Explore Indonesia Tourism & Culture

"Jamila and The President" wins Netpac Award in Rome

noreply@blogger.com (endopicky) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:53:00 +0000

London (ANTARA News) - An Indonesian film titled "Jamilah and the President" produced by Ratna Sarumpaet won a NETPAC Award at the Asiatice Film Mediale festival organized in Rome, Italy, on October 29, 2009.

"Jamilah and the President" beat films among other Asian countries such as China, Japan, Korea, India, Iran, Thailand and Vietnam, according to Musurifun Lajawa, counsellor at the Indonesian embassy in Rome.

NETPAC (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema) is a non-profit organization of 29 member countries. It was created as a result of a conference on Asian cinema organized by Cinemaya, the Asian Film Quarterly, in New Delhi in 1990 at the instance and with the support of UNESCO, Paris.

"Jamilah and the President" which dwells poverty and human trafficking problems has also been selected to represent Indonesia at the Oscar Prize competition in February 2010.

The winning film will also be sent to participate in the Asia-Pacific film festival to be held in Sydney, Australia, in the near future.

An Indonesian film which had won the NETPAC Award previously was "Bird Man Tale" produced by Garin Nugroho. The film won the award at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2003. (*)

Source : Antara News

Sail Bunaken the largest Maritime event in Asia

noreply@blogger.com (endopicky) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:48:00 +0000

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Sail Bunaken 2009 which involved 24 warships and 150 sail boats as well as cruise ships from 26 countries will be the largest maritime event ever organized in Asia.

"This was being the largest maritime event ever held in Indonesia and Asia," Aji Sularso of the Sail Bunaken 2009 Organizing Committee said here recently.

The Sail Bunaken to be held in Manado, North Sulawesi, on August 12-20, 2009, would be part of the World Ocean Conference (WOC) activities as the theme would be "Protect Our Oceans for the Future Generation".

He said the event was expected to help promote Manado to be a world tourist destination.

Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Moeklas Sidiq, deputy chief of staff of the Indonesian Navy, said the planned participation of 24 warships from various countries reflected good relations among the world`s navies and would constitute the largest fleet review ever held by Indonesia, as one of the world?s largest maritime country.

The Sail Bunaken 2009 implementation will cost around Rp5.75 billion.

The event`s programs will include the Indonesian Fleet Review, a Yacht Rally, Festival Bunaken Expo, Bunaken Carnival, Jetski Trans Equator Touring, Bunaken Diving Competition, and International Fishing Competition.

The four-day World Ocean Conference (WOC), which was held in Manado, on May 11-15, 2009, adopted the Manado Ocean Declaration (MOD).

In their 21-point declaration, participants of the conference stated among others that they would strive to achieve long-term conservation, management and sustainable use of marine living resources and coastal habitats through appropriate application of precautionary and ecosystem approaches.

They stressed the need for national strategies for sustainable management of coastal and marine ecosystems as protective and productive buffer zones that deliver valuable ecosystem goods and services that have significant potential to address the adverse effects of climate change. (*)

Source: ANTARA News

Komodo National Park, one of finalist of New 7 Wonders of Nature

noreply@blogger.com (endopicky) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 07:04:00 +0000

Komodo National Park is successful being finalists of "New 7 Wonders of Nature". New 7 Wonders Foundation" announced last week, along with 27 other finalists, TNK successful nomine eliminate about 440 of 220 countries.

"The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Republic of Indonesia to thank all the people of Indonesia and the world community that has supported the Komodo National Park in the campaign New 7 Wonders of Nature Stage I and II, up to date 7 July 2009," said a press statement received by Kompas Debudpar. com, Monday (27 / 7).

Ministry of Culture and Tourism who act as the "Komodo National Park Official Supporting Committee" will invite all the people of Indonesia and the world to participate actively choose (vote) TNK back in the campaign "New 7 Wonders of Nature". Great expectations, Komodo National Park was selected as one of "Seven miracle nuances Natural World" which will be determined in the year 2011.

In the final stage of the campaign "New 7 Wonders of Nature", the 28 finalists will compete again regardless of the rank and the number of votes in the previous stage. Thus, all the Indonesian people and the world who have chosen the phase I and II (before the 7 July 2009), is expected to re-determine the choice.

There are two options on how to determine the end of this phase. First, people can visit www.new7wonders.com and provides direct voice in the site. Second, the selection can be done through international phone lines. How, contact number +41 77 312 4041, after the finish and hear sound beeps press the code 7717 to select the Komodo National Park.

National Woven Fabrics Exhibited at Ancol

noreply@blogger.com (endopicky) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:42:00 +0000

Different types of cloth woven from various regions in Indonesia, a number of works of art textile artist in the country, exhibited at the Ancol Art Market, Jakarta, 10 to 31 July 2009.

In the weaving art exhibition was opened by the Governor of Special Area Capital City Jakarta Fauzi Bowo and Minister of State for Women's Empowerment Meutia Hatta, Friday (10 / 7) displayed various types of cloth woven from a number of areas, such as Aceh, Sumatra, Palembang, Bali, Makassar, to Bedouin tribes.

Rifqi Effendi, curator of the exhibition woven theme "The meaning of a time-knit" this, said, creativity is displayed in various exhibitions of the works of contemporary and traditional weaving.

"This exhibition is an overview of the results weaving nusantara growing over the various changes that occur in the field of social, cultural and economic community," he said in the exhibition that was held by North Art Gallery Space Ancol Art Market Perhimpunan Cita Woven together with Indonesia.

He cite, fiber woven fabric and paper Biranul Anas John Martono show various artistic techniques and art in the knit yarn, twist, plunge, to make up to embroidery. According to him, the visitor can also see the paper with a special weaving and yarn to produce a number of face portrait of the world renowned figure in the mix of black and white colors. In this exhibition also displayed a number of direct non-woven machine tool is operated manually by a number of artist.

Meanwhile, President Director of PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol Jakarta Budi Karya Sumadi said, this exhibition aims to appreciate the artist and the art of weaving to give people the opportunity to find out how art continues to evolve woven from time to time.

Mangkunegaran Performing Art

noreply@blogger.com (endopicky) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:12:00 +0000

Solo- The Government through the Office of Surakarta City Tourism Arts and Culture will hold "Mangkunegaran Performing Art" at 4 to 5 July 2009 in the Puro Pendopo Mangkunegaran, Solo, Central Java.

"At this event will be held a number of shows about cultural traditions in the Puro Mangkunegaran," said the Head Office of Tourism Arts and Culture City of Surakarta, Purnomo Subagio in Solo, on Thursday.

He said, this activity was conducted as an effort to preserve Puro Mangkunegaran which is a source of cultural wealth that is in the Solo.

Conservation should be done, because Mangkunegaran Puro is also one of the Javanese culture has a strong influence on the community.

"Not only is the Solo, but also on the community around Solo," he said.

In addition, he said, "Mangkunegaran Performing Art" also aims to introduce cultural tradition Mangkunegaran to the community and promoting the city of Solo as a tourist.

About the activities that use the name of the English language, he says, things are done for the purposes of a campaign event.

"Promotions that we do not only on the local community, but also the foreign tourists," he said.

In addition to the socialization of the local community, he said, his side also has given the invitation to the hotels in the Solo and Yogyakarta to drive foreign tourists attend this event.

Meanwhile, Pengageng Sanggar Dancing Suryosumirat, GPH Herwastokusumo said, "Mangkunegaran Performing Art" will display a number of typical Mangkunegaran dance, drama and dance (ballet), and the puppet Purwo clothing worn by the normal range Mangkunegaran palace.

"The show dance would rather special in this event since it is the first performance the general public," he said. (*)

source : Antara.co.id

Bali art festival to feature 180 shows

noreply@blogger.com (endopicky) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 06:23:00 +0000

Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA News) - The Bali Art Festival (PKB) will feature at least 180 art shows during the time it is held from June 13 through July 12, a spokesman said.
Around 14,000 artists representing eight districts/towns in Bali and those from other 12 provinces in Indonesia, and the representatives of eight foreign countries will take part in the PKB, head of arts division at Bali provincial cultural office, I Made Santha said here on Wednesday.

The event is one of the agendas of five annual activities in the resort Island, he said, adding that the PKB is expected to be opened by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Made Santha explained that the desplays of the arts will be prioritized on the basis of values and traditions.

The festival will also display the results of arts development as well as contemporary arts, but still rooted in the values of tradition.

Thus, Bali will show no less than 17 types of traditional Balinese arts, in addition to a number arts from provinces in the country and from abroad, Made Santha said.

Meanwhile, head of Bali provincial arts performance agency, I Dewa Made Nurjana Putra, said his side had prepared necessary things in a bid to make the event a success.

Seven stages will be used for the arts perfotrmances, including an outdoor stage, he said.

The Bali administration also invited some ministers, including the foreign affairs minister, the minister/state secretary, the cultural and tourism ministry, as well as the education minister, to attend the opening of the PKB. (*)

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park)

noreply@blogger.com (endopicky) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:05:00 +0000

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park) is Indonesia's answer to every visitor's prayer to see the magnificent archipelago in just one day. An extensive park to get a glimpse of the diverseness of the Indonesian archipelago, it represents Indonesia's 27 provinces and their outstanding characteristics, reflected most strikingly in the exact regional architecture of the province. An extensive theme park set in over 100 hectares on the outskirts of Jakarta; the All Indonesian islands are realistically reproduced in miniature in a central lake and around the lakes, there are pavilions. Each pavilions is representative of each province firm the traditional architectural style in miniature to a wonderful display of cultural items and exhibits. The park's centerpiece is a beautiful artificial lake. The complex was the brainchild of Madam Tien Soeharto, the late Indonesian first lady.

It also has its own orchid garden in which hundreds of Indonesian orchid varieties are grown. There is also a bird park with a walk-in aviary, a fauna museum and recreational grounds with a swimming pool and restaurants. The special interest here at Taman Mini is the Museum Indonesia. A richly decorated building in Balinese architecture, it houses contemporary arts, crafts and traditional costumes from the different regions of the country.

Cultural performances, events, and even local delicacies from the provinces are prepared regularly, especially during weekends and holidays, to showcase Indonesia's rich cultural heritage. The park is open seven days a week, giving guests ample time to explore and enjoy the sights. And if a day tour is not enough, visitors can spend the night at the 'Desa Wisata' or 'Wisata Remaja' serviced accommodations.

In Indonesia, almost every tribe has the form and building a different color, not even one tribe rarely have more than one type of traditional buildings. Building of traditional architecture, or they always dilatarbetakangi by the environment and the culture. In TMII, a description is realized through Anjungan Region, which represents tribes in the nation's 26 provinces of Indonesia.

Recreational Facilities
* Children's Palace of India
* Train hanging
* Boat Angsa Arsipel Indonesia
* Among Putro Park
* Taman Ria Atmaja
* Ambar Tirta Park Pool
* Keong Emas IMAX Theaters
* Tourism Village
* Teater Tanah Airku

bxz5cv7dms

National Monument ( Monas )

noreply@blogger.com (endopicky) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:51:00 +0000

The National Monument, or "Monas" as it is popularly called, is one of the monuments built during the Sukarno era of fierce nationalism. The top of the National Monument (Monas) is Freedom Square. It stands for the people's determination to achieve freedom and the crowning of their efforts in the Proclamation of Independence in August 1945. The 137-meter tall marble obelisk is topped with a flame coated with 35 kg of gold. The base houses a historical museum and a hall for meditations. The monument is open to the public and upon request the lift can carry visitors to the top, which offers a bird's eye view on the city and the sea. Go early to beat the crowds and the haze. It is easy for the less physically able as lifts take visitors to the top. The diorama exhibition in the basement gives such a distorted view of Indonesian history - thanks to the dictator Suharto wanting to brainwash the nation - it's amusing.

This imposing obelisk is Jakarta's most famous landmark. Construction started in 1961 under President Soekarno but was not completed until 1975, under President Soeharto. The monument houses a couple of museums. The Freedom Hall depicts Indonesia's struggle for independence through a series of dioramas, whereas the Hall of Contemplation displays the original Declaration of Independence document and a recording of the speech. An elevator takes one to the observation platform, which commands a bird's-eye view of the cityscape.

Jakarta

noreply@blogger.com (endopicky) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:37:00 +0000

Jakarta is the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, a country composed of more than 13,000 islands with a population of over 180 million. Comprising more than 300 ethnic groups speaking 200 different languages, the Indonesia population exhibits marked diversity in its linguistic, culture, and religious traditions. As the Capital City, Jakarta is a melting pot of representatives from each of these ethnic groups. Jakarta is a special territory enjoying the status of a province, consisting of Greater Jakarta, covering of 637.44 square km area. Located on the northern coast of West Java, it is the center of government, commerce and industry and has an extensive communications network with the rest of the country and the outside world. Strategically positioned in the archipelago, the city is also the principal gateway to the rest of Indonesia. From the Capital City, sophisticated land, air, and sea transport is available to the rest of the country and beyond.

Jakarta is one of Indonesia's designated tourist areas. It is a gateway to other tourist destinations in Indonesia and is equipped with all the means of modern transportation by air, sea, rail, or by land. It has the largest and most modern airport in the country, the most important harbor in Indonesia and is well connected by rail of good roads to other destinations in Java, Sumatra, and Bali. As Indonesia's main gateway, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport serves a growing number of international airlines and domestic flights. Jakarta is a city of contrasts; the traditional and the modern, the rich and the poor, the sacral and the worldly, often stand side by side in this bustling metropolis. Even its population gathered from all those diverse ethnic and cultural groups, which compose Indonesia, are constantly juxtaposed present reminder of the national motto; Unity in Diversity.

Finding its origin in the small early 16th century harbor town of Sunda Kelapa, Jakarta's founding is thought to have taken place on June 22, 1527, when it was re-named Jayakarta, meaning Glorious Victory by the conquering Prince Fatahillah from neighboring Cirebon. The Dutch East Indies Company, which captured the town and destroyed it in 1619, changed its name into Batavia and made it the center for the expansion of their power in the East Indies. Shortly after the outbreak of World War II, Batavia fell into the hands of the invading Japanese forces that changed the name of the city into 'Jakarta' as a gesture aimed at winning the sympathy of the Indonesians. The name was retained after Indonesia achieved national independence after the war's end.
The ethnic of Jakarta called "Orang Betawi" speaks Betawi Malay, spoken as well in the surrounding towns such as Bekasi and Tangerang. Their language, Betawi Malay, has two variations: conventional Betawi Malay, spoken by elder people and bred in Jakarta, and modern Jakarta Malay, a slang form spoken by the younger generation and migrants.

Jakarta's architecture reflects to a large extent the influx of outside influences, which came and has remained in this vital seaport city. Taman Fatahillah Restoration Project, begun in the early 1970s has restored one of the oldest sections of Jakarta also known as Old Batavia to approximately its original state. The Old Portuguese Church and warehouse have been rehabilitated into living museums. The old Supreme Court building is now a museum of fine arts, which also houses part of the excellent Chinese porcelain collection of former Vice President Adam Malik. The old Town Hall has become the Jakarta Museum, displaying such rare items as Indonesia's old historical documents and Dutch period furniture. Its tower clock was once returned to England to be repaired under its lifetime guarantee, which up to now has already lasted hundreds of years.

In recent years, Jakarta has expanded its facilities for visitors with luxury hotels, fine restaurants, exciting nightlife and modern shopping centers. It contains many tourist attractions such as Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful "Indonesia in Miniature" Park), restored colonial period buildings, island resorts in the Pula Seribu (Thousand Island), and an extensive beach recreation complex called Ancol. "Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park" popularly called TMII "Taman Mini Indonesia Indah", built to portray the variety of cultures found within the many islands contained in the Republic of Indonesia, this open-air museum comprises the many architectural forms of arts and traditions of all Indonesia provinces. It is proof of the country's motto of Unity in Diversity as well as Freedom of Religion depicted in the houses of worship built on the grounds.

Jakarta has preserved its past and is developing for the future. Skyscrapers in the center of the city are part of a new look. Modern luxury hotels today cater to the discriminating visitors. Transport within the city is plentiful. Jakarta is the center of the nation's industrial, political and cultural life. It is home to many of the country's finest research institutes, educational facilities, and cultural organizations. Jakarta is uniquely the seat of both the national as well as the regional government.

Over the last several decades, Jakarta has proudly developed into one of Asia's most prominent metropolitan centers. Today, Jakarta's skyline is covered by modern high rises. The many state-of-the-art shopping centers, recreation complexes and toll-roads have become hallmarks of the city. The quality of life and the general welfare of its inhabitants have improved considerably with the city's fast pace of development. Jakarta's cultural richness and dynamic growth contribute significantly to its growing importance as one of the world's leading capital cities.

Geographically
The Province is geographically located on 6012' South Latitude and 106048'- East Longitude. The government administration is set into 5 regions South Jakarta, Central Jakarta, East Jakarta, West Jakarta, North Jakarta and 1 regency/ administrative city, namely Thousand Island regency. The largest city is East Jakarta (187.73 sq km) and the smallest is Thousand Island regency (11.81 sq km). The average rainfall is 1,916.8- 924.50 mm/year. The temperature is between of 22 C - 33 C.

People
Indonesians are known as friendliest people in the world towards foreigners and most tolerant towards their manners. But there are few things, which are not done among Indonesia. They consider the head as something sacred that must be respected. Patting on the head is not done among adults. Calling someone by crooking the index finger is considered impolite and giving or receiving things with the left hand is no - where acceptable. The handshake accompanied with a smile is common among men and women greeting or welcoming somebody.

Not less 9 million people live in Jakarta representing nearly all the ethnic groups in the archipelago. The major groups are Sundanese, Javanese, Chinese, and the native community is Orang Betawi (people of Betawi). The other large groups are the Minangkabau people, the Bataks, the Manadonase, and the other people from Sulawesi and the Ambonase. Orang Betawi emerged in the 19th century from a melting pot of races, ethnic groups and cultures. They have their own culture distinct from other ethnics' cultures. In 1923 they founded an organization called Kaum Betawi, which was in fact a statement about the existence of the Betawi ethnic group. The majority professes is Islam. But it does not mean that Indonesia is an Islamic state. It is a Pancasila state. And one of the principles of Pancasila, the state ideology, is "belief in the one Supreme God". This means that the various belief systems must be respected and respect each other. This explains the ubiquitous Moslem prayer houses in the city beside many churches and a few temples.

In Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park), the prince Diponegoro Mosque is juxtaposition with the saint Catherine Church, the Hallelujah Church, the Pura Penataran Agung Kertabumi Temple, the Aria Dwipa Arama Monastery and the Indonesian Mystic Convention Hall, symbolizing the motto: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity In Diversity) in matters of religions and belief - systems.

Betawi
Indonesia's cultural diversity is celebrated in the national motto, Bhineka Tunggal Ika, meaning "Unity in Diversity." One manifestation of this tenet of Indonesian national identity is the government's efforts to give equal precedence to the development of traditional art forms from each ethnic group. In Jakarta, Orang Betawi, the natives of the city, are considered to be the hosts of these cultures, having emerged from the melting pot of races, ethnic groups and cultures of Indonesia in the 19th century. Today they constitute one of the city's main ethnic groups along side the Javanese (from Central and Eastern Java), Sundanese (from West Java) and Chinese.

Culture
To see for themselves what and now those Betawi art forms are, we can go to any travel agent and ask for tour to a " Betawi Cultural Institution "to catch a glimpse of the real thing". Or we can visit the Jakarta pavilion at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park) which has long been showing Betawi ceremonies such as the Betawi wedding ceremony, the circumcision procession, the baby head - shaving ceremony etc. As mentioned before, the Betawi group emerged in the 19th century from the melting pot of races, ethnic groups and cultures. Today the Betawi culture has a distinct personality of its own, but one can discern the various influences of other cultures by looking or listening to its art form.

The Tanjidor orchestra is certainly inherited from Dutch land - owners and the Gambang Kromong and Cokek dance originated in the residence of wealthy Chinese traders and merchants. The Betawi Cokek dance shows Balinese influence in the movement of the dancers and the style of playing the gamelan. This style of playing the gamelan can also be observed in the gamelan orchestra accompanying the Wayang Kulit Betawi show. The Portuguese speaking community has also left its inheritance, the Kroncong Tugu with its popular songs Nina Bobo, Kaparinyo and Kroncong moritsko is said to be the origin of the popular Kroncong orchestra of to day.

The Javanese presence since the 17th century has left its mark too on the Betawi music, dance and theatre; Wayang Kulit Betawi and Lenong are examples of this influence. A major influence on the Betawi culture is Islam, the religion of the majority of the people. The Rebana orchestra, the Gambus orchestra, the Zapin or Japin dance are Islam inspired art forms. The Betawi traditional art is developed and accepted well. Not only Betawi people, but also other ethnic groups are fond of this art. For example, the traditional drama-Lenong and Topeng Blantik (Blantik mask), the traditional dance - Tari Topeng (Mask Dance), Ondel-ondel, Ronggeng Topeng, etc, the traditional art of music - Sambrah, Rebana, Gambang Kromong, Tanjidor, Puppet - Betawi puppet using the Malay-Betawi dialect

Basically the marriage system used by Betawi people is the Islamic law. To whom they are allowed or have not allowed to get married with. The young people are also free to choose their partners. In spite of this, the parents` role either from the man's or woman's side are very important to approve the marriage, for the parents are involved in holding the marriage party. Before getting marriage the man and the woman are introduced to each other and when they both have agreement, the man's parents will propose the girl. After the two parties reach an agreement, they decide the time to hold the dowry delivery ceremony which is usually represented by another party, such as the relatives of the man's and the woman's sides. The marriage ceremony is held on the agreed day. After the marriage contract ceremony both the man and the woman go back to each their parents (their home). A few days later a ceremony of parents-in-law relationship is held and the bridegroom goes in procession to the bride's house. Before entering the bride's house, the bridegroom's side holds the question-answer ceremony by using the traditional poetry rhythm and it is accompanied by tambourine/rabana music with the welcome / marhaban songs. Then, the bridegroom is allowed to enter the house to meet the bride. They sit side by side for a moment. After that the bridegroom joins his parents and companions who escort him to the bride` house. When the ceremony is finished the bride may come with his husband to his house.

Language
The official language is Bahasa Indonesia and English is the most spoken and understood foreign language. In convention hotels they have translators for English, France, Dutch, German, Japanese, Mandarin, and even Spanish. The native Betawi people speak Betawi Malay, which is different from standard Malay. There are variations in the language according to region, the Betawi Malay of the centre and that of the periphery. There are also socio - cultural variations. The older people born and bred in Jakarta speak the traditional Betawi Malay, while the younger people and migrants speak the modern version of the language. In the language, various influences from other cultures are apparent, Balinese, Sundanese, and Javanese influences are there and words derived from Arabic, Dutch, Chinese and Portuguese are easily recognizable. Betawi Malay is spoken not only in Jakarta, but also in parts of Bekasi, Tangerang and Bogor, which belong to the province of West Java.

Bali Island

noreply@blogger.com (endopicky) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:07:00 +0000

Bali Island, the perfect holiday destination for all ages offers something for everyone. Bali offers not just various customs but also various "adrenalin pump" parks. Many exciting amusements are available in Bali, with something new opening all the time. The number of offshore and inland attraction are on the rise because many tourists want them. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. After white water rafting that has gained popularity in Bali, comes offshore rafting or ocean rafting. The more adventurous sort of amusement has now become an alternative sport for tourists. Meanwhile white water rafting is still a popular activity with trips on Ayung, Telaga Waja, Unda Rivers, etc. The tourists can refresh their mind by watching beautiful scenery along the route. Those are not enough, some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas.

Bali is small island, just 140 Km by 80 Km and lies between Java, the most highly populated and influential of all the islands, and Lombok, one of the quieter and moderately slower paced islands. Like many islands, Bali has developed a world of its own. It not only captures what is special about Indonesia but also has a uniqueness of its own.The culture of Bali is unique. People say that the Balinese people have reached self-content. The Balinese people are proud of having preserved their unique Hindu culture against the advance of Islam, the dominant religion throughout Indonesia. This is still reflected in days to day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. The Balinese are skilled artisans, particularly in woodcarving and in fashioning objects of tortoiseshell and of gold, silver and other metals. The Balinese are noted for their traditional dance, the distinctive music of the gamelan and for their skills in weaving cloth of gold and silver threads, Songket, as well as for embroidering silk and cotton clothing. Stone and woodcarvings, traditional and modern paintings and intricately designed jewelry in gold and silver are readily available in shops and galleries throughout the island.

As for recreation, there is no shortage of options. Nature walks, horseback riding, diving, surfing - even bungy jumping and white water rafting - await the adventurous here.