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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KUTA BALI HOTELS

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 Kuta. 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

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KUTA BALI

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.

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ABOUT BALI

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.

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