Discover Indonesia

Traditional Villages : Back to Basic in Baduy

2012-07-28T07:28:00.003-07:00

Back to Basic in Baduy

Imagine a peaceful place, surrounded by verdant atmosphere. Sound of nature the rustle of the wind amidst the bamboo leaves, the chirping of the birds, the faint rush of the river. Baduy village, located in the hills of Kendeng mountain, about 75 kilometers southward from Rangkasbitung, West Java, is the perfect place to people who want to taste a bit of serenity seldom found in big cities. Those with a taste of adventure might find trekking to Baduy village both interesting and stimulating.

You can stay at traditional homes in Baduy, in Cicakal Village. The houses are built of woven bamboos with ijuk leaves. These houses might last for up to 25 years (in one condition: the roof should be changed once per 5 years). Baduy people don't believe in technology, so don't expect electrical goods here.

There are no restaurants in Baduy, so please bring your own food. Sometimes you can ask the locals to share their meals with you. Traditional cloths (mostly blue) woven by Baduy women. You'll be able to explore the lush forest and natural sceneries (for Baduy people never disrupt the nature). You?re welcome to take pictures as long as you haven't entered Baduy Dalam (Inner Baduy) area. People in Outer Baduy are more tolerant with signs of technology.

Rent a car. The car will stop at Ciboleger Village.

From Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, take a train to Merak via Rangkasbitung. It will take about 1.5 hours. From Rangkasbitung, use a public transportation (called ELF by locals) to Ciboleger. The trip will take approximately 2.5 hours. The sight of The Farmer?s Family statues in Ciboleger will greet you, bidding you welcome. Follow the footpaths?on foot, enjoy the natural landscape around you. You'll then pass through Gajeboh Village. Here you can see Baduy women weaving clothes. Proceed by crossing Ciujung River, the widest river in Baduy area. The sight of the bridge made of bamboos tied to one another (no nails are involved!) might deter you from moving onward, but no need to fear! The bridge is strong despite of its crudeness. You'll then enter Cicakal Village. Here you can rest and spend the night. The journey on foot from Ciboleger to Cicakal will take about 2 hours.
Alternatively, to enter Inner Baduy Village, you can use Koranji line then pass through Kroya Market. Every week, Baduy people visit this market to exchange their farming goods with whatever they need. From this place they'll move on to Cikapol Village.

Nusatenggara Culinair

2012-07-27T07:32:00.005-07:00

Nusatenggara Culinair

Ginger Flavored Chicken, Flores

http://recipes.wuzzle.org/index.php/62/1588

Ginger-Flavored-Chicken
Description

Ingredients

5 Large Shallot -- sliced
3 Cloves Garlic -- sliced
2 Inch Ginger Root -- sliced
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Sugar
1 Teaspoon Turmeric
3 Cups Coconut Milk
1 Inch Galangal -- finely chopped
1 Teaspoon Lemon Grass
3 Pounds Chicken -- cut into 12 pieces
2 Tablespoons Tamarind Paste -- dissolved in
1/4 Cup Water

Directions In food processor, blend shallots, garlic, ginger, salt, sugar and turmeric to form a paste. In saucepan, bring coconut milk to a boil and paste, galangal, lemon grass and chicken. Cook for 20 minutes. Add tamarind liquid and cook the mixture over low heat for 15 minutes. Serve warm with rice.
Serves 6

Sawu Island, Grilled Fish In Coconut Sauce

http://recipes.wuzzle.org/index.php/62/1589

Grilled-Fish-In-Coconut-Sauce
Description
Ingredients

1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Cup Water
2 Pounds Fish Fillet -- sea bass, snapper
3 Large Shallot -- sliced
2 Cloves Garlic -- sliced
3 Teaspoons Crushed Red Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric
1/3 Inch Ginger Root
1 Teaspoon Ground Coriander
1 1/2 Cups Coconut Milk
1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
1 Inch Galangal -- finely chopped
1 Teaspoon Lemon Grass
2 Tablespoons Tamarind Paste -- dissolved in
1/4 Cup Water

Directions Dissolve salt in water. Make 3 slashes in fish and soak in salted water for 15 minutes. Drain. In food processor, blend shallots, garlic, red pepper, turmeric, ginger, and coriander to form a paste. Mix this with coconut milk, brown sugar, galangal, lemon grass and tamarind liquid. In a saucepan, bring the mixture to a boil and cook over moderate heat for 10 minutes or until about half of the liquid is evaporated. Dip fish in coconut sauce and grill under a broiler for 10 minutes on each side, basting generously. Serve with rice.
Serves 6

Sumbawa, Sepat Banang, Fish Dish

http://recipes.wuzzle.org/index.php/62/1611

Sepat-Banang
Description
Ingredients

4 Large Chicken Breast
1 Lime Lime Juice
1 Pinch Salt
2 Cups Chicken Broth
1 Can Tomatoes -- Chopped
1 Bunch Scallion -- Chopped
5 Large Almonds
1 Medium Jalapeno
1 Teaspoon Pepper
1 Teaspoon Salt
4 Tablespoons Chicken Broth

Directions Rub chicken with salt and lime juice. Allow to marinate for at least 1 hour. Place almonds, jalapeno, pepper, salt and 4 tablespoons chicken broth in a blender. Blend to a paste. Transfer to a frying pan and simmer for 5 minutes. Add scallions and tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes. Meanwhile in another pan, bring the broth to a boil and add chicken. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove chicken and shred. Add to tomato mixture and simmer for 10 minutes. If the tomatoes don't have enough liquid add broth as needed to make a sauce. Serve over rice.
Serves 1

Lifestyle : Cuisine

2012-07-27T07:25:00.001-07:00

Cuisine

When it comes to Indonesian food, diversity is definitely what's on offer. From spicy meat curries to deep fried banana to drinks of iced coconut and jelly – cuisine in Indonesia is remarkably varied.

Visitors here will find the food to be a blend of strong flavors always accompanied by nasi or rice. There is a saying in Indonesia that a meal without nasi is not really a meal and this is a philosophy that Indonesians live by, eating nasi goreng for breakfast, and more nasi for lunch and dinner.

But cities and luxury hotels do offer world class international fine dining experiences from Western dishes to Indonesian haute cuisine, or diners simply enjoy delicious freshly caught seafood served on the beach.

Bandung Culinary Guide

Many people visit Bandung, the capital of West Java province, to pamper their taste buds. You'll be amazed with what Bandung has to offer. From various food sold on street vendors to haute cuisine, every visitor will be able to find something to...

Location: Java » West Java » Kota Bandung

Boulevard Area

In the evenings, the Boulevard Area is a center where you find Manado’s best food. It is also an icon of the city of Manado, capital of the province of North Sulawesi. This was previously only a center where small vendors and street cafes...

Location: Sulawesi » North Sulawesi » Manado City

Jakarta Street Food Scene

Living in a country that has endless variety of food and drinks, Indonesians do eat out, but the majority does not go to restaurants. The local food scene relies heavily on street food. Indonesians savour the delicious meals offered by ubiquitous...

Location: Java » DKI Jakarta

Jakarta: Dining Experience in Metropolitan City

Jakarta today offers an excellent variety of sophisticated fine dining restaurants located in many parts of this sprawling metropolitan city. The best Indonesian cuisine and international restaurants are found in unique surroundings as they are...

Location: Java » DKI Jakarta

West Java Specialties

Location: Java » West Java » Kota Bandung

Yogyakarta's Dining Guide

Yogyakarta is truly a unique city. Ruled by a king (sultan) whose lineage can be traced to centuries, this city offers plenty cultural and historical heritage. Here you can eat lesehan style without chairs. The rather sweet cuisine of Yogyakarta...

Location: Java » DI Yogyakarta » Kota Yogyakarta

Lifestyle : Shopping

2012-07-27T07:21:00.002-07:00

Shopping

If shopping is your passion, then go no further than the major metropolitan cities of Indonesia. With high end labels from around the world, many of Indonesia’s malls can rival Europe and American with their collections. The malls of Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling capital, vary from those with high end designers to the chaotic crowds of local markets where anyone can pick up a bargain. If fashion is not your style, try shopping at a traditional market where you can test your bahasa bartering on local produce, handicrafts or antiques. Sample the tropical fruit or take in the sights of traditional bamboo furniture for sale. For those who like to browse, it will be impossible to resist the temptation to wander the streets and look at all the traditional wares on offer, from beautiful batik materials to shiny pieces of hand crafted silver jewellery.

Solo Surakarta

Famous as a city that is fiercely proud of its Javanese traditions, the regal city of Solo or Surakarta is known throughout Indonesia as a strong upholder of Javanese culture. A visit here is a chance to connect with and take in the sights and...

Location: Java » Central Java » Kota Surakarta

Bandung Factory Outlets Galore For Apparel and Leatherware

Home to Indonesia’s many textile factories, the city of Bandung offers a large number of factory outlets where Jakarta shoppers regularly flock to, to find the latest trendy apparel at reasonable prices. Those planning to travel to cool...

Location: Java » West Java » Kota Bandung

Bargains Galore at Bukittinggi’s Pasar Aur Kuning and Pasar Atas

West Sumatra is famed for its exquisite handicrafts producing rich gold and silver “songket” cloths on handwoven red, sky blue, royal yellow or deep green cloths, elegant embroidered pieces used at elaborate traditional weddings,...

Location: Sumatra » West Sumatra

Batam

When one looks out from Singapore’s high towers across the Straits onto the Indonesian islands, there the islands of Batam and Bintan appear very inviting, basking in the sun. Lying less than one hour by fast ferry from Singapore, the...

Location: Sumatra » Riau Archipelago » Kota Batam

Jakarta Shopping Extravaganza

Whether you're a serious spender or half-hearted shopper, there's sure to be something for everyone in Jakarta, the country’s shopping capital. The wide variety of things that you can buy in Jakarta is mind boggling from the best of...

Location: Java » DKI Jakarta » Jakarta Selatan

Kota Gede

Kota Gede was the original site where Panembahan Senopati, founder of the new Mataram kingdom established his palace in 1575. The new Mataram kingdom claims direct descent from the ancient Mataram rulers who built the mighty Borobudur and Prambanan...

Location: Java » DI Yogyakarta » Kota Yogyakarta

Nagoya Superblock Area

If you like shopping, you should visit the shopping complex at Nagoya Super Block in Batam, Kepulauan Riau province. It offers products in several modern shopping malls within one compound. In this pedestrian area, there are 450 kiosks and 170...

Location: Sumatra » Riau Archipelago » Kota Batam

Pasar Baru Trade Center: Shopping with the Art of Bargaining

If branded fashions and exclusive factory outlets are not for you, then Bandung still has something up its shopping’s sleeves. Located just a short walk from Bandung’s Central Train Station, Pasar Baru Trade Center (PBTC) offers...

Location: Java » West Java » Kota Bandung

Shop Till You Drop in Malioboro

Malioboro is the most famous street in Yogyakarta. Located in the heart of Yogya, this is the city’s main street, and was once the ceremonial avenue for the Sultan to pass through on his way to and from the Keraton. During such occasions...

Location: Java » DI Yogyakarta » Kota Yogyakarta

Toko Merah

Toko Merah or the Red Shop is one of the oldest buildings and best preserved in present day Old Batavia. Recently restored by its present owners the PT Perusahaan Perdagangan Indonesia (PT.PPI) - a conglomeration of state-owned enterprises for Trade,...

Location: Java » DKI Jakarta » Jakarta Barat

West Java Specialties

Location: Java » West Java » Kota Bandung

Wood Carving Center in Palembang

The wood carving center in Palembang is located on Faqih Jalaluddin Street, near the Palembang Grand Mosque. Dozens of showrooms, which are also used to give finishing touches to wood carvings, are available in this city center. Palembang wood...

Location: Sumatra » South Sumatra » Kota Palembang

Sulawesi Culinair

2012-07-24T08:44:00.002-07:00

Gorontalo, Binte Biluhuta, Milu Siram, Corn Soup

Anybody remember the folk song of binte bilihuta? It’s not only a song title, binte biluhuta is a corn soup from Gorontalo.

Gorontalo province is known as the largest corn producer in Indonesia. Beside as an export commodity, sweet corns are main ingredients in the Gorontalo signature food, Binte Biluhuta. In addition to corns, this dish is also used other main ingredients, such as cakalang (known as skipjack tunas), tenggiri (king fish mackerels) and shrimps. Binte biluhuta or milu siram is a soup base dish that has very unique flavour. Sweetness from the corns, sourness from bilimbi and lime, hot from chilies. If you desire to complete the taste with bitterness, you may add chopped papaya leaves. The dish is very suitable during the cold weather, especially for those who are catching the flu.

You may wonder why I made this whilst it’s summer now. Don’t you think it will be too hot to enjoy this. Winnipeg’s weather is entering the fall. Some days are hot and the other days are gloomy, rain and cold. I chose making this soup in the gloomy weather since I still have had fresh corns.

In the local language, binte or milu means corn, biluhuta mean flush or pour. I guess, I can translate binte biluhuta as corn soup.

Gorontalo is located on the northern part of Sulawesi island and was established in December 2000 after splitting from North Sulawesi province. No wonder if this dish uses cakalang and lemon basils which are popular in Manadonese food as well.

Again, I said I’m lucky enough, surround by the Filipino community. I can find frozen cakalang at Asian stores. You got to know the science names in order to find fish names in other languages. Through this fishbase list, I found the Tagalog’s name for cakalang. Thou many Indonesian sources stated that cakalang has a bigger size than tongkol (another variety of tuna which is very popular in the west part of Indonesia), cakalangs in Winnipeg are sold in big and small sizes.

Binte Biluhuta – Milu Siram
- Gorontalo Corn Soup –
recipe by Hayatinufus Tobing, modified and translated by me

Ingredients:

425 g sweet corn kernels
300 g cakalang*
200 g peeled small or medium size shrimps
100 g frozen grated coconut
1 L water
4 shallots (8 shallots for smaller size), thinly sliced
10 bilimbi, sliced
25 lemon basils
4 key limes

Spices to be ground:

3 long red cayenne pepper
5 bird eyes chilies (add more if you are able to handle spicy food)
seasalt

Directions:
For Broiled Cakalang:
1. Clean and rinse off the cakalang under running water.
2. Drizzle 2 key limes over and rub with salt. Set aside for 15 minutes.
3. Broil each side for 2 minutes at high. Cool down and shred the meat by hand.

For Binte Biluhuta:
1. In a pot, add water, corns and ground spices until the corn cooked.
2. Add grated coconut, shallots and bilimbi. Cook for the next 15 minutes.
3. Add shrimp and cakalang shredded; simmer for the next 5 minutes. Drizzle 2 key limes and add lemon basil. Stir and remove from the heat. Ready to serve.

Cook’s Note:
* Feel free to substitute for cans of skipjack tuna if you can’t find fresh/frozen cakalang (skipjack tuna)

Makasar, Coto Makasar

Coto Makassar Recipe

Ingredients:

300 g beef sandung lumur
750 g beef innards (intestines, tripes, livers, kidneys, lungs)
2000 cc stock
2 tbsp coriander, fried without oil
1 tsp peres jinten (caraway seed/cumin)
5 cloves garlic
5 grains kemiri (fruits of candlenut)
3 tbsp cooking oil
4 stalks serai (lemongrass/citronella), crushed
4 citrus leaves
2 tbsp salt
Pepper
3 tbsp peanuts, fried and grinded
2 stalks leeks, slice thickly
2 stalks celeries, slice thickly

Sambal Tauco:

4 tbsp tauco (fermented bean paste used as condiment)
2 cloves garlic
5 chilies
2 tbsp cooking oil

Complements:

2 calamondins
Fried onion

Directions:

Boil beef until it is well-done, separate between well-done beef and the stock. Add water in stock until it reaches 200cc. Boil beef innards until it is well-done, take them out and drain. Cut beef and innards beef into small pieces.
Boil stock while coriander, cumin, pepper, garlic, and kemiri are grinded. Heat cooking oil and cook grinded seasoning in some oil until it is fragrant.
Put seasoning into boiled stock. Add serai, citrus leaves, and salt.
Put beef and innards beef in. Add grinded fried peanuts, stir until it boils. Add leeks and celeries.
Sambal tauco: Grind tauco, garlic, and chilies. Sauté at higher temperature, take them out, and drained.
Serve it when it is still hot in a bowl gather with the complements and sambal tauco. Adding ketupat is preferred.

Makassar, Durian Tarts

This sweet treat has two slightly different name in bahasa Indonesia, Duri Duriang or Duri Durian which literally translated to English as Durian Thorns. I’d rather translate to Durian Tarts than Durian Thorns.

I was quite surprised when I found some Indonesian fellows on my Facebook didn’t know what duri duriang is. This tart is popular among the South Sulawesi people while the Java people is more acquainted with Nastar. Nastar is another traditional tart that is mostly served during Eid as well. The different, nastar is filled with pineapple while Duri Duriang is filled with durian.

When I was making the filling for duri duriang, it really reminds me of dodol. It is a toffee-like food delicacy popular in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines. I recalled vividly when I was a kid I used to have them during Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha. Also, it’s kinda a gift for someone else when we go away out of town. When one visit a city or town that has dodol speciality, he/she will bring some home and give away for relatives, friends, neighbours, and/or coworkers.

The making process flavoured my whole house with durian, including my hair and body. Due to the rush process (very late night, the day before the Eid prayer in the morning) and my big scissor (too big to shape little tiny pastry), I failed to shape the thorns properly. Nevertheless, the taste was good if you like durian.

This recipe was adapted from The Best of Indonesian Desserts cookbook by Yasa Boga team. You may also find the same recipe in Periplus Mini Cookbooks: Indonesian Cakes & Desserts, by William Wongso & Hayatinufus A. L. Tobing. Hayatinufus Tobing is also the person behind the Yasa Boga team. No wonder, I found the same exact measurements for this recipe.

Ingredients:
For the filling:
• 300 g durian flesh, pitted
• 75 g coconut sugar or palm sugar
• 25 g (2 tbsps) caster sugar (I reduced to 1 tbsp)*
* It depends how sweet your durian flesh is

For the tart pastry:
• 200 g butters
• 20 g (3 tbsp) caster sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tbsp water
• 300 g unbleached flour
• 1 egg yolk, beaten, for brushing

Methods:
1. To make the filling, place durian and both lots of sugar in a small, heavy-based saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent the base from burring, until mixture becomes thick and sticky, about 25 minutes. Transfer filling into a shallow plate and set aside to cool completely.

2. To make the pastry, beat butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until creamy. Add the yolks and continue beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the flour with a metal spoon or spatula, adding a few drops of water if the mixture looks crumbly.

Assembling:
1. Before you shape the filling onto little balls. The filling is sticky, so you need to flour your hands real well first. Divide the cooled filling up by 1 tsp and place those smaller portions onto a well-floured plate; set aside

2. Divide the pastry dough up by 1 tbsp and roll into a ball. To each, form a well in the centre and place one portion of the filling inside. Carefully pinch the dough to enclose the filling; shape the filled pastry into an oval/olive-like shape. Repeat the same to the remainder till all has been used up. Form a well in the center and place a teaspoon of filing.

3. Arrange filled pastrices 2 cm ( ¾ in) apart on a lightly buttered baking tray. In this case, I layered the baking pan with parchment paper, so I don’t need to grease the pan.

4. Preheat an over to 350 F (180 C)

5. Make shallow cuts into around each piece of pastry so it resembles thorns of durian. Lightly brush pastries with egg yolk and bake in the preheated over for 15 to 17 minutes or until pastries are crisp and very lightly browned. Set aside to cool before storing in a airtight container.

Makassar, Es Pallu Butung, Iced Banana

Es Pallu Butung
- Indonesian Banana Ice Dessert (Makasar) -
recipe by yasaboga and kak Yaty, modified by me

Ingredients:

50 g rice flour
400 mL coconut milk
200 mL water
3 pandan leaves
70 g granulated sugar
¼ tsp vanilla
¼ tsp seasalt
8 ripe raja or kepok (marketed as saba bananas in Canada), steamed, peeled and cut into pieces.
red colour syrup
ice cubes

Directions:
1. Combine coconut milk and water.

2. Dilute rice flour with part of the coconut milk mixture.

3. Shred 1 1/2 pandan leaves and grind the rest.

4. In a saucepan, warm up the remaining coconut milk with shredded pandan leaves. Take 1/2 cup of the warm coconut milk and mix with ground pandan leaves. Squeeze the mixture to get pandan juice. Pour pandan juice in the saucepan back. Add sugar, vanilla and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Pour the rice flour mixture into coconut milk mixture and stir well.

6. To serve: pour rice flour porridge onto bananas, then drizzle red syrup over and add ice cubes.

Nature And Ecotourism : Hiking, Trekking, and Ecotours

2012-07-24T08:27:00.002-07:00

Hiking, Trekking, and Ecotours

Satisfy your craving for outdoor adventure with a trip into some of Indonesia's rugged and untamed nature.

From trekking in the jungle and seeing orang utans play in the wild to climbing volcanic peaks of Bromo or Kelimutu, there is no end to the amount of outdoor adventures you can have in Indonesia. Using an eco-tour to explore some of the most remote destinations will ensure that your visit conserves nature rather than exploits these beautiful destinations.

Come to Indonesia to embrace the great outdoors and some of nature's most impressive wonders that you will surely never forget.

Komodo National Park

Real dragons spurt no fire, have no need to fly and cast no magic spells. And still, one look from them might render you speechless. These komodos, the real life dragons, are a sight indeed. Gigantic, the lizard-like creatures are about two or three...

Location: The Nusa Tenggara Islands » East Nusa Tenggara » Kab. Manggarai Barat

BANTIMURUNG Bulusaraung National Park: Roaring Waterfall, Kingdom of Butterflies

In 1857, leading British naturalist, Alfred Russell Wallace discovered wonders beyond his imagination as he travelled into the interior of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. He found himself surrounded by thousands of enchanting butterflies of various sizes...

Location: Sulawesi » South Sulawesi » Kab. Maros

Batang Palupuh

Batang Palupuh is a refuge for the giant flowers Rafflesia Arnoldi, blooming only once a year in November. A guide can be obtained from the office at the reserve.

Location: Sumatra » West Sumatra » Kota Bukittinggi

Baturaden

Baturraden. Central Java’s most outstanding resort, approximately 14 kms north of Purwokerto, an administrative town in the southern of Java island. It is occupies a fine site on the slopes of Mount Slamet, 650 m above sea level, feel the coolness...

Location: Java » Central Java » Kab. Banyumas

Beautiful Pangandaran Beach facing the Indian Ocean

Pangandaran is one of West Java’s best kept-secrets as far as international tourists are concerned. Located on a peninsula on the south coast of West Java, about 91 Km from the town of Ciamis, Pangandaran offers uniquely black and white sand,...

Location: Java » West Java » Kab. Ciamis

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park covers a massive area of 800 square kilometres in the centre of East Java. For anyone with an interest in volcanoes, a visit to the park is a must. This is the largest volcanic region in the province. Visit the...

Location: Java » East Java » Kota Probolinggo

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park: Home of the Sumatran Tigers

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP) – or the South Bukit Barisan National Park - spans over three of Sumatra’s provinces. They are: Lampung, South Sumatra and Bengkulu. Along with Mount Leuser and Kerinci Seblat, the combined...

Location: Sumatra » Lampung » Kab. Lampung Barat

Bukit Lawang : Sanctuary for the Sumatran Orangutan

Discover the Sumatran jungle and have an outdoor adventure with orangutans to keep you company at the jungle village of Bukit Lawang. Literally meaning "door to the hills", Bukit Lawang is a small village situated at the south of the Mount Leuseur...

Location: Sumatra » North Sumatra » Kab. Langkat

Dieng Plateau

The name ‘dieng’ which literally translates as ‘abode of the Gods’ says all you need to know about this collection small ancient temples set in the remarkable volcanic landscape of the Dieng Plateau. The misty location,...

Location: Java » Central Java » Kab. Wonosobo

Flower City of Tomohon

Tomohon is a hill resort located some 22 kilometers east of Manado, the capital city of North Sulawesi province. Tomohon consists of 35 villages in five sub-districts, namely West, East, Central, South and North Tomohon.Its land contour, cool...

Location: Sulawesi » North Sulawesi

Gunung Gede-Pangrango National Park

Because of its easy access, the Mount Gede-Pangrango National Park with its spectacular panorama is a favourite site with visitors. Located in the province of West Java this Park encompasses the peaks of Mt. Gede, Mt. Pangrango. Around...

Location: Java » West Java » Kab. Sukabumi, Kab. Cianjur

Gunung Halimun Salak National Park

Established in 1992, Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (GHSNP) is the largest remaining primary lowland forest in Java, home to 23 mammal species, at least two of which are endemic and endangered (the Javan gibbon and the grizzled langur). The...

Location: Java » West Java » Kab. Bogor, Kab. Sukabumi

Hunting for Salak Pondoh in Sleman

Salak is one of Indonesia's traditional fruits. Covered with brownish-black scales, the flesh tends to be ivory in color. Salak pondoh is the sweetest variety. The flesh is firm and succulent. The taste is unique yet addictive. Visiting salak...

Location: Java » DI Yogyakarta » Kab. Sleman

Ijen Crater

Ijen plateau or known as "Kawah Ijen" is highly recommended to mountain buffs and hikers. The Plateau was at one time a huge active crater, 134 sq km in area. Today, Ijen is a quiet but active volcano, and the landscape is dominated by the volcanic...

Location: Java » East Java » Kab. Bondowoso

In The Thick of The Jungle at Tangkahan Village

Often referred to as the hidden paradise of Sumatra, Tangkahan’s lush jungle and topography makes it a marvelous tourist spot that remains largely undiscovered. This village in the incredible Gunung Leuser National Park is located on the...

Location: Sumatra » North Sumatra » Kab. Langkat

Kaliurang Resort: A Mountain Retreat

If you want to take a break from crowds and cities and immerse yourself in some natural beauty, then Kaliurang resort may be the place for you. Lying on the southern slopes of the majestic Mt Merapi, the quiet highland resort of Kaliurang is a...

Location: Java » DI Yogyakarta

KARIMUNJAWA: Marine Adventure in the Java Sea

Travelers to Central Java do not need to go far to enjoy marine life, above and below the sea. The Karimunjawa archipelago, located in the Java Sea, north of the capital city of Semarang, has everything to offer divers and backpackers who enjoy...

Location: Java » Central Java » Kab. Jepara

Kayan Mentarang National Park

Kayan Mentarang National Park is the biggest uniformity of primary and secondary forest, which covers 1,360,500 hectare, and still remains in Kalimantan and in the Southeast Asia. It is located in Bulungan, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, with humid...

Location: Kalimantan » East Kalimantan » Kab. Malinau

Nature and Ecotourism : Adventure

2012-07-24T08:20:00.002-07:00

Adventure

Kayaking, treking, surfing, rock climbing ... these are only some of the many exhilarating adventures that are on offer in Indonesia. From white water rafting down the rapids of the Maiting River in Sulawesi to climbing the peaks of one of the world’s most famous volcanos at Krakatau, Indonesia has enough thrilling adventures to keep any adrenaline junkie busy. Discover a whole new world of excitement as you climb active volcanos and take in the awe-inspiring views. For those who are flexible enough to get in tight spaces and don’t mind the dark, explore the caves of Java where you will see some unique rock formations that are sure to make your jaw drop. As you make your way around the country, surf some of the world’s biggest swells in North Sumatra or hike the high snowcapped peaks of the mountains of Papua. For hikers who don’t mind a bit of rough travel, get off the beaten track in the jungle in Kalimantan where you will meet the Dayak people, search for wildlife and get up close and personal with wild orang utans. Come to Indonesia and you will get an unfrogettable experience of excitement, adventure and fun.

Lake Singkarak

The majestic Lake Singkarak (Danau Singkarak) is an enormous crater lake set within a dramatic volcanic landscape. Spread over two districts; Solok and Tanah Datar, the lake is a massive 1000 hectares. It is the widest lake in Sumatra and the second...

Location: Sumatra » West Sumatra

AMBARAWA: Experience Rural Java’s Traditional Life

The hinterland of Semarang, capital of the province of Central Java is lush green: a beautiful scenic landscape of rising volcanoes, green valleys and fertile rice fields. Cruise lines call on Semarang to allow passengers to visit the...

Location: Java » Central Java » Kab. Semarang

Batu Cermin Cave

Batu Cermin, or Mirror Rock, is actually a tunnel or cave in a dark stone hills of Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Sunshine comes in through a hole in the tunnel and then bounces on the stone walls that again reflect small...

Location: The Nusa Tenggara Islands » East Nusa Tenggara » Kab. Flores Timur

BATU: Vacation City in East Java’s Mountains, dubbed “Klein Switzerland”

Fresh green apples, cool mountain air, stunning natural beauty, and a whole lot of fun, are among the many appealing features associated with the pleasant town of Batu in East Java. Located about 15 Km west of the city of Malang or approximately 100...

Location: Java » East Java » Kota Batu

Berastagi: Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, and Bustling markets

The picturesque town of Berastagi in the beautiful Karo highlands, is 70 kms from Medan on the way to Lake Toba. Situated at an altitude of 1300m, the town has a cool climate, ranging between 17 to 20 degrees Centigrade, making a refreshing break...

Location: Sumatra » North Sumatra » Kota Medan

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park: Home of the Sumatran Tigers

Location: Sumatra » Lampung » Kab. Lampung Barat

Bung Hatta Forest Reserve

For botanist enthusiasts, the Bung Hatta Forest Reserve is a delight, filled with rare plants and exotic flowers. Known in the past as the Setya Mulya Botanic Garden, this botanical garden is home to a variety of unique tropical plants and animal...

Location: Sumatra » West Sumatra

Camp Leakey: Renowned Orangutan Research and Rehabilition Center

Established in 1971 by Dr. Biruté Galdikas and Rod Brindamour, Camp Leakey in the Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan is the oldest orangutan Research and Conservation Center in the world. The name was taken to honor...

Location: Kalimantan » Central Kalimantan

Carita Beach: for great Family Holidays

A vast stretch of white sandy beach decorated with rows of sheltering trees and the magnificent view of the Krakatau volcano on the horizon, that is what awaits at Carita Beach. Situated pleasantly on the shoreline facing the Sunda Straits at the...

Location: Java » Banten » Kab. Pandeglang

Carstensz Pyramid

Heinrich Harrer, famed author of the book Seven Years in Tibet, had always been fascinated by the Jayawijaya Peak in Papua. And so, some 12 years after returning from Tibet in 1950, Heinrich Harrer together with three friends, Temple, Kippax and...

Location: Papua » Papua

Derawan Archipelago

The Derawan islands must be everyone’s dream of the perfect tropical paradise: warm, isolated islands with soft white sand beaches fringed with waving palm trees, pristine seas that change color from green to deep blue, and an amazing...

Location: Kalimantan » East Kalimantan » Kab. Berau

Eat, Pray, Love and Escape in Ubud

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...

Location: Bali » Bali » Kab. Gianyar

Goa Putri

Goa Putri is a leading tourist destination in South Sumatra province. It is located 230 kilometers from Palembang, or 35 kilometers from Baturaja, the capital city of Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU). This cave is located about one kilometer soth of Sumatra...

Location: Sumatra » South Sumatra » Kab. Muara Enim

Kakaban Island

Indonesia is a fascinating country in every sense of the word. Rich in culture, natural beauty and biodiversity. Home to the weird, the wacky and the wonderful. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, think again. Kakaban...

Location: Kalimantan » East Kalimantan » Kab. Berau

Kaliurang Resort: A Mountain Retreat

Location: Java » DI Yogyakarta

Kamaka Lake

Kamaka Lake is located in Lomira village, also known as Kamaka village, in Triton Bay, Kaimana, West Papua province. This lake is about 30 kilometers long, stretching out from Kamaka village to Saria village and it is about 1 kilometer wide. By the...

Location: Papua » West Papua » Kab. Fak - Fak

Lake Ranau

Lake Ranau is the second largest lake on Sumatra. It was formed by a major earthquake and vulcanic eruption. A big river which previously flowed at the foot of the vulcanic mountain then filled the ravine. Various types of plants incuding bushes...

Location: Sumatra » Lampung » Kab. Lampung Barat

Lake Tondano

Lake Tondano is a famous tourist destination in the province of North Sulawesi. It is located 600 meters above sea level and covers an area of 4,278 hectares (or about 10,571 acres). This lake is situated by the village of Remboken, some 3 kilometers...

Location: Sulawesi » North Sulawesi » Kab. Minahasa

Traditional Villages : Arborek Tourism Village

2012-07-23T07:27:00.001-07:00

Arborek Tourism Village, Raja Ampat

The village of Arborek is fast rising as a pioneer among the 18 beautiful villages in West Papua that have embarked on developing local regulations for community-based marine conservation, For this, the village of Arborek has gained an outstanding reputation among both the local authority and international community. With the assistance of the national and local government, from research centers, and non-government organizations, the local people have succeeded in formulating local regulations, naming their conservation region the Mambarayup and Indip.

Finding underwater beauty is not so difficult here. Along the Arborek pier, divers can simply plunge into the water and instantly find a most intriguing illumination of the glittering of a gorgonian fan just below the surface. People in Arborek are hospitable and very industrious, creating exceptional handicrafts from sea pandan leaves to make the most of their time each day. Arborek is fascinating both underwater and in the village.

Known as the Arborek Tourism Village, the community is known for its handicraft in making hats and noken (string bags). Unlike most women in other villages who also give a hand to their husbands as fishermen, nearly all mothers in this village produce handicrafts for a living. Although they are convinced that catching lobsters and work in pearl agro-production are much more profitable, yet they feel that handicraft is more distinguished and more graceful work for women. This is a village worth visiting. Only one and half hours from Waisai, Raja Ampat’s capital, the village of Arborek is awaiting visitors from around the world.

The nearest temporary accommodations are The Kri Eco Resort and The Sorido Bay Resort managed by Papua Diving. In Yenbuba, there is also one owned by Dedy Mayor. If you are interested in living in an eco resort, also try to visit Misool Eco Resort, where all the cottages are almost totally built from salvaged wood. Here you will find colorful fish and reef in shallow waters, just right across your eco-friendly cottage.

Misool Eco Resort can be accessed online at www.misoolecoresort.com
Kri Eco Resort and Sorido Bay Resort can be accessed online at www.papua-diving.com

No restaurants and food stalls are available here, but you can find shops selling food supplies at Waisai or Sorong. If you wish to find better variety of food other than seafood on the menu, it is best to go to Sorong, where you can find general Indonesian food, ranging from meatball bakso and noodle mee, satay, padang food, or other popular dishes.

“Tembok” is a place in Sorong famous for lines of food stalls or warungs. [see What to eat in Sorong] Here, you can find Javanese food or Padang restaurants. No local tribes are selling food here. However, most of the warungs will surely have seafood on the menu.

Go to the back of Sorong’s Telkom Office (Kantor Telkom), where food kiosks are also available. The price for food in Papua is expectedly higher than that in western part of Indonesia. Fried chicken is the cheapest on the menu, it will cost you around IDR 20,000.

Lido Kuring is a fancier type of restaurant that you find in Sorong; less than a kilometer from “Tembok”. Raja Seafood is said to be of the same class as Lido Kuring, serving as its main menu, seafood!
The Noken string bag is gaining popularity around the globe. Its significance is actually the attraction that people are looking for. In the local’s perspective, the noken is not just a bag. It is a symbol of good life, peace, and fertility. Only women can make a noken. It is all hand made. Men are not allowed to make these, because it symbolizes a woman’s womb. Nokens made of wood skin can be bought at IDR 25,000 to IDR 50,000, while those made of orchid bark found in the Papua rain forests are more expensive. It can cost IDR 100,000 a piece.

The Noken has different names in different places. In West Papua, people call it noken. The Danis in the Baliem Valley call it Su. The Biak people call it Inokson. The Moor call it Aramuto. The Marind in Merauke call it Mahyan. In Paniai, where the noken is made of special orchid bark, people call it Agiya.

Saly is also a souvenir to bring home with you. It is a skirt made of wood bark fiber or banana tree fibres, worn by the Dani women of Baliem.

A traditional bowl with hand carvings is also unique and has no equal to complete your collection. Cassowary Bone Dagger is something you may want to collect due to its rarity and exquisite look.

This tourism village is not too extensive in terms of size. The land covers around a 7-hectare area, so that it will not take much time and energy to travel around the village. There are around 150 families living in the village. Should you stay in the village, walking is probably the best means to be familiar with your holiday destination.

For snorkeling, you don’t need to travel far because you can find interesting underwater world even by the Arborek pier. Walking down the village trails will give you the very opportunity you will not want to miss, as people and especially children will warmly greet and get acquainted with you.

For diving, it will take about 10 minutes by ‘katinting’ or motorized boat to the dive spots. The katinting is sometimes available for rent. There are two types of katinting: one with smaller motorized power engine (15 horsepower), and the larger with 40 horsepower engine. The local fishermen use katinting to catch fish with traditional fishnets and spears.

The Arborek Tourism Village is located in Meos Mansar in the district of Raja Ampat, West Papua. To reach this location, it is easier to start your journey from Sorong.

There are several flights that you can take from Jakarta or Makassar to Sorong; e.g., Merpati Air, Express Air, and Lion Air. For sea transportation, ships calling on the Port of Sorong are the Dorolonda, the Labobar, Gunung Dempo, Sinabung, and Tatamailau.

From Sorong, you can take a motorboat from the Sorong Fishery Port to Waisai, capital city of the Raja Ampat district. From Waisai, you can continue your less-than-two-hour journey by using a rented longboat to Arborek Village.

There are two alternatives to travel between Sorong and Waisai. Firstly, you can take a speedboat that makes the distance in two hours. Secondly, you can use a local government boat that takes five hours sailing straight to Arborek, without stopping at Waisai. This location is suitable for snorkeling and diving. But you have to bring your own diving and snorkeling equipment because no rental facilities are available.

Traditional Villages : Baliem Valley

2012-07-23T07:23:00.002-07:00

Baliem Valley :

Home of the Dani's

High up in the mountains of central Papua at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level, hemmed in by steep green mountain walls, lies the stunningly beautiful Baliem valley, home of the Dani tribe.

Baliem valley is 72 km. long, and 15 km to 31 km wide in places. It is cut by the Baliem river, which has its source in the northern Trikora mountain, cascading into the Grand Valley, to meander down and further rushing south dropping 1,500 meters to become a large muddy river that slowly empties into the Arafura Sea.

The first outsider to discover the valley was American Richard Archbold, who, on 23 June 1938 from his seaplane, suddenly sighted this awesome valley dotted with neat terraced green fields of sweet potatoes, set among craggy mountain peaks. This is Indonesia’s own Shangri-La.

Only recently emerged from the Stone Age, the Dani are known as the “gentle warriors”. With their simple tools of stone and bone, they nonetheless, managed to sculpt green fields that hug the hills, where they grow root crops, and raise pigs. They have also built outposts and lookout towers to defend their valley from hostile tribes.

Because of the fertile soil and their agricultural skills, the Dani together with the sub-tribes of the Yali and the Lani, are, therefore, the most populous in Papua, living scattered in small communities near their gardens among the steep mountain slopes. Today, they also cultivate bananas, taro and yams, ginger, tobacco and cucumbers.

The men's and women's huts (locally called the honai) have thick thatched roofs, which keep the huts cool during the day and warm during the cold nights.

For those who are adventurous and are cultural observers at heart, it is possible to stay and mingle among the Baliem Valley people, just make sure your tour operator booked this before your visit. Go show? Affordable. If the first alternative seems too extreme, you can stay at hotels in the town of Wamena: (click on Find Hotel)

Souvenirs can be easily found in the valley as you can buy the crafts directly from the Dani people.

These include: Stone blades, which are a major favorite among visitors; Sekan: rattan bracelets; Noken: made from tree bark fibers; Necklaces and arm bands; Jogal: grass skirts, and other head decorations

By trekking, you can witness traditional ceremonies, traditional markets and the way of life of the Dani. There are a very limited number of restaurants inside the Baliem Valley. Your tour guide can bargain with the Dani people to provide you with simple meals. It’s strongly advised that visitors bring their own meals and snacks during trekking through and around Baliem Valley. Meals and snacks can be bought at grocery stores in Wamena.

To make your trip easier and to get the most value, it is advisable to find a packaged tour offered by several operators. Click on Find Travel Agent

The only access to the Baliem Valley is by flying to the town of Wamena. There are a number of carriers from Jayapura to Wamena: (For more info, ask the officers at Sentani Airport Information Center). Trigana Air Services provide daily flights into and out of Wamena. Spot the Trigana Air Service Offices at Sentani Airport terminal and Wamena Airport terminal.

Others are MAF, AMA, Yajasi, Manunggal Air; while the Indonesian Army (TNI) has Hercules aircrafts.

From Wamena into the interior of the Baliem valley you can rent a car or travel by public bus .

Foreigners must obtain a travel permit, known as Surat Keterangan Jalan to get access into the interior of Papua. You can obtain the Surat Keterangan Jalan at major police stations, such as at Jayapura, Merauka, Timika, Biak, Nabire, Monokwari and other major cities.

The permit will depend on your request, lasting from 1 week to 1 month or longer. Prepare copies of your passport, recent photograph and list of places you wish to visit. It is easy to obtain the Surat Keterangan Jalan, because the officers are friendly and helpful.

You can ask your travel agent to arrange the Surat Keterangan Jalan.
A Guide is needed to explore the valley
Don’t forget to bring a copy of your Surat Keterangan Jalan
The best time to visit is between March and August
If you travel during the rainy season, prepare yourself with cold weather gear
Ask your guide about Do’s and Don’ts in the Baliem Valley

Traditional Villages

2012-07-23T07:17:00.002-07:00

Traditional Villages

As a country with over 350 cultural ethnic groups, the cultural diversity of Indonesia deserves to be explored. Discover unique cultures and witness traditional life in Indonesia with a visit to one of the many traditional local villages where residents maintain indigenous cultures, living just as their ancestors did centuries ago. Spread throughout Indonesia, traditional villages offer the chance to experience something uniquely Indonesian, places where traditional beliefs and rituals, practices still dominate daily life. The traditional communities and cultural groups who live in these villages still practice their ethnic rituals, customs, produce exotic arts and crafts and wear traditional clothes. The main attraction of these villages is the chance to see and experience distinctive cultures which remain free from influences of modernisation. A visit to a traditional village is an unforgettable experience and offers the rare opportunity to embrace a purely village atmosphere.

Baliem Valley

High up in the mountains of central Papua at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level, hemmed in by steep green mountain walls, lies the stunningly beautiful Baliem valley, home of the Dani tribe. Baliem valley is 72 km. long, and 15 km to 31 km...

Location: Papua » Papua

Arborek Tourism Village, Raja Ampat

Location: Papua » West Papua

Back to Basic in Baduy

Location: Java » Banten » Kab. Serang, Kab. Lebak

Baliem Valley Festival

The main tribes inhabiting the beautiful Baliem Valley in the central highlands of Papua are the Dani, the Yali and the Lani. Although now modernized, the Dani still strongly adhere to their traditions and customs, most notably the dress of the men....

Location: Papua » Papua

Bulukumba: Phinisi Boat Building Industry and Tanjung Bira Beach Resort

Located at the most southern tip of South Sulawesi’s peninsula, 153 kilometers south of Makassar, lies the district of Bulukumba , holding hidden marvels in its pristine beaches, underwater gardens, and unique maritime culture. The...

Location: Sulawesi » South Sulawesi » Kab. Bulukumba

Discover Living Culture at Jangga Village

Come and experience traditional Batak life in a village that remains largely untouched by the modern world. Located in the picturesque hillside, visitors come to Jangga village to meet native Batak people and see how their unique culture continues to...

Location: Sumatra » North Sumatra » Kab. Toba Samosir

Getting to Know the Dayak Ways

The indigenous people inhabiting the dense tropical rainforests of Borneo are collectively called the Dayaks, but in fact they comprise many tribes that are diverse in culture as well as in language. The word “Dayak” actually means...

Location: Kalimantan » Central Kalimantan » Kota Palangkaraya, Kab. Kapuas

Kampung Naga

If you are tired of life in a metropolitan city with its sky scrapers, you should take a few days off to stay in the Dragon village within Neglasari village, Salawu sub-district, Tasikmalaya, West Java.This 1.5 hectares village is still '...

Location: Java » West Java

Lake Sentani

Travel into inner Papua can be relaxing when commenced with a visit to Lake Sentani, a scenic beauty over glittering water located near Jayapura, capital city of Papua. The stillness of the water is most peaceful, evoking a peculiar wonder whether...

Location: Papua » Papua

Madobak Ugai Matotonan Village

Madobak, Ugai and Matotonan villages are not specifically designed into a tourist destination, but their traditional culture and life are well-preserved, making them interesting places for tourists. They are Situated in the upper stream of Siberut...

Location: Sumatra » West Sumatra » Kab. Kepulauan Mentawai

Maumere, City to embark on your Flores adventure

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...

Location: The Nusa Tenggara Islands » East Nusa Tenggara » Kab. Sikka

Pampang Cultural Park

Pampang Cultural Park is a cultural site to see when traveling to East Kalimantan. Dayak Kenyah tribe live in this area after their migration in 1967 from their original hometown of Apokayan in Malinau district, East Kalimantan. They left their...

Location: Kalimantan » East Kalimantan » Kota Samarinda

Heritage Sites : Ancient Sites of Kokas

2012-07-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

Ancient Sites of Kokas

Ancient Sites of Kokas are remains of pre-history sites where you can find drawings on canyons. These drawings show palms and animals which are still clear until now.

These drawings on canyons locally known as Tapuraran, were made using natural materials in red color, similar to human blood. Therefore, the local community often calls them blood paintings.

In several parts, you can find human bones, because ancestors of the local community did not bury dead bodies but placed them by the canyon, inside caves, capes, or under a big tree which was believed to be special or sacred.

If you want to stay overnight, there is a simple temporary shelter available in Kokas city center.

There are several simple food stalls and shops selling snacks.

No shop selling souvenirs here. If your lucky, you can find fishermen selling their fresh fish.

It will not take a long time to visit all sites. When sea water is high, you can even climb the canyon and see the paintings closely.

These sites are in Andamata, Fior, Forir, Darembang, and Goras, in Kokas district, Fak-Fak, West Papua. To go to Fak-Fak, flights and ships are available on certain days and their schedules are frequently changed every month.

For air transportation, it is easier if you take a flight to Sorong, West Papua first. From Domine Eduard Osok airport in Sorong, you can take Wings Air, Merpati Air, Tri M. G Airlines, or Express Air to Torea airport in Fak-Fak for about 45 minutes.

For sea transportation, Ciremai (from Jakarta), Nggapulu, and Tatamailau are available to take you to Fak-Fak. Most flights and ships usually go to Fak-Fak via Sorong.

To go to the ancient Sites of Kokas, you can take an inter-city transportation from Fak-Fak to Kokas for about 50 kilometers and two hours. From Kokas, you can continue your journey by a rented longboat for about one hour.

The number of inter-city transportations from Fak-Fak to Kokas is very limited. Since no village along the way, public transportations here usually will leave only when all seats are occupied. Alternatively, you can take a rented car for a faster journey to the site.

Heritage Sites : Ampera Bridge

2012-07-22T08:23:00.000-07:00

Ampera Bridge

Ampera Bridge was constructed in April 1962, after getting approval of President Soekarno. At first, this 1,177 meters long and 22 meters wide bridge was called Bung Karno Bridge. It was officially opened on 30 September 1965 by Let. Gen. Ahmad Yani. However, following a political turmoil in 1966 i.e., when anti-Soekarno movement was stronger, the bridge was renamed to Ampera Bridge. Palembang citizens, however, prefer to call it "Musi Project".

Parts of this 944 tons bridge can lift up and down about 10 meters per minute. It has two lifting towers of 63 meters tall. Distance between these two towers is 75 meters. They have two pendulums, weighing about 500 tons each.

When the middle shares of the bridge is lifted, wide ship of 60 meters wide and a maximum of 44.50 meters tall can pass to ford of Musi River. And when the middle shares of this bridge is not lifted, maximum height of ships that can pass under the bridge is only nine meters above the water level. Unfortunately, at present, the bridge cannot be lifted for safety reasons.

It is easy to find hotels in Palembang. You can find star or ordinary hotels along Kapten A Rivai, Sudirman, R Sukamto, Veteran, and POM IX streets.

You won’t find any difficulty to find local foods here. Not far from Palembang Grand Mosque, you can enjoy Palembang traditional foods like empek-empek panggang and kerupuk (crackers) for Rp1.500 to Rp22.200 per piece, depending where you eat. In addition, there is a food stall selling es belimbing (star fruit ice). It is the only food stall that sells es belimbing. Its name is Ujuk.

On Musi River, there are floating restaurants where you could dine while seeing Ampera Bridge.

To buy souvenirs, you only need to walk some 50 meters from Ampera Bridge where you can find a market selling various types of local foods and souvenirs such as fruits and Songket (woven fabrics). This market is called Pasar 16 Ilir. About three kilometers from there, you could find a Songket center and 50 meters from there, you could find a lekeur (carving) center.

It is best to visit Ampera Bridge on foot so that you could feel the windblows from Musi River.

Ampera Bridge is located in Palembang. You can go to this city from Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II airport at Tanjung Api-Api Street. It is an international airport that it is accessible from Malaysia, Singapore, China, and Thailand. To go to Musi River, you can take a taxi or rented car from the airport. Distance between the airport and city center is about 6 km.

In the city center, there are nine public transportations and seven city buses from various destinations that can take you to Ampera. You only need to pay Rp1,500 to Rp5,000.

If you like to see Ampera Bridge closely, please don’t use a motor vehicle because if you stop in the middle of the bridge, the police officer will give you a ticket.

Heritage Sites : Ambarawa

2012-07-22T08:21:00.001-07:00

Ambarawa : Experience Rural Java’s Traditional Life

One and a half hour’s driving from Semarang on a smooth road towards Salatiga, one enjoys the true Javanese rural life all the way to the town of Ambarawa , some 17 km north from Salatiga. This is the halfway mark to Borobudur.

Here in Ambarawa you can find Indonesia’s Railway Museum, home to 21 old steam locomotives, the oldest of which is the 1891 Hartmann Chemnitz, in use until the 1970’s when the railways here were closed. Nearby is also a natural grotto to the Virgin Mary and the Stations of the Cross, surrounded by flower gardens and fish ponds.

Slightly further west in the Dieng plateau are the ancient temples known as Gedong Songo, or "the nine buildings", constructed between 730 AD -780 AD during the Sanjaya Dynasty.

Also not far from Ambarawa are the Losari Coffee plantation and the hill town of Bandungan, favorite recreation area for people from Semarang and Yogyakarta.

But Ambarawa also has a grimmer side to its history when during World War II, the Japanese interned European families in camps here.

Recommended accommodations when you stay around Ambarawa are:

Losari Spa Retreat and Coffee Plantation

Phone: +62 298 596 333

Fax: +62 298 592 696

Email: info@losaricoffeeplantation.com

There are hotels and comfortable accommodations available in Semarang and surrounding. You are welcome to check it here

Eating in the rural area of Central Java is unforgettable, not just because of its mouth-watering taste in each bite of steamed vegetables, traditionally cooked curry, and succulent beefy satay, but also for its low prices that are often times baffling to visitors.

Serabi (also spelled surabi in other parts of the country) is taking Ambarawa to another level of its culinary delights, as Ngampin, or Serabi Ngampin, or Serabi Kucur, is famous for its sweet, tender Javanese pancake. The way it is cooked is traditional, which is how the pancake gains its savory taste. You can find it almost everywhere along the road bertween Semarang – Ambarawa. Rows of blue painted warungs, food stalls, are there for you to visit.

Semiyer rice cake is also a delicacy to sample. It is very thin, crispy, and tasty to the mouth and eyes. The main ingredient is cassava that grows abundant in the area.

Pecel Mbok Kami and Pecel Tukinem (founded by Veronica Tukinem) is said to be one of the most must-taste foods in Ambarawa. It is a portion of plain rice with steamed vegetables with coconut paste, plus some crackers that bring Javanese taste to the banana-leaf plate. If you wish to add some more add-ons, like friend chicken, chilly eggs, fish curry, and beef curry, then you are welcome to eat like the Javanese. To savour these, do not miss the operational hour between 7 in the morning to 12 at noon around Kantor Gotong Royong, and if you missed the time, go to Madam Veronica Tukinem’s house at Sanggrahan, close to a technical school of Dr. Cipto.

If you wish, buy Tahu Serasi, a readily packaged tofu from Serasi group. Here, the soybean is known to be one of the best in Central Java. A package of 8 pieces of Tahu Serasi is around IDR 10,000 (or around US$ 1.00). Deep fry it for several minutes and you know how tasty is the soybean from Ambarawa.

Ambarawa is around one and a half hour drive from Semarang, capital city of Central Java, or around two hours from Yogyakarta. Buses are available at the bus stations.

The bus terminal in Ambarawa is called Bawen Bus Terminal. If you are in Yogyakarta, go to Giwangan Bus Station, the largest type-A bus terminal in Indonesia. The bus to Ambarawa usually goes to Semarang. If you are in Semarang, proceed to theTerboyo Bus Terminal. Going to Ambarawa, the bus usually continues to Yogyakarta.

The recommended buses are: PO Raya, Kramat Djati, and Nusantara.

Heritage Sites : Prambanan

2012-07-22T08:18:00.001-07:00

Prambanan : The Exotic Hindu Temple

As the largest Hindu temple in Southeast Asia, the beautiful and graceful temple of Prambanan is a magnificent spectacle and an icon of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

Located not far from the Buddhist Borobudur temple, the proximity of the two temples tells us that on Java, Buddhism and Hinduism lived peacefully next to one another.

Prambanan is known locally as Roro Jonggrang, coming from the legend of the ‘slender virgin’. According to the legend once upon a time, there was a young and powerful man named Bandung Bondowoso. He wanted to marry a beautiful princess named Roro Jonggrang. Her father, the king, agreed and forced her to marry Bandung Bondowoso. Butm Sita did not love him yet could not refuse him.

After careful consideration, she thought of a way to refuse Bondowoso, whose magical power was well-known. She decided she would agree but only if Bondowoso built 1,000 temples in one night before the break of dawn.

She insisted that the work must be completed before the rooster crowed, something she believed was impossible. But with the help of genies and his own magical powers, Bondowoso managed to complete 999 temples. Panicked, Jonggrang told the women of her village to start pounding rice so that the rooster would wake up and begin to crow. When Bondowoso heard this he was deeply disappointed and wildly enraged. When he found out that Roro Jonggrang had made the roosters crow, he turned her into stone, The statue of a slender virgin graces the main Prambanan temple, while a group of temples nearby is called the Candi Sewu or the Thousand Temples.

The temples at Prambanan were built in the 9th century. The biggest temple is dedicated to Shiva – the destroyer, and the two smaller ones which sit on its right and left are dedicated to Brahma -¬ the creator and Wisnhu – the sustainer. The tallest temple of Prambanan is a staggering 47 meters high. Its peak visible from far away and rises high above the ruins of the other temples.

After hundreds of years of neglect, the Prambanan temple was rediscovered by CA Lons, a Dutchman, in 1733. Since then, this temple has been revitalized and today is widely regarded as the most beautiful and graceful Hindu temple in Indonesia.

The grandeur, complexity, and integrated architectural concept of Prambanan makes this a truly amazing structure. As a unique cultural and architectural marvel, Prambanan was declared a World Heritage site in 1991 by UNESCO.

There is a wide variety of inns and hotels to choose from in nearby Yogyakarta. For more information refer to our Travel Directory.

If you're after a touch of luxury, try the Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort and Spa. It's near the airport and has a large pool as well as gift shops, entertainment, and food. The Hyatt is another luxury hotel to stay at.

Many hotels in nearby Yogya also have high quality restaurants where serving a combination of modern Western food and traditional Yogya cuisine

Tea is a specialty of this region. Wherever you go in the Java plains, the climate remains warm throughout the year which means there is nothing more refreshing than a big pitcher of cold javanese tea. A big cup of cold ginger Javanese tea usually costs only IDR 2,000.

Visitors to Prambanan wander around the temples on foot. This is the best way to enjoy the lush landscape and take in the detailed architecture and design of the temples up close.

This temple compound covers 39.8 hectares. In the main yard, there are the three main temples, as well as three Wahana temples, two Apit temples, and eight Patok temples surrounded by fences. In the second yard, there are another 224 Perwara temples. Wandering around here and examining the intricate stonework will be enough to keep you busy all day!

Compared to the temples in Angkor Wat, the temples of Prambanan are much easier to navigate and more tourist-friendly. The area surrounding Prambanan is developed, with a landscaped park and stores selling tourist souvenirs. While it’s not a temple set in a remote rustic setting, the splendor of the temple will make you quickly forget your surroundings. You will be transported back to an ancient time where ritual and culture dominated every part of life.

The closest cities to Prambanan, are either Yogyakarta (insert hyperlink) or Semarang. Garuda Indonesia, Mandala, Merpati Nusantara Airlines and a number of domestic airlines fly to these cities from Jakarta and other large cities in Indonesia. AirAsia is the first international airline that flies direct from Kuala Lumpur to Yogyakarta.

From Yogyakarta, you can rent a car to go to Klaten. From there, you can walk to the temple.

If have been busy and are really tired of walking, you can always call for a becak. With the cost of about Rp10,000 the Becak driver will bring you right up to the entrance gate of the Temple, not far from the ticket box.

Heritage Sites : Borobudur

2012-07-22T08:15:00.001-07:00

Borobudur : A Wonder of Indonesia History

The magnificent Borobudur temple is the world’s biggest Buddhist monument, an ancient site widely considered to be one of the world’s seven wonders. Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Syailendra dynasty, the temple’s design in Gupta architecture reflects India's influence on the region, yet there are enough indigenous scenes and elements incorporated to make Borobudur uniquely Indonesian. This awe inspiring monument is truly a marvel. After a visit here you will understand why it is Indonesia’s most visited tourist attraction and a famous icon of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

Located on the island of Java, the temple sits majestically on a hilltop overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. It covers an enormous area, measuring 123 x 123 meters. The monument is a marvel of design, decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The architecture and stonework of this temple has no equal. And it was built without using any kind of cement or mortar! The structure is like a set of massive interlocking Lego blocks held together without any glue.

The temple has remained strong even through ten centuries of neglect. It was rediscovered in 1815, buried under volcanic ash. In the 1970’s the Indonesian Government and UNESCO worked together to restore Borobudur to its former majesty The restoration took eight years to complete and today Borobudur is one of Indonesia and the world’s most valuable treasures.

The temple is decorated with stone carvings in bas-relief representing images from the life of Buddha. Commentators claim that this is the largest and most complete ensemble of Buddhist reliefs in the world, unsurpassed in artistic merit.

This monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The ten levels of the temple symbolize the three divisions of the religion’s cosmic system. As visitors begin their journey at the base of the temple, they make their way to the top of the monument through the three levels of Budhist cosmology, KÄmadhÄtu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness). As visitors walk to the top the monument guides the pilgrims past 1,460 narrative relief panels on the wall and the balustrades.

The whole monument itself resembles a giant stupa, but seen from above it forms a mandala. The great stupa at the top of the temple sits 40 meters above the ground. This main dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.

Historians suggest that the name of Borobudur comes from the Sanskrit ‘Vihara Buddha Uhr’ or the ‘Buddhist monastery on the hill’.

As Borobudur is only a one hour drive from Jogjakarta, many visitors choose to stay in Jogja where there are a wide variety of hotels, from a simple bed & breakfast to starred hotels. Just look at our Travel Directory to search for hotels in DI Yogyakarta.

For visitors who want to stay as close as possible to the magnificent Borobudur temple there are other accommodation options. Standing high amidst the Menoreh Hills with some truly stunning views of Borobudur, the Amanjiwo hotel is a majestic building and almost a tourist attraction in its own right. Located only 3 km / 2 miles to the South of Borobudur the Amanjiwo is a luxury hotel where guests enjoy exclusive suites with private swimming pools.

Alternatively, there are hotels perched in the nearby beautiful highlands of Magelang. Magelang hotels are approximately 20 km/12 miles north of the Borobudur Temple. One of the most impressive hotels in this area is the Losari Coffee Plantation, which offers villa-style accommodation where the verandahs overlook some impressive views of the nearby volcanoes.

The best way to explore this site is on foot. As you climb to the top of this magnificent temple you will marvel at the intricate detailed stone carvings displayed on the temples walls. You will certainly miss a great experience if you visit this enormous temple without learning about its history and importance which are captured on its many reliefs.

Guides are available for around Rp 50 thousand. This is a wise investment as a guide will be able to walk you around the site and explain the history of the temple, beginning with its construction during the Syailendra dynasty. The stone carvings attached to the temple display legends and stories which have great philosophical significance.

For visitors with children, don’t miss the massive green grass area surrounding the Borobudur site.

You may choose to walk through Green Park from the entrance. Many vendors will offer you souvenirs and other knick knacks as you walk through this area, however there are regulations in place to prevent them from disturbing visitors.

Borobudur is only one hour’s drive from Yogyakarta. The easiest way to get there is by joining a tour or renting a car.

During your journey to Borobudur, enjoy the fresh cool air of Magelang city with its roads lined with big shady trees. Borobudur itself stands tall against the spectacular backdrop of the Menoreh mountain range that surrounds it.

Entering the temple compound is easy and most visitors choose to wander around on foot. Alternatively you can chart a cart (pulled by a horse) at a reasonable price.
Alternatively, cruise passengers who disembark at Semarang can take a day tour driving through Wonosobo to Borobudur.

Held once a year during a full moon in May, the Vesak (Waisak) festival attracts many pilgrims and visitors. This is a Buddhist festival celebrating the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha. If you’re interested in cultural festivals, this is an ideal time to visit Borobudur.

Dress respectfully in light and comfortable clothes.

Hire a licensed tour guide, so you'll get better information.

During a dry season, you should wear a hat or an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun or the occasional shower. You can rent one for around Rp2,000 (about US $0.18)

Heritage Sites : Bali

2012-07-22T08:13:00.002-07:00

Bali : Simply the World's Best Island

Bali is magical. As probably the most famous island in Indonesia, Bali blends spectacular mountain scenery and beautiful beaches with warm and friendly people, a vibrant culture and out of this world resorts.

Travel & Leisure Magazine has awarded Bali the World’s Best Island in 2009, while the Lonely Planet’s Best of Travel 2010 ranked Bali second place among the world’s Top Regions.

Also known as the Land of the Gods, Bali appeals through its sheer natural beauty of looming volcanoes and lush terraced rice fields that exude peace and serenity. Bali enchants with its dramatic dances and colourful ceremonies, its arts and crafts, to its luxurious beach resorts and exciting night life. For this exotic island has much to offer, from inspirational spirituality to fine dining and meeting experiences, from world class surfing and diving to exhilarating treks in the wild. And everywhere you will find intricately carved temples.

For, the Balinese, who embrace the Hindu religion, are a most devout people where a large part of their lives is dedicated to rites and ceremonies aimed at maintaining harmony in this world. Indeed, this relatively small island holds many surprises.

This is a miraculous island indeed, for after decades of popularity, Bali continues to amaze both local and international visitors alike. Here gather a variety of visitors from around the globe: from those who come to surf the waves of Kuta, Uluwatu and Dreamland, to others who love the panoramic beauty of mountains and lakes at Batur, Kintamani, or Lake Beratan at Bedugul, to those who merely love shopping or spend endless days on the beach.

Many beautiful resorts offer fine lodgings. Most of the starred hotels are located near the beach. Otherwise, they usually have their own private spots at certain beaches. You can find them easily at popular spots like Kuta or Sanur.

If you're in a serene highland like Ubud, forget starred hotels. You're there to embrace the atmosphere. Just pick one of the small lodgings lining up the streets. And even the smallest one's ready to make you feel welcome.

During the 2007 Ubud Readers and Writers Festival, a man in a wheelchair checked in at a small inn on Monkey Forest. He had some difficulties in navigating through the stairs to his bungalow. He then left for the Festival. When he returned at night, the owner had already paved an ascending lane to his bungalow. That's a typical Balinese hospitality.

When you've already picked a certain destination in Bali, just check out our Travel Directory. See what options are near.

Like the food of other regions in Indonesia, Balinese staple food is rice, served with small portions of spicy, pungent vegetables, fish or meat and served almost always with sambal or chili paste. Bali is a few of the regions in Indonesia whose majority of its people are non Muslims, thus babi guling or roasted suckling pig is a specialty, as is bebek betutu, smoked stuffed duck wrapped in bamboo leaves.

In Jimbaran area, for instance, you can sample seafood dishes while sitting on the beach. Visit this place in the evening, the cool atmosphere and caressing breeze will make your dining experience remarkable.

There are are thousands of giftshops in Bali. Everywhere you go, from Denpasar to Ubud, you'll find many things you'd like to bring back home. Try clicking the "Find a Shop" button on the bottom right if you need some pointers.

There are many modes of transport to help you get around in Bali. A variety of excellent half day, full day and overnight tour packages are available from your hotel desk or any of the numerous travel agents and tour operators which abound in Bali. Or you can find a car and driver who will also act as your guide.

Whilst walking about, you will be barraged with constant questions of "Transport, transport?". Competition is tight and many drivers know several languages. Tell the driver your desired route and negotiate a fee.

An important virtue to have while on the road in Bali is patience! Although the road system in the heavily populated areas is quite reasonable (condition wise) in comparison to other developing countries, it can be heavily congested at peak periods. Ceremonial processions often take up the entire road so if you're caught behind a procession, enjoy the colorful experience.

With increasing number of direct flights from many parts of the world, getting to Bali is easy. Flights from Jakarta to Bali take about 1.5 hours, from Singapore and Perth (Australia) around 2.5 and 3 hours, from Hong Kong about 4.5 hours, and from Sydney/Melbourne about 5.5 to 6 hours on many national and international carriers.

Just make sure that you look for "Denpasar (DPS)" instead of "Bali" in airline time tables. Denpasar is the capital of Bali. While the name of its international airport is Ngurah Rai.

Another means to reach the island is by ferry from Banyuwangi, located at the most eastern tip of East Java. It takes 30 to 45 minutes crossing from Banyuwangi to Ketapang on Bali. From Bali, you can also continue further by ferry to the island of Lombok, in West Nusa Tenggara . Take the ferry at Padang Bay with transit at Lembar seaport for a total of 4 hours journey.

Bali has many travel agents to assist you with your holiday plans.

Remember to "hoot" your horn when going around curves on mountainous roads as it is very common to drive in the middle of the road here. There are a lot of one way roads in Bali. If you miss your turn off you may have to drive quite a distance before being able to turn back. Be alert!

We highly recommend you fill up at any of the numerous government owned petrol stations. In more remote areas at stalls by the side of the road sell bottles of clear liquid. The quality may not be as good as at the petrol station and could cause damage to the rental car.

Heritage Sites

2012-07-22T08:03:00.003-07:00

Heritage Sites

Many of the world's most ancient wonders can be found in Indonesia. From sacred temples to palace ruins, from prehistoric remains to living traditions, visitors from around the world come to Indonesia, attracted by its unique and diverse cultures and vibrant heritage.

Whether you take the opportunity to see traditional batik cloths being made, experience centuries old customs and festivities with a visit to a traditional village, or soak up some history in one of Indonesia's many museums – the list of heritage attractions appears endless.

Bali

Borobudur

Prambanan

As the largest Hindu temple in Southeast Asia, the beautiful and graceful temple of Prambanan is a magnificent spectacle and an icon of Indonesia’s cultural heritage. Located not far from the Buddhist Borobudur temple, the proximity of the two...

AMBARAWA: Experience Rural Java’s Traditional Life

Ampera Bridge

Ancient Sites of Kokas

Ban Hin Kiong Temple

The beautifully designed Ban Hin Kiong Temple in the heart of Manado’s China Town is 335 years old and is the oldest Chinese temple built here during the Qing Dynasty era in China (1644-1911). It is a house of worship for the Tridharma...

Location: Sulawesi » North Sulawesi » Manado City

Banda Aceh

Its auspicious position on the tip of the westernmost point of the Indonesian archipelago has made the town of Banda Aceh a recognized transit point as well as a hub for education, commerce, and government. The Aceh Darussalam Kingdom was...

Location: Sumatra » Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam » Kota Banda Aceh

Bandarlampung: Sumatra’s Southern Gateway

Perched on the hills overlooking Lampung Bay, Bandarlampung is the capital and largest city of Lampung, the southern-most province on the island of Sumatra. The city acts as an inter-island hub and main gateway to Sumatra from Java. As the fourth...

Location: Sumatra » Lampung » Kota Bandar Lampung

Bandung’s precious Tropical Art-Deco Heritage

In the 1920’s when the Dutch decided to gradually move its colonial capital to Bandung, it was the heyday of Art Deco. That is the reason why until today Bandung still holds some of the best examples of Tropical Art Deco architecture in...

Location: Java » West Java » Kota Bandung

Batu Basurek

Batu Basurek is a stone with inscriptions in the old Palava script of India, bearing the legend of Adityawarman in the year 1347. Literally, "Batu Basurek" itself means "The Written Stone".The stone's 25 cm wide, 80 cm high, and 10 cm thick....

Location: Sumatra » West Sumatra » Kab. Tanah Datar

Bukit Kasih

Bukit Kasih – or the Hill of Love is located in the village of Kanonang at Kawangkoan, some 55 kilometers from Manado, North Sulawesi. It was built in 2002 as a spiritual center where religious followers from various faiths can gather,...

Location: Sulawesi » North Sulawesi » Manado City

Fort Marlborough

Fort Marlborough. The British or ‘Raffles’ Fort, was built between 1714 and 1719 and was famous as the second-strongest fort built by British in Asia, Fort George in Madras, India being the first. It was restored and opened to the public...

Location: Sumatra » Bengkulu » Kota Bengkulu

Fort Rotterdam and the I La Galigo Museum within: History of South Sulawesi

Standing majestically at the western coast of Makassar, Fort Rotterdam is recognized as the city’s most iconic landmark. With historical traces dating back to the Kingom of Gowa from the 16thth century to colonization by the Dutch, this Fort...

Location: Sulawesi » South Sulawesi » Kota Makassar

Galang Island

In the 1980’s, Galang Island suddenly became famous. This island was a topic of discussion in the United Nations since it became home to thousands of Vietnamese boat people, refugees who left their country following the Vietnam War. They came...

Location: Sumatra » Riau Archipelago » Kota Batam

Heritage Sites in Jakarta

There are more than thirty museums in Jakarta. And tens of art galleries. So we'll list a few places you shouldn't miss: Museum Gajah (National Museum)Located at the west side of Merdeka square; it offers historical, pre-historical,...

Location: Java » DKI Jakarta

Imogiri

Imogiri, the official cemetery of the royal descendents from Yogyakarta and Surakarta, is about 17 kms southeast of Yogyakarta and easily accessible by the bus or car. The tombs lie within three main courtyards perched on a hilltop. Entry into the...

Location: Java » DI Yogyakarta » Kab. Bantul

Jakarta's Inspiring Istiqlal Mosque

First opened to the public by Indonesia’s first President, Soekarno, on 22 February 1978, the grand Istiqlal Mosque of Jakarta is the largest mosque in South East Asia both in structure and capacity, as it can accommodate congregations of up to...

Location: Java » DKI Jakarta » Jakarta Pusat

Event 2015

2012-07-21T00:10:00.003-07:00

Pasola 2015: Ritual Jousting Fights on Sumba island

10 Feb 2015 - 14 Mar 2015

The Pasola 2015 ritual jousting battles will again take place during the months of February and March in six traditional villages of the island of Sumba, in the province of Ease Nusatenggara. In February Pasola jousting will be held in the villages of Homba Kalayo, Bondo Kawangoi and Rara Winyo. While in March these fights can be seen at Maliti Bondo Ate (Ratenggaro), Waiha and Wainyapu.

The exact dates when the battles will take place are determined by the village elders at full moon rising, known as "naalbukolo". Here the Rato nyale plays a most important role to decide on the dates. It is difficult to estimate when exactly the Pasola jousting events will be held since the fights are not only organizedfor entertainment but are part and parcel of and an important ritual in the local belief called Marapu.

In Pasola, two parties prepare for battle, each comprising 100 men carrying wooden lances with a diameter of 1.5 cm but having a blunt edge. During the fight, men who have fallen off their horses may not be attacked. The belief goes that each drop of blood that falls on earth will fertilize the soil for the next harvest.

The Pasola battles are not only meant for fun and entertainment but this tradition has long been embedded in the culture of the Sumbanese people. Pasola comes from the word sola or hola, in the local language means wooden lance, but added with a prefix, pasola means a game to strengthen brotherhood.

For the Sumba people, Pasola is a peaceful and friendly battle: a ritual required by tradition (therefore, not a war game), so that despite the fact that victims do fall, Pasola on Sumba is held to sympathise – as the legend goes - with the distress of their ancestor at losing his soulmate, which is at the core of this ritual.

The island of Sumba itself offers many amazing attractions to catch on film. Besides the exciting Pasola battles , Sumba is also famous for its Megalithic traditions, large stone graves as well as the Marapu traditions that have survived over the centuries.

The Pasola 2015 traditional jousting battles will take place as follows:

In February 2015

10 February 2015 :Pasola Homba Kalayo, in the sub-district of Kodi Bangedo.

13 February 2015 :Pasola Bando Kawango, sub-district Kodi.

14 February 2015 : Pasola Rara Winyo sub-district, Kodi.

In March 2015

11 March 2015 :Pasola Maliti Bondo (Ratenggaro), sub-district Kodi Bangedo.

13 March 2015 :Pasola Waiha, sub-district Kodi Blaghar.

14 March 2015 :Pasola Wainyapu, sub-district Kodi Blaghar.

Festive Chinese New Year Celebrations all across Indonesia

19 Feb 2015 - 5 Mar 2015

As Indonesia counts a large population of those with Chinese descent, most of whom have lived here for generations, Chinese New Year - here known as Imlek - is celebrated with lots of fanfare in many townships across the archipelago. Chinese New Year has also been declared a national holiday, which this year falls on 19 February 2015. While celebrations continue for 15 days culminating on 5 March , known as Cap Go Meh.

On New Year's eve, Chinese families whose members may be living far apart, make it point to gather at New Year’s eve family dinner. The next morning they will all go to the temple to pray and burn incense and joss sticks. Preparing for this auspicious occasion, temples have been spruced up and decorated with red lanterns and huge red candles. During the two weeks celebrations, groups of lion dancers prance around the city accompanied by loud drums and cymbals. In response, people give red packets of money or ang pao in its mouth, to receive good luck from the lions. Meanwhile at parades, athletic dancers carry colorful "dragons" zig-zaging along the streets that are crowded with onlookers.

In the city of Semarang, capital of the province of Central Java,- where Chinese Imperial Emissary Admiral Zheng He (here better known as Cheng Ho ) first set foot on Java, - its Chinatown known as Pasar Semawis is crowded when the annual Pasar Imlek or Chinese New Year market is held here from 4-16 February selling decorations, special New Year clothes, knick-knacks and foodstuff for families to prepare for the big day. Then the market is transformed into a festive arena where open air stages are set for performances along Gang Pinggir and Srawung, held from 14-17 February. Here the public can enjoy typical Chinese dances, music and cultural performances like the Wayang Potehi, Gambang Semarang, Twa Kok Djwee, barongsai, toya games and even Wushu.

Meanwhile in the city of Solo, also in Central Java, Chinese New Year is celebrated around Pasar Gede Market near the Tien Kok Sie temple. Both Chinese descendants as well as locals celebrate together starting with the traditional Javanese Grebeg Sudiro held from15-18 February, just prior to Chinese New Year celebrations which falls on 19 February. At the pinnacle of Grebeg Sudiro people are encouraged to grab vegetables and fruits from the cone-shaped mountain of produce that are piled up high, and which has earlier been paraded around town. The tradition of grabbing and even fighting for a piece of produce is based on the Javanese teaching that says : ora babah ora mamah, meaning there is no food without struggle.

Along with the Grebeg Sudiro tradition, a series of events will also highlights the Chinese New Year celebration in Solo, including: The million Lanterns fiesta from 30^th January to 18^th February; cleaning the banks of the Pepe river and planting medicinal plants on 1^st February 2015; the Umbul Mantram Ritual and the Pepe River Decorated Boats on 5^th February; Grebeg Sudiro Cultural Carnival on 15^th February; Release of lanterns and Firework Fiesta on 18^th February; Barongsai (Lion Dance) and Liong (Dragon Dance) Parade on 5^th March; and the Official “Imlek” Chinese New Year Ceremony of Solo City at Pendhapi Gedhe, the City Hall of Solo on 5^th March 2015.

As expression of sympathy for victims of recent misfortunes that occurred in several places including the fire that burnt the traditional Pasar Klewer Market in the city, this year the Solo Imlek Festival will not take place.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Yogyakarta, this Chinese New Year celebration promises to be even more festive. Named the Chinese Cultural Week the event is held from 1-5 March 2015 in conjunction with Cap Go Meh. Carrying the theme: Knitting together Cultures, Creating Unity, people will be shown the acculturation of Chinese heritage into Javanese life. Throughout the week there will be exhibitions, Mandarin language competitions, karaoke sessions at Kampung Ketandan, and more fun, music and dance extending to the Suryatmajan arterial road.

Meanwhile, in the mountain cities of Bandung and Sukabumi in West Java, people will also not pass Chinese New Year without celebrations with the mandatory lion and dragon dances along busy streets, of course after morning prayers at the temples.

View photographs :

Chinese New Year Celebration in Bandung and Sukabumi 2011

The Grandest Celebrated Cap Go Meh in the past 52 years

In Jakarta, capital of Indonesia, Chinese New Year is celebrated around China town, at around Petak Sembilan and Glodok area, where stands the Yin De Yuan temple, the oldest Chinesed temple in Jakarta built in 1650. Malls will be festooned with gay Chinese New Year decorations, and people will flock to restaurants to enjoy Chinese New Year meals with the whole family.

While, on the island of Sumatra, starting from the city of Medan in the North, the large Chinese population here will celebrate this year with the Gebyar Imlek Fair, - or the Chinese New Year Fiesta from 30 January to 8 February. Although Medan is known to have long been a favored port of call for Chinese merchant vessels since centuries, yet this year for its celebrations Medan has opted for the more trendy and modern, appealing to the youth. There will be rock, jazz and pop music, as well as fashion shows, modern dance festival and a cosplay festival. There will of course be an array of delicious spreads of seafood, a favorite of Medan.

In South Sumatra, the city of Palembang in the Dempo Chinatown, the Imlek Festival will be held from 28 February – 4 March, where people will be spoilt with a culinary exhibition and a number of competitions of traditional boats and dragon boat races.

Since Palembang was once the seat of the great Srivijaya kingdom, when Chinese merchants were wont to visit here and Buddhist scholars made this their place of sojourn and learning before proceeding to India, Palembang holds many traces of Chinese cultural heritage that can be seen from the architecture of houses, clothes, medicines, graves, and of course cuisine.

At Cap Go Meh a host of people take boats to the island of Kamaro where is an old Chinese temple, and a center for prayers at Chinese New Year.

On the islands of Batam and Bintan, just opposite Singapore, people will flock to the new huge Buddhist temples on Batam and near Tanjung Pinang on Bintan. Devotees will come not only from the hundreds of surrounding islands but also from Singapore and Malaysia.

But arguably the pinnacle of celebrations of Chinese New Year in Indonesia is the Cap Go Meh at Singkawang in West Kalimantan, known as the greatest Chinese New Year event in the region. This is because here the age-old tradition of tatung is still followed, when men, women and children will meditate, go into a trance then pierce themselves with sharp lances but strangely remain completely unharmed. These colorfully dressed tatungs are believed to ward off evil spirits and keep the city and the area safe from disasters and illnesses through the coming year. The parade of tatungs will take place on 5 March at Cap Go Meh, starting from Diponegoro road, pass Jalan Sejahtera, Budi Utomo, Setia Budi, finishing at Jalan Niaga.

Indonesia Fashion Week 2015: “Setting Fashion Future”

26 Feb 2015 - 1 Mar 2015

Indonesia Fashion Week 2015 (IFW2015), a full one week-long fashion festival organized by the Association of Indonesia Fashion Designers (APPMI) will again highlight the capital city of Jakarta from 26^th February to 1^st March 2015 at the Jakarta Convention Center.

Aimed to establish Indonesia as one of the fashion centers of the world, IFW is where all the unique features of Indonesian cultures, both traditional and up-to-date are presented in the form of diverse ready to wear fashion and accessories. The event will be punctuated with exhibitions, fashion shows, competitions, seminars, and workshops. According to the official website,indonesiafashionweek.com , this year the event will involve 32 fashion shows, 665 brands, and over 1920 outfits.

Held for the first time on February 2012, the annual Indonesia Fashion Week synergizes all fashion elements in the country including government, industry, associations, and academics. This year, IFW2015 is supported by a number of ministries namely the Coordinating Ministry of Economy, Coordinating Ministry of Welfare, Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of cooperatives, Small and Medium Businesses.

Building up to the event, a number of pre-events will be held for fashion lovers. Among this is the Starting Point Competition which is dedicated for young and emerging designers who wish to offer their brilliant designs. Those who like urban style with distinct Indonesian batik and hand-woven fabrics can take part in the Sunday Dress Up which will take place on 1^st February 2015. Sunday Dress Up is a fun walk involving no less than 5000 participants starting at the Sapta Pesona Building, the Office of the Ministry of Tourism.

For more information you can contact:

PT. Kerabat Dyan Utama

Phone: +62 21-3926867

Fax: +62 21-3926092

FB: Indonesia Fashion Week

Twitter: @IndonesiaFW

www.radyatama.com

www.indonesiafashionweek.com

”Imlek” Chinese New Year Festival 2015 in Palembang

28 Feb 2015 - 4 Mar 2015

Scheduled to take place from 28^th February to 4^th March 2015, the Imlek Festival 2015 will highlight the Chinese New Year Celebrations in the Dempo Chinatown area of Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra. Building up to the Cap Go Meh, which is the peak of the Chinese New Year celebrations, the festival will be filled with an array of competitions, art performances, and of course, a culinary fiesta.

Some of the exciting features of the festival will include a culinary bazaar, an ornaments and accessories bazaar, mass Tai-Chi and aerobic exercises, and a lot more. There will also be competitions including in : photography, cooking, Chinese Karaoke, Chinese Dangdut singing contest, Barongsai (Lion Dance), and fashion show on the street.

Ever since the 9th century when the ancient kingdom of Srivijaya became a thriving trading power and an epicenter for Buddhist learning, Chinese merchants came to trade in Palembang and monks stayed here to study Sanskrit and Buddhism before proceeding to India, or on their journey home from India. Many settled in the city so that through the centuries the growing Chinese population, its culture and history became an inseparable part of the city of Palembang. The interaction and bond between the indigenous Malay ethnic population with Chinese descendents were made even stronger when Admiral Cheng Ho (or Zheng He), emissary of the Chinese Emperor came to Palembang in the 15^th century.

The historical traces of Chinese influence in Palembang can still be found throughout the city. Among these are the Cheng Ho Mosque and also the old town complex of Palembang at the southern part of the Musi River directly facing the Kuto Besak Fortress Plaza.

Following the festival, the annual highlight in the Chinese calendar is the Cap Go Meh, held 15 days after Chinese New Year - here called Sin Cia,- centering on the Island of Kamaro, located midstream in the wide Musi River delta where there are pagodas and Chinese temples. On this day, thousands of ethnic Chinese from Palembang and around Indonesia, as well as from neighboring Singapore, Malaysia to Hong Kong and Taiwan gather on the island, arriving here by boat from Palembang city.

Bali Spirit Festival 2015 :

An Annual Celebration of Yoga, Dance, and Music

31 Mar 2015 - 5 Apr 2015

From 31^st March to 5^th April 2013, the tranquil town of Ubud in the cultural heart of Bali will once again be filled with worldwide spirituality as the Bali Spirit Festival 2015 gets underway. As the event celebrates its eight year of existence, news of its magic has reached around the world. Not only does the Festival bring together celebrated musicians, yogis and dancers from every continent, but it has also become a magnet for fans, students and followers of every calling.

As always, the Bali Spirit Festival will take place at two of the most stunning venues in Ubud: Purnati Centre for the Arts and the ARMA Open Stage and Museum. The World Stage Concert will be staged on the majestic outdoor stage of Agung Rai Museum of Arts (ARMA). Located on the grounds of one of ARMA, a museum housing one of Bali's most impressive collection of Balinese and Indonesian visual art, the stage is framed by towering, traditional Balinese stone architecture and shaded by incredible tropical beauty.

Offering rejuvenation and inspiration to all who enter its tropical grounds, the festival invites some of the world’s greatest instructors offering diverse workshops in yoga, meditation, music and dance, as well as seminars in healing and health.

Drawing in a global audience of 6000 from over 50 countries, the tranquil town of Ubud in Bali will be transformed into an international cornucopia of world music and yogic fun. On the Coco Love Stage the festival features a Bhakti feast of world-renowned devotional music. Passionate about celebrating diversity, The One World Night Music Stage brings together music and traditions from every corner of the planet, staying true to the festival’s message of peace, love and positivity.

This year, this one of a kind festival will feature some of the world’s top yoga masters including: Noah Maze (USA), Ronan Tang (China), Simon Borg Olivier (Australia), and Maryam Askari (France). The Festival seminar programme will feature a range of healing experts who will be giving talks and running workshops throughout the festival including: Lorin Roche (USA) and Margot Anand (France) -Tantra Yoga, Relationships and Sexuality; TanishkaTantrika(Australia) -Goddess and Priestess of the Divine Feminine; Jeffrey Amstrong (Canada) -Vedic Astrology; Kat Dawes (Australia)- Creator of NOWism and promoter of the Powerful Present Moment.

Getting you up to dance at the Festival will be the Hoop Yogini Jocelyn Gordon, Masala Bhangra with Sarina Jain, Tribal Fusion Belly Dance with Deb Rubin, Embodied Hip Hop with Daniel Rojas and many more.

Described as one of the most vibrant and uplifting festivals happening to date, this inspirational event unifies the global community through live music, yoga, dance, encouraging people to spread the message of positive change in their homes, communities and worldwide.

BaliSpirit’s dedicated Family day ‘Hari Cinta Keluarga’ is the perfect excuse to involve the whole family with fun workshops, creative performances and bilingual classes. Immerse yourself in the buzz of the marketplace at the Dharma Fair which brings together delicious healthy food, exceptional healers and traditional Indonesian performances while you eat your lunch.

More Information available at: http://www.balispiritfestival.com/

Unique SEMANA SANTA Easter Holy Week celebrations in Larantuka, East Flores

1 Apr 2015 - 5 Apr 2015

Unique SEMANA SANTA Easter Holy Week celebrations in Larantuka, East Flores

1 Apr 2015 - 5 Apr 2015

Each year, the week before Easter Sunday, the town of Larantuka, East Flores, solemnly celebrates the Holy Week, popularly known here as “Semana Santa”. This year the series of rituals will take place from 1^st to 5^th April 2015.

During this special week, the small town of Larantuka will be thronged with thousands ofCatholic pilgrims, not only coming from surrounding islands in Flores but also from Java, Bali, around Indonesia, joined by many international tourists. This is because of Larantuka’s unique commemoration of Holy Week which blends Old Portuguese devotion with local tradition.

Pilgrims from around Flores and Indonesia come here to pray and participate in this one of a kind procession.

The Semana Santa will commence with the Rabu Trewa or Shackled Wednesday (or Ash Wednesday) on 1^st April, on the mid-Easter week. On this day, devotees gather in chapels and pray, remembering the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot which led to Jesus’ arrest and shackling. This is the time when the town of Larantuka turns into the Town of Mourning; a time when it drowns into solemnity and reflection for the purification of the soul.

In the afternoon of Maundy Thursday, congregations hold the tikam turo ritual , preparing the route for the following day’s seven kilometer procession by planting candles along the route. At the Chapel of Tuan Ma (Virgin Mary) the casket that has been sealed for one year is carefully opened by the Conferia, and the statue of Tuan Ma or Virgin Mary is bathed and then dressed in mourning clothes (a piece of black or purple, or blue velvet coat).

The pinnacle of the rituals falls on Good Friday or the Sesta Vera which this year falls on 3^rd April 2015. The door of the chapel of Tuan Ma and Tuan Ana (Jesus and the Virgin Mary) opens at ten o’clock in the morning. The Good Friday procession is highlighted by the ritual of carrying the statue of the body of Jesus Christ, placing Jesus at the center of the ritual and placing Mother Mary at the center of attention, as the mourning mother (Mater Dolorosa).

The Sabtu Santo (Holy Saturday) and the Minggu Paskah (Easter Sunday) follow the next days, marking the end of the entire Easter week procession.

Having strong Portuguese colonial influences, Larantuka is commonly known as one where Catholicism flourishes in Indonesia. For more than four centuries, this region inherited Catholicism through the role of the common people rather than through the clergy. The King of Larantuka, missionaries, the brotherhood of apostles of the common people (Confreria), the Semana Tribe, and the Kakang (Kakang Lewo Pulo Tribe) as well as the Pou (Lema Tribe) have played pivotal roles in the growth of Catholicism in this Larantuka region.

From Jakarta or Bali the town of Larantuka is accessible by flights to the El Tari Airport in Kupang or the Wai Oti Airport in Maumere, followed by about 3 hours’ overland journey to Larantuka.

Since Larantuka is a small town with limited accommodation facilities, those wishing to attend the Semana Santa in Larantuka are advised to book their hotel and flights early.

Total Lunar Eclipse on 4th April 2015: “Blood Moon” Over the Sky of Jakarta

4 Apr 2015 Start At: 17:45 Until: 21:45

444

A special phenomenon of a total lunar eclipse will occur on Saturday, 4^th April 2015. The eclipse will be the first of two Total Lunar Eclipses to occur in 2015, with the second following on Monday, 28^th September 2015. This first total lunar eclipse of the year will be visible over Indonesia just after the sun sets and the moon rises.

In the capital city of Jakarta, this special phenomenon will be visible from 17:52:26 to 21:58:58 West Indonesia Time. The Jakarta Planetarium and Observatory is making all the necessary preparations for this special phenomenon.
A slight difference from a total solar eclipse (which will also occur over the Indonesian sky in 2016), the total lunar eclipse can be observed directly with the naked eye. However, binoculars and unfiltered stellar telescopes can help to observe the phenomenon even clearer.

The color of the moon while it is on the umbra or dark shadow of the earth area during the total eclipse will depend on the earth’s outer space condition. On 4^thApril 2015, a spectacular view will be presented to all observing eyes since the moon will feature a blood red color, which is commonly known as the “Blood Moon” for about 5 minutes during the peak phase of the eclipse. The red color appears when the moon is at the Earth’s umbra area caused by the refraction of sunlight by the earth’s atmosphere. The red color unfortunately also reflects the high level of pollution. The higher the pollution level of an area (in this case Jakarta), the more red the color of the moon. The peak of the total solar eclipse will occur for 5 minutes from 18:57:54 to 19:02:37 West Indonesia Time.

On 4^th April 2015, the total lunar eclipse will be visible only in Asia (including Indonesia), Australia, Pacific, and America. Other regions will not be able to observe the total solar eclipse since the moon's position is below the sky or the horizon of the observer.

Lunar eclipse occurs during full moon and when the moon enters the earth’s shadow area. The earth shadow area consists of the grey shadow area or penumbra and the dark shadow area or umbra. When the moon enters the penumbra area, the vague or penumbra lunar eclipse occurs which is vaguely visible to the naked eye and can only be observed via telescope, or other devices. When the moon enters the earth’s umbra area, the visual or umbra occurs. When the moon only partially enters the umbra area, the eclipse is called partial lunar eclipse; when the entire moon’s disc enters the umbra, then we have what is known as the total solar eclipse.

Lunar Eclipse is a fascinating phenomenon to be observed, since one can also evaluate the precision of ephemeris calculations (the coordinates of space objects). During the lunar eclipse, the earth, moon, and sun are perfectly aligned and the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun can cause a maximum sea tide.

The second total lunar eclipse which will occur on 28^th September 2015 will not be visible in Indonesia. This is because the eclipse will occur at daylight, and the moon is below the horizon of the observer. This second total lunar eclipse will be visible in east pacific, America, Europe, and West Asia.

Source : F. Espernak. NASA's GSFC.

For more information contact :
Jakarta Planetarium and Observatory, The Office of Education of Jakarta
Jalan Cikini Raya no. 73
Central Jakarta
Telephone : (021) 2305146 and 2305147

Tour de Bintan 2015: The Epic Cycling Challenge on Bintan Island

6 Nov 2015 - 8 Nov 2015

Cyclists, brace yourself! The epic cycling challenge on the enchanting island of Bintan in the Riau Islands Province is back. The sixth edition of the tough race that combines sport and tourism in a beautiful setting, the Tour de Bintan 2015 will take place from 6^th to 8^th November 2015.

After a one-year hiatus, the 2015 Tour de Bintan sees the return of the popular Prologue Time Trial (ITT) to kick off three days of racing action on Friday, 6^th November 2015.

The 11km test of speed and power against the clock will be slightly hillier and a bit more technical than the previous Tour de Bintan ITT course as it negotiates the twists, turns and undulations of an out-and-back loop connecting the Lagoi Bay and Ria Bintan resort areas. Even though TT bikes, aero helmets and disc wheels are again banned for the Prologue, the course should still suit the strong time trialists such as 2013 overall champion Pierre-Alain Scherwey and last year’s runner-up Bastian Dohling. However, it’s unclear at this stage whether 2014 champ Ayub Gathurima of the Kenyan Riders team will be back to defend his title.

Now in its sixth edition, MetaSport as the Race Organizer returns to the center of action to its traditional home in the Nirwana Gardens Resort, which is just a short 9km spin away from the Plaza Lagoi where the Prologue will start and finish.

The respective leading teams from Allied World CCN and the Specialized Mavericks, Scherwey and Dohling will be among the favorites battling for the overall trophy and the S$8,000 total prize fund, but they will face stiff competition as the best of the region’s cyclists will definitely flock to Bintan for what has become one of Southeast Asia’s premier amateur stage races.

In the women’s race, the Melbourne-based 2014 champion Grace Phang has not ruled out returning to Bintan to defend her title, but if she does, Phang will definitely face fierce competition from some of Singapore’s best lady-cyclists, as well as some those Perth-based Wormall CCS outfit.
As in previous editions, the Prologue is only for the Category (Cat) 1, Cat 2 and Women’s races, and will again act as a qualifier for the Cat 2 field, with the fastest 100 riders moving forward to take part in Stage 1 proper on the Saturday morning, 7^th November 2015. Cat 2 riders missing the ITT cut will drop into the Cat 3 contest.

As ever, the centerpiece of Tour de Bintan 2015 is still the venerable 150km ride through the heart of Bintan that is Stage 1. While there are no major climbs on the course, it is seldom flat, and the near constant diet of rolling hills and heat and humidity will ensure an epic day in the saddle for all competitors.

The standout feature of Stage 1 course is the famous “red road” sector, which comes just 22km from the stage start at the village of Simpang Lagoi. It delivers riders to the coast via 13km of short, sharp climbs on a road carved through a starkly beautiful landscape, where the predominant red soil contrasts vividly with the bright green but stunted foliage.

The Tour de Bintan concludes with Stage 2, a 107km Sunday morning journey through the scenic northwestern section of the island. While not quite as lumpy as Stage 1, the course does have a few hills, including on the 8km-long stretch of road that connects the special Bintan Resorts area to Bintan “proper” via Checkpoint Charlie security post. Tackled in both directions, the top of the last hill on the return leg of this section will not only mark the final (King of Mountain) KOM sprint, but it is also used as the launch pad for race-winning moves. More often than not, however, the Stage 2 honors are settled by fast and furious bunch sprints on the iconic finishing straight up into Nirwana Gardens.

Part of the Tour de Bintan’s appeal is its location. The island is just an hour’s ferry trip from Singapore but on arrival it feels like another world. The lush green landscape, quiet and well-paved roads to ride on, and the generous hospitality of the easy-going local population, provide a striking contrast to the hustle and bustle of big cities. Regular ferries ply several times daily from Singapore and Malaysia and also between Batam and Bintan. Today, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air and Sriwijaya Air operate frequent flights from Jakarta to the new airport at Tanjung Pinang.

Jakarta Marathon 2015: Indonesia's Biggest Running Event come October

25 Oct 2015 - 25 Oct 2015

Following the success of the two previous editions, the Jakarta Marathon, - biggest running event in Indonesia - will again turn the streets of the capital city of Jakarta into a colossal race track for thousands of runners on Sunday, 25^th October 2015. This mega sport-tourism event is jointly presented by the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia and the Jakarta Provincial Government in cooperation with promoters INSPIRO.
To promote Jakarta Marathon 2015, the Ministry of Tourism along with the city of Jakarta and promoters jointly held a press conference and opened a registration booth at the Tokyo Marathon Expo 2015 in Japan a day before the Tokyo Marathon 2015 that also marked the opening of the World Series Marathon held on 22^nd February 2015.
Initiator and Chairman of Jakarta Marathon, Sapta Nirwandar, explained that the pre -event in Tokyo was aimed to attract participation from international runners. He added that in the two previous editions of Jakarta Marathon in 2013 and 2014, runners from Japan dominated international participants, 250 Japanese participated in 2013, while the number grew to 350 in 2014.
Meanwhile in the official press release, Indonesia's Minister of Tourism, Arief Yahya, stated that “Jakarta Marathon is an important part among Indonesia's Seven Programs on Special Interest, which is sports and recreation that is currently encouraged by the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia to attract tourists from all over the world to come and Enjoy Jakarta. Through the Jakarta Marathon, we want to portray Jakarta also as a sports-tourism destination and globally included among the six major cities in the world acknowledged as the World Marathon Majors, so that Jakarta can also be appreciated as a world-class city”
In line with the Minister, Jakarta’s Governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama asserted that, “The people of Jakarta are very enthusiastic to welcome the 3rd Jakarta Marathon that has become an annual event in Jakarta and Indonesia. We hope thar this event will continue to boost the number of international tourists to Jakarta, because through Jakarta Marathon we can introduce and show the beauty of megapolitan Jakarta to the rest of the world”.
In 2014, it was recorded thar 50 countries took part in Jakarta Marathon while the total number of participants reached 14,120. There were more than 1,200 international runners from many countries, that iincluded Kenya, Ethiopia, Japan, USA, UK and Australia. “The number of participants in Jakarta Marathon has been increasing from year to year since the first time it was held in 2013. Given the high enthusiasm, we target the total number to reach 15,000 participants for Jakarta Marathon 2015,” said Sapta Nirwandar.
Similar to the two previous editions’ of Jakarta Marathon, the starting point and finish line will take place at the Southwest gate of the National Monument (Monas). The event wil again feature four categories, namely: the full marathon 42.195 km, the half marathon 21 km, 10 km and a special “Maratoonz” category (a 1.3 km marathon for children).
As in previous years, The Full and Half Marathon route will take competing athletes and participants pass some of Jakarta's most wellknown landmarks that include the National Monument or Monas, the Istiqlal Mosque and the Cathedral across, theOld Batavia (Kota Tua) and the Fatahillah Square, and the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout. Meanwhile the 10K and 5K runners will be presented with some of the most impressive buildings in Jakarta’s own central business district. The Jakarta Marathon has received certification from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) with elevation level 0 m/km which is valid for 5 years from 2013.
Adding to the festivities, the event will also be highlighted with a cultural festival featuring variety of Indonesian traditional art performances such as Gambang Kromong, Tanjidor, Bale Ganjur, Tabuik, Barongsai (lion Dance), Reog Ponorogo, Rampak Kendang, and more. There will also be a DJ performance and a special show by the top teenage girl’s band JKT48. Participants will also be treated with an array of Indonesian culinary delights in a culinary festival.

Registration for Jakarta Marathon 2015 was opened since February 2015. Registration can be done online at www.thejakartamarathon.com or to the office of promoter INSPIRO at Jamsostek Tower, Jakarta. Early Bird registrations are offered with discounts reaching between 50% to 70%. Registration will be closed on 30 September 2015.

Sumatra Culinair

2012-07-20T22:53:00.005-07:00

Sumatra Culinair

Anyang Pakis,
North Sumatran Fiddleheads with Spicy Grated Coconut

http://indonesiaeats.com/anyang-pakis-north-sumatran-fiddleheads-spicy-grated-coconut/

Anyang-Pakis

Ingredients:
250 g fiddleheads
1 cup frozen grated coconut
3 shallots, thinly sliced
2 tbsp dried shrimp (Indonesian: ebi), toasted
5 cayenne pepper, seeded
3 tbsps frozen chopped lemongrass
3 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped
1 kaffir lime (can be substituted for regular lime)
1/2 – 1 tsp coriander
salt and sugar to taste
Note: cayenne pepper can be adjusted to the taste

Directions:
1. With a mortar and pestle, grind coriander, dried shrimp and cayenne pepper.

2. Combine the ground ingredients with coconut, shallots, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and salt. Toast in a medium-hot pan until the liquid evaporates. Set aside.

3. In a salted boiling water, blanch fiddleheads about 2 – 3 minutes, drain and run under cold water to preserve the green colour. Re-drain.

4. In a bowl, combine blanched fiddlheads with the toasted coconut mixture. Place in a serving plate and drizzle kaffir lime over.

Notes:
Anyang can be made with any vegetables that you like, North Sumatrans also love to add torch ginger flower (also known as bunga kecombrang, kincung, rias, honje or bongkot)

Arsin ikan mas

Lemongrass tamarind fish

http://www.worldcook.net/Cooking/Fish/FI-PrawnSalad.htm

Arsin-ikan-mas

Lemongrass tamarind fish Arsin ikan mas
1 KG FRESHWATER FISH, cleaned
4 STALKS LEMONGRASS, bruised
2 TBSP TAMARIND JUICE
4 CANDLENUTS, chopped
PIECE OF FRESH TURMERIC, chopped or
1 TSP TURMERIC POWDER PIECE OF FRESH GALANGAL or
1/2 TSP GALANGAL POWDER
4 RED CHILLIES, chopped
1 ONION, chopped
4 CLOVES GARLIC, chopped

Grind the nuts, turmeric, galangal, chillies, onion and garlic. Bring this to the boil with 1 1/2 cup water, the tamarind juice and lemongrass and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the fish and simmer for another 10 minutes, turn the fish after 5 minutes. Put the dish on a plate and our the sauce on top. This is a recipe from Sumatra.

Balado,Tangy Chili Sambal,

West Sumatra

http://indonesiaeats.com/balado-sambal-lado-indonesian-west-sumatra-chili-sambal/

Balado

Ingredients:
500 g king mackerel fish steak (Indonesian: tenggiri raja)
1 Chinese/Japanese eggplant, rinse off and cut as desired
10 petais
5 calamansis
raw sugar as desired
seasalt as desired

Balado Sambal
6 shallots (you will need more than 6, if you use smaller size shallots, since here, the shallots are bigger than in Indonesia)
1/2 cup fresh ground red hot chilies
1 tsp terasi (dried shrimp paste)
2 kaffir lime leaves
4 cherry tomatoes (Indonesian: tomat rampai/tomat sambal), halved
Directions:
1. Marinate fish with calamansi and seasalt for 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, at 400F, bake eggplant cut with a small amount of oil for 15 minutes or until soft, but not mushy. Set aside.
3. Grill, broil, pan-sear or deep fry fish until golden brown. Set aside.

Balado:
1. Grind shallot and terasi, combine with fresh ground red chilies.
2. Stir fry the ground spices and kaffir lime leaves until fragrant.
3. Add petai, tomatoes, and fish; keep stirring until well mixed. Last but not least, add eggplant and drizzle calamansi over, and season with sugar and salt; well-strred. Remove from the heat. Serve with warmed rice.
Asparagus Balado
modified by me

Ingredients:
400 g asparagus spears
olive oil (only if you want to grill them)

Balado Sambal
See the recipe above.

Directions:
1. Asparagus can be grilled, steam or boil. Holding each asparagus spear at base and halfway up stalk, bend just until stalk snaps at natural breaking point. Follow this instruction, only if you want to boil the asparagus. Pour water into large skillet to depth of 1 inch (2.5 cm); bring to boil. Arrange spears in 2 layers in water. Cover and cook for 2 minutes or until bright green and still crisp. Drain; chill under cold water. Drain; set aside on towels.

2. To make asparagus balado, follow balado’s instruction by omitting petai, fish and eggplant, just add tomatoes and asparagus.

Beef rendang

http://www.worldcook.net/Cooking/Oriental/CR-Rendang.htm

Beef-rendang

Beef rendang
1 KG BEEF FILLET, cut in thin strips
PIECE OF GINGERROOT, grated
2 CLOVES GARLIC, chopped
1 ONION, chopped very finely
1/2 TSP CUMIN POWDER
1/2 TSP CINNAMON POWDER
1/2 TSP CORIANDER POWDER
50 GRAM COCONUT, grated
1 TBSP TAMARIND PULP
1/4 CUP COCONUT CREAM

Stir fry the onion and the garlic for three minutes. Add the beef and the coriander powder and stir fry 5 Minutes. Add all other ingredients and pepper and salt to taste and heat one minute. Serve with white rice and timun mesanten. Beef rendang comes originally from Padang, West-Sumatra. The original recipe calls for beef, that has to be simmered for hours. Even though this dish is delicious, preparing with it beef fillet will enable you to prepare it even after a working day.

Surfing : Sukabumi

2012-07-20T10:20:00.003-07:00

SUKABUMI :

For Caving, Rafting, Camping, Trekking and Surfing Adventures

Located on the southern slopes of lush Mt. Gede-Mt. Pangrango National Park in West Java, the district of Sukabumi is cool and scenic and is a favored area for outbound group activities that include camping, mountain trekking, whitewater rafting, to adventurous caving that descends deep underground into dark cavernous domes with stalagtites and stalacmites.

During Dutch colonial days, the town of Sukabumi and its surroundings was the favored place for rich Dutch tea planters because of its beautiful tropical scenery and cool climate. In 1914 the Dutch Colonial government established a Gemeente or municipality in Sukabumi since many wealthy European and Dutch families lived in this region. They were elite members of the Preanger Planters Club, an exclusive society of Dutch tea plantation owners in the western part of Java, headquartered in the Vrier Building at Bandung’s Postweg, today known as Jalan Asia Afrika. Tea from this area of Java was at the time, the island’s main export commodity.

To Sukabumi’s south the land slopes down all the way to the Indian Ocean where lies the town of Pelabuhan Ratu, originally a fishing village now a tourist resort. This area and indeed the entire south coast of Java is believed to be the abode of the mystical and feared Queen of the South Seas, known as Nyi Loro Kidul.

Further west fromPelabuhan Ratu, along the Karanghawu and Cimaja beaches surfers have found a location ideal for surfing the challenging barrels of the Indian Ocean.

Although less known than the Puncak - Cianjur main mountain route from Jakarta to Bandung, the Sukabumi district and town, located some 3 hours drive from Bandung or 4 to hours from Jakarta, is an area truly worth enjoying especially by nature adventure seekers.

There are plenty of hotels here and some of them are:

Hotel Edelweis

Jl. Suryakencana No. 54

Phone: +62 266 223 191

Hotel Rengganis

Jl. Kenari No. 16-18

Phone: +62 266 221 934

Hotel Anugrah Mandiri

Jl. Bhayangkara No. 194

Phone: +62 266 227 786

Hotel Mustika

Jl. Bhayangkara No. 101

Phone: +62 266 222 287

Hotel Batu Putih

Jl. Bhayangkara No. 73

Phone: +62 266 221 422

Hotel Permata Hijau

Jl.Bhayangkara Sukabumi

Phone: +62 266 222 274

Hotel Sukabumi

Jl. Jend. Sudirman No. 82

Phone: +62 266 222 288

Hotel Juwita

Jl. Veteran Sukabumi

Phone: +62 266 224 877

Hotel Raharja

Jl. Arif Rahman Hakim 56

Phone: +62 266 222 264

Hotel Varista

Jl. Pengadilan No. 8

Phone: +62 266 222 545

There are several gastronomic items you might want to sample as you pass the city or stay there.

(the street in Indonesian Bahasa is called ‘Jalan’ or abbreviated as ‘JL’ or ‘Jl.’ as ‘street’ into ‘St.’)

Bubur Ayam is chicken porridge with exceptionally delicious plain porridge. There are a few dressings to add with the porridge, such as ‘karoket’ or a fried eggroll that tastes second to none, boiled egg, cakwe, tasteful chicken intestines and gizzards, fish chips or rice cake. Eat it as a breakfast or anytime. Go to Jl. Siliwangi no. 93 and see BUBUR AYAM BUNUT or call +62 226 221 325. Alternatively go to ODEON, on Jl. Pejagalan no. 33 and it is only open as the sun goes down.

Bakmi pengantin, or wedding noodle at the Chinatown, locally named ‘pecinan’ at the back of the train station during the night. The crowd is uninterrupted because the taste is superb, not to mention the icon of the place is the cook, a pretty young Chinese girl. Not far from it, another noodle-base cookery is the Mie Oyen.

On Jl. Ahmad Yani and Stasiun Timur junction, a small warung, food stall, sells traditional cake named bandros and pukis. These two cakes are made of rice flour and especially bandros with the addition of gritted coconut. The size is only for adults and have it with coffee or traditional ginger beverage, the bandrek.

Bu Entik’s mashed beef meat, or locally called gepuk Bu Entik. The perfectly cooked plain rice smells nice and the mashed beef meat is mouth-watering when you look at it. Please go to Jl. R. Samsudin SH. The sambal, or chili paste is tasteful yet super spicy.

Mang Ja’i meatballs and noodle is on Jl. Ir. H. Juanda close to the House of Representatives. The meatballs vary in size and the soup tastes like heaven. It has been around for 37 years, and this extended experience lends to its incomparable taste.

Dimsum Hj. Lien is also one of the must-try foods in Sukabumi. It offers you tasty dimsum, kwotie, hakao, siomay, chicken feet, rice crackers and all is pork free. So it is not a usual Chinese dimsum as the owner is a Moslem.

There are many items to buy here such as natural stones that come from very old tree fossils. Snacks from Sukabumi are also various. There are things you DO NOT want to buy as you visit the coastal area. They are turtle eggs and souvenirs made out of sea corals. It is better to be a wise traveler rather than promote natural destruction.

From Jakarta, Sukabumi is 120 kilometers away and it takes around 4 hours during the night (as there are less traffic jams in the connecting towns) or 5 hours when there are traffic congestions in Ciawi, Cicurug, Cibadak, and Cisaat area.

From Bandung, it will take you only 3 hours by car at normal speed. You will pass West Java’s deep gorge at Rajamanadala, a district before entering Cianjur and a walk across the bridge is a thrilling experience.

Buses are available and they run the Jakarta-Sukabumi route or Bandung-Sukabumi route from dusk to dawn.

Angkot is everywhere in Sukabumi. Each color designates different routes. You should try riding one of these angkots. Horse carriages are still seen in several parts, and so are becaks, the trishaws.

Buses are available and they run the Jakarta-Sukabumi route or Bandung-Sukabumi route from dusk to dawn.

Surfing : Parangtritis

2012-07-20T10:18:00.001-07:00

Parangtritis :

Mysterious Myths and Spectacular Ocean Views

Escape from the city for a while and take the short drive from Yogya to the mystical Parangtritis beach where dramatic jagged cliffs meet a glistening volcanic black sand beach. Located around 28 km (17 miles) from Yogya this is the ideal distance to come for a day trip to take a break out of the city and soak up the roar of the waves and the astounding atmosphere. Here you’ll see some incredibly green lush hills set against the backdrop of a raging ocean.

With raging surf and salty sea breezes it will be hard not to feel rejuvenated and refreshed as soon as you arrive here. At night, the star light on the silvery-black dunes give the beach a mystical feeling, and it won’t be hard to understand why there are many local myths about this area. This whole region is filled with beaches, caves, lakes, paths and gravesites, each with their own mystical story.

What makes Parangtritis particularly special is that it is not only an enchanting holiday spot, it’s also a sacred place. According to legend, when you come here you are entering the domain of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, Queen of the Southern Ocean who is not known for being welcoming to newcomers. For this reason the Javanese will not wear green, especially yellow-green around here as it’s believed that this attracts the Queen.

People here hold great respect for the power of the Queen. Each year at Parangkusumo, 1 km. west of Parangtritis, the Sultan of Yogya makes ceremonial offerings to the Queen, believed to be the Sultan’s mystical consort. Other Javanese may also give offerings when they are asking the Queen for aid, guidance or blessings.

Walking along the shoreline is the best way to marvel at the landscape here. The easiest way to get to Parangtritis beach is to drive from Yogya. It can be reached in two ways, through Kretek village or through a more rugged road that runs through Imogri and Siluk village. The roaring ocean currents here are very rough and strong so swimming is very dangerous and not recommended.

Surfing : Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan

2012-07-20T10:16:00.001-07:00

Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida : “Cleaning Stations” for the Giant Mola-Mola

Separated by the Badung Strait some 15Km off the southeastern coast of Sanur on Bali are the enchanting trio islands of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida. Here, one will find the pristine beauty of unspoilt white sandy beaches, exhilarating waves, crystal clear waters, stunning natural rugged beauty, and picturesque sceneries away from the vibrant sounds and vivacious atmosphere of Bali’s southern coast.

Beneath the surface, the waters around these islands present their own jaw-dropping sensation and are the playground to some of the most fascinating creatures of the deep sea, the prima donna being the rare giant ocean sunfish: Mola Mola.

Being the nearest from the mainland and most developed island for tourism among the three, Nusa Lembongan is approximately 8 square km in size, and is truly an island paradise. Neither hawkers nor traffic mar the magnificent scenery; this is a fine place to just lay back and relax. Jungut Batu Beach, located in the northwest is a lovely arc of white sand and clear blue water with a superb view of Mount Agung on Bali. This is the area which traditionally attracted backpackers and surfers to the island. Mushroom Bay to the southwest of Jungut Batu is a quaint, attractive and sheltered bay. Further south, the lesser known beaches either side of the Devil's Tear outcrop (A rocky outcrop on the south western coast with spectacular crashing waves and water plumes), are known as Dream Beach and Sunset Beach (or Sandy Bay). The coastal landscape in this part of the island is mostly low-lying limestone cliffs, and there are some dramatic cave formations.

Nusa Lembongan was first opened up as a tourist destination by surfers, and it has long been an established part of the Bali surf circuit. There are three main breaks, all off the top half of the west coast, with another less well known just to the southwest off Nusa Ceningan. Playgrounds, Lacerations and Shipwrecks are all close offshore and reached via an energetic paddle from the beach, or in a more leisurely fashion, by a local boat (jukung) which can be chartered from the nearest beach. Whilst the breaks usually suit intermediate to experienced surfers given they all break over coral reefs, the aptly named Playgrounds is a little more forgiving and can be enjoyed by beginners and experts alike. There is a thriving surf scene in Jungut Batu. When compared to its tiny population, Nusa Lembongan has produced a remarkable number of international competition-quality surfers. Any keen surfer will certainly not be short of company here.

Nusa Ceningan is the tiny island between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, which is easily reached via the suspension bridge on foot or by bicycle/motorbike. There is a notable surf break off Nusa Ceningan which attracts some surfers away from the more crowded breaks on Nusa Lembongan. Otherwise the island offers some scenic roads and paths, and the westward views back over Nusa Lembongan to Bali are impressive. Viewing the sunset over Bali from the central Ceningan ridge is very much worth the effort. The estuarine channel between Lembongan and Ceningan is home to many seaweed farms.

Totalling some 200 square kilometres, Nusa Penida is the largest of the three islands. There are many quiet and secluded white sand beaches along the north and northwest coasts of Nusa Penida. Highlighting the geographical features of the island are limestone caves, spectacular high coastal cliffs with karst formations and offshore pinnacles in the south and east, and rugged hill tops in the high centre. As an addition to West Bali National Park, Nusa Penida has also become bird sanctuary for endangered Balinese and Indonesian bird species, including the critically endangered Bali white Starling (Leucopsar rothschildi).

Dive with Mola-Molas

Fusing the three islands into one fascination is the splendor that lies beyond the crystal clear blue waters that surround them. These waters are best known among some of the world class diving destinations. The rich waters around the three islands support no less than 247 species of coral, 562 species of fish and Green and Olive Ridley Turtles. With its adjacent deep water trenches, the main stars here are the spectacular and very rare gigantic Oceanic Sunfish or Mola- mola. Mola-mola is the heaviest known bony fish in the world and can grow to over 2 meters long. They have large, blunt heads, heavy bodies and stubbed tails, with elongated dorsal and ventral fins that can span up to 4 meters.

If elsewhere divers are lucky to meet one Mola, here they can dive with three or more of these strange fish, since these are the Mola’s “cleaning stations”. Here the warm currents of the Indian Ocean meet the cold currents from the South Pole and Australia, creating the favored streams and temperatures for the Mola, who frequent these seas to have their bodies picked clean by the multitude of cleaning fish that abound in these waters.

Sharing these seas with the Molas are white-tipped reef sharks, nurse sharks, hammerhead sharks, and large Manta Rays that can also be found here.

There are more than 20 identified dive sites around the islands, the most notable being Blue Corner, Ped, Crystal Bay, Manta Point, Toyapakeh, Suana Bay, Ceningan Point (Ceningan Wall) and Malibu Point. There are some challenging drift dives here, and dive operators will visit certain sites only when sea conditions are safe. There are also plenty of options for easier flat reef and wall dives as well. Non-divers should not feel left out, as good snorkeling is available close inshore at various spots around the islands.

Since currents are strong here, divers should stick to groups. Many good divers have been carried by the currents almost to the open ocean that leads to the South Pole before being rescued.

From the extraordinary encounters with the giants of the deep sea, exhilarating rides on the ocean tides; to gazing the spectacular sunset on the indulging white sands, the islands of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida are truly a pristine paradise just a boat ride away from the fabled island of Bali.

For more information on Diving with Molas check the following website: http://www.balisunfish.com/

Virtually all of the accommodation is on Nusa Lembongan with just a handful of very simple homestays on Nusa Penida and one solitary bed and breakfast on Nusa Ceningan. Here are among some of the accommodation options:

Nusa Lembongan:

Waka Nusa Resort

Mushroom Bay, Lembongan Island

Phone: +62 361 484 085

Email: info@wakanusa.com

Website: http://wakanusa.com/

Nusa Lembongan Resort

Mushroom Bay, Lembongan Island,

P.O. Box 3846 Denpasar 80001, Bali - Indonesia,

Phone: 62 361 725864

Fax: 62-361 725866

Email: info-nlr@nusalembonganresort.com

Website: http://www.nusalembonganresort.com/

Mainski Lembongan Resort

Jungutbatu-Sunset Coast, Nusa Lembongan

Phone: +62 361 9237322

Fax: +62 366 24481

Email: sales@mainski-lembongan-resort.com

Website: http://mainski-lembongan-resort.com/

Molamola House

Mushroom Bay, Nusa Lembongan

Phone: +6282897081147

Email: info@molamolalembongan.com

Website: http://molamolalembongan.com/

Nusa Ceningan:

Jenny's Bed & Breakfast

Nusa Ceningan

Phone: +62 812 3627 7650

Email: paeittreim@yahoo.com

Nusa Penida:

There are some small, simple homestays and bungalows on Nusa Penida. These are in the north between Toyapakeh and Sampalan. Visitors wishing to explore the remote, rugged areas of the island in the high centre and south may be able to find informal accommodation with a local family by asking a head of village (Kepala Desa). The only other alternative away from the north coast is camping.

Friends of National Parks (FNPF), Bird Sanctuary Center,

Ped village, Nusa Penida

Phone: +62 361 977978

Bungalow Pemda

Sampalan, Nusa Penida

Phone: +62 813 38539435

Ring Sameton Inn

Phone: +62-813-51542596 / +62-813-37985141

Email: info@ringsameton-nusapenida.com

Website: http://www.ringsameton-nusapenida.com/welcome/

To get between Nusa Lembogan and Nusa Penida, Public boats depart daily at 6AM close to the suspension bridge between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan and run to Toyapakeh or Buyuk Harbour near Sampalan in northern Nusa Penida. There are also services from the Jungut Batu area of Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida. Charter boats are also available, departing from and arriving at the same area as the public boats. If you are staying on Nusa Lembongan, ask at your hotel. If not, go to the shoreline close to the suspension bridge or to the beach at Jungut Batu and ask around amongst the boatmen.

From Nusa Lembongan, you can cross by foot to the small neighbouring island of Nusa Ceningan via a scenic suspension bridge.

Although Bicycles and Motorbikes are also available for rent, Nusa Lembongan is a nice place to walk, with coastal paths linking nearly all the guest houses, hotels and restaurants. Most walks will take less than two hours. The less developed southwestern area of the island has some spectacular coast paths which provide easy walking, great views back to Bali, and spectacular sunsets.

In Nusa Penida, Renting a Bicycle and motorcycle is the most practical option, and this will cost you about Rp 80,000-120,000. Look for vendors in Toyopakeh and Sampalan (or more likely, they will find you). You may be able to find a rental vehicle but they are not common.

The only way to reach these islands from Bali is by boat with approximately crossing time of 30-40 minutes. There are several options according to budget and speed. It is straightforward to reach Nusa Lembongan, and visitors to Nusa Penida usually come via Nusa Lembongan, although direct services from Bali are available. Most of the scheduled services leave from Sanur Beach at the end of Jalan Hangtuah Street, Denpasar, and involve getting your feet wet as there are no jetties to speak of. The exact departure and arrival point on this beach depends on the tide. Other services run from Benoa Harbour, and there are local public boat services to and from Padang Bai and Kusamba in East Bali, but these may have some safety and comfort issues.

From Sanur Beach here are the alternatives:

Daily Fast Boat Transfer (include pick up and drop in around Bali and Lembongan). Tickets can be purchased at Jl Hangtuah 78, Sanur in front of Ayu Salon (Mushroom Beach Bungalow office, Phone: + 62 361 281974, Email: sales@lembongancruise.com). Departs daily from Sanur beach at 8AM, 9:30AM, 11.30AM, 2:30PM, 4:30PM. Departs daily from Lembongan at 8AM, 3:30PM, 4:30PM.

Perama, a local transfers-only operator for the budget traveller. Boat departures daily at 10:30AM. The ride across is approximately 90 min., and there is no same day return option. The Sanur office of Perama can be found at Warung Pojok in Jalan Hangtuah.

Public Boat (slow) , departs daily from Sanur beach at 8AM and 10:30AM in front of the Ananda Hotel or near the Grand Inna Bali Beach Hotel (depending on tide). These boats can be a bit sketchy at times, and are usually very crowded. No same day return facility. The ride across is approximately 90 min.

Public Speed Boat, Sanur Beach,Phone: +62 361 743 2344. Departs daily from Sanur beach to Jungutbatu Bay at 9AM, 12:30PM, 3:30PM and returning at 8AM, 10:30AM and 3PM. To Mushroom Bay leaves Sanur at 9:30AM, 11:30AM, 2:30PM and 4:30PM, and leaves Lembongan at 9AM, 1PM and 3:30PM. Book in advance as seats may be limited.

You can also find various cruises at Sanur Beach that offers transportation and package tour services to the islands. If you wanted to, you can charter speedboats to get into either Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida from Sanur or Padang Bai. Contact the speedboat operators or make enquiries in person at the relevant point of departure one day in advance.

Surfing : Mentawai Island : The Ultimate Diversity Of The Hidden Paradise

2012-07-20T10:12:00.002-07:00

Mentawai Island :

The Ultimate Diversity Of The Hidden Paradise

Take a trip into the wild with an adventure to the Mentawai islands. Be surrounded by tropical rainforests and immerse yourself in the traditions of the local people. While the physical distance between the mainland and Mentawai is not great, this remains one of the most isolated places in Indonesia, and was only subject to outside influences at the start of the 20th century. A long way from the world of shopping malls and theme parks, this is where travellers come to get a truly off the beaten track adventure.

Located off the West coast of Sumatra, the Mentawai archipelago includes four municipalities, Sirebut, Sipora, North Pagai and South Pagai. Sirebut is the biggest of the islands and remains largely covered with tropical rainforest. From the moment you arrive on Sirbeut and see the white coral beaches, ancient rainforests and hear the cheeky black gibbons playing in the trees you’ll find it hard to resist falling in love with the place. This island is home to a rich array of bio-diversity which has earned it designation as a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

The remote location of these islands means that the Mentawai people have had very little contact with the outside world. The archipelogo is thought to have broken off from the rest of Sumara about 500,000 years ago and it is only since the 20th century that outside influences began to have an impact on the local people. Today, the Mentawai still abide by traditional practices and live largely off the land. Local people have a strong spiritual relationship with the forest with a belief system that emphasizes harmony with creation.

It is believed people first came to inhabit these islands at least several thousand years ago. Most anthropologists classify the Mentawai people as Protomalay which means they have a mostly Neotlithic culture but have not been effected by Buddhism, Islam or Hinduism.

Tatoos are an important symbol in Mentawai culture and reflect maturity, manhood and status. The art of this body painting has been inherited from ancient ancestors and the ink is made from natural fibres.

The biggest town on Sirebut is Muara Sirebut on the southeast coast. This is the major point of entry for tour groups from the mainland. From here, you can travel with a with a local guide and trek inland to some of the Mentawai villages. If your bahasa is good enough, chat to the locals and enjoy their hospitality.

Boost your taste with exotic and fresh seafood that you can find in the local restaurants run by local people. If you are lucky enough, you can pick and cook your own seafood, but make sure you know the secret recipe/spices from Mentawai people. If you're not into seafood, you can find regular meals as well.

Local handmade souvenirs like traditional hats, traditional bag and accessories will be genuine souvenirs for your relatives and friends. You can buy them in a souvenir shop or from the locals directly.

To access all the beauties offered, you can rent a boat owned by local people. You can find the boat along the beach. The rate depends on your bargaining skill.

Sebaung Merauke Air flies between Padang and the Mentawai islands. It is a 30 minute flight. Flights can be booked via a number of local agents including Mentawai Air. Some resorts which operate on the islands will arrange flights and airport pick ups for you.

An overnight ferry service departs from Padang. It is best to regularly check times with ferry operators as timetables can change depending on weather conditions.

Probably the easiest way to get to Sirebut is to join a trekking tour. These tours normally depart from Bukittinggi or Padang and will organise transport to the island.

Independent travellers will need to be able to speak reasonable Indonesian to negotiate with local guides in Sirebut. They also must organise their own travel permits with police.

Local people do not mind being photographed however it is polite to ask beforehand.

The terrain in the jungle is rough and muddy so if you are coming for a hike, bring good hiking boots and appropriate clothing. Depending on what tour option you chose, be prepared for some long hard walks and basic accomodation and food.

Mosquitos and leeches are common here.

It gets very wet in the jungle so it is a good idea to line your pack with a plastic bag. Remember to bring a torch, and warm clothing as it gets cool here at night.

Washing takes place in the river however you must keep a sarong or swimsuit on at all times.

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

Bring all medicines and pharmaceuticals with you.

The other big attraction for visitors to these islands is the world class surfing. With some of the best surfing conditions in the world, monster waves and swells that remain all year round, this is ranked by serious surfers as a must visit destination.

There is a guest house and restaurant in Muara Siberut. While travelling in villages, guests can sleep on the floor with a local family. Payment is up to you but is normally in the form of cigarettes or other gifts. Visitors are expected to bring their own food.

Mentawai island trek adventure travel organise treks on Siberut island. This includes arranging accomodation of home stays with local clans and camping in the jungle.

There are also a number of luxury resorts that operate on the islands, offering guests the chance to laze under palm trees while they savour the sunset.

Mentawai resorts offer luxurious five star surf villas at HT’s resort.

Siloinak resort, situated on its own private tropical island near Siberut, is the ideal place to sit back, relax and absorb the beauty of this deserted island. With 900 meters of coconut palm fringed beaches and a refreshing lagoon great for swimming among tropical fishes, this is truly a tropical paradise.

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

2012-07-20T10:09:00.001-07:00

Dreamland :

Surf’s up at Bali’s New Kuta Beach

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 integrated Pecatu 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.

Although it was once a secluded shore with difficult access roads, today Dreamland forms part of the integrated Pecatu Graha Resort complex. The complex currently evolves into an elite resort where luxury hotels and other facilities are being built, offering world-class amenities and services. Among features already operating in the complex are the New Kuta Golf resort, New Kuta Green Park, and the Klapa New Kuta Beach Exclusive Club Restaurant.

To observe some of the fascinating images of Dreamland, you can visit our photo essay: Wide Awake at Dreamland, Bali's New Kuta Beach

Located at the Bukit Peninsula area, Dremland Beach can be reached from Kuta-Legian area in about 30-40 minutes. From the capital Denpasar, 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.

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

Surfing

2012-07-20T08:57:00.002-07:00

S u r f i n g

Nias, Mentawai, Uluwatu are world class breaks that can be surfed all year round. Small wonder that surfers from around the world flock to Indonesia to experience the rolling tubes and spectacular beaches that these islands have to offer.

Here the surf is always up, so grab your board and come and discover what other surfers have known for years, that Indonesia truly has some of the world's best waves.