Visit Indonesia Every Year

Wakatobi Islands, the Finest Diving Site in the World

2010-02-18T03:25:00.000-08:00

Underwater tourism is a tour activity that developed well in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi. Supported by National Sea Park of Wakatobi Islands, Wakatobi become a famous place for underwater tourism in the world. Superiority of this place caused by vast expanse of coral along the coast with complete underwater topography, like slope shape, flat shape, drop-off, atoll and underwater cave with multifarious water biota.

Wakatobi Dive Resort was about 600 km2. Depth of water is highly varied; the deepest is 1.044 meters with sandy waters and several of coral. Specifically, Sea Park of Wakatobi Islands has more or less about 25 different coral with 750 species of living thing. By virtue of this fact, Wakatobi become a place where is very comfortable to making activity like diving and snorkeling. Even Jacques Costeau, a dive journalist call Wakatobi is the finest diving site in the world.

Wakatobi Dive Resort situated on a beautiful tropical island in the remote place and peaceful Wakatobi archipelago in the Banda Sea, Wakatobi Dive Resort offers what many consider to be the best reef diving in the world. Wkatobi Dive Resort has a beautiful coast and. Wakatobi Dive Resort prepares an international diving that supported by spectacular coral and easy of access to go to dive resort where variety of marine biology that living in. Safety and visitor’s pleasure when making dive activity was secured. Every visitor can enjoy their vacation in Wakatobi Dive Resort.

Wakatobi Dive Resort has trained staff and knowledgeable in diving. Wakatobi Dive Resort also keeps a place for the visitors to eat seafood or other international cuisine. Other facility also available here, likes nonstop internet access. So, all of it make Wakatobi Dive Resort serve the visitors with international standardization.

Other than underwater tourism, here also there culture tourism. Several of archaeological history, social and cultural is very unique among the people around. So, the people culture around Wakatobi has a marine anthropologist characteristic.

Wakatobi Dive Resort offers a whole new level of comfort and class not usually associated with a typical dive resort. In the beach villas and bungalows are spacious, tastefully decorated and offer all of the amenities you would expect in any fine resort

Not to be worry to get here, there is an airport around the Wakatobi Dive Resort in Tomia Island. Maranggo Airport in Tomia Island also connected from Tomia Island to Bali. It makes your destination become more easy and comfortable. Wakatobi Dive Resort is the finest diving site in the world. The visitors that want to enjoy their destination in Wakatobi Dive Resort can use the travel trade around. Wakatobi Dive Resort is already preparing the visitor’s diving equipment and guiding the visitors.

Fresh Breeze in Ulun Danu Bedugul

2010-02-07T04:08:00.000-08:00

Lake Beratan or Ulun Danu Beratan in Bedugul, Bali, is a good destination tour to refreshing yourself with fresh breeze and beautiful nature. Trip to this place pass the time about two hours from Kuta Beach. On a journey to Lake Beratan where the place is a destination tour that famous enough in Bali, visitors can stop in Pura Taman Ayun before arrive to Ulun Danu Beratan.

The lake is about 15.000 hectares. The ambience in Lake Beratan is so refrigerating. Visitors will be carried away and winsome with the beautiful scenery like the mountain range and the beautiful of nature around the lake. As always like other place in Bali, also there are some Balinese temples in the lake side.

For the visitors that want to cross the lake, is available colourous motor boat that prepared to carry the passenger cross the lake. In addition to the motor boat, visitors can also cross the lake by rent a speedboat. Lake Beratan water is very clear, until we can see the rocks under water. There are no people that go swimming to the lake. Because, the air in Ulun Danu Beratan too cool. So, it makes the visitors like out of the grilling hot of sun.

If our view directed to other side, then looked Mount Abang and Mount Batu Danu mounted behind the lake. A beautiful park with leafy trees situated in left side of the lake. Mahogany trees and pine in the park is so match for visitors to take shelter.

And if our view directed to behind the lake, from east-ward is situated several Balinese buildings that was home site and places where people sell their marketable goods.

Not only nature tourism, but also culinary tourism was there around the Lake Beratan. Several restaurant is ready to feting the visitors, are they domestic tourist or foreign tourist. There are so many places to have eating, begin at snack like fried food, grilled corn, boiled corn, and boiled peanut. Also prepare food like bakso (meat ball) and pecel (salad made of blanched vegetables served with peanut sauce) that the taste is delicious.

Around Ulun Danu Beratan also sell souvenirs that specific Bali character. In this place visitors can feel comfortable, because the seller is not aggressive to sell their marketing goods to visitors. The sellers are more sportive; because they are have each special place for selling. And almost all tourism places are properly arranged in Bali. Of course, the destination is not finished here, required a long time to enjoy all tourism where situated in Ulun Danu Beratan.

Knowing Prambanan Temple Stories, the Biggest Hindu's Temple in Indonesia

2010-01-30T07:48:00.000-08:00

Prambanan Temple is the biggest Hindu Temple in Indonesia. Height of the temple was about 47 meters. The temple was situated about 17 kilometers from Yogyakarta. Prambanan Temple square was built by the Kings of Sanjaya Dynasty in 9 of century. Prambanan Temple was temples square where the main temple was direct to East. As a whole, the temple was like a mount. A mount like figure in the wayang (puppet play) that symbolizing the Universe.

Hinduism followers believe that the temple was Trimurti, which comprise with God Brahma as the Almighty Creator, God Wisnu (Vishnu) as the Caretaker God, and God Siwa (Shiva) as the Vandal God. The main temple was Temple of God Siwa where situated in the centre of the temple, the temple where situated in South side was Temple of God Brahma, and the temple where situated in North side was Temple of God Wisnu. Temple of God Siwa was the main temple, and then may simply that Prambanan Temple was the Temple of God Siwa.

In front of the temple was situated the temples of Wahana or mount (riding animal) of each Gods. The temples also called as Trimurti Mount. Comprise with Temple of Nandi, Temple of Angkasa, and Temple of Garuda. Nandi is a buffalo that mounted by God Siwa. Angkasa is a swan mounted by God Brahma. And Garuda is an eagle that mounted by God Wisnu.

By finding the writings of Pikatan name on the temple, it makes an opinion that the temple was built by Rakai Pikatan and then finished by Rakai Balitung. It was building on the epigraph that has inscribing 856 after date in ancient Java writings. It was called “Prasasti Siwargraha” or “Ancient Inscription of Siwargraha” as a politic manifest to strengthen his position as a great king. Today “Prasasti Siwargraha” is saved in National Museum of Jakarta.

An epigraphist, J.G. de Casparis is success in analyze and discussed it. According to Casparis, there are three important things in the ancient inscription. That is; the language is the oldest example of the ancient inscription that wrote in ancient Java writings. And it was filled by the important history that happening in 9 of century. The history was about warfare among Balaputeradewa from Sailendra family versus Rakai Pikatan from Sanjaya family. Balaputeradewa was defeated by Rakai Pikatan and then Balaputeradewa run away to Sumatera Island. The consolidation of Rakai Pikatan family then becomes the beginning of new time that need to be celebrated by build a temple, and that was Prambanan Temple.

Prambanan Temple or Temple of God Siwa also often called as Temple of Roro Jonggrang. It linked with the legend that telling about a tall woman and also a Prabu Boko’s daughter. She builds her empire on the hill in the south side of Prambanan Temple.

In the temple side was bounded by stone balcony fence, which dotted with Ramayana relief that can to read if we are “berperadaksina” or walk around the temple in clockwise. The story was continued to stone balcony fence of God Brahma Temple. Whereas on the stone balcony fence of God Wishnu Temple was chiseled relief that telling about Kresnadipayana, the relief describe a story about a tender age of Prabu Kresna as God Wishnu’s incarnation.

The main temple chamber was situated queen consort of God Siwa, but generally the Hinduism followers call as Roro Jonggrang statue. By following the legend, the statue was living body of the beautiful princess, which was cursed by a knight Bandung Bondowoso. Roro Jonggrang promise that if Bandung Bondowoso can create one thousands sculpture in one night only then she would marry him. But Roro Jonggrang was disavowing her promise. So, Bandung Bondowoso curses Roro Jonggrang.

The temple restoration is continued to do. Temple of God Brahma was starting in 1977 and finished in 23rd March 1987, opened by Prof. Dr. Haryati Soebandio. Temple of God Wisnu was restored in 1982 and finished in 27th April 1991, at the time the temple opened by President Soeharto. The next restoration activity was restoring three temples that situated in front of Temple of God Siwa, Temple of God Brahma, and Temple of God Wisnu.

Three Colors of Lake Kelimutu

2010-01-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

Lake Kelimutu was situated at the top of Mount Kelimutu. The lake was about 1.631 meters above the sea level. Since for the first time Lake Kelimutu was found by a Dutchman, Van Such Telen in 1915, the lake color had change over and over again until today. The lake determined by the government as National of Nature Conservation Area in 26 February 1992.

Lake Kelimutu was three massive lakes. Every lake has color water that always makes color change continually. And every lake has a different name and different mean. Blue color lake or “Tiwu Nua Muri Koo Fai” is lake of youth soul, red color lake or “Tiwu Ata Palo” is lake of weaver, and black color lake or “Tiwu Ata Mbupu” is lake of oldster. By running of time, “Tiwu Nua Muri Koo Fai” change become bottle green or back to blue, “Tiwu Ata Palo” change become brown, orange or back to red, and “Tiwu Ata Mbupu” change become deep brown or back to black. In October 2009, “Tiwu Nua Muri Koo Fai” and “Tiwu Ata Palo” change to light green, and “Tiwu Ata Mbupu” change to deep brown. For the people in around Kelimutu Lake, they believe that every lake color has each mean.

By following the scientist statement, color exchange of the lake caused by environment condition and caused by existence of chemical reaction that contained in the lake. But, people in around Kelimutu Lake that called Ende people believe that Kelimutu Lake has a mighty power of, and they believe that color exchange of Kelimutu Lake is a nature omen that must be wary of it.

Around the lake, there are some species of flora and fauna also. Some species of flora is Casuarinas tree (Casuarina equisetifolia), Edelweiss or called eternal flower, and two endemic plants to the Mount Kelimutu that called Uta Onga (Begonia kelimutuensis) and Turuwara (Rhododendron renschianum).
Some species of fauna around the lake is Deer (Cervus timorensis), Pig of Forest (Sus sp.), Partridge (Gallus gallus) and Eagle (Elanus sp.).

Mount climbing had better to do before day or in the morning, so that we can enjoy the beautiful of Lake Kelimutu when the sun is going to rise. From the peak of Lake Kelimutu when sunrise, we will be seeing amazing sky scene like a massive paintings with soft color that set a mind at rest. People around the Mount Kelimutu also sell various souvenirs like handicraft and woven cloth.

To get there, from Kupang, the capital city of East Nusa Tenggara Province, the visitors can get there by airplane to Ende Town, in Flores Island. The traveled distance was about fifty minutes by airplane. Having arrived in Ende Town, the next trip did by bus to Kaonara Village about 93 kilometers from Ende Town. Need along time and patience to see the beautiful of Lake Kelimutu. From Kaonara Village to the Lake Kelimutu, visitors must climb the mount about 2.5 kilometers on foot. But all of visitors tiredness will be disappear caused by seeing the beautiful and wonderful of Lake Kelimutu and everything that there in around the Lake.

Dinner with African Wild Lions in Tsavo Lion Restaurant

2010-01-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

Tsavo Lions, a famous story and become a legendary story, that is about a pair of Tsavo Lions that killing and eating more than one hundred railway workers on the Kenya - Uganda Railway in 1898. In 1924, a pair of the Tsavo Lions that killing the railway workers preserved in Chicago Filed Museum. Even, the famous story of Tsavo Lions become a novel and a Hollywood film, that is “The Ghost and The Darkness” in 1996.

Inspirited by the Tsavo Lions legendary story, then in 2007, there is a restaurant so called Tsavo Lion Restaurant in Gianyar, Bali. Tsavo Lion Restaurant in Bali is the first of restaurant that have a differ theme in Asia. That is specially designed for the visitors to have a close encounter with lions. This amaze and unique restaurant was situated in Bali Safari Marine Park or BSMP square.

The restaurant room was bounded by a glass panel that very thick, the thick of glass about eight centimeters and bounded by electrified wires. So that, every visitor can feel safe and pleasant when every visitor sees and learns the African lion’s behavior directly in this restaurant. When the lions are roaring and breathtaking the visitors, every visitor can also to eat and enjoy the international cuisine in Tsavo Lion Restaurant. Any time we want to eat in Tsavo Lion Restaurant, is it breakfast in the morning, getting lunch, or dinner in the night, we are able to looks directly into a landscaped enclosure where we can watch the wild lions and the wild lions can watch us too.

Tsavo Lion Restaurant becomes an exceptional dining environment that lies beneath a towering thatched roof. It is an amazing setting for all culinary lovers to dine and enjoy on a special menu of delicious African food. Visitors can also to choose from complete international cuisine menu in Tsavo Lion Restaurant. And it is become a feast for the visitor’s sense to getting experience a close enclosure with the king of the African Jungle around the glass boundary.

Tsavo Lion Restaurant is very match for your family to have lunch or dinner. Cause, beside you can enjoy your food; you and your child can look the lions like in the zoo. Savory foods, comfortable ambience, good service, and encounter with lion the jungle king. There are so many impressiveness thing that you can found in Tsavo Lion Restaurant.

Archeological Tour in Gianyar

2010-01-05T07:23:00.000-08:00

Archeological tour is the elaborations of tourism by introduce archeological potential and treasure of ancient history. Generally the biggest archeological existence become research objects even become a tourist area. One of the areas is in Gianyar, Bali. Archeological tour in Gianyar originated from prehistory time that developed in Gianyar Empire.

Archeological tour object where we can find in Gianyar is Tirta Empul that unite with Pura Tirta Empul in Tampaksiring. People around here believe that take a bath in Tirta Empul able to make purge their self of sin, and they bring offerings for pray. Other archeological tour object around here is Mount Kawi in Tampaksiring, Gianyar. Mount Kawi situated at side of Pakerisan River. There is Tebing Temple beside of Mount Kawi. The temple made by chiseled.

Many domestic tourist and foreign tourist come to Bali to visit Mount Kawi and Tebing Temple. Other tour object is Gua Gajah or “Elephant Cave”. Gua Gajah is archeological tour object that it is a National Cultural Pledge of Indonesia. Tour object of Gua Gajah is uniting with Balinese Temple of Gua Gajah. This place is holy place as the center of Dharma Hindu religion to make activity. Gua Gajah is a artificial cave. Made by holing the stone. This place used to meditate, also situated a holy bathing place. The holy bathing place called “Petirtaan Sapta Gangga” with seven water shower.

Not only archeological tour can found here, but also we can found art product that called “Barong”. For Dharma Hindu people, Barong is supernatural creature and sacred. Barong existence believed that able to lay a ghost that disturbing people around. The ritual showed at certain time and place. Every tourist can enjoy the tour in Gianyar, Bali. Barong also become a souvenir thing, visitor can buy it as a remembrances. That is a evidence that they have ever come to Gianyar, Bali.

Bali Bird Park

2009-12-05T08:41:00.000-08:00

After go through about half hour from Kuta, Bali, there are bird park that called “BALI BIRD PARK”. Encompassing two hectares of botanical landscape, Bali Bird Park provides sanctuary to almost 1000 birds of 250 different species.

When visitor enter and go out from Bird Park, watchman in this park will spray visitor with anti-bacteria beforehand. In Bali Bird Park, visitor can see a variety of beautiful bird directly. Not only beautiful but also tame and visitor can touch the bird, even the bird can sat on your body by the watchman. So, every visitor has a chance to take a picture.

The birds are indigenous to Indonesia, Africa, and South America and other country. The birds wander freely living and breeding uninhibited throughout the park like Pelicans, Parrot, Macaw, and many more. But, not all kind of bird is tame, because little bird is very frisky that able to flying from one tree to other tree easily. So, kind of little bird fixed to closed cage. The cage is so high about thirty meters, and then the birds can fly free and ease. Every visitor also can to enter the cage, visitor can going across the gateway that closed by chain. After that visitors can see a variety of bird and enjoy this vacation.

The Bird Park is artificial forest with many of tall tree. Many of bird sit on high places, to facilitate all of visitor to see the birds, visitor can up the steps to nearer place. And there is wooden foot bridge about seven meters from ground. On the wooden foot bridge visitors can see the natural behavior of birds nearer. The wooden foot bridge across to exit gateway.

Bali Bird Park plays a key role in protecting and conserving Indonesia’s endangered wildlife. The Park has successfully bred many species, including the rare Pesquet’s Parrot and numerous Bali Starlings. We accommodate more than 40 species of protected Indonesian birds in the park, a growing number of which are now breeding successfully under the care of our staff.

Good structuring of Bali Bird Park is so important, so that make visitor feel comfortable. The birds is not be disturbed by the visitor, not only that but also facility availability make this place is nice to visit.

Tano Ponggol Canal, 1 of 3 Canals in The World

2009-12-05T08:33:00.000-08:00

In 17 November 1869, the first canal in the world opened officially. That was “Canal of Suez” or called “Qana Al-Suways” in Arabian and “Terusan Suez” in Indonesian. Situated in West of Sinai Peninsula, Mesir. This canal was ship canal about 168 kilometers, and connects Said Harbor in Mediterranean Sea and Suez in Red Sea. Canal of Suez cut short fairway from Europe to Asia.

“Canal of Panama” or “Terusan Panama” in Indonesian was a long canal where situated in Panama. This canal cleaves the Isthmus of Panama about 82 kilometers and cutting between North America and South America. Canal of Panama connects Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean. The idea emanated by Spanish King, Charles V in 1524.

And one of three canals in the world situated in Indonesia also. “Canal of Tano Ponggol”, in North Sumatra. “Tano Ponggol” means shallow canal, the deepness about two meters. This canal cleaves Samosir Island and Sumatra Island. Built by the Government of Netherland Colonial in 1906.

Differ from Canal of Suez and Canal of Panama, Canal of Ponggol impassable by big ships. Because of that Canal of Tano Ponggol width about two meters only. A little bridge connects both of the islands.

In previous time, Samosir Island was uniting with Sumatra Island. But, nowadays Samosir Island and Sumatra Island is two different islands. Now, this famous place becomes a tour destination area. Samosir Island is the part of Lake Toba, conversely Lake Toba is the part of Samosir Island. When you enter Samosir Island you will find an amazing experience.

So, by knowing about Canal of Tano Ponggol, you also can enjoy your journey here. Or the other word, when you search about the history of Canal of Tano Ponggol, you are making a tour at the same time. There are so many thing that you can found here.

Bali Camel Safari's

2009-11-21T07:46:00.000-08:00

Have you ever imagine how the sensation when you ride a camel, and walk around desert with grilling of the sun by ride a camel. A long neck animal that able to save the water stock at the camel's hump, and usually can life in desert area only. Certainly, you think that to enjoy ride the desert animal like camel only can to do it in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, or in the other of desert area. You also have to prepare your physical, in other not to become dehydration when ride a camel in the desert. That can make difficulties for, and you should to consider your pretension to do it.

But, to enjoy how the sensation when ride a camel you shouldn't be going to desert. The reason because Bali kept a place for ride a camel tour, this fantastic tour called "Bali Camel Safari's". The place located in coastal area of Sawangan Beach in Nusa Dua, Bali. Travelled distance about ten minutes from central resort in Nusa Dua by drive a car. Walking around the beach by ride a camel become a destination that must be visited by tourist in Bali. Even every tourist who visiting Bali is already feel ride a camel in Nusa Dua, Bali.

Bali Camel Safari's is to serve your need about ride a camel. There are many different thing about ride a camel and ride a horse, because a camel walk slowly. So, it is suit one's fancy when walking around the beach. And so many unique things when you ride a camel.

To enjoy ride a camel in Bali Camel Safari's, you can pay only $30 for adult, and $20 for children. A camel can ride by two person only. A guide will guiding you walking around the beach. You can enjoy the beautiful of Sawangan Beach that famous with the white sand and lime coral. You can feel the fresh breeze in the beach. And you can see the quiet waves upon the beach, also seaweed farmer making activity. You can to try and enjoy Bali Camel Safari's in the morning, noon, and afternoon. You just fit with your spare time. So, prepare your holiday time and enjoy this amazing experience in Nusa Dua, Bali.

A Lonely Tour in Kintamani

2009-10-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

In the mountain area around KIntamani, there is a mount that call "Gunung Batur" or Mount Batur with a deep cauldron lake and nature hot water in Toyabungkah. Cool mountain air, nature scenery, and several beautiful Balinese temples make Kintamani become a place that never forgotten by tourist in Bali. So many tour car rental preparing service to this place.

Mount Batur is the one little volcano, but the location is in center part of a big cauldron with diameter about fourteen kilometers. Be sides of that, Mount Batur adjacent with Lake Batur that has a sickle shape. You can also get there by tour car rental or your own car. The cauldron steepness will make you reflect an image the gigantic erruption from Mount Batur that happened ten thousand years ago.

The enchantment that available here is nature scenery more. By using tour car you can see all of nature scenery. One of the best is the combination from Mount Batur and Lake Batur scenery. All of that make this place become one of the most favourite destinations in Bali.

If you have a long time and you like photography or adventure, better you lodging in the place around Mount Batur. So, you can climb up Mount Batur or caldera of Batur for the next day. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful of sunrise from behind the Mount Rinjani in Lombok. Kintamani tour can be covered about two hours by using tour car from Kuta or Denpasar.

The Land of God, Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru

2009-10-03T06:19:00.000-07:00

The national park is named after its two mountains, Mount Semeru (the highest in Java at 3,676 metres), Mount Bromo (the most popular) and the Tengger people who inhabit the area.

Mount Semeru also known as Mahameru ("Great Mountain"), is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. What stands out most about this mountain is the fact that it erupts periodically (and very reliably so). Every 20 minutes or so, the volcano belches out a huge cloud of steam and smoke, sometimes interspersed with ash and stones. Climbing Mount Semeru requires some planning and a permit from the national park authority. The mountain is often closed due to its highly active nature.

Mount Bromo (2,329 metres) is easily recognized as the entire top has been blown off and the crater inside constantly belches white sulphurous smoke. It sits inside the massive Tengger caldera (diameter approximately 10 km), surrounded by the Laut Pasir (Sea of Sand) of fine volcanic sand. The overall effect is unsettlingly unearthly, especially when compared to the lush green valleys all around the caldera.

The area around the mountain is inhabited by the Tenggerese, one of the few significant Hindu communities left on the island of Java. The local religion is a remnant from the Majapahit era and therefore quite similar to that on Bali. It is though quite low key with the only visible manifestations of faith being a few rather basic temples. Still, for many visitors, the sight of angular-faced, sunburned, moustachioed Tenggerese wrapped in poncho-like blankets, trotting about on ponies with craggy mountains as the backdrop more resembles Peru than Indonesia!

The major access point is Cemoro Lawang at the northeast edge, but there are also trails from Tosari (northwest) and Ngadas (west). The village of Ngadisari, on the road from Probolinggo about 5.5 km before Cemoro Lawang, marks the entrance to the national park. Both Cemoro Lawang and Ngadisari are rather picturesque, with brightly-painted houses and flower beds outside.

The Beautiful of Senggigi Beach

2009-09-27T23:08:00.000-07:00

Senggigi is the most developed area for tourists on Lombok. You can find a variety of restaurants, bars, discotheques, travel agents, photo processors, money changers, souvenir shop and a range of accommodations starting from budget guest house to 5 star hotels. Restaurants and small cafes line the colorful main beach road. Swimming off the beach is safe.

The town of Senggigi spreads out along nearly 10 kilometers of coastal road. This road continues north to Bangsal, port for the Gili Islands. Along the way, a fantastic scenery of the north west coast of Lombok awaits. Most travelers start or end their stay at Senggigi because of the easy access to Mataram Airport and accommodations options are available to all budgets. If you are frugal or intrepid and take the slow ferry from Bali, it's best to arrange transport in advance from the ferry dock to Senggigi, since the dock on the Lombok side is in a remote spot several kilometers south of Mataram.

There are plenty of activities you can do to complete your holiday. Sightseeing or touring organized by reputable local tour operators is the best option to discover what Lombok has to offer. Renting a car or motor cycle is also good alternative to get around, either self-driving, or with a driver so you can relax and enjoy the view. Car rental in Lombok is more expensive than Bali. Tip driver pocket money for meals if you stop for lunch or diner. If you are pleased with service, tip the driver or local guide at the end. If you collide with anything, or it collides with you, you are responsible for all costs..

1001 Stories about Borobudur Temple, the Magnificent UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site

2009-09-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

As buildings that ever included in seven wonder of the world, Borobudur Temple was built by use more or less 55.000 m3 of stone. Buildings height was about 42 m, and width about 123 m. The temple that attain the age 12 of century mounted to the sky erectly and sturdily. Not a vestige of evidence why Borobudur temple become full of the darkness. Age of determining has done by observe the basic color of Borobudur Temple. Also by observe the carved object that indicate the pattern of Central Java in 8 century after date.

Since the temple was built in 8 of century after date, Borobudur Temple history was rise and set. Borobudur Temple becomes a research center and development place for Buddhist. All of this religion follower visit Borobudur Temple to study about Buddhist. The entire of Borobudur relief was containing about Buddhist precept. In those days Borobudur Temple become an attention place and a worship place as holy buildings.

But, all of it was ephemeral. Coincide with lessening of Buddhist; Borobudur Temple was left by the followers. After the Sailendra Dynasty was disappearing, Borobudur has no news about more. Borobudur Temple becomes terminated by the darkness for centuries. There is no more news or story about Borobudur Temple after those.

Borobudur Temple architecture was very interest and very unique, comprise of three main buildings. That was foundation section, middle section, and top section of the temple that called Stupa (dome enclosing an effigy of Buddha). Relief was carved in the wall of the temple. The relief was telling about a scene or story. There are thousands of relief and hundreds of sculpture in Borobudur Temple.

There is a unique thing, be in fact that Borobudur Temple has architecture with interesting format or highly structured in mathematics. Every foundation section, middle section, and top section of the temple has 4:6:9 ratio. Placement of the Stupa has a meaning also. And other amazing thing was the relief concerned with astrology. More, the obvious, Borobudur Temple built by no cement even a little, but use albumin of hen egg. No bodies that know how many hen eggs are used to gluing the stones of Borobudur Temple. All of it give evidence that Borobudur was already has a comprehensive culture. And Borobudur Temple is an evidence of history that very interest to learn.

Caused by movement of empire center, from Central Java to East Java. Borobudur becomes ownerless automatically. Traces of volcano eruption that cover Borobudur Temple make the temple become a grassy place, little trees was growing up and make Borobudur Temple become a mound that covered by thicket and look eerie.

In 18 of century, Governor of United Kingdom, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles receive a report about the massive temple that covered by thicket. Then he call his officer, H.C. Cornelius to visit the massive temple, that was Borobudur Temple. The thicket was cleaned, until appear a massive temple with hundreds of Budha sculpture. The temple condition was breaking the heart. There are so many section was fall out. There are so many sculpture was broken. So regrettable, United Kingdom Government was not going on for a long time. Research and effort to restore Borobudur Temple become unfinished again. Eventhough, Borobudur Temple become a place where many people come to visit the temple.

Government of Dutch-Hindia was being in command again. But, not all of man have a good purpose. Many beautiful sculptures and many beautiful temple sections was stolen by greedy and bad human in the Government of Dutch-Hindia. One of the examples was in 1896. Government of Dutch-Hindia, by passing Resident of Kedu, steals tens of sculpture and some of Borobudur Temple section that very beautiful to presented for King of Siam. King of Siam, Chulalangkon that ever visiting Borobudur Temple. Today, all of so much worth the thing from Borobudur saved in Museum of Bangkok, Thailand.

In 1907 to 1011, Borobudur Temple was restored by Government of Dutch-Hindia. The leader of this reparation was Th. Van Erp. A Netherlands engineer and talented. He has a serious attention for Borobudur Temple in the future. Great expense was available. The result of Van Erp’s effort was very satisfying. Again and again, nature condition was unpreventable. Rain, bird feces, and earthquake always make Borobudur has to fixed. Finally, in 10th August 1973, the Government of Republic Indonesia repair the Borobudur Temple massively. That restoration was well done and satisfying. As the result, today we can enjoy, learn, and knowing all about Borobudur Temple.

_SNAPSHOT_

....................

*****

Reog, The Origin Dances from Ponorogo

2009-09-13T11:36:00.001-07:00

Ponorogo is most well known for the reog mask dance, which is said to have been created by one of the kings of Kediri in the 12th century. The performance re-enacts a legendary battle between Pujangga Anom, a minister from the court of Ponorogo, and Singa Barong, guardian spirit of the forest of Lodoyo. The former had aroused the anger of Singa Barong when he stole 150 tigers from the forest, apparently to be offered as a dowry payment for a princess of Kediri, whom the king of Ponorogo wished to marry.

A typical reog troupe, then, usually consists of the principal characters; Singa Barong, wearing an enormous tiger head and peacock feather mask, and his adversary Pujangga Anom. They are accompanied by one or more masked clowns/acrobats, as well as a number of hobby horse dancers, who are said to represent the troops of Pujangga Anom.

The people of Ponorogo have a reputation for being tough, both physically and mentally. The qualities of bravery and daring are fully displayed in a reog performance, where the focus of attention is on a trance dancer supporting a giant mask, often weighing more than 40 kg, between his teeth. The mask is a ferocious, snarling tiger's head, covered in real tiger skin and crowned with a gigantic three meter fan of peacock feathers.

The success of a performance, including the ability of the principal dancer to bear the weight of the mask, is said to depend upon the magical power of the leader of the dance troupe. Known as warok, these men are believed to possess special talents, gained through years of training. One of the unique features of the reog dance is that the hobby horse (jaran kepang) dancers are invariably young boys dressed as women. Known as gemblak, they accompany the warok, who are forbidden close association with females, in their travelling performances.

Contest of Reog dance is presented annually by the local government. Ngebel, a natural lake and batik printing of ponorogo are also worthwhile seeing.

The Elegance of Pendet Dance

2009-09-04T09:41:00.000-07:00

Pendet is the presentation of an offering in theform of a ritual dance. Unlike the exhibition dances that demand arduous training, Pendet may be danced by everyone: male and female pemangkus, women and girls of the village. It is taught simply by imitation and is seldom practiced in the banjars. Younger girls follow the movements of the elder women who recognize their responsibility in setting a good example. Proficiency comes with age, and often, t is the grandmothers who possess the most Man of the grouli. As a religious daqce, Pendet is usually performed during temple ceremonies.

All dancers carry in their right hand a small offering of incense, cakes, water vessels, or flower formations set in palm leaf With these they dance from shrine to shrine within the temple. Pendet, thus, may be performed as a serial and continue intermittently throughoin,the day and late into the night during temple feasts.

In 1968, a huge religious procession in Tabanan produced many versions of Pendet. One was danced by a member of the household, who presented the family's offerings in a slow Pendet before the approaching wave of thousands of people. In larger villages, a selected group of young girls, bare-shouldered and formally dressed in wraps of gold cloth, carried silver bowls of flowers as they danced a more elaborate Pendet, choreographed in interweaving rows and files (see page 103). When the procession settled before a small temple, old women dressed in ordinary clothes began to dance still another form of Pendet. They carried no offerings but moved feverishly as if possessed by the music.

Recently, Pendet was introduced to open the Legong. Here, the young girls are accomplished members of a dance troupe, and their movements are coordinated and exact. Toward the finish of the dance, the girls make praying gestures and throw flowers to the audience-a welcome and blessing to the public.

_SNAPSHOT_

.............

...

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

2009-09-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

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.

Berastagi, A Lovely Tourist Town

2009-08-05T08:15:00.000-07:00

Berastagi is a lovely tourist town in the Karo highlands on the way from Medan to Lake Toba. It is situated at an altitude of 1300m and with the setting of by two volcanoes, Mt.Sinabung and Mt.Sibayak. At Gundaling Hill you can see a clear view of those two volcanoes.

The area is known for its cool climate, orchids, flowers, vegetables and fruits and the most famous of which is the "Marquisa" or known as passion fruit which is commonly made into a refreshing fruit-drink. The local markets are swarming with activity and scenes from traditional Karo life. Days are extremely pleasant and nights can be quite cool.

After arriving on Polonia - Medan International Airport, you can use taxi or tourist buses to reach Berastagi. Its located 66 km from Medan, the capital city and will take around two hours drive.

At Gundaling Hills, theres a pleasant colonial-style hotel with a golf course, as well as a range of other star and non-star hotels and accommodations.

Just same like the other Sumatras regions, it served spicy foods. Its worth to try local dishes like Chicken Rice, Medan KweTyaow and others. If you like to drive to Medan, you will find Merdeka Walk. It is the first Tensile Structure (Alfresco Outdoor Concept) in Indonesia and the hottest place to hangout in Medan City with cafes, restaurants, exhibition and entertainment.

You can move around the town by local transport that form of the horse-drawn called sado. Also you can rent a bike from Villa Flores Restaurant.

There are a number of attractions in the town itself, including three markets: the photogenic general market, which takes place five times a week (not Wed or Sun) behind the bus station; the daily fruit market, which also sells souvenirs, to the west of the roundabout, and the Sunday market, which takes place every other week on top of Gundaling Hill and attracts such novelty acts as the teeth-pulling man (Rp200 per tooth) and the snake charmer.

You will find some fine examples of traditional Karo Batak architecture in the villages around Berastagi. The best known is Lingga Village, 15 km from Berastagi.

The wide main street is covered with restaurants and hotels, souvenir shops, and the central market attracts farmers from all over the area. You may buy some souvenirs here, like Batak Ulos-hand woven cloth from Medan, rattan plaitwork, hand-printed batik, paintings, carvings or try to buy Marquisa fruits and bring it home with you!

You better avoid come on Sunday, because many day trippers from Medan come to Berastagi to climb Mt.Sibayak

Days are extremely pleasant and nights can be quite cool. Equipped yourself with simple, warm and comfortable clothes.

Kuta Beach, The Most Dynamic Places in Indonesia

2009-08-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

Once a lonely village on the road from Denpasar toward the Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is now a thriving tourist resort, popular mainly among the young. It owes its claim to fame owes to two factors: its beach (originally Bali's best) and the sunset. The beach front is now host to many hotels, except for Legian and Seminyak, where much of the social scene is now centered. The main shops are located along Legian street.

Kuta has become one of the most dynamic places in Indonesia. It is a place to encounter new ideas and lifestyles and a place to experience all manner of pleasures. It is a popular beach for surfing although, currents make it less suitable for swimming. Life guards are on constant duty during the day. Kuta faces the West, offering beautiful sunsets.

The popular Kuta Beach, overlooking the Straits of Bali, attracts foreign and local water sport enthusiasts and sun worshippers. Throngs flock to this 1.5-kilometer stretch on weekends. The period April to September/October promises favorable reef and beach breaks, enabling surfers to take to the waves. Amateurs should stick to the milder beach breaks for safety reasons. You can also swim here--make sure you do so only within the designated area--or just join the carefree sunbathers. Wandering hawkers and guides offer their wares and services, while others provide a relaxing massage for a reasonable fee.

Around Bali

2009-08-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Bali, the fabled “Island of the Gods”, has been enchanting visitors for centuries with its rich cultural traditions and spectacular panoramas. Bali offer many things, from lofty, mist enshrouded volcanoes and cool mountain lakes down through terraced rice fields to a golden strand lapped by azure waters, every square inch of Bali offers a fresh and unforgettable image.

No less enchanting are its people, some 2,7 million souls whose artistry and piety are recognized throughout the world. Balinese Hinduism, a complex fusion of Indian cosmology, Tantric Buddhism and homegrown mythology, is the primary faith of Bali’s inhabitants, and so deeply woven into the fabric of their daily lives that the line between the spiritual and the material is blurry at best.

Those of you keen on delving into the island’s fascinating culture will have plenty of opportunities, as colorful ceremonies and traditional performances occur with the regularity of sunrise. Most hotel offer nightly dance shows of one form or another, tailored to tourist audiences but none the less exquisite. The hill town of Ubud, the island’s premiere arts centre, also has a full schedule of performances, and the nearby stonecutter’s village of Batubulan is famed for its Barong lion dances.

The shoppers among you will find Bali a treasure house of handicraft and fine works of art. The Balinese are incredibly gifted artists and craftsmen, and their material creations are imbued with the same sense of wonderment with which they regard their universe. Stone and wood carvings, traditional and modern paintings and intricately designed jewelry in gold and silver are readily available in shops and galleries throughout the island.

As or recreations, there is no shortage of options. Nature walks, horseback riding, diving, surfing, even bungy jumping and white water rafting await the adventurous in Bali.

Jakarta’s Old and New

2009-08-04T11:37:00.000-07:00

Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, is a vibrant patchwork of old and new. Formerly known as Batavia, the foremost spice enter port in Southeast Asia. The Old Dutch quarter of Kota is steeped in the city’s illustrious past and, at the old harbour of Sunda Kelapa, vintage clippers and schooners which one plied the valuable spice trade routes can still be seen.

As if to testify to the historical significance of the city, Jakarta has 13 museums, some of which are devoted entirely to painting, pottery, puppets, textiles, and stamps. The National Museum is well known for its archeological collection while the historical development of Jakarta can be traced in the Jakarta historical Museum (Puppet Museum) stages regular performances of the traditional wayang golek (three dimensional) and wayang kulit (shadow) puppet show art forms.

Jakarta’s past reliance on trade remains in its profusion on markets to handicraft and bric-a-brac. Other places of interest include the Monas (the National Monument), the Merdeka (Independent) Palace, the Fatahillah Square, Istana Negara (The State Palace). Taman Mini Indonesia or “Indonesia in Miniature” is an absorbing cultural theme park showcasing the country’s attractions in one place. It includes mock villages in the widely different architectural styles to be found in Indonesia.

Still on subject of theme park, The Ancol Dreamland, located in the northern part of the city, is Jakarta’s answer to Disneyland. The recreation area is a sprawling leisure and theme park with an art market, a marine park, and a Fantasy Land.

For a taste of paradise islands, Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands) is just a few kilometers out of the Bay. These dreamy, palm fringed havens easily accessible by boat from Jakarta Bay are a perfect gateway from Jakarta Bay are a perfect gateway from the city scene.