Indonesian tourism

The Island of Flores

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:03:00 +0000

Flores Island

Flores is the most fascinating and beautiful island. Long hidden in the shadows of its more famous neighbor Bali, the island of Flores is finally emerging as a unique destination of its own. So, after visiting the lair of the Komodo dragons, take time to marvel at some of the wonders of Flores. Here you can swim in pristine lakes and waterfalls, dive at one of the 50 spectacular dive sites, go kayaking among craggy coasts and mangrove shores, explore mysterious caves and be warmly welcomed by the island’s people in their rituals, dances and daily life.

Flores spells adventure, diving, eco-tours, and mountain climbing interspersed with visits to prehistoric heritage sites, traditional villages and cultural events.

Until recently, many tourists have only been familiar with Labuan Bajo, the small port located on the western-most tip of the island, and the taking off point for a visit to the last natural habitat of the prehistoric Komodo dragons, the islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar.

Situated in the province of East Nusatenggara, Flores is a long island that contains some of the world’s best kept secrets. A chain of volcanoes stretches the length of this 450 km long and narrow island, creating complicated V-shaped valleys and knife-edged ridges - terrain that was near impenetrable until recently and has separated the island into many distinct ethnic groups.

Administratively the island is divided into 8 districts; West Manggarai, Manggarai, East Manggarai, Nagekeo, Ngada, Ende, Sika and East Flores. Further east are the adjacent islands of Alor and Lembata.

Here you will find some of the world’s most exotic underwater life. Diving in the pristine seas of Komodo, divers find themselves swimming along with huge manta rays, dolphins and dugongs, while whales can be seen passing Flores’s east coast during their migration period.

The island itself is surrounded by sparkling white beaches, where one beach even has pink sand.   Mt. Kelimutu, near the town of Maumere, has three different coloured lakes that can change colour from time to time.

Besides Komodo dragons, Flores has been in the world’s limelight with the discovery of the Flores hobbit, or homo floresiensis, a new hitherto unknown prehistoric human species, whose remains were found in the caves of Liang Bua.

This island is indeed ancient, having been untouched for centuries, once inhabited by prehistoric men and still living prehistoric animals, as well as containing remnants of a petrified forest.

At the easternmost tip of the island, Larantuka is famous for its Easter-week rituals that still continue the old Portuguese traditions brought here some 500 years ago. While at adjacent Lembata , islanders hunt whales manually, harpooning precariously from small boats.

Ambon : The Original Spice Islands

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 20:51:00 +0000

Ambon Island

The tiny islands of Ambon, Banda, Ternate and Tidore - among the thousands of islands in the Moluccas seas,- changed the course of world history from the 15th century onwards. These islands were what triggered the European Age of Exploration.

For in search of the Spice Islands in the Far East, Christopher Columbus sailed west – and discovered America. Vasco da Gama sailed south and discovered the long route around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope in 1498 to finally reach India after a long and perilous voyage. Only later did the Portuguese finally discover the sea route to Banda and Ambon. These small islands in the eastern deep seas of the Indonesian archipelago were for centuries the sole producers of the fragrant nutmeg and mace in the world. At the time these spices fetched their weight in gold in Medieval Europe.

The tiny islands of Ternate and Tidore, further north of Ambon were producers of cloves. Indian and Arab traders would sell cloves in Europe for exorbitant prices, but kept the location of their source a tightly held secret. These are the Moluccas – or Maluku – the original Spice Islands, that are now divided into the two provinces of Maluku and North Maluku.

It is from these islands that the Dutch East India Company first gained their stranglehold on the spice trade in the archipelago, gradually colonizing the Indonesian islands over three centuries, until it came to be called the Dutch East Indies, the present-day Republic of Indonesia.

As the glory days spices passed, the significance of the Moluccas waned. But it is here where the history of European explorations and colonization began.

Fortunately the beauty of that era still remains. Today, the town of Ambon is the capital of Maluku, occupying a small flat area by the beautiful Ambon Bay that is backed by lush green mountains and facing deep crystal clear waters that are alive with colorful coral gardens and untold species of marine creatures.

Although small in size, Ambon island still offers plenty of experiences for adventurous travelers. From exploring the charming Kota Ambon – the main town of the island, to walking up mountains through lush tropical vegetation, there are many undiscovered gems ready for visitors to experience.

The town of Ambon – Kota Ambon – is known as ‘Ambon Manise’ meaning sweet or beautiful Ambon. The name refers to both the beauty of the people here and the beauty of the tropical island location.

As one of the earliest places in Indonesia to be occupied by colonial powers, Ambon has a rich and ancient history. Many of the Ambonese today have mixed European and Ambonese heritage.

Visit here and discover centuries-old fortresses and the literature of local kingdoms which traces the story of the people, from periods of prosperity to escalating and controlled trades, harsh colonialism, a grueling struggle, and finally, to independence.

The island also played an important role in World War II when Ambon was used as a headquarters for the Japanese military. Remnants from the war still remain, both in museums and the open air. Some war artifacts remain silently underwater. Today, these remnants are among the most valued historical sites in Ambon.

Ambon is multicultural and home to various ethnicities including the native Alifuru tribes, the migrating Javanese, Sumatrans, Minahasans, the Butons, the Arabs who came in the 9th century, the Europeans, and the Chinese who first came in the 7th century to share in the commerce of this prosperous spice island. Between 1999-2002 the island was the scene of Christian-Muslim violence however since 2004 the island has maintained a period of ongoing peace.

Mount Bromo : Witnessing The Fascinating Sunrise

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 18:37:00 +0000


Mount Bromo - Indonesian

While it may be small when measured against other volcanoes in Indonesia, the magnificent Mt Bromo will not disappoint with its spectacular views and dramatic landscapes. At 2392 meters tall, Mt Bromo is not among the tallest of Indonesia’s mountains but its stunning beauty lies in its incredible setting.

From a vantage point on Mount Penanjakan (2,770 meters above sea level) visitors from around the world come to see the sunrise over Mt Bromo. From this spot the vista is magnificent. All you will hear is the click of cameras as visitors snap their camera’s hoping to capture the incredible scene of Mt Bromo in the foreground with Mt Semeru smoking in the distance and the sun shining brightly, quickly rising in the sky.

The eerie landscape has spurned countless legends and myths. Mt Bromo has particular significance for the Tengger people who believe that this was the site where a brave prince sacrificed his life for his family. The people here appease the Gods once a year during the annual Kasada festival where offerings of vegetables, chickens and money are thrown into the crater of the volcano.

Baris Dance – An Army Dance

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 18:45:00 +0000

Baris Dance – An Army Dance : Tari BarisBaris Dance comes from the word “bebaris“ meaning troops. The dance portrays the army soldiers and agility usually performed as a ritual dance. This dance performed by a group of men, usually numbering 8 to 40 dancers. Baris Dance has a lively movement and quite sturdy, straightforward, dynamic, and accompanied by Gong Kebyar and Gong Gede. Baris Dance is usually divided so 3 rounds. Namely the opening round, soft round, and the closing round. In the opening round is usually more aggressive movements, usual first imprest. Second round, the gong or the music will be softer, usually even more dignified movements. Closing round as same as the opening round. Baris dances are still in Bali, among others:

* Baris Katekok Jago: dancer carrying a spear gun polet (spear black stems and white), using black and white striped dress.
* Baris Tumbak: dancer carrying a spear gun and using awiran dress in layers.
* Baris Dadap: dancers carrying Dadap weapons (like a shield), the movement is more gentle than other types of Baris dance. Dancers dance while singing a song barreled slendro.
* Baris Presi: dancers carrying kris weapons, and a kind of shield, called Presi.
* Baris Pendet: dancers bring offerings (canang sari).
* Baris Bajra: dancers carrying Bajra mace weapons (such as Bhima’s mace).
* Baris Tamiang: dancers carrying kris weapons and shields called Tamiang.
* Baris Kupu Kupu: dance depicts the life of a butterfly, the dancers wearing butterfly wings, agile and dynamic movements mimic the movements of a butterfly.
* Baris Bedil: a dancer with long-barreled imitation rifle made of wood.
* Baris China: dancing under the influence of Chinese culture, unique fashion look of the layout (long pants with a long-sleeved shirt, sarong sash, hat, sunglasses and wearing a sword weapon).
* Baris Cendekan: a dancer with a short spear gun (cendek).
* Baris Panah: dancers carrying arrows.
* Baris Jangkang: a dancer with a long spear gun.
* Baris Gayung: dancers are a group of Pemangku (figure of hindhu religious clergy) with a scoop or cantil (a tool to bring holy water).
* Baris Demang: dancing figures illustrate Demat (one of the characters Pagambuhan) in the classical Gambuh dance drama with a gun, sword, spear, arrows, and others.
* Baris Cerekuak: dance movements represent a group of water birds (cerekuak) while searching for her lover, bird Manuk Dewata.
* Baris Mamedi: describes a group dance spirit (mamedi) who lives in haunted places like the cemetery, the dancers wore clothes made of leaves and twigs are taken from the grave.
* Baris Ketujeng: dance describes a group of spirits who live in haunted places as the introduction of dance soul of the departed to heaven.
* Baris Gowak: dance depicts the battle between the forces Badeng Tegal (Badung) with a group of ravens carrying death.
* Baris Omang: dancers use a spear gun, but move slowly like the way a snail (Omang), describes the battle between the forces Badeng Tegal (Badung) with troops of Guwak (crow).
* Baris Jojor: dancers carrying Jojor weapons (spear, long-stemmed).
* Baris Kuning: dancers dressed all in yellow, and armed with kris and Tamiang (shield).
* Baris Tengklong: dancers carriying sword weapons, the movement is dynamic, powerful and approaching martial art movements.
* Baris Kelemet: dancers portray the fishermen, with such oar weapons, describing the boat in the sea to catch fish.

View the original article here

Surfing in Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 14:35:00 +0000

Bali is a really really great place for a surf trip. It has so many great waves, great weather and warm water temperatures. Sold already?

For your next trip, save money and time, hire a board with rentasurfboard.com. More than 40 destinations available, save up to 50% !

The surf is just classic around the Bukit Peninsular – directly south from Dempasar. Kuta is the main gateway to many of these breaks and has plenty of cheap accommodation but beware – you will get hassled 24/7. Kuta Beach is a popular beach for tourists and surfers alike and the lineup here can get pretty hectic. The list of top surf spots nearby reads like a surfers dream list. Dreamland, Uluwatu and Padang Padang to name a few. If you have never heard of them you will almost certainly seen a picture of one of them in a surfing magazine.

Bali picks up the swells from the Southern Ocean and from April to November will see consistent surf of up to 12 ft. This is also the dry season so its the best time to come. That said the rest of the rear still receives surf from 2-6ft. It is boardshorts all year round so don’t forget your sunscreen.

Surfers have been traveling to Bali for years and the surf scene is now well established. There are plenty of surf shops if you need to restock equipment

Surfing Bali – The Good
Great Consistency
World Class Waves
Warm Water

Surf Bali – The Bad and the Ugly
Crowded Waves
You Get Hassled – A Lot!

Bali is a great place to visit and a fantastic surfing destination. There are surf breaks here to suit beginners through to the experienced surfers and the tropical climate and warm waters make it a must stop on your world surf tour. It is well worth sorting some Bali Accommodation before you get there.

If you have information on surfing in Bali we would like to know. Tell us how good or bad your surfing vacation was by posting your trip details on our Surf Forum.

View the original article here

Water sport on Tanjung Benoa, Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 10:31:00 +0000

Marine tourism (water sport) in Tanjung Benoa, Bali

Jet Ski Games
Games jetski use of vehicles on the beach like a motorcycle. Jetski here can not you drive yourself, should be accompanied by an instructor, given at Tanjung Benoa beach there are many boats and other watersport activities, so that collisions can be avoided. Do not worry, the instructor will only drive from the beach toward the middle of the sea, well until you turn there who do drive, the instructor lift. When the game is 15 minutes. If you want exciting ride, try the actions of waves imaginable .. then you will feel the sensation of driving pleasure ini.Menarik jetski is not it?

Parasailing
is the game where you will use the umbrella parachute and pulled by speed boat to Tanjung Benoa beach surrounding. So just like real skydiving. When the game is a round about 4 minutes in the air. Height of the rope which connects the parachute to a speed boat about 80 yards. So quite high terbangnya.Yang this game definitely very challenging and full of fun.

Banana Boat
Banana Boat uses a single raft, you will be attracted by speed boat around the coast within 15 minutes. Banana boat load capacity is max 4 people plus 1 instructor as a companion. You can ask diceburin into the water during the boat running, or if you do not want to wet .. ask who was perfectly normal. Less exciting does that play banana boat without nyebur

Scuba Diving
ie dive tourism. Instead of snorkeling, diving better as well. You will be given complete diving equipment, ranging from clothing, etc. oxygen tank. Diving should not be swimming, it’s better if you can not swim, because it’s easier. The tourists will be accompanied by an instructor under the water, so do not worry. Previously, you’ll be brief about the ways used to dive right. The depth for beginners ranging between 3 feet – 7 feet in the water for 40 minutes. Taking the bread for food fish, you will see the beautiful underwater scenery which met by beautiful coral reefs distinguished and iridescent-hued ornamental fish.

Snorkeling
that is swimming underwater while seeing sights. The main requirement you should be able to swim. By using a mask and fins, you will see ornamental fish and coral imaginable while swimming.

GLASS BOTTOM BOAT & TURTLE ISLAND
is the most suitable tour if you ask your child who is still small. With a distinguished boats underneath there are clear glass, you will be invited to sail to see the underwater aquarium which located at Tanjung Benoa beach. As he threw the bread out of the boat, the fish will rise and chase the food. Hundreds of tails and colorful. Similarly, with lovely views of sea coral reply. Once you are satisfied at the sight, the boat will slide into Turtle Island to see the location of breeding TURTLE, quite rare animal existence. Here you will see a distinguished dikeram turtle eggs and turtle who still small, hawksbill turtles teens to adults who are ready to become a parent. Types of turtles not only one, but there are several types. In addition, at this location there are also other animals such as birds, bats, snakes, etc. which are very tame, so can you hold to be photographed. This activity lasted about 1 hour.

FLYING FISH

this is the game most recently in Bali. 3 pieces of banana boat put together with additional rubber boat across the front and there is a kind of left wing on the right side. Flying Fish is played by 3 people max, that is 2 people left right passenger side and 1 instructor in the middle. The position you can stand as riding a motorcycle or sleep on her back. Flying Fish will be attracted by high speed boat speed downwind path. Thus, a flying fish would fly over the water about 2 meters or more depending on wind speeds. Just like kites. For those who like challenges, do not miss to try this game. Surely the fun!

Sea Walker

is walking on the sea floor using a water-resistant helmets. When we walk on the seabed, the water will not enter into the helmet. Even more cool again, we even need to remove glasses when guns were under water. To breathe, we will be assisted by oxygen gas that is channeled through wires that connect to the helmet that we use. By down the stairs, about 7 meters, we will reach the sea floor and can walk around to see the fish and beautiful coral reefs in the sea Tanjung Benoa….

Water ski

is one of maritime tourism is quite challenging. By stepping on a board you will be attracted by speed boat, be a sport like skiing or surfing.

Rolling Donut

is one favorite game in Tanjung Benoa. You will sit in a pelambung shaped cake donut and pulled by speed boat.

for more information please click here

View the original article here

Shopping in Bandung Tourism

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 08:16:00 +0000

This article covers about shopping in the city of Bandung, where in this city are many interesting shops to visit.

Road Riau

No one else Bandung is heaven for shopping, especially clothing or fashion. Many roads or areas in Bandung where there is lined Factory Outlet that offers various types of clothing products with good quality but the price can match you with your bags. One of them is Jalan Riau in Bandung.
In Jalan Riau (now RE Martadinata road), there are a lot of Factory Outlet with distinctive decor and architecture of each, offering their unique products are also of course. On this road there are many large-FO has its own specialty, for example, there are special FO sells bags and shoes, sells only clothes for men only, there is also FO complete with hotel for your stay, and many other features.
When you travel to Bandung, take your time shopping in the area this riau road. This road is actually similar to the road and also road Cihampelas Dago. You can down this road as he stopped to shop in an existing row FO. When tired of shopping, you can also enjoy a variety of food / culinary typical Bandung, which many also found along this road.
Maybe you want to stay over night in Bandung ..?. along this road there are too many hotels with a variety of classes and facilities that you can use to place your stay.

Road Trunojoyo - Bahureksa
The trend is now endemic Distroto all corners of this nation.In Bandung is one wayalong this road are lined Distrowhich offers the characteristics and uniqueness of their products.Usually clothing products such as clothing,Sandals / Shoes, Bags, Accessories, and others.
If you want to buy creative products distribution,you can come to Road Trunojoyoand also Street Bahureksa.This is where the center of Bandung distros.

Entering this area you can entervia Jalan Dago (Jalan Juanda),you turn left from the Bank which is on the road dago.Once inside you'll be greeted by dozens of distroswhich opened the showroom of their products here,which offers the advantages of their creative products respectively.
Along this road you can choosein distributions where you shop that matches you.Because of the wide distribution around this road.You can choose the appropriate productto your taste and your pocket.

Jalan Dago
Jalan Dago is another name for street Ir. H. Juanda.Although the current street name has been changed officially,but people still often refer Bandung streetwith Dago street.Formerly this street is very quieteven people who pass this waymust "padago-dago" or wait for each otherthe one with the other.
But now Jalan Dago has changed completely.Now this road is very busy visited by touristsespecially on holidays.Maybe it's because along this roadWe have lined Factory Outlet (FOR),distributions, restaurants, cafes, restaurants, hotels,and a variety of other vacation facilities.
Saturday night, this area is always crowdedyoung people visited Bandunga cornucopia comes to this regionjust hang out with my buddies or girlfriends,while watching a variety of entertainment at this roadsidewho are always there every night of the week.But the result every night weekly, this street is always jammed.

Road Cihampelas
If you visit to Bandungotherwise it's not complete yetshop at Jalan Cihampelas.This road is the same as his malioboro Jogya City
This road is always crowded by visitors, especially on holidays.

This road has indeed been melagenda long ago.Formerly this road islargest jeans centers in Bandung.But now is not the only famouswith clothing made from jeans,but there are dozens of shops offeringvarious types of clothing with a variety of different materials,with unique shops and wares respectively.
On the Road Cihampelas at this time we alsocan easily findtypical souvenir retail outlets in Bandung,oleh-oleh/jajanan shops, restaurants, hotels,various accessories, a variety of brownies, and others.
However, a small road conditions makecongestion on this road can not be avoided.Almost every day this way severe traffic jams,probably because the density of visitors andtoo little parking and road facilities are available.
If you bring a vehicle,you may be having trouble finding a parking space.Alternatively you can park in Cihampelas Walk (Ciwalk)a large mall that is located on this road.

for further information about the attractions in the city of Bandung can be seen in www.bdgyes.com

Water sport on Tanjung Benoa, Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 08:53:00 +0000

Marine tourism (water sport) in Tanjung Benoa, Bali

Tanjung Benoa, where water sports watersport alias alias marine sports, offers a variety of alternative marine tourism bali. There are banana boat, flying fish, parasailing, jetski, diving, glass bottom boat and seawalker turtle island ..
Jet Ski Games
Games jetski use of vehicles on the beach like a motorcycle. Jetski here can not you drive yourself, should be accompanied by an instructor, given at Tanjung Benoa beach there are many boats and other watersport activities, so that collisions can be avoided. Do not worry, the instructor will only drive from the beach toward the middle of the sea, well until you turn there who do drive, the instructor lift. When the game is 15 minutes. If you want exciting ride, try the actions of waves imaginable .. then you will feel the sensation of driving pleasure ini.Menarik jetski is not it?

Scuba Diving
ie dive tourism. Instead of snorkeling, diving better as well. You will be given complete diving equipment, ranging from clothing, etc. oxygen tank. Diving should not be swimming, it's better if you can not swim, because it's easier. The tourists will be accompanied by an instructor under the water, so do not worry. Previously, you'll be brief about the ways used to dive right. The depth for beginners ranging between 3 feet - 7 feet in the water for 40 minutes. Taking the bread for food fish, you will see the beautiful underwater scenery which met by beautiful coral reefs distinguished and iridescent-hued ornamental fish.

FLYING FISH

Sea Walker

Water ski

is one of maritime tourism is quite challenging. By stepping on a board you will be attracted by speed boat, be a sport like skiing or surfing.

Rolling Donut

is one favorite game in Tanjung Benoa. You will sit in a pelambung shaped cake donut and pulled by speed boat.

for more information please click here

Moyo Island, Small Island Teaser heart Lady Diana

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 03:35:00 +0000

Although small, quiet island but has a tremendous natural wealth of this, some people managed to attract "large" caliber Lady Diana and Mick Jagger for a vacation. Moyo Island, a small island located in the northern island of Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara Province. Seeing the beauty of the beach, sea and nature, it offers tranquility for connoisseurs of the beauty of the outdoors and underwater.
To reach Moyo Island is easy. Travelling by car can be reached from Sumbawa Besar to Ai Bari, a coastal village located about 20 km north of Sumbawa Besar. Or if they do not want to bother, Hotels and Golden Beach Hotel Tambora in Sumbawa Besar, can arrange trips to the island. Ai Bari in Samawa means salt water, a poor fishing village facilities, but from the Samawa, Bajo and Bugis who inhabit this area, very friendly.
Ai Moyo Island Travel from Bari to Moyo Island can be reached for about 15 minutes by speedboat, or use a motorized boat. One fisherman who always provide this transportation is Mr. Lahi who are used to receive foreign guests, often written in various travel guide books!
Moyo Island has a height variation from 0-648 m above sea level. As a marker of sustainability of the island is still an area of about 30,000 acres, hundreds of butterflies will be seen from behind bushes, trees or in the middle of savanna. The island is also home to 21 species of bats, birds, macaque, wild pig, deer and snakes. With the natural conditions are still very natural, not advisable to enter the island without a guide. Because there may be lost. "But strangely, every time there is a stray, it would still find a way out of his own. Whether" escorted "by a bird or a butterfly," said Mr. Maman, one of the guides here. According to him again, "residents" (read: being subtle) of forest on the island of Moyo did not like disturbing.
MoyoBila Island to visit this island, we can see unspoiled natural beauty. Forests are beautiful and almost untouched, waterfalls and rivers experience, as well as the beauty beneath the endless sea. In addition to hiking in the woods, along rivers and waterfalls, several caves that can be reached by foot, can be an alternative activity. One of them is Cave Sweet Ai that must be achieved with a little rock climbing. This cave where hundreds of bats nest. In addition, other activities you can do is trekking for two hours that can be started from Labuan Haji, Waterfalls toward Brang Rea (Big River) located in the middle of the island.
Moyo Island is also a "paradise" for bird lovers. Of 124 bird species found in Sumbawa, 86 species of which are in the island. Rare bird species can also be found here. Among them is the yellow-headed Parrot and bird Gosong. The last bird, is unique because it relies on plants and twigs to produce heat during the incubation period of eggs.
If you want to snorkel or dive, the area around the island offer a variety of underwater beauty that is equally interesting. Marine parks that form the hard and soft coral formations are beautiful, can be found also sponge (Sponge) and crustacea. A Dutch tourist who happened to have just finished snorkeling, shares his experiences. "Last time I saw small sharks snorkel swimming around the coast Ai Sweet. And in some places, the scenery was beautiful reefs. I also saw an eel," said Karsten, tourists are.
Moyo Island Moyo Island also offers natural beauty under the sea. Almost the entire island surrounded by reefs that are still in good condition and not damaged. Sharks with a length of approximately two meters, anemones, pelagic, eels, groupers and even mantas, all there. If you want to dive, you can do around the Island Medang, located in northwestern island of Moyo. You can contact Blue Lagoon Resort is located on the outskirts of the town of Sumbawa Besar. Cruises from Bali, Lombok or even abroad often do a stopover on the island. Pcrjalanan usually stop in the island of Moyo and Satonda Island, a tiny island in the northeast of the island of Moyo who has a salt water lake in the middle of the island.

In addition to far from the reach of domestic tourists, promotion of the island of Moyo is still very small. For a vacation here, it takes time and funds availability is quite good. However, if there is a desire to see a small beauty of this country, Moyo Island is one place worth visiting. "If it happened to be lucky, you can see a bunch of flying fish," said Mr. Lahi, pointing to a group of flying fish leaping from the water to the surface.

Sweet Satai Lilit Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:19:00 +0000

Bali is known with a view not only beautiful but also delicious cuisine shake up the tongue. Satay wrap is one of Bali's most popular dish. Lemongrass scent and taste the sweet savory taste delicious lunch is guaranteed to add this time!
Who does not know satai? Foods made from pieces of chicken, beef, goat, fish, etc. It is famous for its delicious taste. Several types of satay from the area we already know there Sate Madura, Sate Tegal, Klatak Satay, Sate Padang.
One more, no less popular is the famous island of the gods will Sate Lilitnya. Different from other satenya Balinese satay is quite unique and have different tastes.
Satay is actually not always a meat cut into pieces and stabbed before the fire. Satay wrap this example is not stabbed but using minced meat is wrapped in a piece of bamboo. Because the cow is considered sacred animal equivalent of the god that should not be killed. Satay wrap usually use seafood such as fish meat, shrimp or chicken.
Another peculiarity of satay wrap is also located on seasonings marinade consisting of turmeric, Indian galanga, lemongrass, nutmeg, sugar palm, and coconut oil. Once softened minced fish meat, flavored, coconut milk, and grated coconut, then wrapped in a piece of bamboo and then burned on charcoal.
The Balinese believe that behind every dish there is the philosophy that should not be abandoned. So it is with satay wrap the arms symbolize the gods believed in this god Brahmin. Therefore, in Bali, satay wrap usually also served during religious ceremonies.
Satai wrap is usually eaten with rice mix, rice cake, or Plecing kale. Satai taste sweet tasty delicious shake is secured tongue.

Krenyes Sweet, Milk Pie from Gang Nuri

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:03:00 +0000

Bali - This cake is now on the list of souvenirs that must be taken if stopped by the island of the gods. It looked like a cover glass with a diameter of 7 cm. Thin skin is crispy batter. It contained soft fragrant and sweet taste. Want a plain or chocolate, both as good!

Always been nuts Rahayu and Brem Bali who became king of souvenirs from Bali. Now, the list of traditional foods has increased a lot. Besides pia Legong is a newcomer, Milk Cake Pie Original Enaaak. Make no mistake there are now many different brands of pie with milk. This one is the original and first you know!

People are often confused with the title pia and pie. Pia is a term for chinese Flaky dough, this pastry round in shape 4-5 cm skin is crispy-coated with a variety of fields. While the pie is an adaptation of western pie. Sweet pastry dough from flour, eggs, butter and sugar are printed thin width. Once baked, the skin is given a field, can be grilled again or not.

Milk Pie is an adaptation of the egg tarts from Hong Kong who were encountered in the dim sum menu. Usually made of puff pastry dough that printed round 4-5 cm then given stuffing egg custard (milk, eggs and sugar) and baked until the dough is frozen milk yellow.

The difference is his skin Bali milk pie like pie west and printed circular of 7 cm with egg custard filling that is not too high. Therefore, if you eat will taste sweet crispy skin with egg custard that is not too thick, so not too eneg.

Because not too happy with the pia Legong ordering procedures are also difficult so I decided to buy this milk pie 'fresh from the oven', to where the seller directly. Finding location pie seller of this milk was not easy. A bit convoluted, after Jl. Jackfruit, then enter the alley that sempir Nuri.

Hmm ... fragrant aroma of pie that was baked immediately smell and makes me confident going up to the address of the seller. This pie was once made at home Mom Tanti (1989) that there are about 100 meters from the current location. On the front page already heard sura noisy and crowded worker who was washing dozens of tiny pie mold in a big bucket.

In other parts there is a group of workers who were lining the molds with batter and fill the dough. Rows of two-level gas oven that is on the side of any house smell fragrant pie being baked. Mother Tantri serve the maker and seller of its own orders, records and separate orders that have accumulated in the boxes.

"Well, how suddenly it? This is what has made people all orders. Why are guns the phone first?" Thus said the mother. Luckily my seduction tricks to give up 80 straight makes fruit pies for my purchase. Yes, fortunately there are buyers who reduces his order.

Because that made an order, automatic all milk pie pie made an absolutely new 'fresh from the oven'. A warm pie directly mengepulpun I taste. Hmm ... fragrant aroma there is no trace of rancid milk and eggs altogether. Pienya crispy skin is not excessively sweet and gentle with a sweet filling that fit.

Available in 2 flavors, plain and chocolate. Oh yes, milk chocolate pie is also not disappoint. Chocolate flavor is not too thick and not too sweet. Each pie milk wrapped in transparent plastic so that the cleanliness maintained. Pie this milk can be retained for up to 4 days at room temperature.

The price of milk pie is also not terllau expensive, yangpolos USD. And a chocolate 1500.00 USD. 1600.00. In order to get new milk pie, you should first message by telephone. If there is not necessarily sudden supply. So, if we go to Bali, if by that one is obliged to carry. Pie is tasty sticky enjoyable with tea or coffee warm. Get ready to taste krenyes renyahnya addicted!

you can visit this place on:
Original Milk Cake Pie Enaaak
Typical food from Balinese
Jl. Jackfruit Gg Nuri 1 no.14 Denpasar - Bali HP: 081 337 557 888 Tel: 0361-7842073, 0361-263138

visit and enjoy this delicious pie ..

Bali Attractions and Culture

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 17:34:00 +0000

The Bali Aga

Bali Attractions and Culture

Bali culture is totally unique and permeates through every

aspect of life. The influence of Hinduism the main religion is evident in the music, drama, art, costumes and festivals which take place daily.

You'll encounter a festival almost every day, celebrating the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Anthropologists believe that the Balinese are descended from the ancient Chinese, the Indians and Arabs from the west, and others who came to the island directly or via Java.

The Bali Aga (The Original Balinese)

The original Balinese or Bali Aga, are a unique ethnic group that still live and practise a way of life that pre-dates modern civilisation. The Bali Aga are thought to be the original inhabitants of Bali who fled imperialistic invaders, eventually finding refuge in the solitude of Bali's remote mountains. Only two villages remain - which until recently, were firmly shut away from the rest of the world, hidden in the hills of East Bali.

Located just west of Candi Dasa lie the villages of Tenganan and Trunyan, isolated across the vast Lake Kintamani. The villages, home to the Bali Aga, are shut off by a solid wall surrounding the entire village. The wall is only broken by means of four gates, each facing north, south, east and west. Within these walls lies a massive Banyan tree surrounded by a low wall of uncut stones, making up a small enclosure for a very sacred temple. Tenganan has only recently opened up to outsiders although strict rules still apply, especially concerning marriage to outsiders. Tenganan has wonderful fabrics, including the renowned double weave ikat cloth.

The villagers of Tenganan are tall and slender with very pale complexions and refined manners. The men folk still wear their hair long and have a communistic system which does not recognize individual ownership of property. Every house in Tenganan looks exactly alike, with a flight of steps leading to a small gate opening into a courtyard with sleeping quarters, kitchen, and a long house for storage. A small empty shrine, signifies a place where spirits may rest when they visit their descendants. Tenganan owns huge tracts of fertile and well cultivated lands capable of satisfying the needs of the village; and also making Tenganan one of the richest in Bali.

A people known for their filed and blackened teeth, the Bali Aga are said to bring the spirits of their ancestors down to Earth for protection through sacrifices. The Bali Aga leave the bodies of their dead in the jungle to be carried away by the spirits, and they are believed to have possibly eaten parts of their headmen's bodies to absorb magic powers. Family clans are ruled by a council of elders who are also religious priests. The Bali Aga revere the forces of nature and the spirits of their ancestors, with whom they continue to live as a great family of both the living and the dead.

Bali Aga Rites

The Tenganans practice an ancient rite known as mekare kare, the ritual blood sacrifice. This is not as gory as it sounds, but an event where all villagers get involved in an annual ritual combat, using thorny pandan leaves to draw blood.

Each combatant hits his opponent with the aim of drawing blood. The ritual fight will be held every time there is a temple ceremony is Tenganan, which tends to fall in the fifth month of the Balinese calendar.

The fighting and the blood are real, and all participants come well prepared, carrying weapons of a rotan-woven shield and a bundle of thorny pandan leaves, used to scratch the opponent's skin until it bleeds.

Before the fight begins, participants drink rice wine or tuak, fermented local palm, to symbolise brotherhood and sportsmanship. But when the selonding music fills the air, a volley of fierce jeers, insults, cheers and shouts are thrown to instill fear. And the fighting begins.

The fighting is judged by a mediator, most probably a prominent figure of the village, and usually lasts for a fierce 5 to 10 minutes. The first person to draw blood with the thorny weapon is victor, and the person he draws blood from is the vanquished. Both victor and vanquished are broken up by the mediator as soon as blood is drawn.

As the injured are treated with traditional liquid medicines, and all fighters recover their strength, the whole village prepares food and drink for an elaborate feast which must follow the Balinese sacrifice of human blood.

Balinese culture has also got a population control mechanism in their child naming practices, and this is not only confined to the Bali Aga, but encompasses every Balinese. Every first born is named Wayan, second born Made, third Nyoman, and the fourth Ketut. Anymore children will see a repeat of the names following the order. But this practice definitely is a big hint and subtle reminder to stop at a maximum of four!

Balinese Religion

Nearly everything in Bali carries a religious significance from creating stone and wood carvings, cremation ceremonies, trance dances and gamelan music, are intended to please and appease the gods.

As most pleasing and appeasing rituals take place in a temple, temples are, undisputedly, the most important structure in Balinese culture, providing a pleasant resting place for the gods during their stay on the island.

Every house on the island has its own shrine, a resting place for ancestral spirits. Even the paddy fields have a shrine for Dewi Sri, the Rice Goddess. Each village has three temples, the Pura Puseh, dedicated to the villagers' ancestors, the Pura Desa, used for official celebrations, and the Pura Dalem or the temple of death, specially dedicated to the deities of death and of cremation.

Cremation Ceremonies

The Ngaben or Cremation Ceremony is a very important part of Balinese culture. The ceremony is performed to send the dead from death to the next life. When death descends on a Balinese, the village kul kul will sound, hanging in the village temple tower to announce the departure of the deceased.

The body will then be placed at the Bale Delod, and the deceased treated as if sleeping. No tears are shed as the Balinese believe that the deceased will return shortly to be reincarnated into the family.

The Priest will then consult the Dewasa for the day of the ngaben ceremony. On the appointed day, the body of the deceased is placed inside a coffin, which is then placed inside a wadah, or sarcophagus shaped in the form of a buffalo. It is actually a temple structure made of paper and light wood.

The funeral procession then leaves for the cremation site, carrying the wadah. The most important part of the ngaben is the burning of the wadah, with fire taken from a holy source, thus sending the deceased to the afterlife,to prepare for a future reincarnation.

Bali Festivals & Events Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 17:51:00 +0000

Bali Festivals & Events Guide

Bali Attractions and Culture

Festivals and events are important features in the social landscape of Bali, and also permanent fixtures in the lives of the Balinese. These festivals and events are determined by the calendars of the Balinese from long ago.

The major events in the life of a Balinese is believed to occur on fixed dates, which go according to the Balinese Calendar. Unlike temple festivals, these major events take place nearly every six months or every 210 days!

The Balinese believe in annual cycles and every six months of a Balinese's life is a celebration of holidays and life-cycle ceremonies. Since his conception in his mother's womb, every Balinese passes through certain stages, and this carries on up until marriage. These are the events celebrated to mark the passage of a Balinese as he progresses in his life. But the ritual of utmost importance to the Balineses is the ritual of the funeral rites and cremation.

It is, therefore, extremely obvious that festivals and events are an integral part of Balinese life and a huge part of the mysticism and allure that sets Bali apart from any other land. To help preserve and maintain every aspect of this rich culture, the Provincial Government of Bali holds numerous Annual Festivals.

Calendars
The Balinese use altogether three types of calendars for one year; one is the typical Western calendar, and the other two are local Balinese calendars, the saka and the wuku calendars.

The wuku calendar is used to find out dates for festivals and has 10 different weeks, each from one to 10 days and all running simultaneously.

The saka calendar is a lunar calendar of Hindu origin, which closely follows the Western calendar in terms of the length of the year. With illustrations for each day indicating what activities that day is auspicious for, Balinese calendars make popular souvenirs.

Some of Bali's major temples celebrate their festivals according to the dictates of the saka calendar. Hence, the actual date of a festival is difficult to determine from the Western calendar since the lunar saka does not have a predetermined number of days.

The wuku calendar, however, does have a set number of days. According to the saka, full moons days from the end of September till the start of October, or from early to mid-April are normally important festive dates, and temples will celebrate important temple festivals then.

Galungan
Bali's most important festival is the Galungan festival. It is a feast and festival which is held throughout the whole island and an annual event in the wuku year. It is believed that during this ten day period all Balinese gods, including Sanghyang Widi, the supreme deity, will descend to earth for the festivities. Barongs prance from temple to temple and village to village in celebration of the Galungan with the gods.

Galungan to the Balinese, is the most important holiday period as it symbolizes the victory of Dharma, or Virtue, upon Adharma, or all that is Evil. The festivities are made extra special by the fitting of 'penjor' on the right side of the entrance to every house.

A penjor is a tall bamboo pole terrifically decorated with woven young coconut leaves, cakes, fruits and flowers; and also a must for every Balinese household. The Galungan also sees the Balinese decked in their finest clothes and jewels for the day.

The last day of the 10-day festival is the most important day. Known as Kuningan, it is the climax of the ten-day Galungan, and also serves to bringing the holiday period to a close. Kuningan is a day for prayer, and a special ritual ceremony is held for the spirits of the Balinese's ancestors.

Just as the Galugan ends with a day of symbolic prayer, its beginning is marked by Pagerwesi. Pagerwesi literally means 'iron fence', and on Pagerwesi day every year, ceremonies and prayers are held in supplication for iron-strong mental and spiritual defense in welcoming the Galungan holiday.

Nyepi
The saka calendar has a major festival called Nyepi, or the final day of the saka year. It falls on the day after the new moon on the ninth month. Nyepi is a celebrated holiday and the Balinese New Year called icaka New Year. It is a day of total silence throughout the island. Nyepi really is a celebration observed with total silence!

On Nyepi day, there is totally no activity - no traffic at all on the roads, no amusement is held the whole day long. No fires also may be lit in observance of the Nyepi and great purification and sacrificial rites are held on the day prior to Nyepi in order to exorcise evil spirits from every corner of Bali.

Saraswati
Bali and the Balinese also celebrate Saraswati, a day devoted to God's manifestation as the wise and beautiful Goddess of Knowledge, Art and Literature - the Dewi Saraswati. To mark this joyous day, books of knowledge, manuscripts and the Wedas are blessed and special offerings are made together with aspirations for knowledge and wisdom.

Arts Festival
Highly notable is the Annual Arts Festival, which interestingly takes place from every second Saturday of June to the second Saturday of July. This Annual Arts Festival is a celebration of exhibitions and performances of various kinds of artworks and cultural achievements, including the absorbing Kite Festival.

Baris Dance – An Army Dance

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:34:00 +0000

Baris Dance – An Army Dance : Tari BarisBaris Dance comes from the word “bebaris“ meaning troops. The dance portrays the army soldiers and agility usually performed as a ritual dance. This dance performed by a group of men, usually numbering 8 to 40 dancers. Baris Dance has a lively movement and quite sturdy, straightforward, dynamic, and accompanied by Gong Kebyar and Gong Gede. Baris Dance is usually divided so 3 rounds. Namely the opening round, soft round, and the closing round. In the opening round is usually more aggressive movements, usual first imprest. Second round, the gong or the music will be softer, usually even more dignified movements. Closing round as same as the opening round. Baris dances are still in Bali, among others:

* Baris Katekok Jago: dancer carrying a spear gun polet (spear black stems and white), using black and white striped dress.
* Baris Tumbak: dancer carrying a spear gun and using awiran dress in layers.
* Baris Dadap: dancers carrying Dadap weapons (like a shield), the movement is more gentle than other types of Baris dance. Dancers dance while singing a song barreled slendro.
* Baris Presi: dancers carrying kris weapons, and a kind of shield, called Presi.
* Baris Pendet: dancers bring offerings (canang sari).
* Baris Bajra: dancers carrying Bajra mace weapons (such as Bhima's mace).
* Baris Tamiang: dancers carrying kris weapons and shields called Tamiang.
* Baris Kupu Kupu: dance depicts the life of a butterfly, the dancers wearing butterfly wings, agile and dynamic movements mimic the movements of a butterfly.
* Baris Bedil: a dancer with long-barreled imitation rifle made of wood.
* Baris China: dancing under the influence of Chinese culture, unique fashion look of the layout (long pants with a long-sleeved shirt, sarong sash, hat, sunglasses and wearing a sword weapon).
* Baris Cendekan: a dancer with a short spear gun (cendek).
* Baris Panah: dancers carrying arrows.
* Baris Jangkang: a dancer with a long spear gun.
* Baris Gayung: dancers are a group of Pemangku (figure of hindhu religious clergy) with a scoop or cantil (a tool to bring holy water).
* Baris Demang: dancing figures illustrate Demat (one of the characters Pagambuhan) in the classical Gambuh dance drama with a gun, sword, spear, arrows, and others.
* Baris Cerekuak: dance movements represent a group of water birds (cerekuak) while searching for her lover, bird Manuk Dewata.
* Baris Mamedi: describes a group dance spirit (mamedi) who lives in haunted places like the cemetery, the dancers wore clothes made of leaves and twigs are taken from the grave.
* Baris Ketujeng: dance describes a group of spirits who live in haunted places as the introduction of dance soul of the departed to heaven.
* Baris Gowak: dance depicts the battle between the forces Badeng Tegal (Badung) with a group of ravens carrying death.
* Baris Omang: dancers use a spear gun, but move slowly like the way a snail (Omang), describes the battle between the forces Badeng Tegal (Badung) with troops of Guwak (crow).
* Baris Jojor: dancers carrying Jojor weapons (spear, long-stemmed).
* Baris Kuning: dancers dressed all in yellow, and armed with kris and Tamiang (shield).
* Baris Tengklong: dancers carriying sword weapons, the movement is dynamic, powerful and approaching martial art movements.
* Baris Kelemet: dancers portray the fishermen, with such oar weapons, describing the boat in the sea to catch fish.

Kecak Dance - Dance With The Music Of Sound Mouth

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 13:54:00 +0000

Kecak Dance - Dance With The Music Of Sound Mouth

Kecak is a typical Balinese performing arts that was created in 1930 by Wayan Limbak with a German painter, Walter Spies. They create a dance based on ancient sanghyang traditions and take from parts Ramayana story. This dance became popular when Wayan Limbak and the Balinese dancer have toured around the world to introduce the Kecak dance. This dance is played by dozens of men who sat in a circle and line up with a specific rhythm and speaks the words "cak..cak.." and raised his arms. Describes the story of Ramayana as Rama's line of apes help fight Ravana. There are some who explained that the word or sound "cak" actually means a very important and significant in the performance of the dance.

Kecak dance not use the instrument, but only use krincingan (small bells) imposed on the feet of the dancers who are playing characters Ramayana. While the dancers in the circle wearing a checkered cloth wrapped around their waists. Kecak privilege of not relying on instruments to accompany dancing, but the chorus of the dancers.

Kecak comes from sanghyang ritual, namely that the dancers dance traditions will be in unconscious condition, to communicate with God or the spirits of the ancestors and then convey their expectations to the community. If you want to see dance performances kecak, can visit to Uluwatu, Jimbaran or Batubulan village, Gianyar.

Tana Toraja

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:40:00 +0000

Tana Toraja , literally "Torajaland", is a highland region of South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Tongkonan, Ke'te' Kesu'.

Tongkonan, Ke'te' Kesu'.
Tana Toraja, the famed "Land of The Heavenly Kings", or some people in southern region of South Celebes called people from north highland. Tana Toraja lies about 328 km north of Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi Province, in the central highlands of South Sulawesi. At 300 to 2880 meters above sea level, Tana Toraja combines tropical lushness with alpine freshness. Daily temperature of 16 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees celcius promotes rest and recuperation.

Bright green rice terraces, tall limestone outcrops and bamboo graves are set against a backdrop of blue misty mountains. Traditional Tongkonan houses stand proudly in this setting. These intricately decorated houses with upward-sloping roofs are the center of all Aluktodolo ( Torajan religion before the coming of missionaries; the ancestors belief ) rites; from storing the harvest in the carved rice barns, "alang", to slaughtering sacred water buffaloes at a week or more-funeral ceremonies. Tana Toraja's beauty is also reflected in its people. Although they are devoutly Christian ( there are small number of Moslems especially in the southern area), they combine this religious belief with magic and mysticism. Secure in their ethnic identity, they welcome visitors to witness their ceremonies.

Tana toraja is a sleepy rural region cultivating rice, cacao, coffee, and clove most of the year. Toraja's arabica coffee is known as one of the best in the world. These all change during the dry season,, from June until September, when Children are home from school, the rice is harvested and it's time for a "rambu solo' ", a complex funeral ceremony of the ancestors. During the time, Rantepao is transformed into a major tourist resort for national and international visitors.

Culture
Manganda' dance is performed at Ma'Bua' ritual.
Manganda' dance is performed at Ma'Bua' ritual.
The land of the Toraja people, many notionally Christian but most in practice animist, is above all famed for their spectacular (and rather gruesome) burial rites. After a person's death, the body is kept — often for several years — while money is saved to pay for the actual funeral ceremony, known as tomate. During the festival, which may last up to a week, ritual dances and buffalo fights are held, and buffaloes and pigs are slaughtered to ferry the soul of the deceased to the afterlife (puya). The deceased is then finally buried either in a small cave, often with a tau-tau effigy placed in front, inside a hollow tree or even left exposed to the elements in a bamboo frame hanging from a cliff.

Tana Toraja has unique culture set in stunning scenery. Globalisation and tourism may have impact, but if you venture away from the tarmac roads you will find soon a way of life that has not changed much in the last 100 years

Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:27:00 +0000

Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park

The national park is named after its two mountains, Mount Semeru (the highest in Java at 3,676 metres), Mount Bromo (the most popular) and the Tengger people who inhabit the area.

Mount Semeru also known as Mahameru ("Great Mountain"), is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. What stands out most about this mountain is the fact that it erupts periodically (and very reliably so). Every 20 minutes or so, the volcano belches out a huge cloud of steam and smoke, sometimes interspersed with ash and stones. Climbing Mount Semeru requires some planning and a permit from the national park authority. The mountain is often closed due to its highly active nature.
Mount Bromo (2,329 metres) is easily recognized as the entire top has been blown off and the crater inside constantly belches white sulphurous smoke. It sits inside the massive Tengger caldera (diameter approximately 10 km), surrounded by the Laut Pasir (Sea of Sand) of fine volcanic sand. The overall effect is unsettlingly unearthly, especially when compared to the lush green valleys all around the caldera.
The major access point is Cemoro Lawang (also Cemara Lawang or Cemora Lawang - blame the East Javanese accent!) at the northeastern edge of the caldera, but there are also trails from Tosari (northwest) and Ngadas (southwest). The village of Ngadisari, on the road from Probolinggo about 5.5 km before Cemoro Lawang, marks the entrance to the national park. Both Cemoro Lawang and Ngadisari are rather picturesque, with brightly-painted houses and flower beds outside.

The Tenggerese
The area in and around the park is inhabited by the Tenggerese, one of the few significant Hindu communities left on the island of Java. The local religion is a remnant from the Majapahit era and therefore quite similar to that on Bali but with even more animist elements. The Tenggerese are believed to be descendents of the Majapahit princes and were driven into the hills after mass arrivals in the area of devoutly Muslim Madurese in the 19th century. These Madurese immigrants were labourers working for Dutch coffee plantation owners and the native Hindu people of the region soon found themselves outnumbered and either converted to Islam or fled to the inhospitable high mountain tops where they remain today.

The religion is quite low key though (certainly when compared to Bali) with the most visible manifestation of faith being the rather austere Poten temple in the sea of sand. The Tenggerese number about 600,000 and they reside in 30 villages scattered in and around the park with smaller communities elsewhere in East Java.
For many visitors, the sight of the angular-faced, sunburned, moustachioed Tenggerese wrapped in poncho-like blankets, trotting about on ponies with craggy mountains as the backdrop, more resembles Peru than Indonesia!
Landscape
If a landscape was ever needed to demonstrate the meaning of the phrase desolate beauty, then this is surely it. Rugged, barren volcanic peaks, gravel plains and that sea of sand. Truly unworldly.
The park also includes large areas which are very lush and green fed by rivers from the high tops. The medium elevations are clad with much thinner forest before this gives way to the barren plateau and peaks.
Flora and fauna
In the parts of the park which most interest visitors (the caldera and mountain tops) flora and fauna is limited - a general lack of vegetation. At lower elevations and away from the sea of sand there are though lush green valleys with a typical tropical forest flora. The higher elevations before the tree line ends are largely clad with casuarina (cemara) forest.
Down in the valleys, a few leopard cats are present but rarely seen. Java rusa deer, muntjac, marbled cat and wild pig are amongst the mammals more likely to be glimpsed by casual visitors. This park is not so renowned for birdwatching as others in Java but up on the plateau you often see hawks and eagles soaring over the valleys below.
Climate
Temperatures are refreshingly cool during the day but outright cold at night as temperatures can drop close to zero in the summer and are rarely much above 5°C in winter. Daytime temperatures anywhere in the park never exceed 20°C with low teens being normal.
It can rain at anytime and the mean average rainfall is 6,600 mm. Most of that comes in the wet season though - November to March. During periods of heavy rain in January and February especially, many parts of the park are inaccessible due to flooding. Landslips are also a real issue at these times.

When timing any activities in the area, bear in mind that sunset is soon after 5 PM and sunrise is correspondingly early at around 5:30 AM. This means you will usually need to get up by 3:30 AM or so to get to a watchpoint in time for dawn.

For the keen hiker, this park is a dream come true and you can make your own schedule. There are so many possibilities once you are away from the obvious well known area at Mount Bromo. Maps and information about the area are available at one of the many official locations. A very easy hike to the first viewpoint takes 1 hour.

The park operates jeeps too, for the official prices of 275,000 for 2 locations (usually one of the Pananjakan viewpoints and the parking area towards Mount Bromo), or 450,000 for 4 locations. Be weary of hawkers offering "guided" trips for up to twice as much, as the drivers themselves are locals usually with good knowledge. Feel free to ask drivers at any time to stop for photos or ask questions. Visitors may also bring their own vehicles; alternatively, guides can also be rented on motorbike to guide you around. A jeep can fit up to 6 people.

Posts may also request entrance fees (one post per visit). The official fee is minimal, but they may ask for more (although still well under 10,000 rupiah per person). The attentive visitor might rather walk to the post and ask to see and count the tickets directly. No other fees exist, aside from transportation services.

* Mount Bromo edges tinged with sulphur and always bubbling, is the main sight here and sadly, for some tourists it is the only sight. To reach it on foot, pick the left fork at Cemoro Lawang's solitary crossing, then head down the ramp into the caldera and then across the caldera to the Hindu temple (Poten) at the foot of the mountain. From the temple a steep path of 250 concrete steps leads to the edge of the crater and a precarious meter-wide ledge from where you can gaze into the steaming crater. A "fence" will block vehicles from getting too close to Poten, and hundreds of horses serve the trail for those who prefer not to go up on foot. A round trip will cost Rp. 100,00 from the parking area, or a single trip back will cost Rp 30.000 (these are official prices with vouchers). It's much better to casually walk, though: the walk from the tourist centre to the top of the mountain should take no longer than 90 minutes and is about 3km.

* Mount Semeru can be climbed over two days but it is a venture for serious trekkers only and requires a high level of physical fitness. A permit must obtained in advance and would be climbers should be very aware that the mountain will be off-limits during periods of eruptive activity. This is a very active volcano. If you do decide you are up for this you should be able to find a guide to go at least part of the way with you at the park office in Ranupani. That office is also the best source of information for an assessment of the current state of the mountain and for hooking up with serious climbers from around the world.

* Mount Penanjakan (2,770m), its peak also called Viewpoint #1, located just north of the caldera, is a mountaintop viewpoint accessible by paved road from Tosari and hence popular with jeeps and even tour buses. At the peak lies an antenna array (easily spotted from miles around), many shops, a mosque and several "real" buildings. It's the highest point easily accessible, so many visit here to get a good look around. The most popular sight is the sunrise: most of the crowd comes to see the dawn at 5 AM and you will likely have the large concrete observation post to yourself if you arrive later in the day. A steady hike from Bromo to Batok and then around the rim to Penanjakan will take about three hours and the last ascent of about 500 metres is very stiff indeed but truly worthwhile. Ancient Javanese Hindu texts tell of how Bromo-Penanjakan-Semeru (or Mahameru as it was then) was the spiritual axis of the universe and the point of all creation. The view from Penanjakan will explain why - it is truly breathtaking. This is where most of those iconic picture postcard views are taken from. After you have had your fill of the views, a hike back across the sea of sand to Cemoro Lawang will take about two hours.

* Viewpoint #2, along the trail from Cemoro Lawang to Mount Penanjakan, is an excellent way to get a stunning view of the caldera without the crowds. To reach it, head west from Cemoro Lawang (past the Cemoro Indah hotel) for 6 km, passing Tenngerese farms and fields. The paved road eventually turns into a twisty mountain trail that ends with a flight of stairs on the right, and the viewpoint (with concrete shelter) is at the top. Allow 90 minutes hours for the climb up at a steady pace and bring along a flashlight if attempting this at night. From here, you can continue onto Mount Penanjakan by following the trail upwards, after which the trail merges onto the paved road to the viewpoint (total time about 60 minutes one way). If planning to return the same way, mark the spot where the trail emerges onto the road (if you pass a stone lantern on the way down you have gone too far!), and note that descending on this section can get slippery due to loose sand and rocks. As of September 2008, the direct route from Cemoro Lawang up to Penanjakan and Viewpoint #2 is severely damaged because of landslides. The path is still passable, but it can be tricky to spot the dangerous parts in the dark — each vistor should have their own flashlight.

Bedugul Bali

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 02:28:00 +0000

Bedugul Bali - Picture gallery

Raja Ampat

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 05:03:00 +0000

Raja Ampat (Papua - Irian Jaya) is a place of great potential to serve as a tourist attraction, especially diving tourism. Raja Ampat Islands waters by a variety of sources, is one of the 10 best waters for diving sites around the world. In fact, it may also be recognized as number one for the completeness of underwater flora and fauna at this time.

Dr John Veron, coral expert from the Australian experience, for example, within a site was revealed, the Raja Ampat Islands located in the westernmost tip of the island of Papua, about 50 miles northwest of Sorong, has the best reef areas in Indonesia. Approximately 450 species of corals could be identified during the two weeks of research in the area.

A team of experts from Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, and National Oceanographic Institutions (LON) Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) has been rapid assessment in 2001 and 2002. The result, they note in these waters there are more than 540 species of hard corals (75% of the total species in the world), more than 1000 species of reef fish, 700 species of molluscs, and the highest record for gonodactyloid stomatopod crustaceans. This makes 75% of coral species in Raja Ampat world. No single place, with an area having the same number of these coral species.

There are several areas of coral reefs that are still very good condition with the percentage of live coral cover up to 90%, namely in the Dampier Strait (the strait between P. and P. smalldam Batanta), Kofiau Islands, Islands and South East Misool Wayag Islands. Types of coral reefs in Raja Ampat is generally the contours of the reef edge to the steep slope. But it was also found atoll type and type of burns or taka. In some places like in the village Saondarek, when the lowest tides, can be witnessed stretch of coral reef without diving and with their own adaptations, these reefs can still be alive despite being in the open air and direct sunlight.

Unique species that can be encountered when diving is some kind of Pigmy seahorses or mini kudalaut, wobbegong and manta ray. There are also four endemic fish king, namely Eviota king, that is a kind of fish gobbie. At Manta Point inlying Arborek Dampier straits, you can dive with the Manta Ray was accompanied by several heads of benign like when you dive in Derawan Islands, East Kalimantan. If you dive at Cape Kri or Chicken Reef, you can be surrounded by thousands of fish. Sometimes the collection of tuna, giant trevallies and snappers. But a tense if we are surrounded by a collection of fish, barracuda, although in fact it's relatively harmless (which is dangerous if we see barracuda solitary or alone). Reef sharks are also frequently seen and, if lucky you can also see the turtles were still eating sponge or swim around you. Some places like in Salawati, Batanta and smalldam also seen Dugong or mermaid.

Because the area of many islands and narrow straits, so most of the dives at a particular time has a tight flow. This is possible also to do drift dive to plunge while experiencing a strong current with water so clear, while through the collection of fishes. There are also relics of the plane wreck of World War II, which can be found in several places to make diving a great place to dive as in P. Wreck Wai. And many more reef sites that actually have never touched. This makes diving in Raja Ampat was more challenging.

Borobudur

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 04:45:00 +0000

Borobudur (magelang - Central Java) is the name of a Buddhist temple located at Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java. The location of the temple is approximately 100 km southwest of Semarang and 40 km northwest of Yogyakarta. This temple was founded by the Mahayana Buddhists around the year 800 AD the dynasty during the reign of Syailendra. In ethnic Tionghoa, this temple is also called 婆罗浮屠 (Hanyu Pinyin: po luo fu tu) in Mandarin.

Many theories attempt to explain the name of this temple. One of them states that the name is probably derived from the word Sambharabhudhara, which means "mountain" (bhudara) where the slopes situated terraces. In addition there are some other folk etymology. Suppose that the word comes from the greeting Borobudur "the Buddha" who due to sound shifts to Borobudur. Another explanation is that the name derives from two words "coal" and "beduhur". The word supposedly comes from the embers of the monastery, while there is also another explanation in which the coal originated from Sanskrit which means monastery and temple complex or beduhur meaning is "high", or reminded in Balinese language means "above". So the point is a monastery or hostel located on high ground.

Historians J.G. de Casparis in his dissertation to obtain his doctorate in 1950 argued that Borobudur is a place of worship. Based on the inscriptions and Kahulunan Karangtengah, Casparis estimate the founder of Borobudur was named king of Mataram dynasty Syailendra Samaratungga, which they will build around the year 824 AD The giant new buildings can be completed at the time of her daughter, Queen Pramudawardhani. Borobudur Development estimated a half-century time-consuming. In the inscription Karangtengah also mentioned about the bestowal of land sima (tax-free land) by the CRI Kahulunan (Pramudawardhani) to maintain Kamūlān called Bhūmisambhāra. [A] The term comes from the word Kamūlān themselves first, which means place of origins, sacred building to honor ancestors, probably the ancestor of the dynasty Sailendra. Bhumi Sambhāra Casparis Bhudhāra estimates that in the Sanskrit language which means "Hill of the set of ten levels boddhisattwa virtue," was the original name of Borobudur.

Borobudur Temple berundak punden shaped, consisting of six levels of a square, three-level circular hoop and a main stupa as a peak. Also scattered in all levels-the levels several stupas.

Borobudur is a ten-story clearly illustrates the Mahayana school of philosophy. like a book, Borobudur described ten levels of Bodhisattva which must pass to reach the perfection of the Buddha.

Kamadhatu symbolizes the foot of Borobudur, the world still ruled by a kama, or "low desire". This part is mostly covered by a pile of stone that allegedly made to strengthen construction of the temple. At the closed part of this additional structure there are 120 panels Kammawibhangga story. A small additional structure was set aside so people can still see the relief in this section.

Four floors with wall berelief on it by experts named Rupadhatu. The floor is rectangular. Rupadhatu is a world that has been able to free himself from passion, but still bound by the appearance and shape. This level represents the nature of which, between the bottom and the nature of nature. In part this Rupadhatu Buddha statues there in the recesses of the wall above ballustrade or breezeway.

Starting the fifth to the seventh floor walls are not berelief. This level is called Arupadhatu (which means not form, or intangible). Circular floor plan. It represents a level of natural top, where the man was free from all desires and attachment forms and shapes, but have not yet reached Nirvana. The statues of Buddha placed in the stupa which closed holes as in a cage. From outside the statues were still dim.

The highest level that describes the lack of existence is symbolized in the form of Stupa, the largest and highest. Stupa depicted plain without the holes. Within the biggest stupa of Buddha statue was ever found of an imperfect or unfinished also called Buddha, which disalahsangkakan as Adibuddha statue, but through further research, there never was a statue at the main stupa, statues were not completed was a mistake pemahatnya in the past. according to the belief that one statue in the drafting process was not allowed to be destroyed. Archaeological excavations carried out in the yard to find many statues of this temple like this.

In the past, several statues of Buddha along with the 30 stones with reliefs, two lions, some kala-shaped stone, stairs and gates are sent to the King of Thailand, Chulalongkorn who visited the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) in 1896 as a gift from the government when the Dutch East Indies it.

Borobudur has no worship spaces like other temples. That there are long hallways, which is a narrow street. Walled alleys around the temples level by level. In the halls of this is expected to perform Buddhist ceremonies walk around the temple to the right. Building form, without room and terraced structure is believed to be the development of berundak punden form, which is a form of original architecture from the prehistoric Indonesian.

Borobudur structure when viewed from above form the structure of the Mandala.

Borobudur structure does not use cement at all, but the interlock system is like Lego blocks that can be attached without glue.

Karimun National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 04:23:00 +0000

Karimun National Park (Jepara) is a cluster of islands totaling 22 island located in the Java Sea, have an area 111 625 ha. Karimun National Park designated as a Marine Nature Reserve through SK Menhut No.123/Kpts-II/1986 later in the year 1999 through Decree Menhutbun No.78/Kpts-II/1999 karimunjawa Nature Reserve and surrounding waters covering 111 625 ha converted to National Parks National Parks karimunjawa name. Year 2001 part karimunjawa TN area designated as an area of 110,117.30 hectares Natural Conservation Area Aquatic with No.74/Kpts-II/2001 Forestry Decree.

Outstanding problems in managing this area is the protection of marine ecosystems. This is because karimunjawa region is one of three centers that rely on fishing in Central Java, and the fact that most of the population of more than 8800 inhabitants are fishermen who rely on fisheries resources. Therefore, a mainstay of fisheries resources in developing the economy of this region. Problems arise because in memanfaatankan fishery resources that tend to excessive (over fishing), mainly on small pelagic fish species, destructive fishing asaha coral reef ecosystem that is by the use apotas / cyanide or nets that damage coral reefs

Currently managed by the National Park Balai Karimun Karimun National Park with the main task of implementing ecosystem management Karimunjawa National Park area in order to conserve the Natural Resources and Ecosystem under the applicable legislation. In management there are many challenges to integrating conservation and economic development that require support from all parties.

The crater

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 04:14:00 +0000

The crater (West Java) is located on Mount Patuha white, there is a mountain in West Java. This mountain altitude is 2386 meters. The crater of Mount Patuha is used as an attractive tourist object with a crater of White.

After parking the vehicle, we had to descend the stairs in order to be closer to the crater of this mountain. Our hearts will immediately chuckled amazed to see the whole of this place from the steps above. In these places, we can indeed be closely located in the crater we could even touch the water.

When we go down, incredible sights we'll see in the crater. White soil which consists of sulfur is the reason why the crater is called the White Crater. It's unique to see the white land this. Uneven ground surface that also resemble mounds of soil. Crater are colored green water is also attracting attention. Around her, there are some already dry mountains but there is also the still green trees.

We can be a bit up the surrounding mountains. In this mountain we will find dry trees and many branches of the trees that fell with small stones. We can also see the crater from above.

Sufficiently large craters here. Water color can vary depending on the sunlight. The smoke of sulfur water that sometimes arise blocking our view. The water also caused the smell of sulfur. When the wind is blowing, the smell of sulfur can pierce our noses and make us cough. So, there are several points on the crater fitted with a warning not to get too close to avoid the toxic fumes of sulfur.

This crater is going to give us a different experience. We like being in the snow because the ground is white. Large craters and bluish-green water that makes us as if were on the beach. The trees are mostly only the stems are dry and participate in creating a different atmosphere. Here too there are big stones are beautiful. The beauty is what makes this place became a favorite place for prospective brides to make photo prewedding.

Ampera bridge

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 04:01:00 +0000

Ampera bridge (Palembang) is a bridge in the city of Palembang, South Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Ampera bridge, which had become something of a symbol of the city, is located in the middle of the city of Palembang, linking regions and Seberang Ulu Seberang Ilir separated by the River Musi.

Ideas to unify the two land in Palembang "Seberang Seberang Ulu and Ilir" with the bridge, actually being there since the time a town of Palembang, in 1906. We held the office of Mayor of Palembang Le Cocq de Ville, 1924, the idea of sticking it back and made many attempts to realize them. However, until Le Cocq tenure ended, even when leaving the Indonesian Netherlands, the project has never been realized. At the time of independence, the idea of sticking it back. Big City Transitional Legislative Palembang again proposing the construction of the bridge at the time, called the Musi Bridge with na-ma refer the dilintasinya Musi River on the plenary session held on October 29, 1956. This proposal actually tergo-long desperate because the existing budget in Palembang city that will be used as an initial capital of only about USD 30000.00. In 1957, the building committee was formed, consisting of Lord of War Command Military Region IV / Sriwijaya, Harun Sohar, and the Governor of South Sumatra, HA Bastari. Running mate, Mayor of Kilkenny, M. Ali Amin, and Indra believe. This team approach to the Bung Karno to support the plan. Businesses that do Provincial Government and the city of Palembang in South Sumatra, which is fully supported by the Territorial IV / Sriwijaya was later to fruition. Bung Karno was then approved the proposed development. Because the bridge is planned to be built with each of the seven legs in the region and 16 Ilir Ulu, which means his position in the city center, Bung Karno and then submit the query. Namely, the placement boulevard or park open at both ends of the bridge. Perform the appointment of executive development firm, with the signing of the contract on December 14, 1961, at a cost of USD 4.5 million (exchange rate at that time, EUR 1 = USD 200.00).

Bridge construction was started on September 16, 1960, after getting approval from President Sukarno. Construction costs were taken from Japan's war reparation funds. Not only the cost, even this bridge using experts from those countries.

At first, this bridge, called the Bridge of Bung Karno. According to historian Djohan Hanafiah, naming it as a form of appreciation to the first President. Bung Karno seriously fight for the desire of Palembang residents, to have a bridge over the River Musi.

Bridge dedication was made in 1965, and also reinforced the Bung Karno name as the name of the bridge. At that time, this bridge is the longest bridge in Southeast Asia. [3] After the political upheaval in 1966, when the movement is very strong anti-Sukarno, the name was changed to bridge the bridge shall (Suffering People's Mandate). Waiting for the New Face of bridge shall

Around the year 2002, there were discourses to return the name of Bung Karno, as the name of this bridge shall. But this proposal did not get the support of the government and some communities.

Wakatobi National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:09:00 +0000

Wakatobi National Park (southeast sulawesi ) has a total area of approximately 1:39 million ha have the potential of marine resources with high value, both the type and uniqueness, providing an amazing underwater panorama. In general, the waters have started from a flat configuration, sloping toward the sea, and bertubir steep. Varying water depths up to 1044 yards with largely sandy bottom and rocky. The park is comprised of four major islands, namely: Perfume-scented, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko in Wakatobi in Southeast Sulawesi. In 1994, a few people who joined the team conducted a survey in the Wakatobi IPB. From the survey they were doing was revealed, that there Wakatobi diverse natural wealth under the sea, such as coral reefs and various marine animals. Because of the natural wealth under the sea, the area below the ocean presents a panorama so charming and very nice as a place to dive. After carefully studying the findings of a team of IPB, the Minister of Forestry in 1996 issued a decree that sets No.393/Kpts-V/1996 Wakatobi as national parks.

In this park there is a panorama of natural beauty under the sea which has 25 fruit clusters of coral reefs. Clusters of coral reefs can be found about 112 species from 13 families located on 25 points along the 600 km coastline. The rock types are:

- Acropora formosa, - Hyacinthus, - Psammocora profundasafla, - Pavona cactus, - Leptoseris yabei, - Fungia molucensis, - Lobophyllia robusta, - Merulina ampliata, - Platygyra versifora, - Euphyllia glabrescens, - Tubastraea frondes, - Stylophora pistillata - Sarcophyton throchelliophorum , and - Sinularia spp.

For tourists who love the natural beauty of the underwater can perform some activities at the Wakatobi National Park, such as: diving, snorkeling and swimming to see a group of beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish dancing and also witness various cultural communities.

Ubud

noreply@blogger.com (Santi Utami) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 22:07:00 +0000

Ubud (Bali) is a resting place in the district of Gianyar, Bali island, Indonesia.

Ubud especially popular among foreign tourists because of its location is located between the fields and forests located between the cliff-cliff of the mountain that makes nature so beautiful. In addition Ubud is known for arts and culture that develops very rapidly and move forward. Ubud pulse of community life can not be separated from the arts. Here there are also many art galleries, and arenas of music and dance performances are held alternately every night in all corners of the village.

Already since the 1930s, Ubud popular among western tourists. At that time the German painter, Walter Spies and Dutch painter, Rudolf Bonnet settled there. They are assisted by Cokorda Gede Agung Sukawati, the Puri Agung Ubud. Now they work can be seen at the Museum of the museum, Ubud.

Ubud has a very diverse area of tourism, from tourist to tourist wana spread in Ubud area, include the following:

Museum Rudana and Rudana Fine Art Gallery
Museum Rudana an art museum located in Ubud, Bali, founded by Nyoman Rudana, a collector of paintings which also sits as a member of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD), representing the province of Bali in 2009 and 2004 period was inaugurated by President Soeharto on December 26, 1995. The museum holds more than 400 paintings and sculpture works by artists, both from Bali, Indonesia outside Bali, artists and foreign artists that make Bali as a place to work. Being in a complex, stand Rudana Fine Art Gallery, founded in 1978 and was the forerunner to the establishment of the Museum Rudana.

Museum Puri Paintings
Is a first art museum, which is managed by the private sector, in Bali. Initiated by Cokorda Gede Agung Sukawati, Gusti Nyoman Lempad well as foreign artists who settled in Ubud, Rudolf Bonnet. Standing on January 31st, 1956 under the auspices of the Foundation Ratna Warta and officially opened by the Minister of Education and Culture, Muhammad Yamin.

In this museum you can enjoy the development of art in Ubud, either painting or sculpture. Some works of foreign artists who work in Ubud such as: Rudolf Bonnet, Walter Spies, Arie Smit and the local maestros like I Gusti Nyoman Lempad, I Gusti Made Deblog, Ida Bagus Made and others. This also includes works of art at the time of the Pita Maha.

Puri Agung Ubud
Puri Agung Ubud is located right in the heart of Ubud. Ubud Kingdom central government in the past, as well as a center of arts and culture and customs, which was held in right in front of the castle. Ubud still have the layout and buildings are maintained as the original. On the front page, after the gate, there is an area called the shelf Saji. Here are held once a week performing arts of dance, for tourists. And every day, carried out the exercise of gamelan music from various arts groups existing in Ubud. All the more arts activities thicken the atmosphere of Ubud as a village-minded arts.

Vanara Wana
Wana Monkey Forest Vanara or (better known as the Monkey Forest) is contained in the forest area of Ubud, precisely into the traditional rural areas Padangtegal. In this forest there is a flock of hundreds of monkeys, who have inhabited this region for hundreds of years. In this area there are also Padangtegal Pura Dalem, which was founded in the early 20th century. MPura has the architecture as well as a very old-fashioned ornaments and artistically.

Rafting
In the western area of Ubud, there Tukad (Kali) Ayung. In this river many tourist activities, among which is the white water rafting and kayaking. There are several tourist services that offer this service. In addition to tourist, along the cliffs Tukad Ayung also has an enchanting natural scenery, and there are dozens of hotels.