Indonesia News & Information

Cheap Travel

2010-09-07T06:24:00.000-07:00

Cheap has become more and more popular to people who want to experience the feeling of being on another country at a price they could afford. But somehow with too many cheap travel offering virtually the same package, many are confused and cannot differentiate the good ones from the better ones. Since each cheap travel company offers different type of cheap travel, finding the right one for you can take you a while. But with proper know-how on the ways to get your cheap travel, you can cut the time and have your going.

Here are some of the useful ways to get cheap travel that is right for you, easily:

1. Identify where you want to go. Where you would go come from you. This is the first step you should take when you are planning your cheap vacation. This would be the ground of all the you need to have for your cheap travel. For, this you can identify what type of activities you can do, what type of coverage you should have, and what are the equipments you need. This would also tell you how much your should be. Know where you want to go and it would make your cheap travel planning run smoothly.

2. Know what you want. When you are buying cheap travel package, you can always have the choice of letting your travel agent work for you. They will do their job, that's guaranteed. But would it be better if you know what you want before speaking to them? In this way, you can surely enjoy your travel for in the first place; it is you who knows what exactly do you want.

Part of it is knowing what type of cheap do you need: The type of flight you want. The date you want to fly. The length of the whole trip. The ways you want to spend it. And the accommodation you wish to have. If you know all these, you and your travel and agent would be having an easier time finalizing things.

3. Set your budget. Although cheap travel is indeed cheaper that regular travel, you still have to set your budget. Because if you don't, you might not be aware that in the end, what you think is cheap is not cheap anymore. Set the budget and the total cost of your travel. If your budget does not fit your destination or the things you want to do while at the vacation, you can always search for companies or agents that offer cheaper rates.

4. Your coverage matters. Many would disregard the importance of the insurance while traveling. If you know how important insurance is, then you know that you need one.

5. Itineraries are included. If you already know where you are going, know what you want, and have set your budget, you must now identify the itineraries of your trip. Usually when you consult travel agents, they would offer you different cheap travel ideas for you to choose from. Select one that matches your desired itineraries. If they offer none, you can always select from the list of available destination and match it to your desired itineraries.

With these things on hand, you are now ready to experience the overseas traveling without spending so much.

Prambanan Temple

2010-09-07T05:05:00.000-07:00

Prambanan

Prambanan temple is incredibly beautiful building, built in the 10th century during reigns of two kings, Rakai Pikatan and Rakai Balitung. This building has a height of 47 meters (5 meters higher than Borobudur temple). The establishment of this temple has fulfilled the desire maker, shows the triumph of Hinduism in Java. This temple is located 17 kilometers from the city of Yogyakarta, in the middle of the area that is now a beautiful park.

Prambanan Main Shrine

The architecture of Prambanan temple follows the typical Hindu architecture traditions based on Vastu Shastra. The temple design incorporated mandala temple plan arrangements and also the typical high towering spires of Hindu temples. Prambanan was originally named Shivagrha and dedicated to god Shiva. The temple was designed to mimic Meru, the holy mountain the abode of Hindu gods, and the home of Shiva. The whole temple complex is a model of Hindu universe according to Hindu cosmology and the layers of Loka.

Prambanan Model

ust like Borobudur, Prambanan also recognize the hierarchy of the temple zones, spanned from the less holy to the holiest realms. Each Hindu and Buddhist concepts has their own terms, but the concept's essentials is identical. Either the compound site plan (horizontally) or the temple structure (vertically) are consists of three zones:

* Bhurloka (in Buddhism: Kāmadhātu), the lowest realm of common mortals; humans, animals also demons. Where humans still binded by their lust, desire and unholly way of life. The outer courtyard and the foot (base) part of each temples is symbolized the realm of bhurloka.

* Bhuvarloka (in Buddhism: Rupadhatu), the middle realm of holy people, rishis, ascetics, and lesser gods. People here began to see the light of truth. The middle courtyard and the body of each temples is symbolized the realm of bhuvarloka.

* Svarloka (in Buddhism: Arupadhatu), the highest and holiest realm of gods, also known as svargaloka. The inner cortyard and the roof of each temples is symbolized the realm of svarloka. The roof of the Prambanan temples is adorned and crowned with ratna (sanskirt: jewel). In ancient Java temple architecture, ratna is Hindu counterpart of Buddhist stupa, and served as the temple's pinnacle.

The Prambanan plain span between southern slopes of Merapi volcano in the north and Sewu mountain range in the south, near the present border Yogyakarta province and Klaten Regency, Central Java. Apart from the Lara Jonggrang complex, Prambanan plain, valley and hills around it is the location of some of the earliest Buddhist temples in Indonesia. Not far to the north are found the ruins of Bubrah temple, Lumbung temple, and Sewu temple. Further east are found Plaosan temple. To the west are found Kalasan temple and Sari temple, further to the west are Sambisari temple. While to the south the Ratu Boko compounds on higher ground. The discoveries of archaeological sites scattered only a few miles away suggested that this area was an important religious, political, and urban center.

North of the Lara Jongrang complex

* Candi Lumbung. Buddhist-style, consisting of one main temple surrounded by 16 smaller ones.
* Candi Bubrah. Buddhist temple still in ruins.
* Candi Sewu. Buddhist temple complex, older than Roro Jonggrang. A main sanctuary surrounded by many smaller temples. Well preserved guardian statues, replicas of which stand in the central courtyard at the Jogja Kraton.
* Candi Morangan. Hindu temple complex buried several meters under volcanic ashes, located northwest from Prambanan.

Candi Plaosan in Prambanan (9th century).

* Candi Plaosan. Buddhist, probably 9th century. Thought to have been built by a Hindu king for his Buddhist queen. Two main temples with reliefs of Boddhisatva and Tara. Also rows of slender stupas.

South of the Lara Jongrang complex

* Ratu Boko. Complex of fortified gates, bathing pools, and elevated walled stone enclosure, all located on top of the hill.
* Candi Sajiwan. Buddhist temple decorated with reliefs concerning education. The base and staircase are decorated with animal fables.
* Candi Banyunibo. A Buddhist temple with unique design of roof.
* Candi Barong. A Hindu temple complex with large stepped stone courtyard. Located on the slope of the hill.
* Candi Ijo. A cluster of Hindu temple located near the top of Ijo hill. The main temple houses a large lingam and yoni.
* Arca Bugisan. Seven Buddha and bodhisattva statues, some collapsed, representing different poses and expressions.

West of the Lara Jongrang complex

* Candi Kalasan. 8th century Buddhist temple built in commemoration of the marriage of a king and his princess bride, ornamented with finely carved reliefs.
* Candi Sari. Once a sanctuary for Buddhist priests. 8th century. Nine stupas at the top with two rooms beneath, each believed to be places for priests to meditate.
* Candi Sambisari. 9th century Hindu temple discovered in 1966, once buried 6.5 metres under volcanic ash. The main temple houses a linga and yoni, and the wall surround it displayed the images of Agastya, Durga, and Ganesha.
* Candi Gebang. A small Hindu temple discovered in 1937 located near the Yogyakarta northern ring-road. The temple display the statue of Ganesha and interesting carving of faces on the roof section.
* Candi Gana. Rich in statues, bas-reliefs and sculpted stones. Frequent representations of children or dwarfs with raised hands. Located in the middle of housing complex. Under restoration since 1997.
* Candi Kedulan. Discovered in 1994 by sand diggers, 4m deep. Square base of main temple visible. Secondary temples not yet fully excavated

Ramayana Dance in Prambanan

You can discover many more things in Prambanan. You can see relief of Wiracarita Ramayana based on oral tradition. If you feel tired of enjoying the relief, you can take a rest in the beautiful garden in the complex. Since 18 September 2006, you can enter zone 1 area of Prambanan temple. The damage caused by the earthquake on 27 May 2006 is being reconstructed. Please come and enjoy Prambanan temple.

To understand a little of Prambanan and to get around all of the temples, you will need to set aside the best part of a full day. The complex opens early at 6 AM so it is no bad thing to stay the night beforehand and get in before the crowds arrive from 9 AM onwards. This would also allow a leisurely return to Yogyakarta or Solo in the mid-afternoon taking in some of the other archaeological sites on the Prambanan plain. This is a wet part of Java and a visit outside of the November to March period has the best chance of providing a clear, sunny day.

Mata Hati: Dayak People

2010-09-06T05:03:00.000-07:00

Mata Hati: Dayak People: "The Dayak or Dyak are indigenous to Borneo. It is a loose term for over 200 riverine and hill-dwelling ethnic subgroup, located principally..."

YOGYAKARTA

2010-09-06T04:02:00.000-07:00

Yogyakarta (often spelled as Jogja) is officially one of Indonesia's 34 provinces and Yogyakarta is the premier tour destination of Java Island. Yogyakarta is one of tehe foremost cultural centers of Java and has the best inherited of tradition.

Yogyakarta was the center of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom which was prosperous and had high civilization. The Kingdom built Borobudur Temple which was the biggest Buddhist temple in the word. The other archaeological heritages are Prambanan Temple, Ratu Boko Palace, and tens of temples spread out in Yogyakarta.

This province is one of the most densely populated areas of Indonesia. The city came into being in 1755, after the Mataram division into the Sultanates of Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo). Gamelan, classical and contemporary Javanese dances, wayang kulit (leather puppet), theater and other expressions of traditional art will keep the visitor spellbound. Local craftsmen excel in arts such batiks, silver and leather works. Next to the traditional, contemporary art has found fertile soil in Yogya's culture oriented society. ASRI, the Academy of Fine Arts is the center of arts and Yogyakarta itself has given its name to an important school of modern painting in Indonesia, perhaps best personified by the famed Indonesian impressionist, the late Affandi.

Kraton Jogja

Yogyakarta at the present time is a place where traditions and modern dynamics can walk side by side. In Yogyakarta, there is a Kraton (palace) with hundreds of royal servants who hold the traditions faithfully, but there is also Gadjah Mada University which is one of the reputable universities in Southeast Asia. Most of the citizens of Yogyakarta live in a strong agricultural tradition, but there are also many college students that live in a modern lifestyle. There is a traditional market in Yogyakarta which stand side by side with modern mall.

At the north end of Yogyakarta, you will see the Mount Merapi stands as high as 9738 feet above sea level. This mountain is one of the most active volcano in Indonesia. The impressions of it's eruption in 2006 can be witnessed in the village of Kaliadem, 30 km from the city of Jogja. The Mooi Indie scenery of green paddy field and Mount Merapi as the background can still be seen on the outskirts of the Jogja City (see Nature & Outdoors).

In the southern part of Yogyakarta, you will find many beaches. The most famous beach is Parangtritis with the legend of Nyi Roro Kidul (Queen of the South), but Yogyakarta also has beautiful natural beaches in Gunung Kidul. You can see Sadeng Beach which was the ancient mouth of the Bengawan Solo River before a powerful tectonic force lifted the surface of the southern part of Java so that the flow of the river turned to the north like today. You can also visit Siung Beach which has 250 points of rock climbing, Sundak Beach, etc (see Beaches).

Transportation

Yogyakarta Map

Yogyakarta is served by Adisucipto International Airport which connects the city with some other major cities in Indonesia, such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali, Makassar, Balikpapan, Banjarmasin, and Pontianak. It also connects the city with Singapore (operated by Garuda Indonesia) and Kuala Lumpur (operated by AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines).

The city is located on one of the two major railway lines across Java between Jakarta / Bandung and Surabaya. It has two passenger railway stations, Tugu Railway Station serves business and executive class trains while Lempuyangan Station serves economy class trains. Both stations are located in downtown Yogyakarta city.

Andong

The city has an extensive system of public city buses, and is a major destination for inter-city buses to elsewhere on Java or Bali, as well as taxis, andongs, and becaks. Motorbikes are by far the most commonly used personal transportation, but an increasing number of residents own automobiles.

Starting from early 2008, the city has operated a bus rapid transit system called Trans Jogja. This system is modeled after TransJakarta. But unlike Trans Jakarta, there is no particular lane for Trans Jogja buses, they run on main streets. Currently there are six lines of Trans Jogja service, with routes throughout main streets of Yogyakarta, which some overlap one another. The lines extend from Jombor bus station in the north as far as Giwangan main bus terminal in the south and Prambanan bus shelter in the east via Adisucipto International Airport. Trans Jogja has now become a new trademark of Yogyakarta and frequently used by local citizens and tourists alike.

Dangdut

2010-09-05T12:33:00.000-07:00

Dangdut is a genre of Indonesian popular music that is partly derived from Malay, Arabic and Hindustani music. It developed in the 1970s among working class Muslim youth, but beginning in the late 1990s reached a broader following in Indonesia, Malaysia and the southern Philippines.

A dangdut group usually consists of a singer, backed by a group of four to eight musicians. The term was extended from the desert-like style of music, now expanded to include other musical styles. Dangdut integrates modern influences of Latin, house music, hip-hop, R & B, reggae, and even the Western classical music.

Though songs dangdut can accept various other music element easy toly, building most songs dangdut very conservative, mostly lapped over from set of eight birama 4/4. Very rare found by theX the song dangdut with birama 3/4, except to songs a period of/to Melayu Deli . Song dangdut impecunious also improvisasi, harmony and melody good. As music attendant of dance, dangdut very rely on knock tabla and sinkop. Intro can be in the form of the vowel without accompaniment or in the form of game of flute, rest is game of mandolin or guitar. Long intro can reach eight birama. Shares early lapped over from eight birama, with or without repetition. If there are repetition, can be interrupted with a[n line game of interval. This shares lyrical usually deliverer concerning song content, situation that faced by the singer. Song dangdut standard don't have refrain, but have the second shares with different melody building with first shares. Before entering the second shares usually there are twice eight birama interval without lyric. Second shares usually as long as from twice eight birama with interrupted a line interval without lyric. In final of second shares sometime there are koda as long as four birama. Peep at the second shares usually contain consequence of situation that depicted by theX the first shares or pisaller the singer to answer that situation. After shares both, re- song full of from early till end of. Song dangdut terminated in repetition of first shares. Very rare of song dangdut terminated with fade away.

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Eruption Mount Sinabung

2010-09-05T05:21:00.000-07:00

August 29th, 2010 at 00:15 local time, Sinabung in Karo, North Sumatra Province of Indonesia and is located 25 miles from Lake Toba finally erupted after 400 years in the inactive state. Ash spewed into atmosphere up to 1.5 kilometers. Ash spewed into the atmosphere up to 1.5 kilometers and slid down from the highlands to the coastal Karo. After the eruption, the population around the volcano decides to leave his home to evacuate to safer places.

On Friday 3 September, two more eruptions were noted. The first happened at 04:45 am in the early morning, forcing more villagers to leave their houses - some of them had just returned the day before. This eruption was the most intense so far, with ash spewed up into the atmosphere about 3.0 kilometres (1.9 mi) high. Some hours before the eruption a warning had been issued through the volcanology agency, and most villagers were prepared to leave quickly. A second eruption occurred the same evening, around 18:00 pm. The eruption came with earth quakes which could be noticed in a 25.0 kilometres (15.5 mi) distance around the volcano.

Borobudur

2010-09-05T03:10:00.000-07:00

Borobudur

In Indonesian, ancient temples are known as candi; thus "Borobudur Temple" is locally known as Candi Borobudur. Borobudur is located Approximately 40 kilometers (25 mi) northwest of Yogyakarta in an elevated area between two twin volcanoes, Sundoro-Sumbing and Merbabu-Merapi, and two rivers, the Progo and the Elo. According to local myth, the area known as Kedu Plain is a Javanese 'sacred' place and has been dubbed 'the garden of Java' due to its high agricultural fertility. Besides Borobudur, there are other Buddhist and Hindu temples in the area, including the Prambanan temples compound.

Location of Borobudur–Pawon–Mendut in one straight line

During the restoration in the early 1900s, it was discovered that three Buddhist temples in the region, Borobudur, Pawon and Mendut, are lined in one straight line position.[14] It might be accidental, but the temples' alignment is in conjunction with a native folk tale that a long time ago, there was a brick-paved road from Borobudur to Mendut with walls on both sides. The three temples (Borobudur–Pawon–Mendut) have similar architecture and ornamentation derived from the same time period, which suggests that ritual relationship between the three temples, in order to have formed a sacred unity, must have existed, although exact ritual process is yet unknown.

Following the major 1973 renovation funded by UNESCO, Borobudur is once again used as a place of worship and pilgrimage. Once a year, during the full moon in May or June, Buddhists in Indonesia observe Vesak (Indonesian: Waisak) day commemorating the birth, death, and the time when Siddhārtha Gautama attained the highest wisdom to become the Buddha Shakyamuni. Vesak is an official national holiday in Indonesia and the ceremony is centered at the three Buddhist temples by walking from Mendut to Pawon and ending at Borobudur.

The monument is the single most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia. In 1974, 260,000 tourists of whom 36,000 were foreigners visited the monument.The figure hiked into 2.5 million visitors annually (80% were domestic tourists) in the mid 1990s, before the country's economy crisis. Tourism development, however, has been criticized for not including the local community on which occasional local conflict has arisen. In 2003, residents and small businesses around Borobudur organized several meetings and poetry protests, objecting to a provincial government plan to build a three-story mall complex, dubbed the 'Java World.

On 28 August 2006 the Trail of Civilizations symposium was held in Borobudur under the auspices of the governor of Central Java and the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and Tourism, also present the representatives from UNESCO and predominantly Buddhist nations of Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. Climax of the event was the "Mahakarya Borobudur" ballet performance in front of the temple of Borobudur. It was choreographed to feature traditional Javanese dancing, music and costumes, and tell the history about the construction of the Borobudur. After the symposium, the Mahakarya Borobudur ballet is performed several times, especially during annual national Waisak commemoration at Borobudur attended by Indonesian President.

UNESCO identified three specific areas of concern under the present state of conservation: (i) vandalism by visitors; (ii) soil erosion in the south-eastern part of the site; (iii) analysis and restoration of missing elements. The soft soil, the numerous earthquakes and heavy rains lead to the destabilization of the structure. Earthquakes are by far the most contributing factors, since not only stones fall down and arches crumble, but the earth itself moves can move in waves, further destroying the structure. The increasing popularity of the stupa brings in many visitors, most of whom are from Indonesia. Despite warning signs on all levels not to touch anything, the regular transmission of warnings over loudspeakers and the presence of guards, vandalism on reliefs and statues is a common occurrence and problem, leading to further deterioration. As of 2009, there is no system in place to limit the number of visitors allowed per day, or to introduce mandatory guided tours only.

Borobudur Ground Plan

Parts of the Borobudur Temple:
1. Kamadhatu is part of the temple at the bottom and here there were reliefs taken from Karmawibhangga story. Kamadhatu symbolizes that human beings are still bound by lust and passion.
2. Rupadhatu is the center of the temple, and here there are reliefs taken from the story Jatakamala, Laitawistara, and Gandawyuka, Rankings symbolizes that human beings are still bound by the appearance and shape.
3. Arupadhatu is part of the temple at the top and here there were only statues of Buddha in alcove. It represents a level that humans be free from karma and prepared to enter nirvana.

The Tanah Lot

2010-09-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

Sunset in Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot, one of the most popular places of interest in Bali, is located on the coast of West Bali, at the village of Beraban in the Tabanan Regency. The area leading to Tanah Lot is highly commercialised and people are required to pay to enter the area. To reach the temple, visitors must walk through a carefully planned set of Balinese market-format souvenir shops which cover each side of the path down to the sea. On the mainland cliff tops, restaurants have also been provided for tourists. Tanah Lot has a long history in the world of tourism. The temple itself is built on a small promontory which is only accessible at low tide.During high water the rock takes on the
appearance of a large boat at sea, such is its shape.

Tanah lot temple established by Dang Hyang Dwijendra some one who has iron skill that live in majapahit kingdom in era 15. He comes to Bali for starting lofty Duty. Teach spiritual problems and social harmonization. By the Bali King that has power, Dalem Waturenggong Dang Hyang Dwijendra accepted and gived achance to spread Hindhu religion. In Bali, Dang Hyang Dwijendra establish some temples, one of them is Pura Tanah lot. Beside Tanah Lot Temple and sunset view, there is another thing that proper enjoyed by tourist. That are sixs Pura the location in a row to the west from pura Tasnah lotwith walking for about 1 km, the tourist can find pura Pakendungan, Pura Penataran, Enjung Galuh, jro kandang Batu Bolong, Batu Mejan. All of that temple has unique, in Fact in the last Pura that’s Pura Batu Mejan be located in beach lips. There are 9 water sources out from under the beach and the water tasteless!. In order to enjoy all of interest places souronding Tanah lot tourism object, you must come early or before evening. After satisfied visit seven temples, in the evening you can enjoy sunset in the west part. Now, it’s time to leave from the beach (Tanah lot) But wait, have your hand bring the souvenir! Don’t worry because of that. In there, available art market that available some of crafts and Bali special food. The price, it’s cheap if you smart to bargain.

Bali The Best Tourist Destination in Indonesia

2010-09-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

Bali is an internationally renowned tourist destination, known for its picturesque mountain scenery, exotic beaches, rugged scenic coastline, exciting waves, as well as for its temples, and colorful and spiritual culture. The most popular tourist destination in Indonesia, Bali also offers its visitors a wonderful nightlife and shopping experience. Thousands of vacationers, honeymooners, surfers, and spiritualists from all over the world visit Bali every year.

Denpasar - Denpasar is the largest city on the island, the centre of commerce and governmental administration. The main street of the old town Jalan Gajahmada, is the major commercial centre of shop, banks and restaurants. This the backs onto sprawling complex of stalls which is the Pasar Badung market place. Here is every available, imaginable commodity from salted fish, spaces and herb to gold jewellery and woven cloths. Here also, are located several of Denpasar's modern department stores & supermarkets.

The Beaches - Bali has many beaches that call to visitors with their pristine white sands and beatiful turquoise waters. Those on holiday in Bali will discover the beaches are distinct, but equally welcoming.

The Tanah Lot - This destination offers holidaymakers a chance to take in some of the most famous sights in all of Bali. It is often included as a destination in Bali tours. The Tanah Lot is found just outside Tabanan City and is known for its sandy beach, the temple Pura Tanah Lot and its spectacular sunsets.

Lake Batur - This lake was created more than 30.000 years ago after an eruption of Mount Batur and is a favourite destination for holidaymakers because of its incredible beauty. The lake is often covered in a mist and features the temple of Pura Danau Batur, or the Goddess of the Lake.

Mount Agung - This stunning, but active, volcanic mountain towers over Bali. It is also known as Gunung Agung and is sometimes called the "navel of the world". The mountain is sacred to the Balinese and is said to have been erected by the Gods. It was thought to give them a focal point from which to view the world. Holidaymakers who make the trek to the mountain will find the temple Pura Besakih is located here, dedicated more than 1000 years ago to Vishu, Brahma and Agung. The temple complex also houses a number of other temples dedicated to various Hindu Gods.

Klungkung Royal Palace - Whilst the original palace, built in 1710, was ruin by the Dutch in 1908, a recreation now exists that pays homage to Bali's past. Today those on Bali holiday will find a destination that offers a beautiful blending of nature and architecture.

Bali holiday offer visitors a wide variety of things to do and places to explore. From the natural splendours of Mount Agung and Lake Batur to the royal palace and beyond, the island will entrance holidaymakers with one breathtaking sight after another.

Bali

2010-09-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

Kecak Dance

Bali is one of the provinces of Indonesia and dubbed with the title Island of the Gods because of natural beauty, rich culture and arts. Therefore, Bali is very famous and able to attract tourists from within and abroad to visit Bali. Bali has many tourist attraction such as Kuta Beach, Sanur Beach, and Nusa Dua Beach as a beach resort which is very famous in many countries. Bali has a few mountain eg Gunung Agung (3142 m) as the highest peak in Bali. Besides its natural beauty, Bali is also very famous for its art and culture such as Kecak Dance and Barong-Keris Dance.

Of natural beauty, rich culture and the arts in Bali is also a source of never ending inspiration for artists, especially sculpture, dance and painting, many artists participated in and abroad to develop the art of painting in Bali and the works of the painter is very much linked in several museums such as the Neka Museum (Ubud) and the Museum Le Mayeur (Sanur).