INDONESIA TOURISM WISATA DI INDONESIA BEAUTIFULLY

contact us

2008-11-05T10:47:00.000-08:00

E-MAIL :
el_azmiey@yahoo.com
el_azmiy@yahoo.co.id

Or Visit Our Website:
www.indojaya.blogspot.com

2008-10-04T03:43:00.000-07:00

Jembatan Buatan Pakiah Sokan

Jembatan Aka

Jambatan Aka ( Jembatan Akar, red) di Pesisir Selatan kemasyurannya sudah lama tersiar ke mana-mana. Jembatan yang terletak di Kampung Pulut-pulut Kecamatan Bayang Utara Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan ini sangat unik. Jembatan ini terbentuk dari jalinan akar pohon beringin yang telah hidup 90-an tahun lalu, sehingga disebut jembatan akae. Di samping dapat menyeberangi sungai, berjalan di Jembatan Akar ini sangat menarik. Dari atas jembatan, kita dapat memandang aktivitas masyarakat di sekitar Batang Bayang (Sungai Bayang) dengan segala tingkah polahnya. Semilir angin yang berhembus lirih berasal dari dedaunan pohon beringin yang berayun berirama. Jika telah menginjakkan kaki di jembatan ini, rasanya enggan untuk beranjak turun.

Untuk menjangkau objek wisata tersebut, kita dari Kota Padang harus menempuh perjalanan sepanjang ±65 Km atau 24 Km dari Kota Painan. Jembatan ini memiliki panjang sekitar 30 meter, lebar lantai satu meter, dan tinggi dinding pengaman kurang lebih satu meter. Ketinggiannya dari dasar sungai sekitar enam meter. Menurut masyarakat setempat, Jembatan Akar itu awalnya dirancang Pakiah Sokan yang kerap dipanggil Angku Ketek bersama masyarakat Desa Pulut-pulut. Pakiah Sokan, seorang yang berilmu tinggi dan sering memberikan pengajian. Terbit ide untuk membuat Jembatan Akar, setelah titian bambu yang biasa digunakan masyarakat sering hancur dan diseret air bah ketika Sungai Batang Bayang meluap.

Pohon beringin itu, konon katanya juga ditanam oleh Pakiah Sokan. Selain pohon beringin, ia juga menanam pohon asam kumbang, tak jauh dari titian bambu. Perguliran waktu tak terasa, pohon itu terus kembang da tumbuh. Akar-akarnya tak mencapai tanah, lantaran dihalangi bebatuan Batang Bayang. Akar-akar itu bergelantungan, dan Pakiah Sokan beserta masyarakat dengan tekun memasukkan dan melilitkan akar tadi ke dalam titian bambu. Tahun demi tahun akar-akar kedua pohon itu terus tumbuh dan berkembang, menjadi panjang, besar, dan lebat, sehingga lilitan akar tadi telah menjelma menjadi jembatan yang kokoh.

Untuk membuat akar tidak putus, karena terus diinjak, masyarakat memasang tali penyangga yang terbuat dari baja. Lantaran telah dijadikan objek wisata, pemerintah setempat bermaksud membangun jembatan gantung untuk digunakan masyarakat membawa hasil bumi. Saat ini di Jembatan akar tersebut telah disediakan berbagai fasilitas di antaranya, mushala, toilet, tempat parkir dan pelindung. Direncanakan juga akan membangun fasilitas lainnya.(mahardikawati)

2008-08-29T05:49:00.000-07:00

Anai Golf & Mountain Resort

Its flora & fauna has been retained as "natural heritage" to allow golfers while playing to enjoy the exotic sound of birds, crickets or the music created by the leaves and breeze or watching the playful 'Simpai', a veryrare species of monkey that can only be found in West Sumatera (500 M above sea level).

Facilities:

Club House
Locker
Shower
Pro-Shop
Restaurant
Golf Club for hire
Cart for hire
Swimming Pool

Golf Course Info:

Member of: APLGI
Year Built: 1996
Designer: Thomson Wolveridge & Perret

Total holes: 18
Total Pars: 73
Total Distance: 6270 Y
Type Course: Public

Owner: PT. Andalas Anai Permai Int'l

Address:

Desa Kandang Ampek Nagarai Guguk,
Lembah Anai, Padang Pariaman, Padang
Phone: [62-751] 684486
Fax: [62-751] 684230
Email: anairesort@yahoo.com

2008-08-29T05:47:00.000-07:00

Golfing in Nirwana Bali Golf Club

The award winning Greg Norman-designed Nirwana Bali Golf Course at the resort is a haven for golfers from around the world. Voted "Best Golf Course in Asia", "Best Golf Course in Indonesia" and "Best Golf Resort in Asia" in the Asian Golf Monthly Annual Awards.

The resort is luxurious, the golf course is stunning and challenging, and all is set amid a spectacular setting backed by volcanoes, peppered with rice terraces, coconut groves, lush tropical vegetation and Indian Ocean Cliff tops.

Facilities:

Club House
Locker
Shower
Pro Shop
Halfway House,
Driving Range,
Club & Shoe Rental
Cart for hire
Billiard
Golfer's Terrace Restaurant,
Tennis Court

Golf Course Info:

Member of: PGI
Year Built: 1997
Designer: Greg Norman
Total Holes: 18
Total Pars: 72
Total Distance: 6,775 Y

Address:

Nirwana Bali Golf Club
Address: Jl Raya Tanah Lot Kediri Tabanan, 82171

Bali, Indonesia
Phone: +62 361 815 960
Fax: +62 361 815 961-2
E-mail: reservation@nirwanabaligolf.com
URL: www.nirwanabaligolf.com

2008-08-29T05:46:00.001-07:00

Damai Indah Golf & Country Golf

As a Jack Nicklaus' maiden project in Indonesia, he ensured this remarkable 6.545 meter, par 72 course incorporated many of his personal favorite features for some of the world's top courses

The Damai Indah Course is indisputably one of the best world has to offer, wide stadium fairways lush tropical landscaping, green rolling hills, and challenges for golfers of virtually every ability.

Facilities:

locker rooms
pro-shop
restaurant
sauna
whirpool
private function rooms
practice driving range
chipping
putting greens and practice bunker
night golf (3 holes)
olympic size swimming pool

Driving Range
children's pool waterslides
changing rooms
snack bar
outdoor tennis

Golf Course Info

Year built: 1989
Designer: Jack Nicklaus
Course Rating by PGI*:
Black 74.2/Blue 72.1/White 70.4/White Ladies 76.5/Red 73.4
Total Holes: 18
Total Pars: 72
Total Distance: 6.545 meters
Type Course:Private
Owner: PT. Damai Indah Golf Tbk.

Address:

Jl. Bukit Golf I BSD Sektor VI, Tangerang 15310
Phone: [62-21] 5370290
Fax: [62-21] 5370288
Email: club@damaiindah-golf.com
Website: www.damaiindah-golf.com

2008-08-29T05:45:00.001-07:00

Gading Raya Golf

Take a spacious, gently undulating add a backdrop of spectacular Indonesian clubhouse architecture and landscaping mix into the contour hundreds of tropical colorful shrubs and thousands of palm trees. Stir in an exclusive ambience and Asia's leading operator of private, exclusive clubs and you have the recipe for Gading Raya.

Gading Raya is an oasis of scenic, private parkland which complement perfectly the stunningly created features of the golf course whose ample tees, for giving fairways, shimmering lakes, subtle bunkers and manicured greens are the hallmark of Gading Raya .

Gading Raya is not just another golf club but it is a golf club which really shows the local view and culture of Indonesia. The club features 18 holes of golf in parkland setting and is described as a Golfer Friendly Course. Gading Raya is a private golf club which occupies 70 hectares of land in Tangerang. Designed by Graham Marsh is friendly to golfers of all skill levels. Gading Raya offers a medium level of difficulty. During windy days this course becomes even more challenging.

Facilities:

club house
locker
shower
pro-shop
restaurant
coffee shop
golf club for hire
trolley for hire
cart for hire
sauna
jacuzzi
driving range
swimming pool
tennis court

Golf Course Info:

Member of: APLGI
Year Built: 1996
Designer: Graham Marsh

Course Rating by PGI*
Black 74.3/Blue 72.1/White 69.9/Red 73.7
Total Holes: 18

Total Pars: 72
Total Distance: 5476 Y
Type Course: Semi Member

Owner: PT. Jakartabaru Cosmopolitan

Address:

Jl. Boulevard Gading
Golf Gading Serpong, Tangerang
Phone: [62-21] 5467668
Fax: [62-21] 5467666
Email: marketing@gadingraya.com
Website: www.gadingraya.com

2008-08-29T05:43:00.000-07:00

Matoa National Golf

Matoa is the realization of a long-held dream. The concept of golf situated in complete harmony with its natural environment has been developed and refined over many years by a team of golfing enthusiasts, naturalist and design expert.

The 18 holes course is designed to the highest championship standards, representing the best of traditional golf design and the natural splendor of the tropics. Located in the quite and secluded area of Ciganjur, South Jakarta will give you the fresh natural air, without the long drive.

Facilities:

swimming pool

Restaurant
driving range
sauna
golf club for hire
restaurant
pro-shop
club house

Golf Course Info:

Year Built:1995
Designer: Mr. Ir. Budi Santoso

Course Rating by PGI*
Black 73.5/Blue 70.9/White 69.7/Red 72.8
Total Holes: 18
Total par: 72
Total Distance: 5694 Y
Type Course: Semi Private

Owner: Yayasan Adi Upaya TNI-AU

Address:

Jl. Moch. Kahfi I Km. 7, Jakarta
Phone: [62-21] 7870864/7870866
Fax: [62-21] 7270422
Email: marketing@matonasional.net
Website: www.matonasional.net=]

2008-08-29T05:42:00.000-07:00

Karang Joang Balikapapan Resort Golf & Country Club

The Karang Joang Resort & Golf Course is set in 150 hectares area, surrounded by the tropical rainforest.

Located in the suburb of Balikpapan, the Karang Joang Golf Course & Country Club Resort can be reached with only 20 minutes drive from the International Airport Balikpapan, Sepinggan or 15 minutes from the City Center of Balikpapan and Gran Senyiur Hotel.

Facilities:

16 deluxe connecting rooms
lobby lounge
coffee shop
restaurant
room service
club house hall
barbeque terrace
swimming pool & cafe
meeting room
driving range
golf club for hire
locker
pro-shop

Golf Course Info:

Year Built: 1997
Designer: Mr. Tini Li

Total Holes: 18
Total Pars: 72
Total Distance: 5480 M
Type Course: Long Par

Owner: Mr. H.M Jos Soetomo

Address:

Phone: [62-542] 733142
Fax: [62-542] 733141
Email: kjr@senyiurhotels.com
Website: www.senyiurhotels.com

2008-08-29T05:40:00.000-07:00

Permata Krakatau Golf Course

Permata Krakatau Golf Course is one of the most oldest golf course in indonesia, builded in year 1972. with natural countour and natural fairway grass.

Facilities:

locker
shower
pro-shop
restaurant
coffee shop
golf club for hire
shoes for hire
trolley for hire
driving range
swimming pool
tennis court
club house

Golf Course info:

Member of: PGI; APLGI
Year Built: 1975

Total Holes: 18
Total Pars: 72
Total Distance: 5549 Y
Type Course: Public

Owner: PT. Krakatau Steel

Address:

Jl. KH. Yasin Beiji No. 6, Cilegon
Phone: [62-254] 372-031
Fax : [62-254] 385-319
URL : http://www.permatakrakatauhotel.com/
Email: info@permatakrakatauhotel.com

2008-08-29T05:39:00.000-07:00

The Komodo Islands: Diving & Visit the Dragon

The islands of the Komodo Dragon: Rinca & Komodo Islands are part of the complex of 175 islands (about 90% unhabitant), situated 200 nautical miles east of Bali, between the islands of Flores and Sumbawa. Both above and below the sea Komodo represents a unique range of geological and biological diversity. On shore it is an amazing museum diorama of the Mesozoic era dry tundra and reptilian supremacy. Komodo's symbol of international fame its dragons, the world's largest living lizard.

In the sea it's vibrant color and exotic life will enchant divers and snorkelers alike as endless schools of fish ride the waterways rushing up from deep sea vents, below them the seabed is covered with a thick carpet of florescent corals and marine invertebrates, an underwater photographers paradise.

The waters that surround the island are turbulent and teeming with unparalled marine life. A marine reserve has recently been established and this reserve is largely undocumented and remains unexplored. Komodo National Park was established in 1980. It was declared as a Man and Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site in 1986. KNP includes three major islands - Komodo, Rinca and Padar and numerous smaller islands together totaling 41,000 ha of land contains 132,000 ha of marine waters.

The corals in Komodo National park are pristine, with Mantas, sharks, turtles, dolphins, dugong, many pelagics, to the tiny pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, frog fish, you name it we've got it. The sites vary from gentle easy coral slopes to heart pounding adrenalin rides, from the warm waters of the Flores Sea in the north to the chillier waters down south in the Indian Ocean, the underwater terrain is so varied with sheer cliff walls, pinnacles, sandy flat bottoms, underwater plateaus, slopes, caves, swim-throughs, channels, all with varying colours, sizes and types of coral both hard and soft.

DIVE SITES:

Bidadari Island

Angel Steps, huge towers of stone, encrusted with hard and soft corals, covered in nudibranchs, small caves and overhangs make this a very interesting and beautiful site, Dusky sharks, humphead parrot fish are among the bigger creatures we see here. Cathedral Coral, a gentle slope covered with table corals of every colour and schooling fish, a towering spire of coral with a small cave at it's base is the home to some huge lobsters.

Sabolon

Sabolon kecil a slope on the east side of this tiny island, with two underwater mounds at the southern end with fields of garden eels and sea pens, schools of round bat fish are often seen coming quite close for some nice photography.
Sabolon Besar steep slopes off the southern and western sides of the bigger island, fabulous coral coverage and a good chance of spotting Scorpion leaf fish.
Sebayur kecil walls and slopes of every kind of coral you can imagine, wide variety of marine life to be seen at this site, mantas often seen.
Tatawa Besar slope with soft coral garden changing to hard coral along the slope, lots of shoaling fish, rainbow runners, fuseliers and often turtles and black tip sharks.
Tatawa Kecil (current city) as the name implies, this site is washed by very strong currents, which is why this site is among the many world class sites in the Komodo National Park, schools of pelagic fish patrol the waters, best dived at slack tide.

Batu Bolong
A little further west from current city a small rock outcrop with a hole through it is the surface mark of another world class site, only to be dived at slack tide or with a current not long from stopping or starting to run, these giant slabs of rock which disappear into the depths are an amazing sight to see, covered with every form of marine life and patrolled by giant trevally, Napoleon Wrasse, sharks and turtles with schools of barracuda sweeping in to check out the divers.

Diving the Komodo National Park provides some fantastic conditions:

WATER TEMPERATURE: 20 - 28 Degrees Celsius (68-85 F) , cooler water is experienced on the southern sites. Full 3mm wetsuit & hood is recommended. More active people will prefer a sports suit in northern sites.
VISIBILITY: 10 - 50M year round. Traditionally clearer water on northern sites.CURRENT: Komodo experiences a strong tidal flow. Not all sites are affected by current. Drift diving is excellent, however during spring tides some sites are impossible to dive. Particular attention is placed on diving the correct sites at the most suitable time to ensure optimum conditions, in accordance with the preferences of the group.
NIGHT DIVING: The night diving in Komodo is breathtaking. The sheer beauty, color and diversity of life makes it a must see for all divers.
WALLS: There are numerous walls to choose from. Both drift and static wall dives are offered.
CANYONS: Huge chasms drop thousands of meters, fringed by extraordinary coral gardens.
CRITTERS: Found in all locations, however we do offer special sites for encountering unusual marine species.
OTHERS: Seamounts, fringing reefs, gutters, muck, and sandy locations are also found in the archipelago.

Getting There
By daily flights from: Bali - Labuan Bajo/Komodo Airport - Bali (each 1.5 hours)

Where To Stay
You can contact the above tour operators for more information. You can also plan to stay in Bali, and spend a whole day for visiting Komodo Island.

Moving Around
On foot. If you join a tour, the tour will see to everything? including the transportation.

Dining Guide
Traditional restaurants and small cafes.

Souvenir Tips
Wooden carving resembling komodo and other animals.

Other Things to See or Do

Fishing
Snorkeling in Komodo has one of the world's most famous snorkel sites (Pink Beach)
Dragon walks
Nature walks
Hiking
Beach-combing.

Travel Tips

Guide Book : Diving Indonesia (a guide to the world's greatest diving), Periplus Action Guide, Kal Muller.
More Information about Diving in Komodo Islands you can contact: Adventure Indonesia, Jakarta Office-Wisma 31 Kemang, 3rd Floor, Jl Raya Kemang 31, Jakarta 12730. Phone: 62-21-7182250, 7182256, Fax: 62-21-7180438. www.adventureindonesia.com,email:info@adventureindonesia.com, bali@adventureindonesia.com

2008-08-29T05:38:00.000-07:00

Surfing at Cimaja Beach, Palabuhanratu-West Java

The Palabuhanratu area, a favorite weekend surfing destination for expatriates and a growing number of Indonesian surfers based in Jakarta, is the most crowded of West Java's surfing grounds due to sheer ease of accessibility. Most of the surf pounded beaches in the Palabuhanratu resort area-also called Samudra Beach are just that: pure beach

Photo: www.freelinesurf.com

pound, featuring vicious riptides and big walls of water with nowhere to go. Most surfers skip this non-directional stuff and head a few kilometers due west to the sleepy fishing and rice-growing village known as Cimaja, or Cimaja Beach.

The Cimaja break, a right that rises off a rocky reef, is reached by walking about 300 meters from the main road through beachfront sawah (rice paddies). This spot is consistently surf able because it has a solid and angular rock bottom perfectly attuned to south and southwest swells rising out of the Indian Ocean. Its rights peel off in front of a cobble-stone and boulder strewn beach that clatters like a series of giant castanets every time a wave set rolls in.

Here down below are some information for surfing at Cimaja.

Spot information for surfing at Cimaja (globalsurfer.com):

Type of break: pointbreak
Type of wave: occasionally barreling wave
Direction: right hand
Bottom: rock
Average lenght of ride: 100-200 meter lenght
Suitable for: intermediate level

Detailed information:

Photo: www.freelinesurf.com
Crowd level: normal crowd
Best tide: mid
Ideal board size: 6'2-6'4 Thruster
Ideal wind direction: east

Wavesize & wetsuit:
Spring - Summer - Autumn - Winter
Good: 4' - 6' - Overhead: 6'- 8' - Ok : 2'- 4' - Ok : 2'- 4'
Boardshorts - Boardshorts - Boardshorts - Boardshorts

Getting There

Cimaja village and its surrounds are easily reached from Jakarta in about two and a half hours by car, just taking the highway south to Bogor, then towards Sukabumi and Palabuhanratu . Once in Cimaja fishing village, it's a hike through the rice paddies, and a cautious hop across the cobblestone beach.

Where to Stay

After turning left at the intersection onto Jl Siliwangi to go into town, there are some inexpensive losmen on the right-hand side, such as Laut Kidul and Karang Naya. Most hotels in Palabuhanratu charge more on the weekends and holidays.

Moving Around

Heading west for a few hundred yards, across the river, you can check out the lefts at Karang Papak, which can be working when Cimaja is a mess. Generally the temptation doesn't pay off however.

Dining Guide

Restaurants are abundant down here and the seafood is very decent. Any hawkers in Palabuhanratu , as nearby the beach, don't forget try fish balls

Other Things to See or Do

Taking a rest with sunset and enjoy the breath-taking views of the bay.
Learn how to surf.
Visit Nyai Roro Kiduls room at Samudra Beach Hotel, Room 308.
Wanna go for a beauty outing? About 9 km. West of Palabuhanratu theres a hotsprings and volcanic area called Cipanas (Hot River).

Souvenir Tips

In any shop of a star-qualified hotel you may find some of your preference like sea-related products, such as items made of seashells, corals, t-shirts, etc. There are also street vendors selling this souvenir too along the sea shores.

Travel Tips

For swimmers, beware of strong currents all along this stretch of coastline.
Always be wary of tide conditions and how they affect the lineup. There's a large and exposed rock that is both conveniently and precariously located in front of the take-off point.

Photo: www.freelinesurf.com
Like much of Java's rugged south coast this is prime sea urchin and rock-dance country at low tides. Beach rocks here are also very smoothing, slippery and (unfortunately) sometimes covered by sharp, skin-tearing barnacles. Proceed out and back in with caution to avoid being chopped up in the shore pound.
There is no rail or air service to Palabuhanratu, so if you are budget conscious and cant afford private car services your safari will have to opt for travel on buses or minibuses that regularly commute from Jakarta to Palabuhanratu via either Bogor or Sukabumi.
If youre a beginner, theres a surfing lessons at Cimaja. They would be happy to teach you with experienced surfers in the water to keep you out of harm's way. Ask the staff at your lodging for more details.
There are some surf shops & board repairing facilities in the Cimaja area, but these are limited. You will get leg ropes & wax, but not "fin keys" or "ding repair kits", sunscreens are all imported, so most shops can not now afford to carry them, so bring sufficient for you holiday.
Dont forget to bring a small first aid kit.
The on shore wind normally starts about 11 am. & drops of most afternoons 4 p.m. So both morning & afternoon surfing sessions are possible.
The dry season is the main surfing season & is approximately from April through to October while the wet season is from November through to March, while the surf is less reliable, there are still waves to be had.
The colour of "green" is said to be the very colour of the Javanese Spirit-queen. To the traditional and local custom this colour is forbidden to wear.

2008-08-29T05:35:00.002-07:00

Grajagan (G-Land) not just as a perfect wave, but as a perfect adventure.

....G-Land. G-Spot. Gee-Whiz Land!..a world famous wave that is definitely not overrated.. an awesome, overpowering arena..and, until exploitated, it will remain a prime destination of the surfing world, a place where surfers can come to live out a lo

Photo " G-Land Surf Camp"

ng awaited fantasy....

- Recent comments by various surf media about G-Land, or Grajagan, a now legendary surf spot on the southeastern coast of Java. (Indonesia Surfing-Periplus Action Guide)

Exotic surf travel almost never has the kind of grace and logic that it does in magazines and movies. Beautiful, uncharted waves are out there, but its a long, tedious, sometimes dangerous job finding them. Only a few surfers ever sail out into the great unknown. This is why many people today think of Grajagan (G-Land), in southeast Java, not just as a perfect wave, but as a perfect adventure.

More than a name or a place, G-land is a haven. So close but yet so far from Bali, G-land is a magnet for swell and is definitely not overrated. The set up in G-land is simple, the relaxed atmosphere and pumping waves make for an experience like no other surf trip. Starting with the fact that its located at

Photo " G-Land Surf Camp"

the edge of a jungle filled with birds, reptiles, insects and other creatures not found on the beaches of Sydney or Los Angeles.

G-Land is a long fast wave typical of most Indonesian waves, suggested surf board length at 68 " 72 Gun " unless you surf like a top 44 contender, so bring a couple of Guns and your hot-dogger for the small days or down at 20/20s. You should bring at least 2 boards, Indonesian waves are powerful and its possible to break boards, so be prepared and bring at least two boards.

2008-08-29T05:35:00.001-07:00

Mt. Rinjani, Where the Community Manage the Treks

Other peaks nearby are Mt. Baru, Mt Sangkareang, Mt. Buang, Mt Kondo and Mt Manuk. These mountains separated to each others by wide valleys and deep gullies with steep rock slopes. There is a lake called Segara Anak (2,008 m) on the valley Wes of Mt. Rinjani. The water smells of sulfur with temperature varies from place to place, from cold to warm and hot. An active volcano (Mt. Baru) is growing in the lake.

Gunung Rinjani National Park lies within a major bio-geographical transition zone (Wallcaeae), where the flora and fauna of South East Asia meets that of Australasia. The National Park, one of over 40 throughout Indonesia, was established in 1997. For the people of Lombok, Sasak and Balinese alike, Mt. Rinjani is revered as a sacred place and abode of deities. The crater lake is a pilgrimage destination for tens of thousand each year. Pilgrims place offering in the water and bathe away ailments in the hot springs.

For visitors, the three-day Rinjani trek route from Senaru to the crater rim, down to the Crater Lake then on to Sembalun Lawang, is considered one of the best treks in South East Asia. Trekkers that are more adventurous aim for the summit, it best reached from Sembalun Lawang returning after four days to Senaru. To assist with conservation and ensure that communities on the boundary of the National Park benefit from tourism revenues, the Rinjani Trek is managed by a partnership of National Park officials, the public and private sectors of the Lombok tourism industry and community representatives. Community run cooperatives coordinate the Trek at the Rinjani Trek Center (RTC) in Senaru and the Rinjani Information Center (RIC) in Sembalun Lawang. Each has roster system for guides and porters, village tour activities and handicraft sales.

Revenue from tourism activities and entry fees is used for conservation, raining, management and assisting the National Park with maintenance of the Rinjani Trek, thus ensuring sustainability. Overseeing and supporting these activities is the Rinjani Trek Management Board, combining the authority of the central government (National Park) and local government (tourism office), with the voices of Lombok tourisms private sector, and the boundary communities. This institutional model is unique in Indonesia and considered an example for practical implementation of the ideals of ecotourism.

Getting There

The Rinjani Trek Center can manage the transport to Senaru or Sembalun Lawang. These two village can be reached by private and charter vehicle, or by public bus. From the west, catch a bemo to Anyar, from where bemos travel to Senaru about every 20 minutes until 4 pm. If you are coming from, or going to, eastern Lombok, get off at the junction near Bayan (your driver will know it), from where bemos go to Senaru. To Sembalun Lawang and Sembalun Bumbun, from Kali Putih to the north, a few bemos run along the rough road to both villages, usually only in the morning.

Where to Stay

You can spend a night at the cheap hotels around Sembalun and Senaru area with varied price and facilities. It's also possible to stay in private houses.

Dining Guide

Before start trekking, hiking or climbing, be sure that you already eat, or you can bring some food and drink from your places of stay.

Moving Around

If you want to go to the top, it might be better to go directly to Sembalun Lawang and start walking from there.
If you just want to go to the crater rim and into the crater, then you can start from Senaru.

Other Things to See or Do

Beside the mountain it self, other things for you to do or see is:

Caves
One of the three famous caves (Goa Susu, Goa Payung, and Goa Manik), Susu Cave is a good place for self reflection and is often used as a place to meditate.
Healing Hot Springs
Aiq Kalak means hot water and it is used to cure various deseases. One of the hot springs is named Pangkereman Jembangan which is meant a place for dipping. The water which spurts out of the spring is very hot. People also use the hot spring to make medicine from coconut cream. After dipping a bottle of coconut cream in the hot spring if the liquid becomes clear oily it can be used as medicinal oil. Then the medicinal oil is used for good things and is called Siu Satus Tunggal or in Bayan language Siu Satunggal which means that it can be used to cure a thousand kinds of desease.
Segara Anak Lake
Segara Anak Lake is so wide it appears like the sea with its blue water. The name Segara Anak means child of the sea. Segara Anak Lake holds various mysteries and invisible power.
Local Strawberry
This plant grows along the route to Mt. Rinjani. It has thorns like the rose and the fruit is red like strawberry. It has a sweet and slightly sour taste and is good to eat when trekkers are hungry and thirsty.
Eternal Flower or Edelweis
The plant or the flowers should not be taken because it grows in the park and in the mysterious world of the spirit kingdom. In the past, someone who wanted this flower must be brave enough to fight and gamble his soul. That is why the flower is called Sandar Nyawa. The flower has never wilted and is as old as the mysterious spirits.
The Peak of Rinjani
The people of Lombok believe that the peak of Mt. Rinjani is where Dewi Anjani, the queen spirit and ruler of Mt. Rinjani lives. To the south-east from the peak in a sea of dust called Segara Muncar is the invisible palace of the queen Dewi Anjani and her followers.
Mount Baru Jari
Gunung Baru is the name of the new volcano which emerged in the center of Segara Anak Lake. People believe that Gunung Baru is the navel of Mt. Rinjani. That is why if Gunung Baru erupted it will not harm the people of Lombok unless the eruption is from the peak of Mt. Rinjani.

Souvenir Tips

On Lombok there is more crafts than art. The main crafts of Lombok are practical items made for everyday use, but showing great skills and finish, traditional techniques and natural, locals materials. You can take Lombok pottery and limestone, traditional hand weaving, wooden mask, boxes, primitive carvings also Lombok pearls as part of your souvenirs.

Travel Tips

The climb is not to be taken lightly! You definitely need good hiking boots. Once you arrive at 2700 m (crater rim) it tends to get cold and windy, so you need warm clothes. Don't go there during the rainy season since paths will be slippery.
It's better to have your own sleeping bags. But, if you don't have one, they can be hired.
Tents can be rented.

2008-08-29T05:32:00.000-07:00

Mentawai Island: the Ultimate Diversity of the Hidden Paradise

The Place and the People

Located in the middle of Indian Ocean, 150 km and takes 9 hours trip from Padang, West Sumatra-Mentawai glowing with all the nature spirits and make it an extraordinary escaping spot from a hectic life. Mentawai is the natural habitat for 16 endemic species, and some of them categorized as endangered species e.g. Simakobu monkey (simias concolor-eat leaf as primary food).

www.freelinesurf.com.au

The present life of Mentawai people categorized as the legacy from Neolithic era and they have a strong believe in nature spirit, for their life strongly affected by nature. They believe that nature is the center of life. All the genuine attributes make Mentawai a perfect place to gain cultural experiences, here you will notice a very fascinating and indigenous culture, like traditional cloths, art, music and the way of life. The entire culture attributes strongly reflects their respect to nature.

Tattoo is one of the most important symbol for Mentawai people, its reflect maturity, manhood and status. The art of this body painting inherit from their ancestor. The tattoos ink naturally made from leaf.

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Among the surfers, Mentawai is the best place to fill their demand for challenges and natures beauty. The beaches offer one of the highest wave in the world, 3 to 4 meters, totally challenge your gut. Once you grounded your self in this hidden Paradise Island, next you will paddle out to the worlds best surf. Dont call your self Surfer if you havent ride Mentawais waves said most of the surfer to expressed their surfing experiences in Mentawai

www.freelinesurf.com.au

There are four ultimate diving spot here in Mentawai ,Siberut, Sipora, Pagai Utara (north Pagai) and Pagai Selatan (south Pagai). You can find great waves here year round, but the best waves are during dry season, March to October. Make sure you have the gut to explore all the glassy waves, because the best way to entitled your surfing experiences remarkable is through finding your own.

Getting There

Take flight from Sukarno Hatta air port, Jakarta to Tabing air port, Padang-west Sumatra (flight served every day)
Trip from Teluk Bayur port, Padang to Mentawai island by Ferry

Where to Stay

Lot of visitors said, that the best housing to stay is the local people house. Offer you a distinctive way of living in a unique architecture and experience interacting with local people. Other wise you could stay in a budget hotel in Siberut

www.freelinesurf.com.au

Moving Around

To access all the beauties offered, you can use boat owned by local people. You can find the boat a long the beach and the rate depend on your bargaining power

Boost your taste with exotic and fresh sea foods that you can found in the local restaurants run by local people. If you are lucky enough, you can pick and cook your own sea food, but make sure you know the secret recipe/spices from Mentawais people. For those who are not sea food lover, you can find regular meals for your dining.

Souvenir Tips

Local hand made souvenirs like traditional hats, traditional bag and accessories will be genuine souvenirs for your relatives and friends. You can buy it in a souvenirs shop or buy it from local people directly.

www.freelinesurf.com.au

Other Things to See or Do

Beach Activities

sight seeing
Diving
Snorkeling

Cultural Activities

Learn how to perform the Traditional dances (war dance and gratitude to nature)
Traditional ceremonies
Mentawai is one of the best place to conduct an Ethnographic study since its one of the oldest tribe in Indonesia

Ecotourism Activities
As the habitat for rare primate, the natural rain forest of Mentawai will be the perfect place for research or other educational purpose. Here, you can conduct research about

Snub-nosed monkey/Simakobu (Simias concolor) monkey family eat leaf as primary food
Joja or Lutung Mentawai (Presbytis potenziani) easily identified for the long tail, white face and black hair head
Bokkoi atau Beruk Mentawai (Macaca pagensis)
Kloss Gibbon/Bilou or Siamang Kerdil (Hylobates klossii) famous for the beautiful voice, different compared to general monkey

Travel Tips

Nature and culture come to be understood and respected
Bring your own surf board with you, because its may hard to find surf board shop in Mentawai
You may arrange your travel using the local travel agent in Indonesia
Great wave can be find year round, but best wave is during dry season March to October
Bring your personal medicine
You may arrange your visit by contact the travel agent and airline services in Indonesia

Photos Copyrigt : www.freelinesurf.com.au

2008-08-29T05:28:00.002-07:00

Klub Golf Rimba Irian

Klub Golf Rimba Irian is the "World's most remote championship golf course". Not only has the golf course won several design awards, so to has the clubhouse, with it's tall peaked "cathedral like" glass ceilings and solid hard wood timbers, which reflect the majesty of the surrounding forest.

Practice facilities with grass teeing grounds
Practice putting and chipping greens
Locker facilities including Jacuzzi
Masseur services
Pro-shop and an international standard restaurant providing a wide range of international dishes and cuisine

Golf Course Info

Member of: IGA and PGI
Year Built: 1995

Designer: Ben Crenshaw & Bill Coore

Course Rating by PGI*:
Blue: 72.7 - White: 70.7 - Red: 72.6
Total Holes: 18
Total Pars: 72
Total Distance:
B: 6240 M - W: 5872 - R: 5239 M

Owner: PT. Freeport Indonesia
Manage by: Starwood Hotels & Resort World Wide

2008-08-29T05:28:00.001-07:00

Feasting on Bali, the Isle of The Gods

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

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

You might want to try these:

KEBAB PALACE
Jl.Kartika Plaza Kuta Center, Kuta - Bali

AYAM BAKAR WONG SOLO
Jl.Raya Kuta no.87, Kuta - Bali
Jl. Merdeka no.18, Denpasar - Bali

RAJA'S BALINESE RESTAURANT
Nusa Dua Beach Hotel&Spa, Nusa Dua - Bali

ANIKA BALINESE COOKING
Jl.Elang No.3, Tuban, Kuta - Bali

DEPOT LA TANSA
Jl.Diponegoro No. 240 A, Sanglah, Denpasar - Bali

BATUR INDAH
Panelokan Kintamani, Bangli

BENGAWAN SOLO & BAR
Jalan Imam Bonjol 386, Denpasar

CAFE DAHANDE
Jalan Raya Seminyak, Kuta

PUALAN INT'L RESTAURANT
Jalan Sanur Beach 37, Sanur

ULAM
Jalan Pantai Mengiat, Nusa Dua

PLAZA BALI SEAFOOD
Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai, Kuta

BUNGA KELAPA RESTAURANT
Alam Kul Kul
Jl.Pantai Kuta, Legian - Bali

SELERA KURING
Jl.Sunset Road (Dewi Sri) No.88, Seminyak, Kuta - Bali

For Moslem tourists, don't worry or afraid that you cannot get 'halal' food in Bali, because there are also many food stalls and food center that are safe to be consumed by Moslem believers. Start from green beans, ketupat tahu (rice boiled in a rhombus shaped packet plaited young coconut leaves mixed with tofu), bakso (meatball), satay, rujak (spicy mixed fruit), satay lilit (usually fish twisted on a stick), pepes (burned/steamed wrapped fish), ikan bakar (roasted fish), and many others. These kind of food are very suitable to be served with pelecing kangkung (a hot spicy leafy vegetable), and hot sambal. Various kinds of traditional snacks are also tempting to be tested such as bubuh injin, laklak, jaja uli and many others.

The safest tips to choose restaurant, certainly is asking the restaurant officers. Must be noticed for Moslem believers that most restaurant in the hotels serve international menu which are often unavoidable using pork.

2008-08-29T05:23:00.000-07:00

Jogjakarta's Dining Guide

Jogjakarta is truly a unique city. Ruled by a king (sultan) whose lineage can be traced to centuries, this city offers plenty cultural and historical heritage. Here you can eat lesehan style without chairs. The rather sweet cuisine of Jogjakarta might surprise you first, but many people have been longing for good Javanese food after trying it once, so you might have the same experience.

This city offers many luscious delicacies. From bakpia cookies, wingko babat, to enting-enting kacang, visitors will be delighted to find there are so many delicious choices here in this town.

Getting There
To make it easier, and shorter, you can take a plane from major cities such as Jakarta or Bali. From Jakarta and Bandung you can also go to Jogjakarta by train and the journey will take approx. 8-12 hours, though. Some travel agents or rental cars also offer trips to Yogya from big cities with a reasonable fee. The journey will take longer than 12 hours from Jakarta or Bandung.

Where to Stay
Packed with local and international tourists, Yogya is ready with its innumerable inns and hotels. Choose the place to stay according to your budget and your liking.

Moving Around

Jogjakarta is a small city. To illustrate this, for some Jogjakartans, 2 kilometers is considered very far. In the city, you can give your legs some exercise, ride andong/delman (cart carried by a/two horse/s), use the bus and public transportation, ride a taxi, or, try how it feels like to ride becak/pedicab. If you want to visit interesting sites within the city, it is best to move around on foot. If, however, you want to marvel at the grandiose of Borobudur Temple, for instance, it is best if you rent a car.

Dining Guide
Gudeg is one of Jogjakarta's specialties. This dish is made of young jackfruit with traditional herbs, sometimes with eggs and chicken. Cow's inner skin, cooked until tender, usually accompanies gudeg with steamed rice. Most traditional restaurants in Jogjakarta sell this specialty.

Don't let the sweet taste of gudeg fool you, however, the chili sauce of Javanese food can be really, really spicy because it is made mainly from cabe rawit the spiciest chili in Indonesia.

Restaurants worth visiting in Jogjakarta:

DJOGJA KAFE

Jalan Kyai Mojo 57
GADJAH WONG
Jalan Gejayan 79D
OMAH DHUWUR
Jalan Mondorakan 252, Kota Gede
MBOK BEREK RESTAURANT
Jalan Kaliurang Km 16 Pakem
MORO SENENG RESTAURANT
Jalan Solo 55
AYAM GORENG SUHARTI RESTAURANT
Jalan Laksda Adisucipto 208

Souvenir Tips
Jogjakarta is synonymous with arts and crafts. There are plenty to choose from: from batik clothings, silverwares and silver jewelries, potteries, to wayang figurines made of cow's hide or wood. You can also bring along boxes of the famous bakpia for your family and close friends. Bakpia doesn't last long, though, so please ask the salespeople for expiration date.

Other Things to See or Do

Take a walk on Malioboro street, it's packed with people selling interesting souvenirs, with stores offering more exclusive products. Bering Harjo market on Malioboro street offers cheaper products. Don't forget to use your bargaining skill!
Visit Kota Gede, the center of silverwares and silver jewelries. You can even see silversmith at work here. The items sold here are usually more pricey because they're more exclusive. For regular yet still beautiful silver jewelries, visit Malioboro instead.
Visit Kasongan if you're into potteries.
Explore the city from Kraton (Palace) to Taman Sari, where old kings and their families spent their happy days, swimming and enjoying themselves.
Take a trip to Borobudur and Loro Jonggrang (Prambanan) Temples.

Travel Tips

Because there are so many things to see, if you don't have much time, it is best if you go to a travel agency. It will save you time.
On traditional markets and Malioboro, most of the items sold there are bargainable. When in doubt, ask if the wares are bargainable or not. Bargain at least half the price the seller offers first. If you're not certain, take a look around and ask for the similar item's prices, for comparison.
If you have a travel guide from a travel agency, ask her/him to bargain things for you. The same goes if you're lucky enough to have locals as your friends or relatives.
Never hire an unlicensed travel guide.
Bring lightweight clothings, also hats and shades, if necessary. Jogjakarta can be quite hot.
If you're being offered things that do not interest you, be firm and say no.

2008-08-29T05:22:00.000-07:00

Clothing's Shopping Spree in Bandung

Dago Factory Outlet

Bandung, also known as Paris van Java, has so many things to offer. From various cuisines to factory outlets and distribution stores (distros), visitors looking for clothes might be overwhelmed with the wide amount of choices. It is said that Bandung is one of the most prominent Meccas for Indonesian people, when it comes to clothes. The streets of Dago (Ir. H. Djuanda, Cipaganti, Riau (R.E.Martadinata), Cihampelas are packed with factory outlets. If you prefer clothes from jeans, choose Cihampelas street. While you're in Bandung, why not visit Cibaduyut street to shop for shoes and bags to brighten your appearance.

Getting There

From Jakarta, you can take a flight to Bandung. Those who are interested in seeing the panorama between Bandung and Jakarta might find riding a train more to their liking. Or you can rent a car to come to this city. It's only takes two or three hours to drive though.

The streets of Dago are easy to locate. From the Bandung's train station or airport, you can book a cab ride to Dago for about Rp25,000. Most cabs use flat rates.

Where to Stay
Plenty of lodgings are available in this city. From youth hostels to five-starred hotels, choose the one that is suitable for you.

Moving Around
Bandung is relatively small, so from one place to another you can use a public transportation or taxi. To make it easier, rent a car. On that way, you can save your energy to shop!

Dining Guide
See Bandung's Dining Guide for details.

Souvenir Tips

Leather shoes, jackets, bags, and goods in Cibaduyut will delight young and old alike. Since Bandung has so many choices of food, why not buy the famous batagor, brownies, molen, and other delicacies for your loved ones

Other Things to See or Do
You can visit the Japanese cave in Dago, amuse yourself in Lembang area, take hot spring water bath in Lembang, visit Tangkuban Prahu also in Lembang, and many more. You can ask the locals or people from travel agents for more information.

Travel Tips

Not all stores accept credit cards, so make sure you have sample amount of cash ready.
Check and recheck before you purchase an item. Some stores have non refundable policy.
Try every item before you buy it, if possible.
Drink and eat before you shop. Shopping with an empty stomach is indeed and unpleasant experience.

2008-08-29T05:20:00.000-07:00

Experience Shopping Extravaganza In Jakarta

Whether you're a serious spender or half-hearted shopper, there's sure to be something for everybody in Jakarta, the countrys shopping capital. The wide variety of things that you can buy in Jakarta is mind boggling from the best of local handicrafts to haute couture labels.

If you are looking for something unique, go and check out the antique, carvings and handicrafts at Ciputat raya where rows of stores are packed to overflowing with everything from antique furniture, brassware, ornate lamps, old Chinas, and faux antiques.

If you prefer air conditioners comfort and designer labels, head for the modern shopping malls such as Plaza Indonesia, Plaza Senayan, Pondok Indah Mall, Pasar Raya, and Taman Anggrek said to be the largest mall in South East Asia.

Find the best shopping for electronics in Mangga Dua Electronics Center I West Jakarta or Ratu Plaza in South

Jakarta. Another interesting place is the Jatinegara gemstone market, where you can find a huge variety of precious and semiprecious stones. Stroll through the Pasar Baru pedestrian area and browse through the traditional textile shops. At the Barito area even lead you to an impromptu pet market while at the Pramuka bird market visitors are greeted with lots of pretty decorative birds.

Getting There

Jakarta is an international gateway for Indonesia. Practically all international airlines stop in Jakarta. It's serves a growing number of international airlines and provides an abundance of domestic flights within Indonesia. From some cities in Java, you can travel to Jakarta by train while other transport within the city is plentiful.

Where to Stay

No need to worry where you'll stay in Jakarta. There are many hotels range provided here, from the luxurious, middle range and budget.

Dining Guide

From street vendors to chic and elegant restaurants, Jakarta has everything. If seafood is your choice, then Muara Karang is your ideal place. Want to combine shopping and dining experience. Try the malls and all shopping centers in Jakarta. They have their own food courts and restaurants. Food courts tend to be noisy and crowded, so if you prefer privacy, choose restaurants/cafes, instead. One of the origin Jakartas dishes that worth to try is Kerak Telor, its made of rice mixed with eggs and other ingredients.

Moving Around

The availability of various transport modes in Jakarta is a convenience of you to move around the captivating city. You can use busway, buses, city train, and taxi or rent a car.

Other Things to See or Do

If youre looking something else in Jakarta besides shopping, you can take a city tour around Jakarta. This city tour will take you one day long. Ask your hotel about this.

Souvenir Tips

Some shopping malls are provided with one or two floors that filled with lots of Indonesia's handicrafts. You can take them home with you as a souvenir. But, the price itself a little bit higher and fixed price.

Travel Tips

Most shops in the major shopping centres are open from 10 am until 8 p.m., seven days a week.
Keep a tight grip on your purse or camera, never leave any bags (whether valuable or not) to avoid crimes.
Taxis are plentiful in Jakarta, but it is important

you take the right ones to avoid any problems. We're recommended to take Blue Bird or Silver Bird Taxi.
Try to always take a taxi from a hotel entrance as they will keep a record of the taxi should you have any problems.
Tipping is quite standard in Jakarta. Most large hotels and restaurants in Jakarta will automatically add a service charge of 10 percent to your bill, but some smaller restaurants may not add anything extra. But, you may give a tip of 10 percent if the waiters served you well.
Keep a little extra money handy for in case.

2008-08-29T05:17:00.000-07:00

Ancol Golf
Built as part of the giant recreational area in Ancol Dreamland in North Jakarta, the 18-hole plays to par 17 with a length of 6,501 meters. Here, the sea wind is often an interesting challenge for golfers. Padang Golf Jaya Ancol has no membership restrictions and is suitable for those wishing to combine golf with a family outing. Facilities at the clubhouse include club rental, pro shop, driving range, locker rooms, hot / cold showers and a spacious parking lot.

Getting There

Ancol Bay can be reached by using buses, motorcycle, taxi, or rent a car. If you're coming from Bogor, there's a train available, but it's only on Sunday.

Where to Stay

Inside Ancol Jakarta BayCity area, you will find several hotels such as Raddin Hotel, Wisata Hotel, Mercure Hotel and Putri Duyung Cottages with varied price and facilities.

Dining Guide

You may find many food stalls offering their specialties dishes. There's also one location near Pantai Carnaval which is a place for lots of restaurant served local and international dishes and several of them are serving seafood as their specialties. For the beverage, its worth to try "Es Kelapa Muda" or Young Coconut Ice.

Moving Around

You can moving around inside Ancol Bay area by using a car, take a walk or ride a shuttle car which already provided.

Other Things to See or Do

In Ancol Bay Area, so many things to do or see. If you like water sports, in Ancol Jakarta BayCity you can find jet ski rental there. You can do sailing or even visit Bidadari Island, one of the island among Thousand Islands Area.

Souvenir Tips

You can buy lots souvenir in every attractions inside Ancol Bay Area, with their own characteristic souvenir. Also you can buy some Indonesian art as a souvenir at Pasar Seni or Art Market.

Travel Tips

Equipped yourself with sun protection and bathing suits
Dont forget to bring an extra cloths
Many of souvenirs are sale with a fixed price. But, theres a possibility to bargain the price at Pasar Seni or Art Market.
More Information about ANCOL DREAMLAND, you can contact: Jl. R.E. Martadinata, North Jakarta.Phone: (62-21) 645-0117 / 6450-6711 / 640-6712, Fax: (6221)645-0118. Email : info@ancol.com. Website : www.Ancol.com

Source : www.jakarta-tourism.go.id and www.ancol.com

2008-08-29T05:10:00.000-07:00

Have Fun at Ancol Jakarta BayCity

This is Jakarta's largest and most popular recreation park. Used to be known as "Jaya Ancol Dreamland", its extensive range of attractions includes sea and fresh water aquariums, swimming pools, an artificial lagoon for fishing and boating, a bowling alley, as well as an assortment of nightclubs restaurants, and massage parlors.

The Ancol complex includes a marina, Dunia Fantasi (Fantasy Land), a golf course, hotels and a drive-in theatre. The 'Pasar Seni' or art market has a varied collection of Indonesian handicraft, paintings and souvenirs on sale. An open-air theatre features live performances by local artists.

Ancol Beach
This water park consists of various pools and slides that will thrill both children and adults that never quite grew up. Experience a day of fun-filled adventures by braving the rapids, diving down the slides, enjoying the exciting water rides or just splashing around. The theme park was refurbished several times to ensure safety and everlasting fun. Nonetheless children must always be supervised by adults. The poolside restaurant is popular for its variety of local dishes

Dream World
Indonesia own Disneyland where you can discover a cultural journey through Indonesia and many other countries. With the accent on fun, other attractions include a thrilling cork screw roller coaster, adventurous flume rides, turbo tour simulators, bumper cars as well as many other exciting fairground amusements. Open Mon to Sat, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sun from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Craft Shops
This colorful open-air market located in the Ancol Amusement Park provides the unique experience of not only buying quality Indonesian arts and craft, but also a chance to see and meet the artisans at work. You can watch puppet makers, wood-carvers, painters, and many other craft makers from throughout the archipelago cheerfully working on their creations.
At this art and handicraft market, visitors get to watch Indonesian artists creating their masterpieces. Hundreds of artists from all over the country congregate here to exhibit their work, making the spot a fascinating place for tourists and art connoisseurs. You can even get a portrait of yourself done.
Both traditional and modern art and crafts are on display, including paintings, sculptures, traditional Indonesian wayang kulit (leather puppets), gemstone jewelry and many other artistic products. Art performances are frequently held at the Art Market (Pasar Seni) inside the Jaya Ancol Dreamland on Jakarta's beach. They normally range from wayang kulit shadow plays to folk dances and modern drama.
Open Monday to Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Amusement Park
A village unto itself, this 24-hour park has hotels, nightclubs, shops, and amusement centers, including an oceanarium with dolphin and sea lion shows, a golf course, a race-car track, a four-pool complex with a wave pool, and water slides. Africa is represented by a comedy of mechanized monkeys, America by a Wild West town, Europe by a mock Tudor house, and Asia by buildings from Thailand, Japan, India, and Korea. Rides, shooting galleries, and food stalls surround these attractions, all set on 1,360 acres of land reclaimed from the bay in 1962. COST: Admission. Sat.-Thurs. 11-6, Fri. 1:20-10.

Marina Ancol
This is a special port for yachts, motor and sail boats, and the port of departure to Kepulauan Seribu or Thousand Islands resorts. This is also a good location for windsurfing and other marine recreation. Beach facilities for the sea or lagoon area are amply provided: water cycles, canoes, sail boats, fishing gear and many others. Stalls are abundant, serving drinks and snacks along the beach.

Seaworld
This giant oceanarium proudly introduces visitors to more than 4,000 fish and sharks from 300 species. Come and enjoy the deep-sea panorama while strolling through an 80-meter tunnel. The fascinating creatures live in some 500 million liters of seawater and are fed three times a day (some hand-fed). The attraction also features a theater which plays three educational films in English and Bahasa Indonesia. Open Monday to Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

2008-08-29T05:07:00.000-07:00

Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park lies in the Wallacea Region of Indonesia, identified by WWF and Conservation International as a global conservation priority area. The Park is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores at the border of the Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) and Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTP) provinces. It includes three major islands, Komodo, Rinca and Padar, and numerous smaller islands together totaling 603 km2 of land. The total size of Komodo National Park is presently 1,817 km2. Proposed extensions of 25 km2 of land (Banta Island) and 479 km2 of marine waters would bring the total surface area up to 2,321 km2. (Click on the map to enlarge - 70kB)

Komodo National Park was established in 1980 and was declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1986. The park was initially established to conserve the unique Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), first discovered by the scientific world in 1911 by J.K.H. Van Steyn. Since then conservation goals have expanded to protecting its entire biodiversity, both marine and terrestrial.

The majority of the people in and around the Park are fishermen originally from Bima (Sumbawa), Manggarai, South Flores, and South Sulawesi. Those from South Sulawesi are from the Suku Bajau or Bugis ethnic groups. The Suku Bajau were originally nomadic and moved from location to location in the region of Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara and Maluku, to make their livelihoods. Descendents of the original people of Komodo, the Ata Modo, still live in Komodo, but there are no pure blood people left and their culture and language is slowly being integrated with the recent migrants.

Little is known of the early history of the Komodo islanders. They were subjects of the Sultanate of Bima, although the island�s remoteness from Bima meant its affairs were probably little troubled by the Sultanate other than by occasional demand for tribute.

There are presently almost 4,000 inhabitants living within the park spread out over four settlements (Komodo, Rinca, Kerora, and Papagaran). All villages existed prior to 1980 before the area was declared a national park. In 1928 there were only 30 people living in Komodo Village, and approximately 250 people on Rinca Island in 1930. The population increased rapidly, and by 1999, there were 281 families numbering 1,169 people on Komodo, meaning that the local population had increased exponentially. Komodo Village has had the highest population increase of the villages within the Park, mostly due to migration by people from Sape, Manggarai, Madura, and South Sulawesi. The number of buildings in Kampung Komodo has increased rapidly from 30 houses in 1958, to 194 houses in 1994, and 270 houses in 2000. Papagaran village is similar in size, with 258 families totaling 1,078 people. As of 1999, Rinca�s population was 835, and Kerora's population was 185 people. The total population currently living in the Park is 3,267 people, while 16,816 people live in the area immediately surrounding the Park.

The average level of education in the villages of Komodo National Park is grade four of elementary school. There is an elementary school located in each of the villages, but new students are not recruited each year. On average, each village has four classes and four teachers. Most of the children from the small islands in the Kecamatan Komodo (Komodo, Rinca, Kerora, Papagaran, Mesa) do not finish elementary school. Less than 10% of those which do graduate from elementary school will continue to high school since the major economic opportunity (fishing) does not require further education. Children must be sent to Labuan Bajo to attend high school, but this is rarely done in fishermen�s families.

Most of the villages located in and around the Park have few fresh water facilities available, if any, particularly during the dry season. Water quality declines during this time period and many people become ill. Malaria and diarrhea are rampant in the area. On Mesa island, with a population of around 1,500 people, there is no fresh water available. Fresh water is brought by boat in jerrycans from Labuan Bajo. Each family needs an average of Rp 100,000.- per month to buy fresh water (2000). Almost every village has a local medical facility with staff, and at least a paramedic. The quality of medical care facilities is low.

Traditional Customs: Traditional communities in Komodo, Flores and Sumbawa have been subjected to outside influences and the influence of traditional customs is dwindling. Television, radio, and increased mobility have all played a part in accelerating the rate of change. There has been a steady influx of migrants into the area. At the moment nearly all villages consist of more than one ethnic group.

Religion: The majority of fishermen living in the villages in the vicinity of the Park are Muslims. Hajis have a strong influence in the dynamics of community development. Fishermen hailing from South Sulawesi (Bajau, Bugis) and Bima are mostly Moslems. The community from Manggarai are mostly Christians.

Anthropology and Language: There are several cultural sites within the Park, particularly on Komodo Island. These sites are not well documented, however, and there are many questions concerning the history of human inhabitance on the island. Outside the Park, in Warloka village on Flores, there is a Chinese trading post remnant of some interest. Archeological finds from this site have been looted in the recent past. Most communities in and around the Park can speak Bahasa Indonesia. Bajo language is the language used for daily communication in most communities.

Topography: The topography is varied, with slopes from 0 � 80%. There is little flat ground, and that is generally located near the beach. The altitude varies from sea level to 735 m above sea level. The highest peak is Gunung Satalibo on Komodo Island.

Geology: The islands in Komodo National Park are volcanic in origin. The area is at the juncture of two continental plates: Sahul and Sunda. The friction of these two plates has led to large volcanic eruptions and caused the up-thrusting of coral reefs. Although there are no active volcanoes in the park, tremors from Gili Banta (last eruption 1957) and Gunung Sangeang Api (last eruption 1996) are common. West Komodo probably formed during the Jurasic era approximately 130 million years ago. East Komodo, Rinca, and Padar probably formed approximately 49 million years ago during the Eocene era.

Climate: Komodo National Park has little or no rainfall for approximately 8 months of the year, and is strongly impacted by monsoonal rains. High humidity levels year round are only found in the quasi-cloud forests on mountain tops and ridges. Temperatures generally range from 170C to 340C, with an average humidity level of 36%. From November through March the wind is from the west and causes large waves that hit the entire length of Komodo island�s west beach. From April through October the wind is dry and large waves hit the south beaches of Rinca and Komodo islands.

The terrestrial ecosystems are strongly affected by the climate: a lengthy dry season with high temperatures and low rainfall, and seasonal monsoon rains. The Park is situated in a transition zone between Australian and Asian flora and fauna. Terrestrial ecosystems include open grass-woodland savanna, tropical deciduous (monsoon) forest, and quasi cloud forest.

Due to the dry climate, terrestrial plant species richness is relatively low. The majority of terrestrial species are xerophytic and have specific adaptations to help them obtain and retain water. Past fires have selected for species that are fire-adapted, such as some grass species and shrubs. Terrestrial plants found in Komodo National Park include grasses, shrubs, orchids, and trees. Important food tree species for the local fauna include Jatropha curkas, Zizyphus sp., Opuntia sp., Tamarindus indicus, Borassus flabellifer, Sterculia foetida, Ficus sp., Cicus sp., �Kedongdong hutan� (Saruga floribunda), and �Kesambi� (Schleichera oleosa).

The terrestrial fauna is of rather poor diversity in comparison to the marine fauna. The number of terrestrial animal species found in the Park is not high, but the area is important from a conservation perspective as some species are endemic.. Many of the mammals are Asiatic in origin (e.g., deer, pig, macaques, civet). Several of the reptiles and birds are Australian in origin. These include the orange-footed scrubfowl, the lesser sulpher-crested cockatoo and the nosy friarbird.

Reptiles: The most famous of Komodo National Park's reptiles is the Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis). It is among the world's largest reptiles and can reach 3 meters or more in length and weigh over 70kg. To find out more about this fascinating creature click here.

Other than the Komodo Dragon twelve terrestrial snake species are found on the island. including the cobra (Naja naja sputatrix), Russel�s pit viper (Vipera russeli), and the green tree vipers (Trimeresurus albolabris). Lizards include 9 skink species (Scinidae), geckos (Gekkonidae), limbless lizards (Dibamidae), and, of course, the monitor lizards (Varanidae). Frogs include the Asian Bullfrog (Kaloula baleata), Oreophyne jeffersoniana and Oreophyne darewskyi. They are typically found at higher, moister altitudes.

Mammals: Mammals include the Timor deer (Cervus timorensis), the main prey of the Komodo dragon, horses (Equus sp.), water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), wild boar (Sus scrofa vittatus), long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), palm civets (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus lehmanni), the endemic Rinca rat (Rattus rintjanus), and fruit bats. One can also find goats, dogs and domestic cats.

Birds: One of the main bird species is the orange-footed scrub fowl (Megapodius reinwardti), a ground dwelling bird. In areas of savanna, 27 species were observed. Geopelia striata and Streptopelia chinensis were the most common species. In mixed deciduous habitat, 28 bird species were observed, and Philemon buceroides, Ducula aenea, and Zosterops chloris were the most common.

The marine area constitutes 67% of the Park. The open waters in the Park are between 100 and 200 m deep. The straits between Rinca and Flores and between Padar and Rinca, are relatively shallow (30 to 70 m deep), with strong tidal currents. The combination of strong currents, coral reefs and islets make navigation around the islands in Komodo National Park difficult and dangerous. Sheltered deep anchorage is available at the bay of Loh Liang on Komodo�s east coast, the South East coast of Padar, and the bays of Loh Kima and Loh Dasami on Rinca.

In the North of the Park water temperature ranges between 25 � 29�C. In the middle, the temperature ranges between 24 and 28�C. The temperatures are lowest in the South, ranging from 22 � 28�C. Water salinity is about 34 ppt and the water is quite clear, although the waters closer to the islands are relatively more turbid.

Indonesia is the only equatorial region in the world where there is an exchange of marine flora and fauna between the Indian and Pacific oceans. Passages in Nusa Tenggara (formerly the Lesser Sunda Islands) between the Sunda and Sahul shelves allow movement between the Pacific and Indian oceans. The three main ecosystems in Komodo National Park are seagrass beds, coral reefs, and mangrove forests. The Park is probably a regular cetacean migration route.

The three major coastal marine plants are algae, seagrasses and mangrove trees. Algae are primitive plants, which do not have true roots, leaves or stems. An important reef-building algae is the red coralline algae, which actually secretes a hard limestone skeleton that can encrust and cement dead coral together. Seagrasses are modern plants that produce flowers, fruits and seeds for reproduction. As their name suggests, they generally look like large blades of grass growing underwater in sand near the shore. Thallasia sp. and Zastera spp. are the common species found in the Park. Mangroves trees can live in salty soil or water, and are found throughout the Park. An assessment of mangrove resources identified at least 19 species of true mangroves and several more species of mangrove associates within the Park's borders.

Komodo National Park includes one of the world's richest marine environments. It consists of forams, cnidaria (includes over 260 species of reef building coral), sponges (70 species), ascidians, marine worms, mollusks, echinoderms, crustaceans, cartilaginous and bony fishes (over 1,000 species), marine reptiles, and marine mammals (dolphins, whales, and dugongs). Some notable species with high commercial value include sea cucumbers (Holothuria), Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), and groupers.

While most visitors enter Komodo National Park (KNP) through the gateway cities of Labuan Bajo in the west of Flores or Bima in eastern Sumbawa, the departure point for your trip is actually Denpasar, Bali.

By Air:
Indonesia Air Transport (IAT)
Depart : Everyday
DPS - LBJ : 10.00 � 11.30
LBJ - DPS : 12.00 � 13.30

2008-08-29T05:06:00.000-07:00

INDONESIA Street Food

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

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

Street food is a quick meal sold by a vendor with a push cart, basket, at a stall, or possibly at a store where customers can see the preparation of food clearly. It provides a close connection between the customer and the street food, unlike having a plate of food in a restaurant.

The types of food offered vary from a simple fried tofu to a much more complicated dish like gudeg (raw jackfruit cooked in a Javanese traditional way that originated from Yogyakarta). In big cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Semarang and Medan, the street vendors offer many a traditional food from various regions in the archipelago. But in smaller cities, they are usually of the local cuisine.

The most commonly found street food is bakso or meatballs that are usually served in a bowl, like soup, with noodles, bean curds (tofu), eggs, and/or fried meat.

Another popular soup-like street food is soto. It is mainly comprised of broth and vegetables. The meats most commonly used are beef and chicken, but there are also sotos with mutton and pork. It is usually accompanied by rice or compressed rice. Sotos are differentiated by the ingredients in them, such as soto ayam (chicken) and soto kambing (mutton).

There are many sotos in Indonesia, as different regions and ethnicities have their own ways of preparing the cuisine, such as soto Madura (from East Java), soto Betawi (from Jakarta), soto Padang (from West Sumatra), so to Bandung (from West Java), soto Banjar (from South Kalimantan), and coto Makassar (from South Sulawesi).

The other popular delicacy often sold by street vendors is satay. It is a dish consisting of chunks or slices of dice-sized meat (chicken, goat, lamb, beef, pork, or fish) on bamboo skewers, which are grilled over a wood or charcoal fire, then served with various spicy seasonings, mostly made of ground nuts. Satay may have originated in Java or Sumatra, but is very popular outside Indonesia too. Similar to soto bakso and soto, there are many types of satay from sate Madura to Padang, sate Iilit, sate susu, kulit, sate Ponorogo and many more.

Nasi goreng (steamed rice stir-fried with eggs, meatballs, chicken/beef/shrimp, assorted vegetables and often with sweet soy sauce seasoning) is also very popular along with nasi rawon (rice served with dark beef soup) originally from East Java. The dark colour comes from the meaty seeds of kluwak nuts. Usually served with uncooked mung bean sprouts and salty duck eggs, pecel (a mixture of vegetables and traditional crackers with spicy peanut paste). Madiun and Blitar in East Java are popular for their pecel and gado-gado (a mixture of vegetables, crackers and rice with peanut flavoured sauce). The taste is sweet in Eastern Java and salty in Western Java.

2008-08-29T05:05:00.001-07:00

BALI BIRD PARK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Within 2 hectare of Balinese landscape and a free range birds, Bali Bird Park is a popular place for :

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

Bali Bird Park plays a key role in protecting and conserving Indonesia’s endangered wildlife.
The Park have successfully bred many species, including the rare Pesquet’s Parrot and numerous Bali Starlings. We accommodate more than 40 species of protected Indonesian birds in the park, a growing number of which are now breeding successfully under the care of our staff.

The staff are proud of their new additions some of which can be seen in their incubators through the observation windows of the laboratory & nursery building.

Bali Bird Park - Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir
Singapadu, Batubulan - Gianyar - Bali
Telephone: 62 361 299352
Fax: 62 361 299614
E-mail: sales@bali-bird-park.com, Website: www.bali-bird-park.com

2008-08-29T04:58:00.000-07:00

Baliem Valley - Papua

Once you read or give it a deeper study to Danis way of life, dont be surprise that you may find your eye lifting or forehead wrinkling. Why? Because the Dani is uniquely amazing.

The Dani men and women sleep separately in different honai (Danis traditional house). The men sleep grouped in one honai, while the women and children slumber in another honai. As descended from their ancestor, sex is taboo for the women after giving birth, for 2 or 5 years, as the result the Dani generated healthier kids since the women focus on babysitting the kids during the most important phase of growth. This situation makes the men vulnerable to polygamy, its a true fact of life that the Dani men are allowed to have more than 1 wife or as many as he can afford. A man should give 4-5 pigs to the girls parent he wants to marry. For Dani men, his social status are initiated by the number of wives and pigs he has.

Another remarkable custom of Dani is that women will amputate their finger when their relatives die, hence doesnt be surprise when you see women with missing finger.

To enhance the quality of your experience in Baliem Valley, guide is essential since there are no clear maps or signage initiated for visitor. The guide will help to lead the track, communicate with the local people and in advance, the guide will inform the tourist about local dos and donts.

Flying might be the only way to access the Baliem Valley through Wamena. Here are some alternatives on carrier from Jayapura to Wamena: (For further info, ask the officers at Sentani Airport Information Center).

Trigana Air Services provide daily flights into and out of Wamena. Spot the Trigana Air Service Offices at Sentani Airport terminal and Wamena Airport terminal.
MAF
AMA
Yajasi
Manunggal Air
Hercules carrier provide by Indonesian army (TNI)

To access Baliem Valley, you can rent car or public bus from Wamena.

For those who are adventurer and cultural observer in heart, stay and mingle with the Baliem Valley people is possible, just make sure your guide booked it before your visit. Go Show? Affordable.

If the first alternative is way too extreme, you can stay at hotels at Wamena:

Wamena Hotel at Jl. Homhom 61
Srikandi Hotel at Jl. Irian 16
Pondok Wisata Putri Dani at Jl. Irian 40
Nayak Hotel at Jl. Gatot Subroto 63
Hotel Syah Rial Makmur at Jl. Gatot Subroto 45
Hotel Anggrek at Jalan Ambon 1
Baliem Pilamo Hotel at Jalan Trikora
Baliem Valley Resort (3 star resort), www.baliem-valley-resort.de

Would you mind if we say ON FOOT? Healthy foot and fit body? Absolutely. Through trekking, you can witness traditional ceremonies, traditional markets and the people of Dani.

There is no restaurant inside the Baliem- Valley, a guide could bargain the Dani people to provide simple meals. Its stoutly advised, that the visitor bring their own meals and snack during the trekking. Meals and snacks can be found in grocery store at Wamena

Souvenir can be easily found on the valley and buy the crafts directly from the Dani people.
Stone blade is a major favorite for the tourist
Sekan: rattan bracelate
Noken: made from trees bark
Head and arm necklace
Jogal: grass skirt
And other head decorations

The captivating Baliem Fiesta is held on August around 10 - 17 August every year. The festival performs traditional dances, pig races, ancestral fighting and races. Today, Baliem Fiesta is one of the main reasons why tourists visit Papua. Its a magical Fiesta says most of the tourist.
Join the large and busy local market at Sinatma.
Spotting mummies at Kurulu Village.

Guide is needed to explore the valley
Dont forget to bring the copy of your Surat Keterangan Jalan
Best time to visit is between March and August
If you travel during the rainy season, be prepared with cold weather equipment
Ask your guide about Dos and Donts in the Baliem Valley

Foreigner must obtain a travel permit letter or known as Surat Keterangan Jalan to get the access into the interior part of Papua. You can obtain the Surat Keterangan Jalan at main town police station such as Jayapura, Merauka, Timika, Biak, Nabire, Monokwari and other main city. The permit of lasts will depend on your request, from 1 week until 1 month or even longer. Please prepare copies of your passport, recent photograph and list of places you wish to visit. Its easy to get the Surat Keterangan Jalan, because the officers are friendly and helpful.

You can ask your travel agent to arrange the Surat Keterangan Jalan.

West Java

The enchanting land of Sunda stretches from the Sunda Strait in the West to the borders of Central Java in the east. The region is primarily mountainous, with rich green valleys hugging lofty volcanic peaks, many of which surround the capital of the province, Bandung. The history of West Java is a story of trade, spices, and the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms. In the late 1500’s the region was ruled from mighty Cirebon, which still survives as a sultanate today, although a shadow of its former glory. West Java was one of the first contact points in Indonesia for Indian traders and their cultural influences and it was here that the Dutch and British first set foot in the archipelago.

West Java Provincial Tourist Office Jl. R.E. Martadinata No.209, Bandung 40114
Phone. (022) 7271385, 7273209
Fax. (022) 7271385 Website: http://www.westjava-indonesia.com