Holiday Point

HongKong , Point to Holiday............

2007-11-20T19:41:00.000-08:00

In order to maintain Hong Kong's position as the top destination city for visitors in Asia, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region established the Tourism Commission in May 1999. Our job is to enhance our tourism facilities and support the development of new attractions and events so that Hong Kong remains a premier tourist destination.

As Asia's world city, Hong Kong has much to offer to you as a visitor, whether you are coming here on business or for pleasure:

* A city of charm: the sophistication of an international city, cultural diversity and cosmopolitan lifestyle are at the very core of Hong Kong's attractions.
* Natural beauty: we also offer unspoilt natural parkland and spectacular scenery.

Victoria Park
Among Hong Kong’s various parks, Victoria Park is definitely the most

popular one. In the morning the park sees early risers who gather to jog and exercise, whilst other people practice tai chi.

Other facilities, such as tennis courts and swimming pools, are open to the public for a small entrance fee. On special occasions such as the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Chinese New Year, the park becomes the main celebration venue as thousands of people come and celebrate with their family and friends.

DisneyLand
Just when you thought it was safe to travel to Asia, Disneyland Hong Kong opens for business. Mickey Mouse, along with his friends Donald Duck, Aladdin, Peter Pan, and Buzz Lightyear, is offering something different for travelers in Hong Kong.A Disneyland theme park! Not only does this park offer up cool characters, it also has awesome rides. Space Mountain, Jungle River Cruise, and the twirling Tea Cups can be found in this theme park, and they are all tons of fun. All this comes in an Eastern twist; a park designed with the principles of feng shui in mind. The park is filled with waterfalls and fountains, all staples of feng shui. But all that won't stop you from having a great time. So walk in to the magic of Disneyland, Hong Kong.

Victoria Peak
If you haven't been to Victoria Peak (also known simply as the 'Peak'), then you haven't been to Hong Kong! All visitors to Hong Kong should go to the Peak for panoramic views of the city, which have to be amongst the most spectacular in the world, especially at night. A walk around the Peak reveals further scenic vistas over the greener western parts of Hong Kong Island, and the viewing platforms on top of the Peak Tower and Peak Galleria are a must for anyone with a camera. A tram will get you to the top. The prices HK5 to HK400 depending on the kind of ticket purchased. You can check the website for specific details.

Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay is one of Hong Kong's top shopping and nightlife districts. Originally the
warehouse area for merchants and a fishing harbour, the area has become a shopper's paradise with shops open until at least 9:30pm. Apart from big department stores such as Sogoand shopping malls like Times Square, there are also small shops and street stalls crammed into the area around Jardines's Crescent and Jardine's Bazaar. In addition, Causeway Bay also offers a plethora of restaurants, ranging from cheap Dai Pai Dongs to more expensive establishments, and cinemas.

Source : http://www.tourism.gov.hk

It's a Holiday Christmastime in the City Point!

2007-11-20T00:44:00.000-08:00

Silver Dollar City Presents Nationally Acclaimed Holiday Festival, An Old Time Christmas

Festival Shines with Holiday Light Parade, 4 Million Lights, 'A Dickens' Christmas Carol', November 4 through December 30

Released: Branson, Mo. 10/06
It's Christmastime throughout the City when Silver Dollar City presents one of the nation's most spectacular holiday festivals, profiled as one of the top Christmas celebrations in the country by USA Today and People Magazine, spotlighted in the Wall Street Journal, and named the "USA's Best Holiday Light Show" two years in a row by America's Best Online. An Old Time Christmas, November 4 through December 30, features a dazzling Holiday Light Parade, a dramatic five-story Special Effects Christmas Tree, and one of the park's biggest production shows ever, A Dickens' Christmas Carol.

During An Old Time Christmas, the theme park is transformed into an evening wonderland with over four million lights and 1,000 decorated Christmas trees. The colorful Holiday Light Parade, with musical floats covered in bright lights, winds through the streets of the City each evening. Lighting up the Square is the five-story Special Effects Christmas Tree, with over 250,000 lights blazing with the musical movements of Christmas songs.

Silver Dollar City's acclaimed production, A Dickens' Christmas Carol, presents an all-new scene set inside a snow globe. This original musical adaptation of the famous classic by Charles Dickens features elaborate sets and stunning visual effects, with flying spirits, vanishing ghosts, revolving scenery and pyrotechnic special effects. The production showcases a talented cast of 14 actors, accompanied by a live band.

A returning favorite feature of the festival is a dramatic presentation of the Living Nativity, presenting an inspiring look at the story of the birth of Christ.

The traditional lighting of the five-story Special Effects Christmas Tree takes place each evening at 5:30 p.m. on the Square. Silver Dollar City's unique creation, the Special Effects Christmas Tree presents classics such as "Carol of the Bells" and Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" in a spectacular light and sound show. Performances begin with the tree lighting ceremony and continue every 15 minutes until park closing.

The tastes of the season are in abundance throughout the park, from a Prime Rib Buffet at the Mill Restaurant to traditional favorites such as Turkey and Gravy with Cran-Apple Raisin Dressing. Festive holiday treats include old-fashioned Chocolate and Marshmallow S'Mores, Gingerbread Cookies, Apple Dumplings, Hot Wassail, Cappuccino and creamy Hot Chocolate.

Holiday shows include Cedric Benoit and the Cajun Connection performing in a Cajun-style holiday show, and the rollicking Christmas comedy "Frontier Fa-la-la-Follies" in the Silver Dollar Saloon. The Cumberland Quartet with Tracy Heaston returns in "A Christmas Homecoming."

Especially for kids, Tinker, the 17-foot Talking Christmas Tree talks, sings and interacts with kids. Santa himself is available to hear requests, and kids can make ornaments, create Christmas cards and decorate Christmas cookies. Guests are invited to join in the singing of Christmas carols at the historic Wilderness Church and ride the Silver Dollar Sing-Along Steam Train.

During An Old Time Christmas, Silver Dollar City is open Wednesdays through Sundays through December 3, 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays, noon to 10:00 p.m. The park is also open on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on November 24, noon to 10:00 p.m. The park is open Thursdays through Sundays, December 7-23, closed December 24-25 and open December 26-30, 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Saturdays, noon to 10:00 p.m. For ticket information and schedules, call 1-800-831-4FUN. Information and tickets are also available through the web site at www.silverdollarcity.com.
Source:http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com

Magnificent Holiday Point location commanding the Indian ocean.

2007-11-19T23:24:00.000-08:00

Magnificent location commanding the Indian ocean. The area is marked by Pura Luhur Uluwatu, among a few most sacred Balinese temple which is located on the cliff edge. Loceted along the southern tip of Bali peninsula, the soaring rocky cliff of Uluwatu offers breathtaking views opening out to the Indian Ocean. The rather dry air coming from the rocky land is peasantly soothed by the ocean breeze flowing un-disrupted.

The whole area is a bit difficult to explore. Mostly because there are not that many developments going on in the area. Most likely Its dry and rocky land takes a lot more effort to build, and water supply, especially to fill up the pool, is not easy to find. Trip from the airport to the villas in Uluwatu can be exhausting 40-50 minutes through halfly developed narrow road, dusty in the dry and muddy in the wet season. Worse for those arriving from a long haul flight.

But the suffer is definitely paid off when you get into the villas. Luxury holiday homes with stunning ocean views opening out to the ocean enjoyable from basically every corner of the house. There are no "cheap" villas in the area. Mainly because only those who prepare to spend unlimited efforts and money will get into the area, secondly, the views are just to "expensive" for "cheap" developments.

Those who could not afford another bumpy ride after exhaustive flight can enjoy airport transfer by helicopter landing at the backyard of the villas. A few villas provide the service as a compliment (certain conditions apply). Find amazing unique holiday experience, rent a Bali clifftop villas from Uluwatu Villas Online and enjoy magnificent views throughout your days.

http://www.uluwatuvillasonline.com - Uluwatu villas online welcomes you to Bali to spend your vacation. Rent a private holiday villa with in genuine Balinese traditional country living. Our villas have distinctive features including ocean view villas, cliff top villas, and beach front villas.

UBUD ,....Monkey Forest Temple

2007-11-19T20:41:00.000-08:00

There are so many ways to spend your day in Ubud - visiting galleries and artists' studios, sipping drinks in garden cafes and enjoying long strolls through the countryside. Here are just a few of the "must sees."

The Ubud highlights

No visit to Ubud is complete without a visit to the Puri Saren palace at the main crossroads, with its maze of family compounds and richly carved doorways by Lempad. The royal family temple, Pura Pamerajaan Sari Cokorda Agung, is next door a storage place for the family pusaka (regalia).

To the west behind a lotus pond by the Puri Saraswati palace (now a hotel), lies the superbly chiseled Pura Saraswati temple of learning a clin d'oeil dedicated to Ubud's artistic past. From the crossroads here, walk north to Ubud's "navel" temple, Pura Puseh, with its delightful sculptures.

Next stop is the Puri Lukisan Museum to enjoy the paintings and sculptures and the peaceful garden. The museum was founded in 1953 by surviving members of Ubud's famed Pita Maha movement. Painted panels that Lempad executed 40 years ago depict the Balinese agrarian cycle.

There are numerous studios and shops in the center of town. Painter Han Snel has his up behind the Pura Saraswati. If it's lunchtime, pop into the Cafe Lotus for a fresh fettuccine and a chocolate cake. For some of the best coffee in Bali, stop by Angkasa, north of the village hall on JI. Suweta, or Tut Mak Warung Kopi, south of the soccer field on Jl. Dewi Sita.

Ubud has many museums, including Seniwati Gallery, which features women's art, on the main road east of the market. Suteja Neka, whose father was a painter, is the foremost dealer and collector on Bali founder also of the Neka Museum. The most famous artist of Ubud however was Lempad. His son, Made Semung, now runs the Lempad Gallery - ask him to show you some of the master's delicate erotic pen and ink drawings.
Mischievous monkeys

mongkey forestAnother of the major "sights" of Ubud is the so-called Monkey Forest Temple, 2 km to the south. Stroll down Monkey Forest Road to have a look at all the new shops and restaurants. Before entering the temple itself, however, keep all edibles, eyeglasses, earrings, etc., and hold on tight to your bags. These rapacious thieves are dangerous if provoked. The Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal itself is an extraordinary "temple for the dead," with a covered gate or candi kurung. For further explorations from here.

Having gone east and south, now travel west along the main road across the bridge to Campuan. Up to the left is eccentric Filipino American painter Antonio Blanco's, gallery of extravagant nudes and anecdotes. Farther up on the right is the Neka Museum housing the best collection of paintings on the island. For more contemporary art, visit the Sika Art Gallery in Sangginan, near the Neka Museum, and the Komaneka Gallery, halfway down JI. Monkey Forest.

Holiday will be more easy.....to enjoy

2007-11-14T03:26:00.000-08:00

Leisure and Business Travel needs quick and right arrangements, as well as affordable rate. Berlian Wisata comes to tourism industry with vision and mission focusing on costumer service. Therefore, we have huge responsibility to provide satisfaction for our costumers.

Vision: Travel Business Solution To provide enjoyable solution on travel

Mission: Fast and Right Answer To provide fast and right service according to costumer's needs.

Berlian Wisata focuses on Incentive travel service- group travel, both corporate and individual ones and Corporate Travel Management services. With these focuses, our company always provides commitment in business.

Human resources are vital in our company’s activities. Therefore, our activities are performed by experienced experts in tourism who perfectly know costumer’s needs in travel service.

In order to improve our service we would like welcome any criticism, suggestion, and cooperation from costumers. And hopefully, those criticism, suggestion, and cooperation will keep us reliable business partner for you. In the end, we thank you for your attention and we are ready to welcome you as a mutual business partner.

More detail for this programs :http://www.berlianwisata.com

Trip to Bunaken North Sulawesi

2007-11-08T23:51:00.000-08:00

Bunaken Island, North Sulawesi, Photo By www.anril.com

Scuba Diving Trip to Bunaken North Sulawesi

A Group of islands consist Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siladen, Gangga, Mantehage and Nain where located in North Sulawesi is one of Main Diving Destination in the world in Indonesia. Underwater formation which form a great wall underwater offer great sensation for scuba diver in the world.

Because of its popularity, many dive sites founded in these area such as, Fukui, Mandolin, Cela cela, Depan Kampung, Panggulingan, Tanjung Kopi, Tanjung Pisok, Molas Beach, Popo, etc.

From Macro Object to Whales can be seen in Bunaken all year. Dive sites in Bunaken ussually give us over than 25 meter vizibility and hundreds divers from all over the world dives in these area. New dive sites founded every year by local diver in Manado.

Beside Bunaken popularity, still in north sulawesi, not far from Manado, there is a harbour city called Bitung in the east coast of North Sulawesi. Lebeh Island in Bitung offers heaven for Macro Photographer. Pegasus, Dragonet, Mandarin Fish, Pigmy Seahorse, Halimeda Ghost Pipe Fish, Rhynopias, can be found in these area. So many famous underwater photographer in the world like Lembeh very much for Macro Photography.
Source:http://www.belajardiving.com

The Gili Trawangan Lombok

2007-11-08T00:41:00.000-08:00

Located some 20 kilometres north of Senggigi (Lombok Island) and within 30 to 60 minutes of the coast, three small island :

Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan offer excellent beaches and diving thanks to extensive coral reefs that surround each island. From any of the hotels or BaliNetwork Companies it's easy to arrange a day trip north by motorized skiff to any of the islands. Alternatively you can drive north from Senggigi along a beautiful windy road that hugs the hilly coastline to Bangsal where skiffs will ferry you out to any of the islands. There, stay as long as you like in a range of accommodation ranging from basic to very comfortable.

GILI TRAWANGAN, is the biggest of the islands and the the farthest from the mainland (60 minutes by boat). While there are one or two up market establishments, relatively cheep accommodation (that attracts the backpacking set) is the norm. They call it the "party island".

GILI MENO, (only 35 minutes) located between the other two and the least developed or crowded of the islands has very good snorkeling with its blue-tinted stag horn coral and a variety of other coral around which a multitude of colorful fish swim.

GILI AIR, (only 25 minutes) is closest to the mainland and probably has the best range of accommodation.

Situated a few miles off the north west coast of Lombok, the three Gili Islands - Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air - were discovered by backpackers in the 80s and until recently remained a haven for budget travellers in search of paradise. The islands are surrounded by glorious soft sandy beaches, colorful coral reefs and crystal clear turquoise waters, ideal for diving.

There are almost no roads or motor vehicles but small ferries transport guests between islands, none more than twenty minutes apart. Most of the accommodation is on Gili Trawangan, generally small bamboo bungalows a few meters from the beach – like Thailand's islands twenty years ago.

Mainstream tourism is beginning to establish itself here and a few exclusive hotels have opened up, most recently on the smallest, least developed island, Gili Meno.
Source : http://www.lombokkomodotour.com/

West Papua

2007-11-06T23:42:00.000-08:00

Kobela Tours

Places you never knew existed. Places you will never forget. Locally owned and operated. Striving for economic and environmental sustainability through high quality ecotourism.

Whether you know it as West Papua, Irian Jaya, Western New Guinea or Propinisi Papua, the magical lands at the eastern end of Indonesia remain rarely visited and absolutely unique. No-one regrets visiting and most wish they had visited sooner. The shocking thing is how little people know about this magical destination.

Kobela Tours is West Papua's most respected ecotourism operator and it offers something foreign operated companies can't: An authentic experience. It is owned and operated by the local community for the benefit of the local community and the continuing sustainability of this pristine natural environment.

West Papua boasts the tallest mountain in Oceania, equatorial glaciers, lowland jungles, villages in the tree tops, ancient cultural practices, dramatic festivals, dense swamps, navigatable rivers, coral reef diving, friendly people and a stunning range of bird and animal life. You will be a welcome and priviledged guest in a land beyond time.

Call Isaac on +62 085 254 039 843 for immediate service in English.
Source:http://www.westpapuatrekking.com/

Sanur Beach Hotel

2007-11-06T20:58:00.000-08:00

Five-star hotel
This five-star hotel is located in the most strategic area of Sanur beach and is the ideal choice for tourists as well as business people. It is located only 25 minutes from Ngurah Rai airport or 15 minutes from Denpasar. The beach surround the hotel is quite wide and free from coral reef, so guests can freely relax at the beach.

For those who enjoy water sports, there are two choices of water sport facilities, motorboat and jet ski at Matahari Sport on the western part of the beach, and other water sports such as sail boating, surfing and wind surfing at the Blue Oasis on the eastern beach.

The hotel located at Jl. Danau Tamblingan and in operation since July 29, 1974 is located in a very natural setting with large shady trees and rows of waving coconut trees.

Facilities of Hotel Sanur Beach are the most complete in the Sanur region. Its rooms are large and very comfortable, with interior dominated by wooden material, which gives an impression of warmth, friendliness and naturalness.

For business people, there is also the Business Center complete with facilities such as Internet, typing/secretarial services, scanning facilities, etc. For banquets and big meetings, there is the Wantilan Conference Center, whereas for small meetings you can use the Garuda Room, and for boardroom meetings there is the Jauk Room.

Guests are also pampered with a variety in choices of food presented with friendly and attentive service. The Basilico, an open-air restaurant near the beach, serves Italian food with a refined touch of the Mediterranean – complete with selected wine. Meanwhile at the Tirta Poolside Restaurant, you can enjoy various Indonesian as well as international cuisines. In addition there is the Peppers Latino Grill and Bar, which serves unique Latin American food presented in a Mediterranean atmosphere.

To maintain your health and fitness, there is a spa and fitness center managed by the Grand Odiseus chain that has international reputation. There are also two swimming pools and a children's pool not far from the children's playground. Then you have the jogging track that runs around the park near the Wisnu Wing, where you can find the oldest trees in the Sanur area and a beach volleyball court in front of the Bamboo Bar. If you are bicycling lover, you can enjoy a cycling tour to the villages accompanied by an experienced tourist guide from Sanur Beach Hotel.
Source:http://www.sanurbeachhotelbali.com

Bukit Tinggi Point

2007-11-06T03:21:00.000-08:00

The Most Relaxed Town in All Sumatra
Bukittinggi is one of the loveliest, friendliest, most relaxed town in all Sumatra. This town is situated more or less 930 meters above sea level.
Bukittinggi, formerly named Fort De Cock by the Dutch, has a cool climate and is surrounded by three volcanoes: Tandikat, Singgalang and Merapi. In the outskirts of the town is the Ngarai Sianok canyon, a canyon separating Bukittinggi from Kota Gadang, 12 km away overland. Kota Gadang is renowned for its fine silver filigree and hand embroidery.

A center of attraction is the town's clock-tower, topped with a horn- shaped roof and referred to by the people as Jam Gadang. It overlooks the market square and the city's magnificent surroundings.

Also worth visiting is the Museum which is a Rumah Gadang, a traditional extended family house built in the 19th century. There are dance performances at the museum's open stage every Sunday and on public holidays. Night dance performances are at Sliguri. It is also worth seeing the bullfights at Padang Lawas (6 km south of Bukittinggi) every Tuesday at 5.00 p.m.

Getting There

From Jakarta International Airport to Minangkabau International Airport in Ketaping it will take about 2 hours, after you arrive you can use Taxi or Bus to Bukittinggi.

Where to Stay

There are various Inns and Hotels in Bukittinggi, If you are looking for a star hotel, theres Novotel Coralia Bukittinggi with a grand view of the beautiful Anai valley, while Lima's Hotel, Hotel Asia and Hotel Denai are classified locally as 'superior hotels'.

Dining Guide

Good varieties of restaurants are situated on or close to the city. But, since youre in West Sumatra who is known with the spicy foods, we suggested you to try some Padang dishes like Rendang and Soto Padang. Here are some of restaurants around the city:

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Simpang Raya, Jl Muka Jam Gadang. This large, popular restaurant has good-quality Padang food plus a basic Indonesian menu with soup, rice or noodle dishes.
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Under the Bridge Restaurant, Jl A Yani. This is a slightly up market travelers' restaurant serving steaks, pasta, pizza, apple pie and chocolate cake.

Moving Around

You can move around the city by Taxi, Bus or rent a car. Theres also a horse carriage or sado provide a colorful charming transportation to move around through the town.

Other Things to See or Do

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Watching one of the landmarks of the city, the Bukittinggi Big Ben or known as Jam Gadang. Also.
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Make nice trips in the environment like to the Harau nature reserve, the Pagaruyung Minangkabau palace and Lake Singkarak.

Souvenir Tips

As a tourist center, Bukittinggi boasts a multitude of craft,souvenir, jewelry, and antique shops. Many craft village lie within an hour ride from Bukittinggi.

Shopping

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Lively Pasar Atas (Upper Market), just south of the clock tower, is lined with stalls and shops selling everyday goods and souvenirs. Nearby, Sumatera,
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Jl Minangkabau 19, has a huge range of textiles from Sumba and Irian Jaya and king sticks from North Sumatra.

Travel Tips

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Though the horse carriage is far more expensive than the 'ojek', it is very popular with the locals, especially since it can carry whole families.
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The tourist office is at Jl Syech Bantam 1 (Mon-Thurs 8am-2pm, Fri 8-11am, Sat 8am-12.30pm; tel 0752/22403), near the clock tower.
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Tours: Many places offer one-day local tours to traditional villages, the Pagaruyung palace and the Harau Canyon.

*** Source : http://www.budpar.go.id/

Tana Toraja Point

2007-11-06T02:13:00.000-08:00

SEE TORAJA'S SCENIC BEAUTY AND STRANGE RITES
A short flight or a scenic and interesting eight-hour drive through Bugis villages, coastal fishing villages and the Toraja foothills brings visitors up to the verdant Toraja highlands or Tana Toraja where the almost flourescent green of the rice fields are dotted with distinctive saddle backed houses. Known as Tongkonan, these houses are said to echo the horns of the buffalo, that are an inseparable part of the Torajans

Toraja people enjoy great longevity-surely something to do with the cool climate and active lifestyle from infancy to old age. They spend their lives growing excellent fragrant rice, raising magnificent buffalo, especially the highly valued pink albino strains. Their work is interspersed with dramatic ceremonies. Harvest festivals and house warming festivals, are times for feasting and a gathering of the clan, times to wear their best costumes and jewellery, bring out the tuak (a local brew) and party for days on end, times for singing and dancing and, of course, eating. These are also times for neighbours and clan members to pay their respects and to pay back obligations that may date back generations.

Most sensational of all the Toraja ceremonies are the funerals, especially the ceremonies for highranking aristocrats. In Toraja a person is not considered dead until this last ceremony and the soul is released to the heavens. It is this celebration that is so absorbing.

While funeral ceremonies occur all year round, the best time to see them is in the drier months of August and September. Some of the big ceremonies are so large that over 100 buffaloes are killed. Although it may seem to visitors an abundance of buffaloes are sacrificed, few Torajans eat meat every day, and festivals are one of the rare chances to enjoy the opportunity.

The Torajans believe that aristocrats must be buried between heaven and earth - hence their spectacular grave sites. High up in the limestone cliffs are set tombs, carved out of solid rock, and guarded by human effigies called tau taut Watching sightlessly over the rice fields, they guard the souls of the deceased.

Some of the most impressive grave sites are accessible from RANTEPAO, most of the sites are easily accessible.

LONDA: The best-known site is Londa (4 km from Rantepao), where a balcony of tau tau guard the entrance to two impressive caves filled with brightly decorated coffins, while all around them skulls and bones lie on the rocks.

LEMO: At Lemo (12 km from Rantepao), the towering cliff face is filled with graves and tau tau of high-ranking aristocrats, best viewed very early in the morning before the sun gets too high.

KE'TE KUSU: The village of Ke'te Kesu (14 km from Rantepao) has become a living museum. Here a whole tongkonan, or village of traditional houses, and their distinctive rice barns, looks out over a sea of rice fields. At the back of the village are some beautiful tau tau and intricate old coffins.

BATU TUMONGA: One of the most scenic sights in the whole of Toraja is Batu Tumonga, high on the slopes of Mt. Sisean. The village overlooks Rantepao far below, and quite often the whole valley fills with mist. It is especially pleasant to spend the night there in one of the simple but adequate accommodations, and then, in the early morning walk the eight kilometres or so down to Tikale where your transport can pick you up.

FORT ROTTERDAM: Built in 1545 by the rulers of the powerful Gowa kingdom, this impressively solid fort was later taken over by the Dutch and rebuilt in 1667. Within the solid walls is the dungeon where one of Indonesia's national heroes, Prince Diponegoro was imprisoned for 27 years until his death in 1855. To-day the fort serves as a museum and cultural offices.

THE ISLANDS: Offshore, dozens of tropical islands come complete with white sand and the ubiquitous shady palms. Pulau Samalona is the most popular for swimming and snorkelling, while the friendly fishing islands of Lai Lai and Barrang Lompo are great to visit for a day or two and you can even stay overnight. Several of the islands are surrounded by spectacular coral reefs just made for diving and snorkelling.

PAOTERE HARBOUR: Walk along the roads and see sharkfins drying in the sun, and boxes of dried black trepang, salted fish and squid awaiting shipment to the markets of Hong Kong and Taiwan. In the small but busy harbour, Bugis pinisi lie at anchor, their unfurled black sails drying in the sun as they await cargoes of electronics and provisions for far flung ports of the archipelago.
Source : http://www.emp.pdx.edu/

2007-11-05T20:27:00.001-08:00

Introduction to Candi Borobudur
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The Borobudur Temple is considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This temple is located at Borobudur District. South of Magelang in the Province of Jawa Tengah. (central Java)

The expression of experts who had been studying Borobudur Temple varied some way. Bernet Kempers' expression was Borobudur is Borobudur, meaning that Borobudur Temple is very unique in her own way. Nieuwenkamp (an artist) imagined Borobudur as a big lotus flower bud ready to bloom which was floating on a lake. Nieuwkamps' imagination was supported by N. Rangkuti (1987) that from the air, the Borobudur Temple looks floating.

From the geological studies, experts were able to prove that Borobudur area was one time a big lake. Most of the villages around Borobudur Temple were at the same altitude, 235 meters above the sea level. The same altitude included the Pawon Temple and Mendut Temple. Thus the area under 235 meters altitude was below the lake water level.

Based on the inscription dated 842 A.D., Capparis suggested that Borobudur was one time a place for praying. The inscription stated a phrase such as: "Kawulan i Bhumi Sambhara". Kawulan means the origin of holiness. Bhumi Sambhara is a name of a place in Borobudur. Paul Mus stated that Borobudur Temple had the structure of stupa (conical form) with double expression. As a whole, the Borobudur Temple was an open-flat stupa but on the other hand, the temple expressed the idea of a closed world.

The latter expression could be felt when one is already inside the temple. Whenever a person is inside the temple, his or her view will be limited to high walls full on relief's, the veranda is always squared in such away that once could not see other parts of the temple, even in a same floor. The same feeling happened if one stood on arupadhatu round platform, he or she will have a wider view only on that level but are not able to see the lower level nor the upper level like the one on arupadhatu and kamandhatu.

It could be said that Borobudur is a symbol of cosmic mountain covered by the sky roof, a specific world that could be reached through isolated alleys as stages. The closed structural design of the temple expressed the concept of a closed world, not just a technical reasons as had been suggested by other experts. (Daud AT, 1987).

Borobudur was built by Sanmaratungga in the eighth century and belongs to Buddha Mahayana. Borobudur was revealed by Sir Thomas Stanford Raffles in 1814. The temple was found in ruined condition and was buried.

The overall height was forty-two meters but was only 34.5 meters after restoration and had the dimension of 123 x 123 meters (15.129 square meters). There were ten floors. The first floor up to the sixth floor was square from. And the seventh to the tenth floor were round form.

Borobudur is facing to the East with a total of 1,460 panels (two meters wide each). Total size of the temple walls was 2,500 square meters, full of relief. The total number of panels with relief was 1,212. According to investigations, the total number of Buddha statue was 504 including the intact and damaged statues. The temple-undergone restoration from 1905 to 1910 and the last restoration were done in 1973 to 1983.

Source:http://indahnesia.com/index.php

A Luxury Resort in Jimbaran Beach

2007-11-03T21:50:00.001-07:00

Bali Intercontinental Resort
Jimbaran - Bali

Bali Intercontinental Resort is located on the golden sandy beach of Jimbaran Bali. It is surrounded by tropical garden apposite to the Indian Ocean with blue warm seawater. Bali Intercontinental Resort is a five star hotel class with the high quality service and complete hotel facilities, which all to ensure your holiday are more enjoyable. Its resort located just 15 minutes drive from Bali's International Airport and it has been the first choice hotel in Paradise Bali. Its resort is luxurious and comfortable where all the rooms are designed luxurious and comfortable with the complete room amenities that are occupying it.

A Luxury Resort in Jimbaran Beach

Jimbaran beach is located just in front of the resort where the white sand unfolding the seashore from the north to the south. Its own the beautiful view at the sunset time that is one of the fascinations of Jimbaran Beach.Bali Intercontinental Resort is situated in the best white sand beach in Bali and best view of magical sunsets. The lush tropical garden are set to surround the resort and more set the sea breeze cover the resort that is making Bali Intercontinental Resort is luxury beach resort in tropical island of Bali.

Accommodation

All rooms are designed comfortable with individually adjustable air-conditioning and ceiling fan, satellite television, hairdryer, in-room safe, in-room refreshment center and International direct dial phones, complete with data-jack. The sliding doors provide access to a large balcony, complete with a set of Teak outdoor furniture. Turndown service is also provided nightly with complimentary local newspapers and mineral water.

SERVICE AND FACILITIES

24 Hour Front Desk
24 Hour Room Service
A/C Public Areas
Baby-Sitting
Beauty Salon
Concierge Services
Dry Cleaning/Laundry
Express Check-in/Check-out
Florist
Ice Machine
Public Transportation within Walking Distance
Safety Deposit Box
Secretarial Services
Shoe Shine
Shopping Arcade
Six Continents Club Check-in
Turndown Service
World News - Global Newspaper Service

Resource : http://www.balistarisland.com/Bali-Hotels/Inter-Continental.htm

Jimbaran

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Jimbaran Bay is in our view Bali’s best beach area offering a tranquil atmosphere and magnificent sunsets, and calm waters. There are only a few hotels along this strip ranging from 3-star to deluxe and is ideal for guests looking for high quality accommodation and a romantic escape. There are no shops and only a few main restaurants, but the seafood restaurants on the beach are very popular and serve fresh seafood in simple surroundings right on the sand (there are hundreds to choose from but we recommend Sharkies as offering good quality at fair prices).

Things to do in and around Jimbaran Bay:

Enjoy a cocktail on the beach watching the sun set over the water.

Wander along the beach for a great and very cheap seafood dinner at one of the small market restaurants.

Relax on the beach or indulge in a massage.

Take a 15 minute drive into Kuta for some bargain hunting.

Mimpi Resort Jimbaran Bay

Located on the point with beautiful views over the bay, this small hotel has spacious rooms and self-contained apartments, swimming pool and restaurant and offers great value in a prime location. A good choice for travellers looking for good value 3 to 4 star accommodation in this quieter area.

Source :http://www.freestyle.com.au/static/bali/accom/jimbaran_bay.htm

Inna Kuta Beach Bali

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Bali is an Island Where culture rhythms strike with its breathtaking beauty and tranquil surrounding cast its magical spell on travelers for centuries.Inna Kuta Beach is Kuta's only true Beachfront hotel, situated adjacent to the Kuta Art Markets and within easy walking distance of the shop, restaurants and attractions of Kuta. Featuring Wing Rooms and Bungalows surrounding the central free form swimming pool include children pool, the hotel offers a peaceful garden environment with a tennis court, children's playground and massage treatment that will appeal to all guest. Inna Kuta Beach is 4 star Hotel offer 130 rooms include 36 Bungalow standard, 4 Bungalow suite, 42 rooms standard, 32 rooms superior, 12 Junior suite plus 4 Executive suite with its individual balcony or terrace. The lush wide range of tropical garden make the hotel's atmosphere more like a house where personal touch can be founded.

The most famous resort overlooking to dazzling blue of Indonesian Ocean with its beautiful sunset. Only 3 miles from Ngurah Rai International Airport, 6 miles from Denpasar City. Inna Kuta Beach offer instant access to everything that has made Bali legendary - fabulous shopping center, exciting nightlife, art markets, boutiques, public transport and other superb hospitality can be reached within one minute.

Source :http://www.indo.com/hotels/natourkuta/

KUTA BALI HOTELS

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Luxury resorts in Kuta and its surrounding areas include Hotel Santika Beach Bali, Ramayana Hotel and The Vira Bali Hotel in Tuban and Inaa Kuta Beach in Kut a. These hotels are equipped with convention facilities, swimming pools, sports facilities, and a selection of restaurants, night clubs or discotheques, and beach fronts.

On the comfortable and inexpensive range, you can find hotels like the charming Aneka Beach Bungalows, Bali Bungalo, or Restu Bali Hotel with its cottages or Kuta Seaview Cottage, in the heart of Kuta that advertises rates from as low as US$ 21 per night.

To continue this Web site (since you all like it - thanks to all who have dropped us email. We love getting them) and to serve you even more, a number of hotels have placed their information with us, offered you generous discounts, and agreed to sponsor this Web site through commissions. Please patronize them: make your recervation through Bali Online and stay with them in Bali.

Source : http://www.indo.com/hotels/kuta-hotels.html

KUTA BALI

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Kuta Bali

Kuta in addition to being the sunset site number one, with its daily spectacular sunsets, it is also the centre of night life activities in Southern Bali and a shopping mecca, with its lines of shops, boutiques, and galleries. Restaurans line up the streets as well as the Bachfront, Hotels, Ranging from a small, inexpensive homestay to a luxurious resort, will ready accomodate you.

The beach of Kuta is one of the first favorite beaches discovered by tourist. On the south, the beach is fenced by the airport’s runway, which gives you a breathtaking landing experience. The beach stretches as far north as the eyes can see. As short walk away north, waves will invite you to test your surfing.

Kuta is very short drive away from the airport, and transportation is readily available to take you from and to Kuta to and from anywhere else in Bali.

ABOUT BALI

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Geography

One of the approximately 14,000 islands that comprise the Indonesian archipelago, Bali anchors east of Java, separated by the small Strait of Bali, and surrounded by the Java Sea on the north, the Indian Ocean on the south, and the Strait of Lombok on the east. A string of volcanic mountains crown the northern part of Bali, with Gunung Agung (Mount Divine, literally) as the tallest at 3,142 meters. This volcano, as well as Mount Batukaru, Mount Batur, and Mount Merebuk is still active.

Extremely important to the agricultural life of Bali, especially for rice crop, the rivers of Ayung, Unda, Sungsang, Balian, Yeh Sumi, Petanu, and Saban carry the water from the highland to the seas. There are four major lakes: Lake Batur at the crater of Mount Batur, Lake Buyan, Lake Bratan, and Lake Temblingan.

Climate

Bali enjoys tropical weather, being only a few degrees south of the equator. It means that the sun rises at 6 AM in the morning and sets at 6 PM in the afternoon, everyday of the year. It means that temperature variation is very small, averaging around 26-30 Celcius, and it does not have four seasons (except the hotel, of course). It only has a wet season, typically from September to February, and a dry season for the other half of the year. But the difference is marginal; at the peak of the wet season you will see about a half-hour to an hour serious downpour in the afternoon, about perfect for a siesta. The rest of the time: nice, warm temperature, especially with a twist of sea breeze in the beaches of Kuta or Nusa Dua.

This climate endows Bali with a number of unique vegetation, including waringin trees (banyan), salak Bali, and a multitude of flowers from a very fragrant cempaka (Michelia champaca) to literally thousand kinds of orchids. Its fauna is equally rich. Bali is the native land to the Bali Tiger, which is almost extinct; Bali cattle, graceful animals not like other cows; bats that haunt caves like the Bat Cave near Kusamba; sea turtles of Nusa Dua; Jalak Bali or Bali Sterling (Leucopsar rothschildi) that has inspired countless number of painters and artists.

Economy

In 1990, the population of Bali is 2,778,000, 93.18% are Hindus, with a density of 500 persons per sq km, and an average growth of 1.18%. Bali's economy is one of the most vivacious in Indonesia, fueled by constant flow of tourism dollars and supported by agricultural production and trade revenues. Balinese people are gifted artists, producing garment, and arts & crafts that are exported. In addition to gorgeous nature and enchanting people and culture, Bali is also endowed with fertile land. Its economy is growing at close to 9% per year, with export values close to $150 millions.

The primary export products are garments, handicrafts, and agricultural products such as fish, coffee, tuna, seaweed, and vanilla. The arable land of South Bali and a sophisticated irrigation mechanism arranged through the Water Temple system ( which has been shown by a couple of University of Southern California scientists to be optimal), give Bali and its people two full crops of rice year after year. Corn and other horticulture are also planted.

The land is also an excellent grazing pasture for Balinese cattles, water buffalloes, goats, sheeps, and horses. Pigs are also raised and consumed a lot in Bali, and chickens and ducks are raised by the farmers in their land. The rain forests in Bali produce cayuput oil, rattan, and incense, which is used ubiquitously in Balinese ceremony. There is about 8,535.05 ha of productive forest area. The Balinese are not too eager to explore the sea, because they believe that it is the place of evil spirits. However, tuna, baramundi, seaweed, and shrimp are quite abundant in the seas surrounding Bali. Balinese have about 841.37 ha of water fishery area.

Epilogue

Having been promoted by the Dutch during the colonialization period, Balinese tourism is the most advanced in Indonesia. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Bali's tourism is the fact that the Balinese people retain its own cultural identity, despite the exposure and intermingling of all kinds of people and culture from all over the world.

Regions of Bali

North Bali

North Bali includes most of the Buleleng district, around Singaraja. It has a rich history of Bali behind its casual daily life. In Singaraja you can find remnants of Dutch imperialism as it was the administrative center of the Lesser Sunda Islands then. Horse-pulled carriages (dokar or sado) gallantly walk the pleasantly tree-lined streets, landscaped by Dutch colonial houses. Lovina Beach, a group of small villages west of Singaraja, offer popular beach resorts, with many of the amenities of Kuta but without its crowdedness. Spectacular sunset as in Kuta, dolphin watch out into the sea, snorkelling and diving in the clear water, and active social and night life scenes can be found in Lovina.

East Bali

The Eastern part of Bali is the most mountainous area of the island. The highest point in Bali, Gunung Agung (literally means Holy Mountain), is located here. And the Mother Temple of Bali, the Besakih Temple, is located at the foot of Mount Agung. This is the Mount Olympic of Bali, and you can find here various manifestations of Bali's religious beliefs. The Klungkung area is also historically significant, having served as a focal point of art and culture in the Gelgel dynasty. The roof of Kertha Gosa, the court room of the Klungkung kingdom, is dramatically painted with thousands of panels, telling the story of justice.

A long stretch of beaches marks the East side of Bali - diving, snorkelling, spectacular sunset, sun bathing, etc. Tenganan, a village of the Bali Aga people, is also here, just west of Candidasa, where you can see a mysterious water temple submerge from the water.

Central Bali

Central Bali, predominantly around Ubud, is the central of art in Bali. Ubud is the birthplace of Bali's modern paintings. And Puri Lukisan Museum (Palace of Fine Arts) and Museum Neka are two excellent museums with permanent collections of paintings that will tell the evolution of Balinese paintings. Galleries are practically everywhere. A little South of the city you can find Celuk where silver and gold jewelry has been perfected to the very details, and Mas where masks for dances and other performances are made. And further North you can enjoy the panorama of the highland of Bali, in Kintamani by Lake Batur or in Bedugul by Lake Bratan.

South Bali

In South Bali, from Denpasar to Kuta to Nusa Dua, you can find a wide variety of things. Traces of the Badung Raja of Puputan War fame still exist. Beautiful, tranquil beaches gracefully integrate with the world's most sumptuous and luxurious hotels in Nusa Dua. And then there is Kuta, where everything you want as a tourist and everything you hate about tourists coexist.

West Bali

Most of West Bali areas are not as popular as the other parts of Bali. (Hint: for those who truly say that they want to get away from other tourists...) Gilimanuk, at the Western tip of Bali, is the gateway to Java. The wildlife of Bali is preserved in the Bali Barat National Park. Also found here is the tomb of Jayaprana, a 17th century king whose Romeo and Juliet style lovestory is immortalized by folklores in Bali.

Holiday Point

*HongKong* , Point to Holiday............

It's a Holiday Christmastime in the City Point!

Magnificent Holiday Point location commanding the Indian ocean.

UBUD ,....Monkey Forest Temple

Holiday will be more easy.....to enjoy

Trip to Bunaken North Sulawesi

The Gili Trawangan Lombok

West Papua

Sanur Beach Hotel

Bukit Tinggi Point

Tana Toraja Point

A Luxury Resort in Jimbaran Beach

Bali Intercontinental Resort Jimbaran - Bali

A Luxury Resort in Jimbaran Beach

Accommodation

SERVICE AND FACILITIES

Jimbaran

Inna Kuta Beach Bali

KUTA BALI HOTELS

KUTA BALI

ABOUT BALI

HongKong , Point to Holiday............

Bali Intercontinental Resort
Jimbaran - Bali