West Java and Banten

The enchanting land of Sunda streches 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 this region was ruled from mighty Cirebon, which still survives as a sultanate, 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. It was here that the Dutch and British first set foot in the archipelago.

One of the famous cities worth visiting is Garut, a characteristic Sundanese town located in the highlands. Garut is surrounded by volcanic mountains and vast tree plantations. Nearby, you can see Mount Papandayan, often dubbed as having the most spectacular mountain scenery in Java.

Others area like Puncak, the place is known for it’s cool climate. The Puncak provides refreshing outdoor experience for nature lovers just a short drive into the hills south of Jakarta. Enjoy the serenity and peace of this special area as you wander through tea plantations taking in the surrounding views of forest clad mountains and misty valleys, or as you examine the divers plant species in the Bogor and Cibodas Botanical Gardens.

Kampung Naga(Dragon Village) offers you an experience of a lifetime. Despite its proximity to modern society, the inhabitants choose to retain its traditional customs over the centuries. This small village is located in beautiful mountains, 30 km away from Tasikmalaya.

West Java is the home of Pangandaran, one of Jave best’s secret as far as international tourist concerned. A small fishing town, it possesses one of Java;s finest beaches and the Pangandaran Nature Reserve. Tsunami hit Pangandaran a few years ago, but it recovered successfully. Pangandaran can be reached by bus about 5 hours from Bandung and 8 hours from Jakarta.

And along the Jakarta-Bandung route you can stop by the Taman Safari(Safari Park). Animals from all continents roam frelly in this 35 hectares park, located 75 km southeast of Jakarta. The park also provides recreational grounds with swimming pools, tennis courts, amusement parks, and a unsurpassed program of Night Safari

Bandung
Located in highland, the city often Parijs van Java has rapidly grown into one of the most varied cosmopolitan cities in Indonesia. At 1990’s, local designer opened clothing stores along jalan Cihampelas which gave Bandung another nickname, the shopping city. BAndung gained even more popularity when textile factories in the outskirts of Bandung oponed fashion stores that sell their products directly from the factory named factory outlets.

About 25km north of Bandung you can find Tangkuban Perahu mountain, seen from Bandung the mountain has a distinctive shape like an upside down boat. This spectacular shape has stimulated the fantasy of the Sundanese people from early times as expressed in the Legend of Sangkuriang.

On the south of Bandung you can find the road that leads to Ciwidey, a town full of strawberry patches. From there, you can find visit Kawah Putih, a volcanic crater with a beautiful turquoise lake. Don’t forget also to visit the workshop of Mang Udjo’s Angklung (traditional musical instrument made of bamboo) in Padasuka . Visit also Maribaya waterfall and the distribution stores, walk along the Braga and see the quaint buildings.

West and East Nusa Tenggara

West Nusa Tenggara
The West Nusa Tenggara province or NTB in bahasa Indonesia has a lot of beautiful place. These places are spread between their two major island Lombok and Sumbawa islands.

Lombok Island
At Lombok the famous place is Senggigi, the place is one of the most developed area for tourists in NTB. You can easily find any variety of restaurants, bars, discotheque, travel agents, money changers, souvenir shops, and variety accommodation starting from budget hotel to 5 star hotel. And the Lombok Island has its traditional food and it’s called ayam taliwang (chicken stew in a rich sauce of galangal, turmeric and chili). Sumbawa Island is larger than Bali and Lombok islands combined. Sumbawa is an island of twisted and jutting peninsulas; with a coast close by hills and bights also a line of volcanic stretching along the way. Sumbawa is a scenic island and transport connection is a bit difficult in here. It is best if you explore the countryside with car rent or motorcycle. In here you will find Mount Tambora. Its 6 km wide caldera contains a two coloured lake with views as far as Rinjani Mountain. The Rinjani Mountain has great cultural importance fot the Lombok’s people. In this area was declared as national park in 1997.
The Lombok is famous for the golden south sea pearls and the pearls are known in the world as one of the best quality in the world. First class pearl are found in here with many natural colors such as white, cream, silver, pink, black and gold. Most of the pearls come from the western coast of the island, west of towns of Sekotong Timur, Sekotong Tengah and Lembar.

Sumbawa Island
The rugged land mass of Sumbawa looms massively between Lombok and Flores, separated from each by a narrow strait. Sumbawa is the island of twisted and jutting peninsulas. Sumbawa is a coast fringed by hills and bights, and a line of volcanic stumps stretching along its strength. Although the island is a scenic island and because of the hard and volcanic area so its best if you rent motorcycle to explore this fascinating place.
In the central of Sumbawa there is Mount Tambora with 6km wide and contains two colored lake. If you are a truly surfer, better visit Hu;u beach, the best beach known as a stronghold of surf base camp. You can find new attractive and renovated places on Lakey beach. 3km from Hu’u you can see the stretch of sand that is great for your destination. Don’t forget also to but souvenirs songket sarongs, the best ones made from Poto village. The sarongs is famous with traditional designs include the perahu and ancestor head motif.
Later you must see Pura Lingsar, the only Hindu shrine in the world where both Hindus and Moslems come to pray. Have a great swim and visit the festivals in Putri Nyale Beach.

East Nusa Tenggara
Nusa Tenggara Timur province is dominated by the three main islands of Flores, Sumba and Timor islands.
Watch the Lamalera Whale Hunting on Lembata islands. The whale hunting season goes on from May to September. Using simple traditional tools such as small rowboats and hand thrown harpoons the hunters sail out targeting the whale by bamboo shafted harpoons. In Western Sumba, you can find an archaic little town called Waikabubak, which is full of old graves carved in unique motives such as buffalo horns and horses. If you were in town, please stop by at Kampung Tambelar to see some impressive tombs.

Komodo Island
Komodo is famous for the giant prehistoric lizards, as last of their population. The natives called them ORA, the Komodo dragons has roamed the earth about half million years ago. This tale is exist since a long time ago. And at that time fishers and pearls divers working in the area had brought back tales of giant lizards which length is about 3 m with a very keen sense of smell. The only population is the fishing village of Komodo who supplied goats for feeding the lizards. The komodo is protected by the state law and although they look harmless, it is best if you keep them at a distance.

Flores
The word Flores taken from Portuguese language, which means a cape of flowers. A fascinating, mountainous, and remarkably a beautiful island. Flores has a volcanic topography and it’s wide stretched. Flores also boats the sublime multihued crater lakes of Kelimutu terrific beaches around Labuanbajo and east of Maumere, and idyllic offshore islands with fine snorkeling. Many boats trips to nearby islands to make a great trips day. This trip offers you the chance to snorkel on a deserted beach. You can visit the Bidadari Island for the coral and clear water, Serayu Island and Kanawa Island have the accommodation and other free transport. You can also easily find Batu Cermin. A limestone outcrop that includes a series of caves located about 4km east of Labuanjo. Entering the main cave, you will find the mirror rock.
While you were in here you should visit and surf in Nemberela beach in the south west of Rote Island. Also is exciting to bring some traditional souvenirs Ikat cloth that often symbolizes status, wealth, power and prestige within its motifs.
The Manggarai hill people are perharps the best known and most interesting of the many traditional natives in there. They tend to be shy but friendly. You will see many them many around Ruteng and also their specialized distinctive black sarongs, trailing black haired pigs into market or herding beautiful horse miniatures.

The Untouchable Kalimantan

Kalimantan is an unexplored land of natural beauty and indigenous heritage. The island is well known for the tropical forests, rich natural resources and exotic flora and fauna. Kalimantan is inhabited by Dayaks, Kalimantan is now home of the 10 million inhabitants with many cultures : Dayaks, Malays, Chinese and Javanese people.

South Kalimantan
This province has extensive forest with wide variety of trees such as ironwoods, meranti, pines and rubber. In the capital Banjarmasin you could find the famous Floating Market where local people trade their variety of goods including tropical fruits such as Kesturi, rare aromatic species of mangoes, durian, rambutan, butter fruit and watermelon. To experience Banjarmasin the best way is through the river. You can use either the klotok (river bus) or a speedboat for fun trips. Stopped by at Negara where you can find the traditional weapons mandau and machete are made. Also visit Kembang island where is inhabited by tame monkeys in an old Chinese temple. Also stop at Kaget Island, the home of many birds species and Bekantan, the long nosed and reddish turred monkeys. Also you should try to visit Loksado, the local important market about 170km from Banjarmasin and watch the Mappanretasi (sea offering ceremony).

East Kalimantan
In here you should be able to see the wild orangutans and prolific bird life at Kutai National Park. Technically you don’t need a guide to enter the park but finding orangutans can be very difficult. Ask the Indonesian Forest Protection and Nature Conservative Agency (PHKA) staff as your guide. This is also the home of the original mountain people of Kalimantan. The local tribes called Lamin or Umaq Daru, they built their houses on wooden piles and built it with 3m height as protection against wilds animals and flooding. And you should visit at Tanjung Isuy, the first Dayak Village on Mahakam. The territory is considered to be Banuaq Dayak territory. But don’t expect too much from this society because modernization has affected the people in here. The main interest is in Louu Taman Jamrot, a longhouse vacated in the late 1970s and rebuilt by the provincial government as craft center and tourist hotel. It is highly recommended for you to travel the Mahakam river and experience the adventure also. On the journey you will see the wild jungles to the Derawan Island. In that island you will find many rare animals such as green turtle, scarlet turtle, star fruit turtle and sea cow. The Derawan and Sangalaki islands hold an amazing marine environment including the coral, canary grabs and pearls. Also worth to visit the remains of a king called Keraton Gunung Tambur in Berau.

Central Kalimantan
Near from the capital Palangkaraya city you can find the Kuala Kapuas. The place is perfect for adventurer, rafting into the white waters and explores the nature. The specific place called Gohong Rawai and it’s famous for its beautiful and challenging rapids. And while you in here you must visit the Old Palace of Pangkalanbun. The palace is completely built out of ulin (iron wood) and this is the only royal legacy found. Also when it is the time you should see the Isen Mulang Culture Festival at Palangkaraya. Sampit is also the biggest timber port in Kalimantan. And its worth to visit the Orchid Park of pembuangan Hulu is home to number of many rare species of orchid. Move a bit to the north the Dayak villages mostly lived on Lamandau River and still well traditional. It is necessary to hire a guide to decide the best route for experience hungry travelers. As we continue more to the north you can see the small villages along the river leads to Bekonsu a village of many longhouses as well as traditional mausoleums. Last Tanjung Putting National Park is the spot where you can see the enigmatic primates living in its forest and you can see the monkeys and macaques running around the forest. Also do not miss the fireflies at evening, they will spark up the night and dance in the pandanus palms.

West Kalimantan
West Kalimantan is rich in minerals and precious stone but remains largely untouched. The capital city Pontianak host interesting tourist objects such as: Kadariah Palace in Kampung Dalam, the State Museum, and the Kapuas and Landak River. At Saham village a traditional Dayak’s longhouse is 186m long and 6m wide which about 269 people live under the same roof. On Karimata Island there is marine nature’s reserve. And the place is home for thousand species of turtles and dugongs. At Kapuas Hulu you will find Betung Kerihun and Sentarum Lake National Park. At danau Sentarum you can see a huge lagoon, the house of more than 220 species of fresh water fishes. Among the fish also there are Super Red Arowana fish very fame and rare because of the beautiful colour and highly prized by collectors. The second nature preserves is the Bukit Raya Bukit Baka National Park encountered with rainforest, rugged landscapes, mountains and meandering rivers. This is the right place for bathing, boating, water skiing, bird watching and fishing. This park is easily to go from Nanga Popai by longboats. This park is also the home of the largest flower in the world Rafflesia. Don’t miss also the Equator museum in Pontianak and find Sasirangan, the traditional batik that is once used by the nobles to protect them from evil spirits. This item can easily find with others handicrafts and souvenirs at local market.

SUMATRA ISLANDS HERITAGE

Sumatra Island is divided into several provinces such as Aceh, Bangka, Belitung, Bengkulu, Jambi, Lampung, Riau, West Sumatra, South Sumatra and North Sumatra. You can easily get to Sumatera by flight from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. Or by Sea cruise via Singapore and Jakarta.

In Aceh you can find the famous Mount Leuser National as one of the largest national park in Indonesia. The park is holding over 800.000 hectares of virgin rainforest. This preserve area is the home for orangutans, gibbons, monkeys, elephants, tigers, and Sumatran Rhinoceros. There are also Bahorok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and Bukit Lawang to see the habitat of apes in close. In fact Bukit Lawang is considering as one of the most accessible places to spot the primate and the conservation has been done since 1970.

Sumatra is also the home of Bataks. They have traditional longhouses which is used by 10 peoples or more. Built from massive timber piles and have high structure and step palm-thatched roofs and it was built without needing a single nails just using rope and wooden pegs. Bataks is also the guardian of the Ulos. The special hand-woven cloth is distinguished by their distinct motifs which certain Ulos are worn is certain occasion. Rumah Gadang is the traditional house of the famous Minangkabau tribe in Sumatra. The walls of that house are covered with various motifs and each one of it means a different meaning. In here I would like to tell you some of the city in Sumatra that offers various travel experience
Batam Island
Located only about 20km from Singapore and 30km from Johor Malaysia, Batam is the perfect are for holiday. When you are in Batam you should visit its landscape landmark the Barelang bridges which link Batam and other islands. Cycling in these strings of islands has become a favorite activity for tourists and locals. Have a seafood lunch at Barelang and capture yourself with the famous Kwan Im Statue that’s height about 23km at KTM Resort. Afterward you must also see the biggest Buddhist Temple in South East Asia the Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Laughing Buddha Temple. And later take yourself to Waterfront city where you find many resort facilities such as swimming, spa, golf, and many tourists came here. From some of the people I’ve meet at Batam some of them are eager to find exotic seafood and some others for the unique adventures in old village.
You also can find some good electronic quality with cheap price I here, Batam is well known for its cheap electronic things. Don’t forget to dive or surf during high tide and some reef fishing will make you excited.
Bintan Island
Bintan is the no. 1 spot for the beach lover and most of the tourist are headed to the north coast around Lagoi while the east coast is still unspoiled and worth to visit. In here you will meet all of the water sports activity accompanied with many gorgeous beaches. There is one club the Mana Mana beach club which provide all underwater needs for your diving, swimming and many others. About northeast of Bintan there is an island called Mapor island. The island is full with green forest with beautiful rock formation that you can see from the boat till 30m below the sea surface. Professional scuba drivers usually dive at Sandy Bay for stretch up and the local tourist guide usually will take you to Maoi Island, the shallow reef that holds possible sightings of nudibranchs and the iridescent Blue Ringed Angelfish. On the ground you can enjoy the International 18th holes of golf course, horse riding, and jungles for trekking. Also available ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) to pump your adrenalin, Go kart Track that can race up to 17 go karts at once. At Bintan Lagoon Golf Club held two international golf championship courses design by Jack Nicklaus and Ian Baker Finch. If you want to see the real forest treasure of Bintan you can join the local tour to see the mangrove forest and its rich habitat. Visit the pasar ikan (fish market) and Akau (night market) and Pelantar (water villages). Watch the turtle lay their eggs on Kelong beach and spend the afternoon at the old palace and fort on the historical Penyenget Island.
Palembang
Palembang it’s the second largest city at Sumatra, and has vital rules as major port 80km close to Musi River. The city is linked by the giant Ampera Bridge and the river is flanked by wooden houses on stilts. At southern side Seberang Ulu is the majority of the people live. And on Seberang Ilir to the north is the city is the place where you find most of the government office, shops, hotels and exclusive residential districts. Visit the Sumatera Selatan Museum which is a megalithic houses carving from Pasemah Highlands including the famous batu gajah (elephant stone) also there is a magnificent rumah limas (traditional house) behind the museum. At the center of the city you can find a coastal village Krui, a perfect place to explore western coastline especially at sunset. Far from the civilization, white sandy beaches with turquoise waters are waiting for their child birth. In the middle of Bukit Barisan you can find the Ranau Lake an excellent place for relaxing and continue to climb Seminung Mountain to the beautiful site of the land. The best known dishes are ikan brengkes (fish served with spicy durian based sauce) and pindang (a spicy and clear fish soup). Another specialty is pempek, a mixture of sago, fish and seasonings that is formed into balls and well deeply fried. There is also Tempoyak, a combination of fermented durian, terasi(shrimp paste), lime juice and chili added to the rice.
Medan
Medan in history it was a small kingdom at Deli river delta. Medan is the capital of a power sultanate and a successful plantation town. One of the Sultanate deli heritages is the Maimun Palace, an intriguing mixture of Oriental Middle Eastern and Western architectural styles design by an Italian architect in 1888. In Medan you also can find the Great Mosque of Medan ( Masjid Raya). The city is also famous for the multi cultural society that creates a unique culture blend. Each ethnic group contributes to a wide variety of tasty dishes. In here you can find Javanese sweet cuisines, hot Padang spicy dishes, savoury Chinese noodles and even Indian curry which is open 24 hours a day. After you in Medan you must see the Toba Lake as the largest lake in Southeast Asia. The lake is created by an enormous eruption that happened about 70.000 years ago. In there you can find the Samosir Island which is big as Singapore and often described as the heartland of Batak culture. Samosir is actually a peninsula divided from Sumatra only by Pusuk Buhit, a narrow canal once constructed by the Dutch, located between Samosir ad its mainland. Try the motorized becak around Medan city and taste spicy seafood restaurant in Kesawan Square at night life. Don’t forget also to taste Medan special’s food Bika Ambon and go to Titi Gantung to visit the unique bridge built over a railway.

White Sand of Situbondo

Inside the calm beach is located the sea garden which beauty is still natural with the clean beach and gentle moisture. Anyone is delighted to be there, to see the combination of blue sky and the blue sea. This is the Pantai Pasir Putih (White Sand Beach) a holiday beach that is on the side of Probolinggo and Banyuwangi high road that is used if you want to go to Bali from Java by vehicle.

From Surabaya it’s about 174 km and 23 km of west Situbondo city. In there you will find a white and clean beach, exotic Coral Sea, complete with hotel and restaurant facility. The beach shape is oval like a horseshoe but yet it looks very exotic. The flora and fauna in there is still natural and good cleanliness and is exciting to take your family and playing with your family and sun bathing at the beach.

Unfortunately the rocks and coral at the sea are getting thinner and the sea bring wave with mud brown color so it looks a bit brown right now. Beside for leisure the beach is also held national sports even suck surfing and sailing.

For the tourist facility is being improve by the local government, from year to year there been about 20% increment of the tourist came as a strong proof how interesting this beach to the people. In years to come there will be more luxury cottage, motels and classy restaurant in there, also with extra car park area for bus or private car that are fully support with security and comfortable.

One of the main reasons why this whit sand is famous is because of the special coral garden. Usually you need to dive in quite depth in the sea to se the coral but in here you can see the coral just from your boat or using your binoculars. Some say that white sand beach is the only beach in Java Island that has rich marine habitat and corals. You can see the soft coral and coral with many variant in there. This white sand beach is highly recommended if you were passing Probolinggo – Banyuwangi high road. The beaches has full facility and have great coral gardens, some says this beach is the number 1 challenger for Bunaken in North Sulawesi. With clean water, small wave and near the woods the beach is giving you a relaxing time and enjoying the perfect nature.

What We Haven't Seen in Western Papua

This island although is one of the big island of Indonesia but yet Papua was left behind for economic grow. However Western Papua offers many outstanding spots for adventure. In here you can find marvelous diving spot, trekking, untouched deserted beaches, traditional cultures with great unique customs, arts, crafts and special culinary. So a trip to Papua is an Indiana Jones adventure to you exploring the other world of flora and fauna also the wild life.

It’s because of the nature habitat the WWF also assist Indonesia government to protect the island flora and fauna also and its artifacts. Papua was known a forest fauna includes marsupials (possums, wallabies, and cuscus), some mammals (the endangered long beaked echidna), bird species (cendrawasih, cassowaries, and parrots), world’s largest lizard (Papua monitor) and some butterflies. The salt water also becomes the home of crocodile, flying foxes, bats and etc.

Sorong
You can get there if you reach Sorong which is the hub for all the boat travel along the southern and northern coast. Every two weeks The Rinjani sails to Fak-Fak and Maluku. Sorong is a must go city in Western Papua. The city is the centre of oil, logging and district administration. In Sorong is the perfect place for diving, trekking, and bird watching. In Sorong you will find Kasuari beach which is ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Try to walk around the Doom Island and you see the beautiful site. Rent a boat and go to the Raja Ampat Island, a vast archipelago contains over 1500 small islands, cays and shoals surrounding the four big islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo. The Raja Ampat features beauty marine world above and below water. The place is located in the Coral Triangle which holds over 75% species in the world of all known coral species in the sea. The islands have a very different topography with steep mountain shores and deserted white beaches. It is interesting to walk on the island with bare foot and use the boat to move from one dive spot to another.

Here are some of the famous dive sites in Raja Ampat:

Misool Island
Misool is rich with the fish colony, the schooling fishes seems endless and seahorses live the sea not less than 10m
Kaboei Bay Rock Island
This place is the right place if you are looking for rare nudibranches, mollusks and dragonet.
Kri Island
Have lots of pretty corals growth, rich with reefs, schollong fishes and the giant Queensland Grouper
Sardine Reef
It’s the whole fish family in here. There you find bumphead parrotfish, colorful corals and plenty critters.

Fak Fak
Fak Fak is accessible from Ambon Islands and Banda Islands by sea and Sorong by air. The city is a colonial town builds on coastal foothills. You will be surprised with the beautiful landscape of a town’s hill, trees and bright blue sea. Fak Fak is the first city that Ducht colonial settle on Papua islands. There is the famous purported giant bone found in the sea and the rock art sites along the coast. Around there located the Kokas beach on the north coast of the peninsula. At the beach you will find some of the Japanese cannons, tunnels and shipwrecks and a mosque built in 1870. Do not forget to see Ugar Islands for diving and Madedred Waterfalls.

Manokwari
Manokwari in Biak language means Old village. Manokwari is a city that near Teluk Cendrawasih. The city is easy to explore and provited most of the facilities. Visit Gunung Meja Park picturesque, a wild forest with protected birdlife and butterflies. Also you should not miss Japanese Monument and track down some Japanese Cave that was built for escape route by Japanese soldier in World War II. There is one of the whole sited near the stone steps leading to Arfak Hotel.

In Papua you will find also Lorentz National Park, the largest protected area in the Asia Pacific region and one of the most ecologically diverse national parks in the world. It’s the only area that contains full ecosystems from marine areas, mangrove, tidal and freshwater swamps, lowland and mountainous forest, alpines areas and glaciers.

A little bit to the west you will able to see the Cendrawasih Bay Marine National Park. This reserve area are consists 18 islands, 500km of coastline and 14.300 sq km of the area. You can say this is the largest preserve area in Indonesia; the government protects the endangered species of giant’s clams, turtles and dugongs. However as usual if you want to explore the area please make sure that you have the transportation. The largest inhabitant island in the reserve area is Rumberpoon, Mioswaar, Roon and Angrameos islands. Rumberpoon island also provide snorkeling among fascinating corals and marine life not to mention great hiking. It’s also worthwhile to rent a boat and explore nearby islands such as Wairondi Islands which is famous with the turtle unseen population.

Three tribes are living on the valley of Papua which is Dani, Lani and Yani. Dani villages are often visit by tourist when they reach Western Papua and they are famous for several hundreds years mummies of famous tribesmen.

However there are top things to do in Papua which you don’t want to miss
Lake Sentani
Visit the lake Sentani which is virtually untouched by modern civilization. The local people are still live with the traditional ways and owned their own wood work and pottery. In here you can also see the mummy named Jiwika and traditional round shaped houses that Wamena people called Honay.
Mount Carstenz Pyramid
The highest in the ocean continent (4884 m above sea level) and located in the western central highland above the Pasir Putih Beach, a soft white sandy beach with its clear water and beautiful scenery, best for recreation and swimming.
Watch the Tifa dance, Fire dance and Mayai Marowa dance.
Visit Rumah Kaki Seribu
This is the famous traditional house built by Arfak Ecthic group
Visit Klaijili Hot Spring in Makbon district
And see the Mermaid Cagement a unique fish traditionally raised in Webra village.

Holiday in Valentine’s Day

Celebrating Valentine’s Day with holiday is a interesting options. Of course they have some variety of holiday packages that are offer to couple who seeks romantic experience. But for those of you that rarely having your own holiday with the one you love, you should pay attention to all the things that need to be prepare.

Pick the right location
Both of you must direct involve in planning you holiday in advance. You do not want to happen when you want to holiday in a beach while your partner want to go for a holiday in big cities shopping. If the two of you are having different taste for a good holiday at least you should compromise so you can still enjoy your holiday. Example you could go to the beach at today and tomorrow you will go to do some shopping. A lovers without compromise is a hard line of love, so be understand to each other and your holiday will be remember as one of the best you had.

Prepare the holiday schedule
Prepare your agenda to fill your activity during holiday. Not only where are you going but also details about what to do in the morning, afternoon and night. Also prepare some back up plan just in case your first plan is not going to work.

Spontaneous
Spontaneous is necessary although you have made your plan and schedule rapidly. However it will bring you much fun. Once awhile you can try to behave like you in love with your couple without afraid of being notice on the open place than you are increasing your love level with your love’s one. When you are at the beach why don’t you put sun block to your partner. When there is a live band during dinner why don’t you request her favorite song to play and ask her to dance. This spontaneous kind of romance will be a valuable moment for the both of you.

Holiday to remember
Remembering your holiday and your beautiful moment is also important. Do not forget to bring camera and take a picture of both of you. To make it better you could order some local artist to draw your face or make a painting with the both of you in it. I can guarantee that this kind of holiday will make your partner heart melted and so in love with you. Just remember a good holiday is a well plan holiday from the beginning, well works in the process and lovely ending at the end.

The Great Of Indonesia

Even though Indonesia is affected from the global economy crisis, Indonesia still will be one of the countries with most favorable country in Southeast Asia for international tourist. Indonesia was known as an archipelago country with ± 17.500 islands and located between the Australian and Asian continental main lands and dividing Pacific and Indian Oceans at the Equator.
Looking back from history, Indonesia is famous as an archipelago that holds important region rules since the seven century. This us happened when Sriwijaya kingdom made a trade link with China. For century Indonesia’s natural resources has been drawn and strongly influenced by the foreign countries. Many our ancestor cultural was adapted under Indians influence, Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms from the early centuries. Muslim traders brought Islam and European Colony is fighting each other to monopolize trade in the Spice Island of Maluku during the age of discovery. Indonesia was under Dutch Colonialism for three and a half centuries and secured their Independence after World War II
Currently in 2007 Indonesia with over 242 millions of people is the fourth world most populous nation behind Republic of China, India and USA. However the spread of the population was not equal and well balance. On Java Island it contains 130 millions of people and Indonesia was able to slow down the average growth of the people 1, 5 % with family planning programs. Java population is over 1000 people per sq km ( four times more than United Kingdom) while in Papua is 126 people per sq km this shows that the big cities mostly in Java is keep on growing rather than outside Java. Many people move to big cities to try their luck for a better salary and better life.
Indonesia only has two seasons because it’s an tropical country. June to September the weather is relatively dry and hot and from December to March is rainy season. But even in rainy season the temperatures average is from 21 degrees C to 35 degrees.
Indonesia has at least 2/3 area is water territorial include 3, 1 million square kilometers pf tropical seas. Because of this strategic place fish population is overwhelm. In Papua there is an undersea place called Raja Ampat which is considered to be one of the richest marine habitat life in the world.
The main islands are Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Papua and Java. Indonesia shares two thirds of Borneo island with Brunei and Malaysia, Indonesia also shares New Guinea island with Papua New Guinea. In Sumatra the Weh island, Bintan island and Krakatau island are famous for diving activity. In Java they have 3 major dive spots Ujung Kulon, 1000 island, Karimun Jawa and each of those places is very unique and rich in marine habitat life.
Art and Culture
Since Indonesia have so many people from different cultural and habits so Indonesia is rich in art and has strong cultural influence. From Java you could find the traditional puppet played with both hands and accompanied with traditional gamelan music. The puppets usually perform some fragment from Hindu epics either Mahabrata or Ramayana. They played behind the white screen with lantern spotting the background that cast the shadow of the character and the audience could see the show from the other side. Do not forget that one of the seven wonder is in Yogyakarta the Borobudur temple. It is very hard to believe during the Stone Age people could build a temple that is so big and well architect. Another Indonesia trademark in culture is Batik. Batik is the cultural clothes from Java Island and created hundred years ago. You can see Batik in almost everywhere in Indonesia. The present Batik producers not only create the origin Batik but they also design many variant and combine the pattern between classic and modern. Most of the Batik comes from Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Pekalongan and Cirebon. For souvenir each province of Indonesia brings you different woodcarving and woods cultures for ornamentation and furniture, paintings are numerous in all over the country, filigree from South Sulawesi and Bali with different styles of clay, sandstone and wood sculptures.
Indonesia is also a millionaire in traditional dance styles. Ramayana epic is great to see in Yogyakarta. Wonosobo from Central Java has its Lengger Dance, which perform by a masked man dress as a women. Jaipongan comes from West Java kind of a modern dance that features swift movements to the rythms of traditional music. In Central Kalimantan you often find the Manasai dance to welcome guest. Mandai dance is also from Kalimantan, which is using shield and sword for ceremony. Bali also have the Barong, Kecak, Topeng and Baris dance.
Indonesia Cuisine
Most of Indonesia people are common to eat rice “nasi”. On the Eastern of Indonesia the main food traditionally ranges from corn, sago and cassava, to sweet potatoes. Fish is usually eat with fresh, salted, dried or smoked conditions. Spices and hot chilli peppers are the main ingredient of most cooking especially in West Sumatra and North Sulawesi. Despite of that each its own cuisine have many cooking method and ingredients. Sumatrans generally eat more beef than other. West Sumatra was well known for their Padang restaurants. Beside it hot and spicy food it also has special service. All the dishes are spread on the table before you choose which one you want. Javanese cuisine taste more general and consist vegetable, soybeans, beef or chicken.
Looking more to the East in Bali, Papua and Highlands of North Sumatra and Sulawesi pork dishes are specialties. Pork is usually served in Chinese restaurant or non-Moslem restaurant. They also like to consume seafood either grilled or made into curries.

Exploring South Sulawesi

Ocean, ships and tough sailors are the famous things that you can see from Sulawesi on of Indonesia Island. However, Sulawesi not only rich because of the Maritimes but also their mountain and culture that makes the places more fascinating. Sulawesi has some lovely spot for your traveling. I will show you some of the main tourist to go to and what is like at there. The island is famous with the called Celebes, meaning the famous one in Portuguese word in Asia and Europe because of the spices. Many tourists recommend this island is excellent for scuba diving/ snorkeling, sailing, cruises, water rafting, trekking, sail boarding and ecotourism activity.

Makassar
The city itself is known for long reputation as on of the important trading port and coastal defense for hundred of years ago when kingdoms still at top of their life. Become one of the crucial parts of traders in South East Asia. There is some interesting place in there.

Ford Rotterdam Museum
It is located near the beach, where it used to be the great castle of King Gowa the 10th which known with Karaeng Tunipalangga Ulaweng at 1545. When the Dutch came to Indonesia, they change Ford Rotterdam to become the centre of trading and government. Remaining inside is the historical museums La Galigo museum which keeps historical artifacts of the greatness of the past kingdom of Gowa kingdom. Inside Fort Rotterdam is the nation’s museum, local history institute, Prince Diponegoro hostage chamber and Art and music room. No tickets are needed to get into it but inside the fort there are some tourist guide prepare to guide you around the ford cheaply.

Paotere Harbor
In there you will see one trademark of Makassar, the Pinisi Boat. There are many Phinisi boats and other traditional ships in variant size. This reflects one of Makassar trademark as one tough sailor and till now Paotere is still the centre of the fisherman harbor from other area. The harbor itself is pretty clean and worth it to visit.

Losari Beach
Near Paotere harbor you can see the sunset in Makasar. They have restaurant with indoor and sea view concept in there. The beach is pretty quiet and located a bit private so it’s perfect for your private holiday. Just imagine that a road about 2 km near beach is selling many traditional foods such as Pisang Epe, red fried rice and mie kering. Also try the local Soto they called it Coto Makassar. And near this street is the Somba Opu street, this street is use for souvenirs and gold markets.

Islands of Kayangan, Kodingareng Keke and Samalona
Across the harbor id the Kayangan island where it’s famous for evening for Sunday’s entertainment. Scuba diving is the best thing to do when visiting Samalona and Kodingareng Keke Island. The place trademark is its natural reef and undersea gardens decorated with colorful tropical fishes.

Bantimurung Waterfall
You can find it about 41 km from Makassar. The beautiful waterfall is located between rocky cliffs into a stream shaded by tall trees. At here try to find triodes Helena hypolitus butterfly especially during warm season. And 15m from Bantimurung is a natural dreaming cave with its beautiful forms of limestone.

Don’t forget that Makassar is also famous with their traditional football game “ sepak takraw”. Buy yourself their clothes “Baju Bodo”, which is a traditional bright handwoven silk blouse, worn with gold accessories and combined with silk checkered sarong. Also visit the historical tomb of Diponegoro.

Bissapu Waterfall
This place is about 3 hours from Makassar heading to Tanjung Bira, this area Bantaeng have a waterfall that are surrounded with high cliffs and very beautiful to see. To see it you have to go down about 100metres on stairs but believe me you would not regret it. The Bissapu waterfall is still an exclusive tourist area, so make sure your guide know very well how to get there.

Malino
Malino is a small city 90 km from Makassar. Since kingdom history Malino was known as a recreation place for the kings and Dutch government. At the forest you can see the beauty of Edelweiss flower and famous flower Masamba that can change colour every month from green, turn to yellow and white. Stopped by at Sentral Market and taste the Marquis syrup.

Tanjung Bira
Tanjung Bira is a holiday area for tourist. Here is know for beautiful diving place, beside the white beach that is soft like powder and cool blue sea water. You can easily find many sharks near this area. Close from this the Bentang island and Kambing island is the correct spot to see shark.

Tana Toraja
Tanah Toraja is very popular among tourist worldwide. The land is filling with unique architecture and fascinating cultures with traditional genuine village style. Probably the most unique noticeable aspects is about Toraja traditional house “Tongkonan”. It is the meeting place for all family gatherings. The towering roof rearing up at the either end is believed presenting the horns of the buffalo. It is also delighted to watch their Toraja’s elaborate death rituals. The ritual itself explains why Toraja people hold such majestic death rituals. Many buffaloes and pigs slaughtered, various dance to honor their ancestor and thousands of people attended either as participant or just looking.

Great Tour to Bali

Please be informed that we also provide tours to Bali for your needs. You can explore the beauty in its place and rest assures that we will arrange your journey excitingly and most important safely. We have few interesting tours options

North Bali Tour
First you will go to Candi Kuning at morning, where they sell a lot of fresh fruit and after that to visit the Gitgit waterfall which is the highest waterfall in Bali. You can have lunch at Lovina beach and explore the beauty of black sand Lovina.

Besakih Tour
Tour is heading to Kerta Gosa, which once was used as a court house in history. We continue with straight to Besakih Pura which is the biggest and widest in Bali. After that you can relax and feel the cool and fresh climate of Candidasa beach and see the old traditional Bali house. And on the way home you can visit the Goa Lawah (Bat Cave) with about thousands bats hanging on the cave.

Kintamani Tour
This tour will take you to visit Batur Mountain and lake. But first you will see the Barong dance at Batu Bulan and visiting Celuk the centre of gold and silver handicraft. Before lunch we will guide you to Bali souvenir shop and then lunch at Puncak Sari accompanied with the view of Batur Mountain and lake. On the way home you will arrive at Tampak Siring where there was the President castle and also to Tirta Empul to see the holy water that are believe is good for long lasting life.

South Bali Tour
We will take you to visit Tanjung Benoa which become the water sports activities such as banana boat, Jet Ski, Penyu island etc (on personal request) and than continue to the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) to have lunch and watch the limestone mountain that has an amazing view. Also there will be the tallest statue in the world in the future. After that you will go to Uluwatu to see the Pura which is located on the edge of the cliff at the south of Bali Sea.

Bedugul tour
We wil guide you to visit the Taman Ayu Pura which belongs to Kings Mengwi for centurys ago. Straight to Bedugul to see the Ulun Dalu Pura and have your delicious meals at Mentari restaurant. On the way home don’t forget to see Alas Kedaton to see the holy monkeys closely. And last stop it at Tanah Lot to see the floating Pura.

Ubud and Tanah Lot tour
First you will visit Celuk the centre of gold and silver handicraft, thereafter buy some goodies at Bali special goodies shop, shops till you drop at art market Sukowati. Next is going to Ubud and have lunch at Crispy Duck while enjoying the lovely view of green landscape, monkey forest on the way heading to Tanah Lot.

Honeymooner’s tour
We congratulate for new weed couples and would like to give the very special moment for your first journey of memorable honeymoon once in your lifetime. You will be welcome by Bali princess bringing you flower necklace. Not only a warm welcome but you will also get 5 photo sessions with Balinese costume, special spa treatment include foot wash, Balinese massage, yogurt, refresher facial, flower bath and ginger tea for relaxing the day. And at the end of the day you will be dining at the beach with a romantic candle light dinner.

The Miracle place called Ubud

This is the place where a time seems to be slower or sometimes stopped. You can stay for as long as you like to feel the comfort of your vacation, forgetting about your work and home work. This is Ubud, where you can still find the green land terrace everywhere, where flowers is mesmerizing like it is spring all the year, you can called it a modernized nature.

Pity for travelers in Indonesia was late to found out this place, because many artist from Europe have stay and exploring Ubud since 1920. They came there and getting the fabulous nature, listening to the gamelan music and realize that everyone in Ubud is skillful in art. The perfect combination of nature, culture and human civilization that makes Ubud an international village that keep living and growing steadily.

If you are asking what do you want to find more about Bali? Is it just about the beach for surfing? Or is about the hot sun bathing in the sand? Or is about the crowded night life under the disco lamp splash with strange cocktail? Well if you are looking for the real Bali that still origin, Bali that is not just about shopping but also touchable true life where you can find the great picture at your postcard Ubud your answer.

The first thing we remember about bali is the gamelan music accompanying the beautiful dancers with their eccentric eyes with total expression. It was the traditional dancing show that make the night in Ubud alive. They were dancing with the golden attribute and its called Legong dance.

You can find most of arts studio, gallery and many museum at Ubud. Museum Neka is one of them, it’s contains painting collection of Bali artist and Indonesia from 1930 till present. The painting are located chronologically so you can easily understand the art history in Bali and Indonesia.

For me, traveling is always about about two things, exploring new places and exploring their special food. Bebek Betutu (duck) and Bebek Goreng (fried duck) is one of their famous food menu. Duck to the Bali people is defining the power and the ability to survive in two nature, because duck able to live and eat at the mainland also duck can move swiftly on the water. What most interesting that the process of making Bebek Betutu take about 8 hours cooked with the traditional way.

Another food is the roast suckling pig (babi guling). It is the famous food in whole Bali. You can find this food at Ubud on Suweta road. This road is always full with cars and motorcycle especially at lunch hour. Everyone is waiting for pieces of pig meats roasted till it shinnies and full of secret flavor that has been passed for generations. The roast suckling pig is served with vegetables mix with coconut and super extra hot originally chilli with warm rice..ehmm yummy yummy.

At Ubud is greatly advise if you doing some sightseeing, it’s the perfect place for healing your body and soul from the heat of the city. The natural environment will makes you feel relax and comfortable. And after a full day activity don’t be to shy to spoil yourself in a spa. with using all natural product that has been known for hundred years ago. Breathe the cooling aromateraphy, drown yourself in the bathtub full of warm water, flowers and ingredients. Let it go all of your thought when doing the aromatherapy massage that combining Swedish, Shiatsu, acupressure and Bali massage in one with massage oil that will revive your vitality.

Last thing I want to tell you is about the ceremony and Bali culture. At Ubud all culture is ritually happened since hundreds years ago. The fruit that is set up like a tower, the ingredients that set up in every Bali house, the ceremony itself and dozens men shouting in cremation ceremony. All of that is the life of culture, sometimes it makes you realize what century are we living now. If you want to explore all of above things that excites you, that make you curious, then please come to Ubud yourself and prove the miracle place that called Ubud.

Interesting Places in Bali

THINGS TO DO

Below are some of the interesting places of interest in Bali :-)

Batubulan : Daily Barong Dance performance, fine stone carvings, furniture.

Mount Batukau :-Virgin forests, serenity,temple.

Bedagal :Highland retreat by the lake, crater, watersports, quality fruits and vegetables.

Besakih Temple :Mother Temple on Mount Agong, huge complex of shrines, majestic.

Candi Dasa :Quiet newest resort area, snorkelling, diving, beach.

Celuk :Silver and gold jewellery.

Denpasar : rebuilt ancient city, art centre, museum, government offices.

Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave): 8th century archaelogical mystery, Buddhist inscriptions and carvings, elephant head entrance.

Goa Lawah (Bat Cave)1000 year old Shiva Temple, millions of bats cover ceiling.

Jimbaran : Southwest of Bali, fishermen village, beach, sunset, offshore reefs.

Kintamani : Mountainous, spectacular view by Lake Batur, sunrise at peak of Mount Batur.

Kuta : Surfing, beaches, sunsets, night life, shops at Legian street.

Lovina:- North of Bali near Singaraja, still waters, dolphin watch.

Negara : West of Bali, water buffalo races (July to October).

Nusa Dua :Luxurious resorts, diving and surfing, beaches, gold cours e, shops.

Nusa lembongan : Bali's sister island, coral and sand beaches, crystal clear water, surfing.

Sangeh : Monkey Forest, tall nutmeg trees, aggressive monkeys.

Sanur : First resort of Bali, beaches, black and white magic.

Singaraja:North of Bali, beaches, quiet, culturally distinctive.

Tabanan : Mountains, rice field terraces, black sand beaches, rain forests.

Tampaksiring : Wood carving, Sukarno's Palace, Tirta Empul temple and sacred spring water.

Tanah Lot : Dramatic ocean front temple, spectacular sunset, snake filled cave.

Tenganan: East of Bali, village of Bali Aga, wonderful fabrics.

Ubud : haven for the arts,paintings, lush rice fields, museums, galleries, dances.

Uluwata : spectacular temple on a cliff.

www.lovecocktail.co.cc

http://www.planetbisnis.com/?id=travelku

Hallo World!!

Guideline to Bali±

Bali is a small mountainous island located in the South Western part of Indonesia and covers 5810 square kilometers with about 2.9 million residents. Tourism is a major part of the local economy with approximately 1.4 million visitors per year. Therefore these are tourist guideline services to help you get to, from and around Bali.

Passport
You will require a passport and it will need to be valid for a minimum of 6 months prior to entry and you must hold a valid ticket out of Indonesia. Please make sure you have at least 4 (four) spare pages in your passport.

Visas
Recently significant changes have been implemented to Indonesia’s Visa laws. Citizens of certain countries are eligible for a Visa on Arrival, at cost of US $25 for a 30 day visa and US $10 for a 7 day visa (these rate are the rate at the time printing).
Those not falling into these categories will require applying for a visa before entry into Indonesia. Some countries are applicable for a free visa such as Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong. Examples of countries that are eligible for the 7 day or 30 day Visa On Arrival include Australia, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and USA.
Prior to departure it is very important to check with your travel agent or contact nearest Indonesia Consulate General Office to confirm Visa arrangements relevant to your country.

Luggage
When packing your bags, be aware of your airline’s weight restrictions (most airlines have a 20kg limit), excess baggage can be expensive. Don’t forget to allow some extra space for all those shopping bargains that you will pick up while in Bali.

Airport
The main airport in Bali is Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar).

Climate
Bali has a year round tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 290 to 320 Celsius. While the dry season is from April to October, Bali is a great place to visit all year round.

Transfers
Most of Bali Resort & Hotel packages include airport transfers. This is a cost effective, stress free way of getting to the resort and is worthwhile organizing with your travel agent if it’s not included in your package. If you haven’t arranged a transfer then taxis are available from the airport, if you do this then make sure you ask the driver to use his meter or get pre-paid voucher at the airport.

Duty Free
It can be very tempting to load up with duty free shopping prior to arriving in Bali. Just remember that Bali is extremely competitive when it comes to beer, spirits and fragrances.
However, wine can be quite expensive in Bali so a bottle of good quality duty free wine could save you some Rupiah.

Custom Regulations
You will need to complete the custom questionnaire prior to entering Indonesia; these will be distributed on your flight. There are strict limits to what you can bring into Indonesia. ie. you cannot bring in more than 200 cigarettes, more than 1 liter alcohol; Animals, fish and plants including their products; Narcotics drugs, psychotropic substances, fire arms, weapons, ammunition, explosive; pornography; more than 50 million Rupiah in bank notes. We recommend you are honest with Customs. IMPORTANT: Drug convictions can be punishable by death!

Arrival into Denpasar Airport
Once you have disembarked the aircraft, if you are not a current Indonesian visa holder, you will need to go to the Visa On Arrival payment counter. The Visa On Arrival fee is charged in US Dollars, though they will give you change in Rupiah. Most currencies can be exchanged at the airport but the rates may not be the best. Once you have a receipt, proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter where they will check your passport and issue you with a Visa On Arrival. They will also give you a departure card which you should keep. Then you will pass through a security check to the luggage area. Once you have obtained your luggage, you will need to proceed through customs with your declaration card, be aware that a number of porters will try and help you with your bags but they will expect a service fee. They could also try and lead you to a money changer but generally you will get a better exchange rate outside the airport.

Departing the Resort
You will need to leave the resort approximately 2,5 hours prior to your flight leaving. A departure tax of Rp.150.000 is required to exit the country so it is best to keep these Rupiah up your sleeve. You will need to check in with the airlines 2 hours prior to the departure of your flight. Then proceed to the immigration payment counter where you will need to pay the Rp.100.000 fee. Make sure you have retained your departure card and present this to immigration with your passport.