Wakatobi Islands, the Finest Diving Site in the World

Underwater tourism is a tour activity that developed well in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi. Supported by National Sea Park of Wakatobi Islands, Wakatobi become a famous place for underwater tourism in the world. Superiority of this place caused by vast expanse of coral along the coast with complete underwater topography, like slope shape, flat shape, drop-off, atoll and underwater cave with multifarious water biota.

Wakatobi Dive Resort was about 600 km2. Depth of water is highly varied; the deepest is 1.044 meters with sandy waters and several of coral. Specifically, Sea Park of Wakatobi Islands has more or less about 25 different coral with 750 species of living thing. By virtue of this fact, Wakatobi become a place where is very comfortable to making activity like diving and snorkeling. Even Jacques Costeau, a dive journalist call Wakatobi is the finest diving site in the world.

Wakatobi Dive Resort situated on a beautiful tropical island in the remote place and peaceful Wakatobi archipelago in the Banda Sea, Wakatobi Dive Resort offers what many consider to be the best reef diving in the world. Wkatobi Dive Resort has a beautiful coast and. Wakatobi Dive Resort prepares an international diving that supported by spectacular coral and easy of access to go to dive resort where variety of marine biology that living in. Safety and visitor’s pleasure when making dive activity was secured. Every visitor can enjoy their vacation in Wakatobi Dive Resort.

Wakatobi Dive Resort has trained staff and knowledgeable in diving. Wakatobi Dive Resort also keeps a place for the visitors to eat seafood or other international cuisine. Other facility also available here, likes nonstop internet access. So, all of it make Wakatobi Dive Resort serve the visitors with international standardization.

Other than underwater tourism, here also there culture tourism. Several of archaeological history, social and cultural is very unique among the people around. So, the people culture around Wakatobi has a marine anthropologist characteristic.

Wakatobi Dive Resort offers a whole new level of comfort and class not usually associated with a typical dive resort. In the beach villas and bungalows are spacious, tastefully decorated and offer all of the amenities you would expect in any fine resort

Not to be worry to get here, there is an airport around the Wakatobi Dive Resort in Tomia Island. Maranggo Airport in Tomia Island also connected from Tomia Island to Bali. It makes your destination become more easy and comfortable. Wakatobi Dive Resort is the finest diving site in the world. The visitors that want to enjoy their destination in Wakatobi Dive Resort can use the travel trade around. Wakatobi Dive Resort is already preparing the visitor’s diving equipment and guiding the visitors.

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Posted in: Diving,Nature,ShoutEast Sulawesi

Lebaran Topat in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara

Topat, more popular called as Ketupat, and Lebaran the meaning is celebration. Lebaran Topat, one of many famous traditional in Lombok. This tradition not only in Lombok, in other place of Indonesia, Java, Betawi, Bugis and others, have some tradition with different name. Lebaran Topat usually held at 7th Syawal in Arabic Calendar or After Idul Fitri.
Lebaran Topat Lebaran Topat is a cultural event relived to the Moslem religion in Lombok. It is held in the seventh day after Idul Fitri – the day of celebration at end of fasting month for Moslems. Lebaran Topat is the tradition to celebrate Lebaran and recreation by bringing topat, traditional food in Lombok, that is small packages of cooked rice wrapped in coconut leaves, with variety of side dishes including vegetables. Lebaran topat is held particularly in the West Lombok, started to pray for prosperity and happiness in the mosque, musholla, family grave yard and then followed by recreation a long coast line.
Ketupat is a type of dumpling from Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia made from rice that has been wrapped in a woven palm leaf pouch which is then boiled. As the rice cooks, the grains begin to expand to fill the pouch and the rice becomes compressed. This method of cooking gives the ketupat its characteristic form and texture of a rice dumpling.
Ketupat is usually eaten with rendang (a type of dry beef curry) or served as an accompaniment to satay. Ketupat is also traditionally served by Indonesians and Malays at open houses on festive occasions such as Idul Fitri (Hari Raya Aidilfitri). During Idul Fitri in Indonesia, ketupat is often served with chicken curry, accompanied with spicy soy powder.
There are many varieties of ketupat, with two of the more common ones being ketupat nasi and ketupat pulut. Ketupat nasi is made from white rice and is wrapped in a square shape with coconut palm leaves while ketupat pulut is made from glutinous rice is usually wrapped in a triangular shape using the leaves of the fan palm (Licuala). Ketupat pulut is also called “ketupat palas” in Malaysia.
In Indonesia, ketupat sometimes boiled in thin coconut milk and spices to enhance the taste.
Other Topat Stories
Perang Topat
Perang Topat (Rice-Cake War) is a ceremony which is performed in Lingsar Park by both Hindus and Sasaks. It is performed as an expression of gratitude to God for His blessing of fertile soil and plentiful agriculture produce. The two differing religious groups did this event once a year as they join together for a ceremony to welcome the beginning of the rainy season. The rice-cake war ceremony begins with each party worshipping in their respective temples.
They then congregate outside and start throwing small packages of cooked rice wrapped in coconut leaves, called topat or ketupat, at each other.
The show begins at 16.00 after Pedande Mapuja, when the Waru flowers fall (Rorok Kembang Waru). According to the Sasak calendar, the ceremony is usually held every year at the time of sixth full moon, some time in November or December.
SELAMAT MENUNAIKAN IBADAH PUASA
Source: Lombok Destinations

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Posted in: Lebaran Topat,Lombok,West Nusa Tenggara

Sendratari Ramayana

Brought by more than 250 dancers in the original place :
Ramayana Open Stage & Trimurti Stage in Prambanan Temple complex - Yogyakarta - Indonesia

Ramayana is the best example of the Javanese story that curved on the wall of Siwa Temple in the Prambanan temple complex legacy. Prambanan Ramayana version is quite different from the original stories in India, it reflecting the adaptation of Javanese culture for centuries.

Currently, the Ramayana is adapted for performing arts only. Since 1960, hundreds of dancers have represented the ancient story of relief in an stage located in the Prambanan complex, the western part of the temple. Basically, as a traditional dance drama without long dialogue call as Sendratari Ramayana - acronym of Seni Drama dan Tari, or drama and dance - is a good director with heroism, tragedy, romance and persecution to satisfy the audience. The dances are represented under the moon-ray withthe background of temple Roro Jonggrang.

Ramayana story consists of four episodes, with one episode each night staging, which were from 07.30 until 09.30 at night for four nights in a row, each month from May until October. Stories were full in the Stage Trimurti every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, which brought more than 50 professional dancers

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Posted in: ramayana

Kampung Sampireun, Garut: the Sundanese Resort

Kampung Sampireun is a resort with a romantic Sundanese atmosphere located in Kampung Ciparay, Desa Sukakarya, Kecamatan Samarang, Kabupaten Garut, West Java; around 150km southeast Bandung. Highly recommended for honeymoon couples.

How to get there...?
It's 2 hours trip from Bandung using car or bus or 4 hours from Jakarta. Kampung Sampireun Resort also provide the shuttle vehicles from Jakarta (Rp 1,500,000,-/return) and from Bandung (Rp 800,000,-/return) or if you want to have something more adventures in West Java, you can use the public transportation and enjoy the landscape of Jakarta-Bandung-Garut route:

1. Jakarta (Kampung Rambutan/Lebak Bulus) to Bandung (Leuwi Panjang) to Garut (Garut Bus Terminal) using bus
2. From the bus terminal in Garut, use another public transportation (angkot) to Samarang and stop at Pamulihan
3. From Pamulihan, again, use another public transportation to Suka Karya and stop at Kampung Sampireun Gate

Once you arrived, you will get a unique and special Sundanese Welcome Drink called "Bajigur", a warm traditional drink made from coconut milk, palm sugar, pandan leaf and also you will have a small kind of crackers called "rangginang". Then you will be delivered from the lobby to the bungalow using a unique boat.

What kind of bungalow this resort offers?
This resort has 19 Sundanese style bungalows with 8 unit of Kalapalua Suites (suite with one bed room), 7 unit of Kurjati Suites (suite with one bed room and a living room), 1 unit of Waluran Suite (suite with two bed rooms and la iving room), 1 unit of Cikuray Suite (suite with two bed rooms and a living room), 1 unit of Papandayan Suite (suite with two bed rooms and la iving room) and 1 unit of Manglayang (suite with three bed rooms and a living room).

Other facilities that Kampung Sampireun has are:
1. Seruling Bambu Restaurant
2. Bale Putri Amantie (for the afternoon tea)
3. Waroeng Kopi (room for socialization)
4. Kiara payung Meeting Room (up to 30 people)
5. Taman Sang Hyang Dayu (for Dinner Party)
6. Swimming Pool
7. Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa (open in 2003 by Amelia Vega, the 2003 Miss Universe) with two villas, two standard rooms, five therapists, one meditation room, one sauna room, jamu bar and also one small swimming pool. There is 30% discount for all treatment for those of you who spend the night at Kampung Sampireun (excluding sauna and special promo)
8. Children Playground

Honeymoon, how special it is?
The honeymoon package in Kampung Sampireun offering you:
1. Floating candle light dinner using unique boat
2. Floating foot Spa using unique boat
3. Spa treatment for two
4. Village tour
5. Flower bucket and gift
6. Special honeymoon room

Kampung Sampireun Resort address:
Jl. Raya Samarang Kamojang Ciparay
Desa Suka Karya
Kecamatan Samarang
Garut, West Java
phone: +62 262 542 393
fax: +62 262 542 188

For more detail information kindly visit http://kampungsampireun.com
Map & pictures are taken from http://kampungsampireun.com

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Posted in: Garut,Honeymoon Package,Pictures,Sundanese,West Java

Indonesia is No.1 budget travel in Asia

Graph from Budget Monkey Travel

This is the survey that just completed recently. Indonesia is No.1 budget travel in Asia. The survey is based on one person, but assumes you are sharing a room with a friend. Two budget restaurant meals are included.

Indonesia also recently being lifted by US for travel warning. There are a lot of things Indonesia can offer. One should seriously consider visiting Indonesia now.

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Posted in: Article

Kerinci Seblat National Park, Sumatra

Kerinci Seblat National Park located in four provinces of Sumatra: West Sumatra, Jambi, Bengkulu and South Sumatra Provinces. Most of the area is the Bukit Barisan Mountain Ridge (part of Alpide Belt). Geographically, this National Park located at 100°31'18" - 102°44' E and 17'13" - 326'14" S with total area is about 1,368,000 Ha:
* 353.780 Ha (25,86%) in West Sumatra Province;
* 422.190 Ha (30,86%) in Jambi Province;
* 310.910 Ha (22,73%) in Bengkulu Province;
* 281.120 Ha (20,55%) in South Sumatra Province

Long time ago, this park was the combination of Inderapura & Bukit Tapan Nature Reserve, Fauna Preservation of Rawasa Huku Lakitan-Bukit Kayu Embun & Gedang Seblat, and other forests surrounding it . Since October 4, 1982 at World National Park Congress, this area was announced as part of the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra.

Kerinci Seblat National Park has over than 1,000 floras, dominated by family Dipterocarpaceae, with rare and andemik flora Pinus merkusii strain Kerinci, Harpulia alborera, Rafflesia arnoldi and Amorphophallus titanium and Amorphophallus decussilvae.

Faunas that live in this kind of rain forest are Dicerorhinus sumatrensis, Elephas maximus sumatrensis, Neopholis nebulosa, Panthera tigris sumatrensis, Felis termminnckii, Tapirus indica, Capricornis sumatrensis; 10 kind of reptiles; 6 kind of amphibias (example: Mesophyrs nasuta), 6 kind of primates: Sympalagus syndactylus, Hylobates agilis, Hylobates lar, Presbytis melalobates, Macaca nemestrina and Macaca fascicularis. Also 306 kind of birds (49 families) such as Cochoa becari, Arborophila rubirostris, Otus stresemanni and Laphora inornata.

Topography of this area is up and down, steep valleys , altitude 200-3,085m asl. Flat contour with altitude 800 asl located at enclave of Kabupaten Kerinci. Rain is very hard: 3,000mm in September-February, December is the peak of rainy season. Temperature 28 C in low area and 20 C in high area. Humidity 80-100%.

What's in Kerinci Seblat National Park?
# Mount of Kerinci (3,805 m asl) : the highest mountain in Sumatra and still active. The summit can be reached from Kersik Tuo in 12 hours on foot.
# Lake Gunung Tujuh (1,996 m asl) : 1,000 Ha dead caldera, surrounded by 7 mountains. This is the highest fresh water lake in the world, can be reached from Pelompek in 3 hours on foot.
# Hill of Tapan, Inum Raya fauna preservation: land of elephants, tigers, deers, tapirs etc. Six-ten hours journey with bus and on foot from Sungai Penuh.
# Mount of Seblat (2,383 m asl) : you can find primates and also Raflesia arnoldi, 12 hours walking from Muara Aman.
# Hills of Gedang Seblat & Kayu Embun : habitat of sumatera's rhinos, elephants and tigers. Ten hours walking from Muko-muko.
# Rawas Ulu Lakitan : S. Ampar waterfall, S. Keruh waterfall, S. Kerali waterfall, S. Koten waterfall, recommended for rafting activity. One-three hours journey from Licin.
# Mount of Masurai in Desa Sungai Lalang Kecamatan Muara Siau Kabupaten Surolangun Bangko (6,5 hours from City of Bangko).
# Caves of Napal Licin & Kasah.
# Grao Solar, Nguak & Kunyit: 15m geyser and faunas observation.
# Letter W: Rafflesia arnoldi and Amorphophallus titanium and Amorphophallus decussilvae, also rabbit of Sumatera.
# Rawa Ladeh Panjang: faunas observation.

#Culture trip, to see the culture of Kubu Tribe, the local people in Jambi; Kerinci area; Minangkabau area; Bengkulu area. Culture festival will be held once a year.

#Lake of Kerinci, Lake of Depati Empat, Rawa Bento, Hotspring of Semurup-Ketenong, traditional gold mining in Ketenong, Elephant Training Ground in Ipuh, Rottan handycraft in Sungai Tutung, Gemstone in Bengkulu and Bangko.

#There is a legend of "short people" (orang pendek & sigung) in this area with shy characteristic, walking straight with no tail. It is believed that they are the owner of the forest.

How to get there?
Padang - Tapan - Sungai Penuh (land vehicle), 278 km, 7 hours.
Padang - Muaralabuh - Kersik Tuo, (land vehicle), 211 km, 5-6 hours
Jambi - Sungai Penuh (land vehicle), 500 km, 10 hours.
Bengkulu - Muara Aman (land vehicle), 4 hours.
Bengkulu - Argamakmur (land vehicle), 2 hours.
Bengkulu - Lubuk Linggau (land vehicle), 3 hours.
Palembang - Lubuk Linggau (land vehicle), 6 hours.
Lubuk Linggau - Muara Rupit - Surulangun - Napal Licin (land vehicle), 4 hours.
Muara Rupit - Napal Licin (water transportation), 2 hours.

Information:
1. Kantor UPT Taman Nasional. Jl. Basuki Rahmat No. 11, Sungai Penuh 32112, Jambi, Telp. 0748-22240, 22250 Fax. 0748-22300
2. Kantor sub Balai KSDA Propinsi Jambi, Jl. Arief Rahman Hakim No. 10 Jambi, Telp (0741) 26451.
3. Kantor Sub Balai KSDA Propinsi Sumatera Barat, Jl. Raden Saleh No. 4 Padang, Telp (0751) 54136.
4. Kantor Sub Balai KSDA Propinsi Bengkulu, Jl. Mahoni No. 11 Bengkulu, Telp. (0736) 21697.
5. Kantor Sub Balai KSDA Sumatera Selatan, Jl. Kol. H. Barlian Punti Kayu Km 6,5 Palembang, Telp. (0711) 410948.

e-mail: btnks@padang.wasantara.net.id

Information from Kerinci Seblat National Park Official Website: it's announced that "because of high volcanic activity, Mount Kerinci has been CLOSED for visitor since June 19th, 2004 until further notice".

*edited*: looks like the official website is not active anymore.
*update*: based on the information from Pusat Vulkanologi & Mitigasi Bencana Alam, as per September 9, 2007, Mount Kerinci is closed until further information but visitors still can climb up until 1 km below the crater. Mount Kerinci is in Level II, black smog came up from the crater.

Source: http://www.dephut.go.id/INFORMASI/tamnas/tn2seb.htm

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Posted in: Bengkulu,Indonesia's Volcanoes,Jambi,National Park,South Sumatra,Sumatra,west sumatra

Tabot Festival, City of Bengkulu

Tabot Festival is the first program to start Visit Indonesia Year 2008, it will be held on January 9-19 2008 (Muharram 1-10 in moslem calendar) in City of Bengkulu.

The main events in this program are ritual activity such as praying by Tabot Imam and Tabot Bangsal continued with the event in Gerga Nala and Gerga Benteng, "Upacara Duduk Penja" & "Pencucian Jari-jari", "Upacara Menjuru", "Malam Arak Jari-jari", "Upacara Arak Sorban", "Hari GAM", "Tabot naik pangkek", "Arak Gedang", "Tabot Bersanding" and it will be ended by the Tabot Tebuang parade to Padang Karbala for the Tabot hand over at Syech Burhanudin Syabedan Abdullah tomb.

And also there will be culture performances, traditional games, carnaval, exhibition, bazaar and Mr & Ms Tabot election.

Source: Official Website of Ministry of Culture and Tourism

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Posted in: Bengkulu,Event,Visit Indonesia Year 2008 the program

Heritage House, Bung Karno

To know the charm of this one, Heritage House, Bung Karno in Bengkulu you should know the history of short, first. Moreover, many historical memories save for the development of the Republic of Indonesia.

In the colonial era, Bung Karno was removed and exiled by the government of the Netherlands in Bengkulu years 1938-1942, here Bung Karno placed in a house that is located on Market Anggut, currently named Jalan Sukarno-Hatta.

In this house there are household equipment, bicycles and other tools used in the Bung Karno pengasingannya. In this city, Bung Karno also gain as a mother Fatmawati First Mother Country.

In addition to dwelling house, Bung Karno, during pembungan the Bung Karno was also designing and building a mosque Jamik located in the middle of Bengkulu city, the Road Suprapto. Objects of this tour has been visited by many tourists and foreign archipelago.

Uniquely for lovers anywhere in the archipelago you are. Not only free if the recommended course, how well the visit immediately and overnight in the hotel horizon Bengkulu. (indonesia.go.id / rmb)

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Posted in: Bengkulu,Heritage,Pesona Tanah Air,Sumatera

Taxis in Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Jakarta

I just came back from my trips to Jambi & West Sumatra and arrived at Soekarno-Hatta Airport last Friday night.

As soon as I found my luggage, I went out and try to find taxi. Once you've found yourself outside the luggage room, then you will meet a bunch of people offering their taxi for you. I don't get it, as far as I know there are taxi's posts for passengers to order the taxi they want (and I already on a queue to get may taxi). What I found was a man was following me everywhere I go just to offer his taxi to me. I already said no but he still following me and keep asking and talking to me. It's really-really annoying.

Fortunately, the man walk out and leave me. But I couldn't feel calm since another man came approaching me and -again- offering his taxi to me. "What's wrong with you, guys...? I already on a queue and you still bothering me...?"

In my opinion, for sure, this condition should be fixed. The airport should clear their area from this kind of people. Passengers will not like the situation, specially new people arrived in Jakarta. My advices if you want to use taxi from the Soekarno-Hatta Airport are:
1. Choose your favorite taxi (Blue Bird, Gamya, Express etc).
2. Talk to the taxi's representative (not the driver) and tell your destination, that officer will note your destination and put you on a queue.
3. Wait for your taxi.

Other option: you can use airport bus to several area in Jakarta, Bogor, Bekasi and Tangerang. Or call your friends in town and tell them to pick you up at the airport.

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Posted in: Airports in Indonesia,Banten,Jakarta

International visitors on January to March increased 15.68%

Number of international visitors to Indonesia through all gates in March 2008 amounted to 502.041 visitors or increased 13.30 %, if it is compared to the same period of the year 2007 amounted to 443.099 visitors.

International visitor who came through certain gates increased such as Soekarno-Hatta, 123,981 visitors or equal to 26.90%, Ngurah Rai, 159,886 visitors or equal to 28%, Sam Ratulangi 1,686 visitors or equal to 6.04%, Batam, 92,174 visitors or equal to 1.93%, Juanda, 11,485 visitors or equal to 0,05%, Minangkabau, 3,313 visitors or equal to 53.52%, Mataram, 1,435 visitor or equal to 47.63%, Adi Sumarmo, 2,130 visitors or equal to 54.57%, Sepinggan 951 visitors or equal to 16.83%, Tanjung Pinang, 10,415 or equal to 4.38%, and at other gates, 76,517 visitors or equal to 5.93%.

On January to March 2008, international visitors who came through all gates to Indonesia increased cumulatively amounted to 1,405,456 visitors or equal to 15.68% compared to the same period in 2007 amounted to 1,214,986 visitors.

Source: Ministry of Culture & Tourism

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Posted in: Airports in Indonesia,Visit Indonesia Year 2008 the program

EVENT MONTH VISIT IN DECEMBER

Indonesia is a country that pluralism, with the variety that deserve only if the unity of this country have a variety of cultural activities along with the customary archipelago from their respective regions. Differences that can be done in each month, namely:

Dec. 4-7

Bali; International Spa, Herbs and Natural

Dec. 5-11

Lampung East; Way kambas Festival

December 10-15

Jambi; Jambi Cultural Week Charm

December 15-21

Manado, North Sulawesi; Darwin-Manado Yacht Race 2008

Dec. 26

West Aceh, Aceh; The 4th Commemoration of the Tsunami

December 28-31

Bandung, West Java; Braga Festival

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Posted in: Agenda Visit Indonesia

Exploring and Adventure Orangutan Trip and River Safari In Borneo

ACCOMMODATIONS

Orangutan trip For stay, we can combine their stay in the boat for the entire period, or stay in the Rimba Lodge. We will cost you extra if you stay at the Rimba Lodge. Please note that if you stay at the Rimba Lodge, dinner is not included in the price (salary).

When you click on the traditional wooden boat for the night he is to travel orangutan price is competitive and you also have the opportunity to explore WILDLIFE. Living on the boat gives you a better chance of observing crocodiles, birds, monkeys and other animals at dusk or down to their place of rest at night in the trees along the river. In the morning you are awakened by the morning dew and the community of creatures of the rainforest. A good meal for dinner and breakfast is prepared by our chefs expert on the Indonesian kitchen. The boat is spacious, 6 x 2 meters, forming a roof and is suitable for 5-6 people. You can sleep on or inside of the boat with separate guides and crew. Clean the boot installation with mattresses, pillows, mosquito nets and a small toilet on board be.

Rimba Lodge is a lodge on the banks of the river crossing the river, near Tanjung Harapan. The side of the river has a beautiful forest in the background, see many wild animals and plants and also observe. Rimba lodge stay, could give more comfort of nature. Because this hotel is built around the forest of Tanjung Putting natural touch. It is complete with hot water and air conditioning for those who could not stand the heat in the rainforest. This place gives you a good night's sleep and was for many days.

Rimba LODGE:

The word means JUNGLE Rimba forest or in the Indonesian language. Located on the left side of the river Sekonyer, 10 minutes for Tanjung Harapan orangutan Rehabilitation Center. The lodge is simple, clean and shaded by trees as cover. Dayak building architecture, spacious and air force. There are 15 rooms and Riverside 20 rooms of the internal fan and teak bathrooms. The restaurant is spacious with the Chinese and Western food. The flag was greeted with success for the hundreds of delegates who attended monkey CONFERENCE ROOM. . Customers can also paddle in a canoe along the river nearby.

Type of accommodation trip orangutan rooms available in the Rimba Lodge:
1.Emerald: AC, hot water, mosquitoes, attachés bath, including breakfast
2.Saphire: hot water, fan, mosquito nets, attached bathroom, breakfast included
3.Ruby: Fan, mosquito nets and attached bathroom, breakfast included
4. Amethyst: twin room, toilets, breakfast

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Posted in: Adventure,Borneo,Orangutan,visit,Visit Borneo

Hotel Sedona Manado is 2008 Indonesia's Leading Resort

Sedona Hotels International calls for triple celebration as Hotel Sedona Manado was awarded Indonesia’s Leading Resort while Sedona Hotel Yangon and Sedona Hotel Mandalay were nominated Myanmar’s Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2008.

Hotel Sedona Manado winning this award on its first nomination within two years of operations is remarkable. Mr Vincent Tan, Senior Vice President of Sedona Hotels International said “We are honoured to receive this award which signifies the international travel industry recognition of Hotel Sedona Manado as Indonesia’s Leading Resort. We are committed to continue contributing to Indonesia’s travel and tourism industry and to raise Manado’s profile on the global tourism scene as an attractive dive and leisure travel destination.”

Set against a backdrop of Manado’s renowned diving and fronted by a dazzling private lagoon, Hotel Sedona Manado offers endless recreational opportunities. The sprawling 24 hectare resort is a tropical paradise with lush greenery, spacious rooms and memorable dining experience. Within the resort’s manicured grounds, Martha Tilaar Salon and Day Spa pampers with ancient Javanese beauty rituals.

Hailed by the Wall Street Journal as the travel industry’s equivalent to the Oscars, the World Travel Awards are the most comprehensive and prestigious awards program in the travel industry. The awards recognize excellence in the world’s travel and tourism industry and are voted by travel professionals from 167,000 travel agencies, tour and transport companies and tourism organizations across the globe.

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Posted in: Accomodation

Serayu River

A. Overview
Serayu River is one of the natural attractions found in Central Java Province. Rivers that disgorge the Dieng plateau and has a length of about 30 km of this, across the five districts, including Wonosobo, Purbalingga, Banjarnegara, Banyumas and Cilacap. River which empties into the Indian Ocean is, having a width of about 12-25 m.
Besides being a source of life for the community, Serayu River is also a sport where rafting. Because, in this river is crossed by pengarungan field is unique and challenging. With the river conditions are like that, then local government is committed to genuinely develop this river into the resorts and at the same location rafting sport. The effort has turned out to fruition. Proven in 1997, River Serayu never be used as a sports race rafting national level. Starting from the existence of this river that was then becoming increasingly popular.
According to local story, in former times Serayu River is a water transportation route traders from China, India, and Arabic. The merchants that sailed this river upstream to peddle wares. This can be evidenced by the finding of a variety of relics that can still be seen up to now, among them the discovery of the former dock building, Chinese ceramics, metals and foreign currency. Objects there are relics in the village of Plana, Banyumas.


B. Feature
Serayu River has beautiful natural scenery, unique cliffs that juts into the middle of the river as well as various types of rocks that stand out. In the vicinity of this river, visitors can also see the expanse of paddy fields and verdant gardens population. Visitors can also take advantage of his visit while fishing. Many of the fish contained in this river ranging from tilapia, catfish, shrimp, and so forth.
For you fans of white water rafting, river Serayu is appropriately used as a test of your adrenalin. Many sports fans visiting the river rafting this. Rafting on the river has two trip pengarungan each is about 12 km with a travel time of approximately 2.5 to 5 hours of travel. During berarung rapids, visitors will be able to enjoy the beauty of natural scenery along the rivers.
This river is also famous for its annual tradition called Grebeg Suro. Suro Grebeg tradition held on the banks of the River Serayu usually equipped with a mound containing agricultural products, such as peppers, eggplant, long beans, etc. as well as the fruits of them barked, bananas, apples, and so forth. To obtain a wide range of agricultural products, visitors can participate scramble after the completion of this tradition.
Serayu River there is also another event that is not less interesting, namely Serayu Festival. Serayu Festival event is the celebration of entertainment consisting of various races including rowing boat race, stage games, kite show ornamental, and other race-race. Boat race is usually a distance of approximately 1 km, with a capacity of one boat consists of 9 rowers as a group member. To enliven the festival, also held a variety of performing arts such as stage all-night wayang kulit, kuda lumping stage, karaoke, and others. The festival is held in order to promote tourism again Banyumas Serayu River water.

C. Location
Serayu River entered into five administrative districts, namely Wonosobo, Purbalingga, Banjarnegara, Banyumas, and Cilacap, Central Java Province, Indonesia. However, for visitors who want to see the tradition of the Festival Serayu Grebeg Suro and may visit the District Rawalo, Banyumas. As for visitors who wish to exercise rafting can go to the Village District Tunggoro Sigaluh, Banjarnegara District.

You can also Visit Serayu Rafting

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Posted in: Central Java

Baturaden

A. Overview
Batu Raden is one of the prime attractions in Banyumas, Central Java. Since 1928, Batu Raden is known as a tourist attraction of the mountains. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of natural scenery and the cool mountain air with a temperature between 18 ° C-25 ° C. In good weather conditions and sunny, the view Purwokerto, Nusakambangan, and Cilacap coast can be seen clearly from the top of Baturaden.
Batu Raden name comes from two words (Javanese), namely Batur (hill, land, friends, servants) and Raden (nobility). When combined, the words "Stone Raden" can mean: flat land or the land is beautiful. There are two versions of the history of Batu Raden, namely Sheikh Maulana Maghribi version and the version of the Duchy Kutaliman. According to the first version, Sheikh Maulana Maghribi, Count Rum originating from Turkey and the Islamic religion, never felt curious about the mysterious light that towered into the sky and shining in the east. The Prince then look for the origin of light. Long story short, after making the climb to the top of a mountain, the prince saw an ascetic Buddhist who rely on a guava tree that emits rays of light upward. This location is then known as Batu Raden. Meanwhile, according to the second version, the story Batu Raden associated with romance between the Duke's daughter Kutaliman with aides who keep horses.
Total land area attractions Batu Raden area is 16.5 ha, with an area of ​​4 hectares of land investment. Status of land is HPL (rights management) Local Government (Pemda).

B. Feature
Batu Raden specialty lies in the variety of types of attractions on offer. In addition to the main tourist Batu Raden, in this area there are many other tourist sites are also interesting to visit, among which are:
1. Botanical Garden. This park provides a variety of ornamental plants, plants bongsai, and rare plants, such as Havana Plants, Leaves god, Brimulia, rodent tuber, Antarium Lipstick, Palm Paris, Tongue Elephant, and Widoro Sea. Price of these crops is quite cheap and can be reached by visitors who want to make it as a souvenir.
2. Curug Gede. Sightseeing Tours is located in the Village Ketenger, the distance is about 3 km from Batu Raden. There are a beautiful waterfall.
3. Shower Pitu, a distance of 2.5 km from Batu Raden. This shower is located 2.5 km from Batu Raden. This shower is a source of geothermal water with temperature 60 ° -70 ° C, which directly flows from the foot of Mount Slamet through seven showers.
4. Telu shower. Shower was inaugurated on January 18, 1987. This shower drain hot water with a temperature of 40'C sulfur which is said to cure skin diseases and bone.
5. Wana Wisata. Sightseeing is located 2 km from Batu Raden. Wana Wisata presents a view of green forests and beautiful. This place is perfect for camping activities and jungle tracking.
6. Silent Lake. This lake is located on the east, a distance of about 3.5 km from Batu Raden. Is somewhat beautiful lake, the water was clear and cold.
7. Park Kaloka Widya Mandala, which is a zoo tour as well as education. In this park there are a number of animals brought in, both from domestic and abroad, such as leg three goat, elephant, monkey, cow foot five, python, monkey, porcupine, crocodile Irian, orangutans, and deer. In this tourist complex also contained Endangered Wildlife Museum which contains animals such as sun bears, Sumatran tigers, and clouded leopard.

In addition to the attractions that quite a lot, Batu Raden region is also characterized by art and cultural facilities, namely:

1. Grebeg Shura or Alms Earth. The ceremony was held on the 9 Months Shura. The purpose is as a starting reinforcements, namely by doing such activities ruwat earth and salvation at the tombs of their ancestors.
2. Kenthongan, is a typical musical arts Banyumas. The main tool of this art is a form of pieces of bamboo Kenthong a given hole in the side lengthwise. To play it necessary dikentong.
3. Calung and Lengger. Calung is also a musical instrument made of bamboo pieces, placed transversely, and played with beated. While Lengger is a dance that is played, two women or more and accompanied by calung.
4. Banyumas traditional clothes. Banyumas traditional clothes are of two kinds, namely clothing for the underprivileged (like clothing ancingan, bebed wala, pinjungan, iketan, and nempean) and clothing for the nobility (nyamping beskap for men and for women).
5. Ebeg (kuda lumping). Banyumas Ebeg a traditional dance with his trademark braids using the horse. The show is usually accompanied by gamelan called Bendhe.
6. The exhibition of ornamental plants, such as havana, god leaves, and palm paris.
7. Sadranan. This ritual of cleaning the tomb, followed by the event kenduren. The aim is to commemorate the spirits of the ancestors.

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Posted in: Central Java

Temple Borobudur

Province : Central Java
City : Magelang
Distric : Borobudur
Village : Borobudur
GPS coordinates: S7.607984 - E110.203813



A. Overview
Borobudur is one of the best in the world heritage by UNESCO and is recorded in the List of World Heritage (World Wonder Heritages.) That said, this temple was buried by the eruption of Mount Merapi (950 M) and only rediscovered in the 19th century by Governor General Sir Thomas Raffles (1814). Borobudur Temple punden shaped terraces, which consists of six levels of a square. Three levels of a circular and a main stupa as a peak.
Temple which is one of the seven wonders of the world was built by King dynasty in VIII century AD. The word comes from coal and borobudur Budur. Bara / monastery and temple complex meaning Budur or beduhur means above or hill. Thus, the Borobudur Temple Complex could be interpreted as residing on the hill. Height of buildings reached 34.5 m. The building of the temple-shaped tiers. The more upward the smaller, pyramid-like buildings. Levels 1 to 6 of a square and level 7 to 10 form a circle. In 1460 there Borobudur reliefs and statues of Buddhas and stupas 72 504 pieces of fruit. When viewed from above, the Borobudur Temple looks like a lotus flower.

B. Feature
The temple consists of 10 levels has stories of Buddha carved on walls throughout. Each terrace has beautiful relief panels showing how skillful. Group of reliefs that will be read coherently when visitors walk in a clockwise direction (towards the left of the entrance of the temple). The relief, panels tell the legendary story of Ramayana. In addition, there are relief panels describing the condition of society at that time. For example, relief of farmers' activity reflecting the advance of agriculture system and relief of sailing boat representing the advance of the voyage who was based in Bergotta (Semarang).
In addition to being the highest symbol in Buddhism, the stupa of Borobudur is a replica of the universe. It symbolizes the micro-cosmos, which is divided into 3 levels. The first level is the human world where the desire is still influenced by negative impulses. The second level, a world where humans have been able to control the urge to use negative and positive encouragement. And the highest level, where the human world no longer dominated by worldly desires.
With all the charm and mystery, only natural that many people from all over the world enter the Borobudur as a place worth visiting in his life. Besides enjoying the temple, visitors can walk around to the villages around Borobudur, like Karanganyar and Wanurejo to view the activities of local crafts makers. Visitors can also go to the top of Watu Kendil to be able to view a panorama from the top of Borobudur. So, what are you waiting?

C. Location
Borobudur is located in the village of Borobudur, Borobudur District, Magelang regency, Central Java.


D. Access
The location of the temple about 100 km southwest of Hyderabad and 40 km northwest of Yogyakarta. If the direction of Semarang, visitors can take a bus majors Semarang-Yogyakarta and Magelang down at the bus station and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. From the bus terminal Magelang, travel can proceed using the minibus Borobudur department at a cost of around Rp 5,000 (April 2008).
Meanwhile, if taken from the direction of Yogyakarta, the trip takes approximately 1 hour by public transport or private vehicle. Arriving at the location of parking, travel about 15 minutes still to go on foot through the flower garden and stairs.

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Posted in: Central Java

Karimunjawa Islands

A. Overview
Karimun Islands is a cluster of 27 islands located in the Java Sea. The islands are all included in the Sub Publications, Jepara, Central Java Province. In general the islands is lowland tropical forest, and only 5 islands inhabited by the population, namely the island of Karimun, Kemujan Island, Parang Island, Mosquito Island, and Island Genting. Since March 15, 2001, Karimunjawa set by the government as a National Park Karimunjawa. Karimun island has an area of ​​111,625 hectares, consisting of 1507.7 hectares of land, and waters of 110,117.3 hectares.
Based on the legend that developed in the surrounding community, Karimun Jawa was discovered by Sunan Muria. The legend tells about Sunan Muria concern over juvenile son, Amir Hasan. For the purpose of educating, Sunan Muria then ordered her son to go to an island that appears "kremun-kremun" (escape) from the summit of Mount Moriah for the child to deepen and develop the science of religion. Because it looks "kremun-kremun", Sunan Muria then gave the name "Karimun" for the island.

B. Feature
With beautiful natural conditions and beautiful, Karimunjawa offers natural attractions are truly captivating. Not excessive for the government would establish the region as a national park Karimunjawa because this area does have a wealth of flora and fauna is extraordinary. Publications have some type of flora, namely coral reefs, mangroves, coastal forests, and lowland forest. While the wealth of fauna consists of long-tailed deer and monkeys as well as aquatic fauna that consists of 242 species and 133 genera of ornamental fish, aquatic. In addition, at this location there is also a rare species of fauna berhabitat at Bird Island and Island Geleang, such as the sea eagle and white chest and two types of turtles, namely hawksbill and green turtles.
In addition to its natural wealth, privilege Karimun Jawa can also be seen from its cultural wealth. Therefore, these islands are inhabited by people with diverse ethnic backgrounds. Inside are a resident of the Javanese, Bugis, Makasar, and Madura. Java Community Karimun many live in Hamlet, Hamlet Legon Lele, Nyamplungan Hamlet, and Hamlet Mrican. Much of their livelihood is farming and making household industries, such as red brick and coconut oil. Community Bugis and Makassar people are located on the island Kemujan, Hamlet Batu Lawang, Legon Gede Hamlet, and Hamlet Tlogo. Bugis society known as an accomplished sailor, and therefore most of its people living as fishermen. In addition, the Bugis is also popular with craft gloves tenunnnya a great demand by the tourists. Almost the same with society Bugis, Madurese community was mostly work as fishermen. However, they have the ability to make dry fish that can not be done by other tribes.
With a diverse ethnic background, people in Karimunjawa still able to keep and maintain social harmony among them. They have the tradition or some kind of local wisdom in the form of mutual exchange of goods (goods for household consumption or craft) made by ethnic groups living in this region.
C. Location
Karimun Islands, located in District Publications, Jepara, Central Java Province, Indonesia.
D. Access
The trip to Karimun Islands can be reached by sea and air lines. If using sea routes, Karimunjawa can be achieved through the Port of Tanjung Mas Semarang and Jepara through the Port of Kartini. From the Port of Tanjung Mas, Semarang, visitors can use a motor boat Kartini I, departing every Saturday, at 9:00 pm and Monday at 7:00 pm, at a cost of USD 108 000 for business class and $ 128,000 for executive class. Meanwhile, if taken from the Port of Kartini, Jepara, visitors can use a motor boat Muria which departs every Saturday at 9:00 pm, and Wednesday at 9:00 pm, at a cost of Rp 63,000 for business class and $ 83,000 for executive class (April 2008).
Meanwhile, for visitors who use the air route, the trip can be started from Ahmad Yani Airport, Semarang, with 212 leased aircraft types Cassa provided by PT. Sea Tourism Nusa Permai (Tortoise Resort). Travel time approximately thirty minutes from Ahmad Yani Airport to the airfield Dewadaru, Karimunjawa.
E. Ticket Prices
Entrance fee is included in the cost of travel, whether using sea routes, and air lines.
F. Accommodation and Other Facilities
Karimun islands in the tourist areas there are accommodation facilities and complete facilities, such as hotels, lodging houses, restaurants / eating houses, mosque / mosque, fruit stalls, souvenir stalls, and others. In addition, in the tourist areas there are also nautical sports equipment rentals, such as fishing equipment, diving, swimming, and sea cruisers equipped with glass on the bottom (glass bottom boat) that serves as a place to see the beauty of the underwater ecosystem.
At tourist sites are also available inter-island transportation, which will deliver visitors to enjoy the beauty around the existing group of islands in Karimunjawa. Transportation facilities are part of the tour that uses a motor boat rental. Rates are valid (data in 2007) ranging from Rp 250.00 to Rp 450,000 depending on distance traveled and duration of use.
Travel attractions in Karimun Island was less complete if visitors are not visited marine aquarium facility located Menjangan Besar Island. On the island, visitors can enjoy the beauty of ornamental fish and shark's life as well as other fish with a nuance that can not be found elsewhere.

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Posted in: Central Java