Trip to Bunaken North Sulawesi

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

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The Gili Trawangan Lombok

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/

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West Papua

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/

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Sanur Beach Hotel

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

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Bukit Tinggi Point

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/

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Tana Toraja Point

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/

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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

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A Luxury Resort in Jimbaran Beach

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

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Jimbaran

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

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Inna Kuta Beach Bali

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/

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