Best Indonesian Beaches

Below mentioned are some information on the top 10 the most beautiful beaches in Indonesia, which are the best tourist attractions as well.

1. Nihiwatu Beach, Sumba

Nihiwatu Beach at number 17 on CNN World’s 100 best beaches. In some ways, the perfect beach. It’s remote (an hour’s flight from Bali then a 90-minute drive) with beautiful, clean sand, clear water, almost no people, and amazing sunsets. It is home to the impressive Nihiwatu resort and is best outside the wet season.

Highlight: For surfers, the incredible left-hand break. For everyone else, as dusk approaches, a chance to join local villagers as they scour a section of a nearby reef at low tide for octopus, crabs, and seaweed.

2. Canggu Beach, Bali Island

Worth knowing: There’s little nightlife here; instead, travelers kick back with themselves and locals

3. Derawan Beach, East Kalimantan

Pulau Derawan at number 63 on CNN World’s 100 best beaches. Tourist accommodations are no-frills here, and that’s what makes the place unique. Most visitors will be able to spot turtles wading about on the island’s spotless silvery beaches.

Highlight: The waters surrounding Derawan are known to be a home to manta rays and green turtles.

4.  Tanjung Bira, South Sulawesi

Tanjung Bira is popular for its flour-like white sands. It is located about 5 hours from the city of Makassar. This place is known to be the best for flour-like white sands. This place is situated in Bulukumba and is a part of the Sulawesi Island.

Location: Bulukumba, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

5. Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno Islands, West Nusa Tenggara

Many people doubt this spot, but that’s good because it keeps the crowds down. This area has a super laid back vibe, and the locals are so welcoming, it’s not unusual to be offered a hammock to rest your head indefinitely.

6. Kanawa Beach, Flores

7. Jimbaran Beach, Bali

The coast of Jimbaran bay comprises several beach areas interrupted by cliffs, instead of being one long stretch of sand like Kuta Beach. With the coast facing the west, Jimbaran beach boasts a beautiful sunset view. Its most popular spot is the long beach just south of Ngurah Rai airport.

8. Belitung Island, Bangka Belitung Province

9. Peucang Beach, Banten

Ujung Kulon is a conservation area for the endangered Java Rhino. But, tourists are allowed to visit Peucang Island, which has a fantastic white sand beach. Located in Ujung Kulon, Banten Province, Indonesia.

10. Dreamland Beach, Bali Island

Dreamland Beach is a beach located on the Bukit peninsula, on the island of Bali. The beach provides basic accommodation and cafes for surfers and day-trippers. It is also renowned for its dangerous shore break.

These some beautiful beaches in Indonesia. Don’t hesitate to visit Indonesia. It’s Amazing!

Top Romantic Destinations in Indonesia

Here are our top six choices of dreamy alternatives for the lucky couple. Top Honeymoon Destinations in Indonesia.

1. Bali Island

The perfect honeymoon hideout, no place can give you more serenity and solitude than the beautiful, bewitching island of Bali. If you wish to savor your honeymoon moments amidst nature’s lap, take a day’s trip to the Ubud Village well-known for its acres of rice plantations in terraced fields, the quaint ambiance and of course the cultural exuberance.

With its array of peppy private beaches, exotic forests and enticing volcanoes, Bali ranks not only at the topmost honeymoon destinations in Indonesia but among the best ones in the whole world as well. The charm of Bali is still luring tourists all over the world. Bali was chosen as “World’s Most Romantic Islands 2013” by CNN Travel.

2. Moyo Island

Moyo Island, a small island north of Sumbawa Island, is a world-class tourist destination that is known for its serenity and effortless beauty.

Although this island is relatively tiny, covering approximately 30,000 hectares, its extraordinary wealth of unspoiled nature makes it big enough for a new world for two. The beauty of it does not only feature the typical white sand beach and a crystal clear ocean, but it also offers an untouched forest, home to the heaven of waterfalls and nature rives.

3. Banda Islands

Just one hour sailing from Banda Aceh, the northernmost province of Sumatra, lies the tiny tropical island of Pulau Weh. A heavenly jungle paradise surrounded by beautiful white beaches. The main reason to come to Pulau Weh is the beaches for snorkeling and diving. You can admire the most beautiful tropical fish, turtles, and corals.

Quite different from the traditional spirit of Bali, the fertile Banda Islands located in the Maluku province of the country amidst the Banda Sea presents a fascinating panorama of marine life. Divers, this honeymoon trip is for you! Imagine a whole week overlooking the view of Mount Api. Every day an underwater exploration of a kingdom of beauty awaits in the seven islands of this archipelago – Neira Island, Lonthoir Island, Pisang Island, Hatta Island, Ay Island, Rum Island and of course the volcano itself, Mount Api. Mandarin fish, giant table corals, all kinds of soft corals and a vast variety of pelagic fish are the typical sightings at Banda’s dive sites.

4. Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is indubitably one of the most romantic destinations for newly-weds in Indonesia. Known as for its rich historical culture, the island is teeming with relics and remains of the days of yore, narrating the grandiose past of the archipelago. You can visit Kaliurang to capture some romantic snaps with your spouse at the white churning mountainous stream of Hawanya in the backdrop of scenic mountain valleys. Kaliurang is 28 kilometers north from the Yogyakarta city center, exactly in the hamlet of Kaliurang, Hargobinangun, Pakem, Sleman.

5. Surabaya

Surabaya is another of the popular places to go honeymooning in Indonesia. Whether it is the mosques and monuments that stand with their unprecedented grandeur, or the magnificent China Town, beckoning gourmands to titillate their taste buds with a tinge of the Chinese culinary delights, the city proffers opportunities galore for honeymoon couples to savor the soul of Indonesia.

6.  Sampireun Village, Garut

It sounds unlikely to find a romantic hideaway within the busy life of West Java. But there is one perfect destination filled the romantic ambiance and rustic atmosphere tucked away from all busy towns in West Java.  Kampung Sampireun is a floating resort outfitted with gazebos, distinctive cuisine and traditional Sundanese music. It offers both simplicity and luxury perfect for honeymooners looking for a unique and romantic experience at whole new level.

7. Lombok Island

Lombok Island has a beautiful atmosphere and lovely underwater scenery and fascinating. The waves are not too big and quiet, of course, will add romance honeymoon. That’s good because it keeps the crowds down.

8. Bintan Island, Riau

Bintan Island is the truly enchanting natural beauty of one of them. Glistening white sand, blue water, and crowded as the trees is a fusion that makes this island so beautiful.

9. Belitung Island, Riau

Stunning scenery on the island of Belitung, perhaps can not be found on other islands, this is the privilege of this island be a place for a romantic honeymoon. Belitung Island is dominated coast with beautiful panoramic views, crystal clear water and white sandy beaches along the coast. A number of bays with calm waters make this place ideal for honeymoon couples who enjoy water sports.

10. Takabonerate Island, South Sulawesi

Takabonerate Selayar District, South Sulawesi, will be prepared as an international tourist destination with the scheduled implementation of annual programs of international tourism

Visit Indonesia for a truly marvelous honeymoon!

Best Snorkeling Locations in Indonesia

Here are the top snorkeling and diving spots where you can find the best marine life in Indonesian waters.

1. Cape Kri, Raja Ampat

This west Indonesian archipelago contains more marine bio-diversity than anywhere else in the world – more fish, more corals. Slip into the temperature waters of Raja Ampat’s favorite dive site. Cape Kri. Located about 50 kilometers north of Sorong amidst two large resorts on Kri Island, Cape Kri has long been known as one of the best dive sites in the world. But not many know that it is also ideal for snorkeling. Find your way off the powder-white beach and discover schools of colorful fish. Once you get past the initial awe, this experience lacks no surprises. The ver fortune might even encounter one of the five species of gigantic Queensland groper, reputed to be as big as small cars.

The waters that surround Raja Ampat have been confirmed by experts to have the most diverse marine life with thousands of fish species, six species of sea turtles and at least 450 species of coral, Even the Caribbean Islands have only up to 70 species. And during certain seasons, you might also meet much bigger marine mammals, like whales.

The Coral Triangle is where all the marine life can be found. The triangle links the waters of the Philippines to Bali to the Solomon Islands. Kri itself is at the heart of the triangle and is home to more than 3,000 species of reef fish and around 75% of the global coral reefs.

2. Pink Beach, Komodo Island

Komodo Island is not only known for being home to the world’s largest monitor lizards, the Komodo dragons, but it is also known for the high quality of its dive sites and underwater life as well. A short speedboat ride can take you to Pink Beach, where you will encounter endless possibilities. Located near Komodo Island’s chief Ranger’s Station in Long Liang, this beach has an exciting feature, its rose-colored sand that creates a picturesque setting of pink against the crystal clear blue ocean. Most days, this beach is relatively quiet without many visitors, so it is the perfect hideaway.

3. Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi

The beauty of Wakatobi National Park can still be enjoyed by snorkeling. The shallow waters in many areas provide opportunities for snorkelers to encounter various species of marine life and coral. The snorkeling hot spot is nestled in the life rich tropical haven of the Banda Sea. At almost any site in this small archipelago, you can wade in and explore one of the most captivating and bio-diverse underwater ecosystems on the planet. The 821 km2 area was originally known as Kepulauan Tukang Besi or Blacksmith Islands, which consists of four main islands, namely Wang-wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko. The combination of those four names, therefore, creates the name: WA-KA-TO-BI.

Wakatobi boasts around 25 clusters of pristine coral reefs with a wide variety of species, from hard shells and soft corals, sea plants coral fish, mollusks, sharks, to dolphin and even whales. Although you can dive and snorkel any time, it is most advisable to come in April and December when the waters are in their best condition with excellent visibility. It is recommended to use the service of travel providers to maximize tours, island exploration, guided snorkeling excursions and a trip a small island off Tomia, known as Onernobaa Island, which is also surrounded by enchanting underwater beauty.

4. Menjangan Island, Bali

Menjangan Island is situated just a few kilometers from Bali‘s north beach. Thus the region is a part of West Bali National Park.; hence, it is one of the most protected diving and snorkeling sites in Bali. Those who have set foot on this island agree without a doubt that it is one of the best marine attractions in Bali. The water is clear, calm, and rich with various underwater species. The soft corals here are the main stars with giant colorful sea fans adorning its steep walls. And where there are plentiful soft corals, it means there is a vast amount of plankton, fish, and other underwater species inhabiting the area.

5. Macan Island, North Jakarta

Macan Island or Tiger Island is located around 85 kilometers north of Jakarta in an area that administratively is still part of Jakarta. It is one of the Indonesian capital’s best weekend gateway, reachable by a 90 minutes boat ride from Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, North Jakarta’s famed theme park. An island in Kepulauan Seribu or Thousands of Islands. Macan Island is an exotic and unique destination striving to promo eco-friendly technology and living in harmony with nature.

The amazing fact that a pristine white-sandy white beach, teeming coral gardens, and amazing panoramic views are just 90 minutes away from the bustling (and often highly polluted) capital city makes the island a perfect weekend gateway that not many know about it.

6. Karimunjawa Island, Central Java

At Karimunjawa Island we had dreamlike encounter happened more than once during our five days in September exploring Karimunjawa, an off-the-map spot with a population of about 10,000, many of whom still make a living from fishing and cultivating seaweed. The beauty of coral reefs and colorful fish become the main attraction for you who love to play in the water.

Best Places to Visit in Sumatra, Indonesia

These are the places that you must visit in Sumatra. So, we recommend 10 Top Destinations in Sumatra.

1.Weh Island, Aceh

Weh Island is a small volcanic Island located northwest region of Sumatra.  Weh Island once was originally connected to the Sumatran mainland and became separated by sea after the volcano’s last eruption.

Weh Island is still considered a well-kept secret, untouched and far away from throngs of tourists. More than 20 different dive spots are accessible in just 20-50 minutes by boat from Banda Aceh, the capital of the westernmost province in Indonesia, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam.

2. Lake Toba, North Sumatra

Lake Toba is the most beautiful lake in Indonesia, so the place you must visit while visiting Indonesia. Lake Toba is stated as a supervolcanic lake and the largest volcanic lake in the world.

A supervolcanic eruption occurred there 75,000 years ago. In the middle of Toba Lake, there is Samosir Island. Sometimes this fact frightens some people, but those are nothing compared to the facts that Lake Toba is a magnificent lake.

3. Lawang Hill, North Sumatra

Bukit Lawang (Lawang Hill) is known as the gate to explore flora and fauna diversity in Mt. Leuser Forest Conservation. Lawang Hill established goals are as protection, breeding, and research of various kinds of species especially orangutans and Sumatran elephants. Lawang Hill is a popular destination among nature lovers.

4. Kampar River, Riau

Bono wave in the Kampar River has attracted a lot of surfers, both national and international surfers. It’s a new challenge for surfers to surf in the river. Bono or better known as the Seven Ghosts Bono is an amazing natural phenomenon. Steve King, an international surfer from the United Kingdom successfully set a Guinness World of Records. Covering a total distance of 20.65 Km (or 12.8 miles) in 1 hour and 4 minutes, Steve King broke the Longest, Continuous Bore-ride World Record on the Bono of the Kampar River.

5. Mount Kerinci, Jambi

Mount Kerinci is a mountain located in the archipelago’s ring of fire, soaring into the sky to an altitude of 3.805 meters above sea level. From the top of Kerinci you will find volcanic crater as wide as 400×200 meters, and if the sky is bright, you will see the beauty of the cities around Mount Kerinci, such as Padang, Jambi, Bengkulu, even Hindia Ocean.

6. Harau Valley, West Sumatra

Harau Valley is the most wonderful valley in Indonesia. The green rice field surround by brown cliffs is the favorite place to take some pictures or climbing. Harau Valley has some waterfalls and tropical forests. There are also Seribu (Thousand) caves located in the forest. Their name represents the number of branches in it.

7. Mentawai Island, West Sumatra

Mentawai archipelago is known as the paradise for surfer lover. This archipelago has 4 big islands that are inhabited and dozens of small islands that are not inhabited. Mentawai Island beauty exoticism has been famous especially for surfing lovers because it has the best wave in the world. This island also keeps the wealth of underwater marine life. Other potential attractions offered by Mentawai Island are National Park and the culture of the Mentawai tribe.

8. Belitung Island, Bangka Belitung Province

9. Krui,  Lampung

One of the beaches in Krui is Tanjung Setia Beach which popular with the high waves and one of the highest waves in the world. With a height of  5 meters and a length of 200 meters, it is no wonder that more than 100,000 tourists who come from Australia, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Japan have always been to this beach each year for surfing. Krui has not only wonderful beaches, but it also has a lake (Ranau Lake), and a forest.

10. Kiluan Bay, Lampung

A village in Tanggamus District keeps hidden paradise. In Kiluan Bay, you can see hundreds of wild dolphins in the sea. There are 2 species dolphins here, Tursiops Truncatus dolphins with a big body and Stenella Longirostris dolphins with a small body.

You can also visit small islands near Kiluan Bay such as Kelapa Island, and some amazing beaches such as Pegadung Rock Beach, Laguna Beach and White Sand Beach with world-class scenery.

Surabaya has long been known as the “City of Heroes“. The name ‘Surabaya’ itself came from two words suro (shark) and boyo (crocodile). The creatures were believed to be depicted in prophecy where they fought each other to gain the status of the most powerful animal. This local myth is also sometimes interpreted as the conflict between the Mongols and the forces of the reigning Majapahit Kingdom.

Surabaya’s history did not start with the ferocious battle in 1945. The coastal area on the eastern plain of Java Island was once the reigning Majapahit Kingdom and Chinese invaders from Mongolia. Led by Raden Wijaya, the Majapahit troops marched to victory on May 31, 1293. This date has since been commemorated as the birthday of Surabaya.

After enjoying almost five centuries of prosperous golden area, Surabaya fell to the hands of the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) or Dutch East India Company on November 11, 1743, as a result of an agreement between Pakubuwono II of the Mataram Kingdom, and the VOC. Until the 1900s development of the city had been very slow, mostly concentrated on the western side of the Red Bridge where the Europeans resided.The Surabayans lived on the eastern side of the bridge as well as the Chinese and Arabs giving rise to unique villages of Kembang Jepun, and Ampel where their descendants live and thrive until today.

Tea Plantation was built by the Dutch Colonial Government and now the tea plantation is owned by PT.Perkebunan Nusantara VII, Gunung Mas.

Puncak has fresh air and mountain scenery. It is known as the recreation area for Jakarta residents and foreign tourists. Most of the tourists come from the Middle East. Even, the road to Puncak, precisely in Cisarua, there is an Arab village where restaurants are available with an Arabian food menu and Arab style buildings.

10 Best Places to Visit in Puncak, Indonesia

Here, 10 tourist attractions in Puncak you should visit.

1. Telaga Warna (Lake Warna)

Lake Warna (Lake Colour) is located in  The Inland Hill which offers stunning scenery. Lake Warna is able to change the color following the natural surroundings, that’s why it is called Lake Warna.

Location: North Tugu Village, Cisarua Sub District, about 39 km from Bogor

2. Taman Wisata Riung Gunung

Riung Gunung Park is a place to relax with mountain scenery and fresh air.

Location: South Tugu Village, Cisarua sub-district, about  24 km from BogorCurug Cilember

3. Cilember waterfall

Cilember waterfall has seven waterfalls in different places, with highs reaching 40 meters. However, the most visited waterfall is the seventh waterfall, which the waterfall is believed to be efficacious as a youthful drug, speed up finding a soul mate and to cure diseases.

Location: Megamendung Village, about 19 km from BogorMatahari Tourism Park

4. Matahari Tourism Park

Matahari Tourism Park has a motto of “Recreation and Education Park”. It has a variety of games for entertainment spent with friends or family

Location: South Tugu Village, Cisarua Sub District, about 27,5 km from Bogor

5. Curug Kembar (Twins Waterfall)

Another name of the Twins waterfall is Ponds Green waterfall. This waterfall has a height of about 15 m and below of the ponds is green. The water is very clean, but it also contained a cliff that resembles a cave. This waterfall is from the Gumawang River.

Location: Batulayang Village, Cisarua Sub District, about 26,5 km from Bogor

6. Agro Gunung Mas Tourism

You can enjoy a cup of tea, looking at the green expanse of tea plantations and mountains with blue sky making the heart calm and forget everyday routines for a moment. To enjoy it all, we can go to a Tea Plantation in Gunung Mas Agro Tourism.

Location: Jl. Raya Puncak KM 87, Tugu Village, Cisarua Sub District, 25 km from Bogor

7. Pusat Pendidikan Konservasi Alam (Nature Conservation Education Center)

Education is a very important principle for the conservation movement as an investment in the future. In 1999, CI in collaboration with the National Park of Mount Gede Pangrango established Bodogol Nature Conservation Education Center (PKKAB). The building is equipped with classrooms, dormitories, canopy bridges, and research stations provided for both students and student researchers who want to know the natural forests in Gunung Gede closely

Location: Babakan Kencana 35, Lido-Cigombong, about 30 km from Bogor

8. Taman Safari (Safari Park)

Taman Safari, Cisarua, with about 170 hectares has around 2,500 animals. The majority of animals are from Indonesian, including Bengal tigers, Giraffe, Malayan Sun Bear, Orangutan, Hippo, zebra, cheetah, elephants, and komodo. There are also many conserved faunas here, including the Bali Starling, a small white Mynah bird. The safari is a drive-through and it is possible to be extremely close to all the animals.

Location: Jl. Raya Puncak No.601 Cisarua

9. Taman Bunga Nusantara (Flower Garden)

Taman Bunga Nusantara (TBN) has many diverse collections of beautiful and fresh flowers, ranging from plants to tropical climate as well as for a cold climate, not even just the interest that comes from Indonesia, flowers from all over the world were there. In addition to refresh the eye, we also will get a lot of new insights about the flowers.

TBN is located in the Village District Kawung-Luwuk Sukaresmi Cipanas-Cianjur, with a total area of ??35 acres, Garden Flowers Collection presents the beauty and charm and natural flowers arranged beautifully. Founded 10 years ago precisely on September 10, 1995, Indonesia’s first display garden is equipped with various collections of plants and flowers are renowned worldwide unique.

10. Kebun Raya Cibodas(Cibodas Botanical Garden)

You will find an outstanding collection of ferns, palms, 65 pieces of eucalypt, Mexican mountain pines, and glasshouses bursting with cacti and succulents. A road loops around the gardens, passing via the Japanese garden with its cherry trees, and there are also paths leading through forests of bamboo to the impressive Cismun waterfall.

Location: Mount Gede Pangrango Area, Cimacan Village, Cianjur.

SEE ALSO: 10 Most Popular Destinations in Jakarta

In general, the culture and traditions in Banten are similar to those in West Java. But there are several fundamental differences often overlooked by many. This is one of a number of reasons why leaders of Banten strived for their area to be separated from West Java and officially inaugurated as its own rightful province; a dream that finally came true at the turn of this century. Banten became Indonesia‘s 30th province.

Looking back into an era prior to the 16th century, the area of Banten was then known as Banten Girang or Banten Hulu. Located 3 km from current Serang City, it was an area with no significant role within the reigning Pajajaran Kingdom. However, since the arrival of leading Muslim scholars from Cirebon, Sunan Gunung Jati, Banten’s name began to surface. Not only teaching and spreading the wisdom of Islam, Sunan Gunung Jati had triggered wonderful development in Banten. By the early 1500s, Banten had grown and become a bustling commercial port, the second largest port after Sunda Kelapa Harbor in Jakarta. Moreover, with the fall of Malacca- an important port on Malacca Strait at the time – to the hands of Portuguese in 1511, the position of Banten Lama Harbor rose to the top as traders from the Middle East and China much preferred to make their stops in Banten instead of in Malacca.

Along with that, Banten also became an Islamic empire. Banten Girang, which used to be the center of governmental activities, was moved to Surosowan to be closer to the harbor. The move immediately strengthened Banten’s political position. Interestingly.s the founder of the kingdom, Sunan Gunung Jati refused to be king. Instead, he abdicated the throne to his who became the first King of Banten.

These glorious days came to an end when a fleet of Cutch ships commanded by JP. Coen arrived in Banten at the end of the 16th century. On the initial pretext of trade, slowly but surely on colonial claws of the Dutch East Indies Company began to grip Banten and later everywhere throughout the archipelago.

Surosowan Palace, the palace of the first empire in Banten. Constructed during the reign of Sultan Maulana Hasanudin, the palace stood on a three-hectare area and was surrounded by five-meter thick high walls. But when the Dutch conquered the kingdom, the palace was destroyed. Now, only the remains of the wall can be seen.

Not far from the palace, there is the Great Mosque of Banten. Unlike the palace, the mosque still stands proud and strong and functions as a house of worship. This icon of Banten Lama was built during the supremacy of the first king of Banten and was heavily influenced by European and Chinese architectural styles. Consisting of four features, the main perfect square building with a five-tiered roof serves as a place of worship.

Panamping are those known as the Outer Baduy tribe. They live in many villages around the Inner Baduy area – Cijengkol, Cikadu, Cisadane, Kaduketuk, Kadukolot, Cisagu, and so on.  While Dangka lives elsewhere, outside the Inner Baduy and Outer Baduy areas, and serves as a sort of barrier to stop the influence of the outside world from entering the sacred inner circle. This makes them pretty much isolated from technology and they also reject formal education for their children.

The nest morning, they went trekking to visit a few more villages in Outer Baduy. At noon, they had a pleasant old fashioned Baduy lunch consisting of the freshest home-grown ingredients, in Cisadane Village on the south side of Outer Baduy. The women of the group, naturally also went shopping for some ikat fabrics, handbags made woven bark and traditional Baduy clothes.

National Archaeological Research has nearly close to the complete scene of the old Banten kingdom as one of the old Sunda kingdoms beside Pajajaran. The tradition of Sunda such as the poets of Sejarah Banten, Tangtu Pangelaran, and Serat Centhini are resources in disclosing the mystery of Banten or West Java in general besides formal edicts of kings. Around the 14th century the Hindu kingdom of Sunda, known as Pajajaran felt down after being attacked by the Moslem army of Cirebon under the commander of Sunan Gunung Jati.

It was told that so easy to subdue the royal palace due to the great welcome of local people to Islam, as Islam promised all people will get Sorga, not like Hindu which was basically royal religion and indicated a complex ritual to attain sorga. The last prince named Prabu Pucuk Umum was unable to face the Moslem army fled with some ministers to the forest, hiding behind the mountain, ravines, months even years to get rid of the Moslem army attack. At last the group arrived at a dense virgin forest called Mandala Singkah, and the first place they stop is called Panembahan Arca Domas, located at the beginning of the Ciujung river. This full miserable story of self-rescue is still being heard among the Baduy in the form of a song during the rice maturity season.

The Arca Domas is now the center and most sacred place for Baduy people and culture and not everyone can visit the place. Arca Doma is a stone simple arrangement forming 13 grades. Before talking about Arca Domas, we will see their belief first. Many people think that the Baduy follow Buddhism since they related to the palace of Pajajaran or Sunda kingdom.

The fact today there is a belief of Sanghyang Batara Tunggal ( the one god ). This oneness has the characteristic of omniscience, invisible yet imaginable by heart, omnipotence, Omni-creator who protects movement on the universe, ravine, river, the peak of mountain, forests, caves, lakes and other sacred places. When a person died his/her soul will return to Sanghyang Batara Tunggal. This belief reminds on Hinduism in Bali, not Buddhism. The name of Sang Hyang reminds the original belief of ethnics of Indonesia before Indian influence, while Batara is purely Indian. It has been a mixed aspect between local and Indian, especially Hindu.

Arca Domas honored as Panembahan Arca Domas. Penembahan is a title for an important person especially having a connection with the royal family and power on society such as king, ministers, and persons having great service to the people. Arca mean sculpture, Domas means eight hundred, which reminds the way Balinese accounting. It is probably that the 800 sculptures were dedicated to high dignitaries as a cemetery. According to writers who had been given the permission by the people to visit the place such as Prof. Veth, Mr. Kooder, and Djoewisno, MS< the place had beautiful panorama, arising unique feeling among hundred-year-old trees, stones covered by a moat, deep ravine, beautiful and wide gorges. All these made an experience of a great nature sweeping away the feeling of tiredness, hunger and thirst. The path to reach the sacred place of Arca Domas is said extremely difficult and disguise. The forest around the area has many spring water sources and is closed to even the Baduy themselves and there are sanctions for the offender. It can be a bad penalty such as 3 months work on force and ritual to pay his/her sin. What is called Arca Domas is megalith like construction in 13 grades filled with upright stones, yet the original shapes are not visible, covered by a thick moat. On the back is a cave with stalagmite and stalactites.

Offending traditional regulation is a serious act if within 3 months work under force fails to pay the penalty of ritual then the offender will be exiled, his/her land will be confiscated and given to the traditional village organization or the Adat. If the offender is the resident of Baduy Dalam village, he/she will be moved to outer Baduy village known as Baduy Pendamping villages, if the offender is from outer Baduy village then there are places to put the offender on exile such as villages of Cibengkung, Pangawean, and Cipatih. If the offender is non-Baduy people, provided prepare to pay the fine, he/she will be released but his/her whole life will be banned to enter Baduy land again, their organization is so effective in preventing this.

The personality of Baduy people is interesting, their body is stilt, clear yellowish skin, straightforwardness, never laughing or joking, look arrogant but humble, honest, strong resolution but not stubborn, not easy to be influenced or persuaded, but never giving trouble to others.

Source here

Whist beautiful lost paradise has been the most wanted place to visit. It is the first Indonesian national park and was declared as one of the World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992. It is also the home of the almost extinct one-horn Javanese Rhino

How to Get to Peucang Island

Tourists can reach Peucang Island from Carita beach port in Banten by hiring speedboats available at Lippo Marina at a cost of about Rp 5.5 million each for up to three days and two nights. It takes about 2.5 hours to go to the island from Carita beach by speedboat, which has a maximum capacity of 20 passengers.

Visitors can also take motorboats available at Labuan, which can carry 15 passengers each. Those who prefer to use fishing boats may hire vessels belonging to local fishermen at a cost of about Rp 2.5 million per round trip. In good weather, the island can be reached by a fishing boat in four hours to five hours.

Among facilities available for visitors on the island are a guest house, which can accommodate 50 people, and three wooden buildings on stilts encircling a lawn at the beachside. The rates range from US$70 to US$90 per night per cottage. Those buildings provide air-conditioned rooms with refrigerators and hot water.

Tourists who prefer renting rooms can pay US$35 to US$50 per day per room. Extra beds are available at US$10 per bed.

The entry fee to the island is only Rp 2,000 per person and Rp 2,500 for insurance, which is valid for one week.

Tips for visitors

• Bring food and beverages as well as personal medicines, including malaria tablets. Don’t forget to take malaria tablets before and after the trip.
• To avoid the adverse effect of severe heat, smear uncovered skin with sunblock and to protect your health, use antimosquito cream while traversing the forest.
• Wear muted-color garments while watching animals in their habitat or grazing locations.
• Don’t visit Ujung Kulon National Park during the rainy season and the west monsoon. Bad weather usually hits that region from November to March.
• For safety’s sake during a trip, every group of tourists is advised to use the services of a local guide.
• Don’t disturb or feed wild animals in the national park, especially long-tailed macaques on Peucang island, which look so tame.
• Don’t throw rubbish in the park, but collect and take it back to the guest house or outside the park. Obey all regulations effective in the national park and also the local customs.

Yogyakarta Beaches

Drini Beach is one of the special beaches along Beautiful Gunungkidul’s coastal line as it has a small island floating in, dividing the beach into two parts. Flanked by rocky hills, the stretch of white sand was serene, illuminated by natural morning light. The coastal air was still cool and colorful fishing boats lined the beach, presenting a textbook photographic moment.

Not far away, there is Sundak beach. Also located in Wonosari, much of this area was still under the sea back in the 1930s! Only 8 decades later, the seawater level decreased dramatically, forming a new land and exposing the coral reefs and a large underwater cave that stands clear in view today. Interestingly, during the rainy season, water from land that floods into the sea splits the east side of the beach in a river like a stream. But when the dry season comes, the crevice disappears as seawater comes ashore and drags the sand way.

Only 3 kilometers from Sundak beach through a meandering road, Kukup beach cuts through hills that connect it to the next beach, Baron beach.

Sepanjang beach in Kemadang village showed its elusive quality. It was quiet and seemed ideal for sunbathing. A beach worth coming back to during turtle season. Sepanjang beach has the longest coastal line of all beaches in Gunung Kidul area, hence the name “Sepanjang” which means long. Decorated with palm trees, the coral reef along the beach displays itself with the rise and fall of tides, making it easy to see mollusks, starfish and sea urchins without having to dive. The waves in this area fierce.

There some stunning beaches in Yogyakarta. It’s Amazing Indonesia !