Remarkable Indonesia

West Sumatra - Sikuai Island

2011-08-01T18:15:00.000+07:00

West Sumatra -

What comes when you hear the name Sikuai? Small island near the Mentawai Islands. The island is administratively Sikuai including the city of Padang, West Sumatra, precisely in the Gulf District Bungus mourning.

Towards Access Locations

My journey started from Batang Arau Padang via the dock. Distance from Padang to the island Sikuai taken within 1 hour by boat boats. Do not be afraid to hear the word Jukung, boating is also available if you want to pay extra, of course, with faster travel time.

Along the way you will not feel bored, the sea breeze will erase fatigue. Occasionally the ship will traverse the local fishermen who were fishing activities at sea. Refreshing is efficacious enough for you who are bored with the routine of living and the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.

Accommodation and Activities

After enjoying the beauty of the sea, you will arrive at the small pier Sikuai Island. There is only one resort on this island, called The New Sikuai Resort. Impressed westernized, but the reality is that more foreign tourists who stay here. The price for renting cottages at the resort approximately 750,000 rupiah / night, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

At check in at the resort, the receptionist will inform you about what activities to do in the island. There are many water activities like swimming, diving, snorkeling, banana boat, jet ski or seawalker just up the coast to collect shells for your unique collector of the sea.

The receptionist will also inform the schedule of breakfast, lunch, dinner and limited power supplies. The power will only work at 5 pm until 10 am. That is, you have to do outdoor activities during that time rather than having to spend time at the cottage.

Oh yes, make sure you bring enough snack lunch. In this island there is no township residents or shop. The only mini-shop that sells snacks available at the resort and will be closed before nightfall.

The island is very beautiful, white sandy beaches with sea water reflectance change between blue and green. Snorkeling become a favorite spot travelers who visit the island for its rich marine life and coral reefs are experiencing. You do not have to worry if it does not bring snorkeling equipment, these tools can be rented at the shop mini resort.

If you just want to enjoy the beauty of the island, you can pay 25 thousand for the cost of renting a bike. It only takes 45 minutes for you around the island Sikuai.

If you do not want to stay on the island, there is a day trip package vacations to the island Sikuai with relatively low cost. With the price of 100 thousand dollars so you can enjoy the panoramic beauty of the island Sikuai for one day. Price includes transportation and lunch.

So, what else do you think? Plan a vacation to the island of Atlantis Small Sikuai Indonesia and soon packing yuk!

INDONESIA TRAVEL TIPS

2010-07-03T13:13:00.001+07:00

Immigration

Visas are required except for the nationals of 48 countries namely Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom (Great Britain), United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Venezuela, Yugoslavia and Taiwanese holding MFA//M passports. The visa requirement is also waived for other nationals from friendly countries, attending a conference which has received official approval.

Visa free entry is for maximum of 60 days and is not extendable. Entry and departure must be through the airports of Polonia (Medan), Simpang Tiga (Pekanbaru), Hang Nadim (Batam), BIM(Padang), Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta), Husein Sastranegara (Bandung), Juanda (Surabaya), Adisumarmo (Solo), Ngurah Rai (Denpasar), Eltari (Kupang), Supadio (Pontianak), Sepingan (Balikpapan), Sam Ratulangi (Manado), Pattimura (Ambon), Hasanuddin (Makassar), Selaparang (Mataram), and Frans Kaisiepo (Biak), and the seaports of Belawan (Medan), Batu Ampar and Sekupang (Batam), Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Tanjung Mas (Semarang), Tanjung Perak (Surabaya), Benoa and Padangbai (Bali), Bitung (North Sulawesi), Ambon (Maluku), and Tanjung Pinang (Bintan). There is only one land gateway, Entikong in West Kalimantan.

For other ports of arrival or departure, visitors must have visas, For others, tourist visas for thirty days can be obtained form any Indonesian embassy or consulate. Two photographs are required and a small fee is charged. Possession of passports is a must to all visitors to Indonesia valid for at least six months with proof of onward passage, either return or through tickets.

Transports

There are metered taxis in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Solo, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Bali and Lampung. For air-conditioned taxis flag falls are Rp.2,000 (Rp. 900 for each additional kilometer) and Rp. 3,000 (Rp. 1,300 for each additional kilometer). For Silverbird flagfall is Rp. 3,500 and Rp. 1,500 for each additional km. Hire cars are available and rates differ form area to area and it is best to ask the transportation desk of your hotel for information concerning rates and distances.

From Soekarno-Hatta airport to Jakarta city, taxis add a surcharge ranging from Rp. 7,500/Rp. 9,000/Rp. 10,000 depending on the destination and the road tolls of Rp. 7,000. There are also Soekarno-Hatta International Airport buses which run every 20 minutes to five different points in the city. For those heading for the major hotels in the city center, take the bus to Gambir, a railway station, which is five to ten minutes away by taxi from the hotels. Bus fare is Rp, 5,000 per person plus luggage. At other airports there are transport counters with fixed fares for taxis.

Other forms of transport in Indonesia are bajaj for two passengers, small buses which ply regular routes, the man-driven pedicab "becak," all of which need advanced bargaining to come to a mutually accepted fare. Buses are very crowded, particularly in the cities and routes need to be identified. Trains traverse the island of Java and part of Sumatra. Fares are comparatively cheap but higher on air-conditioned express trains running between major cities.

Garuda Indonesia has an extensive network throughout the country. To all major cities on the archipelago, Garuda had daily services. Garuda services are supplemented by those of Merpati Nusantara, Bouraq, and Mandala, Lion Air, Awair and Pelita.

Communication and Electricity

Long distance calls within Indonesia are by direct dial. International Direct Dial (IDD) is available from major cities and hotels to 240 countries. Long Distance, IDD and facsimile services are also available at the telecommunications offices (Wartel) in major cities and hotels. Internet service is not a difficult things to find in big cities public internet services (Warnet). Most hotels in big cities use 220 volts 50 cycles and a two-pronged plug. However, some hotels in the provinces may still be using 110 volts. It is better to check before using an appliance.

Weather

Indonesia has two seasons, the dry season from June to October and the rainy season from November to March. There are occasional showers during the transitional periods and the general maximum temperature is 33°C (62°F) and the general minimum 21°C (41°F). Humidity is high at all times.

Customer

Customs allow on entry a maximum of one liter of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume per adult. Cameras, video cameras, portable radios, cassette recorders, binoculars and sport equipment are admitted provided they are taken out on departure. They must be declared to Customs. Prohibited are firearms, narcotics drugs, pornography, Chinese printing and medicines, transceivers and cordless telephones. Films, pre-recorded video tapes and laser disks must be screened by the Censor Board.

There is no restriction on import or export of foreign currencies and travelers checks, however, the import and export of Indonesian currency exceeding Rp. 5 million is prohibited. Airport authority levies an airport tax of Rp. 50.000 for travelers on international routes and Rp. 11,000 for those on domestic routes.

Shopping and Tipping

At most hotels a service charge of 10% is added to the bill. In restaurants where a service charge is not additional, a tip of 5 to 10% would be appropriate depending on the service and type of establishment. An airport or hotel porter expects Rp. 5,000 per bag.

Tipping taxi drivers Rp. 1,000 or leaving the change is appreciated but not mandatory. It is advisable to carry small change as taxi drivers are often short of change. The big cities have shopping complexes, supermarkets and department stores where prices are fixed. They stay open from 8.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. everyday and some even on Sunday. At small shops bargaining might be necessary.

Food and Health

The Indonesian staple food is rice steamed boiled or fried. Some accompanying dishes can be pepper hot - big red pepper or small green ones - so it is advisable to ask before ordering. Please be inform to also ask the price before ordering. There are many restaurants specializing in European, American and Oriental cuisine including the fast food restaurants.

A variety of beverages (both imported or locals) are available everywhere including very good Indonesian beer. Keep to bottled drinks if doubtful of water served in restaurants. Travelers coming from infected areas are required to submit International certificates of valid smallpox, cholera and yellow vaccinations.

http://www.asia-planet.net/indonesia/travel-tips.htm

Cerocok Beach - Pesisir Selatan, West Sumatera

2010-07-02T10:09:00.001+07:00

Really beautiful white sandy beaches captivate the eye of the beholder. Rows of coconut trees along the beach and shells with various forms of the many scattered, increasingly adds beauty presented. Beaches in the South Coastal District which also has a lot of this bay, will certainly captivate anyone who visited him.

Trip with an atmosphere like that encountered when performing quid Coast Expedition which started from the coast toward the port area Batu Kalang Tarusan Carocok in South Coastal District. Tour with the way along this coast is still rarely performed by community activists and organizations the wild. This is due to the lack of public knowledge about these activities, this situation further worsened with the least information about the existence of the beach can be done to these coastal fringe activity.

Equipment used is not too much trouble. Except in case we need to go through the swamp in this coastal fringe, then some special equipment in use. To prepapre this equipment, you can find out early through a map that becomes the purpose of activities. In addition to arena tours, beach fringe is never too diperlombakan in 1991 at the beach Pariaman by Bung Hatta University Mapala Proclaimers.

On this beach there are still many houses and fishing boats that rely on beach. Because the sea is a source of livelihoods of the people here so it's not surprising if we see a lot of different foods made from fish and shrimp. Also typical atmosphere of a fishing village was much thicker. In some places seen the fishermen repair nets and boats were damaged.

On this first day you can choose the location of resting or camping place is usually quite separate from the township community. Along the coast that will pass easily found shells and coral fracture. On the first day this will pass some of the fruit bay bay bay Lambu and Lundang. Really very beautiful scenery, for those who want to taste the fresh young coconut water also can get it for free. Only we must have the ability to climb, because the palm trees here grow on average and high. The atmosphere was like being in a place feels alienated. Society met only one or two only, rose by chance when they intend to see the condition that they put snares on the previous day, at precisely this area which stretches hills overlooking the beach there are many hunted animals like deer, elk and deer.

After passing through the bay Lambu, should be crawling the walls Â ± reef with a height of 8 meters. A fairly steep wall is usually bypassed by way of scrambling (using the hand because the trajectory is steep). The waves are rolling high enough audible rumble when laying cliffs on the wall. Rock wall at Â ± passing extends 20 meters, far away Besides having to walk through the hills above circular is also due to absence of the road so we had to open the path too.

Playing beach was quite easy to navigate and pleasant, with only a look at a map we can estimate the position and direction of the next trip. Some islands are visible from the beach can we make a point shot.

The next trip had to cross a hilly jungle. A barrier reef facing the journey back, so the trip had to be transferred. Facing cliff stands vertical with a height of tens of meters, so to avoid it even though it may pave a new path.

Toward the middle of the day will reach the summit is surrounded by the bay bukit.Perbukitan carocok overgrown mangrove forests around them. On the other side of the bay looks a lot of medium-size ships and fishing boats were leaning. This location is named with the port Carocok.

SURAMADU BRIDGE

2010-06-13T14:21:00.001+07:00

Suramadu National Bridge is a bridge that crosses the Madura Strait, connecting the island of Java (Surabaya) and Madura Island (in Bangkalan, exactly east Kamal), Indonesia. With a length of 5438 m, this bridge is the longest bridge in Indonesia today. Southeast Asia's longest bridge is the Bang Na Expressway in Thailand (54 km). Suramadu bridge consists of three parts, namely the overpass (causeway), bridges (bridge approach), and the main bridge (main bridge).

Beginning construction of this bridge was inaugurated by President Megawati Sukarnoputri on August 20, 2003 and inaugurated the opening by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on June 10, 2009. Bridge construction is intended to accelerate development on the island of Madura, including infrastructure and economic field in Madura, which is relatively backward compared to other areas in East Java. Estimated cost of construction of this bridge is a 4.5 trillion rupiah.

Making the bridge is made from three sides, both sides Bangkalan both sides of Surabaya. Meanwhile, at the same time span was also carried out development which consists of playing bridge and approach bridge. Suramadu bridge is basically a combination of three types of bridges with overall length of 5438 meters long with a width of approximately 30 meters. This bridge provides four lanes in both directions as wide as 3.5 meters with two 2.75-meter-wide emergency lane. This bridge also provides a special lane for motorcyclists out on each side of the bridge.

Causeway built to connect the bridge with the road construction through shallow waters on both sides. This flyover consists of 36 spans over 1458 meters on the side of Surabaya and 45 spans over 1818 meters on the side of Madura. Construction of this flyover using PCI buffer length of each span 40 meters foundation supported 60 cm diameter steel pipe.The connecting bridge or bridge approach, the main bridge linking the elevated road. The bridge consists of two parts with a length of 672 meters each. Construction of this bridge using a buffer along the 80-meter concrete box each span with seven spans supported on each side of foundation support 180 cm in diameter.

The main bridge or bridge consists of three parts, namely two side spans 192 meters long and one along the 434-meter main span.The main bridge using a cable stayed construction supported by the 140-meter-high twin towers. The bridge deck using 2.4-meter-thick composite construction. To accommodate cruise ships crossing the Strait of Madura, the bridge is providing free space as high as 35 meters from the sea surface. In part this is what causes become difficult and hampered its development, and also causes swelling construction costs

'Mak Itam' Bring the Bicycle Rider to the Start Line

2010-06-06T13:22:00.005+07:00

SAWAHLUNTO - cycling race Tour de Singkarak 2010, this morning, Saturday (5 / 6), entering stage five. Along the 96.5 kilometer stage of this, start the journey from Muaro Kalaban and ends at Istano Pagaruyung, Batusangkar, Tanah Datar, West Sumatera (Sumatra).

Before beginning the start of stage 5 which is about 5 km from the resort location in Sawahlunto, all the drivers and officials went to the location in Muaro Kalaban with boarded an old train. On the train, the only VIP carriage capacity of 20 people charged with, among others Sawahlunto Mayor Amran Nur, Director General of Promotion Kemenbudpar Sapta Nirwandar, as well as all official racing teams from 13 countries, including Indonesia. While the carriage behind the VIP, there are five other gerbing circuit for the drivers and journalists.

Locomotive pulling six carriages was named Mak Itam. E-numbered trains are made in the year 1060 in 1891, with coal fuel is widely available in Sawahlunto. Mak Itam naming of an old locomotive by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) itself, adjust to his physical appearance is all in black. "(Name) 'Mak Itam' according to the black locomotive," said Nofri, Public Relations of PT KAI Sawahlunto.

Nofri explained, Mak Itam in 1982 was picked up from Ambarawa, and then brought to Sawahlunto in unfit condition of the road. "After the repair held, Mak Itam eventually became the only rail transport to increase the attractiveness Sawahlunto," he added.

Meanwhile, at exactly 9:00 pm, Mayor Amran Nur Sawahlunto together Muspida Kemenbudpar Promotion and Director General, finally removing the bicycle rider Tour de Singkarak toward Istano Pagaruyung, Batusangkar. In stage racing, riders are expected to step on his own front finish at around 12:00 pm.

http://www.jpnn.com/fefTl64T3DtowvqXp4iYrA==

Bangka Belitung Island (update)

2010-06-04T23:43:00.005+07:00

Rocky granite artistic, clear sea water, and sandy beaches are really white, not found elsewhere only in Bangka Belitung Island.

Bangka Belitung Islands

2010-06-04T23:29:00.001+07:00

Bangka Belitung Islands Province is a province in Indonesia, which consists of two main islands of Bangka and Belitung islands and small islands such as Lepar, Pongok, Mendanau and Nasik Strait, which has named the island the total amount to 470 units and only 50 inhabited islands. Bangka Belitung Island is located in the eastern part of Sumatra, near the South Sumatra province. Bangka Belitung is known as tin-producing region, has a beautiful beach and interethnic concord. The capital of the province is Pangkalpinang.

Bangka Strait separates Sumatra and Bangka Island, while the Gaspar Strait separates the island of Bangka and Belitung islands. In the northern provinces have the South China Sea, the southern part of the Java Sea and in the eastern part of Kalimantan Island which is separated from Belitung Island by Karimata Strait.

Visiting the islands of Bangka Belitung, similar to indulge in nautical tourism. Not only the traveler can enjoy the blue expanse of ocean, but also taste the delicious variety of seafood available on almost every side of town or the beach.

Bangka Belitung Islands is a new fractional area of South Sumatra province. Now, people named their country Bangka Belitung is a word that is quite popular, clump Sebalai Affairs. Book and movie fame Laskar Pelangi also has a great share in the promotion of Babylon. So the Babylonians also had a new name Laskar Pelangi Earth. Louth town as the capital city of Babylon, was approved on February 9, 2002.

Although tourism services has not been too crowded, the flight schedules to the islands with the seven district / city, and dense enough to reach eight flights each hari.Pada certain holidays, especially holidays Tionghoa citizens, the archipelago with an area of 81724.74 km2 and a population of 1,000,177 inhabitants, it is very busy visit. Moreover, of the total population of Babel Islands, 30% more of an ethnic Tionghoa.Seperti on days Cengben memorial ceremony, the majority of citizens Tionghoa origin of Babylon will return to their homeland.

In this coastal area, established a number of cottages and an inn, complete with restaurants, fishing, and water like a speed boat tours or fishing boats can be rented. While a few feet landward from the beach, the remaining traces of tin mining community. Because, of Babylon known as the province's largest tin producer in Indonesia. According to Ir. Buasan Bahar, Head of Branch Sriwijaya Air is bringing a group, before the '80s, all the beaches in Babylon over the net from now.

Tourists can still bring fruit in the form of processed foods typical hand of Babylon. Kind of a very diverse and is available in almost all shops in the area and Pangkalpinang Sungailiat, such as various crackers mackerel, squid crackers, prawn crackers, crackers, anchovies, and crabs cracker. Other foods there are barnacles, tembiluk, lempah land, brains, and the most famous and already melanglang to the various regions is Belachan Bangka Bangka and Murtabak (Cake Van De Cock). Cake, which originally named van de cook this, can be purchased in the afternoon or evening in every corner of travelers who like food kota.Bagi legit, can buy lempok, a type of dodol made from a mixture of sugar and certain fruits (generally Cempedak, jackfruit and durian). Besides a very sweet and quite bite on the tongue, lempok also very fragrant.

Processed foods are shrimp paste (belacan). Various condiment packaged and resold. You can also try to buy made from fish sauce or anchovy rebon. It is said by the seller in the region Sungailiat, fish sauce is fresh taste when eaten with acar.Ada one thing to note is the Muslim travelers when choosing a restaurant or eating place. Not all restaurants, especially the stalls will include roadside eating kosher label. In fact, many restaurants that offer processed pork Tinghoa written in the language. Well, if you're already saturated with the atmosphere of tourism in Java, there is no harm in choosing Babylon to fill the holiday weekend. Jakarta Travel-Babel only takes a short 40 minute flight. Tariff cottages and inns are also have a lot of variations.Spend the night along the coast of Babylon, very impressive. In the north of Babylon is bordered by the Natuna Sea, east of the Strait Karimata, and on the south by the Java Sea. A place that is complete enough to feel the pounding of ocean waves and the wealth of Indonesia.

Medan City Hall Heritage

2010-06-04T18:42:00.002+07:00

Established since 1906 until now the building is still well. This building had time to get repairs in 1923. City Hall, located in the heart of the city of Medan. With the unique design of the classic European style. as well as a very important function in the past to make this town hall to be part of the wealth of heritage town of Medan. Overall shape of this City Hall building with a ladder cube design that protrude along the entrance at the front. There are two poles touch corintia still standing strong until now. On each side of the building there be some rectangular window.

In the middle of the roof of City Hall square which forms the dome at the tip. In the vault there are windows on each side and one level above it is placed at the clock on each side of merupkan gift of Tjong A Fie is a major, very famous in Medan

As a city that would appreciate its history, until now an authentic edge of the City Hall building is still maintained as of yore. Although its function is no longer a Medan.Tidak City Hall wants to let the building was only a witness of history and ultimately destroyed, now City Hall has been managed by the Grand Aston City Hall since 2005. With the excuse that this building can still be enjoyed throughout the society. Now a cafe nuanced cultural heritage and history of Medan.

MENTAWAI ISLAND - HIDDEN PARADISE

2010-06-03T21:49:00.002+07:00

Mentawai is the name of an archipelago situated ± 150 km in the Indian Ocean consisting of the main island groups namely the island of Siberut, Sipora, North Pagai Islands, and South Pagai Islands (each with its own small islands) is inhabited by tribal communities in the Mentawai off West Sumatran coast, as well as the name of the district.

District has an area of 601 km ² and a population of 64 235 inhabitants. Its capital was in Tuapejat. The county is divided into four districts and 40 desa.Pulau Mentawai waves roll popular with surfers and proved popular. By various organizations surfing, waves in the Mentawai rated as the third best universal after Hawaii and Tahiti. It added that the island has 400 Mentawai surf spots

Surfer's Paradise

Among the surfers, Mentawai is the best place to fill their needs will cabaran and beauty of nature. The beach offers one of the highest waves in the world, 3 to 4 meters, totally challenge your gut. After you reasoned yourself in Paradise Island is hidden, so you will paddle to the world’s best surfing.

Dont call your self Surfer if you havent ride big wave surfer Mentawai says a party to express their experience of surfing in Mentawai.There four best dive sites here in Mentawai, Siberut, Sipora, North Pagai (Pagai north) and South Pagai (south Pagai ). You can find great waves here all year, but the best waves during the dry season, Mac until October. Make sure you have the gut to explore all paths of glass, the best way to surf kerana You deserve exceptional experience is through the search itself.

Biosphere Reserve

In addition to beautiful, Mentawai also important for conservation. Since 1981, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural (UNESCO) set of Siberut in the Mentawai Islands as one of biosphere reserves so that its existence must be protected and kept away from exploitation.

Keeksotisan Siberut plus the four endemic Mentawai primates, namely simakobu or pig tail monkeys (Simias concolor), Kloss’s Gibbon or dwarf gibbon (Hylobates klosii), joja or Mentawai langur (Presbytis potenziani), and monkey Mentawai (Macaca pagensis).

To investigate the wealth of this Mentawai primates, Primate Center University of Gottingen, Germany, in cooperation with the Bogor Institute of Agriculture founded the Siberut Conservation Project.

Getting There

1. Down the flight from Sukarno Hatta Airport, Jakarta to the airport Minangkabau International Airport, Padang, West Sumatra (available every day)
2. Take the ferry from the port Bayur Bay, Padang to Mentawai Islands

Travel

To access all the beauty that is offered, you can rent a boat owned by the community tempatan. You can find a boat along the coast. depends on the stage of your bargaining skills.

To Do

Beach activities

1. Sight seeing
2. Diving
3. Snorkeling

Cultural Activities

1. Learn how to perform traditional dances (war dance and gratitude to nature)
2. Traditional Ceremony
3. Mentawai is one of the best places to do Pengajian Ethnography since with one of the oldest tribes in Indonesia

Ecotourism Activities As a habitat for endangered primates, the rain forests Mentawai semulajadi would be the perfect place to study or other educational purposes. Here, you should conduct an assessment on

1. snub-nosed monkey / Simakobu (Simias concolor) family of monkeys eating the leaves as a major food
2. Joja or monkey Mentawai (Presbytis potenziani) easily dikenalpasti for the long tail, white face and black hair head
3. Danijel Bokkoi Mentawai monkey (Macaca pagensis)
4. Kloss Gibbon / Kloss’s Gibbon or Pygmy Siamang (Hylobates klossii) kerana famous beautiful voice, differ with the general monkey

To Stay

Many visitors choose homestays. They offer a unique way of life in the development of unique art and experience interacting with people tempatan. If not, you can stay at a hotel in Siberut kewangan.

To Eat

Improve your taste with exotic and fresh seafood you can find in Restaurants tempatan run by the local community. If you are just glorious, may select and cook your own seafood, but be sure you know the secret recipe / spices from the Mentawai people. If you do not go to sea, you can search for common foods as well.

To Buy

Hand-made souvenirs like traditional hats tempatan, traditional and original accessories bags will be souvenirs for your friends and family. You can buy it at the souvenir shop or from a population tempatan directly.

Tips

1. Bring your own surfboard with you, because may be hard to find a surfboard shop in Mentawai

2. big wave can be found throughout the year, but the best waves be present during the dry season from March to Oct

3. Bring your personal medicine

4. You can set your trip by calling travel agents and airlines in Indonesia

The Beauty

MER-C INDONESIA ATTACK BY ISRAEL

2010-05-31T17:50:00.002+07:00

Bogor (ANTARA News) - The Organization of health emergency, Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C), Indonesia, are seeking the truth of information about the news of the deaths of two volunteers when attempting to penetrate the Gaza Strip in Palestine.

"We do not itemize, and are working on getting information about whether two people volunteer martyr of the MER-C Indonesia or volunteers from other countries because the mission was followed by nearly 50 countries," said Chairman of the Presidium of the MER-C Indonesia dr. Abdul Murad Sarbini AFP when contacted Monday afternoon.

Only, he said, the important info that is confirmed, at least two people were martyred in that mission and 30 other people were injured in a humanitarian mission "Flotilla to Gaza."

Ship "Mavi Marmara" which brought humanitarian aid mission to the Gaza Strip, Palestine, on Monday at around 04:00 local time the troops were attacked by Israeli commandos marines opened fire.

However, transnational news agencies quoting the television and radio stations to mention Israel at least 10 people were killed when Israeli troops stormed a boat carrying pro-Palestinian activists.

Meanwhile, Israeli military radio preach between 10 and 14 people were killed in the clashes that occurred after the passengers tried to seize weapons-sejata the naval personnel who tried to attack one of the ships were.

It is unclear whether the clashes took place in one of six boats which is a relief convoy. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the incident.

After the incident, the Israeli military ordered the blocking of all information pertaining to the victims killed or injured in the attack on the ship.

Until now, according Sarbini, pihakya not able to connect with their volunteerism after the Israeli army deployed troops to attack with the vessel.

"The attack carried out more or less 4:00 o'clock in the morning local time, and still in international territory, precisely in the Arabian Sea or roughly five kilometers to reach the Gaza Strip," he said.

Movement of Flotilla to Gaza "is one of the biggest protest movement in the history of humanity. A number of leaders, activists aasasi human rights (human rights) and volunteers from various countries and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) involved in the humanitarian movement to stop the blockade of Gaza.

Yardim Insani Vakfi (IHH), one of the largest humanitarian organizations and human rights in Turkey based in Istanbul became the main initiators "Flotilla to Gaza."

Secretary General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) John Ging stated that "Flotilla to Gaza" in 2010 is an action contained in them a sense of responsibility that it should be borne by the international community in order to oppose Israel's illegal blockade of Gaza .

John Ging also called on all parties to the extent complicated on supporting and participating in the movement.

Organizations that include the ship is IHH Turkey, ECESG (European Campaign to End the Siege of Gaza), FGM (Free Gaza Movement), Greece Ship to Gaza, Gaza Ship to Sweden, and the International Committee to Lift the Siege on Gaza.

Meanwhile, before the Israeli assault case, the Chairperson declared IHH Turkey Bülent Yıldırım convoy ship was not afraid of threats and bullying the Israelis that will block all ships entering the waters of Gaza.

"The participants of this cruise is to understand what they will do, and does not violate any laws," he said.

He mentioned that the sea border is 12 miles each country. This is certainly true for Israel.

Movement "Flotilla to Gaza" will sail 80 miles outside the Israeli coastline. "If Isreal to do something to thwart this convoy, the state was in violation of international maritime law," he asserted.

Indonesian citizens who participated in the mission is four volunteers MER-C and a television cameraman, ie the Team Leader Nur Mubarak Taher Moeslim (Upi), together with dr. Arief Rahman, Nur Ikhwan mechanics Abadi, Abdillah Onim nonmedical personnel who will co-founded the hospital in Gaza, as well as journalists TVOne M. Yasin.

Besides the five Indonesian citizens, there are a number of other Indonesians who took part in humanitarian missions Ships Mavi Marmara, among others, from KISPA and Friends of Al Aqsa.

Dynamic

According to Abdul Murad Sarbini, since the beginning of the latest developments which are always associated with IHH received from the mission is always dynamic, in line with the threats that accompanied Israel's mission trips.

Israel reportedly will force humanitarian mission to land in Ashdod, a port city that is only 25 km from Tel Aviv, the capital of Israel.

"Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met seven senior ministers linked to Gaza` `Flotilla. The result of the decision, Israeli forces` to `Flotilla landed in Ashdod and lowering the load to be submitted to the United Nations (UN)," he said, quoting the head of the team of volunteers MER-C Indonesia Nur Mubarak Taher Moeslim via short message is sent from the port of Antalya, Turkey.

"The decision Netanyahu (who will be forced down aid) that Israel was deliberately done that take the least amount of risk than if the firing and imprisonment of the volunteers," he said last week.

"However, that situation could change at any time. We pray for the volunteers could REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Several Israeli helicopters attacked a group of volunteers carrying humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in Gaza. MER-C Volunteers who took part in fleet assistance that was shared in the Zionist forces barbarity.

Chairman of the Presidium of the Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C), Sarbini Abdul Murad, convey the brutality of Israel's news through the short message to the Republika, Monday (31 / 5). Until recently, he did not know about the fate of the MER-C volunteers who participated in these groups. ''We still do not know what happened to them (volunteers), because until now could not be reached,''he said.

Previously, the team MER-C along with volunteers from around the world set off together from Port Antaly, Turkey. MER-C team departed with the use of ships 'Mavi Marmara' NGO's from Turkey, IHH. The delegation was nine ships with a capacity of nearly 800 people and 10 thousand tons of humanitarian aid.

TOUR DE SINGKARAK INDONESIA

2010-05-29T19:47:00.007+07:00

Tour de Singkarak is the international event for bicycle race at West Sumatera, Indonesia. Tour de Singkarak aim is to provide a memorable sport tourism experience as the tour combines bicycle race and tourism, in order to inspire the imagination of champions and excite enthusiasts throughout the event.
The first race was done successfully from april 29th to may 3rd 2009. It was made up of 4 stages; Padang-Bukittingi (92.3 kms), Bukittinggi-Sawahlunto (85.1 kms), Sawahlunto-Lake Singkarak (90.2 kms), Lake Singkarak-Lake Kembar-Lake Singkarak (188 kms), and award a total prize money of US$60,000.
As an UCI (Union Cycling International) annual calendar of event, Tour de singkarak 2010 will be held on June 2010. This event had already attract 20 countries beforehand only 15 countries. The route is also longer than before. It is about 700Km with 6 or 7 spending days.
Tour de Singkarak is collaboration between Regents and Municipalities of West Sumatera, Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Indonesia Cyclists Association.
Launching Tour de Singkarak 2010
RACE CATEGORY :

2.2 Category
Asia Tour 2010 Constitute combination
Registered in UCI (Union Cycling International)

Total Distance 581,5 Km

Race Route 2010

Stage Start & Finish
Distance
Half Stage

Stage 1
Padang (TTT)
4.4 km

Half Stage 2A
Padang – Pariaman
70 km

Half Stage 2B
Pariaman – Mukomuko
69 km

Stage 3
Mukomuko – Bukittinggi 41 km

Stage 4
Bukittinggi – Sawahlunto
84.6 km

Stage 5
Sawahlunto – Batusangkar
105 km

Stage 6
Padang Panjang – Singkarak Lake
187.5 km

World Bank appoints Sri Mulyani managing director

2010-05-05T16:53:00.002+07:00

World Bank president Robert B. Zoellick has announced the appointment of Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati as managing director of the World Bank Group.

“She has been an outstanding finance minister, with in-depth knowledge of both development issues and the role of the World Bank Group,” Zoellick stated in a press release.

“As a member of the senior team she will play a key role in helping to lead the bank as we move to strengthen client support, implement our reform program, and anticipate future challenges,” he said

Sri Mulyani will start June 1 as one of the Washington-based bank’s three managing directors, the highest rank under Zoellick.

Mulyani, according to the press release, accepted the appointment, saying: “It is a great honor for me and for my country to have this opportunity to contribute to the very important mission of the bank in changing the world".

The appointment follows an international search process. Mulyani, 47, will replace Juan Jose Daboub, who will complete his four-year term June 30, overseeing 74 nations in Latin America, the Caribbean, East Asia and the Pacific, the Middle East and North Africa, the bank said. Daboub is a former El Salvador finance minister.

Mulyani and Vice President Boediono have been the target of an opposition campaign accusing them of abusing their authority during the Rp 6.7 trillion ($740 million) bailout of Bank Century in 2008.
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Wed, 05/05/2010 10:28 AM | Headlines

Wacky wildlife discovered in Borneo

2010-04-23T19:18:00.001+07:00

WILDLIFE researchers said they have discovered around 120 new species on Borneo island, including a lungless frog, the world's longest insect and a slug that fires "love darts" at its mate.

Conservation group World Wildlife Fund (WWF) listed the new finds in a report on a remote area of dense, tropical rainforest that borders Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei on Borneo, AFP reported.

The three governments in 2007 designated the 88,000-square-mile (220,000-square-kilometer) area as the "Heart of Borneo" in a bid to conserve the rainforest.

"We have been finding on average three new species a month and about 123 over the last three years, with at least 600 new species found in the last 15 years," Adam Tomasek, head of WWF's Heart of Borneo initiative told AFP from Brunei.

"The new discoveries just show the wealth of biodiversity on Borneo island and the promise of many more future discoveries that could eventually help cure illnesses like cancer and AIDS and contribute to our daily lives," he said.

The "Heart of Borneo" region is home to 10 species of primate, more than 350 birds, 150 reptiles and amphibians and about 10,000 plants that are not found anywhere else in the world, the report said.

Among the finds are a three-inch (seven-centimeter) flat-headed frog, known as "Barbourula kalimantanensis", discovered in 2008, which breathes entirely through its skin instead of lungs.

Researchers in the same year also discovered "Phobaeticus chani", the world's longest stick insect, with a body 14 inches (36 centimeters) long. Only three specimens of the creature have ever been found.

Another interesting find was a long-tailed slug that uses "love darts" made of calcium carbonate to pierce and inject a hormone into a mate to increase the chances of reproduction.

The WWF urged governments act sensitively when developing the area's economic potential.

"We know that it is impossible for the three governments not to have development in mining, oil palm plantations and logging in the area," Tomasek said.

"What we want to have is a balance so that we have a foundation of conservation and sustainable development in order to protect this unique site for future generations," he added.

Indonesia and Malaysia, the world's two largest exporters of palm oil, account for 85 percent of global production.

Palm oil -- used extensively across the globe for biofuel, processed food and toiletries -- has been vilified by environmental campaigners for causing deforestation and threatening the survival of near-extinct species.

Tomasek said the "Heart of Borneo" initiative is also important for protecting the habitat of endangered species such as the pygmy elephant, orangutan, rhinoceros and clouded leopard.

"In many ways this is the last stronghold for the long-term survival of these species," he said.

The Sumatran rhinoceros is one of the world's most endangered species, with only about 200 remaining in the wild, up to 180 in Indonesia and the rest in Malaysia.

The Bornean sub-species is the rarest of all rhinos, with just 30 left in the wild on Borneo island.

Conservationists also warned the world has less than 20 years left to save about 50,000 to 60,000 of the charismatic red-haired orangutans left in the wild.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au

The Beauty of Bukittinggi, West Sumatera

2010-03-28T23:44:00.011+07:00

The heart of the highlands, Bukittinggi is a two-hours drives from Minangkabau International Airport, through beautiful of Anai valley countryside and up to the Agam Plateau.You will see a beatiful scenery with rail road and bridge through Anai Valley.
A center of attraction is the town's clock tower, topped with a horn- shaped roof and referred to by the people as Jam Gadang. It overlooks the market square and the city's magnificent surroundings. Located 930 meters above sea level, Bukittinggi, formerly named Fort De Cock by the Dutch, has a cool climate and is surrounded by three volcanoes: Tandikat, Singgalang and Merapi. In the outskirts of Ngarai Sianok town, a canyon that separate Bukittinggi from Gadang City, 12 km away overland. Gadang City is renowned for its fine silver filigree and hand embroidery.

Also worth visit the Museum, which is a Rumah Gadang, a traditional extended family house built in the 19th century. There are dance performances at the museum's open stage every Sunday and on public holidays. Night dance performances are at Sliguri. It is also worth seeing the bullfights at Padang Lawas (6 km south of Bukittinggi) every Tuesday at 5.00 p.m. The delightful hill town, Bukittinggi nestling amid mountain greenery at 920 m above sea level is the Minangkabau capital (victorious buffalo) people. Bukit Tinggi means 'high hill' is stunningly located with views over fertile valleys to two volcanoes, Mt Merapi and Mt Singgalang. It is laid out in tiers down the steep hillside, each level connected to the next by precipitous stone steps and passageways.

The central landmark in Bukittinggi is the clock tower, with its stylized roof, standing in the town square. Geographically, the town's highest point is the Rumah Adat Baandjuang Museum. It is 140 years old classic rumah adat (clan house). It exhibit include wedding and dance costumes, head dressers, musical instruments, village crafts and historic weaponry. Panorama Park has spectacular views over the Sianok and Ngarai canyons.

SIKUAI ISLAND, THE HIDDEN ISLAND!

2009-12-19T22:53:00.010+07:00

Sikuai is one of the islands in the Mentawai islands, West Sumatra. A small island (40HA) with stunning scenery. Have you ever watched The Beach, starring Leondardo In Caprio? In one scene of Leonardo run and arrived at Maya Bay beach in front of him and stuck a giant coral sea gradation from light blue to dark blue. Maybe that same picture a little about what's going on on the island.

Probably not a lot of you know Sikuai island is very beautiful, even the majority opinion more beautiful than Bali .. maybe because the beach is still virgin. My prediction, if the local government manage this resort seriously, doing big promo ... it'll be 'exploded' and that certainly would be a competitor for Bali. Well speaking of the program Visit Indonesia Year 2008, apparently no harm local governments to promote the island.

Sikuai Island do not lose good from Bali, you see below is very beautiful beach

HOW TO GET THERE? HOW MUCH IT WILL COST YOU?

Sikuai island was located in West Sumatra. When you arrived at Capital City of Indonesia, Jakarta. Then take a direct flight to Padang City, West Sumatera. It will take about 2,5 hour to Padang, there are several airlines you maight choose such as, Garuda Indonesia,Lion Air,Air Asia, it will cost you about $50- $100. Then from a Speed Boat or ship just for $10-$20 ,that will take you to the island only for 1 hour to the island. The cost of Sikuai resort $50-$200 a night. Its depend on your pocket. This is very good offer for a backpacker!

Award Winning for Bali Island-Indonesia, The Best Destination Holiday Paradise

2009-05-17T00:06:00.007+07:00

Bali island the had received as a the best destination Holiday Island in the world for the 2009. Finally with all the terrorist issue and all the problem in Indonesia. There is a thing good showed up for Indonesia image as a peaceful country. Destination paradise for holiday for those people who get bored with their daily activity. Bali has a beatiful scenery, traditional life, a lot of interesting cultures, dances, fooda and of course with sandy beaches to relax. Come to Bali if you want to see a paradise on earth.For the detail about bali cick this site BALI.COM

Welcome to Indonesia Archipelago

2009-05-07T18:51:00.002+07:00

Indonesia is an archipelago country located in South East Asia 6°LU - 11°08'LS and from 97°' - 141°45'BT between Asia and Australia Continent, consist about 17.500 islands from Sabang to Merauke. Indonesia territory terbentang 3.977 miles from Hindia to Pacific Ocean. With 1,9 milion mile2 the area of Indonesia including the Oceans and islands, Indonesia is the largest Archipelago country in the world with a beautiful and exotic tropical island. So many natural resources, cultures, religions and ethnics. It’s a perfect place for people to enjoy the holiday in paradise tropical Island.

BALI ISLAND - INDONESIA

2009-05-06T23:21:00.001+07:00

Introduction to Bali...

The island of Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia and is located 8 degrees south of the equator between Java in the West and Lombok and the rest of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor) in the East. Flying time to Bali is about 2 hours from Singapore, Perth (Australia) 3 hours, Hong Kong about 4.5 hours, and from Sydney/Melbourne it is approx 6 hours.

The island of Bali has an area of only 5,632 square kilometers (2,175 square miles) and measures just 55 miles (90 kilometers) from north to south and a little less than 90 miles (140 kilometers) from East to West. Because of it's size it is relatively easy to explore the island on day tours and return to your hotel or villa in the evening.

Located only two kilometers east of Java, Bali's climate, flora and fauna are quite similar to its much larger neighbor. The island is famous for its beautiful landscape. A chain of six volcanoes, between 1,350 meters and 3,014 meters high, stretches from west to east. There are lush tropical forests, pristine crater lakes, fast flowing rivers and deep ravines, picturesque rice terraces, and fertile vegetable and fruit gardens. The beaches in the South consist of white sand while beaches in other parts of the island are covered with gray or black volcanic sand.

The climate is tropical with two seasons, a wet and a dry. The dry season, which lasts from April to October, is the most popular time to visit Bali although, there is a particular beauty about the tropics in the wet (It is also a way of avoiding the main tourist seasons of May and December).

Bali's picturesque landscapes are truly amazing - magnificent rice terraces, a sweeping range of volcanic mountains, dense tropical jungles with fast-flowing rivers, long sandy beaches, world famous surf spots and exotic coral reefs teeming with a large variety of exotic fish.

Bali's population has grown to over 3 million people the overwhelming majority of which are Hindus. However, the number of Muslims is steadily increasing through immigration of people from Java, Lombok and other areas of Indonesia who seek work in Bali.

Most people live in the coastal areas in the South, and the island's largest town and administrative center is Denpasar. The villages between the town of Ubud and Denpasar, Kuta (including Jimbaran, Tuban, Legian, Seminyak), Sanur and Nusa Dua are spreading rapidly in all directions. Before long the entire area from Ubud in the North to Sanur in the East, Berawa/Canggu in the West and Nusa Dua in the South will be urbanized.

Bali is the perfect place to take your kids. They'll love the natural surroundings, and there is no problem finding a baby-sitter or somebody to take care of them wherever you go. All Balinese adore kids! Bali is a paradise for children. Just about every attraction on the island is children "friendly" - which makes Bali an ideal destination for parents as well.

Children's attractions in Bali vary from surf, sand and beach activities; cultural activities such as dancing, temple visits, and traditional Balinese life style experiences; adventure activities such as rafting, cycling, bungee jumping and elephant rides; and theme parks such as Bali Bird Park, Waterbom, Butterfly Park, etc.

Bali has a wonderfully unique combination of their friendly people, the natural attractions, the great variety of things to see and do, the year-round pleasant climate, and the absence of security problems. And then there is Bali's special "magic", which is difficult to explain.

As soon as you step off the plane you might sense the difference. In the villages you'll notice the quietness and wisdom in old people's faces, and the interest and respect in the faces of the children. Old men sit at the road side caressing their fighting cocks. Beautifully dressed women walk proudly through rice fields and forests carrying offerings on their heads to the temple. There is the smell of flowers and exotic incense and, in the distance, you hear the sound of gamelan music.

Gods and spirits have been an important part of Bali's daily life for hundreds of years. Gunung Agung – Bali's holy mountain – is internationally regarded as one of the eight "Chakra" points of the world. This may be more than a coincidence. Be warned ! The moment you feel the magic of this island, you're addicted for the rest of your life.

The Magic of Bali...

A walk on the beach at low tide. Shining delight on the faces of newly arrived visitors as they begin their journey into the great unknown that is Bali. Confronted by a sea of golden faces, visiting children are the first to smile as they are cuddled by every Balinese woman or man they meet. Children are all adored as spirits newly returned from the after-life.

An erect old lady on her 1940s bicycle, pedaling quite unconcerned through traffic while carrying dozens of eggs balanced precariously on her head. Seldom has one of these ladies of remarkable poise been seen to fall over. Carrying heavy buckets of water on their heads from an early age has given them a balance and strength that would be envied by Olympic gymnasts.

Pairs of men on motor-bikes delivering newly made wooden beds on their heads and shoulders. Sometimes they can be seen carrying as many as three mattresses in the same way, buffeted by the slip-stream of passing trucks, the man on the pillion seat is responsible for load security while the driver controls the bike and attempts to keep them both steady.

Early morning on the beach a light breeze wafts aromas of the morning's rice to the fisherman who, with sarong and basket tucked up near his waist, casts his net into the surf in the hope of some extra food for his family. Old ladies and gentlemen appear for a bath, cautiously dipping into the shallowest water, fully clothed. Tourist joggers and power-walkers come thundering along, (to the amusement of locals who lead a gentler and far less punishing lifestyle).

To the East, Gunung Agung can be seen raising his mighty head above the clouds to see what his subjects are up to. Having made his ritual inspection he draws the clouds around him and usually hides for the rest of the day. The Balinese people know he is always there, unseen but all-seeing as he ponders upon the doings of everybody.

SIKUAI ISLAND - WEST SUMATERA INDONESIA

2009-04-27T00:35:00.005+07:00

Welcome

2009-04-25T18:08:00.000+07:00