Visit Indonesia (indonesia.travel) -- News

Borobudur International Hash House Harriers 2012 kicks off

On Friday evening, 25 May 2012, the long anticipated international cross country running event, the Borobudur International Hash House Harriers (Interhash) 2012 was officially kicked off by Mari Elka Pangestu, Minister for Tourism and Creative Economy at the courtyard of the Prambanan Temple in Central Java. Combining sports and amusement, the event features a non-competitive trail tracking run through some beautiful landscape around the Prambanan and Borobudur temples.

Entering its 18^th edition, the Interharsh run is a biennial event that is held from country to country since 1978. This year, Indonesia has again been chosen as venue after last year’s Interhash success in Bali. Proud to dub itself as “the World’s First Heritage Interhash”, the magnificent Borobudur Temple was chosen as center of the event.

While the Interhash community has members in more than 90 countries, the total number of participants this year reached 4,800 coming from 45 countries. Malaysia contributed largest number of participants totaling 1,300, followed by Australia with 287 and the United States of America with 150 participants. These so called “hashers” will take on the 4 division of routes, which are: Short (4-6 Km), Medium (6-8 Km), Long (8-12 Km), and Superlong (12-30 Km). The routes will take hashers on a spectacular journey through the lush terrain of Central Java, crossing rivers and ricefields, tourist villages and small traditional industries.

Interhash 2012 features 17 routes, 15 in the regency of Magelang and 2 within the city of Yogyakarta. The starting points for the 15 routes in Magelang include : Kaponan, Kintelan, Pakis, Banyutoro, Kete, Wonolelo, Magelang City, Tuksongo, Kembang Limus, Lapang Tembak Plempungan, Banyak Angkrem, Krasak (Salaman), Tempuran Super Long (Menoreh Mountain), and Magelang Old Fast Run. The routes in Yogyakarta include the Vulcanology Museum and the Watchtower of Sleman.

President of Indonesia, Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono, along with First Lady Ani Yudhoyono also ran in the hash run on Saturday, 26^th May 2012 accompanied by the Governor of Central Java, Bibit Waluyo and other government officials. The presidential group took on the 4.25 hash route at the foot of Menoreh Mountain that was personally selected by the President himself. With starting line at the Tuk Songo Field at Borobudur, the President and 300 other hashers crossed the Kiyudan area, the Majaksingi Village at the foot of Menoreh Mountain, down to Kesuman, Dusun Puton, the Menoreh Ricefields area, and then back to the Tuk Songo Field at Borobudur.

Source: Indonesia.travel Special Report

Indonesian airlines open new international and domestic routes

With the upcoming school holidays around the corner, and soon to be followed by the Idul Fitri holidays peak season, airlines are busy opening new routes to Indonesia’s far flung islands, as well as to popular overseas destinations.

Starting 24 May, Garuda Indonesia launched its daily flights to Taipei, using Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircrafts, having recently launched its Bali - Haneda Japan flights.

Starting June, Batavia Air plans to fly Bali (Denpasar) – Hangzhou China.

Meanwhile domestically, Indonesian carriers are expanding their flights further east. From 21 May Batavia Air has started to extend its flights from Makassar on Sulawesi to Ternate, and from Makassar to Ambon in the Moluccas.

Also from 21 May, Sriwijaya Air has started to serve the route from Jakarta to Biak and Jayapura on the northern side of the island of Papua.

From 30 May, to better serve its clientele and to ease passenger congestion in Terminal 1A of the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Lion Air will move its Bali - West and East Nusatenggara flights to depart and arrive at Terminal 3. Destinations affected are Denpasar (Bali), Bima and Tambolaka on Sumbawa, and Maumere, Ende and Labuan Bajo on Flores

Lion Air claims that its Jakarta- Denpasar (Bali) flights served 13 times daily carries potentially 2,600 passengers daily or 1.8 million per year. The move to Terminal 3 will give more space for its passengers. Flights to other destinations including Lombok, Semarang and Yogyakarta will also be moved to Terminal 3 in the near future.

(Source: Bisnis Indonesia, Kompas)

photo courtesy : nusantaratour.wordpress.com

International Airport for Bintan Resorts

The north of Bintan with its long sweep of white beaches where are deluxe resorts with their own grand golf courses will soon have its dedicated international airport to serve the Resorts.

On 16 May, Executive Chairman of Bintan Resorts International, Singapore’s BG (Ret) Chin Chow Yoon, broke ground for the new Bintan Resorts International Airport at Busung, Kuala Lobam, a half hour drive south-west from the Resorts.

“This latest project is a further reflection of Bintan Resorts’ commitment to push ahead with a slew of enhancements and upgrades to boost its destination appeal”, said BG Chin Chow Yoon. “With greater accessibility to the resort destination, this airport Project will serve to enhance the value of the many investments already made here and to attract more investments in new resorts, holiday homes, food & beverage, retail and attractions, especially at the newly master planned Lagoi Bay Development”.

The Bintan Resorts International Airport located at Busung, Kuala Lobam, will have at the first stage a 2. 5 km runway with ancillary facilities, able to receive Boeing 747and Airbus 320 aircrafts flying in within a five-hour flight radius to Bintan from the ASEAN countries, south China and south India. The airport is planned to be operational in 2015. With ample space available, it may be further expanded to serve longer range aircrafts.

A complete private investment, the Bintan Resorts international airport is built at a cost of US Dollars 79 million by Gallant Venture Ltd, the parent company of Bintan Resorts International, and the project will see participation by both local and international parties.

The airport will serve mainly domestic routes, chartered flights from regional cities, as well as private jets and the cargo needs of the industrial estates, explains the press release As such, not only are tourisma ctivities expected to increase, but also the industrial development on the island.

Visitor arrivals to the Resorts on the Indonesian island of Bintan reached a new high of 470,470 in 2011, with the bulk currently come from Singapore via fast (45 minutes) ferry links, but it is expected that once the new airport is operational, visitors to this resort island will grow significantly.

At present the large island of Bintan has one domestic airport located in the south near Tanjung Pinang, capital of the Province of the Riau Islands that include among others the islands of Batam, Karimun, Anambas and the Natuna archipelagoes.

For more information on Bintan Resorts, please visit: http://www.bintan-resorts.com/

For more information on Lagoi Bay Development, please visit: http://www.lagoibaybintan.com/

(Source: Bintan Resorts International Release)

photo courtesy : property-report.com

Indonesia ranked 4th Most Beautiful Country in the World

The wonderful beauty of the Indonesian archipelago once again received worldwide recognition as Indonesia was named the fourth most beautiful country in the world through the survey conducted on Twitter and Pinterest by United Kingdom’s leading leisure travel company website, First Choice.

Topped only by Latvia, Mexico, and Turkey, Indonesia managed to outrank other countries in the top ten which include United Kingdom, Italy, New Zealand, Brazil, India, and Canada. Other popular vacation countries such as Swiss, France, Spain, and Japan did not even make it to the top ten. The survey was officially closed at midnight GMT on Friday, 18 May 2012.

As an archipelagic country, the splendors of Indonesia are as many as its countless islands. From the tropical white sandy beaches of Bali and Lombok, the underwater paradises in Raja ampat, Bunaken, and Wakatobi, to the majestic summits of Mount Tambora and the Carstensz Pyramid, the natural landscapes of Indonesia are the physical definition of beauty. The magnificent Borobudur Temple, the imposing Prambanan Temple, and the fascinating traditions of Toraja, are just to name a few of the fascinating heritage features that make Indonesian culture equally fascinating. The combination of these natural and cultural wonders are the reasons behind the high votes, thus placing Indonesia in the top part of the list.

First Choice released an interactive infographic on the previous month asking people around the globe to share which country they think is the most beautiful. This project has inspired thousands of people to discuss the question on Twitter and hundreds more to create Pinterest boards of the countries, landscapes, people and cultures that inspire them. The response was so phenomenal that the committee decided to extend voting for an extra week.

Pinterest submissions were judged by TravelMail/Daily Mail Online editor, Sarah Gordon, First Choice travel expert and Communications Director, Fiona Jennings, and travel photographer Stuart Dunn. Dunn won the Travel Photographer of the Year 2011 award in the “One Shot – Wild Moments” category. The best Pinterest submission was awarded with a Nikon 3100 camera, and one lucky Twitter entry will be picked at random to win an iPhone 4S.

To check out the complete list, you can visit: http://blog.firstchoice.co.uk/conflict-of-pinterest-infographic/

Source: detik.com , firstchoice.co.uk

photo courtesy : blog.firstchoice.co.uk

SUBAK � the unique Balinese Rice Farming Culture - designated UNESCO World Heritage

Combining sacred traditional values and a highly organized system, Subak, the unique Balinese rice farming culture has been designated as World’s Heritage by UNESCO, stated Deputy Minister for Education and Culture Wiendu Nuryanti on Monday 21 May 2012. According to the Deputy Minister, the decision will be made official at the UNESCO Summit in St.Petersburg, Russia on 20 June 2012.

“This is truly good news for Indonesia, the interesting Subak farming culture of Bali , under the title Bali Cultural Landscape , a manifestation of the Balinese Tri Hita Karana philosophy, has been listed as World’s Heritage by UNESCO” wrote Wiendu in her message as reported by republika.co.id. Wiendu added that the recognition has been achieved after a long process that took 12 years.

The Subak Cultural Landscape system of the island of Bali is an outstanding manifestation of unique Balinese cosmological doctrine. It is tangible reflection of the original Balinese ideas and beliefs which are essentially rooted in the Tri Hita Karana concept, namely the awareness that human beings need to always maintain harmonious relationship between Man and God, Man and fellow humans , and between Mand and Nature in one’s daily life. Such a particular concept is in fact evident in the Balinese creative genius and unique cultural traditions resulting from the long human interaction, especially between the Balinese and the Hindu culture. All the cluster sites of the Cultural Landscape also directly demonstrate the capability of the Balinese to make their unique cosmological doctrines a reality, practiced in their daily life through spatial planning and land use (cultural landscape), settlement arrangements, architecture, ceremonies and rituals, art, as well as social organization. Indeed the implementation of the concept has evidently generated a beautiful cultural landscape.

More on Bali Cultural Landscape in UNESCO, available at: http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5100/

Source: republika.co.id, whc.unesco.org

photo courtesy : panduanpiknik.blogspot.com

Malang, Yogya, Bali, Batam and Singkawang hotels report Full House during extra long Weekend

Hotels, airlines and recreation parks reaped an unexpected harvest this long weekend since the government made Friday 18^th May into a joint public holiday, following the Ascencion Day of Jesus Christ on Thursday, 17 May, and considering that Saturdays and Sundays are non-working days anyhow.

Thousands drove out of Jakarta even since Thursday evening, leaving the capital city happily quiet for a change, while roads to Bandung, Puncak, Carita and other leisure destinations were jam-packed. Already heavily booked airlines pushed up their rates selling at top allowable prices, but still no more seats were available. As expected, most popular destinations by air for domestic tourists were still the fabulous island of Bali and culturally rich Yogyakarta.

Hotel Santika Premiere Yogyakarta reported 100% occupancy of its 148 rooms during this long weekend. Yogya’s head of Statistics Bureau reported that average occupancy rate in the city has increased to 54.96 in March, up 7.2% compared to February.

On the island of Batam, in the Riau Islands, shopping centers were filled with shopeholics from Sumatra seeking shoes, bags, imported goods and electronics. “Here prices are 30% cheaper than in Jambi”, said Samuel hailing from Jambi on Sumatra.

In Singkawang, West Kalimantan, hotels also reported full house, And of course so are hotels in Bali, who anticipated average occupancies in the range between 75% to 85%.

In Bandung and Lembang, Chairman of the Hotel Association of West Bandung, Uung Rumaji said that hotels have been booked two weeks prior to this long weekend by tourists from Jakarta and other provinces. Bandung hotels reported 95% occcupancy. Other popular recreation and leisure areas in West Java reporting full house are Pangandaran by the beach facing the Indian Ocean and Sukabumi, Puncak and Cipanas along the slopes of Mt. Gede-Pangrango.

While in Malang, East Java, the Hotel Asssociation in the hill resort of Batu said that many hotels have had to put out the “fully booked” sign. Besides the unexpected flood of holidaymakers, at the same time Batu also happened to host a number of meetings and conventions organized by companies and government agencies. Batu itself is said to have a total of 3,000 rooms.

Back in Jakarta, although the city’s usually jammed roads were blissfully empty, recreation parks and tourist attractions, malls and restaurants were reported full with holidaying visitors. Most popular are the Ancol Dreamland, the National Monument, the Zoo, and Taman Mini Indonesia Park.

(Sources: Kompas, Bisnis Indonesia, TVone)

Tour de Singkarak 2012: Across the lush terrain of West Sumatra

From 4 to 10 June 2012, Tour de Singkarak 2012 will take some of the world’s renowned cyclists over an 800-kilometer route traversing the most scenic landscapes of West Sumatra’s countryside. This year, the race will cover 7 stages, building on the success of previous races. Competing cyclists will make their way from the starting point in the town of Sawahlunto all the way to the final finish line in the Province’s capital city, Padang.

This year’s race is held in co-operation with ASO (Organizer of Tour de France), marking significant international recognition and increasing its international importance. Tour de Singkarak itself is listed as an annual event on the agenda of the International Cycling Association or Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

Following the success of the last three consecutive years, over 250 world class cyclist will compete in the race. Competing are 18 international teams from 17 countries, which include: Japan, Iran, Singapore, Australia, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Kirgizstan, Russia, China-Taipei, U.S.A, Germany, The Netherland, New Zealand, France, Vietnam, Malaysia, and obviously Indonesia. As host country, Indonesia will be represented by 7 national teams which will be competing with the international teams that include the Asian Racing Team, Azad University, Cross Team, OCBC Singapore Continental Cycling Team, Genesis Wealth Advisers, Pro Cycling Team, Uzbekistan Suren Team, Eddy Hollands Bicycle Services, Tabriz Petrochemical Team, Action Cycling Team, Plan B Racing Team, CCN Cycling Team (ACT), Colossi Miche Team, Australian National Team, Trengganu Pro, Japan Cycling Federation, Pre Black Racing Team, and Budget Forklifts.

Previously set as the Start line, Padang, capital of West Sumatra, will now act as Finish point. The route will take cyclists over 14 cities/regencies of West Sumatra. These include: Padang, Sawahlunto, Sijunjung, Limapuluh, Payakumnbuh, Tanah Datar, Bukitttinggi, Agam, Padang Panjang, Solok city, Solok Regency, Padang Pariaman City, Padang Pariaman Regency, and Pesisir Selatan Regency. The complete stages of Tour de Singkarak are as follows:

Stage 1: Sawahlunto

Stage 2: Muaro Sijunjung – Harau Valley

Stage 3: Payakumbuh - Istano Basa

Stage 4: Sicincin Anai Golf - Bukittinggi

Stage 5: Padang Panjang - Singkarak

Stage 6: Pariaman - Painan

Stage 7: Padang Circuit Race

Combining sports and tourism, the Tour De Singkarak 2012 takes participants to an exciting adventure through the vast mountainous countryside of West Sumatra. The tour will not only offer fierce competition among racers, but it is, moreover, an excellent chance to unveil all the hidden wonders of West Sumatra.

Last year's participants were not only impressed by the lush green scenery, but they were also most taken by the warmth and friendliness of the people who welcomed and cheered for them at every stage.

More Information available at the event official website: http://www.tourdesingkarak.com/2012/

Indonesia focuses on Cuisine, Fashion and Film to attract Tourists and develop the Creative Economy

Among the 15 creative industries to be developed nation-wide, the Tourism Sector this year will focus on Cuisine , Fashion and Film industries said I Gde Pitana, Head of the Human Resources Board of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy on the sidelines of the Asia Tourism Forum held in Bandung recently.

In Fashion, the Ministry promotes the use of ethnic materials for creative fashion designs, Indonesia’s multifarious cultures produce such rich variety of woven cloths and batik materials that are a veritable economic asset that must be developed. Malaysian tourists to Bandung, for example are drawn to shop for its fashionable clothes.

In Film, Indonesia has produced a number of films such as “The Raid” and others that have become hits at home and abroad.

While in Cuisine, Indonesia is famous for a number of favorite dishes, such as Beef Rendang, Gado-gado salad and Nasi Goreng (fried rice).

In this context, Head of the Tourism Institute for Higher Learning in Bandung, Noviendi Makalam added that the Institute is in the process of preparing 25 sets of Menus to be compiled to become a reference book for use at state receptions in Indonesia as well as abroad by the Indonesian Embassies.

Beisdes explaining about the ingredients and preparations of the dishes, the book will also relate the philosophy behind each dish including their nutritional value. The Menu will contain recipes starting from hors d’oevres, to entrees and desserts.

The book on Indonesian Cuisine is expected to be ready before the end of the year.

(Source: Bisnis Indonesai)

Photo Courtesy:Uniqpost.com

Wonderful Indonesia Pavilion features ancient Coelacanth fish at Yeosu Korea Expo 2012

The Indonesian pavilion at the huge ongoing Yeosu Korea Expo 2012 carries the theme :” Wonderful Indonesia: Sustaining Tropical Diversity” . The tagline follows the overall theme of the Expo ,held in the largest southern harbour of South Korea: “The Living Ocean and Coast”, “Dreams for the Ocean of the Future. Harmony for Humanity in Yeosu”. The Wonderful Indonesia Pavilion has as logo the ancient coelacanth fish, caught in North Sulawesi in 1999, that experts had considered extinct.

The Yeosu Expo 2012 which is participated by 160 countries was officially opened in a spectacular ceremony by South Korea President Lee Myung-Bak on Saturday, 12 May. The Expo which will run for 3 months from 12 May to 12 August is expected to draw 8 million people.

In Korea Expo 2012, Indonesia’s Pavilion, located among the Pacific countries, shows how the Indonesian seas have long been important sealanes for world’s maritime traffic. A number of historic items found at the bottom of Indonesia’s seas are also exhibited here, said Gellwynn Jusuf, Secretary General of the Ministry for the Seas and Fisheries, in charge of the Pavilion. Here we also promote Indonesia’s wonderfully rich underwater life that are world tourist attractions, such as the Wakatobi National Park, and the Lembeh and Bunaken Park in North Sulawesi and others. Other products promoted are Indonesia’s fishcatch and its sustainable management so as to provide adequate living for fishermen, said Gellwynn.

Indonesia’s participation at this Ocean Expo is important considering thatIndonesia is a maritime nation with the largest seas in the world. We wish to tell the world that Indonesia is very concerned with the sustainable development of the ocenas which will be the global ecoomic source of the future.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Ambassador to South Korea, Nick T Dammen stated that Indonesia’s presence at the Yuosu Korea Expo 2012 is important since this is the first time that the Expo was held by the Korean Government in the country’s largest harbor in the southern part of Korea.

(Source: antaranews)

Photo Courtesy:beritakawanua.com

Malaysians dominate 75% of foreign tourist arrivals to Bandung

The number of international tourists thorugh Bandung’s Husein Sastranegara airport increased 22.82% to 13,101 in March this year compared to the previous month, which totalled 10,667 said Head of West Hava’s Statistics Bureau, Lukman Ismail , as quoted by Bisnis Indonesia.

75.2% of international visitors to Bandung are Malaysians, increasing 12.88% compared to February, with as second market source Singapore increasing 130% to 2,173. The Singapore market constitutes 16.3% share of foreign arrivals to the city of Bandung in the mountains.

Other nationalities visiting Bandung are from the Philippines, Thailand, India, Japan and China.

Since the main motivation for Malaysians to visit Bandung are for leisure, shopping and business, hotels that have benefited from this surge are those located near shopping areas, most notably along the Braga-Juanda (Dago) area, including the Aston Braga Hotel & Residence and the Holiday Inn on Jalan Juanda. Aston Braga claims that 30% of its rooms are occupied by Malaysians, with 60% by domestic tourists and 10% Europeans.

To service their guests, hotels arrange special shuttles between the airport and hotel and have a reception booth at the airport.

Meanwhile, Air Asia Station Manager in Bandung, Reza Saleh confirmed that on average load factor on the Kuala-Lumpur-Bandung sector is 80% to 90%.

And to cater to the significant increase in passengers to Bandung, the airport is planned to be able to cater to 3 million passengers by 2014.

(Source: Bisnis Indonesia)