Mussa Ballepeu.

Panorama of Mussa Ballepeu. Along the way to this 1600 m above sea level tourism object, tourists can enjoy beautiful mountain views, historical tourism objects, and traditional kampongs of Mamasa.

Karampuang Island

Karampuang Island is a white sanded marine tourism objects with its complete facilities. There are untouched natural coral reefs found surrounding the island.

Sollokan Waterfall

Sollokan Waterfall and Malimbong Natural Hot Water Spring. These objects are located in the tourism entrance gate of Mamasa from the south. These place are also suitable for adventurer tourism. (Visit Indonesia)

South Sulawesi

2009-07-16T00:11:00.001-07:00

Spanish and Portuguese galleons, followed by British and Dutch traders, sailed these seas in search of the spice trade, escorted by their Men of War to protect them from the daring raids of the Bugis and Makassar pirates. Famed for their seafaring culture, the Bugis are still the driving force behind the world’s last commercial sailing fleet. The seafarings Bugis dominate the southern tip of Sulawesi, but in the rugged and remarkable country further north is Tana Toraja, often refered to as the “Land of the Heavenly Kings”. South Sulawesi is also famous for its tremendous scenery and the quality and talent of its silk and silverwork industries. In Takalar, every May 2008 there is a “Galesong Festival” thanksgiving ceremony by throwing offerings into sea and hoping for a prosperous fortune.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Jend. Sudirman No.23, Makassar 90231 Phone. (0411) 878912, 443355, 872336 Fax. (0411) 872314
Website : http://www.phinisiq.com
E-Mail : disbudpar-sulsel@telkom.net

Getting there:

There are many flights and daily services from Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya and Manado.

Tourism Events

Rambu Solo/Rambu Tuka. There are two different kinds of funeral ceremonies in Tana Toraja on July 2008. The Rambu Solo is a sad ceremony and Rambu Tuka is the happy ceremony. Rambu Solo usually starts in the afternoon and lasts for 7 days. During the ceremony hundreds of buffalos and pigs are slaughtered as sacrifice to ensure the spirits entrance to heaven that the spirit of the death would be accepted by God.
Royal Palace Festival on Sept 2008 in Gowa for a week and participated by 49 former kingdoms in Indonesia.

Places of Interest

Fort Rotterdam

Fort Rotterdam, also known as Benteng Makassar, is a historical site of the past greatest Gowa Kingdom.

Bissapu Waterfall

Bissapu Waterfall at the Bonto Salluang Village, about 5 Kms from Bantaeng or 15 minutes drive through an asphaltroad with some winding slopes, feel the fresh & cool air with its natural scene.

Clara Bundt Orchid Garden

Clara Bundt Orchid Garden. Mr. Bundt, a Dutchman, has his private residence at No. 15 Jalan Mochtar Lutfi. His spacious garden is filled with rare Indonesian orchids and hybrids. He also has an enormous collection of seashells and coral. A visit is worthwhile and several of the collections are on sale. Mr. Bundt is registered in the Sander’s List of London as an expert in orchid cultivation.

Leang-leang Pre-historial Paintings

Leang-leang Pre-historial Paintings. An important archaeological site, these prehistoric caves have strange traces of human palms and a wild pig, believed to be 5,000 years old. The road leads from Maros through the cave-riddled limestone hills to the site, about half an hour’s drive from the airport.

Paotere Harbor

Paotere Harbor is a place to anchor phinisi, the traditional Buginese ships that famous for it sails across from Pacific Ocean to the African coast.

Samalona Island

Samalona Island. Across the harbour of Makassar is Samalona Island, which has been developed into a pleasant recreational resort. It can be reached by boat in 45 mi¬nutes and has simple accomodation. Recreational sports include diving, snorkeling, water skiing and fishing. Best months to visit are from February to October.

Tomb of Sultan Hasanuddin

Tomb of Sultan Hasanuddin. Sultan Hasanuddin (1629-1690) was famous for his exceptional bravery in his struggle against colonial encroachment in South Sulawesi. His huge crypt and those of other kings of Gowa are located in a secluded cemetery not far from Sungguminasa, about 8 kms from Makassar. Just outside the walls of the cemetery; a small fenced-off plot contains the Tomanurung stone on which the kings of Gowa were crowned in pomp and splendour. Not far from the tombs is the oldest mosque in the area, built in 1603.

Sungguminasa

Sungguminasa. Formerly the seat of the kings of Gowa, Sungguminasa is an old wooden palace, 11 kms from Makassar. Now the Ballalompoa Museum, weapons and royal costumes are on display. The royal regalia which include a stone studded gold crown weighing 1,769 grams can be seen only on special request.

Soppeng

Soppeng is one of the former kingdom as written in the ancient “Lontara” script this town has abudance of bats flying around.

Sengkang

Sengkang. The capital town of Wajo Regency is well-known as the center of Bugis silk industry, 240 kms to the northeast of Makassar. In Soppeng a spinning mill produces thread from silk worms. Weaving can be seen in many private homes along this route. The finest silk is handloomed by village women, each of whom can produce two metres of silk a month. Visitors are welcome to stop and watch, or make a purchase if there is any readily available. Nearby Lake Tempe, is a tourist resort where you can enjoy boating.

Malino

Malino is a pleasant and fresh resorts on the slopes of Mount Bawakaraeng which is famous for its “Markisa “ Passion Fruits. The scattered pine woods grows on the height of 1,050 meters above sea level.

Bambapuang

Bambapuang on a high land, hence the climate is cold, a stop point to Tanatoraja with beautiful scenery of mountains and rivers.

Sa’adang River

Sa’adang River is the largest river in south Sulawesi which is famous for rafting adventure start from Tana Toraja.

Kapoposan Island

Kapoposan Island is a great diving area that has an abundant of natural coral reefs an can be reached only hours from Makassar by boat.

Barru Regency

Barru Regency, 134 km from Makassar has beauty offshore. Pannikiang island is home for thousands of flamingo, puteangin island has beautiful coastal beach, Bakki Island coastal is sloping and white sand.

Tana Toraja

Tana Toraja. The center of tourism in Tana Toraja is Rante¬pao, 328 kms north-east of Makassar. Sitting 700 meters above sea le¬vel, Rantepao has cool, pleasant evenings. The entry to Tana Toraja is marked by a gate built in traditional boat-shaped style.The road passes the spectacular mountains of Kandora and Gandang on which, according to Toraja mythology, the first ancestors of celestial beings descended from heaven. “Tongkonan”, a graceful architecture of the family houses, are built on stilts with the roof rearing up at either end, representing the prows of the first ship to arrive in the area with the Torajan ancestors. The houses all lace north, and some say that this is because it was from the north that the ancestors of the Toraja came. Believing that their forefathers descended from heaven in a boat some twenty generations ago, the Torajas have a unique Christian-animist culture. The majority of the people still follow an ancestral cult called “Aluk Todolo”, which governs all traditional ceremonies. Their ancestor worship includes elaborate death and afterlife ceremonies, which are essentially great feasts. A strict social hierarchy is followed in the villages, and for an important figure wedding and burial ceremonies can take days to perform. Water buffalo and pigs are sacrificed in numbers appropriate to social rank, and the deceased’s remains are placed in a coffin and interred in caves hollowed out in high cliffs. The mouth of the cave is guarded by lifelike statues, called Tau Tau, who looks out from a balcony near the burial caves, watching over the families and friends they have left behind. Two villages with easily accessible cliff graves are Lemo, and Londa. Londa is one of the oldest hanging grave sites, in which are buried many members of local nobility. A large balcony is filled with effigies of the dead, the Tau Tau. Young village guides with kerosene lamps can be hired to enter the caves and see ske-letons and old coffins. At Lemo, burial chambers are cut out of the rock and se¬veral balconies fillef with Tau Tau overlook new caves being dug to serve as family graves. Palawa is an excellent village to visit the “Tongkonan”, and a burial place still swarming with celebrations and festivals. Take a side trip from Rantepao to Ketekesu, a traditional village with excellent handicraft shops. Behind the village on a hillside is a grave site with life size statues guarding over old coffins. As roads are not always paved, it is necessary to use a jeep or walk, even when the weather is good. The best season to visit is between May and October.

Batumonga

Batumonga is located I about 1,300 meter above sea level and there are 56 menhir stones which height of 3 meter. The beautiful view of Rantepao and its surrounding valley can be seen from this site.

Losari Beach

Losari Beach Sunsets in the Makassar Strait can be viewed from a promenade at Losari Beach, Jalan Penghibur or the Paotere anchorage in the north end of the city where the Bugis schooners are berthed. Across the harbour is Kayangan Island which can be reached in 15 minutes by ferry. A popular escape from the city, there is entertainment in the evenings and on Sundays.

Bantimurung

Bantimurung waterfall can be reached about 41 kms from Makassar. A cascade of sparkling water gushes out bet¬ween rocky cliffs into a stream shaded by tall trees. The brightly-coloured ornithoid butterflies indegenious to this area are conside¬red among die most beautiful in the world. About 15 meter lower from Bantimurung Waterfall there is a Natural Dreaming Cave with its beauty forms of limestone that brings you to the dreamming world.

Bira beach Cape and Bira in Bulukumba

Bira beach Cape and Bira in Bulukumba is a beautiful pristine white sand beaches, 178 kms Makassar to the south. Traditional ship building is still practiced in this area. This is also the jumping off point for the island of Selayar.

Tanaberu

Tanaberu in Bulukumba is widely known as a place for making traditional boats. In the dry dock, we can see a great number of phinisi boat. (Visit Indonesia)

Central Sulawesi

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Situated on the heart of Indonesia archipelago this province offers ancient megaliths, indiginous tribes, the mossy mountains, the sleepy blue lakes, the untouchable longest river from white water rafting, fantastic snorkeling, diving on coral reef, unpopulated small islands surrounded by endless white sandy beaches and na¬tural voice in National reserves.

Rich in flora and fauna the most expensive Ebony wood, Teakwood, Rattan, Banyan trees, Black Orchids. The shy Babirusa, Anoa (Dwarf Buffalo), Deer and various species of birds including the rare Maleo birds (Macrocephalon maleo), Black Monkey Sulawesi (Maccaca maura), Tangkasi (the smallest species of monkies) are waiting for the visitors who like adventures (trekking, rafting, birding). Central Sulawesi with the capital city, Palu consists of diverse ethnic groups which have retained their traditions and customs, living in peaceful harmony with each other and welcome visitors hospitality and friendliness. Don’t leave Central Sulawesi before seeing the Wreck WW II bomber artifact. It can be reached just 45 minutes from Kadidiri or Tanjung Kramat dive resort. Luxurious and exclusive tourism facilities as well as diving equipment are available.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Dewi Sartika No.91, Palu 94114
Phone. (0451) 483942 Fax. (0451) 483941

Getting there:

Many domestic airlines fly directly from Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, Makassar and Balikpapan.
Central Sulawesi can be reached by bus from Toraja, South Sulawesi for 14 hours and 18 hours by bus from Bunaken North Sulawesi.

Places of Interest

Pendolo

Pendolo is a small town in the southern tip of the lake and it is a transit place for visitors from Toraja South Sulawesi before they exploring and travelling Central Sulawesi (the Megalithical Bada, Besoa and Napu Valley or ghost grinding stone) or proceed to Bunaken Island, Manado North Sulawesi.

Lairiang River.

Lairiang River. Lairiang is the longest river in Sulawesi Island running down from Napu, Besoa, Bada and Gimpu valleys ending into Makassar straits in the west. Napu, Sobek (white water rafting team) form America discovered Lariang River is one of the best rivers for rafting. It has the score IVV grade. Most of these trekkers take this area for their trekking and rafting as well. The rumbling of Lairiang river could be heard from a remote distance, nothing you can see except the huge bluish tropical rain forest as far as your eyes can see.

Togean Islands

Togean Islands. A community - based ecotourism as well as in conserving the biodiversity. A bewildering array of tropical rain forest covered six islands formed by volcanic activity. Situated in the vicinity of equator. This enchanting archipelago is one of the jewels of Central Sulawesi. Stunning reefs, small isolated white sandy beaches, traditional fishermen village of a Bajau, verdant rainforest have left many a world weary travel searching for superlatives.

For those with more specialised adventurous tastes, the Togean Islands offer various for type of coral of the world can be found here (Fringing reef), barrier reef, Patch Reef and atoee. Admirable places for snorkeling and diving. Four types of coral of the world can be found here (Fringing reef). It can be reached from Palu for about 7 hours drive by car to Ampana via Poso (375 kilometres) by bus or chartered vehicle then by daily boat from Ampana to Wakai and Malenge for about 4 hours departs on 10 p.m.

Togean can be reached from Gorontalo city by public boat directly, twice a week. If you come from Rantepao (Tana Toraja) in South Sulawesi, Togean can be reached via Mangkutana, Pendolo, Tentena and Poso to Ampana for about 14 hours drive by car.

Donggala

Donggala was once the most important harbour in Central Sulawesi 35 km away from Palu to the north–west. Donggala can be reached by car/taxi for 40 minutes from Palu. The visitors can proceed to Tanjung Karang with white sandy beaches along the coast and the water is clear with colourful coral reefs that invites the visitors to water sports.

Lake Poso.

Lake Poso. Poso has many specialities and uniquenesses which could not be discovered in other places. It is located in the heart of Sulawesi Island or even in Indonesia, about 657 m from the sea level. Lake Poso extends from north to south. It is about more than 32 km in lenght and 16 km in width. The deep of the Lake is 360 m in the south and 510 m in the north.
The water is clean most of the time and a wonderful place for relaxing after trekking hard in the jungle of LoreLindu National Park. In dry season (October-April) the lake consists of white sandy beaches. The visitor could enjoy giant eel and gold fish from the lake.

Lore Lindu National Park.

Lore Lindu National Park. The second biggest lake in Central Sulawesi is Lake Lindu covering the area of 3,150 ha. It is located on highland about 1,200 m from the sea level. The beautiful panoramic view and it has a cool climate. Lake Lindu can be reached by car from Palu to Rahmat village then trekking through the thick tropical rainforest for about 4 hours. The visitor can stay at cottages. Barkcloth which is made in Bada, Kulawi and Napu valleys. Some megalithic statues of thousands of years at Napu, Besoa and Bada Valleys are consider to have relation with their ancestor worship. The statues with 1,5 m to 4 m height and 3000 years B.C. to 1500 years A. D. (Visit Indonesia)

Gorontalo

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Gorontalo Province mostly contains of mountainous area that stretches from the north to the south of the province. The Mountainous panorama of Gorontalo serves a magnificent scene, and it’s also a place to live for various kinds of unique animals and trees. The forest of The Mountainous panorama of Gorontalo serves a magnificent séance Nani Wartabone and Nantu is an interesting spot of tourism because many varieties of animals and trees, which are already rare nowadays, live there under the government protection. Babi rusa, “Anoa”, “Tarsius” and Maleo bird, those are kinds of animal that lived in both of the forest. “Maleo” bird has big egg that bigger than bird itself. Tarsius is the smallest primate in the whole world; it has approximately 10 cm length. Gorontalo’s Forest has Ebony, Lingua, Nantu, Meranti and Rattan trees. In the south part of Gorontalo’s sea, which is known as “Teluk Tomini”, there are a number of small islands that spreads around the sea. Those islands are still unsettled and the white sand surrounds each of the islands. Teluk Tomini is a heaven for the divers, because the geographic position of “Teluk Tomini” itself, which is crossed by the equator line, has naturally presented various kinds of sea creature inside.

Tourist Office:

Jl. K. H. Dewantara No. 159
Gorontalo 96115
Phone. (0435) 822579, 831589
Fax. (0435) 831659
www.gorontalotourism.com

Getting there:

Regular flights service to Jalaludin Airport, from Manado or Makassar

Tourism Events

Gorontalo Culture Festival. Promoting Gorontalo’s cultural heritage. The festival invited local to participate in various events, such as traditional dance and drama, traditional poetry reading, martial arts, and folk music competitions. A colorful carnival display a historical theme from different regions of Gorontalo. This Festival is held on May 2008.

Places of Interest

Potanga Pool.

Potanga Pool. Approximately 4 km from the center of Gorontalo town, Potanga pool has natural cool and fresh water, comes from the natural mountain spring.

Pentadio Resort

Pentadio Resort on the north of the Limboto Lake or 12 Kms from the center of Gorontalo City. This resort has complete spa, facilities, cottage, swimming pool and hot spring water pool.

Otanaha Castle

Otanaha Castle. In the past, the Kings of Gorontalo used Otanaha castle as a place of protection and defense. The unique of the castle applies in the material that was used to build the castle, which was the mixed of sand, plaster and the white part of Maleo egg. The panorama of Danau Limboto also can be seen clearly from the castle of Otanaha, because the castle itself stands in the top of the highland. Precisely, the castle is located in Dembe I, Kota Barat. The distance of the castle is approximately 8 km from the center of Gorontalo city. Beside Otanaha castle, there are two more castles that also located in the same area, Otahiya and Ulupahu castles. The visitor must pass 345 steps of stairs to reach the three of the castles because of its position that located in the top of the highland. There is also alternative way to be able to reach the top of the mountain.

Nani Wartabone Monument

Nani Wartabone Monument. It is a historical monument of a local Gorontalo hero, named Nani Wartabone. He played an important role for the independence of Gorontalo. This monument is located in the center of Taruna Remaja Gorontalo Park.

Mesjid Hunto (Sultan Amai).

Mesjid Hunto (Sultan Amai). Hunto Mosque is one of the oldest mosque in Gorontalo (300 years old). The Mosque is located in Siendeng Village in Gorontalo city. In this mosque, there are well and beduk (an Islamic traditional drum) that has the same age as the Mosque itself.

White Sand of Leato.

White Sand of Leato. The seashore with its white sand give us an impression of ma¬king refreshment to the visitors. Watch the process of repairing wooden boat in traditional way. The underwater life of this place is quite interesting.
The beautiful coral-reef, the unique of fishes and sunken ship has become the attraction for the divers. This beach is located on North Leato, about 12 km from the town center.

Olele Sea Garden

Olele Sea Garden is distinctive from others and has the marine resources. It is closest diving point, only 45 minutes from Gorontalo city. Other diving site is Lahilote Beach.

Limboto Lake

Limboto Lake. A village named Iluta, which is 10 km from the town center, marks the entrance of this Lake. The unique characteris¬tic of this lake lies on the variety of freshwater fish species, which only can be seen on this lake. Besides, on this lake there was a landing field for the amphibian airplane name Katelina, which carried The First President of Republic Indonesia, Bung Karno.

The Tower of Majesty

The Tower of Majesty. The Tower of Ma¬jesty is a tower with 60 meters height. On the top of this tower, there are telescopes, which are served to explore the beautiful sight of Limboto Lake. Inside this tower you can see many of displayed souvenir and some restaurants.

Natural Hot Spring Water Bath of Lombongo

Natural Hot Spring Water Bath of Lombongo which is located on Lombongo village, Suwawa 20 km away from the town center. There are natural hot spring water bath, cold spring water bath, playground, and the stage for art performances. The hot water spring contains sulfur that can cure any skin diseases.

Tangga 2000 and the foot print Lahilote

Tangga 2000 and the foot print Lahilote. On this tourism area, you will directly face the beauty of Tomini Bay. This location is facilitated by shop and recreation places. The shady coconut trees give you cooler atmos-phere in the evening. See a huge stone looks like human footprint, “Lahilote”, located on Pantai Indah Pohe, Kota Selatan. Historically, Lahilote was a footprint of a man who married a falling angel.

Ayuhulalo Waterfall

Ayuhulalo Waterfall is located on Ayuhulalo village (Ayuhulalo means moon woods), Tilamuta. It is about 5 km away from the District of Boalemo. Its environment provides a fresh atmosphere for the visitor, because shady green woods with its everlasting and fresh water surround this area.

The Beautiful Boalemo Beach

The Beautiful Boalemo Beach. It is white sand seashore with calm and clear water, can make yourself comfortable and relax, swimming, boating, and diving. Along the seashore, there are coconuts and pine trees. Moreover, it has some luxuries resorts.
www.migueldiving.com, www.blackmarlindive.com

Bitilia Sea Garden

Bitilia Sea Garden some diving spots with remarkable beautiful underwater view. This place is 15 minutes drive from Boalemo Indah Beach.

Bolihutuo Beach=]

Bolihutuo Beach. In most part of part of Bolihutuo beach grows giant pines tree, it has created the cool and calm atmosphere around the beach. White sand that spreads around the beach has made the beauty of the beach more complete. There are also available some cottages.

Bajo’s Tribe Villages

Bajo’s Tribe Villages (Tilamuta, Torosiaje, Popayato) Bajo’s tribe lives in a group and has their own culture and habit. They always make activities on the boat and they work as a fisherman. The Bajo’s tribe that still live in the boat is called as “Bangau”, because wherever they move around from one island to another islands in the end they will be back to the Toro Pantai Island to cultivating pearl and sea grass.

Central of Kerawang

Central of Kerawang Handicraft Industry (Karawo). Kerawang is one of Gorontalo’s traditional handmade cloth.

The Sacred Cemetery of Ju Panggola.

The Sacred Cemetery of Ju Panggola. Sacred cemetery of Ju Panggola built in 14th century is located in the sub district of Dembe I, 8 km from the center of Kota Barat in Gorontalo city. People of Gorontalo that live around the cemetery consider this cemetery as a sacred place because it has a unique characteristic, related to the Islam culture. Therefore, it isn’t surprising to find out that many of visitors do meditation around the cemetery area.

Rumah Adat Gorontalo

Rumah Adat Gorontalo (Bantayo Poboide) Traditional house is located in the center of sub-district of Limboto, Gorontalo. Lite¬rarily “Bantayo” means building and “Poboide” means place for meeting. Bantayo Poboide is taken apart as a symbol of Gorontalo culture and also has a function as a place for the activity that related to the art and culture of Gorontalo.
Bantayo Poboide has many rooms and each room has a different function, and every ornament that applies in the building symbolized every part of Gorontalo inhabitant’s activity.

Pantai Olele

Pantai Olele This beach is a gate to the underwater paradise. The amazing beauty of underwater life on this area has been recognized by many of the divers in the world. It is proofed by the enthusiasm of the divers who come to this area. (Visit Indonesia)

South Kalimantan

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The Meratus Mountains divide South Kalimantan into two distinct regions. The southern section of the province is much flatter with large rivers meandering through lowlands to vast mangrove swamps along the coast, that why South Kalimantan an exceptionally fertile land. Many villages and settlements build along the Barito River, by the indegenous majority, the Banjar. Exquisite traditional and commercial handicrafts are all made from local raw materials which include a variety of precious and semi precious stones, gold, silver, brass, iron and wide variety of woods including bamboo and rattan. South Kalimantan is one of the largest wood producers in Indonesia. Extensive forests with wide variety of trees such as ironwood, meranti, pinus and rubber have helped to make the province a unique and rich natural resource. The provincial capital, Banjarmasin, lies a short distance from the delta of Barito River. A lot of business is done on the waterways; Local people build traditional floating houses made of wood or bamboo facing the river, called “lanting”. Floating market flourish selling an enormous variety of goods including a tropical selection of fresh fruit such as Kesturi, a rare aromatic species of mango, durian, rambutan, butter fruit, pineapple, watermelon and banana.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Pramuka No.4, Banjarmasin
Phone : (0511) 3264511
Fax : (0511) 3264512

Getting there:

South Kalimantan is well connected with cities all over the Indonesian Archipelago through Syamsuddin Noor airport, which is about 25 km from Banjarmasin. This busy airport handles DC9’s. South Kalimantan can also be reached by sea at Trisakti and Banjarmasin. For interior travel there are roads, but waterways are the preferred form of travel.

Tourism Events

Mappanretasi (Sea offering Ceremony) in Pagatan South Kalimantan. A sea offering ceremony a form of thanksgiving. The ceremony is held on April’ 08 in the middle of the sea by a san ro, chief of the Adat. The highlight of the Even includes game contest and art performances.

Places of Interest=]

Muara Kuin on the Barito River

Muara Kuin on the Barito River, Banjarmasin is one of two floating markets in this planet. There a lot more to see in the region, among them diamond mining and polishing villages at Cempaka.
To experience Banjarmasin you must take to the river, either by “klotok“ (river bus), or a speedboat for longer trips.

Negara

Negara. At this place, traditional weapons usually carried by the Dayaks, the mandau or machete, are made.

Kembang Island.

Kembang Island. This island is located at Barito River and it is not far from the floating market, inhabited by tame monkey in an old Chinese temple. According to local people of Chinese origin, if one is surrounded by these monkeys, he will get his luck and fortune.

Kaget Island

Kaget Island. It takes about 1 1/2 hours by klotok boat or 1 hour by speedboat to get to this island reserve, home to wide variety of birds and Bekantan (Long-nosed and reddish-turred monkey).

Cempaka Traditional Diamond Mining.

Cempaka Traditional Diamond Mining. Cempaka is a small village 5 km from Martapura, and 45 minutes from Banjarmasin. It is an old site of traditional diamond mine, using very simple equipment. In 1965 a large raw diamond of 167.7 carats was found. Martapura is the capital of Banjar Regency.

Loksado.

Loksado is an important market town in mountains about 170 km from Banjarmasin and good for trekking. There are a few small losmen and hotels for accomodation.

The Amandit River Rafting

The Amandit River Rafting The river trip, by either bamboo or rubber boat, includes some exciting white water sections. The first trip is from Loksado to Muara Hatip. The second is from Muara Hatip to Batu Laki. The first strech has rapids ranked grades 1 to 2 1/2. The second includes rapid grade 3. Besides rafting along river Amandit, tourist may visit another objet of interest, Hatari waterfall. (Visit Indonesia)

Central Kalimantan

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Central Kalimantan is the biggest province on the island, covering 153,800 square kilometers, most of which is jungle. The northern area is mountainous and difficult to reach. The central area is dense tropical forest. The southern area is swampy and has many rivers. The climate is hot and humid. The tree Dayak sub-tribes who inhabit this province are the Ngaju, Ot Danum, and Ma’anyan Ot Siang. The Ngaju are nomadic, adhering to old Kaharingan religion, which is a form of ancestor worship mixed with elements of animism. With approximately 6,000 people, the Ot Danum is the largest among the tree subtribes. The Ot Danum live in longhouses which sometimes have as many as 50 rooms. The women are known for their skill in plaiting rattan, palm leaves, and bamboo. Like other Dayaks, the men are good hunters, using simple tools. The art of Central Kalimantan clearly bears the marks of Kaharingan religion, which is the traditional belief of the Dayaks in the hinterland of Central Kalimantan. Building styles, statues and carvings have been influenced by the Chinese, and Hindu-Javanese. Aside from their aesthetic properties, many objects are appreciated for their magic value.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Tjilik Riwut Km.5, Palangkaraya 73112, Phone. (0536) 3231110 Fax : (0536) 3231007

Getting there:

By Garuda Indonesia Airlines’ domestic flights direct to Palangkaraya three times everyday.

Tourism Events=]

Isen Mulang Culture Festival in Palangkaraya. This Festival features a tourism exhibition and cultural presentations from provinces all over the country.

Places of Interest

Palangkaraya.

Palangkaraya. In the local Dayak language, Palangkaraya means ‘holy container’. Palang¬karaya can easily be reached from Jakarta, Banjarmasin, Samarinda, Balikpapan and other points on the island by air. The town has become the center of government, trade and education of the province. The Regional Museum of Palangkaraya contains a collection of historical and cultural interest from all over Central Kalimantan.

Kuala Kapuas.

Kuala Kapuas. It is located at Kapuas River, 40 km from Banjarmasin. A well-known tourist attraction is Telo Island, a pleasant fishing village and port. For the adventurer, white-water rafter and nature lovers, there is Gohong Rawai, known for its beatiful and challenging rapids. The gold mines of Teweh and Batu Api, Rung¬an district, are also interesting sites to be visited. In this region, gold mining is a major source of livelihood for the people, who pan for the valuable metal using the old traditional method.

Sampit.

Sampit. Sampit is the biggest timber port in Kalimantan. The Orchid Park of Pembuangan Hulu is home to a number of rare and beatiful orchid varieties. Hunters can engage in their favorite pastime in hunting park of West Kotawaringin.

Pangkalanbun.

Pangkalanbun. Make sure to visit the old Pa¬lace of Pangkalanbun, constructed completely out of ulin (iron wood). It is the only Banjar royal legacy found in Central Kalimantan.

Tanjung Puting National Park

The Tanjung Puting National Park is a well-known nature and wildlife reserve in lowland and swamp forests, inha¬bited by orang utans, owa-owa, bekantan and other primates. One can visit the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre which is supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). (Visit Indonesia)

Central Java

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History has left its footprints across Central Java, an area rich in culture and tradition descending from a powerful Hindu and Buddhist past, and more recent Islamic influences. Under the Saliendra and Old Mataram kings in the 8th and 10th centuries the Hindu-Javanese culture flourished, and it was during this period that Java’s most remarkable religious monuments were built such as Borobudur, the most magnificent monument to Mahayana Buddhism in the world; the enormous Hindu temple complex of Prambanan, and the ancient site of the oldest Hindu temples in Java on the Dieng Plateau.

Tourist Office

Jl. Madukoro Blok BB/1D, Semarang 50144,
Phone. (024) 7608570-2, 7613180, 7613181 Fax. (024) 7608573
Website: http//www.central-java-tourism.com

Getting there

An extensive network of good roads and railway links major cities and villages. Airport both in Semarang and Solo and the major seaport in Tanjung Emas, on the north of Semarang and a natural harbor in Cilacap provide national and international access. Door to door travel minibuses are available to and from Java and Sumatra Island.

Tourism Events=]

Wayang Kulit (Leather Puppet Shadow Show) from 9.00 pm every Saturday until dawn in Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) Jalan Achmad Yani Semarang. It takes episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabarata epics.
Wayang Orang (Javanese Opera) performed every night from 8 pm to 10 pm in Sriwedari auditorium Solo Sunday closed.
Waisak Ceremony, Magelang, Central Java. The “Waisak” is religious event observing the birth of Sidarta Gautama held on June’08 at Mendut and Borobudur temples. This ceremony is first started with religious praying in Mendut.
Sekaten Fair, Solo, Cental Java. A traditional fair held on Apr’08 annually during the islamic month of Rabiul Awal or maulud (Javanese Calender) to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad. The fair takes place at Alun-alun Utara of the Kasunanan Palace’s North Square and open for visitors day dan night.

Places of Interest

Semarang

Semarang is situated on Java’s northern coast and it is the capital of Central Java. From Candi Hill you get amazing views of the port, the lowlands and green paddy fields, the city itself and the surrounding mountains. The environs around Semarang are perfect for day trips and side-excursions.In the older part of the city, near the harbour, you can still find an interesting collection of buildings dating back to the Dutch colonial era and the Dutch East Indies Company. The city offers evening performances of Wayang drama played by live actors, actresses and dancers at Ngesti Pandowo Theatre. For sport fans there are tennis courts in all major hotels and 2 golf courses located in the town’s suburbs. For short trips out of Semarang within a radius of about 60 km, the following places are recommended: Jepara, northeast of Semarang, is surrounded by white sand beaches, and is also famous for its wood carving industry. An ancient Portuguese Fort can be found to the east of Jepara. Kudus, about halfway between Jepara and Semarang, is home to the Minaret Mosque, which was built in the 15th century. Also known with its kretek (traditional cigarette) industries. Demak has the oldest mosque in Central Java.

Bandungan and Gedong Songo Temple

Bandungan and Gedong Songo Temple. This is a holiday resort on the slopes of Mt. Ungaran, about 900 meters above sea level. Gedong Songo (nine buildings), a group of small 8th century Hindu Javanese temples, can be reached either by car or on horseback from Ungaran. Built at about the same time as the temples of the Dieng complex, Gedong Songo is one of the most beautifully temple complexes in Central Java. The views alone are worth the trip.

Tlogo Plantation

Tlogo Plantation has cool air and beautiful view with various plantation such as coffee, rubber, nutmeg and cloves. It is located 6 kms or only 10 minutes drive from The Ambarawa Railway Museum. (www.tlogoagro.net)

Dieng Plateau

Dieng Plateau. About 4 hours from Semarang is the Dieng Plateau, the site of some of the oldest Hindu temples on Java. These 50 foot high monu-ments stand on a crater floor amidst sulphurous fumes. The road to the Dieng Plateau passes through tobacco plantations and beautiful mountain scenery.

Baturraden

Baturraden. Central Java’s most outstanding resort, approximately 14 kms north of Purwokerto, an administrative town in the southern of Java island. It is occupies a fine site on the slopes of Mount Slamet, 650 m above sea level, feel the coolness air, nice gardens, pines forest, hot springs, ponds and bungalow-style hotels.

Jatijajar Cave

Jatijajar Cave, a magnificient cave near Pantai Ayah (Ayah Beach) 170 km from Solo. It is also has along beautiful tunnel with many stalagnit and stalagtit. A diorama of the legend of “Lutung Kasarung” (a Prince that changed to a Monkey) and some lakes and river in the cave wait to be explored.

Sangiran, The Land of Mystery

Sangiran, The Land of Mystery. In 1891, Eugene Dubois, a French anthropologist discovered fossils of Phitecantropus Erectus, or ‘Java Man’. 1930 and 1931 marked the discovery of fossils of a man from the Pleistocene Period. In mid 1980, scientists were startled by the discovery of a complete 4 m tall elephant. It is located only 18 km from Solo.

Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple. The name “Borobudur” is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit words “Vihara Buddha Uhr”, (Buddhist Monastery on the Hill). The Borobudur Temple was built in the eighth century by the Cailendra dynasty and is located at Magelang 90 km southeast of Semarang or 42 km northwest of Yogyakarta. One of the world’s most famous temples, it stand majestically on a hill overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. Borobudur is built of grey andesite stone. It rises in seven terraces, each smaller than the one below it. The top is the Great Stupa, standing 40 meters above the ground. The walls of the Borobudur are sculpted in bas-relief, a total length of six kilometres. It has been hailed as the largest and most complete ensemble of Buddhist reliefs in the world, unsurpassed in artistic merit, each scene an individual masterpiece.

Solo

Solo. A pleasant city with a lively character, Solo is also called “The City That Never Sleeps“. One can always find something to eat or buy, as vendors of all kinds and small foodstalls remain open 24 hours. Home of two royal houses with centuries of power and influence over the city, Solo today remains distinctly Central Javanese with and elegance all its own. It is one of the major centres of batik, and souvenir hunters may find old Javanese antiques. Becak (trycycle ricksaw) and Andong (trad-horse carriage) are the most flexible type of traditional transportations within the city and are available everywhere.

Kasunanan Palace

Kasunanan Palace. The royal residence of King Pakubuwono in the 17th century, the palace has an art gallery exhibiting royal heirlooms, antiques and other invaluable objects in a genuine royal Javanese atmosphere. Open from 9 am to 2 pm, Friday closed.

Pura Mangkunegaran (Mangkunegaran Palace)

Pura Mangkunegaran (Mangkunegaran Palace) Another palace built 1757, with typical Javanese architecture consisting of “Pendopo” (an open front hall to receive guests), “Pringgitan” (an porch to hold leather puppet shadow play) and private apartments. Two sets of 17th century Javanese gamelan instruments are exhibited and played every Wednesday in the Pendopo. The palace also exhibits complete collection of masks, wa¬yang orang costumes, leather and wooden puppets, religious articles and jewelry. Dancing practise in Mangkunegaran Palace : Wednesday from 10 am to 12 pm.

Tawangmangu

Tawangmangu. Located 40 kms east of Solo, this recreational resort offers fresh weather, scenic views, swimming pools, bungalow style hotels and restaurants. It lies on the slopes of Mt. Lawu, at an elevation of 1,300 m above sea level. Other features include nearby temples, a national park and the 40 m high waterfall of Grojogan Sewu.

Sukuh Temple

Sukuh Temple. Not far from Solo is the Sukuh Temple, the pyramid “Inca” looklike decorated with wayang stone carvings of Hindu origin, and erotic symbols. The temple is located only 34 km from Solo.

Kemuning Tea Plantation

Kemuning Tea Plantation. Between Sukuh and Ceto Temple, there is a 300 hectares rug of green tea plantation.

Ambarawa Railway Museum

Ambarawa Railway Museum Fifty kms south of Semarang, Amba¬rawa has locomotives of various types and ages, and it is still possible to ride on a cog railway between Ambarawa and Bedono, a village nearby. Prior arrangements should be made for groups. Also of interest are a collection of antique telephones and other instruments used for railway communication. Visit Rawa Pening (Clearly Swamp), the cool water lake near Ambarawa.

Mendut Temple

Mendut Temple Located only 3 kilometers from Borobudur, Mendut is said to face toward Benares, India, where Buddha Gautama taught his five disclipes. The smaller temples of Mendut, which house the great statue of Buddha and the Pawon temple, form an integral part of the Borobudur complex. The three-metre tall Buddha and the two Bodhi¬satva figures of Lokesvara and Vajrapani are among the greatest manifestations of Buddhist thought and art.

Gong Cave Gong Cave

Gong Cave Gong Cave, has incredible ornament which is about 256 m underground with 12 rooms 7 spring and one natural both, located about 7 km from Punung Market, on the way to Pacitan (70 km southern of Solo city). The people believed that on the certain day of Friday there is a sound o traditio¬nal drum instrument called “Gong” come from this cave until now.

Ceto Temple
Ceto Temple, is located in western slope of Mt. Lawu, Gumeng Village Je¬nawi District in Karanganyar - Surakarta. It is located in hill 1400 m from the sea level. Ceto temple site of 13 stages, from the lower places to higher places ar similar to Hinduism temple. Relief status of Ceto Temple Symbolizes a human passion and a portrayal of human being’s soul purification. The hardest seduction in purifying in passions. www.wisata-karanganyar.go.id.

(Visit indonesia)

West Kalimantan

2009-07-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

Lying directly on the equator with many canals crisscross the city and one of Indonesia’s longest rivers, the Kapuas (1,143 km long) divides the town in two, providing an essential and historical communications link. Stone carvings and ceramics can be traced as far back as the 5th century, but it is the influence of Islam that has had the most impact on this region. West Kalimantan covers an area of over 146,607 sq km, rich in a variety of minerals and precious stones, and remains largely unexplored. Coastal areas are mainly swamp lands with more than 100 rivers sculpting the flat plains. In the mountainous eastern parts of the province, away from the city and plains, there are many Dayak villages. A large Chinese population, Malays and other Indonesian ethnic groups account for the rest of the inhabitants of the province. West Kalimantan has a tropical climate with the average daily minimum temperature of 220,9 C and maximum 310,05 C. A light rainy season from March - May and the heavy rain from November - January.

Tourist Office

Jl. Sutoyo, Pontianak 78121
Phone. (0561) 736541,768274, 743104, 742438 Fax. (0561) 730062, 742838 www.borneo-equatorism.com. info-rn@borneo-equatorism.com

Getting there

Supadio International airport, 18 km from Pontianak city is easily accessible from Jakarta or Singapore by air.
PELNI’s Ship sail from Jakarta and Surabaya to Pontianak. Pontianak is easy accesible from kuching, East Malaysia via Entikong.

Tourism Events

Bumi Khatulistiwa Culture Festival
The Festival is held twice a year to celebrate Pontianak’s position right on the Equator. This festival features traditional West Kalimantan art, tourism, and cultural exhibitions, and traditional sport competition contests and seminar are also held this event on March 2008.

Places of Interest

Pontianak.

Pontianak. A capital city of West Kalimantan province covering an area of 146,607 sq kms. Some tourism object closest to Pontianak city are Kada-riah palace in Kampung Dalam, the State Museum, and the Kapuas and Landak River. Beach Resorts of Kijing and Temajoh Islands are good places for rest after diving, fishing and sailing.

Equator Monument

Equator Monument. A five kilometers north of Pontianak city is the precise spot at which the equator bisects the earth. Explore an astronomi cal experiences of the phenomena for a period of only 5-10 minutes twice a year.

A Long House Replica

A Long House Replica. Reflection of the past of the Dayak tribes, a long house “Rumah Betang” situated at Jl. Letjen Sutoyo Pontianak is a unique traditional house. On April 20-23 every year, the ceremony of “Gawai Dayak” will be held.

Pasir Panjang

Pasir Panjang. 17 km from Singkawang in the Sambas regency, is the beach resort of Pasir Panjang, ideal for swimming and tennis. Comfortable cottages are available. In the vicinity of Singkawang, the Gunung Poteng Hill Resort is a good place for nature lovers.

Selimpah Beach

Selimpah Beach is a camping area on the beach where among February until May, many turtles lay their eggs there. It is 305 Km from Pontianak city or 80 Km from Sambas.

Palung National Park

Palung National Park. The Gunung Palung National Park, located in the Ketapang regency covers over 90,000 sq km, is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna. Hot springs, lakes and caves are among the many special features here. The park can be reached by plane or express boat from Pontianak to Ketapang or to Telok Melano and proceed by minibus for 2 hours drive or by kandong (traditional boat) for 6 hours.

Karimata Island

Karimata Island. A spectacular marine nature reserve 100 kilometers east of Ketapang and covering an area of 77,000 square kilometers, the island is home to many species of turtlrs and dugongs.
The Regional airport Rahadi Usman and sea port make it an important link to the rest of Kalimantan.
Accommodation ranging from moderate hotels including restaurants is available.

Kapuas Hulu

Kapuas Hulu, a mega diversity eco-tourism with its huge lagoon amongst the regions in entire Borneo. Covers numerous sites of interest in Betung Kerihun National Park such as botanical inclined, animal lovers, ritual ceremonies by the Dayaks, local music and art, handicraft in the making, Daily life of local communities, Trekking into the jungle, Braving the Rapids, Exploring the caves, adventure – Journey into the Heart of Borneo West.
Danau Sentarum National Park is well worth a visit for its huge lagoon lies on the Borneo land of the West. Covers an area of 132,000 ha situated in Kapuas Hulu Regency, Semitau Sub-District, within a 1,5 hour your convenience trip by speed boat of 20 HP enter the area and explore more traditional floating houses on long boats. Surrounding fresh water swamp with a number of 5 different lakes is also home to the large selection of more than 220 fresh water fish species of any lake in the world. Salty fishes, baked fish. Foremost amongst these are the Super Red Arrowana (Scleropages formosus), or local name “Ikan Silok”, famed for its beautiful coloration and much prized by collectors and enthusiasts alike. A uniquely breeding of this Super Red Arrowana by locals Malay and Dayak. At night the visitors are welcome to stay at indigenous floating houses on the of the Sentarum National Park while self-eatering, fishing, swimming, bush walking, mountain climbing, cruise by traditional boat or speed boat makes your journey ne¬ver ending.

Kendawangan Nature Reserve

Kendawangan Nature Reserve is enriched with an ecosystem comprising lowland fo¬rest, coastal forest, mangrove forest, swamp forest and peat forest. Covering an area of 150,000 square kilometers, this reserve is also home to sea turtle.

Menager Multi-Level Waterfall

Menager Multi-Level Waterfall, cascade down in seven stages over a vast area, surrounded by pristine rainforest, caves Barema – Dayak worship site, rapid stream calm pools of water invite young and old alike to soak in their tranquil depths, this unique waterfall to create a breathtaking spectacle for all to enjoy. Complementing this natural wonder are the ringing calls of birds as they echo from the trees.
This unique waterfall situated between Landak and Bengkayang is easily accessible by 4WD.
Renowned mysteriously as Bukit Kelam (Dark Hill) is a huge stone outcrop forms a spectacular natural backdrop for the town of Sintang.
Sintang is a river town on the confluence of the Kapuas and Melawi rivers, strategically making it the center of Chinese trade with the interior of Borneo. Steel stairs ascend the mountain’s side offering an exciting challenge for adventurous visitors.
This huge stone outcrop forms a spectacular natural backdrop for the town of Sintang, covering an area 520 square kilometers and rising some 900 m (3,000 ft) from the plain below. Kelam (which means “dark” in Indonesia) begins to wear its characteristic shroud of clouds by mid afternoon becoming a brooding, spellbinding image.Is only 15 km from Sintang by public transportation. Rest pavilions and coffee shops are located nearby for the weary traveler.

Baning Nature Reserve

Baning Nature Reserve. This nature reserve provides a beauty panorama for locals alike as its location is right in the heart of Sintang city. Baning National Park is easily accessible for visitors and residents alike. With its unique ecosystem, virgin tropical rainforest and breathtaking panoramic view a quiet oasis. Many varieties of orchids and Kantong Semar flowers create the setting for a beautiful nature walk. For those who love adventure, Nokanayan and Jegonoi waterfalls with its crisscross canal of the river Nokanayan making a perfect apot for visitors world wide.
Detail information for the adventurous lovers are kindly advised to meet the Unit office in Sintang.

The Hidden Paradise in The Heart of Borneo

The Hidden Paradise in The Heart of Borneo. The beauty of nature, a tropical ca¬nyon, lush jungle, fill with rapids and various flora and fauna. With a view of the Schwaner mountains. Come to NOKAN NAYAN where hidden paradise is waiting for you, in the heart of Borneo. There two amazing waterfalls, Nokanayan and Nokan Jengonoi both have a heigh of more than 200 meters hight with more than 50 meter width. With cantons and beauty virgin surrounding.

Myriad array of Malay

Myriad array of Malay. Furthermore, the musical instrument gambus, ketipang, rebana and tar-tar of the Malay dance with its vibrant color of dresses with the men’s motive of Teluk Belanga tied around the waist and wear a hat. For women called “Baju Kurung” and weaving Sarung completed with scarf. Ranging from fascinating array of attractions of the Dayak Dancing and ritual ceremonies to magical treatment, Cap Go Meh Chinese Dancing Dragon with the Ma¬gical Tatung, Robok, Malay Traditional Music and Dance with its weaving clothes in vibrant colors, Cannon Barrage Festival by Malay in Pontianak and much more become the most significant events for the visitors world wide.

Chinese - Tionghoa Display Performances Amazing Chinese Tionghoa Dancing Dragon with its Magical Tatung (LOYA).
As one of the highest concentration of ethnic Chinese or locals “Tionghoa”, in West Kalimantan the Singkawang city provides the Spectacular Magical Tatung and Dan¬cing Dragon during the Chinese happy New Year with its Cap Go Meh – Imlek – Xong She Fat Xoi.
The most attractive traditional musical instrument displayed on special occasion of:
Xong Xi Fat Choi or Wedding party. Ama¬zing Singkawang Chinese Tionghoa Dancing Dragon with the Magical Tatung.

Handicraft & Choices Of Souvenirs

Handicraft & Choices Of Souvenirs. The most conspicuous handicrafts of West Kalimantan. The most well known cloth in the region of West Kalimantan with its various motif in vibrant colors.
Kain Sambas (Weaving cloth) and the Dayak weaving cloth of Ensaik Panjang, Sintang. Cual, Corak Insang, Lunggi Woven, Kalengkang embroidery, and West Kalimantan’s batik.
Choices of handicraft, woven material, rattan, philodendron and wood of West Kalimantan.
Pandanus Plaited bag, bamboo plaited baskets, dishes covers, mat, souvenirs Khatulistiwa monument miniature, bandong traditional boat miniatures, Dayak scimitar, key holders, and woodcarving, ceramics, tie woven beads. It is advisable to come over the Indonesia National Crafts Council (DEKRANASDA) at Jl. Hasanudin Pontianak, Souvenir Shop at Jl. Pattimura, Koperasi KERTA at Jl. Adi Sucipto Pontianak. Further Sambas is renowned with its Weaving Cloth. The most well-known cloth in the region of West Kalimantan with its various kinds of motif in vibrant colors. Meanwhile, Dayak weaving cloth is made by locals Dayak at Ensaid village in Sintang Regency becomes the most wanted by Europe countries and other overseas countries. Dayak Scimitar, or locals Mandau made by the Dayak people in Melawi Regency. This unique replica of Mandau with its scabbard made in big scale of more than 2m x 0,5 height by the Dayak in Melawi Regency creates the best souvenir as its unique style, intricate paintings, design and carving. (Visit Indonesia)

Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam

2009-07-13T02:30:00.000-07:00

Banda Aceh is suffered an immense loss of life during the tsunami of December 26, 2004. Over 100,000 residents lost their live in a matter or minutes as the huge tidal wave swept ashore. Many heart-wrenching and poignant reminders of that day still remain. They range from a huge generator ship that now become a monument that was lifted several kilometers inland from its seaside berth to crush a rom of family houses and their inhabitants and a smaller ship which landed atop another house and ironically served as a means for the survival and resque of 57 people, to a myriad of battered landscapes, shattered buildings, and mass gravesites. Visitors are awestruck at the devastion, but inspired by the recovery process. They marvel at the stories of the survivors, and they revel at their determination to rebuild their lives.

Tourist Office

Jl. Tengku Cik Kuta Karang No. 3, Banda Aceh. Phone. (0651) 23692, 26206, 21108 Fax. 3723
http://www.aceh.net

Getting there

Only forty-five minutes from Medan and two and half hours from Jakarta, with Singapore and Kuala Lumpur via Medan even closer than Jakarta

Tourism Events

Aceh Cultural week is held on Aug 2008 in Banda Aceh and perform dances such as Tari Seudati (Seudati Dance).

Places of Interest

Weh Island

Alas River

Weh Island often referred to by the name of its capital, Sabang, is the western most island of the Indonesian archipelago. It is situated at the mouth of the Malacca Strait a sea passage for many yachts and cruise ships only 18 miles away, one hour by ferry, from Ulee-Lheue harbor in Banda Aceh. Diving in Pulau Weh is a well-established recreational activity with dive masters and dive instructors ready to offer a variety of dives to sites like the fabled Sea Garden in Pulau Rubiah.

Alas River

Mt. Leuser

Alas River flows into the Indian Ocean; this river has exceptional rapids that attract whitewater rafting enthusiasts for all over the world.

Gunung Leuser

Hiking to the peak of Gunung Leuser (3,404 meters) take about 10-14 days. The small village of Angasan is a suitable starting point. Angasan is located several hours walk west of Blang Kejeren. Most hikers spend the night in Angasan and start their trek in the morning. The first five days go

Baiturrahman Mosque

through virgin rain forest where rare primates can often be seen.

Baiturrahman Mosque

Baiturrahman Mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and ornamentation is the main feature of Banda Aceh. It has five onion-shaped domes, two towering minarattes, expansive white walls, and pillars with beautiful designs. (Visit Indonesia)

Indonesia Diving, Raja Ampat Island "The incredible reef and fish"

2009-06-25T02:44:00.001-07:00

No doubt about it, the Raja Ampat is definitely the richest place for fish, that I have ever been. Dr G.R.Allen

" I was like a five-year-old, seeing a reef for the very first time. I was awestruck, held by the incredible power of this richest reef. We must, with all available resources, preserve the beauty of Raja Ampat. This may be the last frontier. Michael Aw

"I love the people, I love the diving, It's super!! I've never been for a second time to the same dive destination but now
I'm thinking about going back for the third time!! Should I say more?" Peter van Dalen
(Taken from www.iriandive.com)

Raja Ampat Island is the most western district of the Indonesian province of Papua. Raja Ampat consists of an area surrounding four major island off the western coast of Birds Head Panisula of New Guinea Island. The western half of which is Indonesia and the eastern half, Papua New Guinea. The province was called Irian Jaya, and its a cluster of over 1500 small Islands.

Raja Ampat is the most bio-diverse location in the world more than 3000 species of fishes and over 300 species of corals have been identified here, in a single one and half hour dive you can identified more than 282 fish species and more than 400 species. Till this very day the area is virtually unexplored and unknown due to its size. This area as there are still many remnants of WW II.

The Roughest seas and decreased visibility in the Raja Ampat area are from mid-June until the end of August. During the rest of the year, the sea is mostly very smooth whit good visibility.

Dive sites in Raja Ampat Island:

Kri Island: Kri has several sites and Cape Kri is one of the fishiest. The fish numbers and variety are truly amazing. The site is current dependent. Generally it's a steep slope with beautiful coral growth, lots of reef and schooling fishes, including the giant Queensland Grouper.
Sardine Reef: Sardine Reef has really giant clams at 10m (33ft) but it's all about non-stop fishes here. There's a resident school of bumphead parrotfish in the shallows, colorful soft corals and plenty of critters.
Kaboei Bay Rock Islands: The bay is a labyrinth of rock islands. Visibility isn't great but this is a great place for macro and finding odd nudibranches, mollusks and the pictured dragonet. Bat caves and skeletons are found on some of the islands.
The Passage: This is a drift dive through a narrow channel near Waigeo. Look for archerfish among the mangroves, orange cup corals, seahorses, and percula clownfish.
Fam Island: Several sites near Fam have stunning coral growth. Sponges and soft corals add color and fishes keep it going. Sites include walls, sloping reefs, and muddy bays.
Misool: Misool is awash in fish life and huge sea fans. Caverns and boulders mark several sites. The schooling fishes seem endless and pygmy seahorses live in less than 10m (33ft). Some sites are current dependent.

At a Glance Irian Diving

Reef type: Vertical walls, Lagoon channels, caves, platform reefs, etc.
Access: By boat from base camps.
Visibility: Very good, 20-45 meters.
Current: Moderate, excellent for drift diving.
Coral: Excellent " abundant & divers.
Fish: Variety & abundance guaranteed.
Highlights: Snorkeling with dolphins near the Wai base camp (5m); White-tip sharks under P47B wing; finding new wrecks untouched/complete.

It is easiest to fly through to Sorong via Jakarta or via Singapore. Merpati, Pelita and Lion/Wings Airlines operate daily flights from Jakarta to Sorong (with stopovers in Ujung Pandang/Makassar and/or Manado), whereas Silk Air operates regularly from Singapore to Manado. Daily flights to and from Sorong by Airlines Merpati, Lion/Wings or Pelita.

Raja Ampat Island have several accommodations whit traditional design, and there many boat you can rent for a stay. If you using dive operator they will arrange for your base came.

Raja Ampat islands have a very diverse topography with steep mountain shores and deserted white sand beaches. Explore the land on foot. Use a boat to move from one dive site to another dive site.

There are several restaurants and cafes throughout Sorong. Try their specialties: traditional irian foods!

There are many traditional souvenirs made from wood.

You can visit gorgeous waterfalls, ancient burial sites, bat caves and stunning waterways breathtaking limestone landscapes and Manta ray spotting and bird watching.

To enter Papua itself, you need a surat jalan (Travel Permit) which is issued by the local police. Please bring: 3 Passport Photos, 3 Copies of the photo page of your passport and 3 Copies of the passport page with the Indonesian Visa.
Guide Book : Diving Indonesia (a guide to the world's greatest diving), Periplus Action Guide, Kal Muller.
More Information about Irian Jaya Dive, contact: Sorong, Indonesia Office: Papua Diving. Phone: +62 (411) 401 660, Fax: +62 (951) 325 274. www.Iriandiving.com

(Visit Indonesia)

Komodo National Park

2009-06-19T00:47:00.000-07:00

Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park lies in the Wallacea Region of Indonesia, identified by WWF and Conservation International as a global conservation priority area. The Park is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores at the border of the Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) and Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTP) provinces. It includes three major islands, Komodo, Rinca and Padar, and numerous smaller islands together totaling 603 km2 of land. The total size of Komodo National Park is presently 1,817 km2. Proposed extensions of 25 km2 of land (Banta Island) and 479 km2 of marine waters would bring the total surface area up to 2,321 km2. (Click on the map to enlarge - 70kB)

Komodo National Park was established in 1980 and was declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1986. The park was initially established to conserve the unique Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), first discovered by the scientific world in 1911 by J.K.H. Van Steyn. Since then conservation goals have expanded to protecting its entire biodiversity, both marine and terrestrial.

The majority of the people in and around the Park are fishermen originally from Bima (Sumbawa), Manggarai, South Flores, and South Sulawesi. Those from South Sulawesi are from the Suku Bajau or Bugis ethnic groups. The Suku Bajau were originally nomadic and moved from location to location in the region of Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara and Maluku, to make their livelihoods. Descendents of the original people of Komodo, the Ata Modo, still live in Komodo, but there are no pure blood people left and their culture and language is slowly being integrated with the recent migrants.

Little is known of the early history of the Komodo islanders. They were subjects of the Sultanate of Bima, although the island’s remoteness from Bima meant its affairs were probably little troubled by the Sultanate other than by occasional demand for tribute.

There are presently almost 4,000 inhabitants living within the park spread out over four settlements (Komodo, Rinca, Kerora, and Papagaran). All villages existed prior to 1980 before the area was declared a national park. In 1928 there were only 30 people living in Komodo Village, and approximately 250 people on Rinca Island in 1930. The population increased rapidly, and by 1999, there were 281 families numbering 1,169 people on Komodo, meaning that the local population had increased exponentially. Komodo Village has had the highest population increase of the villages within the Park, mostly due to migration by people from Sape, Manggarai, Madura, and South Sulawesi. The number of buildings in Kampung Komodo has increased rapidly from 30 houses in 1958, to 194 houses in 1994, and 270 houses in 2000. Papagaran village is similar in size, with 258 families totaling 1,078 people. As of 1999, Rinca’s population was 835, and Kerora's population was 185 people. The total population currently living in the Park is 3,267 people, while 16,816 people live in the area immediately surrounding the Park.

The average level of education in the villages of Komodo National Park is grade four of elementary school. There is an elementary school located in each of the villages, but new students are not recruited each year. On average, each village has four classes and four teachers. Most of the children from the small islands in the Kecamatan Komodo (Komodo, Rinca, Kerora, Papagaran, Mesa) do not finish elementary school. Less than 10% of those which do graduate from elementary school will continue to high school since the major economic opportunity (fishing) does not require further education. Children must be sent to Labuan Bajo to attend high school, but this is rarely done in fishermen’s families.

Most of the villages located in and around the Park have few fresh water facilities available, if any, particularly during the dry season. Water quality declines during this time period and many people become ill. Malaria and diarrhea are rampant in the area. On Mesa island, with a population of around 1,500 people, there is no fresh water available. Fresh water is brought by boat in jerrycans from Labuan Bajo. Each family needs an average of Rp 100,000.- per month to buy fresh water (2000). Almost every village has a local medical facility with staff, and at least a paramedic. The quality of medical care facilities is low.

Traditional Customs: Traditional communities in Komodo, Flores and Sumbawa have been subjected to outside influences and the influence of traditional customs is dwindling. Television, radio, and increased mobility have all played a part in accelerating the rate of change. There has been a steady influx of migrants into the area. At the moment nearly all villages consist of more than one ethnic group.

Religion: The majority of fishermen living in the villages in the vicinity of the Park are Muslims. Hajis have a strong influence in the dynamics of community development. Fishermen hailing from South Sulawesi (Bajau, Bugis) and Bima are mostly Moslems. The community from Manggarai are mostly Christians.

Anthropology and Language: There are several cultural sites within the Park, particularly on Komodo Island. These sites are not well documented, however, and there are many questions concerning the history of human inhabitance on the island. Outside the Park, in Warloka village on Flores, there is a Chinese trading post remnant of some interest. Archeological finds from this site have been looted in the recent past. Most communities in and around the Park can speak Bahasa Indonesia. Bajo language is the language used for daily communication in most communities.

Topography: The topography is varied, with slopes from 0 – 80%. There is little flat ground, and that is generally located near the beach. The altitude varies from sea level to 735 m above sea level. The highest peak is Gunung Satalibo on Komodo Island.

Geology: The islands in Komodo National Park are volcanic in origin. The area is at the juncture of two continental plates: Sahul and Sunda. The friction of these two plates has led to large volcanic eruptions and caused the up-thrusting of coral reefs. Although there are no active volcanoes in the park, tremors from Gili Banta (last eruption 1957) and Gunung Sangeang Api (last eruption 1996) are common. West Komodo probably formed during the Jurasic era approximately 130 million years ago. East Komodo, Rinca, and Padar probably formed approximately 49 million years ago during the Eocene era.

Climate: Komodo National Park has little or no rainfall for approximately 8 months of the year, and is strongly impacted by monsoonal rains. High humidity levels year round are only found in the quasi-cloud forests on mountain tops and ridges. Temperatures generally range from 170C to 340C, with an average humidity level of 36%. From November through March the wind is from the west and causes large waves that hit the entire length of Komodo island’s west beach. From April through October the wind is dry and large waves hit the south beaches of Rinca and Komodo islands.

The terrestrial ecosystems are strongly affected by the climate: a lengthy dry season with high temperatures and low rainfall, and seasonal monsoon rains. The Park is situated in a transition zone between Australian and Asian flora and fauna. Terrestrial ecosystems include open grass-woodland savanna, tropical deciduous (monsoon) forest, and quasi cloud forest.

Due to the dry climate, terrestrial plant species richness is relatively low. The majority of terrestrial species are xerophytic and have specific adaptations to help them obtain and retain water. Past fires have selected for species that are fire-adapted, such as some grass species and shrubs. Terrestrial plants found in Komodo National Park include grasses, shrubs, orchids, and trees. Important food tree species for the local fauna include Jatropha curkas, Zizyphus sp., Opuntia sp., Tamarindus indicus, Borassus flabellifer, Sterculia foetida, Ficus sp., Cicus sp., ‘Kedongdong hutan’ (Saruga floribunda), and ‘Kesambi’ (Schleichera oleosa).

The terrestrial fauna is of rather poor diversity in comparison to the marine fauna. The number of terrestrial animal species found in the Park is not high, but the area is important from a conservation perspective as some species are endemic.. Many of the mammals are Asiatic in origin (e.g., deer, pig, macaques, civet). Several of the reptiles and birds are Australian in origin. These include the orange-footed scrubfowl, the lesser sulpher-crested cockatoo and the nosy friarbird.

Reptiles: The most famous of Komodo National Park's reptiles is the Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis). It is among the world's largest reptiles and can reach 3 meters or more in length and weigh over 70kg. To find out more about this fascinating creature click here.

Other than the Komodo Dragon twelve terrestrial snake species are found on the island. including the cobra (Naja naja sputatrix), Russel’s pit viper (Vipera russeli), and the green tree vipers (Trimeresurus albolabris). Lizards include 9 skink species (Scinidae), geckos (Gekkonidae), limbless lizards (Dibamidae), and, of course, the monitor lizards (Varanidae). Frogs include the Asian Bullfrog (Kaloula baleata), Oreophyne jeffersoniana and Oreophyne darewskyi. They are typically found at higher, moister altitudes.

Mammals: Mammals include the Timor deer (Cervus timorensis), the main prey of the Komodo dragon, horses (Equus sp.), water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), wild boar (Sus scrofa vittatus), long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), palm civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus lehmanni), the endemic Rinca rat (Rattus rintjanus), and fruit bats. One can also find goats, dogs and domestic cats.

Birds: One of the main bird species is the orange-footed scrub fowl (Megapodius reinwardti), a ground dwelling bird. In areas of savanna, 27 species were observed. Geopelia striata and Streptopelia chinensis were the most common species. In mixed deciduous habitat, 28 bird species were observed, and Philemon buceroides, Ducula aenea, and Zosterops chloris were the most common.

The marine area constitutes 67% of the Park. The open waters in the Park are between 100 and 200 m deep. The straits between Rinca and Flores and between Padar and Rinca, are relatively shallow (30 to 70 m deep), with strong tidal currents. The combination of strong currents, coral reefs and islets make navigation around the islands in Komodo National Park difficult and dangerous. Sheltered deep anchorage is available at the bay of Loh Liang on Komodo’s east coast, the South East coast of Padar, and the bays of Loh Kima and Loh Dasami on Rinca.

In the North of the Park water temperature ranges between 25 – 29°C. In the middle, the temperature ranges between 24 and 28°C. The temperatures are lowest in the South, ranging from 22 – 28°C. Water salinity is about 34 ppt and the water is quite clear, although the waters closer to the islands are relatively more turbid.

Indonesia is the only equatorial region in the world where there is an exchange of marine flora and fauna between the Indian and Pacific oceans. Passages in Nusa Tenggara (formerly the Lesser Sunda Islands) between the Sunda and Sahul shelves allow movement between the Pacific and Indian oceans. The three main ecosystems in Komodo National Park are seagrass beds, coral reefs, and mangrove forests. The Park is probably a regular cetacean migration route.

The three major coastal marine plants are algae, seagrasses and mangrove trees. Algae are primitive plants, which do not have true roots, leaves or stems. An important reef-building algae is the red coralline algae, which actually secretes a hard limestone skeleton that can encrust and cement dead coral together. Seagrasses are modern plants that produce flowers, fruits and seeds for reproduction. As their name suggests, they generally look like large blades of grass growing underwater in sand near the shore. Thallasia sp. and Zastera spp. are the common species found in the Park. Mangroves trees can live in salty soil or water, and are found throughout the Park. An assessment of mangrove resources identified at least 19 species of true mangroves and several more species of mangrove associates within the Park's borders.

Komodo National Park includes one of the world's richest marine environments. It consists of forams, cnidaria (includes over 260 species of reef building coral), sponges (70 species), ascidians, marine worms, mollusks, echinoderms, crustaceans, cartilaginous and bony fishes (over 1,000 species), marine reptiles, and marine mammals (dolphins, whales, and dugongs). Some notable species with high commercial value include sea cucumbers (Holothuria), Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), and groupers.

While most visitors enter Komodo National Park (KNP) through the gateway cities of Labuan Bajo in the west of Flores or Bima in eastern Sumbawa, the departure point for your trip is actually Denpasar, Bali.

By Air:
Indonesia Air Transport (IAT)
Depart : Everyday
DPS - LBJ : 10.00 – 11.30
LBJ - DPS : 12.00 – 13.30

Price:
Y CLASS : IDR 751.000
H CLASS : IDR 696.000
Q CLASS : IDR 641.000 (NON REFUND TICKET)

Trans Nusa Airlines (TGN)
Depart : Everyday
DPS – LBJ : 10.00 – 11.50 & 13.00 – 14.20
LBJ – DPS VIA BMU (BIMA) : 12.05 - 12.35
BMU-DPS : 12.50 – 13.45
LBJ – DPS : 14.35 – 15.15

Price
Y CLASS : IDR 761.000
L CLASS : IDR 651.000
M CLASS : IDR 541.000

By Land:
The gateway cities of Labuan Bajo and Bima are connected to Denpasar, Bali by overland buses.

By Sea (ferry):
Travel time: approximately 36 hours
The gateway cities of Labuan Bajo and Bima are also connected to Denpasar, Bali by inter-island ferry.

Contact the Indonesia Sea Transportation Company (PELNI) at Jalan Raya Kuta No. 299, Tuban - Bali (Tel: 0361 - 763 963) to reserve a seat on the KM. Tilong Kabila, which departs Benoa Port, Bali bound for Bima and Labuan Bajo

Benoa-Bima-Labuan Bajo
Fortnightly (every two weeks) on Saturdays: 09.00-20.00 (next day).
One-way ticket (as of 10/6/06) from Rp. 143,000.00 - Rp. 435,000.00

Labuan Bajo-Bima-Benoa
Fortnightly (every two weeks) on Thursdays: 08.00-11.00 (next day).
One-way ticket (as of 10/6/06) from Rp. 143,000.00 - Rp. 435,000.00
Note: the ferry schedule and ticket prices may change with or without prior notice

By Sea (live-aboard):
Komodo National Park is serviced by a wide range of live-aboard boats, with return packages to Komodo National Park from a variety of departure points, including Bali, Lombok, Bima and Labuan Bajo
Prices (as of 10/6/06) are ranging from USD 230.00 - USD 295.00 / person / night.

From Gateway Cities to Komodo National Park (KNP)
You can easily organize a shared boat charter by local boat from either ports at Labuan Bajo or Bima (Sape) to the two major points of access in the Park: Loh Liang (on Komodo Island) or Loh Buaya (on Rinca Island)
Charter price (as of 10/6/06) - excluding meals, KNP entrance fee etc:
Labuan Bajo: KNP: Rp. 750,000 - 1,500,000 per boat / day
Bima (Sape): KNP: Rp. 1,500.000 - 2,000.000 per boat / day
"Note: the charter prices may change with or without prior notice"

For more information please contact:
=]

Komodo Marine National Park Office
Jl. Kasimo Labuan Bajo
West Flores, East Nusa Tenggara 86445
Ph. +62 385 41004 Fax. +62 385 41006
e-mail: tnkomodo@indosat.org

PT Putri Naga Komodo
Bali: Jl. Pengembak No.2 Sanur 80228, Bali T: +62 381 780 2408 F: +62 361 747 4398
Labuan Bajo: Gg.Masjid, Kampung Cempa. Labuan Bajo, 86554 West Manggarai. East Nusa Tenggara. T: +62 385 41448 F: +62 385 41225
E-mail: info@putrikomodo.com Website: www.komodonationalpark.org / www.gokomodo.org

(Visit Indonesia)

GUNUNG RINJANI NATIONAL PARK : One of the Best Treks in Southeast Asia

2009-06-17T00:56:00.002-07:00

Gunung Rinjani National Park covers an area of 41,330 hectares on the northern part of Lombok. The peak of Gunung Rinjani reaching up to 3,726m dominates the landscape.

Gunung Rinjani National Park offers the beauty of the volcano, the Segara Anakan Crater Lake and the challenge of climbing the mountain. There are also guided village tours which provides a glimpse of local culture and the opportunity to meet the locals.

How to Get There :
Senaru and Sembalun Lawang Villages are The two starting points for excursions into the park as well as for climbing Mount Rinjani. Senaru Village can be reached within three hours drive to the north from Mataram, while Sembalun Lawang Village is approximately a four hours drive to the east of Mataram.

The Best Season to Visit :
August to December every year.

Contact :
Gunung Rinjani National Park Office
Jl. Erlangga 88, Mataram
Lombok - Nusa Tenggara Barat
Ph. (0370) 627764
Email: tngr@indo.net.id

(Visit Indonesia)

Mt. Bromo & Semeru, A Spectacular Volcanic Landscape in East Java

2009-06-17T00:56:00.001-07:00

The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park covers some 800 square kilometers in the centre of East Java. It is the largest volcanic region in the province and there stands Mt. Semeru, which rises 3676 meters above sea level. At its northern end is the spectacular Tengger Caldera, Java's largest, with its 10 km barren desert-like sea of sand. Within the caldera rise the deeply fissured volcanic cones of Batok and Bromo, the latter is still active with a cavernous crater from which smoke blows skyward. Temperatures at the top of mount Bromo range about 5 to 18 degrees Celcius . To the south is a rolling upland plateau dissected by valleys and dotted with several small scenic lakes, extending to the foot of Mount Semeru, a towering grey forest-skirted cone dominating the southern landscape.

Tengger sandy area has been protected since 1919, and its believed to be the only conservation area in Indonesia, even probably in the world possessing a unique ocean and sand at the attitude about 2000 m above sea level. There are several mountains inside the calderas namely: Mt Watangan (2,661 m asl)., Mt Batok (2,470 m asl), Mt Kursi (2,581 asl), Mt Watangan (2,661 m asl), and Mt Widadaren (2,650 m asl).

On the fourteenth day of the Month Kasada, the inhabitants of Tengger Mountain range gather at the rim of Mount Bromo's active crater to present annual offerings of rice, fruit, vegetables, flowers, live stock and other local produce to the God of the Mountain, as adherents of religion combining elements of Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism the Tenggerese ask for blessing from the supreme God, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. This ceremony called Kesodo Ceremony.

While the Great Mountain or Semeru offer a wonderful place to 3 days hike. Serenity of small lakes and large meadows, a three hours struggling through loose screw to the peak and breathtaking views from peak Semeru explodes every half hour and sends billowing smoke upwards. These gases and belching lava make Semeru dangerous " stay well away from the vent. The fine scenery and bracing climate, easy access and reasonably visitor-oriented facilities make this one of the most popular reserves in Java.

Bromo Tengger Semeru can be reached by private and public vehicle. There are four gates to access the place, Probolinggo, Wonokitri, Ngadas and Lumajang. Probolinggo approach is the easiest and by fat the most popular route, especially if you go by public bus, Wonokitri is the closes and the easiest one if you go by private vehicle from Surabaya (5 hours journey). To get closer to Mt. Bromo you must rent 4x4 vehicles (there are many 4x4 vehicles rental there).

There are a few options that you can choose to stay. You can stay at The Bromo Guest House which is located at Ngadisari that lies 3 km from the crater rim. Or you can choose other hotels at Cemoro Lawang because it this situated at the crater rim.

Walking on the sea of sand and stepping up on the 249 steps to rim is worth to try. Enjoying the unique crater in crater, watching the dawn at Bromo is the main attractions in the area.

Its kindly hard to find some food at night, because mostly of warung are closed after 7.30 pm. If youre in Wonokitri area, theres some warung in Tosari market, which still open at 7-9 pm.

There are many souvenir shops around Mount Bromo viewpoints who are selling T-shirts, scarf that are made from wool and others. There are also street hawkers who are selling these things too at the caldera area.

You can moving around on foot and normally it will takes 2 hours, or you can ride a horse or even rent a jeep (for this two, you are suggested to ask first and make a negotiation)

Necessities for the trip include a torch, warm clothing, comfortable trekking shoes, and glove as a protection against the freezing temperature which hovers between zero to five degrees Celsius (33 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit).
If you buy or rent something please Bargain.
Sunrise starts at 5.00 am till 6.00 am (If werent cloudy), so you may leave from your hotel or guesthouse at 3 am or even less than that.
Before start trekking, hiking or climbing, be sure that you already eat, or you can bring some food and drink from your places of stay.
Otherwise, you can buy some food and drink on the nearest markets for your supply before you start your activities on mountain.
If youre come in the right time, you may possible to watch the annual ceremony of Kesodo.

(Visit Indonesia)

North Sumatra

2009-06-17T00:42:00.000-07:00

The people of the region can be divided into five main ethnic groups and Languages: The coastal Malays, living along the Malaka Straits, the Bataks, consisting of the sub-tribes around Lake Toba and Samosir Island, are Karo, Toba, Dairi, Simalungun, the Angkola or Mandailing of the southern Tapanuli, and Nias Islanders off the western coast of the province. These groups each have their own dialects, religious beliefs, arts, custom and cultures. Several ethnic groups live in Medan and other towns of North Sumatra, the largest of these being Chinese and Indian.

Tourist Office
Jl. Jend. A. Yani No.107, Medan. 20111
Phone. (061) 4538101, 4520559, 4524908 Fax. (061) 4528436
http://www.sumutprov.go.id

Getting there
Regular bus is available via Trans Sumatra. Bus station Jl. Sisingamangaraja Medan.
Regular flight from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Amsterdam, Vienna, and Jakarta to Polonia Airport Medan, Sumatra.
Belawan seaport is the sea link to Penang, Malaysia. PELNI Lines Jl. Krakatau 17A Phone. (061) 6622526
Train station PERUMKA
Jl. Stasiun 1 Medan Phone. (061) 514114.

Tourism Events

Danau Toba Festival will be held in a week in Lake Toba and performs traditional sports, boat race, cultural attractions, horse race, watersports race and crafts fair.

Places of Interest

Crocodile Farm at Asam Kumbang

Crocodile Farm at Asam Kumbang is 10 km from the heart of the city, with nearly 2,000 crocodiles of different sizes and species. It is open from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Tangkahan’s

Tangkahan’s combination of vegeta¬tion and topography makes it a marvelous tourist spot rarely found elsewhere. The Batang Serangan and Buluh rivers, converging exactly in this zone, are typical of rainforest streams, with diverse varieties of vegetation and colorful rocks and Sumatran elephants on their banks. The clear, bluish green river water against the panoramic view creates a mystical atmosphere. Fly to Medan the capi¬tal of North Sumatra Province and proceed with cars or public transport from Pinang Baris Bus Terminal in Medan to Tangkahan, located three hours from the province’ capital. The Best Season to Visit is June to October every year.

Brastagi

Brastagi is a lovely tourist town in the Karo highlands, 70 Km on the way from Medan to Lake Toba. Brastagi is famous for its flowers, vegetables and fruit, most famous of which is the ‘Marquisa’ passion fruit. The local markets are swarming with activity and scenes from traditional Karo life. Days are extremely pleasant and nights can be quite cool. Gundaling Hills provides a clear view of Mt. Sibayak and Mt. Sinabung volcanoes, there is a pleasant colonial-style hotel with a golf course.

Lake Toba-Parapat

Lake Toba-Parapat is the largest lake in Southeast Asia with a surface area about 1,145 sq. kilometers, and the deepest lake in the world, over 450 meters deep. The town of Parapat is the main tourist resort and lies on the shores of the lake. The Batak Toba and Batak Simalungun peoples of Parapat are happy, easygoing people, known for their lively and sentimental love songs. In Parapat, there area facilities for swimming, water skiing, motor boating, canoeing, fishing and golf. The climate is cool and dry, and ideal place to relax. There is a plethora of Hotels, bungalows, villas and guesthouses. Parapat is 176 km from Me¬dan and can be reached in 4 hours by bus.

Jangga Village

Jangga Village is located on the edge of Simanuk-manuk Mountain, 24 Km from Parapat. It is famous of its weaving the beautiful ‘ulos’ cloth. There are monuments of King Tambun and King Manurung, rows of traditional houses.

Lingga Village

Lingga Village is 15 km from Brastagi, a traditional Karo village and still preserved and inhabited today.

Samosir Island

Samosir Island situated at the middle of Lake Toba, is accesible by regular ferries from Parapat. The original home of the fierce Toba Bataks, the island has many sites of stone tombs and traditional villa¬ges. The villages of Tomok, Tuk-tuk, Siallagan and Ambarita are noteworthy. Transportation can be arranged through your Hotel or rent a motorcycle for day’s adventure on the island. Accomodation of various styles and standards are readily available.

Sipiso-piso Waterfall

Sipiso-piso Waterfall is located on the north side of Lake Toba, 24 Km from Kabanjahe, the 120 m waterfall is visible from gazebo near the food and souvenir stands.

Bukit Lawang

Bukit Lawang is about 3 hours by car from Medan. Its main attraction are the Orang Utan rehabilitation center, crossing the Bahorok river and climbing steep, jungle-clad hills it is located at the South of the Mount Leuser National Park. (Visit Indonesia)

Riau

2009-06-17T00:40:00.000-07:00

Riau, which includes a large part of East Sumatra, is homeland to Malays and the source of Indonesia’s Malay-based national language. The first book of Malay grammar, called Bustanul Katibin, was written and published here in 1857.

Pekanbaru became the provincial capital in 1959, taking over from the former capital of Tanjungpinang on the island of Bintan. About 160 kms upstream on the Siak River a number of buildings in the traditional style are still in this area, among them the Balai Dang Merdu the Balai Adat and Taman Budaya Riau, or Riau Cultural Park.

Tourist Office=]

Jl. Jend. Sudirman No.200, Pekan Baru Phone. (0761) 31452, 40356, Fax. (0761) 40356
http://www.budsenipar-riau.com

Riau Tourism Board

Gd. Badan Promosi & Investasi Prov. Riau, Lt. 2 Jl. Gajahmada 200, Pekanbaru - Riau
Tel/fax: +62-761-858441

Getting thereSimpang Tiga Airport is a busy visa free entry point. Pelangi flies to Kuala Lumpur and Silk Air flies to Singapore. Domestic airlines direct flights from Jakarta as well as from Medan and Batam. There are frequent departures from the bus station. Agencies all around town sell tickets for the boats to Batam.

Tourism Events

Perahu Naga Festival, Tanjung Pinang. It is the Dragon Boat Race, both local and foreign contes, tank race a distance of 400 m.
The event is held on Oct-08 at the Tanjung Pinang seaside facing Penyengat Island. To enhance the event there are culture performances, swimming competition for men and women and traditional diving contest.
Pacu Jalur, Teluk Kuantan, Indragiri Hulu, Riau. Jalur or canoe races coincide with Indonesia’s Independedce Day celebration. Every decorative jalur used for the race on the Kuantan River is made of one single large bark of tree, approximately 30 m long and manned by 25-30 rowers. Before the festival was only held after a harvest and considered a sacred event. The event will be held on Aug 23-26 2008.
Traditional Culture and Dance Parade on March, 2008 presents the Malay culture and traditions the event features a dance competition and dance performance from dance group and schools in city of Batam.

Places of Interest=]

Candi Muara Takus

Candi Muara Takus. Like many others structures of its kind in Sumatra, this Budha temple stupa near the village of Muara Takus in the Tigabelas Koto district, was built with red bricks and sand. The temple is believed to have been built at arround the 9th century A.D. when the power of the South Sumatra-bassed Sriwijaya Empire was at its peak. Excavations are still being made to determine the precise age and function of the stupa. It can be reached in 118 Km from Pekanbaru.

Kerumutan Nature Reserve

Kerumutan Nature Reserve. Located in mainland Riau in the Kuala Kampar district, this 120,000 hectares (30,000 acres) nature reserve can be reached in 18 hours by motor boat from Pekanbaru.

Bono

Bono is a curious natural phenomenon, which the Rokan River (in the Kampar regency) displays daily along its downstream reaches. Every day at the time high tide sets in, a swelling appears in the water at the river mouth. Accompanied by a rumbling sound, the swelling grows in mass until it is about as high as a small tree, spinning as it moves upwards along the river and growing smaller in the process until it finally disappears.

Dumai

Dumai. Formerly a fishing village on the east coast, it is now a major oil terminal. Storage tanks and modern installations rise against the sky, although the town itself is quite pleasant and interesting.

The Siak Sultanate’s Park

The Siak Sultanate’s Park. This Moorish style palace of the Sultan Siak, 120 kms upstream from Pekanbaru on the Siak River, was built in 1889 by Sultan Syarif Hasyim Abdul Jalil Syarifuddin. Now a museum, the palace contains the sultanate’s royal paraphernalia and others items of historical interest.

(Visit Indonesia)

Riau Archipelago

2009-06-17T00:33:00.000-07:00

Riau Archipelago with Tanjung Pinang as the capital city Is blessed of a lot potential tourism objects, beautiful beaches, and culture attractions. It is located at the crossroads of one of the world’s oldest and busiest maritime routes and well reputes as an ideal stop over for trade and commerce. Riau Archipe¬lago was once home a sea gypsies cruising its rich mangroves forest and waterways. Moreover, it was on this island that the Sultan of Malacca found refuge from Portuguese attack in the 16th century, mapping tales of the legendary importance when Bintan thenceforth grew as the center of the powerful Johor Riau Sultanate.

Jl. Basuki Rahmat 17 Tanjung Pinang, Phone/Fax (0771) 315822 http://www.disparsenibud-kepri.com.
Batam Tourism Promotion Board :
Sekupang Ferry Terminal Jl.R.E. Martadinata, Phone. (0778) 322871, 322875 Fax.322898

Riau Islands can easily reached by air or sea from Jakarta and Pekanbaru directly. Batam and Bintan have international shiplines and flight. It is only 45 minutes away from Singapore by ferry.

Perahu Naga (Dragon Boat) Festival in every October covers a distance of 400 meters with both domestic and foreign contestants. It is held along the Tanjung Pinang coast facing Penyengat Island. It features cultural performances, swimming contest and traditional diving challenge.

Tanjung Pinang

Tanjung Pinang is a busy town on Bintan Island, now as a capital of Riau Archipelago. It has a Museum on Jl. Katamso. A large section of the old part of the town was built in traditional local fashion, on stilts, over the water. Tanjung Pinang City is located at about 10 km from the airport. This town also has 2 ports, Sri Bintan Pura in Tanjung Pinang and Sri Bayintan in Kijang. Tanjung Pinang Serves flight to Pekanbaru and Natuna.

Batu Bedaun Beach

Batu Bedaun Beach is very famous among the teenagers in Dabo Singkep. The beach situated 20 km from Dabo. This white sandy beach is very clean, with blue sea and small wave.

Daik

Daik is a small town but has many historical relics of Riau Lingga kingdom as in the Penyengat Island. We can reach the town by speedboats from Tanjung Pinang. In Lingga Island there are also many variation of tropical plantation and marine water fish species that cannot be found in other pla¬ces. Other interesting objects is Mount Daik with 3 peaks.

Senayang Island

Senayang Island. Boat cruising touring the waters between the islands is among potential attractions. Some real and thrilling adventures are available since there are many islands surrounding Senayang and excellent packages include cycling, bush wacking, swimming, snorkeling and diving.

Tambelan Island

Tambelan Island is about 200 km away from Tanjungpinang. There are only six villages, which are spread over a few islands, with a total population of about 4,000. As is to be expected, the environment here is largely unspoilt, and the scenery is truly magnificent. One of the most interesting of natural attraction in this island is watching turtles laying their eggs in great number that protected by local peoples.

Bintan Island

Bintan Island. International investors have developed many new hotels, integrated world-class resorts, international golf courses on the island of Bintan. Other deve¬lopments include industrial parks, medical, commercial and banking facilities that are readily available to any visitors. During your visit to Riau Archipelago will not be bored or uninspired because there are many other interesting places like Pasar Ikan (Fish Market) where fresh, cheap seafood and ve¬getables are sold. There are also the Akau (Night Market), Pelantar (Water Villages) and shops selling local handicraft, natural attraction like watching the turtles laying their eggs or fishing on the Kelong.

Trikora Beach

Trikora Beach is about 40 kilometers south of Tanjung Pinang on the eastern side of the island. Good beaches are also found on the islands of Terkulai and Soreh, about an hour away by boat.

Natuna Archipelago

Natuna Archipelago is a part of the vast province, which embraces all of the islands off the Riau mainland. The main island clusters of the Natuna archipelago are: Anambas, Natuna, South Natuna and Tambelan. Matak Island at present serves as a base for offshore oil exploration. Colourful co¬rals and reef fish are found in the waters surrounding these islands. South Natuna comprises the islands Serasan, Panjang and Subi. The surf is strong on these islands and the scenery impressive. The Tambelan Islands are accessed by boat in 6 hours from Pontianak in West Kalimantan or from Tanjung Pinang in 16 hours. Turtles habitually come to some of the beaches to depo¬sit their eggs in the warm sand. There are probably more turtles than people on these islands. Natuna is located in area of South China Sea with the geographical location passed by international shipping and coast lines. Natuna’s Ranai airport has length of 2,550 metres and Matak airport with length basis of 1,700 metres. Natuna’s seaport are Lampa (100 x 10 sqm) and Penagih (50 x 8 sqm).

Karimun Island

Karimun Island is one of the most important islands in the Riau Archipelago, due to its thriving economy and proximity to Singa¬pore. Tanjungbalai Karimun is a medium-sized town, with a large Chinese community and shops selling a large variety of imported items. Lies in a shipping line in Malacca Strait and Singapore, Karimun gateway can be passed by international ferry from and to Malaysia and Singapore.

Sea Gardens

Sea Gardens with beautiful corals and fish are found in the waters around the islands of Mapor, Abang, Pompong, Ba¬lang and Tanjung Berkait.

Batam Island

Batam Island is a very strategic island designated as a center of industry, tourism and trade. It lies close to Singapore. The Nongsa recreational region has international hotels, four golf courses, a marina sports facility and a forest reserve. Batam can be reached in two hours from Tanjung Pinang by ferry and in about half an hour from Singapore.

Pulau Penyengat

Pulau Penyengat (Stinging Island) When people found on the first time, Penyengat Island was an island with many stinging bees it is six kilometers from Tanjung Pinang, can be reached in 15 minutes by boat. The seat of the powerful Bugis viceroys of Riau during the 18th century, Penyengat still bears the traces of its illustrious past. Ruins, abandoned for almost 70 years, were recently restored. The old ruler’s palace and royal tombs are among the legacies left by the Riau sultanate. Still in use is the old viceroyal mosque, the Mesjid Raya, there is also a newly built cultural center for stage performances of Malay music and dances.(Visit Indonesia)

Dining Experience in Metropolitan City

2009-06-17T00:19:00.000-07:00

Jakarta to Indonesia is like New York to United States of America'a city that never sleeps. Many Indonesians go all the way from their remote hometowns to work in Jakarta, supplying the capital of Indonesia with unique contrasts of culture and palates. Jakarta has so many to offer if you know where to look.

Getting There
Since Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia, this megalopolis is only one, two (or several) trips away by plane, from many big cities in the world. From Sukarno-Hatta airport, formerly known as Cengkareng, you're free to see the sights of Jakarta.

Where to Stay
Tight budget. Look for inns that rent their rooms with nomical fees. For those who prefer luxuries, choose five-starred hotels or apartments (for rent).

Moving Around
The most comfortable way is by renting a car. You can find taxi quite easily, though, and if you're feeling adventurous why not try riding public transportation such as buses and busways. Make sure you know your destination (and most importantly, which bus to take, so you won't be lost).

Dining Guide
From street vendors to chic and elegant restaurants, Jakarta has everything. If seafood is your choice, then Muara Karang is your ideal place. Located in southern Jakarta, this is the perfect site to buy fresh seafood products. Don't worry if you can't cook, some restaurants in Muara Karang will cook the raw materials you have chosen. Or, to save time, just visit the restaurant and choose your favourite cuisine from the menu.

Perhaps one of Jakarta's specialities is called kerak telor. It is made of eggs and other ingredients. Mostly sold by street vendors, this treat has gained popularity so now you can get your portion in some food courts and traditional restaurants. Gado-

gado, ketoprak offer delicious taste and they're quite filling, too. Usually they are eaten with steamed rice or lontong a dish made of rice stuffed into banana leaves shaped into a tube, then boiled until it's ready to eat. Gado-gado contains beancurd sauce and various boiled vegetables in it, such as potatoes, lettuces, cabbages, and so on. A sauce made of grounded peanuts and other herbs is then added. Ketoprak uses a similar sauce, but it mainly consists of beansprouts, fried beancurd, and boiled bihun angel hair-like noodle. Ketoprak & gado-gado are available in street vendors and most traditional restaurants.

Sate (meat on skewers) is tasty. Covered with peanut sauce and other ingredients, sate ayam (the main ingredient's chicken), sate sapi (beef) , sate kambing (mutton) are widely sought by many people. You can find sate in most traditional restaurants. You can also try sate sold by street vendors.

Want to combine shopping and dining experience. Try the malls. All shopping centers in Jakarta have their own food courts and restaurants. Food courts tend to be noisy and crowded, so if you prefer privacy, choose restaurants/cafes, instead.

Restaurants located in starred hotels are generally quite pricey but good in taste and service. Ideal for those who value quality.

Cafes like Starbucks and Tea Leaf are favorites for both locals and tourist to interact. Try various types of Indonesian coffee, to freshen up your day.

If you want to try Indonesian food, bear in mind that Padangese food tends to be spicy.

Sundanese tends to be bland yet tasty, ideal for most people. Javanese food tends to be sweet. Ask locals for more information.

Some restaurants that you might like to frequent:

AMERICAN HAMBURGER KEBAYORAN BARU
Jalan Melawai IV no. 17, Blok M

ANGUS HOUSE RESTAURANT
Chase Plaza Tower, 25th Floor, Jalan Jendral Sudirman Kav. 21
BOB SHASHLIK RESTAURANT
Jalan Kemang Raya 14
CAFE DE PARIS
Jalan Kemang Raya 90
BEBEK BENGIL
Dharmawangsa Square, Jalan Dharmawangsa VI/IX
TGI FRIDAY
The Ascott Jakarta, Taman Ria Senayan, Jalan Gerbang Pemuda, Senayan
JAVA BLEU
Jalan Fatmawati 15 Blok E 31
SATE KHAS SENAYAN
Jalan Cokroaminoto 78

Bakmi GM
Delivery Hotline:
+62 21 56 55 007

The Duck King
Daily Opening Hour 10.00-22.00
STC Senayan Lt. VII Mezzanine
Jl. Asia Afrika Pintu IX
Gelora Bung Karno Jakarta Pusat 10270
Tel. +62 21 579 32032/33
Fax. +62 21 579 32031
LA BRASSERIE
Le Meridien Hotel, Jalan Jendral Sudirman Kav. 18-20
OISHII
Jalan Kemang Raya 24A
wwwok!
Jalan Kemang Raya 9 JK
DAPUR SUNDA

Kawasan Hanggar Teras Pancoran, Jalan Gatot Subroto Kavling 72

WARUNG DAUN
Masakan Sunda
Pusat : Jl. Wolter Monginsidi No. 41 Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta, 12180
Tel. +62 21 727861138, Fax. : +62 21 72786137
Cabang : Jl. Pakubuwono VI No. 10 Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta 12120
Tel. +62 21 7395454, Fax. : +62 21 7259955
Email : warung_daun(AT)yahoo.com (AT dibaca @)

Rumah Makan Gudeg Bu Tjitro
Jalan Veteran I No. 23 Monas
Jakarta Pusat
Tel. +62 21 3456727

Waroeng Chamoe-Chamoe
Ikan Bakar Manado
Jl. Panglima Polim IX No. 53
Jakarta 12160
Tel. +62 21 720 8294; +62 21 726 7094
Fax. +62 21 727 91805
Gedung Millenia Lantai 2
Sudirman Central Business District
Jl. Jend. Sudirman
Jakarta Selatan 12190
Tel. +62 21 5152905; +62 21 515 2906

PAPRIKA
Jalan Wahid Hasyim 55A
SAMUDRA SHARKS FIN
Hotel Mulia, Jalan Asia Afrika
Ulam
Balinese & Sea Food Restaurant
Kemang Jakarta
Reservation: +62 21 780 5572 & +62 21 781 4984

Bebek Bali

Resto-Cafe-Gallery
Komp. Taman Ria Senayan
Jl. Gerbang Pemuda
Jakarta 10270
Tel. +62 21 574 7667/69/70
Fax. +62 21 574 7229

Souvenir Tips">Souvenir Tips

Visit Sarinah Building in Blok M or Pasar Seni (Art Market) in Ancol. This way, you can buy souvenirs from various parts of Indonesia. The prices might be a bit expensive, but it's much cheaper compared to buying them in their original place! (If you travel to Bali to buy a wooden carving, for instance, it will cost you more money than buying the same carving in Jakarta!)
Why not books? There are many books about Indonesia in English. You can buy them in local book stores such as Gramedia or QB.
Original pieces of paintings, sculptures, and so on. Get them on Pasar Seni Ancol. If you're lucky, you can even meet the artists.

Other Things to See or Do">Other Things to See or Do

Shop till you drop! There are many boutique and classy stores selling sophisticated and exclusive items in Jakarta. Malls like Mangga Dua, for instance, might even persuade you to buy new sets of underwears to party gowns!
Visit DUNIA FANTASI (Fantasy World) in Ancol. This place offers entertainment for kids and adults. Try the rollercoaster for a breathtaking experience. Ride ferris wheel to marvel at magnificent view of Jakarta.
Visit SEAWORLD, also in Ancol, where you can observe gigantic fish from Amazon, piranhas, and watch the numerous fish eat!
Go to Taman Mini (Indonesian Miniature Park) to see miniatures of many things including Indonesia's traditional houses.

Travel Tips

Should you decide to travel by taxi, make sure that the taxi use the argometer. If possible, opt for Blue Bird taxis. They're known for their reliability.
Bring lightweight clothes unless you plan to stay indoor most of the time. Jakarta is quite hot.
Learn a few necessary phrases in Indonesian. Not all Indonesians can speak English well.
Check your bill before you leave, to avoid any mistakes. Tipping is not common if you buy food from street vendors or most fastfood restaurants. It is polite to leave a tip in classy restaurants, though.?

(Visit Indonesia)

Bunaken National Park, North Sulawesi

2009-06-17T00:18:00.000-07:00

A flat island about 15 km from Manado, with a friendly people. The coral reefs off Bunaken island shouldn't be missed while you are in Manado. These magnificent virgin reefs are still relatively unspoiled. The drop-off walls at Liang cove is not only rare in the world, with caves, gullies and caverns, harboring an immense wealth of marine life. Spectacular formation of reefs begin with flat at about 5 m depth. These plunge downward to form underwater vertical crevices with often reach depth on several hundred meters. On these beautiful reefs, a wonderful collection of marine life thrives.

The Bunaken reef is a chain of over 40 five star dive spots. The Marine Park is spectacular with the greatest concentration of tropical fish, coral species and world famous wall diving.
Clear, warm waters (sea temperatures usually range between 27-30 degrees C), light currents and calm seas allow easy access to the underwater attraction awaiting visitors to the five-islands of the Bunaken-Manado Tua National Marine Park which sits directly offshore of Manado. Bunaken is the standout favorite, with the highest density of schooling fish and the greatest probability to see larger species such as turtles, sharks, and napoleon wrasse. There are enough sites here to keep any diver happy for over a week without going elsewhere.

The Dive Sites :
Most diving takes place near Bunaken and Manado Tua, because of their many excellent sites. The following is representative of the diving in the area.

Lekuan Walls (I, II, III)
This long wall on Bunaken is divided into three sites: Lekuan I, II and III. Together they represent the park's best. Steep walls are marked with deep crevices, sea fans and giant sponges. The shallows are filled with fishes. The wall, often protected from stronger currents, is frequented by bumphead parrotfish, turtles, and Napoleon wrasses.
Mandolin
Mandolin has a knockout reef crest and a wall that attracts thousands of fishes like schooling fusiliers, surgeonfish, unicornfish, and bannerfish. They are acclimated to divers and are easily approachable.
Bunaken Timor
There are strong currents and lots of fishes on this long wall. The shallow reef isn't as spectacular as some but there are turtles, sharks, eagle rays, and other big fishes in the blue. Overhangs and small caves mark the wall.
Tanjung Kopi
Tanjung Kopi is a nice wall with a small school of barracuda and lots of sweetlips. Visibility in the shallows is not terrific but the numbers of fishes make up for it. Nudibranches and fire gobies are easy to spot here.
Siladen Island
Siladen has a beautiful wall of soft corals that bloom when the current is running. The shallows are nice with lots of fishes and schooling snappers.
Muka Gereja
Muka Gereja is a pretty site with thousands of fishes in the shallows and deeper canyons that lead to the wall.
Barracuda Point
Barracuda Point, on northwest Montehage, is one of the furthest sites. A school of giant barracuda are regulars along with jacks and tuna.
Manado Wreck
This 60m (200ft) long German merchant ship sank near Molas Beach in 1942. It sits upright with the bow at 23m (78ft). The ship is split near amidships back to the stern, exposing the wheelhouse and cargo holds. Dives finish up on a nearby shallow reef. Expect 10-15m (30-50ft) visibility.

Getting There

Bunaken Island is easily reached from Manado by motorized outrigger boat start from Manado harbor, Molas, Kalasey and Tasik Ria beaches. The public boats from Manado to Bunaken are leaving daily around 2 p.m (depending on tide), except Sundays, from Pasar Jengki near Manado harbor. Back from Bunaken to Manado usually early in the morning, around 7-8 a.m

Where to Stay

On the island you have the choice amongst a number of homestays, with rates starting at
Rp. 40 000 per day and person including full board. Some of the dive operations on Bunaken are offering more up-market accommodation, and even running water.

Moving Around

You can explore the land on foot. And you can use a boat to move from one dive sites to another sites.

Dining Guide

There are several of restaurants and cafes throughout Manado and the islands. Try their specialties: seafood, bubur manado and food made of coconuts!

Souvenir Tips

Sea-related products, such as items made of seashells, corals, etc

Other Things to See or Do

Diving, swimming, and snorkeling.
Walking around on the beach.
Sampling the tempting seafood cuisine.
Ornithologists and amateur bird-watchers might find visiting Tangkoko Dua Sudara Nature Reserve entertaining.

Travel Tips

Entrance tags and tickets can be purchased through marine tourism operators based in Manado and in the Bunaken National Park, or can be purchased from one of three ticket counters in Bunaken and Liang villages on Bunaken Island and on Siladen Island;
You should be aware that during the absolute peak season months July and August it usually gets VERY busy. Many of the better resorts and dive operators will not be able to accept walk-ins during that time since they are fully booked. Better make a reservation before;
Try to hire equipment from larger firms as these tend to be more reliable, but remember the responsibility of checking the equipment is ultimately yours.

(Visit Indonesia)

Mentawai Island: the Ultimate Diversity of the Hidden Paradise

2009-06-17T00:14:00.000-07:00

The Place and the People

www.freelinesurf.com.au

Getting There

Take flight from Sukarno Hatta air port, Jakarta to Tabing air port, Padang-west Sumatra (flight served every day)
Trip from Teluk Bayur port, Padang to Mentawai island by Ferry

www.freelinesurf.com.au

Moving Around

To access all the beauties offered, you can use boat owned by local people. You can find the boat a long the beach and the rate depend on your bargaining power

www.freelinesurf.com.au

Other Things to See or Do

Beach Activities

sight seeing
Diving
Snorkeling

Cultural Activities

Learn how to perform the Traditional dances (war dance and gratitude to nature)
Traditional ceremonies
Mentawai is one of the best place to conduct an Ethnographic study since its one of the oldest tribe in Indonesia

Ecotourism Activities
As the habitat for rare primate, the natural rain forest of Mentawai will be the perfect place for research or other educational purpose. Here, you can conduct research about

Snub-nosed monkey/Simakobu (Simias concolor) monkey family eat leaf as primary food
Joja or Lutung Mentawai (Presbytis potenziani) easily identified for the long tail, white face and black hair head
Bokkoi atau Beruk Mentawai (Macaca pagensis)
Kloss Gibbon/Bilou or Siamang Kerdil (Hylobates klossii) famous for the beautiful voice, different compared to general monkey

Travel Tips

Nature and culture come to be understood and respected
Bring your own surf board with you, because its may hard to find surf board shop in Mentawai
You may arrange your travel using the local travel agent in Indonesia
Great wave can be find year round, but best wave is during dry season March to October
Bring your personal medicine
You may arrange your visit by contact the travel agent and airline services in Indonesia

Photos Copyrigt : www.freelinesurf.com.au

(Visit Indonesia)

Lampung & Krakatau Volcanic Island

2009-06-17T00:12:00.000-07:00

Ancient Chinese travel chronicles refer to a place in the most southerly part of Sumatra called “Lampung” or “place of southerly winds”. The province is gene-rally flat with the highest mountains of Gunung Pesagi, Tanggamas, Seminiung, Sekincau and Raya all being dormant volcanoes. Bandar Lampung, the Provincial capital, was formerly two separate towns, Tanjungkarang and the port of Teluk Betung, which after the infamous eruption of Krakatau were both completely covered in volcanic ash. In the course of development, however this town have merged together to become one single city.

Tourist Office:
Jl. Ahmad Dahlan No. 79, Gunung Mas,
Bandar Lampung 35211
Phone. (0721) 263401, 361430
Fax. (0721) 266184

Getting there:
Domestic airlines have daily flight from Jakarta. Rajabasa bus terminal is one of the busiest in Sumatra, with a constant flow of departures. The trip from Jakarta takes eight hours which include crossing Sunda strait between Merak in Java and Bakaheuni Lampung by ferry. Three trains a day run from Palembang.

Tourism Events
Krakatau Festival. This annual event is held at the end of August 25-30 2008 the festival commemorate Krakatau’s eruption in the late 19th century. The volcano is located in the Sunda Strait, South of Lampung, in the southern tip of Sumatra.

Places of Interest=]

Bandar Lampung has a Museum and a Monument of Krakatau Eruption.

Krakatau Island

Krakatau is an inhabited island and located on the southern part of the Bay of Lampung. Krakatau is reachable in three hours by boat from Canti, a fishing village near Kalianda, South Lampung. Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau) is still growing, first emerging from the sea in early 1928, 45 years after the legendary eruption in 1883.

Krakatau Island is currently among three destination in Indonesia that has been qualified in the New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign held by the New 7 Wonders Foundation (two other candidates is Lake Toba and and Komodo National Park). You could support Krakatau Island to become the New 7 Wonders of Nature by voting through the following the URL:

http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/liveranking/

Pugung Archaeological

Pugung Archaeological Site in Pugung Raharjo village, 40 kms northeast of Bandar Lampung is a site of megalith and prehistoric relics, as well those of the classical Hindu-Buddhist period.

Merak Belantung Beach

Merak Belantung Beach is 40 km south of Bandar Lampung, on the way to the seaport of Bakauheni, the beach is ideal for swimming and wind surfing. Cottages are available.(Visit Indonesia)

Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi-Land of The Heavenly Kings

2009-06-17T00:04:00.000-07:00

Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi-Land of The Heavenly Kings

The road from Makassar or Ujung Pandand to Toraja runs along the coast for about 130 km's and then hits the mountains. After the entrance to Tana Toraja you enter a majestic landscape with giant gray, granites and stones and blue mountains at a distance after passing the market village of Mebali. They form a sharp contrast with the lively green of the fertile, rain-fed terraces and the rusty read of the tropical laterite soil. This is Tana Toraja, one of the most splendid areas in Indonesia.

Tana Toraja has a specific and unique funeral ceremony which is called Rambu Solo. In Tana Toraja, dead body is not buried, but it is put in Tongkonan for several times, even can be more than ten years until the family have enough money to held the ceremony. After ceremony, the dead body is brought to the cave or to the wall of the mountain. The skulls show us that the dead body is not buried but just put on stone or ground, or put in the hole.The funeral festival season begins when the last rice has been harvested, usually in late June or July, and lasts through to September.

By Air
Directly from Hasanuddin airport, Makassar or Ujung Pandang, proceed to TANA TORAJA (twice a week on tuesday and friday) through the airport of Rantetayo, near Makle, 24 km south of Rantepao and there is a bus service to town.

By Land

Buses to Rantepao from Ujung Pandang leave daily from Ujung Pandang. The journey takes 8 hours and includes a meal stop. Tickets should be bought in town but coaches actually leave from DAYA bus terminal, 20 minutes out of town by bemo. Coaches typically leave in the morning ( 7 am ), noon ( 1 pm ) and at night ( 7 pm).
Several companies in Rantepao run buses back to Ujung Pandang with the departure time and prices. The number of buses each day depends on the number of passengers.

Tourist who wants to stay in the heart of the city has many choices since there is lot of hotels available. Or if you had an adventurous soul, you can sleep in villages on the way.

Bemo is the best way to get to know the locals, besides chartered vehicles (minibuses and Jeeps) with or without driver. While you are in the village you can take a walk to move around.

Exploring the market; You should not to be missed going to the traditional market. Here you can get the top end of Toraja coffee beans [like Robusta and Arabica]. And several local veggies, fruits Tamarella or Terong Belanda and gold fish [ikan mas].
Visit Batu Tumonga Plateu; It means stone that facing to the sky. From here can be seen many volcanic stones comes up in between padi fields. And, several giant stones became cave graveyard. The views is pretty awesome. The huge of Tana Toraja [Toraja land] looks so lush and greenery. Like a patchwork in gradation hue of green color
Palawa is an excellent village to visit a Tongkonan, or a burial place still swarming with celebrations and festivals.
Take a side trip from Rantepao to Kete, a traditional village with excellent handicraft shops. Behind the village on a hillside is a grave site with lifesize statues guarding over old coffins

Most of the times, you can't eat at these locations; however more warung and restaurants appear along the road. You can also bring your own foods and drinks.

There is a souvenirs shop where you can buy everything specific from Tana Toraja. There are clothes, bags, wallets and other handicrafts.

Visitor are expected to adhere to local dress customs and to bring a token present, such as cigarettes or coffee whenever entered Tongkonan.
As roads are not always paved, it is necessary to use a jeep or walk, even when the weather is good (between May and October).
Beware with your head whenever going inside to Tongkonan, The Torajan traditional house.
Enrekang, Makale and Toraja Higland are surrounded by astonishing volcanic rocky cliffs. Do not miss it , just stop and take picture for awhile and you will not regret.

">Further information

Address : Jl. Ahmad Yani No. 62A, Rantepao, Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi (Celebes)
Phone : (0423) 21277,25455
Fax. : (0423) 25455
E-mail Address : pariwisata.toraja@gmail.com
Blog Address : http://www.xanga.com/pariwisata_toraja
Website : http://pariwisata.toraja.googlepages.com

(Visit Indonesia)

INDONESIA Street Food

2008-12-23T00:45:00.000-08:00

Living in a country that has endless variety of food and drinks, Indonesians do eat out, but the majority does not go to restaurants. The local food scene relies heavily on street food. Indonesians savour the delicious meals offered by ubiquitous street vendors day and night for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Living in a country that has endless variety of food and drinks, Indonesians do eat out, but the majority do not go to restaurants. The local food scene relies heavily on street food. Indonesians savour the delicious meals offered by ubiquitous street vendors day and night for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Street food is a quick meal sold by a vendor with a push cart, basket, at a stall, or possibly at a store where customers can see the preparation of food clearly. It provides a close connection between the customer and the street food, unlike having a plate of food in a restaurant.

The types of food offered vary from a simple fried tofu to a much more complicated dish like gudeg (raw jackfruit cooked in a Javanese traditional way that originated from Yogyakarta). In big cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Semarang and Medan, the street vendors offer many a traditional food from various regions in the archipelago. But in smaller cities, they are usually of the local cuisine.

The most commonly found street food is bakso or meatballs that are usually served in a bowl, like soup, with noodles, bean curds (tofu), eggs, and/or fried meat.

Another popular soup-like street food is soto. It is mainly comprised of broth and vegetables. The meats most commonly used are beef and chicken, but there are also sotos with mutton and pork. It is usually accompanied by rice or compressed rice. Sotos are differentiated by the ingredients in them, such as soto ayam (chicken) and soto kambing (mutton).

There are many sotos in Indonesia, as different regions and ethnicities have their own ways of preparing the cuisine, such as soto Madura (from East Java), soto Betawi (from Jakarta), soto Padang (from West Sumatra), so to Bandung (from West Java), soto Banjar (from South Kalimantan), and coto Makassar (from South Sulawesi).

The other popular delicacy often sold by street vendors is satay. It is a dish consisting of chunks or slices of dice-sized meat (chicken, goat, lamb, beef, pork, or fish) on bamboo skewers, which are grilled over a wood or charcoal fire, then served with various spicy seasonings, mostly made of ground nuts. Satay may have originated in Java or Sumatra, but is very popular outside Indonesia too. Similar to soto bakso and soto, there are many types of satay from sate Madura to Padang, sate Iilit, sate susu, kulit, sate Ponorogo and many more.

Nasi goreng (steamed rice stir-fried with eggs, meatballs, chicken/beef/shrimp, assorted vegetables and often with sweet soy sauce seasoning) is also very popular along with nasi rawon (rice served with dark beef soup) originally from East Java. The dark colour comes from the meaty seeds of kluwak nuts. Usually served with uncooked mung bean sprouts and salty duck eggs, pecel (a mixture of vegetables and traditional crackers with spicy peanut paste). Madiun and Blitar in East Java are popular for their pecel and gado-gado (a mixture of vegetables, crackers and rice with peanut flavoured sauce). The taste is sweet in Eastern Java and salty in Western Java. (Visit Indonesia)

West Sumatra

2008-11-20T00:39:00.000-08:00

Much of its highland formed by the Bukit Barisan Mountain range; virgin jungle inhabited by elephants, tigers, leopard and rhinos. Minang people has firey-hot dishes and ancient matriarchal customs. The women own property and the men leave home to seek their fame and fortune. Travelling is considered a mark of success, Padang restaurants are found in all major towns across the nation. The people are hospitable and eloquent; primarily speak bahasa Minang, with poetic style of speech. West Sumatran days are filled with colourful ceremonies and festivals. Legend has it the Minangkabau are descendants of the youngest son of Alexander the Great, King Maharjo Dirajo. During the early 19th century, the area was disrupted by wars between the followers of the traditional Islam or Padris, and those adhering to the traditional law (Adat) of the Minangkabau.

Tourist Office

West Sumatra: Jl. Khatib Sulaiman 22
Padang, Phone. (62-751) 55711, 446282, Fax. 55183
http://www.minangkabautourism.info
Mentawai Islands: Jl. Raya Tuapejat km 4, Phone. (0759) 320042, 320042, 320042, 320042.

Getting there

Padang’s Tabing Airport is the main gateway to West Sumatra and is serviced by Merpati Nusantara Airlines.
PELNI’s ship ”Kerinci” sails every two weeks for Jakarta from Teluk Bayur harbour. Smaller vessels from Muara harbour sail to small towns along the entire west coast of Sumatra.
Regular bus services run between Padang, Bukittinggi and other major cities of Sumatra, as well as via the trans-Sumatra Highway to Jakarta.

Tourism Events

Dances performed on the Bukittinggi museum’s open stage every Sunday and on public holidays, the famous bullfights at Padang Lawas (6 Km south of Bukittinggi) are every Tuesday at 05.00 p.m, where the antics of local owners and bettors are as much fun as the fights themselves.
Pacu Jawi every July performs bullrace in Payakumbuh. The uniqueness of its race, the joky bite its tail to make the bull runs faster.
Selaju Sampan and Dragon boat race every September is a traditional watersports in Muko-Muko, Lake Maninjau.
Wild Hog Hunting every May on Sunday in Solok by the farmers with well - trained dog.

Places of Interest

Air Manis

Air Manis 4 kms South of Padang, down the hill and across Batang Arau River is a fishermen village on Padang’s scenic west coast. A rock standing in the water a short distance from the shore is said to be the hull of Malin Kundang’s boat, which shipwrecked in a storm after it was cursed by the defiant young man’s mother.

Bungus

Bungus 20 kms South of Padang sheltered by a bay, there are two good beaches : Ca¬roli¬na and Karang Tirta.

Anai Resort and Golf Course

Anai Resort and Golf Course. The Anai resort is located in gorgeous natural setting roughly 550 meters above sea level. This resort is incorporating first-class hotel facilities.

Batang Palupuah

Batang Palupuah, 12 km from Bukittinggi, is a refuge for the giant flower Rafflesia arnoldi, blooming only once a year in November. A guide can be obtained from the office at the reserve.

Rimbo Panti Nature Reserve

Rimbo Panti Nature Reserve. Just aside the road to Medan, at the distance of 108 kms from Bukittinggi, this nature and wild life reserve where various monkey species and black panther found in here.

Bung Hatta Forest Reserve

Bung Hatta Forest Reserve. Situated 15 kms from Padang in the direction of Solok, known in the past as the Setya Mulya Botanic Garden. The reserve has giant flower Rafflesia arnoldi.

Batu Basurek

Batu Basurek. A stone with inscriptions in the old Palava script of India, bearing the legend of Adityawarman in the year 1347.

The Twin Lakes

The Twin Lakes (Lake Diatas and Lake Dibawah) 65 km from Padang the two lakes, one a little higher than the other are located at +1000 meters above sea level and covered by thick mist. There are seve¬ral cottages and coffee shops in Lake Diatas resort.

Pagaruyung Kingdom

Pagaruyung Kingdom. Situated at the ouskirt of Batusangkar the capital city of Tanah Datar Regency. In the past, it was the seat of the ancient of Minangkabau Kingdom, Pagaruyung : which at the beginning of its history was ruled by a queen named Bundo Kanduang. Relics of that ancient past are still scaffered over the area among them are Batusangkar stone inscriptions found in some areas.

Lake Singkarak

Lake Singkarak is surrounded with green hills and mountains, the biggest lake in west 129,70 kms square and lies on the Trans Sumatra between Bukittinggi and Solok regency. It is 36 km from Bukittinggi or 86 km from Padang.

Tanjung Alai

Tanjung Alai. Located at 7 kms Lake Singkarak, enjoy gliding in the fresh and coolness of its air.

Mount Talang tea plantation

Mount Talang tea plantation. 35 km from Padang, one of the highest mountains 2,572 meters above sea level has a green and fresh views. From here you can overlook the beautiful Twin Lakes and Lake Singkarak.

The Mystical Rao-rao

The Mystical Rao-rao. Some 15 kilometers from Batusangkar. A village in which the Minangkabau building style is well preserved.

Belimbing Village

Belimbing Village. Some 20 km from Batusangkar, this traditional village has some beautiful old Minangkabau long houses. Around the village one can enjoy the beauty view and traditional social life of Minang¬kabau matriarchal society.

Tabek Patah

Tabek Patah. 30 kilometers from Batusangkar, is a lookout point in the foothills offering a wide open view on the magnificent central Minangkabau countryside.

Batu Sangkar

Batu Sangkar is 41 km southeast of Bukittinggi, a center of the Minang-kabau culture. Megalithic remains found in the area support the theory of a large community li¬ving in the area some 2000 years ago. Many fascinating historical sites were found at Batu Basurek, a stone with inscriptions in the Palava script of India, bearing the le¬gend Adityawarman, the Emperor of Kanaka Mahindra (the island of gold).
Pariaman has 300 years old traditional houses. Make sure to visit the open council grounds with ancient stone seats, the mosque and hot spring.

Ngarai Sianok

Ngarai Sianok is a canyon in a city, a steep colorful valley surrounded by 100 meter cliffs. 4 km from Bukittinggi, there are many tunnels and caves made by the Japa¬nese during WW II. The pathway leads to Koto Gadang that is renowned for its fine silver filigree and hand embroidery.

Pandai Sikek village

Pandai Sikek village is 13 km south of Bukit Tinggi and famous for its hand wo¬ving and carving industry. The village has a thousand of looms and turning out richly colored cloth. Carved wooden ornaments and furniture also made here.

Harau Valley

Harau Valley is 15 km northeast Payakumbuh, 100 to 200 meter steep granite walls shelter this 315 ha fertile valley. It is a nature and wildlife reserve, where wild goats and tigers still roam.

Ngalau Indah Cave

Ngalau Indah Cave can be reach on the way from Bukittinggi to Payakumbuh, it has extend deep into the mountainside. The domain of thousands of bats, the main entrance is the outline of an elephant visible on its face. The pats through these caves lead out to the top of the mountain and panoramic views.

Siberut National Park

Siberut National Park: Using a regular ferry, which regularly sail three times a week in the night from Padang (Muara Padang) to Muara Siberut/Muara Sikabaluan/Muara Saibi. The trip takes approximately 10 hours of sailing. Or use an express ferry that tra¬vels every Thursday morning from Padang to the town of Tuapejat in Sipora Island and then further to the southern part of Siberut Island for only four hours of sailing.

Padang

Padang is the capital of West Sumatra; and gateway to the homeland of Minangkabau. Its bustling harbours a crossroads for rubber, cinnamon, coffee, tea and nutmeg. There are Minang houses, prehistoric artifacts, ceramics, manuscripts and modern art. In Kampung Cina (Chinatown) you can wander streets lined with turn-of-the century houses, Chinese herbalist and coffee shops. Good hiking and wonderful views of the city can be had a Bukit Monyet and Gunung Padang.

Lake Maninjau

Lake Maninjau Perhaps the most beautiful lake in Sumatra, Maninjau is far smaller and less developed thas its neighbour lake Toba to the north the road to the lake is famous for its forty four bends oftering superb panoramas as it meaders down to the water’s edge. The lake is punctuated by pretty Moorish styled mosques, perhap designed by some long ago Arab traders who came to her shores. Datted about the lake are small and friendly villages. Mountain bikes for rent ofter a perfect way to explore along the flat roads. Small hotels.

Bukittinggi

Bukittinggi is the West Sumatra’s center of culture and tourism, nestled in the higlands north of the provincial capital of Padang. It is a pleasant two-hour drive (90 km) from Padang through the gorgeus Anai Valley up to Agam Plateu. Located 930 metres above sea level, it has a cool climate and is surrounded by tree volcanoes: Tandikat, Singgalang and Merapi. The central landmark is the town’s clocktower, reffered by the local people as Jam Gadang. It overlooks the market square, a beehive of activity and fantastic place to do some souvenir shopping. Also worth visiting is the Rumah Gadang Museum, a traditional extended family house built in the 19th century.

Mentawai Islands

Mentawai Islands is made up from four islands: Siberut, Sipora, Pagai Utara and Pagai Selatan. The people of these islands still live in comparative isolation, maintaining their age-old ways. Siberut is an area for trekking and visiting these ancient cultures, and its virgin rain forest, inhabited by a number of some rare monkey’s species. Beautiful co¬ral reefs are found offshore(Visit Indonesia)

North Sulawesi

2008-10-23T00:36:00.000-07:00

North Sulawesi with Manado as the capital city is a land of magnificent coral reefs protecting virgin white beaches and mountains. The Sangir-Talaud islands, to the north of mainland, from a natural bridge to the Philippines providing a convinient route for peoples and culture can still be found here. Today the main industries of the province are copra and cloves. North Sulawesi has larger concentration of coconut trees than any other part of Indonesia. The Dutch, however, have had the strongest influence on the development of the region. First contact with European traders came in the 16th century with the arrival of the Spanish and Portuguese, and with them they bought Christianity. It wasn’t until the arrival of the Dutch that Christianity became the predominant religion of the area. Manado’s main attractions are off-shore: the trully incredible coral reefs off nearby Bunaken Island are now a protected Marine Park and offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Diponegoro 111, Manado 95112
Phone. (0431) 851723, 851835
Fax. (0431) 852730
E-mail : nstours@indosat.net.id
www.northsulawesitourism.com

Getting there:

Regular flights from Jakarta via Makassar service to Sam Ratulangi airport in Manado.

Tourism Events

Full Moon Festival is held in mid-October at Bitung harbor Manado, to seek blessings from God. The Minahasa people dance and sing with a great joy.
Bunaken Festival. Bunaken is a small island of the coast of Manado known for it’s fabulous under water gardens. Not far, lies the volcano, Manado Tua. Highlights during the festival include art and cultural performances from the four ethnic group living in the North Sulawesi Province.
Lake Tondano Festival celebrating the cul¬ture of Minahasa tribe perform Maengket dance and kolintang (bamboo orchestra) on Nov 2008.

Places of Interest

Tasik Ria

Tasik Ria. Tasik Ria is situated about 20 km southwest of Manado and has a beautiful sandy beach fringed with coconut trees. Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, fishing, diving and snorkeling, Tasik Ria seashores resort hosts the four-star Manado Beach Hotel, with 250 rooms, a swimming pool, bar & discotique. It is easily reached by public bus or taxi from Manado.

Tara-Tara

Tara-Tara. 15 km further southwest from Tasik Ria this village has traditionally been the center of Minahasan culture and arts. Traditional dances enthrall on the open air at Kemer Garden. There are World War II at Japanese caves at the Ranowangko dam, and the Kemer natural bathing spot nearby in the shadow of volcano lokon, mount Kasehe and mount Tatawiran.

Watu Pinabetengan=]

Watu Pinabetengan. According to Minahasa history, this is a place where the ancestors first divided up the land among the people. The famous megalithic stone here is covered with crude, mysterious drawings and a script which has never been deciphered. It is located in Tompanso, about 45 km from Manado.

Bukit Kasih Toar Lumimuut=]

Bukit Kasih Toar Lumimuut is a beautiful hill remains historical chronicle, situated in the vicinity or Kanonang Village, Minahasa Regency 55 km from Manado and easily reached by public bus from Manado’s Karambasan bus terminal heading for Kawang¬koan then take a mikrolet or ponny trap “Bukit Kasih” or Hill of Love is a spiritual epicenter where followers of different faiths (Christian, Catholic, Islam, Hinduism and Buddism) commune, medicate and worship in the fresh air of open natural atmosphere.

Manado Tua Island=]

Manado Tua Island. Manado Tua is the main island of the Manado Bay group. A path to the top of Central Mountain takes several hours to climb, but the view takes in all the islands in Manado Bay. The beach is a mixture of white sand and coral formations. The reef lines the coast of Tangkoko Batu¬angus in a nature reserve. A permit should be obtained from Sub Balai Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam (Nature Conservation Office) in Manado, before heading for this reserve.

Waruga Cemetery=]

Waruga Cemetery. This ancient ceme¬tery of Minahasan ancestor consists of 144 stone sarcophagi, remnants of the megalitic age. “Waruga” sarchopagi are unique square stones with holes in the middle and prism shaped lids. The tombs are carved with various motifs such as humans’ beings, plants, animals, and traditional geometrical motifs like clouds, strings, curls and double braids. The cemetery is located in Sawangan village, about 24 km from Manado.

Tangkoko Batuangus=]

Tangkoko Batuangus. An open grassland nature reserve covering the slopes of Mt. Dua Saudara, the park is compossed of impressive green hills and valleys with wondrous scenic views of natural beauty. Black apes, maleo birds, snakes, wild pigs, hornbills and rusa deer live in the 3,196 hectare reserve. There are several cottages and small restaurants nearby. It is only reachable by four-wheel drive jeep from Girian village over a rough road.

Dumoga Bone National Park=]

Dumoga Bone National Park. Located on the border between two districts, approxiamately 260 km from Manado, this park straddles Dumoga in Bolaang Mongondow and Bone in Gorontalo. Its mountains and hills are blanketed in dense forests, making it an ideal habitat for rare species like maleo birds, anoas, hornbills and Tarsius spectrums (the smallest primate in the world).

Lake Tondano-Remboken=]

Lake Tondano-Remboken. About 36 km southwest of Manado is Lake Tondano, 600 m above sea level. The drive to Tondano passes through charming villages and sprawling clove plantations. Situated right on the edge of the lake is the Remboken Tourist site, an ideal place for after skiing, fishing, and natural boating. Bungalows, a natural hot water swimming pool and restaurants are available.

Lake Moat=]

Lake Moat. Situated in the highlands about 900 m above the sea level the lake is surrounded by a dense forest abounding with birds.

Ranopaso=]

Ranopaso. Sparkling clean natural hotsprings set in a gorgeous setting of terraced rice fields make this a popular tourist destination. Bungalows are available at Koya village, about 3 km from Tondano.

Wale Papataupan=]

Wale Papataupan. Situated at Sonder village, about 37 km from Manado, Wale Papatuan is a sumptuous tourist spot with bungalows, a swimming pool, steam bath facilities, restaurants, fish ponds, and an open stage for cultural performances. It is easily reachable from Manado by public bus or taxi.

Japanese Monument=]

Japanese Monument. Since Bitung play important role during the Pacific War as home base for Japanese Imperial forces, it becomes the last resting place for their soldier who died in the area. The Japanese and North Sulawesi governments jointly founded this monu¬ment.

Bunaken=]

Bunaken. About half an hour by a motorized outrigger canoe from Manado, Bunaken Island is a veritable paradise for snorkelers and scuba enthusiasts. The coral reef off Bunaken Island is particularly noted for the drop-off at Liang Cove. It is described by international divers as being among the most spectacular anywhere in the world, with caves, gullies, and caverns harbouring an immense wealth of marine life. The water averages a balmy 28 degrees C and visibility is over than 30 m.

Manado=]

Manado Modern Manado is an engaging, prosperous city. Like Jakarta, it has an impressive variety of eye-cacthing statues, and an interesting mix of Indonesian, Filipino and Chinese cultures and architectural styles. Although Manado has its own port, the principal deep-water port northern Sulawesi is at Bitung, about 48 km from Manado. This seaport serves domestic and international sea trade.

Saronde Island=]

Saronde Island This tiny but exquisite island with white-sand beaches for swimming, boating, snorkeling, diving, and water skiing is located in the district of Gorontalo.(Visit Indonesia)

East Kalimantan

2008-08-05T00:35:00.000-07:00

East Kalimantan

As a major producer of oil and timber; East Kalimantan is at present the most industrially advanced province of the island and the second largest province in Indonesia. It is also the home of the original inhabitants of Kalimantan, the Orang Gunung or Mountain People. The tribes are collectivelly called Dayak, although this name is not embraced by many tribes-people themselves, who prefer to be known by sepa¬rate tribal names such as Iban, Punan and Banuaq. Local tribes traditionally live in the communal longhouses called Lamin or Umaq Daru. They are built on wooden piles, sometimes 3 metres high as protection against wild animals and flooding. The Punan people are nomadic hunter-gatherers, and only use the longhouse at the height of the rainy season. Steeped in tradition, the interior of the longhouse is typically divided into separate family quarters with communal areas connecting each of the families. It is in the communal areas that village meetings are held and ceremonies performed, thereby reinforcing the strong tribal bonds in the face of rapidly advancing 20th century’s technology.

Guardian statues are normally placed in front of longhouses to protect them against evil’s spirits who bring disease and bad fortune. The more remote and traditional tribes-people have pierced earlobes, which over the year have become stretched by the weight of heavy gold or brass rings, and beautifully elaborate tattoos. Traveling along the extensive Mahakam river system is a fascinating adventure. Ri¬ver boats slide unobtrusively through heavily silt-laden waters, wild orchids drip off trees. Proboscis monkeys signal your arrival to the crocodiles and legendary hornbills. A 5,000 acre Orchid Reservation close to the village of Kersik Luwai cultivates 27 different species of orchild including the very rare “Cologenia pandura” the Black Orchid.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Kusuma Bangsa Balaikota Samarinda 75123 Phone (0541) 741669, 731447 Fax. (0541) 736866

Getting there:

Balikpapan is the gateway to East Kalimantan, Garuda Indonesia Airlines fly from Kuala Lumpur to Balikpapan via Jakarta. Balikpapan can be reach by flight directly from Jakarta, Manado and Surabaya as well as from Tarakan.

Tourism Events=]

Erau Festival, Tenggarong Mahakam River, East Kalimantan. Catch a rare glimpse of Dayak and their culture during the Erau festival. The event is held on Sept’ 08 to celebrate Tenggarong, Founding as the capital city of an ancient kingdom several centuries ago.

Places of Interest

Samarinda=]

Samarinda is a capital of East Kalimantan province known for its fine sarong. The Garden of Mulawarman University has the education forest with 62.4 ha arboretum, about 12 km north of Samarinda. A number of modest but comfortable hotels availablein Samarinda.

Balikpapan=]

Balikpapan, the center of Kalimantan’s oil industry, is also the gateway to East Kalimantan with air and sea connections to Jakarta and other major points in Indonesia. Balikpapan has a major number of good hotels, including one of the international standard, as well as recreation facilities. It has the second-busiest airport in the nation after Jakarta.

Tanah Merah Indah-Lempake=]

Tanah Merah Indah-Lempake. This is recreational park called Tanah Merah Indah-Lempake ith a water fall, located 16 km from downtown Samarinda. It can be reached by car or public transportation.

Tenggarong=]

Tenggarong, up to Mahakam river from Samarinda, is the capital of Kutai regency and was once the seat of the Kutai sultanate. The Sultan’s palace at the riverside is now a museum where the old royal paraphernalia are kept, as well as an excellent collection of antique Chinese ceramics. Dayak statues can be admired in the yard. A curious thing about the royal paraphernalia is that they display a strong resamblance with Java’s court traditions. Every 24th of September, the former palace becomes a stage of dance and music performances given to celebrate the town’s anniversary.

Berau=]

Berau. Found here are the remains of a king called the Keraton Gunung Tambur and The Keraton Sambaling.

Tanjung Isuy=]

Tanjung Isuy. This litle settlement around Lake Jempang, in the lake-studded East Kalimantan hinterland, has a traditional Da¬yak longhouse which has been turned into lodges for visitors. The grave of a Benuaq Dayak chief lies aside the hamlets’s only only road. Visitors are usually given a traditional Dayak Benuaq welcome. The trip over Tanjung Isuy over the Mahakam River is along but interesting one past floating village and forest scenery. See the magic dance of the “belian” a Dayak tribe‘s doctor. Dressed in skirt of leaves, cures his patients at night by performing the rites prescribed by ancestors to the frenzied accompaniment of gongs and drums. Many Benuaq Dayaks still prefer the old cures to the modern ones at the government public health centers which are nearby.

Derawan and Sangalaki Islands=]

'Derawan and Sangalaki Islands 3 hours by long boat from Tanjung Redep in the north, you can reach Derawan Island. There are many rare animals such as the green turtle, the scarlet turtle, star fruit turtle and sea cow. Derawan and Sangalaki islands hold an amazing marine environment, including fabulous coral formations, canary crabs, green turtles and pearls.

Muara Ancalong=]

Muara Ancalong-Muara Wahau Dances at the Kenyah Dayak are often performed here for visitors at a traditional longhouse.(Visit Indonesia)

Banten

2008-07-10T00:34:00.000-07:00

Banten, once a powerful maritime capital rivaling the vast Javanese Mataram empire, is today a fishing village with an illustrious past. The Capital City of Banten Province is Serang. Old Banten is one of the well know historical objects, only 10 km from the town of Serang. In this site, we can find a lot of remains of Islamic Banten Kingdom which was founded between 16 and 18 century. This is the coastal area where the Dutch formerly landed to trade. Banten has few relics to show of its past grandeur, however, there are the ruins of powerful Moslem kingdoms such as the pala¬ces of Surosowan and Kaibon, the grand mosque of Mesjid Agung Banten (1599) and a Dutch fortress and an old Chinese temple. Old Banten is the city which was the capital of the Republic of Indonesia.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Ayib Usman No.1, Kaligandu, Serang 42151 Phone. (0254) 219836 Fax. (0254) 200220 Website : http//www.dispardabanten.com
Jl. Raya Air Kuta No.2 Bali, Phone (0361) 766184 http :// www.bantentourism.info

Getting there:
Soekarno Hatta International Airport is the main access from aboard to Banten. It also can be reach by car or motorbike through a route of Jakarta - Serang.

Tourism Events
Debus, a combination of traditional martial art performance and body invulnerability Gembrug - the opening act with drum percussion and Beluk Strident hysterical sound when it began to reach heavy level of performance and Pencak - single or pairs of traditional martial art performance.

Places of Interest

Baduy Traditional Society

Baduy Traditional Society. In the area of 5,101 hectares consisting or two parts : inner and outer Baduy tribes. Live in harmony with nature, avoid modern life. It is located at Lebak Regency.

Keraton Surosowan

Keraton Surosowan (The Palace of Surosowan) was built during the reign of Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin (1525-1552). Most of buildings were partly totally damaged. What remains is only the wall of the fortress ciecling the ruin of the monument. According to the old maps it is known that in the past the complexes of the palace were surrounded by a ditch as a guard. It was said, that in the past small ship was able to sail along the ditch or along the canal to the open sea.

Tasikardi

Tasikardi at Margasana village, Kramatwatu district is a part of arceological complex of Old Banten. Its width is approximatelly 5 hectares and in the cebter of the lake there is a square formed “islands”. During the period of the Kingdom of Banten, Tasikardi used irigate the recifields and as a water treatment system in Surosowan Palace.

Speelwijk Fortress

Speelwijk Fortress is located at kampung Pamarican, around at Banten Gulf. In the past it was used as the fortress of the Sultanate of Banten, before the Deutch pene¬trated to and accupied Banten.

Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung Kulon National Park. One of World Natural conservation as UNESCO declared. Observe the natural tropical forest, found the rare single horn rhino. The grazing area of buffaloes peacock and specific animals completed by beautiful islands around. There is a bus each day from Labuan to Taman Jaya which is on the edge of the Ujung Kulon national park. There simple cabins can be hired and a ranger can then take you on a walk into the park. It takes about six hours to reach a camping site. Food is not readily available so take some with you from Matahari in Labuan. Boats from and of the west.

Taman Jaya where the wood carving community, located nearby Ujung Kulon National Park.

Pulau Dua/Pulau Burung

Pulau Dua/Pulau Burung (Birds Island) is a natural bird conservation area for bird watching, located about 3 miles from the northern of Karangantu harbor. It can be reached by motorized pats or sail boats in 15 minutes. From April to August the island is visited by thousand of bird coming from the continent of Africa, Asia and Australia to lay and hatch their eggs. Soon after the young birds become mature, they will return to their original places. At least 50 kinds of birds and generally those are fishering birds that only to fly far distance such as herons, ducks, teals, fowis and other be able to lay 2-4 eggs, and stayed together in Pulau Dua of 8 hectares land.

The Tower of Bojong

The Tower of Bojong. Built in 1885 the Dutch, it is 75, 7 meter in height and it is an eighteen-story house light in Anyer Kidul. This area is an historical place. It is very well known for its 1000 km Daendles Post Road from Anyer to Panarukan (East Java) in 1811.

Karang Bolong Beach

Karang Bolong Beach is located 50 km from Serang town or 140 km from Jakarta, on Karang Bolong Street. Karang Bolong beach is the beach recreation area where there is a big rock with its hole in the center, facing the open sea.

The Hot Spring

The Hot Spring of Batu Kuwung. Its heat reaches 70-80 Fahrenheit degree. The hot water is iodized but it doesn’t contain any sulphur.

Mount Krakatau

Mount Krakatau is located at Sunda Strait. This volcano is very well known all over the world because its eruption in 1883 shocked the world and had caused a big disaster. The eruption of Krakatau was so powerful and its sound was heard in Australia and Colombo. The new volcano began emerged to surface in 1928. In 1951 geologists recorded that the height of Anak Gunung Krakatau was just above 72 m dpl, but right now it’s already reached a height of more than 200 m.

Rangkasbitung in Lebak Regency is a center of souvenirs made of Opal (Batu kali maya) and Onyx.

Bumi Jaya in Serang Regency produce various kind of export quality potteries.

Shopping Center Unleash the sense of discovery and experience some of the Indonesia’s most sophisticated shopping malls in Tangerang and Cilegon.

Golf Courses

Golf Courses. 11 golf course and 1 dri¬ving range all around Banten. The luxurious facilities, including 18 holes and first class accommodation.

Pulau Umang

Pulau Umang, white sandy beach over looking the crystal clear sea water, located 183 km about 4 hours driving by car and 5 min by boat from Jakarta, there is a resort and spa facilities to relax and living in nature with magnificient view of Krakatau and the Ujung Kulon National Park.

Mesjid Agung Banten

Mesjid Agung Banten This complex consists of a mosque monu¬ment having grave yards along its left and right sides, the monument of Tiyamah, a tower, and grave yard located in the north side.

Keraton Kaibon

Keraton Kaibon (The Palace of Kaibon) It is located at the village of Kroya on the bank of the road of Old Banten, approximately 7 km from the town of Serang or 1 km from Surosowan Palace. The name Kaibon was derived from the word Kai-i¬buan namely Ratu Asiah, taking over his son’s position, Sultan Rafiudin who was just 5 months old to lead the reign. (Visit Indonesia)

West Java

2008-04-05T00:30:00.000-07:00

The enchanting land of Sunda stretches from the Sunda Strait in the West to the borders of Central Java in the east. The region is primarily mountainous, with rich green valleys hugging lofty volcanic peaks, many of which surround the capital of the province, Bandung. The history of West Java is a story of trade, spices, and the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms. In the late 1500’s the region was ruled from mighty Cirebon, which still survives as a sultanate today, although a shadow of its former glory. West Java was one of the first contact points in Indonesia for Indian traders and their cultural influences and it was here that the Dutch and British first set foot in the archipelago.

West Java Provincial Tourist Office Jl. R.E. Martadinata No.209, Bandung 40114
Phone. (022) 7271385, 7273209
Fax. (022) 7271385 Website: http://www.westjava-indonesia.com

Domestic airlines serve to Bandung everyday. Buses from Central Java and Jakarta arrived in Leuwi Panjang. Several trains operate from Jakarta and Yogya to Bandung.

Wayang Golek (Wooden Puppets Show) is performed every Saturday night from 1.00 pm to 5 am at Auditorium Jalan Diponegoro 61, Bandung.
Kemilau Nusantara Festival is an annual event performed culture and crafts exhibition from all provinces in Indonesia.
Paper Kites Festival, Pangandaran Beach West Java. Participants of the kite flying contest come from the surrounding regions as well as from foreign countries. Beautiful kites of all sizes and shapes are flown in a contest that coincides with festivities held on October 2008.
During the harvest period in West Java. Folk Music and traditional dances are performed during the festival.

(Visit Indonesia)

East Nusa Tenggara

2008-03-02T00:27:00.000-08:00

The province consist over 550 islands, but its dominated bythe three main islands Flores, Sumba, and Timor. The arid landscape of eastern and southeastern Nusa Tenggara is the result of hot, dry winds blasting in form the Australian continent. In fact, in many coastal areas not a drop of rain falls during the most of the year. Flores is a Pourtuguese name which means “flower”, and ideally described the beauty to be found here. These long island between Sumbawa and Timor is crowded with volcanoes and mountains, dividing it into several regions with distinct languages and traditions. Predominantly Catholic and heavily influenced by the Pourtuguese, there are many examples of a strong European cultural heritage, like the Easter procession held in Larantuka, and the ro¬yal regalia of the former king in Maumere. Formerly known as Sandal wood Island, Sumba is now famous for its horses and it superb style for ikat cloth. West Sumba is famous for its enormous megalithic tombs and traditional thatched and peaked huts raised on stilts. Timor is the principal island in the province in terms of population and it is here that the provincial capital of Kupang is located.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Raya El Tari 2 No. 72 Kupang 85118 Telp. (0380) 833104, 833650
Fax. (0380) 821540, www.goseentt.com

Getting there:

Kupang as the provincial capital serves as the gate from Darwin (Australia) twice a week. Regular shuttle flights from Bali, Makassar and Surabaya provide excellent transportation links. There are PELNI ships calling at Nusa Tenggara Timur regularly sails from Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar, Makassar, Biak etc VV

Tourism Events=]

Pasola Jousting Ceremony in Sumba Island East Nusa Tenggara. “Pasola” is west Sumba’s most exciting ritual. Scores of colorfully arrayed horsemen riding bare back, battle with lances. During these mock wars, riders charge one another flinging blunt spears. The ceremony is held during February in the Lamboya and Kodi Villages and March in Gaura and Wanokaka. It’s begins several day after the full moon and coincides with the yearly arrival of strange multihued sea worms of the region’s shore. This event will be held on February 2008

Places of Interest

Kupang.

Kupang. The provincial capital of East Nusa Tenggara in western Timor is the center of government, business, trade, and education. The only sandalwood oil factory in Indonesia is located in this town. Kupang also the spot for international game fishing every October.

Camplong.

Camplong. A lovely community about 45 km from Kupang with regular market days and a natural swimming pool, where local people bathe, do their laundry, and socialize as they have for thousands of years. Camplong is also a forest reserve protecting rare animals such as “Cervus timorensis” deer and several species of parrots and monkeys.

Maumere.

Maumere. A port town on the northeastern coast of Flores is a good place to stopover on the way to Ende or to Larantuka. It is well connected by air with Kupang, Denpasar and Ujung Pandang, and is noted for its good beaches. The bay of Maumere is considered the best diving spot in Flores, a paradise for divers, underwater photo¬graphers, and anyone interested in marine biology. Ledalero museum on the outskirts of Maumere has an interesting collection of ethnological objects from the region. Visitors are welcome but advance arrangements should be made. Ledalero is also home to a major Catholic Seminary where many Florinese priests are trained.

Ende.

Ende. This town contains the home-in-exile of the first Indonesian president Soe¬karno during the early period of nationalist movements in 1936. The house has been repaired and is today a museum.

Semau Island.

Semau Island. Thirty minutes by boat from Kupang, this untainted island paradise is well worth a stopover. The surrounding crystal-clear waters offer exceptional snorkeling and swimming. Bamboo bungalows are available on the white sandy beach, and you can barbeque your freshly-caught dinner while enjoying a spectacular sunset.

Mt. Kelimutu.

Mt. Kelimutu. East Nusa Tenggara’s most-visited natural wonder and one of Indonesia’a most mysterious and dramatic sights, is found on top of this mountain, some 66 km from Ende, or 83 km from Maumere. The spectacular view of its three crater lakes, each with a distinct color, is not only a major tourist attraction, but the stuff of myth and legends. The lakes have continuously changed their colors over the years: today the largest is light turquoise, the next olive green and the third black. The local people believe that the souls of young people go to the first when they die, the old to the second, and the black lake is reserved for thieves and murderers.

Larantuka.

Larantuka. A little port nestled at the base of a tall hill at the eastern end of Flores; Larantuka has a strong Portuguese cultural heritage. The annual Easter Procession held in this town is well worth the trip if you are here at this time of the year.

Lamalera Whale Hunting

Lamalera Whale Hunting. Lamalera on Lembata Island is a whaling village. The months of May to September are the whale hunting season for the people of Lamalera. Using simple traditional tools as small row boats and hand-thrown harpoons, the hunters sail out to hunt these giant creatures of the sea. The catch is either consumed or sold.

Waikabubak.

Waikabubak. An archaic little town in Western Sumba, full of old graves carved in motifs of buffalo-horns, horses, nude men and women. There are several megalithic tombs. The fronts of many traditional houses are decorated with huge water buffalo horns from the animals sacrificed du-ring rituals of years gone by. Tarung village, an important ceremonial center, is located on top of a hill just a half kilometre to the west of Waikabubak.

Anakalang

Anakalang is the site of the “Purung Takadonga Ratu”, an important mass mariage festival held every two years, on a date determinated by the full moon.

Komodo Island.

Komodo Island. A small island of 280 square km, Komodo is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. It is famous for its giant pre-historic lizards, considered the last of their kind remaining in the world today. Called “ora” by the local people, Komodo “dragon” (Varanus Komodoensis) is actually a giant monitor lizard. Growing up to 3 to 4 meters in length, its ancestors roamed the earth up to about half a million years ago. The only human population on the island is at the fishing village called Komodo who suppiment their income breeding goats which are used to feed the li¬zards. The Komodo is protected by law and although they are considered harmless, it is advisable to keep them at a distance. Komodo Island is now a nature reserve, home to a number of rare bird species, deer, and wild pigs, which are prey to the lizards as well. This island can be reached by boat from Labuan Bajo.

Rote Island

Rote Island is a part of Kupang Regency in the west coast of Kupang. Rote has many historical relieves including fine unique Chinese porcelains as well as ancient arts are traditions. Rote Island also famous for its “Sasando” a traditional harpa which is made of palm leaves.

Nemberela Beach

Nemberela Beach is the most beautiful beach and ideal for surfing. Surfers from all over the world come here to try the rough surf from June to October. It is located at the South West part of Rote Island.

Labuanbajo

Labuanbajo A little fishing town at the extreme western part of Flores, this town serves as a jumping-off point for the trip to Komodo Island. It is a beautiful area for water skiing; wind Surfing, fishing, and many other marine activities.(Visit Indonesia)

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah - Exploring Indonesia in One Day

2008-01-03T00:24:00.000-08:00

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah or Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park was built to be the showcase of Indonesia, in this park visitors will find many Indonesia natural & cultural richness such as unique replication of traditional houses (pavilion) from all around Indonesia, an Indonesia archipelago shaped lake and many other fascinating attraction. The park is an Ideal spot for week-end family outing and also international tourist who did not have enough time to explore Indonesia.

It started with the idea of the late Ibu Tien Soeharto (former Indonesia first lady). The construction of TMII began in 1971 and it was official inaugurated on April 20, 1975.

Since its existence and in the course of time TMII continues to grow and developed in line with the dynamism of the community life of Indonesia. People are the more aware of the great advantages of the existence of TMII, with the mission to be a vehicle for the preservation and development of the culture and a means to strengthen the unity and integrity of the people of Indonesia.

TMII is considered as a vehicle presenting the diversity of the people of Indonesia and the variety of cultural wealth enables the community to gain interesting experience, knowledge and information regarding various aspect of culture, tradition, customs, forms of art as far as the introduction of cultural objects.

The beauty and cultural wealth presented by TMII can easily be observed by the community through the availability of a more complete and interactive means of information. It is expected that through the website the information can be disseminated widely all over the Archipelago and even abroad so that it will facilitate the community to better know about the culture and customs of the people of Indonesia.

Province Pavilions

The bulk of the facilities at TMII is made up of the regional pavilions. With more than twenty five pavilions to walk through, representative of the architecture of each province of Indonesia, the visitor is provided a very unique opportunity to view the breadth and scale of the full range of regional architecture. Each pavilion presents at least three typical examples of the regional style it represents.

Don`t have the time or the fortitude to venture to distant or out-ot-the-way locations? No need. Visit every pavilion and you will come away with a very clear impression of the diversity and richness of Indonesian architectural and living styles. To point out just a view, there is the `Bogonjong` house of the Ranah Minang from West Sumatra, a `Lamin` of the Dayak people from deep in the interior of East Kalimantan, a `Tongkongan` from Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi, a traditional Batak `Bolon` house from North Sumatra; a `Joglo` house from Central Java, etc.

Attractions

Istana Anak-anak Indonesia: Indonesia Children Castle, featuring fairy tales painting from Indonesia and all over the world.

Perahu Angsa Arsipel Indonesia: Swan Boat to explore Indonesia archipelago shaped lake.

Taman Among Putro: An amusement park for children fully equipped with games and fun activities.

Taman Ria Atmaja: a 60 Sq m stage in an 4000 Sq m area, well known as Dangdut Terminal (Dangdut: popular unique music genre in Indonesia).

Taman Renang Ambar Tirta: Swimming pool for adult and children, equipped with trainer and lifeguard.

Teater Imax Keong Emas: A shopisticated IMAX technology snail shaped theatre, with several IMAX movies featuring Indonesia natural and cultural richness.

Desa Wisata: When a day is not enough to explore TMII, there is Desa Wisata, a hostel for individual or groups visiting TMII from outside Jakarta to stay overnight.

Transportasi TMII: The means of transportation, get you around the "Archipelago".

Titihan Samirono/Aeromovel: Another way to get around is the fast train, Aeromovel. This is an example of the fast and efficient train that could provide nowaday mass transportation for Indonesia.

Sky Lift Indonesia (Kereta Gantung): Want a quick and easy geography lesson? Take the Sky Lift for an aerial tour of the park and one of the sights that will stay with you is a scale model of the islands of Indonesian archipelago set in a smalll lake.

Teater Tanah Airku: The "Tanah Airku" Theatre is the first in Indonesia equipped with high technology to an international standard. The physical aspect of the "Tanah Airku" Theatre is a marriage of the typical Indonesian and the international aesthetic. Indonesian ornamentation such as 'gunungan' (mountains), elements from Javanese puppet shows, the roof shapes of Sumatra and Sulawesi, with a touch of Kalimantan Dayak style, all is harmoniously blended. Combine this with modern sound and lighting effects and the complete stage equipment of a stateof the-art theatre and you have a dramatic experience long remembered.

Panggung Parkir Utara: The North Parking Stage is a permanent stage for various entertainment activities for the visitors. Situated next to the Pancasila Flame Monument Plaza and belonging to the North Parking area the open stage has been built by the participation of private enterprises that care about the national cultural wealth presented in TMII. The 20 m x 18 m large stage with a triangular roof is the biggest stage in Taman Mini.

Transportation

From Central Jakarta, TMII is about 25 kilometers away. Five kilometers, if you're in Halim Perdana Kusuma airport (local airport). It is reachable by public transportation, taxi. Rent a car for a more comfortable journey.

By public transportation:

- Metro Mini T. 45 (Pulogadung-PT.II TMII)
- Angkot KWK S. 15 A (Ragunan - PT. II TMII)
- Angkot KWK T. 01 (Cililitan - Bambu Apus)
- Angkot KWK T. 02 (Cililitan - Cipayung)
- Angkot KWK T. 05 (Cililitan - Setu)
- Angkot KWK P. 15 (Cililitan - Cilangkap)
- Angkot KWK K. 40 (Bekasi-Kmp. Rambutan)
- Angkot KWK S. 19 (Depok - Pinang Ranti)
- Bus Gandeng PPD BT. 03 (Grogol - TMII)

Where to Stay

Inns and hotels in and around Jakarta
Graha Wisata Remaja. Ideal for teenagers and those with limited budget. It is within walking distance to small restaurants, cable car station, pool, and several museums. Have overtired legs? The terminal for transportation is nearby. The shuttle cars there will transport you to other attraction within the park that you desire.
Padepokan Pencak Silat. This accomodation equipped with meeting rooms.
Desa Wisata. Mainly for young people in groups. This place sometimes hosts several meetings, events, and seminars. You can rent the cottages for more privacy. Food abd beverages is available to order. An open theater is also available.

Moving Around

On foot, shuttle cars, Sky Lif and Aeromovel.

Dining Guide

Try Restoran Caping Gunung. Its natural lighting (no light bulbs, light is provided with roof made of clear materials) and tasty food will provide a unique dining experience.
Pasar Tiban (Tiban Market). Food sellers inhabit this small complex consisting of many buildings.
You can eat at small restaurants scattered around this area.

Souvenir Tips

TMII sells many small trinkets that will enable you to remember your experience here. Various shirts, hats, postcards are widely available.

Travel Tips

TMII is quite huge, consisting of more than 100 hectares of land. If you don't have much time, join a tour. That way, you'll save money and time. (You'll get a discount if you travel in a group)
If you want to explore this site fully, it is best if you spend the night within this area.

Other Things to See or Do

Take a trip on the cable car. You'll be able to see TMII from the top a delightful experience.
Watch Indonesia movies at Theater Imax Keong Emas.
Visit several museums in this area.
Visit the parks orchid garden and bird park.

Further Information:

TMII Management Office
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah Complex
Phone : 021-8409214, 8409210, 8409270, 8409236, 8409239 ,
Fax : 021-8400709
Email : info@tamanmini.com
Website: http://www.tamanmini.com

(Visit Indonesia)