Indonesian Tourism

Sanur Beach: Watch The Sun Rise From Below The Horizon

2014-04-28T02:51:00.000-07:00

Overview

Greet the sun as she gradually rises from below the horizon radiating the most brilliant colors over Sanur Beach, while the soft white sands embrace the oncoming waves: a perfect picture of a beautiful sunny morning, where nature displays her fascinating features at the tranquil, laid back retreat of Sanur, east of Denpasar, capital of the fabled island of Bali.

Located just 25 minutes from the international airport, 30 minutes from the Kuta area, and 15 minutes from downtown Denpasar, Sanur is renowned as Bali's first beach resort and is actually where the early tourism industry grew on Bali.

Sanur is also recognized as the largest village in Bali where its people - as with the rest of east Bali- are particularly friendly, welcoming and accommodating. Despite the locals’ activities and the abundance of restaurants and accommodation, it is surprising how un-crowded and peaceful Sanur is. There are many activities to try as well as beach resorts and restaurants but these are all spread along a long coastline, creating a secluded feeling where the action goes unnoticed to sunbathers and loungers on the unspoiled beaches that continue to maintain the traditional Balinese feel.

Sanur beach is a long stretch of beautiful white sand lined with palm trees that shade dreamy footpaths, market stalls and relaxed beach cafes. Along the beach are traditional Balinese Bale (raised shaded open verandas for lying down or relaxing). Most are no longer in use although a few are sometimes occupied by fishermen who fish in these waters.

The waters of Sanur are protected by a long string of offshore reefs, creating large, warm shallow, safe lagoons that are perfectly clear and excellent for swimming, snorkeling and a whole array of water sports. Surfers will be pleased to know that the reefs around Sanur produce some of the best waves in the world in the right conditions although they can be very shallow at low tide. But there are more consistent waves beyond the reefs good for surfing.

Sanur is also the launching pad for visitors who want to dive and explore the splendors of the nearby island of Nusa Lembongan. Nusa Lembongan is approximately 8 square km in size, and is one of three neighbouring islands, the others being much the larger Nusa Penida and tiny Nusa Ceningan. Many areas around the island are good for diving and snorkeling, with abundant marine life and healthly corals. Surfing can get a bit crowded, but the waves are good. There are several white sand beaches away from the main centers which are virtually never crowded.

Sanur Beach was first introduced by A.J. Le Mayeur, a renowned Belgian impressionist painter who arrived in Bali in 1932 and soon immersed himself in the culture of the island. He married a noted Balinese Legong dancer named Ni Polok and made her his model. Here he created some of his famous masterpieces. Today, the house of Le Mayeur has become a famous museum where visitors can view some of his artworks and gain an insight into the romantic aura of the time when Le Mayeur was one of a handful of expatriates.

As a place where tourism first flourished in Bali, Sanur has some of Balis’ historic hotels. Built in 1965, the Inna Grand Bali , formerly called Bali Beach Hotel, was the first five star and the only high rise hotel in Bali. After its construction a new law came into force where in Bali no hotel may be built higher than a coconut tree.

Here are also the Sanur Beach Hotel (Initialy called Hotel Garuda) and the Bali Hyatt. All of these hotels still operate until today with that certain touch of modernity that offers that nostalgic ambience for those who knew Bali decades ago before the onrush of tourism. But even today Sanur still maintains that pleasant ambience with places shaded by high and age old trees that continue to radiate the serene magic of Sanur.

To Do

Sanur's splendid paved beachfront cycle-path stretches some 5 kilometres from the Jalan Mertasari area in south Sanur, north to the main beach at Jalan Hangtuah. This makes for a lovely scenic bike ride, especially in the early morning. The more active could try one or more of the many watersports on offer at Sanur Beach. Try kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, surfing or paragliding. For those less active, hire a banana boat and hit the calm waters. The surf here is not great by Bali standard but there are reasonable breaks about 1km offshore during the northwest wind season (about October to March). In that period you will have no problem locating the breaks — just follow the locals. Boards can be rented on the beach for Rp 100,000.

For one of a kind experience, you should try the Sea Walker. A safe and exciting underwater adventure Sea Walker is a unique diving system, that provides an opportunity to observe the underwater world to a depth of 15 feet without certification, and without getting your hair wet. Participants actually walk along the bottom of the sea, rather than swim while numerous exotic fish and sea life are found all around.

Get There

Located within the vicinity of Denpasar, the capital of Bali, Sanur is a 20 minute taxi ride from the Ngurah Rai International Airport. There are plenty of metered taxis all over the island that will be keen to take you to Sanur. This is one of the more straightforward areas of Bali to find as the main Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai is the western boundary of Sanur. There are many well signposted exit points from this main road into the heart of Sanur. Allow about 30 minutes driving time from Kuta or Legian, about 45 minutes from Seminyak or Ubud and 15 minutes from Downtown Denpasar.

Sanur is also well serviced by shuttle buses and bemos from the north and south and also from Denpasar's Tegal terminal. The bus company Perama has its Sanur office in Jalan Hangtuah, and offers direct transfer here from Candidasa, Kuta, Lovina, Padang Bai and Ubud. Private shuttle buses run from most major tourist centers of Bali to Sanur; check local advertising and always book 24 hours in advance.

Get Around

Jalan Danau Tamblingan, the main street in Sanur, has a number of outlets for car, motorbike and bicycle rental. A large number of metered taxis patrol the streets looking for passengers. Local bemos run with some regularity up and down both Jalan Danau Tamblingan and Jalan Danau Poso. Sanur is also a great place to walk. Distances are not far, the streets are relatively quiet, and there is a splendid, paved beach front path which runs the whole length of the district.

To Eat

There are a lot of restaurants and cafes along the coastline, for budget meals you may want to try the pasar malam(Night Market) at the northern end of Jalan Danau Tamblingan where it meets Jalan Pungutan. Here are some of the restaurants and dining options you can find around Sanur:

Abian Boga Restaurant

Jl Kesuma Sari No 5

Phone: +62 361 284174

Cafe Batu Jimbar

Jl Danau Tamblingan

Phone: +62 361 287374

Kayu Manis

Jl Danau Tamblingan

Phone: +62 361 289410

Massimo

Jl Danau Tamblingan 228

Phone: +62 361 288942

Email: massimosaccobali@gmail.com

Smorgås Café

Jl Danua Tamblingan/Pantai Karang II

Phone: +62 361 289361

Stiff Chilli

Jl Kesumasari 11, Semawang

Phone: +62 361 288371

Email: stiffchilli@rjhgroup.com

Treo Beach Café

Mertasari Beach

Phone: +62 361 9218588

To Stay

Sanur is a quiet version of Kuta that offers a decent selection of accommodation options. You won’t find the mega resorts of Nusa Dua, but you will discover a price selection, with many small personal places situated close to the beach. As a site where tourism flourished for the first time in Bali, Sanur has a complete selection of Budget, mid-Range and Luxury options. For hotels with website you can refer to our Find a Hotel, some other accommodation options are listed below:

Kesumasari Guest House

Jl Pantai Kesumasari, Semawang

Phone: +62.361.3610840

Email: info@kesumasarihotel.com

Prima Cottage

Jl Bumi Ayu 23

Phone: +62 878 61323761

Email: sales@primacottage.com

Ratna Beach Hotel

Jl Segara Ayu, Sanur Bali

Phone: +62.361.8070181

Email: info@ratnabeachhotel.com

Ananda Beach Hotel

Jl Hangtuah

Phone: +62 813 37536464

Email: info@anandabeachhotel.com

Baruna Hotel

Segara Ayu Sreet No. 3

Phone: +62 361 288 414

Email: info@hotelbaruna.com

Arimbi villa sanur

Jl Pengembak 14

Phone: +62 361 289091

Email: arimbi14@gmail.com

The gangsa Private Villa by Kayumanis

Jalan Tirta Akasa no. 28

Phone: +62 361 270 260

Phone: info@thegangsa.com

Mahagiri Villas Sanur

Jalan Pungutan 31

Phone: +62 361 283939

Email: info@mahagirivillassanur.com

Dreamland: Surf’s up at Bali’s New Kuta Beach

2014-03-03T23:37:00.000-08:00

Overview

A vast stretch of soft pearly white sand, clear blue sky over the enchanting blue waters, and nothing but the fascinating sounds of waves hitting the shores; no, this is not a set from a dream, this is where nature interprets your dream, this is Dreamland Beach, on the southern coast of Bali Island.

Recently dubbed as the New Kuta Beach – a fresh comparison to the already highly popular Kuta Beach, this little piece of paradise is located within the integratedPecatu Graha Resort complex, at the Bukit Peninsula in the Badung regency, just about 15 minutes from the picturesque Uluwatu Temple. Although sharing a similar name, Dreamland is far from the crowded and vibrant atmosphere of the original Kuta Beach. Instead, the beach offers tranquility and much more exciting waves perfectly fit for advanced surfers.

The once hidden beauty of this coastline was first introduced to the world when the popular pop/rock Band, Michael Learns to Rock shot their musical video clip: Someday in 1996. The beach is mainly highlighted with the soft pearly white sand shore that stretches some 1 kilometer and is considerably cleaner than most beaches in Bali. As any beach at the Bukit Peninsula area, Dreamland is also decorated with beautiful rocky cliffs on its shore which radiate an enchanting atmosphere. The vast stretching shoreline also makes it a perfect place to bask under the tropical sun or to stroll along the indulging sands, or simply sit down and immerse oneself in the dream-like beauty of nature. As daylight slowly fades, the brilliant colors of sunset over Dremland’s horizon will surely confirm why this beach got its name.

Among surfers, the waves at the coastline of the Bukit Peninsula are undisputedly legendary, and Dreamland Beach is no exception. The beach features a break with longer left and a short right handers, “surfable” at low to dead low tide and works well when there is an average swell above 3ft coming in. However, when the swell is over 7ft, the waves tend to be unpredictable and close out. The soft, fat waves and deep water make it suitable for the professionals or those with some learning experience behind.

Get There

Located at the Bukit Peninsula area, Dremland Beach can be reached from Kuta-Legian area in about 30-40 minutes. From the capitalDenpasar, it is roughly about an hour’s trip (depending on traffic conditions). From Denpasar or Kuta, take the main south road (Jl Bypass Nusa Dua) which is the only route to the south Bukit Peninsula area. Take this main road south to the junction with Jalan Uluwatu II (the famous McDonald's junction), turn west towards Jimbaran Bay, continue about 2 km and at the four road junction make a sharp left up the hill (signposted for Uluwatu). Follow the road up to Pecatu Village until the main entrance of the Pecatu Graha Resort comes in sight on the right. Enter the resort and follow the road sign directing to New Kuta Beach.

To Stay

There are several accommodation options you can find within the resort and close by. Here is the list of some of the accommodations around Dreamland Beach:

THE DREAMLAND LUXURY VILLAS & SPA

JL.Raya Uluwatu Gang Kahuripan No.69 Br.Bakung Sari Ungasan-Kuta-Bali-Indonesia

Phone : +62 361 708199

Fax: +62 361 708168

Email: reservation@dreamland-villa.com

Live Messenger:dreamland_villa@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.dreamland-villa.com/

Bingin (on the cliff edge at Bingin close to the car park and the southerly steps)

Phone: +62 361 7428249

Email: jbataillardbali@gmail.com

Chocky's Place

At the base of the cliff right on the beach at Bingin

Phone: +62 818 05444833

Email: info@chockysplace.com

The Giant Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue and Cultural Park

2014-03-03T23:21:00.000-08:00

Overview

Situated on a limestone plateau in south Bali, high on the Bukit Peninsula, 300 meters above Bali’s shoreline, is the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park that offers a grand view on Jimbaran Bay and Kuta to the west, and Tanjung Benoa and Sanur to the east with the imposing Mount Agung and Mount Batur as its background.

Focal point of this Cultural Park is the magnificent Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, that will reach a total height of 126 meters, weighing 3,000 tons, that will be taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York.

The statue depicts Lord Vishnu mounting the mythical Garuda bird, as manifestation of the conscience of Amerta, the Perennial Goodness.

At present, the 23 meters high head and torso of Lord Vishnu already stands in place. Still in construction is the giant Garuda Bird. When completed, both the head and torso of Lord Vishnu will be placed on the Garuda bird, which together will reach 75 meters high with the Garuda wings spanning 64 meters wide. The entire statue will then be placed on top of a 60 meters pedestal, so that the total structure will stand 126 meters high. The statue’s structure is made of copper, brass, steel, with gold mosaic placed on specified parts.

This incredible monument will then be visible from a 20 Km distance, and can be clearly viewed from Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. Visitors will be able to ascend inside the statue to its chest level. From that height, visitors will look down upon the most panoramic view of the fabled island of Bali.

Unfortunately, work on the statue had stalled 16 years, but will now finally be resumed, which will take three years to complete, said I Nyoman Nuarta, Indonesia’s maestro sculptor and creator of this iconic statue. Having been postponed since 1997, this monument is projected to become an exceptional landmark for Indonesia’s tourism in this modern age.

Conceptionalized by sculptor I Nyoman Nuarta, actual work on the statue is, nonetheless, not undertaken in Bali, but in the artist’sworkshop, NuArt Studio, in the mountain town of Bandung in West Java, involving many artists and experts from various fields .

Born in Tabanan, Bali, in 1951, I Nyoman Nuarta is one of the Indonesia’s outstanding pioneers in the new visual art movement since 1976. While still at college, in 1979 Nyoman Nuarta already won Indonesia’s Independence Declarators Statue Competition. Until this day, Nuarta has created over a hundred statues which all reflect modern art in sculpture which follows the naturalistic style. Most of his statues are made of copper and brass.

At the moment, about 200 workers are working in NuArt Studio in the construction of this magnificent statue. Upon completion, the statue will be sent in parts from Bandung to Bali to be reassembled on the site at the Bukit Peninsula.

As many as 13 modules of the project are currently being transported, which are expected to reach Bali late July or early August 2013. The process of reassembling will cost around IDR157 billions, even more expensive than the work on the statue itself which took IDR150 billion. It will take about 400 huge trucks to transport parts of the 3,000 tons statue from Bandung to the site in Bali. Modules will be transported in stages over the course of three years.

The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue and park was initiated by members of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Foundation, a group of influential people, that include Joop Ave, then Minister for Tourism and Telecommunications , IB Sudjana, Minister for Mining and Energy, I Made Mangku Pastika,current Governor of Bali, sculptor I Nyoman Nuarta, and a number of businessmen.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

Meanwhile, the extensive Cultural Park where the statue stands is already operating in full swing. It is a favorite venue for large convention dinners and functions able to seat hundreds of delegates, as well as stage star-studded concerts that attract the public by the thousands. Among which was the band Iron Maiden that drew crowds and tourists from throughout Bali.

GWK Cultural Park covers more than 240 hectares of land that was once an abandoned and unproductive limestone quarry. The GKW Cultural Park is already an attraction for both local and foreign visitors, the Lotus Pond surrounded by gigantic pillars seats 7,500 persons. The Street Theater where fashions shows and parades are held packs 2,500, the Amphitheater seats 800, and there is also the 200 square meters Exhibition area, and the Indraloka Garden, which is a favorite for weddings and dinners. There are Balinese dances daily, Indonesian cultural performances and other activities.

In the Park is the Jendela Bali Resto, which offers a fantastic view on Bali’s south coast, especially for romantic evening dining and delectable Bali cuisine. The restaurant is also open for lunch.

Since the Park is so extensive there are fun rides available on Segway 2 wheeled vehicles that can take you around the park. The GWK Cultural Park is open from 8.0 am to 10 pm. Entry is Rp. 80, 000 for foreigners, and Rp. 40,000 for Indonesian nationals, with special discounts for Indonesian children at Rp. 30,000.

Get There

Situated in the Bukit Peninsula on Southern Bali, The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is close to some of Bali’s finest sites such as Jimbaran, Uluwatu, Suluban Beach, and Balangan Beach. The Park is only 10 minutes’ drive from Ngurah Rai airport, 25 minutes from Kuta Beach, and 20 minutes from Benoa harbor and Nusa Dua.

The Bukit Peninsula is connected to Kuta through Jimbaran by the busy Jl. Bypass Nusa Dua and this is the only route in. Take this main road south to the junction with Jl. Uluwatu II (the famous McDonald's junction), turn west towards Jimbaran Bay, continue about 2 km and at the four road junction make a sharp left up the hill (signposted for Uluwatu). Continue on this road until you find the entrance to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Park.

To Stay

As a favorite tourist destination, the whole Bukit Peninsula area was popularized by surfers. There are still numerous small, cheap bungalows close to the main surf points at Uluwatu, Padang-Padang, Bingin and Suluban. The area has more recently sprouted an impressive collection of high-end villas and resorts as well. Considering its proximity to the tourists’ hub ofKuta and the capital Denpasar, you can also choose to stay in those two areas.

Here are some of the accommodation options available around Garuda Wisnu Kencana area:

• Pat Mase Villas Hotel
Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera No 88B, Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia

• Gending Kedis Luxury Villas Hotel
Jl. KarangMas Sejahter 100Y, Jimbaran Bay, Bali, Indonesia

• Bali Baliku Luxury Villa
Jl. Bukit Permai No. 5A Jimbaran Indonesia Po. Box 3022, Jimbaran, Bali

• Udayana Kingfisher Eco Lodge
Jl. Kampus Bukit Jimbaran, Jimbaran, Bali

• InterContinental Bali Resort
Jl. Uluwatu 45, Jimbaran , Bali, Indonesia, Jimbaran, Bali

• Nirmala Hotel and Resort
Jl. Uluwatu II no. 10 - Jimbaran, Jimbara

• Jimbaran Puri Bali Hotel
Jl. Uluwatu, Jimbaran , Jimbaran, Bali

• Keraton Jimbaran Resort and Spa
Jl. Mrajapati, Jimbaran P.O.Box 2023, Jimbaran, Bali

• Jamahal Private Resort and Spa
Jl. Uluwatu 1 Jimbaran, Jimbaran, Bali

• The Beverly Hills Bali Hotel
Jl. Goa Gong, Banjar Santhi Karya, Ungasan, Kuta Selatan, Uluwatu, Bali

• The Dreamland Luxury Villas and Spa

Jl.Raya Uluwatu-Gang Tegeh Pall No.69 Br.Bakung Sari Ungasan, Uluwatu, Bali

• Puri Bambu Hotel
Jl. Pengeracikan, Kedonganan, Jimbaran, Jimbaran, Bali

• Swiss-Belhotel Bay View Suites and Villas
Jl. Taman Mumbul Nusa Dua Bali, Nusa Dua / Benoa, Bali

• Langon Bali Resort and Spa
Jl. Darmawangsa, Kampial, Nusa Dua / Benoa, Bali

• New Kuta Condotel
Kawasan Pecatu Indah Resort New Kuta Condotel St. Pecatu South Kuta, Uluwatu, Bali

• The Hill Villas Hotel
Jl. Taman Giri, Nusa Dua / Benoa, Bali, Indonesia

• Park View Heights Private Villas Hotel
Jl. Dharmawangsa No.168 Nusa Dua Hills, Nusa Dua/ Benoa, Bali

Ulun Danu Beratan: Iconic Temple on Lake Beratan in The Bedugul Highlands

2014-03-03T23:11:00.001-08:00

Overview

Set within the highlands of the mountainous Bedugul Regency in Bali, atop a plateau that sits on Lake Beratan, stands the majestic Ulun Danu Temple. In the mild, mountain weather, approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, the air is crisp and cool. The stunningly clear lake is calm and almost perfectly still, save for the soft breeze that occasionally sweeps across, creating tiny ripples upon its surface. A thin mist rises from the lake and hangs in the air, surrounding the temple, giving it a somewhat surreal appearance.

Pura Ulun Danu was built in adoration of the Goddess Danu. Danu, in the Balinese tongue, means lake, while the goddess Danu is queen of water, lakes and rivers. The temple complex consists of four sacred buildings. Linga Pura stands three levels high, and is a place of worship to the god Shiva. Pura Puncak Mangu stands 11 levels high, and was built in dedication to the god Vishnu. PuraTeratai Bang is the main temple, and Pura Dalem Purwa is built in worship to Sang Hyang Widhi. This last temple is also a site for those who pray for fertility, prosperity and well-being.

The style of the building follows the Trimurti belief; three holy colors to represent the three gods: Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. The first color is red, to the lord Brahma, The Creator. Second, is black. The symbol of the lord Vishnu, the balance and preserver of the universe.Finally, white for the god Shiva, The Destroyer.

The area surrounding the temple is believed to have been a site of worship and center for religious rituals since the megalithic period. To the left of the temple lies a sarcophagus as well as a stone slate that are dated to around 500 BC. The existence of the temple itself is has been recorded as early as 1556. In 1633, it was rebuilt by the King of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu, with a mixture of Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles. Despite its age, the temple remains clean and in good condition, well kept by the local community. Ulun Danu Temple is one of the icons of the island of Bali, and is pictured on the 50,000 rupiah bill.

Lake Beratan is the second largest lake in Bali, and is the source of irrigation for rice fields and plantations across the entire Bedugul Village. The mountain on which it sits is often referred to as “the holy mountain” as the weather is cool and the soil rich and fertile. In early times, Lake Beratan was the largest lake in Bali, until a devastating earthquake occurred, dividing the lake into three sections: Beratan, Buyan and Tamblingan. The name Beratan comes from the word Brata, which means to conduct one’s self to fill the 9 primary needs in life. The word is used in the term “Tapa Brata,” which is to meditate and be united with nature.

Get There

Bedugul is located in the Tabananregency, about 50 kilometers north of Denpasar, capital city of Bali, or 70 kilometers from the tourist area of Kuta. Bedugul can be reached by private or rental car. The uphill journey travels across steep and winding roads, but the view is simply amazing.

Lake Beratan and Ulun Danu are located in the village of Candikuning, Tabanan Regency, Bali, not too far from the Eka Karya Botanical Gardens.

To Do

Enjoy the cool, mountain air and revel in the beauty of the natural surroundings; A calm, cool lake, surrounded by terraced rice fields, rolling hills and dense forests. Rent a boat or canoe to explore the area over water, or simply relax and enjoy the ride across the lake.

Pay a visit to Eka Karya Park, Bali’s only botanic garden, or stroll through theCandi Kuning Traditional Market. Bedugul is a region where fruit trees and vegetables of various varieties flourish. These are later sold in markets both in Bedugul and other areas around across the island. There are also small stalls where you can purchase beautiful and unique souvenirs, as a memory of your trip.

Though this area is a sacred place for Hindus, there is also a mosque in the region to symbolize the level of tolerance and harmony displayed by the local community.

To Stay

Strawberry Hill Hotel – cozy, traditional cabins, just a walk away from Lake Beratan.

Address: Jl. Raya Denpasar-Singaraja Km. 48,Bedugul 82191

Phone: +62 368 21265

Email: info@strawberryhillbali.com

Website:www.strawberryhillbali.com

Bali Handara Kosaido – located in the central highlands of Bali, and ranked among the top 50 golf courses in the world.

Address: Bedugul, Bali
Phone: +62 362 3422646
Email:reservation@balihandarakosaido.com
Website:www.balihandaracountryclub.com

Enjung Beji Resort Hotel – beautiful cottages around the lake, north of the Ulun Danu Temple.

Address: Jl. Raya Bedugul, Candikuning, Tabanan, Bali
Phone: +62 361 8528521

Email: info@enjungbejiresort.com

Website:http://www.enjungbejiresort.com/

Tips

Rainfall can be sudden and frequent in this area, so an umbrella may come in handy. If you don’t have one, these can also be rented around the lake. Bring a jacket or sweater as the weather can get quite cold.

Nusa Dua

2014-03-03T23:03:00.005-08:00

Overview

Nusa Dua is a special, self contained tourism estate, built comprising a large Bali Convention Centre and complemented with super-de-luxe resorts. Here you will find some of the world’s best known hotel names, like the Grand Hyatt, the Westin Resort, the Laguna Resort & Spa, the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa,

Melia Bali, Nikko Bali, Novotel Nusa Dua, and the Ayodya. The sprawling hotels offer beautifully manicured gardens, fantastic panoramic views of the blue ocean beyond, long stretches of white beaches and swaying palm trees. And, adhering to the architectural rule here, no hotel is built taller than a palm tree, making Nusa Dua a truly tropical dream paradise.

Some twenty years ago Nusa Dua was a barren and deserted area, where just a few fishing communities lived. A French company entrusted with compiling the Bali master plan recommended that Bali’s unique culture be protected from an undiscriminating onslaught of tourists to the island. In order to do this, the bulk of hotels and tourist facilities must be kept apart from the essential way of life and culture of Bali. Thus the development of the Nusa Dua resort was envisaged in this barren area, which would not encroach on the lush agricultural land of Bali, and provide routes inland to access the myriad attractions that the island offers.

Today, Nusa Dua is Bali’s top venue for important international conventions. The historic December 2007 Climate Change Conference was held here, as are international Summits participated by heads of state.

To Do

Besides going for meetings and conventions, Nusa Dua offers some of Bali’s best Spas for ultimate pampering and relaxation. There are also good golf courses and Olympic sized swimming pools. At Laguna Hotel you can have your own private pool by your room.

Get There

Nusa Dua is easily accessible from Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport directly by a wide highway. Hotels usually provide their own transportation. There is a shuttle bus between the hotels in Nusa Dua. Since all hotels are situated rather far in from the main gate, you must hire a taxi to see sights outside of Nusa Dua.

To Eat

All hotels in Nusa Dua offer fine dining, or have their own coffee shops. There are no roadside stalls here.

Pura Besakih: The Revered Mother Temple of Bali

2014-01-24T01:12:00.002-08:00

Overview

Rising majestically on the western slopes of Mount Agung, and referred to as the Mother Temple of Hindu Bali, is Pura Besakih, or the Besakih temple, covering a vast area that offers breathtaking mountain scenery surrounding this beautiful and artistic temple complex.

Facing Mt. Agung’s highest peak, believed to be the abode of the gods, and located at an altitude of 900 meters, Pura Besakih is built in the village of Besakih, in the eastern part of Bali. The name Besakih comes from the word “Basuki”, derived from the word “Wasuki” which means Salvation in the classical Sanskrit language. Whereas, in the Samudramanthana mythology, the same name “Besuki” in fact refers to the Dragon-God “Naga Besukian”, who inhabited Gunung Agung, the main volcano in Bali.

This grand temple complex has been revered as a holy place since ancient times. The first recorded mention of its existence comes from an inscription dating back to 1007 AD. It is known that since the 15th century Besakih was regarded as the central temple of Hinduism in Bali.

Pura Penataran Agung, or the “Great Temple of State” is the center of the temple complex and is is Bali’s main place of worship, a complex comprising twenty-two temples on six rising terraces set on parallel ridges.

This complex expresses the essential belief of the Balinese known as Tri Hita Kirana, meaning that life on earth must be lived and kept in balance and harmony between man and God, man and society and his fellow human beings, and man and his natural environment.

During a full moon, Balinese and pilgrims throng to the temple. During the festival of Odalan, the temple is most elaborately decorated. Odalan is celebrated on every 210th day.

To Do

Besakih is a remarkable and outstanding temple. Looking at the temple from a distance, you can observe an impressive complex of pyramid-like temples, extending up the mountain, with Gunung Agung providing a dramatic backdrop. The setting looks particularly stunning in the clear morning light, and gorgeous at sunset. This temple is also decorated with Bali-style ornaments, doorstep temple, sacred stone idols, and stone carvings.

Before exploring this temple, you have to rent and wear a sarong and sash at the main entrance of the temple to respect the Balinese tradition, as Besakih Temple is a holy place of worship. The sSarong and sash are special clothes Balinese wear when praying at temples.

When you reach the complex, you will see the first group of temples on your left. This is sacred temple dedicated to royal ancestors is known as Pura Dalem Puri. Balinese store the ashes of the dead after the cremation known as the Ngaben ceremony. From here, walk up the flight of stairs that will lead you to Pura Penataran Agung.
The locals believe that Pura Penataran Agung is the center of devotion to the Gods. Next to the main temple are two other important temples. These are Pura Kiduling Kreteg on its right and Pura Batu Madeg on its left.

The colors of the banners denote which God the temple is dedicated to, the three representing the Hindu Trinity. The white banner is dedicated to the temple of Shiva (Pura Penataran Agung), the red banner is for the temple of Brahma (Pura Kiduling Kreteg), while the black banner is for the temple of Vishnu (Pura Batu Mandeg). When there are no festivals or events taking place here, visitors may be allowed inside to look around the temples. This is the best spot to take pictures.
If you wish to explore the more remote part of the temple, head to Pura Pengubengan, which is situated some 2 kilometers at the northern end of the complex.

Get Around

To reach the temple complex, you have to stroll up a footpath for about 200 meters. On both sides of the path you will find beautiful views, and feel the breeze on your way to the temples. Otherwise, you may prefer to rent a motorbike offered by the locals.

Get There

This temple is very easy to find, as most people know it as one of the best tourist destinations in Bali. There are several starting points that you may choose to take:

From Kuta, it takes about 2 hours to get here. Simply head east towards Sanur, then follow the fast coastal route, which is connected to the Kusamba Bypass at Tohpati. Then go north until you find the road sign to Besakih, and after a few kilometers from this point turn north.

If you are staying around Klungkung, then Besakih is about 20 kilometers north of the town center. Take the Bemo – the small public buses– that will take you to Besakih from Klungkung. Bemos are most frequent in the morning, and it is recommended to change bemos at Rendang, halfway between Klungkung and Besakih.

If you come from the north of Denpasar, it is about 25 kilometers to reach Besakih by car. However, if you stay in the eastern part of Bali such as at Tirta Gangga, Candidasa, or Amed, you can reach Besakih by taking a smaller inland road from Karangasem. This will lead you to the crossroad between Besakih and Klungkung at Rendang, and then turn right to reach Besakih Temple.

During your hour-long drive, you will enjoy beautiful views traveling through forests, villages, and rice fields. If you are willing to make a short stop in one of the villages, you will see how the locals live, and learn a bit about their unique houses.

To Stay

Besakih is easily reached from all parts of Bali. You can stay anywhere on the island and visit the temple. All over Bali there is a range of accommodation options, from super deluxe hotels to the more affordable home stays. It is also possible to stay with the locals.

To Eat

There are many roadside stalls called warungs along the footpath before you reach the gate of the temple complex. You need not worry about getting ripped off, as prices are reasonable here.

To Buy

You can buy some unique souvenirs of Bali for your family members or loved ones. Bali is best known for its unique hand-made crafts, paintings, sculpture and carvings. There are also many vendors outside the temple complex selling trinkets and handicrafts.

Tips

Besakih Temple is open to visitors all year round during the official opening hours between 8 a.m. up to 5 p.m.. The entrance fee is 10,000 IDR; parking fee 1,000 IDR; camera use submission 1,000 IDR, and video use 2,500 IDR.
If you who have not been to Besakih Temple before you may want to engage a guide, who will help show you around the temple. The guide fee is about 25 USD. Still, if you do not find it necessary to hire a guide, you can walk around on your own.
Prepare yourself with a pair of comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and a light t-shirt.
It is recommended to invite a Balinese friend to accompany you or hire a driver to visit Besakih temple in the daytime.
Please feel free to report to the temple guards if you meet with any problems.

Eat, Pray, Love and Escape in Ubud

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Overview

Follow in the footsteps of Elizabeth Gillbert and journey to Ubud where just like her you can experience this place of wonder and beauty. Elizabeth Gilbert’s best selling memoir Eat Pray Love tells the story of her experience over one year living in Italy, India and Indonesia – in search of an inner balance and spiritual fulfilment in life.

And where better to search for balance and spirituality than in Bali, an island of gods and goddesses? It drew Elizabeth Gilbert’s attention for its richness of nature, culture, cuisine. And of course, in Bali she finally found love.

It’s in Ubud, with the help of her local friends, Wayan, the traditional Balinese healer, and wise man Ketut Liyer, that Liz rediscovers her ability to love. Living in the beautifully lush surrounds, making friends with the local people Liz embraces Ubud and learns how to find balance in her quest for pleasure and meaning.

Join us for a journey of eat, pray, love and escape in Ubud, Bali.

Get Around

Your escape to Ubud will start right at the time you unpack your bag in a nice quiet hotel of your choice just as Liz did as she relaxed her body and mind surrounded by beautiful scenery. She knew she didn’t have to worry about being on her own because she could always make friends with the charming locals. They are more than happy to explain what and where to go. Such is the friendliness of Ubud.

Get There

As you arrive in Ubud you’ll be welcomed with the smell of canang (a Balinese offering; combination of leaves, flowers and incense). You will see genuine smiles of the Balinese faces who greet you with respect.

If you don't have a map in hand or even a clue, you can always understand phrases like "Taxi, Sir?" or "Hotel, Ma'am?" Just tell them you're heading to Ubud and you'll be on your way.

To Do

One of the most popular attractions here is the sightseeing at Jalan Raya Ubud. The Ubud Palace is a nice stop.
Don’t miss gazing at the rice fields at Tegalalang. Smell the air and feel the breeze on your skin. Embrace the butterflies in your stomach.

Experience the local culture and go see a Kecak Dance performance. Or see some of the unique local artwork produced here at one the marvellous gallery’s like Blanco’s or at Biasa Gallery.
If you come at the right time, you may be lucky enough to see a festival or ceremony. Ask locals for information about this.
Soak up the relaxed pace of daily life here and see how locals live by embracing their spiritual side, just like Ketut Liyer (the healer who encouraged Liz to love again).

Meditation is good for your mind and soul. Try one of the many meditation and relaxation centres around Ubud and learn to slow down and live in the moment just like Liz did on her journey.

To Stay

Staying a few days, weeks, or even more than what you originally planned, will always be a wonderful moment to treasure. Exclusive hotels are optional. Even Liz enjoyed the blunt look of tropical tree tops, swimming pools and a fresh tropical fruits at a reasonably priced hotel down at Monkey Forest Road. "It’s good to be back," she said once along the journey.

To Eat

Dash a lick of a strong spicy Balinese ‘Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka’ (Balinese suckling pig set menu) down at Jalan Sweta Ubud, across the Ubud Palace. It's a five-minute walk to the leftside of Pasar Ubud. But if you miss home and want to munch a wider choice of culinary options, cruise along Jalan Raya Ubud (Ubud main road). During the filming of Eat, Pray, Love, Julia Roberts was invited by the local ruler to dine in an enjoyable restaurant in Ubud. That'll be be The Lotus in Jalan Raya Ubud.

Carry on, let's maybe sip down a few evening margarita at Nuri’s, plus a giant juicy ribs with sambal kecap (mixture of chili and soya sauce ), or a Japanese elegant at Ryoshi Ubud. You don't have to come at the same place twice since there are countless restaurants and delicacies to explore.

To Buy

Visit Pasar Ubud and rummage through the beautiful locally made souvenirs. It’s also a good place to hunt for some antiques. Spoil yourself with choices of antiques, decorations or traditional fabrics—all prices are negotiable so be prepared to bargain.

Mount & Lake Batur- Kintamani

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Bali: The Volcanic Caldera With Its Deep Crater Lake

Overview

The mountainous region around Kintamani, centering on the spectacular volcanic caldera of Mt Batur with its deep crater lake and bubbling hot springs, is rugged with a high and wild beauty.

Wonderful mountain air and dizzying views in all directions, as well as several important temples, are what makes Kintamani one of the most memorable stops on the Bali tourist itinerary.

Mount Batur is actually just a small volcano, but its setting is in the heart of a huge crater 14km in diameter. Adjacent to the volcano is the large crescent-shaped Batur Lake, all surrounded by the high walls of the crater rim. The sheer size of the crater conjures up images of the massive eruption of the original Mount Batur that occurred tens of thousands years ago.

The volcano is still active today as Balinese all over the island who still remember the great eruption of 1917 will testify. It claimed thousands of lives and destroyed hundreds of temples. Old people might tell you this was "the year when the world shook" Other eruptions have taken place since, forcing the local population to be relocated, along with several of their temples including one of the main Bali temples, Pura Ulun Danu. Initially inside the huge crater, this temple has been relocated to the top of the ridge overlooking it. Here it now offers an impressive view of Mount Batur.

To Do

Pura Ulun Danu Batur - near Batur village. This is the most important temple after Besakih, housing more than 90 shrines. Worth visiting at any time of year, especially during the Odalan festival, usually in March depending on the full moon, which is dedicated to the goddess of the crater lake, who is said to control the irrigation systems for the entire island.

Trunyan Village - mortuary traditions. From Toya Bungkah, lot of boats will cross the lake to a Bali Aga village called Trunyan. This place is notorious for its mortuary traditions. Instead of cremating the dead, as Balinese do throughout most of the island, the Trunyan communities leave the bodies to decompose naturally in a special cemetery.

Trekking Around Gunung Batur. The most popular trek is from Toya Bungkah to the top of Gunung Batur for sunrise. You may ask for this to a group of local guides or some of tourist service there.

Get Around

To move around Batur area, you just need to take a walk or you can rent a bike also.

Get There

You can go there by taxi or just rent a car. You can also join a tour to visit Mount Batur and Lake Batur. Tourist shuttle buses between southern Bali and Lovina stop off at Kintamani.

To Stay

There are several accommodations ranges from star hotels to Home stays in Kintamani. You may choose one of them to stay.

To Eat

At Penelokan (translated as 'viewing spot') there are several restaurants from where to repose and get a well-deserved bite.

To Buy

Up the road going north is a market, busy every three days on Hari Paseh in the Balinese calendar. This is interesting to visit to see the variety of produce from surrounding mountain farms - oranges, corn, vegetable, fruit and the usual vast array of flowers, dried fish, tools, livestock, pots and baskets, plus a big clothing market. You may also see men cuddling big furry Kintamani puppies highly prized all over Bali.

Tips

Theres a brilliant view from Penelokan, if its clear. But prepared for wet, cold and cloudy conditions and aggressive souvenir selling.
Remember to bring along a camera, as the breathtaking view is one to be cherished and shared back home.
There are many street hawkers selling some souvenirs. If you don't want to buy from them, don't make any contact to them otherwise you will be followed until you give up and buy from them.
Its better to visit mount and lake Batur in a dry season. It would make lakeside activities available and enjoyable. The rainy season was just too foggy and wet to enjoy to its fullest.

Kuta Beach

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Overview

Once a sleepy village with a quiet, beautiful sweep of beach, Kuta today has become a popular beach destination in its own right, alive with tourists from all over the world, swimming, surfing or sunbathing by the beach. Others, casually dressed in shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops stroll along its main road, shopping around or enjoying meals at its many open air restaurants. When in Kuta you know that you are in a holiday town, and people here are in a holiday mood.
Back in the 1960’s the only hotel was the Kuta Beach Hotel, but soon without much planning, Kuta developed rapidly into a haunt for surfers and backpackers, while the high end market preferred to stay at the more sedate Sanur village on the opposite side of the peninsula.
With time, Kuta’s popularity grew, and shops, restaurants, discos hotels, - from the simple to the exclusive - sprang up along the main road from Kuta to Legian, catering to the ever increasing holiday crowd, that not only included international tourists but also domestic visitors from Jakarta and other big cities.
On the beach, people enjoy parasailing, banana boat trips or swimming Women offer traditional Indonesian massage on the beach, others are seen plaiting hair.
Before sunset, crowds rush to the beach waiting to watch Kuta’s legendary sunsets. Then as darkness falls, Kuta’s nightlife starts to throb with loud music from bars and restaurants, while shops stay open till late at night. Kuta’s main attraction is that everyone can enjoy the town without any prescribed dress code.
Many famous international bands and celebrities have voluntarily played and sung here enlivening the fun, dance and music scene of Kuta.
One poignant reminder, however, of the tragedy that befell Kuta is a monument located next to the present Paddy’s café. The monument is erected in memory of those killed during the fatal October 2002 bomb terrorist blasts. The blasts killed more than 300 people, mostly Australian tourists and Indonesian workers.

Get Around

Moving around Kuta its very fun and simple. You can go around on foot or you can rent a bike or motorcycle.

To Do

Many visitors come here to shop. Kuta is a manufacturing center for summer wear, jewelry and decorative handicrafts that are exported all over the world. So shop here to your heart’s content for summer chic to beach wear, including wonderfully creative accessories from shoes, handbags to bracelets, necklaces and earrings. There are department stores to boutiques, to roadside stalls.
Popular night spots on Kuta include the Hard Rock Café, De Ja Vu, the Bali Globe, Paddy’s Café and many more.

Get There

There are plenty of taxis that can take you to Kuta beach. You can rent these by the meter or by the hour. Taking your own car is not recommended as parking here is very tight.

To Stay

Kuta is the ultimate beach resort catering to any taste and budget. You may stay at five star hotels, or at clean “losmen” or home stays. In the hotel complex you will have privacy at the hotel’s own beach front or swimming pool, but when you stroll out you will be met with the hustle and bustle of the town centre.

To Eat

There are various foreign and local restaurants that offering international and local foods. These restaurants are available along Kuta.

Tips

Dont forget to equip yourself with sun protection
Bring a bathing suit and extra clothings
If you're a backpacker looking for cheap accommodation in Kuta, just go to Poppies Lane Alley, where you can pick your low-budget inns and restaurants
Warungs offering cheap food are within a 2 minute walk on Poppies Lane 1, so no need to get sucked into a beachside restaurant and high prices
Almost every evening there is a performance of Balinese -dance somewhere in Kuta. To know what is on just ask around.

Lovina Beach

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Overview

Lining up of busy losmen and hotels with the depleted shady sea makes Lovina one of the most stirring beaches in Bali. Tranquility, incredible under water world and popular attraction is the dolphin watching. A small traditional boat called, jukung, may be hired form the villagers in the morning to bring us off shore to meet these smart and cute creatures. According to the news, theres about 500 - 1000 dolphins here in Lovina Beach

Get There

You can go there by private or public vehicle. From Kuta or Denpasar, it will take a time around 2-3 hours of driving.

To Eat

There are various foreign and local restaurants that offering international and local food with varied price.

Bali Bird Park

2013-12-19T19:10:00.000-08:00

Overview

Find yourself at the Bali Bird Park to witness the largest and finest collection of Indonesian birds in the world plus fantastic birds from Africa & South America.

Encompassing two hectares of botanical landscape, the park provides sanctuary to almost 1000 birds of 250 different species.

Our innovative approach towards the display of rare and tropical birds has progressed from traditional exhibits to that of showcasing mixed species in their natural habitats & in large walk in Aviaries and free range throughout the park.

The park accommodates an amazing display of flora with more then 2000 tropical plants including 50 varieties of palms alone and attracting numerous butterflies.

Incorporating a breeding, research and veterinary facility within the complex, the park has a high success rate in the captive reproduction of exotic birds such as the Bird. of Paradise and Hornbill.

To Do

Join us for an adventure that has no boundaries as we take you on a journey across the Indonesian archipelago, Latin America and South Africa.

The park is divided into regions that recreate the natural habitats of our birds, complete with indigenous plant life and traditional artefacts for authenticity.

Experience the original Jungle birds of Bali and encounter the world's rarest bird, the Bali Starling.

Discover the exotic birds of Papua and one of the most comprehensive collections of Bird of Paradise in the whole world.

Travel to Far East Indonesia, home to an amazing array of birds as well as the extraordinary Komodo Dragon, a giant carnivorous lizard which is a direct descendant of the dinosaur and rarely seen in captivity.

See the fantastic Javan Hawk and Serpent Eagles - & listen to the sweet sounds of Java's song birds echoing through the foliage.

Visit the deep jungle and misty mountain ranges of Sumatra for rare and strange endemic birds.

Venture to other tropical continents to view our collection of South American exotics such as the Scarlet Macaw and Toucan, witness the Congo Grey Parrot and other birds of the African Savannah.

See Cassowaries, Cranes, Storks & Pelicans and many more birds as they wander freely living and breeding uninhibited throughout the park.

Stroll within the boundaries of our giant walk-through aviaries that replicate the natural eco-systems of the Bali Jungle and Papuan Rainforest.

Pathways and bridges are carved through the dense foliage where only filtered sunlight manages to penetrate the canopy of greenery overhead.

Several vantage points have been strategically positioned to catch glimpses of free flying birds as they follow their survival instincts of foraging for food, nesting and mating.

These protected enclosures safeguard rare species from outside predators, whilst still exposing them to the various aspects of living in the wild.

Within two hectares of Balinese landscape and a free range birds, Bali Bird Park is a popular place for:

    * arranging a special program for family gatherings
    * corporate programme
    * group arrangements
    * student group special education
    * other creative competition such as photo shooting
    * painting
    * drawing, or
    * annual gathering

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Amed Beach

2013-12-19T18:57:00.002-08:00

Overview

Amed Beach East Bali is everything you dreamed it would be: a rare and special paradise of outstanding exotic beauty, vibrant culture and friendly people. Here you can finally find peace and quiet, enjoy great food and take advantage of comfortable and inexpensive accommodation.

From the beach, Amed offers an excellent site for training dives. It has a flat bottom lagoon for instruction and a coral reef only 5 minutes swim away.

This location is highly recommended for introductory dives. By boat, Amed has a nice wall dive just a few minutes away. It is a fun, easy dive for everyone. Snorkeling and diving off the black-sand beaches here is exceptional, the variety and numbers of fish on display are among the best on Bali and the water temperature is a constant 28 degrees. Schools of cardinal fish, triggerfish, black snappers, pyramid butterflies, banner fish, and damselfish can be seen on the sand slopes, while table corals, big fan gorgonians, and magnificent stag horn Acropora and Dendronephthya trees, dense growths of sponges, crinoids, and sea fans are commonly found within 20 meters of shore.

Cemuluk, on a protected bay, is an ideal place to begin snorkeling. Four kilometres further south along the coast is Banyuning, where there's a small wreck and some of the most beautiful coral gardens to be seen anywhere in the Lesser Sundas. The water is a little deeper here and sometimes there is a slight swell, so this area suits people with experience.

Get There

It's located North East from Amlapura. You should reach it within thirty minutes by car.

If you want to use a public transportion, take a bus (medium-sized) from Denpasar, Batubulan Terminal to Amlapura, for two hours. Then change to a bemo (a three-wheeled motoped) to Amed, for 30min. The bemo will usually stop at the village, but you need to state it clearly otherwise the driver may take you directly to Jemeluk Beach.

To Do

You can visit the fish market early in the morning when the tuna come in, And you can also enjoy the views surrounding Amed village.

Get Around

You're free to explore Amed beach on foot.

To Stay

Amed is actually the name of just one village and not the place to base yourself; the villages to the south are more attractive. There are dozens of places to stay along this coast, from homestays to modest but comfy hotels.

To Eat

You can find food stalls (warung) whose sell snacks and "nasi campur". The best restaurant in the area is the Baliku, approximately one kilometer south of the Blue Moon. And restaurants in the Lipah area serve good Indonesian food.

To Buy

Sea-related products, such as items made of seashells, corals, etc.

Tips

Most hotel staff can also arrange sailing or fishing trips so you can catch your own dinner. Your hotel will most probably have snorkeling gears for hire.
If you're on the Amed coast and want to dive, steer clear of the dive operators and check the prices at the other operators. Just make sure you take a look at the dive operator's equipment to make sure it's up to snuff before you decide to dive with them.

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Ubud: A Place of Peace and Serenity

2013-12-19T18:48:00.003-08:00

Overview

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, then Ubud is the place to be. Steeped in culture and enhanced by magnificent vistas, Ubud offers a respite from the humdrum of your busy life. In the past, Ubud was just a small village, but now it has grown into a thriving yet laid back cosmopolitan community. Ubud pampers visitors in body and soul. Fine dining restaurants and spas here will delight and relax the senses. A walk through the lush paddy fields, watching colourful processions of women gracefully balancing piles of fruit offerings on their way to the temple, are lasting impressions and simply breathtaking.

The best way to observe Bali’s traditions and culture is through mingling with the locals and watching their daily routine. In this town, you can visit the temples and villages that have remained relatively unchanged through the years.

Art galleries are also abundant. Masterful paintings and sculptures are waiting to be admired and appreciated, for who knows you may find the perfect painting or statue to grace your own living room?

This region is steeped in history and culture. Many remains from the old kingdoms of Bali can be found here, and unique arts and crafts are just waiting to be discovered. Known for its tranquillity, Ubud offers several natural retreats. The lush, green views and cool atmosphere makes morning and afternoon strolls most pleasant.

It’s no surprise that many people come to Ubud for a day or two and end up staing longer, drawn in by the culture and activities on offer. Ubud is where famed Elizabeth Gilbert found peace and her love as written in her best selling memoir “Eat, Pray, Love”, which is now made into a film featuring Julia Roberts. Indonesia’s ownn celebrity Christine Hakim plays Wayan, the local alternative healer

Get There

Various modes of transport are available from all over Bali. If you decide to visit Ubud directly from the airport, you can hire prepaid cabs but the fee may be quite hefty. You can also take regular taxis or rental cars. Public transportation such as buses can also take you to Ubud.

To Stay

From simple bed and breakfasts to beautifully laid out luxury hotels, all types of accommodation can be easily found here. Modest accommodation or even homestays are available for those who would prefer to watch Balinese daily life up close. For hotels, check :find a hotel

Get Around

Since Ubud is relatively small, you can explore the town on foot or hire a bicycle or motorbike. Bear in mind that as this is hilly terrain, so do ask locals first which places are easier explored on foot, by bicycle, motorbike or by car.

To Do

Go back in time and see the heritage of Bali’s ancient kingdoms with a visit to the temple of Tirta Empul, only 15 km away. Here, in the temple complex, are the holy springs of Tirta Empul. Some 8 km from here lies Pejeng, where you can visit the museum and temples and the “Moon of Pejeng” the huge prehistoric kettledrum. While here why not complete your tour visiting the archaeological sites of Bedulu which is only 3 km away.

Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) is also worth visiting. Located about 1 km from Teges, legend says that it was created from a giant’s fingernail. It was probably built in 11th century, during Majapahit occupation of Bali. Dutch archaeologist rediscovered Goa Gajah in the 1920s but the bathing area was not found until the 1950s. It’s interesting to note that the entrance of this cave is carved in the shape of a demon-like creature. The statue of Ganesha adorns the inside. Bathing pools with water spouts are found nearby, and it is believed that the water will make you look younger.

Ubud is the perfect place to enjoy cultural events and performances. The Kecak, Legong and Barong dances are performed weekly as are the classical Ramayana and Mahabharata dance-dramas, gamelan recitals (orchestra comprising traditional musical instruments) and the wayang kulit (traditional Indonesian leather puppets) performances .

If you are too tense and caught up in the humdrum of daily life, indulge in the spas around Ubud that use exotic spices to tease your senses, and ensure complete relaxation.

Stroll through the cool and dense jungle of the sacred monkey forest where there are three ancient temples to explore. The Pura Dalem Agung (Temple of the Dead) is an like something out of an adventure movie. Look out for Rangda figures devouring children at the entrance to the inner temple.

Adventurous folks may want to try white water rafting down the Ayung river. Other outdoor activities including golf are equally available, contact the local tour agencies. Why not pump up your adrenaline while your spouse relaxes in the spa!

If the artist in you just yearns to rise to the surface, then why not take an art class. Ever wondered how batik is made, or how rare masterpieces can be created? Or perhaps you would love to design and create your own silver jewellery. You can learn these here. For those who are more interested in culinary skills, cooking classes are also available.

FESTIVAL & EVENTS

Ubud is the home of the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (www.ubudwritersfestival.com) where book enthusiasts, writers and readers around the world gather annually and share their experiences and of course, stories. This festival is usually held in October every year.

To Eat

On the Monkey Forest Street and Jalan Hanoman you’ll find many choices of restaurants, from western cuisine to Balinese dishes. Sample authentic Balinese dishes made from fresh ingredients at the local warungs (street stalls). Or indulge in a gourmet meal at one of the classy cafes or restaurants.

To Buy

For keepsakes, make sure to visit South of Ubud. You can find hundreds of craft shops offering art products and handmade souvenirs, especially made of stone or wood. If you are planning to stay for a while, ask the artists to custom make your order. If shopping is your middle name, then Pasar Seni (Art Market) at Jalan Raya Ubud, the Monkey Forest Street, Jalan Hanoman and Jalan Dewi Sita must be included in your itinerary.

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Ubud Monkey Forest

2013-12-16T23:29:00.003-08:00

Overview

The Ubud Monkey Forest is a nature reserve and temple complex in Ubud, Bali. It houses approximately 340 monkeys which are known as long-tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis). There are four groups of monkeys each occupying different territories in the park. The Sacred Monkey Forest is a popular tourist attraction in Ubud, and is often visted by over 10,000 tourists a month.

The Monkey Forest is owned by the village of Padangtegal and village members serve on the Monkey Forest's governing council. The Padangtegal Wenara Wana Foundation manages the Monkey Forest and serves to maintain its sacred integrity and to promote the sacred site as a destination for visitors.

Get There

Ubud is about an hour and a half drive from the airport. Taxis are available in the airport. Any travel agent in Denpasar will also be able to get you there. If you stay in a hotel, the management usually provides a shuttle service for a reasonable fee.

The sacred forest is situated at the Monkey Forest Street (shown on the right), which is the main street of Ubud, so you won't miss it. Shops and restaurants line up the streets, so you might as well check them out while you're there.

To Do

Walk around. Enjoy the serene atmosphere.

The forest comprises approximately a tenth of a square kilometer (approximately 27 acres) and contains at least 115 different species of trees. The Monkey Forest contains the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal temple (shown on the left) as well as a "Holy Spring" bathing temple and another temple used for cremation ceremonies.

Get Around

Walking around Ubud is an experience of its own. There's a famous story told by Janet DeNeefe, initiator of the Ubud Readers & Writers Festival, that once, a speaker had a block before his event and decided to went out for a walk around Ubud. He was so fascinated by the beautiful landscapes that he forgot to return for his talkshow.

You can also rent a bicycle or a motorbike. A lot of visitors prefer bikes for environmental reasons. However, since Ubud's located on a mountainous area, the roads tend to be steep. If you have something against sweating, motorbike's a more logical choice.

Cars are usually only used when you want to to go outside Ubud.

To Stay

Various lodgings are available in Ubud, from a simple bed & breakfast to resorts or private villas.

Good choices for comfort and services at Monkey Forest Street are Komaneka Resort and KajaNe Mua Villa. A bit far, but worth the distance are Maya Ubud Resort & Spa and Four Seasons Bali (at Sayan, Ubud).

To Eat

The Monkey Forest street provides many choices of restaurants, from western cuisine to Balinese dishes. Remember to visit Bebek Bengil about 500 meters from there. It's a popular restaurant at Jalan Hanoman (Phone: +62 36 197 5489), known for its specialties: fried/roasted ducks. Do also try the ribs. They'll leave you wanting more.

Tips

In Monkey Forest Sanctuary, even if you really admire Robert Frost, stay on the path. The forest is lest travelled for a reason: it may provoke the monkeys into thinking you're trying to invade their home.

Treat the monkeys with respect. Don't feed them unless you're accompanied with a guide to supervise you. And do realize that they're creatures of a curious nature. So keep your possessions in check. If they "borrow" one of your items, just go to the nearest guide and ask for his help.

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Uluwatu: The Most Famous Wave in Bali

2013-12-16T23:25:00.002-08:00

Overview

Uluwatu is the most famous wave of Bali. There is always some swell here so it's also always crowded. The spot offers several waves which are working with different swells and tides:

The Peak: best at mid and high tide. Closes out at low tide. In front of the cave. it's the most consistant. Short and powerful waves, tubes. The take off is moving. It works from 1ft to 8ft. The most crowded. One of the sections closes more than the others.

Racetracks: 100 meters further. fast wave, a lot of sections with easy tubes. Best at low tide and at 6ft. Can hold bigger swell. On the right tide and the right swell, "The Peak" connects with "Racetraks" (you need to be a good tuberider). Over 10ft, Racetracks breaks until "The Corner".

Inside Corner: best at mid and low tide with a 6ft swell. At first, it's a fun wave and the final bowl is a tube. Don't do a cutback just before the bowl! Take plenty of speed, stay high in the face and trim. You will pass the tube.

Outside Corner: the REAL Uluwatu. Works only with big swells (>8 feet) and at low tide. The lower is the tide, the better is the wave. Take at least a 7' board. It is a succession of long walls good for carving and, sometimes, a beautifu

l final tube. The length is around 300 meters.

Temple: less surfed. Two waves in fact ("Outside temple" and "The Bombies"). Only for experts because the water is very shallow. For them, it is a incredible tube when it works.

Get There

Uluwatu is about one hour drive from the Ngurah Rai International Airport. You can use a taxi from the airport. Or you can go to Denpasar and to find a travel agent or auto rental. Many rentals also provide motorcycles.

To Do

Spot information for surfing at Uluwatu:

Type of break: reef break
Type of wave: hollow barreling wave
Direction: left hand
Bottom: coral
Average lenght of ride: long
Suitable for : expert level

Detailed information:

Crowd level: a big crowd
Best tide: mid
Ideal board size: 6'8-7'4 Mini gun
Ideal wind direction: south-east

Wavesize & wetsuit:

Spring - Summer - Autumn - Winter
Overhead: 6'- 8' - Ok : 2'- 4' - Overhead: 6'- 8' - Overhead: 6'- 8'
Boardshorts - Boardshorts - Boardshorts - Boardshorts

To Stay

There are many accommodations from warung (warung is a traditional cafe), motels, hotels to villas. The prices range from $5 to $2000 for a day. If you stay in a warung you just need to pay for the meals. You'll find better accomodations like starred hotels near resorts. Just click the Find a Hotel button.

To Eat

Various restaurants and cafes throughout Uluwatu, from cheap food stalls to luxury restaurants.

To Buy

Naturally, the souvenirs around here are sea-related products, such as items made of seashells and corals. But of course, there are also the modern kind of merchandises, such as T-shirts.

Tips

Just a quick reminder, this IS a tropical island. Don't leave home without these:

A good hat and water-proof sun-screen

Basic first-aid kit, antiseptic dressing, etc.

Sand-shoes

Board-shorts, 1 pair light-weight, long-pants and long-sleeve wind cheater

At least two towels. Heed what the late Douglas Adams warned in the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy; never underestimate the power of towels. And sunglasses

Personal toiletries, after-sun cream and insect repellent (because the only bloodsuckers you should befriend are the Red Cross)

When you just want to lie under the sun: iPod and books

Immortalize your moments: camera or handycam

Booties, at least 2 surf-boards. Surf shops are easy to find though

Light-weight wet-suits, rash-vest, gate helmet and spare leg-ropes

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The Traditional Village of Wae Rebo on The Island of Flores

2013-12-08T19:52:00.003-08:00

Overview

The traditional village of Wae Rebo in the district of Manggarai on the island of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, has recently received the Top Award of Excellence from UNESCO in the 2012 UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards, announced in Bangkok on 27 August 2012.

This small and isolated village was recognized for its rebuilding of the traditional Mbaru Niang traditional house based on the spirit of community cooperation towards a sustainable tradition, while at the same time improving its village welfare.

Wae Rebo is a small, very out of the way village. Located some 1,100 meters above sea level, where the air is cool and the village completely surrounded by panoramic mountains and the dense Todo forest. This tropical forest is rich in vegetation, where you will find orchids, different types of ferns and hear the chirping of many songbirds.

Founder of the village and, therefore, their main ancestor who built the village some 100 years ago, was a man called Empu Maro. Today, the inhabitants are his 18th generation descendents.

Wae Rebo’s main characteristics are their unique houses, which they call Mbaru Niang that are tall and conical in shape and are completely covered in lontar thatch from its rooftop down to the ground. It appears that at one time such kind of houses were quite common to the region. But today, it is only this village that continues to maintain the typical Manggarai traditional house, without which these unique houses would have been completely fazed out.

The house has five levels, each level designated for a specific purpose. The first level , called lutur or tent, are the living quarters of the extended family. The second level, called lobo, or attic, is set aside to store food and goods, the third level called lentar is to store seeds for the next harvest, the fourth level calledlempa rae is reserved for food stocks in case of draught, and the fifth and top level, called hekang kode, which is held most sacred, is to place offerings for the ancestors.

One special ceremonial house is the community building where members of the entire clan gather for ceremonies and rituals. They are predominantly Catholic but still adhere to old beliefs. In this house are stored the sacred heirloom of drums and gongs.

With a small population of around 1,200 inhabitants only, the village comprises 7 houses, with half of these falling into disrepair. Thestaple diet of villagers is cassava and maize, but around the village they plant coffee, vanilla, and cinnamon which they sell in the market, located some 15 km. away from the village. Lately, however, Wae Rebo has grown in popularity as a touirst destination for international eco-tourism enthusiasts, and this has added to the economic welfare of the village. The people of Wae Rebo warmly welome visitors who wish to see their village and experience their simple traditional life.

If you wish to stay overnight, the villagers welcome visitors to their homes.

Get There

A trip to the village of Wae Rebo takes some 5 to 7 hours by car from Labuan Bajo on the west coast of Flores, hopping off point to the famous Komodo National Park. Alternatively, you may want to start your journey from the town of Ruteng, capital of the district of Manggarai, towards the village of Dintor, which takes around 4 hours. After this the road goes uphill past ricefields until you reach Denge Sebu village. From here the only way is some 3 hours trekking through the jungle until you finally reach Wae Rebo.

There are regular daily flights to Labuan Bajo’s Komodo Airport on Trans Nusa airlines and Merpati.

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The Romantic Pink Beach of The Komodo Islands

2013-12-08T19:21:00.003-08:00

Overview

A clear blue sky above, with fluffy white clouds drifting lazily across. Rolling green hills, covered luxuriantly in thick vegetation, interspersed with high, rocky cliffs. Calm, clear waters, tinted by the colorful corals beneath its surface, and alive with the movement of a hundred species of marine life. Last, but not least: a stretch of soft sand, but not white, not black, but PINK!

Pink Beach, or Pantai Merah, as it is aptly named, is one of seven pink beaches on the planet, and is just one of the many amazing features of Komodo Island that make it truly a Natural Wonder of Nature. This exceptional beach gets its striking color from microscopic animals called Foraminifera, which produce a red pigment on the coral reefs. For this reason, it is called Red Beach in the local tongue. When the tiny fragments of red coral combine with the white sands, this produces the soft pink color that is visible along the shoreline. Aside from Pink Beach itself, a few small segments along Komodo’s eastern bay also have a pinkish tint.

To Do

Indulge your senses in the natural beauty and exotic charm that is Komodo Island. Relish the seclusion of a deserted beach on an uninhabited island, with not a soul in sight save your own travel team and guides. Take a moment to appreciate panoramic views of turquoise seas, green rolling hills, blue skies and fascinatingly pink sands. Aside from the obvious relaxation amidst this picture perfect scenery, Komodo is not short of interesting activities to partake in.
Once you have finished taking in the magnificent surroundings, take a dip in the waters and uncover the marine beauty that Pink Beach has to offer. Amazing corals of all shapes and sizes jut from the sea bed, many even visible while still aboard your vessel.
Obviously snorkeling and diving have become a sort of compulsory activity while visiting this beach. The corals of the Pink Beach’s underwater gardens are in excellent condition, with hundreds of species of both soft and hard corals, and thousands of species of fish. Pink Beach is a terrific choice for snorkelers and beginner divers as even the shallow waters are home to an abundance of species to keep you more than entertained. Of course, there is much more to see the deeper you venture.
Relax on the fairytale-like pink sands and work on your tan. Or join in with the various other available water sports such as kayaking or just having a leisurely swim. If photography is your passion, this is definitely a place to try your hand at capturing the stunning natural beauty of the island. And make sure you stick around till sunset, as the view is amazing.
A few points to keep in mind, is that this is an uninhabited island, and it also is the natural habitat of the Komodo Dragon. If you see the creatures roaming the coast or in the water, be sure to keep a distance. Komodo Dragons are excellent swimmers and are even capable of swimming inter-island. Komodo Dragons are wild animals that could be potentially dangerous to people, so it is not recommended to visit this beach without the help of an experienced guide or ranger.

Get There

The best route to the Komodo National Park is most definitely through Bali. As one of the most popular destinations in Indonesia,Bali is an extremely well connected airport with international flights available from Amsterdam, Bangkok ,Brisbane, Darwin, Dili, Doha,Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Manila, Melbourne, Moscow, Osaka, Perth, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo and others. Domestic flights are available from all major cities of Indonesia.

From Bali, Trans Nusa airline has daily flights to Labuan Bajo on Flores by small jet or turbo-prop planes carrying 50 passengers. Labuan Bajo is the gateway to the Komodo islands. Merpati Nusantara also has flights to Labuan Bajo.

Once in Labuan Bajo, you can proceed to Komodo by speedboat.The port in Labuan Bajo is about a 10 minute drive from the Labuanbajo airport. You can choose to dock straight on the fabled Pink Beach, or if you prefer a trek through the coral cliffs and mangroves, you could dock on a different side of the island, and embark on the 4 hour trek by foot to the beach.

To Stay

As pink beach is an uninhabited and fairly remote area, most tourists opt to stay in Labuan Bajo for proper accommodations. If you wish to stay on Komodo itself, there are available homestays on the island with modest facilities and simple food. Your guide should be able to help you on this matter should you choose to overnight on Komodo.

For information on operators to Komodo and Labuan Bajo, please click “Find Travel Agent” in Labuan Bajo.

Live aboard cruises are also available, among which are:

http://www.komodoliveaboard.com/

http://www.komodo-diving.com/

And finally, for where to stay, here is a list of the accommodations in Labuan Bajo. More are available at“Find a Hotel”.

Komodo Resorts consists of 14 spacious bungalows that fit perfectly into the surrounding landscape, just a short stretch from the beach. The bungalows are made from teak wood that has been recycled or that has come from controlled plantations. Each bungalow is equipped with hot water and fans, and 8 of the deluxe bungalows also include air-conditioning and a minibar.

Dive trips and live aboard cruises are also available at this resort.

Komodo Resort
Tanjung Pelinta, Sebayur Island,
Komodo, Manggarai Barat, Flores 86754
Phone   : 62- 85 - 42095
Fax      : 62 – 385 – 42094
Website: www.komodoresort.com

Bintang Flores Hotel is a four-star hotel in Labuanbajo located amidst spacious grounds and overlooking a private beach. Guest rooms come equipped with a king-sized bed or twin beds, satellite TV, safety deposit box, mini-bar, IDD telephone and air-conditioning. Ground-floor rooms offer direct access to the hotel gardens, while those on the higher floors provide a spectacular view of the Flores Sea. Rates start at USD 120 – 230 per night.

Bintang Flores Hotel
Jalan Pantai Pede, Labuan Bajo
Phone   : 62 – 385 – 2443755
Fax       : 62 – 385 – 2443762
Email    : info@bintangfloreshotel.com
Website:www.bintangfloreshotel.com

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The Fascinating ALOR Islands at the east-most end of Flores

2013-11-29T20:09:00.001-08:00

Overview

Despite its short name, the Alor islands hide a long list of splendors, from fascinating underwater wonders up to the unique culture of the highland people. Here, one will be indulged with spectacles ranging from spellbinding marine life, the unique Moko kettledrums, the oldest Al Qur’an in Southeast Asia, and the traditional villages of the highlands.

Extending at the east- most tip of Flores Island, still in the province of East Nusa Tenggara, Alor is a name pinned to the regency, the archipelago, as well as the main island of the archipelago.

The Alor Archipelago comprises 20 islands and 17 sub-districts. Among these, only 9 islands are inhabited: Alor, Pantar, Pura, Terewang, Ternate (not to be confused with Ternate in Maluku), Kepa, Buaya, Kangge, and Kura. The other 11 uninhabited islands are: Sikka, Kapas, Batang, Lapang, Rusa, Kambing, Watu Manu, Batu Bawa, Batu Ille, Ikan Ruing, and Nubu.

Although not yet as popular as Raja Ampat or neighboring Komodo Island, the waters around the archipelago offer equally fascinating spectacles –if not better. There are at least 50 dive spots stretching from Alor Island to Pantar Island, and several islets around them. Among these, 20 are considered in prime condition and among the world’s best. Some of the best sites are found along the Pantar Strait.

Those who are fortunate enough to have experienced diving in these waters have said that the underwater splendors of Alor outclass those in the Caribbean. In his book “East of Bali”, Photographer Kal Muller described the waters around Alor as pristine, filled with a variety of fascinating creatures, and highlighted with night-dive spots. He considered Alor as a world class underwater paradise.

The island of Alor itself is inhabited by a number of Flores sub- ethnic groups who still preserve their traditional ways of life. One of these still produces clothing from tree bark known as the Ka Clothing. The unique cultureof the Alorese are best observed among the Takpala indigenous group who dwell in the village of Lembur Barat, North-Central Alor. The Takpala still preserve the traditional housing construction that resembles a pyramid, covered with coconut leaves, bamboo plaited walls, and four main wooden pillars.

The island of Alor is also known as the island of a Thousand Moko’s. Moko is a small bronze kettledrum which is believed to have originated from the Dong Son culture of Vietnam. However, it remains a mystery as to how these prehistoric Dong Son drums arrived in Alor. Local legend says that the moko’s were discovered buried in the ground, and indeed until today it is still common for these mokos to be similarly uncovered.To observe these unique artifacts, one can visit the Museum of A Thousand Mokos located in the main town of Kalabahi, on Alor Island. The Museum also showcases a collection of distinct Alor hand-woven clothing called Kawate.

The island also holds the oldest Al Qur’an (Islamic holy book) ever to be discovered in Indonesia and in South East Asia. The Al Qur’an which is estimated to be over 800 years old is made of tree bark and uses natural substances for ink. The special Al Qur’an was once shown to the public in April 2011, during the Legu Gam Festival of the Ternate Sultanate.

To Do

As an extension from the seas of Flores and Komodo Island, the Alor Archipelago is blessed with equally fascinating marine spectacles. Diving here is bliss, for you will encounter pristine coral reefs and fascinating creatures of the deep. Here divers will be indulged with the appearance of whales, sharks, mola-mola or sunfish, manta rays, and various other underwater creatures.

A number of dive spots in Alor include Baruna’s Point, Never-Never wall, Cave Point, Barrel Sponge Wall, Mola-Mola Point, Night Snacks, Alor Expree, Rocky Point, Three Coconuts, Moving Pictures, Eagle Ray Point, Rahim’s Point, Tuna Channel, Anemone Country, Sharks Reeway, Octopus Garden, Captain’s Choice, The Refrigerator, Half Moon Bay, Peter’s Prize, Crocodile Rook, The Edge, Coral Clitts, Baeylon, The Arch, Fallt Line, The Pacth, Nite Delht, Kal’s Dream, The Ball, Trip Top, The Mlai Hall, No Man’s Land, The Chatedral, School’s Ut, dan Shark Close.

On land, Alor Island is a perfect place to explore the fascinating culture of the country. Aside from the thousand Mokos and the 800 years old Al Qur’an, you can explore the indigenous way of life that has been well preserved for generations.

Get There

To get to Alor, you can take a flight from Kupang, capital of East Nusatenggara. From Kupang there are several airlines that serve flights to Mali Airport in Kalabahi, the main town of Alor. Trans-Nusa serves daily flights between Kupang-Alor which takes about an hour. Reservation can be made at:

Trans Nusa:

Jl.Jenderal Sudirman,No.68, Kupang

Telephone: +62 380 822555

The other option is by ferry which will take approximately 12 hours from Kupang to Larantuka, and followed by wooden boats to Kalabahi Seaport , which take about one hour.

To Stay

Kalabahi is the main city, and the capital of the Alor Regency. This is where all the facilities and accommodation are centered. Here are some of the accommodations in Kalabahi:

Hotel Pelangi Indah
Jalan Diponegoro No. 24, Kalabahi, Alor
Telp. +6 2386 21251

Hotel Nusa Kenari Indah
Jalan Diponegoro No. 11, Kalabahi, Alor
Telp. +62 386 21074

Homestay Cantik
Jalan Dahlia No.12, Kalabahi, Alor
Telp. +62 0386 21030

Hotel Marlina
Jalan Dipenogoro No.11, Kalabahi, Alor
Telp. +62 386 21208; 21205

Hotel Adi Dharma
Jalan R.E. Martadinata No. 12, KalabahiN Alor
Telp. +62 0386 21280

Hotel Mawar
Jalan Dipenogoro No.34, Kalabahi, Alor
Telp. +62 386 21251; 21281

Hotel Melati
Jalan Dr. Soetomo No. 1, Kalabahi, Alor
Telp. +62 0386 21073

Hotel Nur Fitra
Jalan Pasar Paledang, Kalabahi, Alor
Telp. +62 0386 2222124

There are also other accommodation available on other islands that particularly cater to divers. These are:

Homestay and Diving La P’tite, Kepa Island
Kecamatan Alor Barat laut, Alor, NTT
Telp. +62 386 21141; 21146
Mobile. +62 81 353 709 719
Website. www.la-petite-kepa.com/

Javatoda, Alor Divers
Jalan Tengiri No. 1 Kalabahi, Alor
Mobile: +62 81317804133.
Website: www.alor-divers.com/

Find a Travel agent:

Flobamora Travel
Jalan Hati Suci No.50, Kupang
Telp. +62 380 831798

Nusatin Travel
Jalan Jenderal Sumdirman No.25, Kupang
Telp. +62 380 21086

Ellyandu Travel
Jalan Sumatera No. 13, Kupang
Telp. +62 380 821473

Stindo Travel
Jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan No. 17, Kupang
Telp. +62 380 821473

Montana Travel
Jalan Herewila No. 11, Kupang
Telp. +62 380 826814; 822272

Pitoby Travel
Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, Kupang
Telp. +62 380 832700

SKTM
Jalan RW Monginsidi, Komplek Ruko Lontar permai Blok B/17, Kupang
Telp. +62 380 8333990

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Sumba: Powerful Surf, Living Megalithic Culture and Fine Ikat Cloths

2013-11-29T20:02:00.004-08:00

Overview

Facing the wide Indian Ocean, the island of Sumba in the province of East Nusatenggara is a surfer’s paradise. The large rolling Sumba barrels usually appear between May through October when waves can be either very high and strong or very flat as breaks are directly exposed to wide open ocean swells. This kind of powerful surf, however, though very challenging, should only be ventured by professionals. However, throughout the year, swells rise from 3 to 6 feet.

Although as yet little known on the tourist map, surprisingly the island of Sumba has a number luxurious, well frequented resorts. The Nihiwatu Resort, for example, describes itself as “the ultimate in privacy, exclusivity, views and romance”, and has been awarded Indonesia’s 2nd best hotel by Tripadvisor. Additionally there is the Sumba Nautil Resort both in the south west of Sumba, another favourite with surfers.

Located between the islands of Komodo and Sumbawa, Sumba has two distinct climates. Its western part receives more rain, is more fertile and therefore has more inhabitants, whilst its eastern part is mountainous with grassy plateaus and valleys. Here is Sumba’s highest peak, the Wangga Meti rising 1,225 meters above sea level. . Capital of west Sumba is Waikabubak with its airport at Tambolaka, while the island’s largest town of Waingapu  in East Sumba. In between are mostly villages where communities still adhere to the ancient belief of Marapu or ancestor worship of the megalithic era. Here you will find large, well carved megalithic tombs. Traditional clan houses are round with peaked thick thatched roofs resembling wide sunhats.   West Sumba plants rice, while East Sumba is famous for its water buffaloes and ikat weaving. Sumba raises Indonesia’s best horses.

West Sumba

The western part of Sumba has plenty to offer tourists who dare to venture into off-the-beaten- track destinations. Here can be seen traditional villages, stone megalithic tombs even around West Sumba’s capital of Waikabubak, and watch rituals following the ancient belief of the islanders.The center of rituals Is the village of Tarung, a small remote hamlet west of Waikabubak, which the Sumbanese believe is their spiritual center. It is the high priest of Tarung who officiates at the yearly Wula Padu ceremony honoring the deified ancestors at the start of the Marapu newyear at the arrival of the rainy season. The Festival is held around October or November.

Once a year the exciting Pasola jousting festivals, the culmination of a series of fertility rituals are held on separate days at different locations on the island. Hundreds of warriors on horses charge into each other riding bareback, hurling spears. This festival, usually held between February and March, and is believed to bring fertility to the land.

The world has come to know West Sumba closer since the opening of the Nihiwatu Resort in the southwest of the island, some 1.5 hours from Waikabubak. This resort is known for its exceptional surf and beautifully inspiring surroundings. Surfing is best at the Kerewe, Marosi and Dasang beaches facing south where there are premier lefts and large double overhead surf.

East Sumba

Waingapu on the northern eastern coast of Sumba is the largest town and its seaport.

Around two kilometers from Waingapu is the traditional village of Prailiu, and some 10 km. away is the village of Kwangu, while 6 km from the city is the village of Labanapu, all three are famous for their exquisite ikat weaving. Women of Sumba produce some exemplary hand woven cloth with motifs of stylized horses, animals and people, in dark blue, red and black, white and yellow natural dyes. Here visitors can watch the entire intricate and tedious process of ikat weaving. Look for the unique cloths with sewn in seashells.

Best surf in the east is on Manggudu island, which has both left and long right waves.

Get There

West Sumba airport is at Tambolaka, close to Waikabubak. Trans Nusa operates weekly flights to Sumba alternating between Tambolaka in the West amd Waingapu in the East, so make sure where you will land. The Nihiwatu Resort charters weekly flights to Tambolaka.

To Stay

There are several hotels and inns you can find throughout the island of Sumba, for information on hotels with website, you can refer to our find a hotel.

West Sumba:

1. Hotel Manandang

Jl. Pemuda No.14 Waikabubak,

Phone: +62 387 22197

2. Hotel Artha

Jl. Veteran Waikabubak

Phone: +62 387 21112

3. Hotel Pelita

Jl. A. Yani No.2 Waikabubak

Phone: +62 387 21104

4. Hotel Aloha

Jl. Sudirman No.26

+62 387 21245

East Sumba

1. Hotel Merlin

Jl. Panjaitan No.25 Waingapu

Phone: +62 387 61300

2. Hotel Sundlewood

Jl.Panjaitan No.23 Waingapu

Phone: +62 387 61887

3. Hotel Elvin

Jl. A. Yani No 73 Waingapu

Phone: +62 387 62097

4. Hotel Kaliuda

Jl. Lalamentik No.3 Waingapu

Phone: +62 387 61264

5. Hotel Surabaya

Jl. El Tari No.2 Waingapu

+62 387 61125

6. Hotel Lima Saudara

Jl. Wanggameti No.2 Waingapu

+62 387 61083

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LARANTUKA of ‘Semana Santa’ fame

2013-11-29T19:53:00.002-08:00

Overview

The town of Larantuka, capital of the District of East Flores, lies on the very eastern edge of this long island of Flores in the East Nusatenggara province. Although now quite a sleepy town, in its heydays Larantuka was a hive of activities when in the 16^th century, Portuguese traders came here to load their vessels with precious sandalwood. Not much is left today of this lucrative aromatic wood except for one or two trees still found in the forest.

The first Portuguese ship is said to have arrived here in 1556 at the nearby Solor island near Larantuka. But soon the Portuguese were defeated by the Dutch, and so they retreated to Larantuka. The predominantly Catholic Portuguese intermarried with the local population, and gradually Portuguese culture, traditions and faith, were adopted by the local elite.

The King of Larantuka at the time, Ola Ado Bala the 11^th, changed his name to Don Fransisco Ola Ado Bala Diaz Viera Deo Godinho, or better known as Don Fransisco Ola Ado Bala DVG. And as the king changed his name, everyone followed suit. The 13 tribes living in Larantuka then also changed name, the Lamaholot people became the Fernandez tribe, the De Rosari, Da Costa, Da Santo, Gonzales, Ribeiru, Skera and the De Ornay.

Larantuka , in the Lamaholot language meaning the Meeting point, became the meeting place for people of the surrounding Adonara, Lembata and Solor islanders as well as the people from Flores mainland. The town also merged Lamaholot, Portuguese and Malay traditions brought by merchants.

In the 19^th century the Portuguese sold its ruling rights in Flores to the Dutch. Consequently, the booming sandalwood trade declined and now the local inhabitants mostly live on subsistence agriculture.

Today, Larantuka’s landmark is its Cathedral called Reinha Rosari. The cathedral together with the two chapels known as Capela Tuam Ana (Chapel of Jesus Christ) and Capela Tuan Ma (Mother Mary Chapel) are the center of the yearly Easter processions, when the statues of Jesus and Mary, originally brought here by the Portuguese are carried from the chapels to the cathedral

Larantuka comes alive once a year during Holy Week when thousands of pilgrims throng the town to follow the unique Semana Santa ceremonie. The town then literally bursts at the seams. Detailed information about this event can be found at:THE LARANTUKA “SEMANA SANTA” UNIQUE HOLY WEEK CELEBRATIONS

This area is also famous for its ikat-weaving. Besides its meticulous and arduous process, the locally named kwatek kinge cloth is unique among the Flores fine ikatcloths in that it has sewn-in small seashells into the design. This cloth is produced in the remote village of Lewokluo some 26 km. from Larantuka, and is chiefly used in ceremonial functions. Unfortunately there are very few women left today who still own the knowledge and the skill to manufacture these beautiful intricate materials.

Get There

Larantuka does not have a commercial airport. Therefore to get there you must take a flight from Jakarta or Bali to Maumereor Kupang, and travel overland to Larantuka. Maumere is linked by air to Kupang and Bali with regular flights. 3 airlines fly from here, Lion air and Merpati. All flights eventually end up in Bali, either via Kupang, Sumba or Labuan bajo, so together there is at least 1 flight every day to Bali.

To Stay

Larantuka has mostly modest but clean accommodations, among these are:

The Sunrise Hotel

Jl. Soekarno-Hatta, Weri, Larantuka, Flores

Hotel Fortuna.

Jl. Basuki Rachmat No. 171, Larantuka, Flores

ASA Hotel larantuka

Jl.Soekarno-Hatta,Weri,Larantuka, Flores

Phone: +62383 2325018

Email: asahotel.larantuka@gmail.com

Website/blog: http://asahotel-larantuka.blogspot.com/

Further east, on the island of Alor is the Alor Divers Eco Resort. Information on this resort can be found at www.alor-divers.com

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Kanawa: Best Satellite Island to enjoy the Komodo National Park

2013-11-29T19:18:00.001-08:00

Overview

The island of Kanawa, only some 15 kilometers from the growing fishermen’s town of Labuan Bajo on Flores, is fringed with a bed of coral reefs teeming with colorful fish all around. Its turquoise water is exceptionally calm and clear. Swimming and snorkeling are most poular family activities here. Dive down the sea from the jetty, and meet schools of fish that cloud the stilts. Hours would pass so quietly as you are busy with all of these beach activities.

The island of Kanawa has two bulging hills with fantastic panorama from its hilltop. Covering only 32-hectare or less than 80-acre land, the island is a hideout from the hidden, yet so close to the burgeoning harbor of Labuan Bajo. This could be the only resort class service that fits the budget of backpackers.

The 250,000-rupiah-per-night bungalows on Kanawa may just be the perfect base for you to start exploring the entire, or part of the Komodo National Park. There is nothing you can do on the island, except everything that the water and the land of the national park around it have to offer. The observation of the Komodo dragon, the water buffalos of Rinca, the male and female palm trees, the savanna of Monkey Mountain in Rinca, and the scenic landscape of the national park are equally astonishing. Moreover, diving and snorkeling in crystal clear waters are just a short walk away when you stay on Kanawa instead of Labuan Bajo.

An Italian citizen has rented the property from a local and brushed the entire island with his natural touch. The 14 wooden bungalows built here camouflage the fantasy of a paradise on earth. Amongst sparse beach vegetation that grows between a rocky hill and turquoise water, the eco-friendly property is a delightful ambush. People do not wish to leave too soon. It’s a seamless haven.

The Starfish café is part of the resort, a hang out place to read the travel book, or share stories with the entire world. There are also diving enthusiasts who love to share their latest engagement with the mantas, the wobbegongs, the whale sharks, or the pigmy seahorse found in the diving spots around the island. The music usually turns to become lively during the evening after a time-lapsing moment passing the unworldly episode of a golden sunset.

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Ruteng: Capital of Manggarai, hub to fascinating Flores Attractions

2013-11-29T19:13:00.004-08:00

Overview

Ruteng, capital of the district of Manggarai, in the western part of the island of Flores, is a pleasant, busy town backed by a range of mountains. Located some 1,200 meters above sea level the air is cool. Surrounding the town are green rice fields that provide the staple for the population on this predominantly dry island. Coffee grown around here is also most invigorating.

Ruteng is some 4 hours drive from Labuan Bajo, the town where tourists take boats to visit the habitat of the famous Komodo Dragons on the islands of Komodo and Rinca or go diving in this National Park.

It is from Ruteng that the Catholic mission spread to convert many of the islanders, building many missionary schools, so that Flores today is indeed predominantly Catholic.

As capital city of Manggarai, Ruteng still maintains an equilibrium between the ancient and the modern. Most people visit Ruteng either at the start of their journey across Flores, or at the end. Here most facilities are available, accommodation though modest are clean and good, and shops are well stocked. Internet also works here.

Ruteng originated from a small village, and the story goes that it emerged from the heart of Compang Ruteng, or Ruteng Pu’u. This is a village that still exists until today and travelers go there to see the remaining original house of theManggaraian and a compang, a stone altar that is the center of the village. Acompang is a sacred place, where the ancestors are believed to live, while all the houses encircle it concentrically. Observe the locals who live as an agricultural community. Agricultural products found here are coffee, copra, candlenut, cloves, and cacao.

From Ruteng visit the mystifying spiderweb ricefields at Cancar, wander further to the Liang Bua cave, where archaeologists discovered skeletons of world’s singular hobbits. Watch the fantastic dance at Melo or Tado, or visit Wae Rebo, a hamlet in the hills of the district that still adheres to the megalithic culture.

Similar to Bajawa and Moni, the weather in Ruteng is unexpectedly cooler than the rest of the island, making it a nice exotic town for morning or evening strolls.

To know more in depth about the culture and suorrundings of Ruteng, tour guides are the best asset to explain and allow you to experience some of Flores’ best.

The puzzling Todo village is also worth an adventurous excursion, relating to the time when Minangkabau sailors from West Sumatra landed here hundreds of years ago far on the island of Flores.

The ultimate activity to do on Flores is of course visit the living Komodo dragons, the Varanus komodoensis, in their habitat. Overall, the regency is a natural and cultural reserve that continues to illustriously enhance this rocky island.

As a hub of tourist attractions on Flores, Ruteng is easily accessible by land transportation. Manggarai was once a larger regency.

In 2003 and 2007, it was divided into three regencies; West Manggarai, Manggarai, and East Manggarai. Its strategic position and geographical situation at the slope of Mount Anak Ranaka, makes the town of Ruteng an energizing transit town and a fascinating destination at the same time.

To Do

‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ applies to Ruteng. There are many resourceful persons who can tell you about extraordinary attractions. Consider paying a visit to these attractions:

As a start, the Catholic church right in the middle of the town is an interesting spot to discover the historical background of the town when Catholicism grew and came to be embraced by most of the population on the island. The building is a fantastic old structure yet invigorating as the energy from its spiritual ambiance permeates across the sizeable hall.

As background of Ruteng Mount Anak Ranaka , an active volcano is a safe home for endemic birds and insects. Go see the tour operator in town to see if they can provide a guide, or a professional botanist.

A few miles from the town, lies Liang Bua, another archeological site where hobbits are believed to have once roamed the land. Scientists call the newly found dwarf species the Homo floresiensis. The cave is very large and the local guide will surprise you as he takes you to a much larger hall inside the cave that connects modern age to the beginning of human civilization. In the mid 1950‘s the cave was used as a school and that alone is striking.

From Ruteng, Liang Bua is easily accessible by public transport, passing villages like Ru’ah Village where the community lives in a peaceful environment. The location of the cave is around 14 kilometers from Ruteng.

Architectural wonders are also part of the catalogue that Manggarai has to offer. In Wae Rebo, a village that hides from all the traffic and commercial activities around Ruteng, the community still lives and preserves the ancient way of living, staying in cone-shaped houses. It is said that in the 70s, living in a traditional house calledmbaru niang, disappeared. But, surprisingly, there is still this one village in the entire Manggarai district that still has a complete set of village structures, including traditional houses, a drum house as symbol of the tribe, and the compang, the stone altar where the souls of the ancients are believed to reside. (see pictures in “moments captured” on Flores)

Some 17 kilometers from Ruteng, and on the return journey from Labuan Bajo, a village named Cara in Cancar presents the most tremendous sight that will take your breath away. From a hilltop, green rice fields spread right before your eyes. Unusually, the pattern of the walkways resemble the form of a spider web that you will instantly ask ‘how does it work’ as the pattern shows so vividly.

It begins with a story on how the Wae Rebo community recount about their tradition and their house. There is a philosophical correlation between the spiderweb-like pattern and the form of the house, especially the drum house of Wae Rebo or at Ruteng Pu’u.

Leaving the heart of Ruteng and heading to Labuan Bajo, Melo Village is on the way. The village is worth a stopover since it has a unique way to predict next year’s successful harvest. The locals would dance the Caci, and if one of the players spills blood, the villagers can expect a successful harvest the following year. Villagers here call this tradtion and dance club the Compang To’e.

In the south central of Manggarai, Todo Village is there to present to you the past of the royal clan of Manggaraians who claimed that their ancestors came from Minangkabau, West Sumatra. The name of the first person to establish the clan was Mashur. Mashur took a wife from every village he passed and claimed that his kinship was extensively spread in Manggarai.

The trip to Todo Village takes 2 hours. The distance is only 36 kilometers from Ruteng. The road is exceptionally winding and bumpy as it passes hills and mountainous areas. Head north to Golo Lusang, and after passing Golo Cala, turn right to Pongkor as you will pass Papang and Ulun-Gali Village. After crossing the Wae Mese river, you will pass Popo Village and finally Todo is right ahead. Minibuses from Ruteng to Todo are called oto kayu or bemo. Motorbike rental is also available in Ruteng.

Finally, like other travelers, you will want to hurry to Labuan Bajo to take a exhilarating start crossing the strait to Komodo and Rinca Island. Here the Komodo dragons will be a few meters away from you and there is nothing comparable to be among the living dragon in their own habitat.

A short visit to Batu Cermin Cave is an enjoyable and playful walk with a little thrilling experience to be in the dark and see the fossils of sea creatures on the cave walls. Listen to the guide who will tell you about the strange monkeys living nearby area who can fish with their tails. See Labuan Bajo for further details.

Get There

Ruteng is right at the cross road between Labuan Bajo and Ende, Bajawa, or Maumere. Many public transportation pass the town. Wherever one travels the vehicle must stop in Ruteng for a rest. Consider the assistance of tour operators with excellent local knowledge and good communication skill. For details, contacts and bookings see Find Travel Agents

To Stay

In Ruteng, a few comfortable hotels are :

1. Hotel Sindha on Jalan Yos Sudarso No. 26 (Phone: +62 385 21197).

2. Hotel Maryo’s on Jalan Poco Komba, Kampung Leda, Ruteng (Phone: +62 813 530 69572 with Felix as an Assistant Manager). Email: f_de_rozari@hotmail.com.

3. Hotel Bunga is a new hotel built in 2010. For budget travelers, the hotel is a comfortable place to stay with a starting rate from IDR 80,000 a night. It is located on Jalan Merak Nekang (Phone +62 812 3771 3074).

4. Hotel Dahlia is a nice hotel with hot shower. Breakfast is included. It is located on Jalan Bhayangkara No. 18 (Phone +62 385 21377).

5. Hotel Rima is the most prominent hotel in Ruteng. With a bamboo style cottage, the hotel’s rate starts from IDR 75,000 to IDR 225,999 a night. It is on Jalan Ahmad Yani (Phone: +62 385 22196).

6. Susteran Maria Berduka Cita is a dormitory like accommodation at the Catholic convent, but guests are welcome to stay here. The hotel has a rule that limits any activities after 9 pm. It is exceptionally clean and friendly. Rates starts from IDR 140,000 and sits on Jalan Ahmad Yani (Phone:+62 385 22834)

To Eat

The traditional market is always an attraction, and traditional food must be part of the meeting place. But if you wish to eat in a more comfortable atmosphere, please refer to the followings:

- Note that Rumah Makan is translated as Restaurant, and Jalan or Jl. is Street. Here the term ‘No’is a short for number.

1. Rumah Makan Agape on Jl. Bhayangkari No. 8 (Phone: +62 385 22100).

2. Rumah Makan Cha Cha on Jl. Diponegoro No. 12 (Phone: +62 385 21489 or +62 812 3949 3747).

3. Rumah Makan Dua Tiga on Jalan Motang Rua No. 15

4. Lestari on Jalan Komodo No. 2 (Phone: +62 385 211393 or +62 813 39187 000)

5. Mas Nardi on Jalan Adi Sucipto No. 11

6. Padedoang is a Padang restaurant on Jl. Adi Sucipto No. 3

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Maumere, City to embark on your Flores adventure

2013-11-27T20:32:00.001-08:00

Overview

Capital of the district of Sikka on the eastern coast of Flores Island, Maumere is the perfect staging place to embark on an unforgettable adventure to unveil the beauty of Flores. The town itself is blessed with a beautiful landscape of hills and mountains complemented with clear green and blue ocean.

Maumere is the biggest city in Flores, larger than Labuan Bajo at the west end of the island. The town used to serve as an alternative for tourists to go to the Komodo National Park aside from Labuan Bajo. While, those wishing to attend Easter celebrations in Larantuka, also start off from Maumere, which is more easily connected by air to other parts of Indonesia.

Located at the narrowest part of the island, from Maumere due south to near the town Nita at Koting village, one can see as far as the Flores Sea to the north and the Savu Sea to the Indian Ocean to its southern horizon.

Today, Maumere is also the stepping off point to see the Three-Coloured Lakes on Mt. Kelimutu on the way to Ende. The village of Sikka, some 30 km from Maumere is the center of weaving in this area. Here visitors can watch, on request, the complete intricate process of ikat-weaving, including dying the threats with natural colors. Another village known for its weaving is Watublapi, which distinguishes itself through the use of symbolic motifs such as lizards, horses, birds and geometrical patterns.

Maumere used to be a favorite snorkeling and diving area, made famous by the Sao Wisata Resort built by Flores’ own hero, Frans Seda. Unfortunately, the 1992 tsunami davastated parts of the sea and the city. Before that, Maumere was considered by many as the true illustration of “Flores” or Flower of the East Nusatenggara Archipelago. After nearly two decades, the town is now reviving, back to its former beauty with the newly renovated Frans Seda Airport (formerly called Wai Oti Airport).

Before the Dutch colonial merchants arrived, Maumere was known as Sikka Alok or Sikka Kesik. Here, traders from China, Bugis, and Makassar often came to trade with the locals. These traders often stayed for days near the seaport called Waidoko. With the arrival of the Dutch, they eventually built government offices in Sikka and gave new names to the area such as Maunori, Mautenda, Mauwaru, Maurole, Mauponggo, and obviously Maumere in Sikka.

Since the majority of its people are Catholic, the town’s existence cannot be separated from the church of Larantuka. Catholicism was first introduced in 1566 by two missionaries from Dominica named P.Joao Bautista da Fortalezza and Simao da Madre de Deos. They initially started their mission in Paga, a small town about 45Km west of Maumere and were sent by P.Antonio Cruzz from the town of Larantuka. Every year congregations from Maumere head to Larantuka to join in the Semana Santa Easter Holy Week Ritual.

To Do

Situated in the east-end of Flores, Maumere is obviously the perfect staging place before you embark on your journey to Larantuka,Lake Kelimutu, Lembata,Ende, Labuan Bajo, and Komodo National Park.

While you are in town, you might want to explore the beautiful landscape of Maumere around Waiara Beach and the Kambing Island and Pangabatang Island.Waiterang Beach is definitely a must if you are in Maumere. Located only 31 Km from the heart of the town, the beach is renowned among divers, and also has the certified PADI diving course.

Koka Beach, 45Km west of Maumere has the legendary white sand which is as soft as powder. Not too far from the beach, you can find the traditional village of Mau Lo’o with all its unique traditional houses.

Donot forget to visit the uniqe Bikon Blewut Museum located in the campus of Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Katholik Ledalero, a Catholic priest seminary, some 6 km. south of Maumere. Here you can find a large assortment of Flores history in artefacts collected by the priests. Here are rare ikat cloths, stone age tools, musical iinstruments, ceramics from China, traditional weapons, and fossil bones from the Mastodon, an extinct huge elephant like a mammoth which inhabited from between 400,000 – 10,000 BC.

The Museum opens Mondays to Saturdays in the mornings from 07.00 to 13.00 hrs.

Get There

Flights to Maumere are available from Bali and Kupang. Transnusa Airlines serves flights between Bali and Maumere three times a week with seating capacity of 82. Batavia Air serves connecting flights from Surabaya-Bali-Kupang-Maumere four days a week on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Other Airlines that also serve flights to Maumere are Merpati Nusantara and Garuda Indonesia.

To Stay

The town has several cozy inns and hotels. Some of these are located in some of the best spots such as the coastline of Maumere. Here are some of the hotels you can try:

1. Sylvia Hotel in Jalan Gajah Mada

2. Permah Sari Hotel in Jl. Sudirman No.1 Maumere

3. Adi Darma Hotel in Jl. R.E. Martadhinata, Kalabahi

To Eat

With its wide open seas, Maumere is obviously the Sea Food Paradise where an abundance of fish and other sea dwellers are available fresh every day. For a special treat, try the kasuami, the typical coastal dish of Eastern Indonesia popular in Ambon and Maluku Islands. Here, you can also find this dish in several restaurants.

The Traditional Whale Hunt of LAMALERA on FLORES

2013-11-27T20:16:00.000-08:00

Overview

Around the world, the village of Lamalera on the island of Lembata on Flores is known as the home of traditional whale hunting. Portuguese documents dating back to 1643 already mention that these heroic hunts were sighted then.

In Lamalera, villagers hunt large sea animals, like whales, manta rays and sometimes dolphins to provide food and a living for the entire village, which they undertake on simple sailboats and following ancient beliefs, taboos and tradition.

It is for these reasons, therefore, that the Lamalera whale hunts are until this day exempt from the international ban on whaling, considering the traditional way this is still done and the fact that hunting these giant ocean creatures help villagers support their subsistence economy.

Annually, whales migrate between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific during May through October, when these giant sea animals pass the Savu sea right at the doorstep of the island of Lembata. For Lembata, therefore, whale hunting starts on 1 May reaching its peak in July.

When a whale hunt is decided, a number of boats parked on the beach are released from their simple shelters, cheered on by the entire village , and a troupe of boats will set sail together to catch their harvest.

Before that, however, everyone gathers to attend a dedicated mass led by the local Catholic priest to pray for a succesful and safe expedition. For, the majority of the inhabitants here are Catholic.

The actual whaling is still done on traditonally flimsy wooden boats, called peledang. These are manned by between 7 – 14 helmsmen, oarsmen and harpooner, where each is assigned his special duties. The most agile of the team stands on the bow ready with a barbed harpoon.

When a whale or manta is sighted, he throws his harpoon into the animal jumping down on the harpoon itself so as to give it his additional weight. When the target is a huge sperm whale and it is a hit, other team members throw more harpoons on the prey. And when it is finally disabled, together all team members heave up the heavy body onto the boat. Other villages who also hunt for whales are from the Lamakera village on the island of Solor, but the Lamalera village is the most well known.

During one season, islanders may catch between 15 to 20 whales.

The Whale Hunting Ritual

In 1996, Oxford University researcher, R.H. Barnes wrote the “Sea Hunters of Indonesia: Fishers and Weavers of Lamalera”, describing this communal hunt for sperm whales (Physeter macrocepalus) by the villagers in Lamalera, on Lembata Island.

The village of Lamalera is surrounded by rocky hills and barren land, facing the wild sea of Savu.

When whaling season arrives, the boats are released. Crowds cheer as more boats, locally called peledang, glide out from the najeng, the boat houses. Tale leo, the rope made out of local vegetation, is hoisted to raise the sail. Another tale leo is fastened to the spiky harpoon. The whale hunt can take hours, and in some instances, it can take lives. The villagers catch only sperm whales as the tradition holds. Blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) occasionally pass by the surrounding waters. However, these villagers would lead the approaching blue whales to the open sea and give them a warm good bye. Blue whales are considered taboo to hunt as they are believed to be the keepers of the Lamalera. They consider the blue whale as their mother, and hunting them is thus a sin.

When a whale approaches, the lamafa, the harpoonist jumps off the boat and stabs the cetaceans with a tempuling, a handmade harpoon. The heart-stopping action of a lamafa is one of the anticipated moments in the world of visual documentation. The curious visitors would wait for days to come along with the groups of matros, boatmen led by a lamafa. They would stay with the fishermen and the families to understand the fishermen’s unique lives. Baleo! Baleo! The villagers shout out as the awaited whale surfaces in the distance.

There are more taboos for the Lamaleras when it comes to whale hunting. It is also forbidden to hunt pregnant whales, young whales, and mating whales. This capacity to recognize these specific taboos can only be learnt through extensive periods of experience. Unfortunately, some elders worry that the tradition is vanishing as youngsters tend to separate tradition from convenient modernity, so that future generations will no longer adhere to such precious traditional values.

In response to the impending threat of disappearance, elders of Lamalera have transformed the seasonal practice into a festival called the Baleo Festival, which was started in 2009 and held annually until now. During the festival, traditional costumes are donned, and those who were born and raised in Lamalera congregate to make the festival not just a success, but also a legacy for the descendants of Lamalera. The message of the ancestors must be passed down, which is to keep the tradition and local wisdom alive.

Prior to the kotoklema hunt, a lefa, a ritual led by the village elder or a church priest, is held to invite the anticipated whales. One boat can accommodate 7 to 12matros, led by a lamafa or also called balafaing. When a lamafa springs into the water and thrusts the harpoon to the heart of the sea giant, the matros must be ready to handle the potential danger caused by the injured whale, which will often swim under and drag the boat with it. Three to four stabs are needed to paralyze the targeted whale, so the boat can tow the catch back to the village, and share it with the rest of the people ashore.

East Nusatenggara is truly an awe-inspiring destination for those who define adventure from different points of view. You can find bau nyale, the sea worm catching festival, pasola, the horse riding and javelin hurling festival, and the fascinating caci, whip battle dance here. Stop by the city of Kupang or Maumere, and explore the rest of the island at Ngada and other villages to learn some of the magnificent early traditions.

Get There

Lembata Island is 190 kilometers north of Kupang, the capital city of East Nusatenggara. Loweleba is the largest city in Lembata Island, and perched at the southern coast of the island. To get to Lowelaba, fly from Bali or Lombok to Maumereat the Frans Seda airport.

From Maumere, go to Larantukaby bus. From Larantuka, the only way to go to Lamalera is by ferry crossing to Lewoleba which ply each day, or straight to Lamalera from Larantuka with a once-a-week ferry.

To Stay

Hotel Puri in Lewoleba, the largest city and the capital of Lembata Island, is available for those who wish to visit Lamalera. The hotel is simple but decent enough as a getaway. Lewoleba jetty is nearby and you can take an Ojek for less than IDR 10,000 to the hotel. When you mention ‘bis’, literally means bus, the people will refer the term to wooden boat as a public transport.

To Eat

Try to sample jagung titi, locally made corn chips. It is very special in Lembata, and made in Weienga Village. Observe how it is made and you will find traditional tools from ancient times. Corn is cropped from the local corn fields. Jagung titi is best served when hot with fish sauce made locally, called lawar. Get three cups of jagung titi for only IDR 10,000 and you already taste the ancient Lembata.

Tips

If you are not into gory scenes, this hunt can be very disturbing. You may want to stay ashore. When you decide to go along in a boat led by a lamafa, you should be ready with all the risks. It is highly recommended, therefore, that you go along on a different boat, as the raging whale can be very deadly. Beware of the frenzy as you may lose your equipment, especially your cameras.

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Kupang on Timor: Most South-Eastern Gateway to The Indonesian Archipelago

2013-11-27T20:03:00.001-08:00

Overview

During World War II, the city of Kupang , formerly known as Koepang, on the island of Timor, was the hub for refueling and landing for long-haul flights from Europe to Australia. The historical El Tari airstrip that was first landed by an American pilot, Lamij Johnson, in 1928 holds many stories, more than being a mere transit lounge and fuel depot for the few fliersback then. Today, when visitors step on to the moderinising city, one can still find traces of Dutch occupation as well as a Portuguese inherited aura. For since long before Indonesia’s Independence, Timor’s western part had been colonized by the Dutch while the island’s eastern part by the Portuguese. This division orginated from the time when these two powers fought for hegemony in the lucrative spice trade

Today, Kupang is the capital city of the province of East Nusatenggara , perched in the southwestern part of Timor Island. As one of the three largest islands inEast Nusatenggara, (comprising Sumba, Flores and Timor), Timor island is now shared by two independent countries. The island’s eastern part being the newly independent East Timor – or Timor Leste, while the island’s western part is Indonesian territory. Its favorable position in the south-eastern most part of Indonesia, has made the city of Kupang into the first port of entry in Indonesian waters from Australia, if not yet as a tourst destination in its own right.

The Nusatenggara is a string of islands to the east of Bali, while Timor is its easternmost island in that string. Topographically, Timor differs from the rest of the East Nusatenggara islands. For the line of volcanoes that runs from Sumatra, Java, and on to other Nusatenggara islands, skips Timor and continues north to Maluku or the Moluccas. The cause of this is that unlike other Nusatenggara islands, Timor is in fact geologically related to Australia, and therefore has no volcanoes.While Its geographical location and long history and tradition make it culturally Indonesian.

Being closest than any Indonesian cities to the marinas of Australian yachts in Darwin, the lighthouse at the seaport of Kupang stands as the first milepost for participating yachtsmen in the annual Sail Indonesia event . Each year, hundreds of yachts cross the open seas from Darwin, Australia sailing to Kupang, and from here to visit many known as well as remote Indonesian islands, to finally dock in Singapore. The annual Sail Indonesia has brought the name of Koepang to the fore, recalling its fame in the early twentieth century.

“Indonesians laugh a lot”, said Prooke of Marlborough, UK. It’s the land of laughs and smiles."

People in Timor are friendly. They love to laugh as do most Indonesians on the whole. Traditionally, people in Kupang and West Timor were distinguished by their social positions. The nobility here used to be called Amaf, the rulers Atupas, the commons Too, and slaves Ata. Today, ata no longer exist. Each of the social class had its own role to play in society. Yet, these classes share a mutual sentiment when it comes to tradition. The root of its heritage is so deep, making it difficult to trace. These deep rooted traditions even persisted through centuries of teachings of newer religions that were brought by traders or colonial rulers.

Look at the motives and patterns of their woven cloths called tenun ikat, and one can sense its age old heritage. Tenun ikat is the local craftsmanship in producing beautifully and sometimes mysteriously formed patterns on traditionally woven fabrics. Not only are the people proud of these cloths, but all Indonesians share the pride that these cloths are one of Indonesia’s most precious tangible national heritage.

To Do

During the Sail Indonesia when arriving yachts from Darwin start tying up at the flag-decorated wharf, local attractions like dances and food bazaars are shown at their best. The sailors would stay a few days to rest and observe the city with all its aroma and colors.

At the newer Walikota section, some 6 kilometers to the east of town, or 300 meters out from the Oebolo Bus Terminal is the provincial Museum of Nusatenggara. It has excellent collections of kain ikat, pottery, old currency, ritual equipment, pre-historical drawings, traditional houses, and ethnographic items of daily life.

The Kupang harbor is best viewed when you stand on a promontory, 75 meters south of the bridge on the road leading to the harbor. There, you will see tens of old houses in the area. While the Dutch cemetery is where you can see old gravestones.

A few minutes walk from Tenau Seaport, going eastward is a monkey forest. Unlike monkeys in Ubud, Bali, here the monkeys wiill wait for you to feed them

On a hot summer day, cooling off in a swimming pool is a good idea. Baumata is the government-run swimming pool with clean pools and lush surroundings. It can be nice spending the day here, before the merry social gatherings at night.

The Governor’s Office is also one for the first-timers’ must-visits. The statue of El Tari, the first governor of East Nusatenggara stands to accompany your pose for a momentous picture.

Unlike the posh cafes in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, Kupang’s best night attractions are the night warongs at the central Terminal Kota. On Saturday nights, theangkot would flock here to drop swarms of city’s migrants and locals. Bakso (beef ball) carts, worn out shops and flea market vendors are everywhere, providing authentic attractions.

If you wish to go further out of the city, you can visit:

Oesapa, a fishing village 10 kilometers from Kupang. The lives of fishermen are interesting scenes to show in your blog.

Surfing on neighbouring island Rote’s Nemberala where left-handers’ swells come in small and fun ones, and sometimes come triple the size with powerful straight from the Indian Ocean. This place is also called the T-Land. Stay there for a week if you will, as the Rotenese are friendly and hospitable.

Get Around

Kupang has a type of local transport bearing a unique naming, called “Diskotik Berjalan”, or mobile discotheque. It is in fact another type of public minibus, elsewhere in Indonesia known as bemo, the moniker from becak motor. The minibus is heavily decorated to attract passersby and potential passengers. Not only is it visually ‘loud’, but it is also audibly deafening in a safe and entertaining way.

Do not be alarmed when you find another type of local transport in smaller cities especially in rural area like those on Savu, as bemo turns out to be a truck with two long benches in it where you can sit with no roofs whatsoever. Adventure comes with travel.

Get There

Kupang is accessible by plane or ferries. Its historical airport, El Tariwas formerly known as Penfuiairstrip, having first served an American pilot, Lamij Johnson, in 1928. Penfui literally means ‘bush of cornfields’, since the airstrip’s surroundings were heavily covered with cornfields.

El Tari connects western Timor Island with other large cities in Indonesia, which include:

Domestic flights:

Jakarta

Surabaya, East Java

Denpasar, Bali

Makassar, South Sulawesi

Maumere, East Nusatenggara

Waingapu, East Nusatenggara

Labuan Bajo, West Nusatenggara

Ende,East Nusatenggara

International flights:

Dili, East Timor

Darwin, Australia

Airlines serving the city of Kupangare:

The Airport: Angkasa Pura I, El Tari Airport

Phone: +62 380 881 668 or 883 031, 882 032, 881 121, 881 395

Fax: +62 380 881 263

Email: pap1eltari@ntt.citramedia.net

Source: Sekapur Sirih Bandar Udara El Tari, Kupang NTT, 2009.

An International seaport is found only in Kupang, called the Tenau Seaport. There are several ferries from PELNI (a national commercial shipping company). They are the KM Bukit Siguntang, KM Kelimutu, KM Sirimau, and KM Awu. Please refer to the website of PT PELNI for detailed schedules.

To Stay

Accommodation faclities here are much simpler than those in Lombok, Bali or Java, but the hospitality can equal if not better. For travelers who need to recharge themselves, one of the following accommodations offers a welcome rest:

Maya Hotel
Jl Sumatera 31,Solor,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 820302

Susi Hotel
Jl Sumatra 37,Solor,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 822172

Jolly Hotel
Jl Letjen R Suprapto 22,Oebobo,Oebobo
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 821362

Setia Hotel
Jl Kosasih 13,Bonipoi,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 831289

Surya Hotel
Jl Tim-Tim,Oeba,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 822014

Astiti Hotel
Jl Jend Sudirman 166,Kuanino,Oebobo
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 821810

Dewata Hotel
Jl Tompello 17,Merdeka,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 821409

Laguna Hotel
Jl Gn Kelimutu 7-A,Merdeka,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 833559

Marina Hotel
Jl Jend A Yani 79,Merdeka,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 822566

Safari Hotel
Jl Dr Moh Hatta 36,Fontein,Oebobo
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 821595

Sylvia Hotel
Jl Jend Soeharto 51-53,Naikoten I,Oebobo
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 825191

Anggrek Hotel
Jl Gn Fatuleu 2,Merdeka,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 833707

Cendana Hotel
Jl El Tari 23,Oebobo,Oebobo
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 821541

Ina Boy Hotel
Jl HOS Cokroaminoto 1,Bonipoi,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 826228

Kristal Hotel
Jl Timor Raya 59,Oeba,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 820300

Maliana Hotel
Jl Sumatera 35,Solor,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 821879

Nirwana Hotel
Jl Merpati 13,Bonipoi,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 821617

Rachmat Hotel
Jl Gn Lakaan 9,Solor,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 822161

Charvita Hotel
Jl WJ Lalamentik 30,Oebobo,Oebobo
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 822676

Flabamor Hotel
Jl Jend Sudirman 21,Kuanino,Oebobo
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 832560

I Nyoman Hotel
Jl Lontar 36,Oepura,Oebobo
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 827340

Salungan Hotel
Jl Nuri 14-A,Bonipoi,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 831531

Nusantara Hotel
Jl Tim-Tim 12,Oeba,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 832434

Singosari Hotel
Jl Hati Murni 4,Oebobo,Oebobo
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 832120

Dewi Indah Hotel
Jl Anggur 3,Naikoten I,Oebobo
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 831003

Palm Beach Hotel
Jl Tim-Tim 5,Oeba,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 822942

Tii Langga Hotel
Jl Yohanes,Kelapa Lima,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 881724

Cahaya Bapa Hotel
Jl ER Herewila 20,Naikoten I,Oebobo
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 821094

To Eat

What do you expect living on an island surrounded by sea? Seafood, of course. Taste the long-lived local culinary tradition . Leave the comfort of the hotel where you stay and find the corner where you can eat the local way.

Go to the 500-meter street calledJalan Garuda night food bazaar to sample the delicious grilled fish. Part of Jalan Siliwangi is also a place with open air food bazaars. The best food ever! That is what they call it when mentioning the food bazaar at Terminal Kota at night.

If you wish to try something other than fish, try the local food calledse’I, which is smoked pork or beef. Bambu Kuning Restaurant offers one of the best se’I in Kupang.

Bintang Jaya is a Javanese restaurant with clean facilities and nice ambience. Silvia Steakhouse is also a recommended place to eat fish and chips. When it comes down to chips, jagung bose, a type of food that involves corn chips, is a treat you must not miss. Find it and taste a bite of Kupang.

Several places to discover the food that Kupang has to offer:

Teluk Restaurant
Jl Timor Raya Km 4,Oeba,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 833985

Istana Restaurant
Jl Tim Tim 68
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 832014

Dea-Deo Restaurant
Jl WJ Lalamentik Mal Flobamora,Oebobo,Oebobo
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 840310

Nelayan Restaurant
Jl Tim Tim,Oeba,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 823000

Phoenik Restaurant
Jl Timor Raya,Oeba,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 825688

Tanjung Restaurant
Jl Tim Tim 126
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 825014

Oriental Restaurant
Jl Timur Raya Km 6,Oeba,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 832153

Batu Sari Restaurant
Jl Ir Soeharto 16,Fontein,Oebobo
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 825836

Prima Rasa Restaurant
Jl Tim-Tim 130-B,Oeba,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 824501

Pantai Timor Restaurant
Jl Sumatera 34,Solor,Kelapa Lima
KUPANG

Phone: +62 380 825833

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