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.