Monday, December 22, 2008

Must Visit Places In Yogyakarta!

By: Jerry Hall

Yogyakarta or simply Yogya, is one of the foremost cultural centers of Java. Located at the foot of the active Merapi volcano, Yogyakarta was in the 16th and 17th centuries the seat of the mighty Javanese empire of Mataram., from which present day Yogyakarta has inherited the best of traditions.

The city is divided into 14 districts (kecamatan). 1. Gondokusuman 2. Jetis 3. Tegalrejo 4. Umbulharjo 5. Kotagede 6. Mergangsan 7. Ngampilan 8. Danurejan 9. Kraton 10. Wirobrajan 11. Pakualaman 12. Mantrijeron 13. Gedongtengen 14. Gondomanan

Museum Sonobudoyo

This museum, founded in November 1935 and designed by the Dutch architect Kersten, is built in traditional Javanese architecture. It exhibits weapons, leather and wooden puppets of wayang theater, masks, statues, textiles, curios and old Javanese gamelan instruments. The museum is situated on the northern side of the city's main square in front of the Sultan's Palace.

Kotagede

Kotagede, about five kilometers southeast of Yogyakarta, is a neat little town which was once the seat of the mighty Mataram empire. In this old palace town with its walled-in houses, the graves of the first rulers of Mataram are still to be found. Since the 1930s, however, Kotagede has become famous for being the center of the Yogya silverwork industry. Kotagede is easily reached by andong, the four wheeled horse-drawn cart, by taxi, bus, or car.

There are a number of workshops where visitors are welcome to watch silver being transformed into beautiful works of art known as Yogya Silver.

Affandi Museum

On the main road between the airport and the city stands the Affandi Museum (1907 - 1990) in a lush garden next to his peculiar private home on stilts. He was Indonesia's foremost impressionist painter who built a private museum for his own paintings and of those of his daughter Kartika. Affandi's grave (died in May 1990) lies in the backyard next to the museum.

The average daily temperature range between 26 degree and 28 degree Celsius with its minimum 18 degree C and maximum 35 degree C respectively. Average humidity is 74% with its minimum of 65% and maximum 84% respectively.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:

Mystical Yogyakarta... Come find out more at http://Yogyakarta.ewhy.info

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Twice the Paradise at Half the Price

By: Joanna M Lawson

I'll let you in on a well kept holiday secret. Globally, savvy travelers are increasingly opting for private holiday villas instead of more traditional hotels, motels or resorts. This trend is most noticeable across the tropical paradise islands of Asia, such as, Bali, Phuket, and Koh Samui.

Gone are the days when holiday villa rental was the domain of the jet-setters, the rich and the powerful. Today, you can rent your own piece of paradise from as little as US$ 100 per night!

So, why do savvy travelers prefer to rent private holiday villas, instead of going for hotels and resorts? We did a survey of the converts, and here their reasons for preferring rental villas:

Exclusivity

One of our responders put it: "Why would you want to queue up with 100 other people to have your breakfast in a hotel, when you can have your own villa staff queue up to serve you!"

Whilst increasingly more popular, renting your own villa does provide a level of exclusivity un-matchable by most hotels and resorts.

A fully staffed and serviced villa in Bali or Phuket for example, will typically provide you with not only your own dedicated house-keeping staff, but in many instances your own kitchen staff and even your own Chef!

Flexibility

By definition, in order to manage the large number of guests, hotels/resorts need to have rules, regulations, meal times, opening/closing times and the like.

Where as in your own tropical rental villa, it is totally up to you when you wake up, at what time you have breakfast, or that 'last drink' at night without worrying about extraneous closing/opening times, rules and regulations.

You will also find that many professionally run villas will be flexible in additional services that they ffer. For example, one of my favourites, Mia Villa in Bali, offers in-villa massage services on their chill-out terrace, overlooking the rice fields, or will arrange for in-villa yoga sessions, painting classes, and even jewelry making workshops.

Yes, these services cost extra, but certainly a fraction of what such professionals cost back home.

Privacy

Again, privacy is not for the exclusive benefit of the rich and the famous. Taking a break from our typically busy lives, very likely having been surrounded by other people most of the time, it is quite normal to seek a bit of privacy, peace and quiet during a tropical holiday.

Most private rental villas in Asia provide this option for privacy. And for those of us who seek the action, we still have the option to walk out of our private haven, and enjoy the restaurants, clubs, and shopping often just a few minutes away.

Even if you don't want isolation, there is nothing worse than not having the option for privacy during a well earned tropical holiday.

Space

One of our respondents pointed out, today, even the most exclusive hotels offer typical room sizes of 40 to 50 square meters. (Unless you are splashing out on that presidential suite!)

On the other hand, most decent villas in Bali or Koh Samui will offer you at least 200 to 300 square meters of your own space, with some larger villas being in the 1,000 to 2,000 square meters in size.

Extra space means that you can be together with your loved one(s) on holiday, but at the same time you do not have to be 'on top of each other'. I find that especially when traveling with family or friends, this extra space goes a long way in making a good holiday a great one! I can peacefully read my book, whilst my partner catches up with the latest sports news on satellite, and the children use up their energy in our own private pool. All together, within a shared visual space, but each with our own space!

Savings

Many villas in Asia will offer kitchen and Chef service at no extra cost, as part of your rental rate.

What this means is that you do not have to pay hotel or restaurant rates for your meals.

You choose what you would like to eat. If you wish, your villa staff does the shopping for you, the preparation, and your own Chef prepares your feast for when you like. All you pay for are the cost of the ingredients at the local market prices.

Given that, food ingredients, in places like Bali and Thailand are considerably cheaper than 'back home', your feast is very likely to be even cheaper than eating at home.

With the added benefit of not having to spend time shopping, or labouring for hours in the kitchen.

Services

In addition to your own Chef, you can expect holiday villas in Asia to offer a full Villa Team. Typically, this will comprise of your own housekeeping team, gardener(s), pool attendants, security personnel, and of course your Villa Manager.

In some Bali Villas, our panel of respondents have come across guest to staff ratios which are as high as 1 to 1. Having said this, a dedicated guest to staff ratio of 1 to 0.7 or 0.8 is more than sufficient for most of us.

What this means is that your villa is continually kept in a pristine condition, you get gorgeous gardens kept in perfect condition, a swimming pool which is crystal clear, and on top some amazing service to meet your every request and whim during your stay.

Imagine an existence where you don't have to make your own coffee, let alone cook, where all your tour bookings are arranged for you by your Villa Manager, pool towels get magically removed, new towels appear out of no where, and an existence where your postcards are hand delivered to the nearest post office!

Price

This is where private rental villas in Asia excel above all else. If there are more than two of you, even good quality Koh Samui or Bali villas will likely cost you less than hotel/resort rooms for the same number of people. Today you can rent your own private villa in Bali, with 2-3 bedrooms and your own private pool, for as little as US$ 150-200 per night.

A standard size hotel room on the other hand, may set you back US$ 100 per room night.

So, as soon as there are more than 2 of you, a tropical rental villa is more than likely to be cheaper than a hotel room.

All the additional benefits of exclusivity, flexibility and privacy and additional services are bonus freebies!

Yes, may be, once you have enjoyed the private rental villa holiday experience in a villa in Bali or Phuket, your expectations change for life.

And yes, may be, being pampered and spoilt to this extent may not feel right to begin with. However, if you consider the fact that, financially you have not pushed the boat out, and quite likely, saved some money in the process, who is to blame you for making the right choice!

Sounds too good to be true? Well, just have a go, try something like 'bali holiday villa' on Yahoo, Google or your favourite search engine, and see what pops up. If nothing else, enjoy the photos, and see how others holiday, and get a bargain in the mean time.

Many happy returns...



Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
About the Author:

Joanna M Lawson is an independent travel writer based in SE Asia and splits her time between London and Bali. Ms Lawson is not directly affiliated with Bali Villas. To reuse this article you are required to link to the site above.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Beat the Beach Crunch: Go to Lombok, Indonesia

By Rich Thomas

Indonesia is an oft-overlooked gem for travel in Southeast Asia. Offering everything from cultural treasures and handicrafts, to stunning mountains and gorgeous beaches, it remains one of the few places anywhere you can go to and beat the crowds. Indeed, if you time it right, you might arrive at your destination to discover you are the only traveler(s) there.

A perfect example is Lombok, an island just to the east of its more famous cousin, Bali. Development of Lombok stemmed from the explosive growth of tourism in Bali. When the tourist industry in Bali went into prolonged recession following the pair of terrorist bombings there, the nascent offshoot in Lombok crashed. It therefore is a great place for beach lovers to go to beat the crush.

Getting There and Getting Around
Lombok's airport is in Mataram, the local capital. Most flights are domestic, coming from Denpasar in Bali, or Jakarta or Surabaya on Java. There are international flights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Singapore, with Visa on Arrival available. If you are flying from Kuala Lumpur and plan an extended stay in Indonesia, you will want to arrange your visa at the Indonesian Embassy there, as they have the most cooperative reputation of any Indonesian Embassy in the region.

If you are on a budget and do not want to pay for a flight, cheap ferries are available from Padangbai on Bali. The ferry ride is 4 to 5 hours, with the more expensive fast ferry run lasting 2 hours. If you take the slow ferry, bring a book: you may not get as lucky as I was, and have to stop and rescue the crew of a sinking fishing boat. All ferries stop in the town of Lenbar.

Source :

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Bali Luxury Hotels

Author: Mahendrasingh singh

An Indonesian island located near the Indian ocean Bali is the most sort after tourist destination. Considered as a vacationers paradise Bali is the home to the discerning travelers. This beautiful island will take your breath away the moment you land in Bali. The picture perfect scenery, the rice paddies, the volcanoes, the warm water of the sea, the sandy beaches, friendly people-Bali is the perfect painted backdrop island.

The hospitality of this island can be experienced in the hotels of Bali. It is easy for travelers to find a place to stay in Bali. You have the option to choose from the budget fit hotels to the luxurious hotels in Bali. There are lots of luxury hotels in Bali which offer state of art facilities and excellent service. There are luxury hotels like Ubud Hanging Gardens, Bali Hyatt, Grand Hyatt Bali, Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay Bali which are the located here in Bali to offer a comfortable stay. The Bali Luxury Hotels are an epitome of luxury providing excellence in service and facilities.


These luxury hotels in Bali are well facilitated to cater to the needs of its guests. Satellite TV, direct dial telephone, round the clock room service, air conditioned rooms, safe deposit vaults, in house restaurant, conference facilities, swimming pool are just some of the amenities offered in the luxury hotels in Bali.

The tourist attractions in Bali attract people from near and far to this tropical island. There is lots for tourists to see and enjoy in Bali. There is a beautiful sea temple, Tanah Lot, which stands on a huge rock surrounded by the sea. Another beautiful temple is the thousand years old Pura Besakih which also happens to be the biggest temple here.


Bali also happens to be a shoppers paradise. Here you can bargain for all that you plan to buy. The inexpensive stuff is sure to increase your baggage once you fly back home. Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur are the best market places to shop for for inexpensive shopping.


When in Bali don not forget to taste the lip smacking cuisines offered here. The cosmopolitan restaurants offer delectable food and you have a wide variety of options to choose from the menu cart. The local delicacies -Nasi Goreng, Sate Campur here are a must try apart from the Chinese, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Mexican and lots more cuisines.


Bali also has interesting adventure activities to offer to its tourists like scootering, snorkeling, white water rafting and kayaking. The tourists here can go on jungle treks or can enjoy cycling in the mountains. There are lots of hotels in Bali situated in areas which are surrounded by mother nature. In the laps of nature a stay in the luxury Bali hotels is what completes the vacation.


This beautiful island of Bali is an experience in itself. A perfect blend of the rich past and the modern present this island knows how to leave the tourists awestruck.

About the Author:

Are you planning a visit to Bali? Just log onto AsiaRooms and book any of the Bali Luxury Hotels available at fair price deals.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hotels-articles/bali-luxury-hotels-627313.html





An Indonesian island located near the Indian ocean Bali is the most sort after tourist destination. Considered as a vacationers paradise Bali is the home to the discerning travelers. This beautiful island will take your breath away the moment you land in Bali. The picture perfect scenery, the rice paddies, the volcanoes, the warm water of the sea, the sandy beaches, friendly people-Bali is the perfect painted backdrop island.

The hospitality of this island can be experienced in the hotels of Bali. It is easy for travelers to find a place to stay in Bali. You have the option to choose from the budget fit hotels to the luxurious hotels in Bali. There are lots of luxury hotels in Bali which offer state of art facilities and excellent service. There are luxury hotels like Ubud Hanging Gardens, Bali Hyatt, Grand Hyatt Bali, Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay Bali which are the located here in Bali to offer a comfortable stay. The Bali Luxury Hotels are an epitome of luxury providing excellence in service and facilities.


These luxury hotels in Bali are well facilitated to cater to the needs of its guests. Satellite TV, direct dial telephone, round the clock room service, air conditioned rooms, safe deposit vaults, in house restaurant, conference facilities, swimming pool are just some of the amenities offered in the luxury hotels in Bali.

The tourist attractions in Bali attract people from near and far to this tropical island. There is lots for tourists to see and enjoy in Bali. There is a beautiful sea temple, Tanah Lot, which stands on a huge rock surrounded by the sea. Another beautiful temple is the thousand years old Pura Besakih which also happens to be the biggest temple here.


Bali also happens to be a shoppers paradise. Here you can bargain for all that you plan to buy. The inexpensive stuff is sure to increase your baggage once you fly back home. Kuta, Nusa Dua and Sanur are the best market places to shop for for inexpensive shopping.


When in Bali don not forget to taste the lip smacking cuisines offered here. The cosmopolitan restaurants offer delectable food and you have a wide variety of options to choose from the menu cart. The local delicacies -Nasi Goreng, Sate Campur here are a must try apart from the Chinese, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Mexican and lots more cuisines.


Bali also has interesting adventure activities to offer to its tourists like scootering, snorkeling, white water rafting and kayaking. The tourists here can go on jungle treks or can enjoy cycling in the mountains. There are lots of hotels in Bali situated in areas which are surrounded by mother nature. In the laps of nature a stay in the luxury Bali hotels is what completes the vacation.


This beautiful island of Bali is an experience in itself. A perfect blend of the rich past and the modern present this island knows how to leave the tourists awestruck.




p>Are you planning a visit to Bali? Just log onto AsiaRooms and book any of the Bali Luxury Hotels available at fair price deals.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hotels-articles/bali-luxury-hotels-627313.html

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Travel to Indonesia - A Country of Thousands of Beautiful and Exotic Islands

Author: Martin Kleis

Indonesia, a Country of thousands of beautiful and exotic Islands, that spark off your imagination with thoughts of fine sandy beaches, huge temple complexes, great diving and the giant dragons of Komodo. The islands of Indonesia are spread over a vast expanse of ocean and technically speaking is divided by two Continents.

Some parts of the Country can be as different from each other as black is from white. The hustle and bustle of the modern capital Jakarta is like another planet when compared to the traditional Papuan tribes of the Baliem Valley. Jakarta – Not only is it the largest City in the Country, Jakarta is also the heartbeat. Indonesian's from all over the archipelago come to the City to try and find their fortune or just to survive. The face of the City is constantly changing due to the construction of new skyscrapers, shopping malls and hotels.

Jakarta is mainly a business and political City and not really a tourist destination, but the older colonial parts of the City are very interesting and the museums have a lot of fascinating exhibits.

Jakarta, like you would expect, is the most expensive place in Indonesia, as well as the most polluted and most congested. It can be very hard to cope with all of the hustle, dirt, crime and cost, but if you can you will find an exciting City with plenty to offer.Kota – This is the old Town of Batavia, which was the capital of the Dutch East Indies and the best example of the colonial era in Indonesia. Though much of the old town has been destroyed or demolished over the years, some of the old Colonial buildings are still in active use, and the area has a definite Dutch feel to it.

The centre of the old Town is the pebble stone square known as Taman Fatahillah and this is the key to being able to orientate yourself around the sights of the old Town. The canal of Kali Besar is one block to the west of the square and runs alongside the Ciliwung River.

This was a very prosperous area and on the west bank are some of the high class homes that date from the eighteenth Century.

The Chicken market bridge is the last remaining drawbridge from the Dutch era, it is at the north end of the Kali Besar. Buses always come by on their routes and the city train also has a stop here.

Jakarta History Museum – This museum is housed in the old town hall of Batavia, which is on the south side of Taman Fatahillah. It is a well built building, which was originally constructed in 1627 and added to in the early 1700s. It was from here that the Dutch administered their colony, and the cities law courts were also here as well as their main prison compound.

It contains plenty of heavy, carved furniture from the colonial, as well as other memorabilia from the Dutch period. Open, 9am till 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 1,000Rp Wayang Museum – This museum is also on the Taman Fatahillah, and has a great assortment of Wayang puppets. It also has examples of puppets from other Countries like Cambodia, China and India.

This building was formerly the museum of old Batavia and was built in 1912 on the site of the former Dutch church which was demolished in 1808 as the

Dutchman "Daendels" plan to rid the City of its unhealthy areas. In the downstairs courtyard, there are memorials to previous governors who were buried on site. Open, 9am till 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 1,000Rp

Fine Arts Museum – Built in the 1860s, the palace of Justice building is now the Fine arts museum. It has a nice collection of contemporary paintings from prominent artists. They also have some ceramics on show from Chinese items to Majapahit offerings. Open, 9am till 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 1,000Rp

Gereja Sion – This church was built in 1695, and is the oldest Church in Jakarta. It is on Jl Pangeran Jayakarta near the Kota train station. The exterior of the Church is actually pretty plain but inside copper chandeliers, the original organ and the baroque pulpit makes it very appealing. Though thousands of people have been buried here there are very few tombs left remaining.

Sunda Kelapa – Just a 10 minute walk from the Taman Fatahillah, the old City port of Sunda Kelapa is full of wonderful Macassar schooners and the brightly coloured sails of these boats make for great viewing. The ships are still a vital means of transporting goods to outlying Islands.

Guides hang around the docks and for a few thousand rupiah will show you around and tell you some insightful stories. You can also take a ride out to the offshore fish market for around 5,000Rp. Admission, 250Rp to the dock area.

Maritime Museum – This is an old VOC warehouse that was built in 1645 and is by the entrance to the Sunda Kelapa. It has examples of Indonesian crafts from around the ages and has photos of the voyages from Europe to Jakarta. The building itself is well worth the visit and the lookout posts are part of the old City wall.

Just before the entrance to the museum proper, is the old watchtower that was built in 1839, it has brilliant views over the harbour. Opening hours are hit and miss, so try to find the caretaker.

National Museum – This museum, constructed in 1862, is considered the paramount museum in Indonesia, and one of the finest in South East Asia. It has a huge ethnic and relief maps of Indonesia on which you can track your travels. The museum has a variety of different cultural displays that show a diverse collection of clothing, instruments, model houses and religious items. In addition the museum has a fine collection of Chinese ceramics that even date back to the Han dynasty of the third Century.

The museum is sometimes known as the Elephant house due to the giant bronze elephant that was a gift from the King of Thailand, and that now stands outside. Open, 8.30am till 2.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 750Rp. Guides are around who can conduct tours in various different languages.

National Monument – This 130 metres high monument stands over Merdeka square and is Jakartas chief landmark. The construction was started in 1961 but was not finished until 1975, when it was officially opened by President Soeharto. At the base is the National History Museum which tells the story of the Indonesian struggle for independence. On national holidays and at the weekends the queues can be long. Open, 9am till 5pm, daily. Admission: 600Rp or 3,100Rp which includes a ride to the top.

Lapangan Banteng – Just east of Merdeka square is this nineteenth century colonial square. It has some of the best examples of Dutch colonial architecture in the whole of Jakarta. The Catholic Cathedral was built at the turn of the twentieth Century, and is opposite the principal place of worship for Jakartas Muslim community, the Istiqlal Mosque. To the east of the square is the Supreme Court that was built, along with the Ministry of finance, in 1809 by that man "Daendel" to replace those buildings torn down.

About the Author:

For further travel resources, including travel articles and guides on many beautiful locations, why not visit http://www.travelllama.com you can also enter our complimentary travel draw.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/travel-to-indonesia-a-country-of-thousands-of-beautiful-and-exotic-islands-72013.html




Indonesia, a Country of thousands of beautiful and exotic Islands, that spark off your imagination with thoughts of fine sandy beaches, huge temple complexes, great diving and the giant dragons of Komodo. The islands of Indonesia are spread over a vast expanse of ocean and technically speaking is divided by two Continents.


Some parts of the Country can be as different from each other as black is from white. The hustle and bustle of the modern capital Jakarta is like another planet when compared to the traditional Papuan tribes of the Baliem Valley. Jakarta – Not only is it the largest City in the Country, Jakarta is also the heartbeat. Indonesian's from all over the archipelago come to the City to try and find their fortune or just to survive. The face of the City is constantly changing due to the construction of new skyscrapers, shopping malls and hotels.


Jakarta is mainly a business and political City and not really a tourist destination, but the older colonial parts of the City are very interesting and the museums have a lot of fascinating exhibits.


Jakarta, like you would expect, is the most expensive place in Indonesia, as well as the most polluted and most congested. It can be very hard to cope with all of the hustle, dirt, crime and cost, but if you can you will find an exciting City with plenty to offer.


Kota – This is the old Town of Batavia, which was the capital of the Dutch East Indies and the best example of the colonial era in Indonesia. Though much of the old town has been destroyed or demolished over the years, some of the old Colonial buildings are still in active use, and the area has a definite Dutch feel to it.


The centre of the old Town is the pebble stone square known as Taman Fatahillah and this is the key to being able to orientate yourself around the sights of the old Town. The canal of Kali Besar is one block to the west of the square and runs alongside the Ciliwung River.


This was a very prosperous area and on the west bank are some of the high class homes that date from the eighteenth Century.


The Chicken market bridge is the last remaining drawbridge from the Dutch era, it is at the north end of the Kali Besar. Buses always come by on their routes and the city train also has a stop here.


Jakarta History Museum – This museum is housed in the old town hall of Batavia, which is on the south side of Taman Fatahillah. It is a well built building, which was originally constructed in 1627 and added to in the early 1700s. It was from here that the Dutch administered their colony, and the cities law courts were also here as well as their main prison compound.


It contains plenty of heavy, carved furniture from the colonial, as well as other memorabilia from the Dutch period. Open, 9am till 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 1,000Rp Wayang Museum – This museum is also on the Taman Fatahillah, and has a great assortment of Wayang puppets. It also has examples of puppets from other Countries like Cambodia, China and India.


This building was formerly the museum of old Batavia and was built in 1912 on the site of the former Dutch church which was demolished in 1808 as the

Dutchman "Daendels" plan to rid the City of its unhealthy areas. In the downstairs courtyard, there are memorials to previous governors who were buried on site. Open, 9am till 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 1,000Rp


Fine Arts Museum – Built in the 1860s, the palace of Justice building is now the Fine arts museum. It has a nice collection of contemporary paintings from prominent artists. They also have some ceramics on show from Chinese items to Majapahit offerings. Open, 9am till 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 1,000Rp


Gereja Sion – This church was built in 1695, and is the oldest Church in Jakarta. It is on Jl Pangeran Jayakarta near the Kota train station. The exterior of the Church is actually pretty plain but inside copper chandeliers, the original organ and the baroque pulpit makes it very appealing. Though thousands of people have been buried here there are very few tombs left remaining.


Sunda Kelapa – Just a 10 minute walk from the Taman Fatahillah, the old City port of Sunda Kelapa is full of wonderful Macassar schooners and the brightly coloured sails of these boats make for great viewing. The ships are still a vital means of transporting goods to outlying Islands.


Guides hang around the docks and for a few thousand rupiah will show you around and tell you some insightful stories. You can also take a ride out to the offshore fish market for around 5,000Rp. Admission, 250Rp to the dock area.


Maritime Museum – This is an old VOC warehouse that was built in 1645 and is by the entrance to the Sunda Kelapa. It has examples of Indonesian crafts from around the ages and has photos of the voyages from Europe to Jakarta. The building itself is well worth the visit and the lookout posts are part of the old City wall.


Just before the entrance to the museum proper, is the old watchtower that was built in 1839, it has brilliant views over the harbour. Opening hours are hit and miss, so try to find the caretaker.


National Museum – This museum, constructed in 1862, is considered the paramount museum in Indonesia, and one of the finest in South East Asia. It has a huge ethnic and relief maps of Indonesia on which you can track your travels. The museum has a variety of different cultural displays that show a diverse collection of clothing, instruments, model houses and religious items. In addition the museum has a fine collection of Chinese ceramics that even date back to the Han dynasty of the third Century.


The museum is sometimes known as the Elephant house due to the giant bronze elephant that was a gift from the King of Thailand, and that now stands outside. Open, 8.30am till 2.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 750Rp. Guides are around who can conduct tours in various different languages.


National Monument – This 130 metres high monument stands over Merdeka square and is Jakartas chief landmark. The construction was started in 1961 but was not finished until 1975, when it was officially opened by President Soeharto. At the base is the National History Museum which tells the story of the Indonesian struggle for independence. On national holidays and at the weekends the queues can be long. Open, 9am till 5pm, daily. Admission: 600Rp or 3,100Rp which includes a ride to the top.


Lapangan Banteng – Just east of Merdeka square is this nineteenth century colonial square. It has some of the best examples of Dutch colonial architecture in the whole of Jakarta. The Catholic Cathedral was built at the turn of the twentieth Century, and is opposite the principal place of worship for Jakartas Muslim community, the Istiqlal Mosque. To the east of the square is the Supreme Court that was built, along with the Ministry of finance, in 1809 by that man "Daendel" to replace those buildings torn down.



For further travel resources, including travel articles and guides on many beautiful locations, why not visit http://www.travelllama.com you can also enter our complimentary travel draw.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/travel-to-indonesia-a-country-of-thousands-of-beautiful-and-exotic-islands-72013.html

Jepara, a Safe Place to Visit in Central Java - Indonesia

Author: Agus Prayitno

Thanks God! This year in the high wet season, there's no flooding or other nature-disasters happened in Jepara and hopefully nothing happen in the next few months. You may seen in TVs that there are many nature-disasters happened recently in Indonesia, mostly flooding.

The nearest town which had flooding is Kudus, a 35 kilometre town from Jepara.

So if you have any plan visiting Jepara for business matter, no need to worry because everthing is alright here in Jepara, they only trouble is when you coming to Jepara you should asking your taxi driver in Semarang that he must take safer and quicker way out to Jepara through

Genuk main street, to avoid flooding that always happen in Kaligawe street, ask the driver and he must be know it.

And if everything running well, you will be reach Jepara in the next 1,5 hour.

Or if you join our programme “Jepara Buying Trip” you no need to worry of anything because we already arranged valued service for your visiting from pick you up in Semarang airport, rent a car service, translator service, buying & sourcing agent assistance till stay in 4 stars exclusive resort in Jepara, everything in one single price to pay, and if you registered member of XploreJepara.com, gain discount up to 20% from the price shown on this programme.

Become a member is free, there's no annual member fee or so on.

Be our guest and be succeed with your business with us.

An essential service to complete above service is, XploreJepara.com provide you with furniture quality control and inspector agent services if you wish to buy furniture products from Jepara suppliers in bulk quantity by container load to make you sure received quality products and act on your behalf to arrange your order from production till shipping properly at no hustle free activity on your importing process. Of course there's additional cost to pay for such service, so please click this link for details.

Once, Jepara is save place to visit in Central Java, no need to worry on flooding, tsunami, earthquake or other nature disasters happen in this town.

So feel free to visit this cluster industry of furniture products in Indonesia at anytime.

Any question before you coming? Send us email to: info@xplorejepara.com or call us to +62 291 333 6040, +62 812 283 3040 or instant message by Yahoo Messenger to our id name : xplore.jepara

XploreJepara.com Your Gate to Jepara's Furniture, Handicraft and Tourism Industry

Agus Prayitno

XploreJepara.com Your Gate to Jepara's Furniture, Handicraft and Tourism Industry

Vacation to Yogyakarta, City of Culture in Indonesia

Have you ever went to Yogyakarta, or have you hear Yogyakarta City. If you don't know, let we see a moment. Yogyakarta is located about 500 km east side from capital city of Indonesia. Yogyakarta known as student city since it have many university and also know as 2nd Indonesia tourism city after Bali. Average temperature is tropical temperature, so it will be good if we visit to Yogyakarta at dry season from February until September.
Yogyakarta have many interesting place to be visit. For you who like past inheritence, there are many buddhist temple. The biggest temple is Borobudur temple. For you who like to go to beach, there are many good beach. Let we see the vacation place and interesting place in Yogyakarta deeper. For a moment let we explore about temple in Yogyakarta.

Candi Borobudur (Borobudur Temple)
It's located about 50 km north west of Yogyakarta and one of remarkable monument in Indonesia, a splendid work of art and the largest budhhist temple in the world. If you come and visit. Below is the photo taken when I went to Borobudur temple

Candi Sewu (Sewu Temple)
It hase about one thousand of temple located in one place. Based on people story, it was made by man who would engage beautiful lady, but the lady asked the man to build one thousand temple before morning. So the man build this one thousand temple in one night. Well whether you believe or not, this place is interesting place to visit

Candi Sari (Sari Temple)
Another candi located 13 km from Yogyakarta. Almost same with the others, this temple is budhist temple.

Well, actually at least there are five famous temple located around Yogyakarta. Those temple is place that we should be visit when we go to Yogyakarta. For next, we will take a look another interesting place in Yogyakarta for Vacation.

About the Author :
My name Wulan Indah from Indonesia, I like to travel and visit interesting place, especially in my own country Indonesia. If you like to know more, please visit http://myvacationpackage.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/vacation-to-yogyakarta-city-of-culture-in-indonesia-481837.html

Friday, November 28, 2008

Great Places To Visit On Your Holidays in Indonesia

Author: Andrew Gibson

Indonesia is a very interesting country to visit and makes for an ideal holiday. Its diverse range of culture and beautiful scenery draw back holiday makers year after year. There are some fabulous holiday homes to rent in Indonesia with some stunning holiday villas by the beach. You can also rent self catering holiday apartments and use them as a base to explore this wonderful country.

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world and comprises five main islands of Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Irian Jaya and a group of thirty small archipelagoes. It has more than 17,508 islands. Indonesia is a multi-ethnic country with over 300 ethnic groups inclusive of Malay and Polynesian people. The diverse culture of the country has resulted in an opulent and wealthy culture and heritage, which makes it a tourist's delight.

One among the must see places in Indonesia is the Borobudur temple. It is believed that the temple's name originated from Sanskrit - Vihara Buddha Uhr. It was built in the eighth century and is located in Magelang. It is situated on a hill, overlooking distant hills and sprawling green fields. The temple is built with grey andesine stone and has seven terraces. The great Stupa of the temple is 40 meters tall and the walls are extensively sculpted.

Lake Toba is a beautiful centerpiece of the north Sumatra Lake. The exquisite scenery and the pleasant climate, in the surrounding areas make it a popular tourist attraction in Indonesia. It is the largest lake in South East Asia and it measures 100 km in length. Resultant of a volcanic explosion, the lake's surrounding landscape is fertile. The island of Samosir is located on the centre of the lake and the culture and tradition of the amiable tribe, Toba Batak attracts tourists from all over the world.

Tana Toraja is yet another attraction. Rantapeo, a major attraction of the place, is located in the north eastern part of Ujung Pandang. Rantepeo is located 700 meters above sea level and offers a pleasant climate. The entry point of Tana Taroja is a traditional boat-shaped gate. Tana Toraja has cliff graves and two villages, named Lemo and Londa. Londa is considered as one among the oldest sites of hanging graves of local nobility. Taroja has many excellent craft shops for the shopping buffs.

Krakatau volcano is another major tourist spot in Indonesia. The volcano erupted in the year 1883 and is one of the most catastrophic natural events, which is etched in history. The entire region surrounding the volcano was engulfed in darkness. The volcano disappeared, soon after eruption and resulted in the formation of small islands in the area. One of the volcanoes in the area is called Anal Krakatau or the child of Krakatau, which is a young and active volcano. Boat trips to the volcano, allows tourists to get a closer look at the young volcano.

Mt. Tangkuban Perahu is a must see sight in Indonesia. The volcano is filled with many places for sight seeing and exploring. It is an interesting spot and the mount is famous for its distinct upturned boat shape. The panoramic view of the mount and the forests is a delightful experience. The peaceful mountain erupted in 1969 and Kawah Ratu is the main crater or the Queen's crater, as its name suggests.

Indonesia is a culturally rich country with a picturesque setting. The predominantly Muslim country is a place where people from different religions co-exist. The diversity of the cultures makes it traditionally and culturally rich. The friendly people of the country, year long festivities and innumerable tourist spots makes Indonesia a great tourist destination.

It is no wonder that holiday makers love Indonesia so much and many choose to rent holiday villas and self catering apartments. By renting holiday home accommodation in Indonesia you are able to use them as a base to explore this amazing country. There are some great holiday villas with swimming pools that can be rented direct from their owners.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/great-places-to-visit-on-your-holidays-in-indonesia-417782.html

About the Author:

Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. It has holiday villas, ski chalets and self catering holiday apartments to rent on line as a holiday home rental. To see an example of holiday villas in Indonesia have a look at Holiday Villas In Indonesia

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Karangasem Tourist Object

Author: I Wayan Suparta

Karangasem Regency Travel Guides.

The Karangasem regency is located at the east end of the island with area of about 83.954 Ha and inhabited by population of around 369,000. The region consists of many hills but dry land, which is almost similar to be condition of wildlife in west Lombok. This hot and dry natural condition of this regency is even more intensified, while the lava from the eruption of the Mount Agung in1963 flew to the region. Most area Karangasem, especially the northern part, was covered by lava of this erupted mountain that killed thousands of people.


In the 1980s, the natural condition of Karangasem gradually turned to green grass and dry plants growing, The green program had helped the region recover rapidly from the aftermath of the eruption along with the effort of sustainable agricultural and plantation development in the region. Patches of rice fields that were seen on the outskirts of Karangasem has put the region back on track while subak system was optimized to help agricultural land rehabilitation.

Since the mild of the 1990s,Tulamben, an area that is situated in the northern side of Karangasem and was strongly affected by the lava flood, finally became a tourist attraction, especially its beautiful corals and tropical fish. The accommodation facilities for tourists like hotels, restaurants, and marine recreations have been built in this area.

Beside the beauty of hilly areas or the underwater panorama, Karangasem also save a bunch of tourist objects. Bali Mula community who live in Karangasem has given different colors to local art and culture. Until now, the people of Tenganan, Bungaya, Asak, Timbrah and Bugbug and some other villages still carry out Bali Mula traditions and try not being easily influenced with the ways of the Bali Majapahit.

See complite article at My Weblog Diary

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/karangasem-tourist-object-225428.html

About the Author:

Want more See at My Weblog Diary. Please visit some of my sites Cheap Anti-Aging and Find Jewelry Boxs

Visitor Attractions in Indonesia

Author: Raman Verma

Indonesia is a land of mountains, volcanoes, dense forests, attractive beaches, spectacular natural beauty, which draws the attention of various tourists throughout the year. With its glorious temples, huge mosques, museums Indonesia is a house of several magnificent Indonesia Tourist Attractions.

Attractions in Indonesia

Java- Jakarta - The capital city of Jakarta retains much from the colonial Dutch and British periods, with many fine colonial-style buildings and the recently restored old quarter. You can visit at The National Monument towers, Merdeka Square, The Central Museum, Portuguese Church, Istiqlal Mosque etc. If you want to shop, then antiques market on Jalan Surabaya and batik factories in the Karet are the perfect place for you. Throughout the island, puppet shows are staged in which traditional wayang golak and wayang kulit marionettes act out stories based on well-known legends; performances can sometimes last all night.

Sumatra- The second-largest island in Indonesia is Sumatra, which is a house of the volcanic mountain range, hot springs, unexplored jungle and extensive plantations. Bengkulu, Gedung Wani and Mount Loeser Reserve are some of the amazing Reserve forests. The popular Indonesia Tourist Attractions situated in Sumatra are, Lake Toba, Lingga village, Bukittinggi's Fort de Kock that located close to the zoo, market, a refurbished rice barn and the Bundo Kandung Museum and the most attractive beaches on the east coast.

Sulawesi-

Popularly known as Orchid Island, Sulawesi is a land of high mountains, misty valleys and lakes, geysers and hot springs like Karumengan, Kinilow, Lahendong, Leilem and Makule. In the south is Bantimurung Nature Reserve which has thousands of exotic butterflies. The island has geysers and hot springs, the most celebrated of which are at Karumengan, Kinilow, Lahendong, Leilem and Makule. Torajaland is known as the ‘Land of the Heavenly Kings’ and its people are noted for their richly ornamented houses and custom of burying the dead in vertical cliffside tombs. Ujung Pandang, formerly Makassar, is celebrated for the Pinsa Harbour where wooden schooners of the famous Buganese seafarers are moored. Fort Rotterdam, built by Sultan Ala in 1660 to protect the town from pirates, is now being restored. Racing is a popular island activity; there is horseracing and bullock-racing and at Ranomuut there are races with traditional horse-drawn carts.

Bali-

With its spectacular white beaches, verdant jungle and mountain, Bali is a tropical paradise.

The landscape of Bali ‘is made up of volcanic mountains, lakes and rivers, terraced ricefields, giant banyans and palm groves and, on the coast, bays ringed with white sandy beaches. Bali is famous for its crafts and adventurous activities, which are organized on the southern beaches. The island lies a short distance from the eastern coast of Java, across the Strait of Bali. The tourist areas are in the south, around Sanur Beach and at Kuta, which lies on the other side of a narrow isthmus. The island also has thousands of temples – the exact number has never been counted – ranging from the great Holy Temple at Besakih to small village places of worship.

Lombok-

It is a land of temples local handicrafts like rattan baskets and woven fabrics. Lombok is a popular tourist destination where you can visit at the Senggigi Beach, Gili Islands, Gunung Rinjani, and Desert Point well known for surfing. The island possesses one of the highest volcanic mountains in the Indonesian archipelago, Mount Rindjani,. The two main towns are Mataram, the capital, and the busy port of Ampenan; both are interesting to explore. The south coast is rocky. The west, with shimmering rice terraces, banana and coconut groves and fertile plains, looks like an extension of Bali. The east is dry, barren and desert-like in appearance. The north, the region dominated by Mount Rindjani, offers thick forests and dramatic vistas. There are also some glorious beaches, some of white sand, others, such as those near Ampenan, of black sand. At Narmada there is a huge complex of palace dwellings, complete with a well containing ‘rejuvenating waters’, built for a former Balinese king. At Pamenang, visitors can hire a boat and go diving, entering a clear-water world of brilliantly colored coral and inquisitive tropical fish.

Yogakartas-

Capital of Java Yogakarta is the centre of educational, cultural and economic activity. You must see the premier university of Indonesia, the Gajah Mada University and various arts centers, markets, galleries, craft shops and bazaars.

Moluccan Archipelago-

Also known as the Maluku Archipelago, it is made up of 1000 islands, many uninhabited and the rest so isolated from each other and from the outside world that each has its own culture and very often its own language. Halmahera is the largest island in the Moluccan group and one of the most diverse. Banda, in the middle of the Banda Sea, is often referred to as the original ‘Spice Island’ and is famous as a nutmeg-growing center. At present, the islands are popular for diving and snorkeling.

Nusa Tengara Archipelago-

Nusa Penida was at one time a penal colony but now attracts visitors to its dramatic seascapes and beaches. Komodo is home to the world’s largest and rarest species of monitor lizard, while Sumba is noted for its beautiful Ikat cloth. Mount Keli Mutu is one of Indonesia’s most spectacular natural sights, famous for its three crater lakes, whose striking colors change with the light of the day. little since the Bronze Age, yet the islands’ inhabitants are renowned as musicians and palm weavers. The Terawangan Islands is a small group with beautiful beaches and coral gardens. Lucipara has excellent waters for snorkeling. Bone Rate, Kangean, Tenggaya and Tukang Besi is a group of isolated islands in the Flores and Banda seas, epitomizing a tropical paradise.



Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/visitor-attractions-in-indonesia-368654.html

About the Author:

Raman Verma is a travel consultant with Tour Packages India . Provides detailed information on Indonesia Holiday Packages

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Pura Agung Besakih

Pura Agung Besakih is located in Besakih village, Rendang District,
on the slope of Mount of Agung, in the west side.
Mount of Agung is the highest mount in Bali. This place is 25 km to
the north of Semarapura-Kabupaten Klungkung if we go from Denpasar.

The trip to Pura Besakih through panorama of Jambul hill which is also
one of object and tourism attraction of Kabupaten Karangasem.

The location of Pura Besakih in purpose is chosen in village which is
believed holy because of its high location, which is called Hulundang Basukih,
later become Besakih village. The name Besakih is taken from Sansekerta
language, Wasuki or in old java language Basuki which means safe. Besides that,
the name of Pura Besakih is based on the myth of Naga Basuki (Basuki dragon)
as balancer of Mandara Mount.

There are a lot of inheritance megalitic era, such as : Menhir, stone
throne, pyramid terrace structure which are found in the complex of Pura Besakih
show that as a holy place looks like that Besakih came from the very old era,
far way before the presence of Hindu influence.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Gateways Of Bali

Author: Dave Waldheim

Bali is a tiny island among some 13,000 islands of a large archipelago stretching from Sabang (the West border) to Merauke in West Papua (the East border). Due to its location in the middle of southern series of islands of this country it has several ports of entry.

Before visiting Bali, some visitors may prefer to start their journey in the country's capital, Jakarta and take an overland tour by bus along the Java Island. If you have time and want to enjoy the amazing culture and panorama of the island. There are many places to discover, for example ancient Borobudur and Prambanan Temples, magic crater of Bromo and so many others. Then cross the Bali strait by ferry at Ketapang (East Java) to Gilimanuk (West Bali).

Other alternatives are to take a cruise. Bali is frequently chosen as a stopover for cruise lines. Prior to continuing to the next destination, passengers take the opportunity to have a sight seeing on this island. Padangbay and Benoa harbor are two main harbors for that. Padangbai is located in the Karangasem regency, Eastern Bali. It connects the island to Lembar in Lombok Island. While Benoa harbor is located on the southern Bali tip (inter island and international gateway). Other than used as tourism port, Benoa harbor is also used for anchorage of fishing vessels.

Ngurah Rai International airport is the airport located in southern Bali, in Tuban exactly. Named after I Gusti Ngurah Rai, a hero of Bali that led the troops against the Dutch in 1946. It becomes the main international entrance for tourists that visit Bali. During the past few years the number of visitors arrival through the airport tended to increase, after the bomb blast at Kuta it dropped in a big way, now recovering once again.

The airport becomes an important hub for the next destinations beyond Bali. It connects flights to Jogjakarta for the destination of one of the seven worlds' wonder of Borobudur and its neighboring Prambanan temples. Visitors can buy one day tours where they already return to Bali in the afternoon. Or they may take one night stay in Jogja and return to Bali on the next day. The airport also connects some cities in East Indonesia like Mataram in Lombok Island, Kupang in East Nusa Tenggara and Makassar in South Celebes.

Visitors who would like to enjoy and explore the jewels of eastern destinations may choose the next island of Lombok by air or sea, using a speed jetfoil boat on the route Benoa to Lembar. Lombok Island is famous for its stunning coastal mountain scenes, lots of undeveloped nature, Taliwang food (crispy chicken) and pottery. One of the many trips you can plan while having Bali as your main destination that has air connections to all main Asian and international airports.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/gateways-of-bali-148061.html

About the Author:
Dave Waldheim is editor of the Bali hotels and Bali travel information website where you can find articles of local and expat writers that actually live there, view previews of some of the leading Bali hotels in every price category, reserve a room online or your trip to Komodo island to see the dragons

South Lombok Indonesia - a New and Unspoiled Destination!

Author: George

Until recently, south west Lombok was known mostly to surfers, who enjoy the fantastic reef breaks at dessert point (Bangko Bangko), and now we discovered it for spectacular diving opportunities. This means, at the moment south Lombok is still a insider tip amongst the diving community.

You will not find many tourists on the beaches of South Lombok, and it’s one of the most beautiful places for sunsets and relaxing walks on the beach, without being hassled by flying salesmen with watches and souvenirs.

The local people are very friendly and curios, and you can experience rural Lombok at its finest.

At low tide you can observe the women and the children while they are collecting clams and other treasures, or watch the children play on the beach and laugh together with them.

A large percentage of tourists come here for the diving. In the south of Lombok you’ll find new exclusive dive sites with untouched, fantastic Corals, as well as an amazing variety of rare marine life, including Ghost Pipe Fish, Leaf Fish, Mantas, Whitetip reef sharks, and many more, it’s absolutely breathtaking!

These new dive sites offer even the well-travelled and experienced diver a surprising and breathtaking experience. Due to the great variety of dive sites, there is exiting diving for all levels of experience.

A unique underwater experience and a fascinating multitude of species await you. Schools of barracudas, tunas, mackerels, sharks, manta rays, eagle rays…. And all coral in 100% pristine condition. A highlight for photographers!

http://www.divezone-lombok.com



Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/south-lombok-indonesia-a-new-and-unspoiled-destination-149852.html

About the Author:
Living on, enjoyig live, and diving around Lombok for more than 6 years!
http://www.divezone-lombok.com

Monday, November 24, 2008

Lombok Hotels: a Wonderful Assortment

Author: Mahendrasingh Singh

Located in an island in the West Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia, Lombok is luring tourists with its pristine beauty. The city is placed in the east of Bali and is emerging as a popular destination in Indonesia.


The popularity of this place lies in its unspoiled beaches and natural beauty. The emergence of new and comfortable hotels in Lombok is another thing which is appealing travelers to reach this place and spend a luxury vacation. Lombok is the perfectly place for a vacation for peace seeking travelers. This is a place where you can laze, relax, rest and recreate amidst pristine beauty of this destination.

When to visit Lombok

Lombok offers a tropical weather with hot, humid and dry climate. Because of its humid climate, some of the tourists even prefer to visit this city in the rainy season, which is from October to December.

Activities to do in Lombok

Lombok is very silent as far as nightlife is concerned. There is hardly any special nightspot where you can enjoy and have fun. So, don’t expect to enjoy all night long during your sojourn here. Tourists throng to Lombok mainly because of its good water sport facilities. Diving, snorkeling, surfing, hiking and sailing are some popular sports that interest tourists here.

Sightseeing in Lombok:

Lombok offers some of the very beautiful attractions, which include beaches, large volcano and its natural scenic beauty. A few must see places here can be named as Tanjung Aan, a lovely place near Kuta Beach. This place is popular for its unique pepper like sand. Other attractions include Narmada Park, Youth Fountain etc. Another very important thing that guests at Lombok loves to do in to get a traditional message therapy. Food at Lombok is also wonderful as this city has some great wine and dining options.

Transportation in Lombok

Travelers can reach Lombok via flight which lands at the Mataram Selaparang Airport. This airport connects Lombok with places like Denpasar, Surabaya, Jakarta and international destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Amongst other means of transportation include regular slow boat and fast ferry service between Lombok and Bali. For transportation within the city, there are mini-vans called Bemo, taxis, horse carts, boats, and bicycles.

Hotels in Lombok

There are a large number of good hotels in Lombok offering comfortable accommodation to tourists. There are different hotels of different budget, lodges, resorts etc. The hotels here are mostly equipped with modern amenities and serve guests with genuine friendliness, warm welcome and great hospitality. For the budget travelers also, the city offers various low rated hotels and resorts with necessary facilities for the discerning travelers.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/lombok-hotels-a-wonderful-assortment-379440.html

About the Author:

Log on to Asiarooms.com for all other details on Lombok hotels and to get a complete guide on Lombok as a destination. So, don’t waste time! Reserve your hotel now and book the best hotel deal with Asiarooms.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Scuba Diving in North Sulawesi - the Natural Wonders of Bunaken and The Lembeh Strait.

by MARK BURNS

Full of natural wonders, and offering an almost unparalleled levels of marine biodiversity, North Sulawesi has become one of the worlds premier destinations for ecotourism and adventure travel in recent years. Today, large numbers of scuba divers travel to this distant part of Indonesia, to sample some of the finest dive sites to be found anywhere throughout South East Asia.

The diving in North Sulwesi is focused in two main areas, the Bunaken National Marine Park and the famous muck diving capital of Lembeh Strait. There are other destinations where good diving is on offer in North Sulwesi, including the dive sites in Sangihe Island and Pulau Bangka, however it is the dive sites in Bunaken and Lembeh which draw large numbers of scuba divers here year after year.

The Bunaken National Marine Park was established in 1991, and the deep waters of the park offer one of the greatest levels of marine biodiversity to be found anywhere in the world. A home to over 70% of all fish species found throughout the Indo-western pacific region, the waters of Bunaken are home to an incredible array of coral and marine life.

The scuba diving in Bunaken is predominantly characterised by the awesome vertical walls which almost surround the island. Along these walls, an array of cracks, caves and crevices are home to a wide range of fish life during the day as well as the night. Dive sites including Fukui Point and Black Rock provide divers with access to stunning corals as well as stunning array of smaller marine life.

Lembeh Strait is widely acknowledged as being the ‘muck diving’ capital of the world, and offers what can only be described as a truly unique experience in diving. The diving itself is shaped by the black sandy bottom of the ocean in the region, which is home to a wide selection of critters and smaller marine life. It is for this reason that underwater photographers often choose to make the longer journey out to Lembeh Strait, to sample some of the finest opportunities for underwater macro photography to be found anywhere in South East Asia. Octopus, flying gunnards, frogfish and dwarf lionfish can all be found throughout the numerous dive sites in the Lembeh Strait.

Diving is possible in North Sulwesi throughout the year, although the best conditions are to be found from late March through to November. From January through to March, heavy rains and strong winds can be found throughout the region, leaving the conditions unfavourable for scuba diving.

Without doubt, the scuba diving in Sulawesi is of the highest standard, and the region fully justifies its claim to be one of South East Asia’s leading scuba diving destinations. The superb dive sites of Bunaken and Lembeh undoubtedly ensure the longer journey time to reach here is worthwhile, and leave you only thinking of when you can return!


Source : http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/582817?articleid=582817

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Guide To a Yacht Charter in Indonesia

by D. BROWALL

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world, with more than 18,000 islands. It's also primarily dominated by Muslims and is # 4 in the world in terms of population. In 2006, there are already over 200 million people living in Indonesia. The country is sharing land borders with other Asian countries like Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor. Indonesia is a mixture of bold and new. And with a lot of islands to choose from, besides touring, you can count sailing in Indonesia as one of the most popular activities.

A vacation in Bali will never be complete if you don't try swimming, canoeing, or even diving in any of the 10 best dive spots in the area. Good choices will include USAT Liberty. It's basically a U.S. cargo steamship filled with ammunition by the time it was torpedoed in 1942 by the Japanese. Today, it's considered to be one of the most gorgeous artificial reefs in Indonesia. You can then proceed to Amed, which is located on the eastern coastline. It has a lot of fishing villages, such as Gili Selang and Lipah. The island is valued for the privacy it gives to visitors.

Another fascinating place to visit is the Maumere in Flores Island. It's already a very popular tourist destination, so there are now plenty of tours that you can choose from. You can also select a yacht charter from Bali and then sail through the Maumere. You can also reach the area by flying from Central Flores Island. Formerly a volcanic island, Flores has attractive places to offer to foreigners. You can try shopping at their local market, dine in Wuring (a small fishing village), or experience traditional Indonesian culture at Sikka. Of course, your stay will never be complete without diving or swimming, especially in Pemana.

Sailing in Indonesia may also mean exploring Irian Jaya. This is the largest Indonesian province, with a span of more than 450,000 square kilometers. Besides the beach, you can make a stop and follow several hiking trails leading to Puncak Jayawijaya, a very large mountain range that is 5,800 meters above sea level. You can also camp at other mountains such as Gunung Yamin and Gunung Trikora. There are also plenty of lakes where you can go fishing or canoeing, the largest of which is Panai.

People go to Indonesia for food, clothing, and a sense of culture. They may have forgotten that it's also blessed with an impressive ecosystem, made up of seas, lakes, mountains, and animal creatures. Sailing in Indonesia will allow you to take a glimpse of its natural resources.

For more info on companies offering yacht charter in Indonesia as well as many other popular sailing areas such as yacht charter Croatia visit D. Browall's website http://www.sboats.com.

Source :http://www.amazines.com

Far to the north east of Bali lies Karangasam Regency, the oldest and, some say, the most tradition

by MICHAEL TRAVERS

Surrounded by the peaceful waters of the Lombok strait and the Bali Sea and flanked by the menacing yet fatherly presence of Gunung Agung, Karangasem is a place of emerald beauty with rice fields and jungle-covered mountains dominating every aspect of life. It is just this remoteness that gives the area its charm and its mystery; a slice of Bali chosen by the peace-loving cognoscenti of travellers -middle class and backpacker alike- who wish to enjoy the slow life and allow nature to dominate their every waking moment.

Up until recently the area was difficult to reach because of the poor roads, but with he recently completed by-pass all the way from the airport to just below Padang Bay, what was formerly a 2½ hour trip has been slashed to just over an hour and a half, offering no excuses not to visit and explore the possibilities of this most under-rated and beautiful part of Bali. Development is taking off as a result with many 5 star luxury hotels and villa developments under construction or about to break ground. Padangbai is a tranquil little fishing village located at the bottom end of Amuk Bay With white sand beaches and clear blue waters, it has many small hotels and restaurants and is home to one of Bali’s few deep-water ports and home to the terminal for the ferries that run to back and forth to Lombok and Nusa Penida around the clock.

Located just up the coast to the north is the small town of Manggis where the big guns of the resort world are to be found. Amankila and Alila, both call Manggis home and offer five-star accommodation and service for those wanting to holiday in unashamed luxury.

A few kilometres further to the north is Candidasa, a small resort town that has a relaxed seaside ambience and sweeping views from the hotels and restaurants built right on the water. Candidasa has developed into a top tourist destination over the years and is the gateway for exploring the rugged interior of the region or the breathtaking underwater world offshore.

Exotiq has two particular projects that they are marketing in the Candi Dasa region offering high returns and top quality builds: The Orion’s Beach Villas and the Emerald bay Villas, both in Candi Dasa, both built on absolute beachfront just north of the AmanKila and Alila hotels.

Emerald Bay Villas is a development of 7 five star villas all on absolute beachfront and on the market for US$1.1 While Orion’s Bay Villas is a development of 7 luxury four-bedroom villas with three on beachfront and four just back from the beach selling for between US$440,000 and US$740,000. More on these spectacular two villa developments in the next instalment.

http://www.exotiqrealestate.com

Source : https://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/527366?articleid=527366

Lombok, a sister island of Bali

by GEN WRIGHT

The Island of Lombok, Indonesia is one of the Lesser Sundas Islands separated from Bali by the Lombok Strait and from Sumbawa by the Alas Strait. It is 70 mi (115 km) long and 50 mi (80 km) wide and occupies an area of 2,098 sq mi (5,435 sq km).It was ruled by the sultan of Makasar in 1640. The Balinese later seized control and established four kingdoms there.

Climate Lombok basically has two seasons - wet and dry. The wet season generally occurs from November through to February, with heavy monsoon rainfall and cloud. During this time it can be quite humid but still hot. The dry season from March to October can still experience rain but is generally fine, clear and hot with average temperatures around 28C. Around August and September it can also be quite breezy. The best months for good surf are June, July and August.

People The population of Lombok is madeup largely of Sasaks of Malayan origin, though there are Chinese in this the populated area around Mataram, some Balinese in the west, and some Sumbawanese in the east.Agriculture is far and away the dominating business, with paddy rice, soybeans, tubers, peanuts (groundnuts), tobacco, coconuts, and vegetables the chief crops.The central lowland strip of the island, between the two elevated coastal areas, is the centre of settlement and rice cultivation. Mataram, the provincial capital, is the largest city.The chief port is Lembar, on the western coast.

Tipping Tipping is relatively fresh in Lombok. All large hotels and eating houses will automatically add a service charge of between five & ten percent to your bill which is quite sufficient. Smaller restaurants generally do not add up anything extra but considering that the waiter's wage may well be less than $1.00 a day - a tip of 5 - 10 percent is very much appreciated.

Passport Requirements There are no Visas required for Australian passport holders to move into Indonesia, however your passport must have a minimum of six months validity from the date of entrance into Republic of Indonesia. For passengers of other nationalities its best to check your visa requirements from the nearest Indonesian consulate.

Currency The unit of currency throughout Indonesia is the Rupiah (Rp). Currently the exchange rate is approximately Rp.10.000 for $1 American and Rp 5.000 for $1 Australian dollar on the island of Lombok. Higher rates are available in Bali. However as the Rupiah has still not stabilized and rates may vary greatly.

Language The national language is Bahasa Indonesia and various dialects are also spoken throughout Indonesia. English is taught as a second language in all schools. English is widely spoken in most tourist areas and generally wherever you travel no matter how remote, someone can be found who speaks English. There is usually no shortage of locals wanting to try out their English skills.

Business Hours Indonesians works mostly in the morning to avoid heat of the day. If you intended to go to a government office, arrive between 08 AM and 11:30 AM. These timings also apply to banks and private businesses.

Ketut Aryadana is the owner of Lombok Villa Rentals, a site provides villa reservation service in the island of Lombok.

Source : https://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/630603?articleid=630603

A Tropical Paradise in the heart of Bali

by MANILA LUZON

Bali, Indonesia is home to spectacular beaches and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Tourists and locals alike have made vacationing with the sand, sea and surf a yearly endeavor. In the scenic Bali Barat National Park, a comfortable getaway has been providing weary travelers ultimate relaxation and a memorable rendezvous all throughout the year. This hotspot is called the Waka Shorea Laketown Hotel and has been known to provide quality accommodations and great hospitality at surprisingly low rates.

This month, until the15th of December 2008, rates get amazingly lower as Waka Shorea treats its guests to packages that will be hard to resist now that the holidays are getting closer. For starters, there is the “Romantic Escape Honeymoon Package,” which only costs USD 743.00 and is chock full of pampering activities. This package can accommodate two adults in a room with an ocean view and is good for a maximum of three nights. This great deal is tailor-made for couples wanting to go on vacation and seeking quality time together without the hustle and bustle of city life.

For those who want a longer stay in their tropic paradise, Waka Shorea offers long-stay rates, which is valid for a minimum of five nights. This is called the “Hideaway Package,” only USD 105.00 a night. The package also includes a hearty American breakfast and complete pampering facilities that are sure to recharge and pep up any world-weary guest. All rooms are subject to availability, so secure your reservation online now at http://www.wakashorearesort-bali.com/ppc/

Source : http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/650144?articleid=650144

Adventures in Bali

by HERMAN MAULANA

With it's tropical temperatures and lush landscape, the island of Bali is a wonderful place to get in touch with your adventurous side.

Start by taking a Sea Walk. SeaWalker Bali has a special diving system that lets you get a close up view of the Bali ocean life. You actually walk on the ocean floor, to a depth of 15 feet, without getting your hair wet! Unlike traditional SCUBA diving no certification is needed. Your tour will include pickup from your hotel, transport in an air conditioned coach or minivan, professional instruction, safety approved equipment, insurance, refreshments and lunch. All you need to bring is a towel, sunscreen, swimsuit, and money for a video of your sea walk. The cost is just US$69 and instruction is provided in both English and Japanese. During your 30 minute sea walk you can expect to be surrounded by a large variety of colorful fish and sea life.

From the depths of the ocean to the top of a pachyderm. Bali is home to the Elephant Safari Park. Over 20 rescued Sumatra elephants live and play at the park. Here visitors are encouraged to get up close and personal with the elephants. Elephant shows are offered throughout the day, during some the elephants even paint. At the Elephant Safari Park you can touch and feed the elephants. The park is also home to the Elephant museum which houses a wide variety of elephant exhibits and information, including the only mammoth skeleton in Southeast Asia. To top off your trip to the elephant park, take an elephant tour and explore the nearby jungle from the back of a majestic pachyderm. Enjoy the elephant park and know that you are helping save the endangered Indonesian elephants, as a portion of all proceeds goes to relocation and breeding programs for Indonesian elephants.

Now that you've tried the easy adventures, it is time to step it up a bit. There are some fabulous whitewater rafting in Bali. The river scenery is amazing. During your rafting trip you will travel through gorges where cliffs soar high above you. This is interspersed with lush primary rainforests and spectacular waterfalls. The spectacular scenery combined with exciting white water make for a Bali adventure you will not soon forget. Two of the more common rivers to raft on are the Ayung River and the Telaga Waja River. The Ayung River has over 28 class II and III rapids interspersed with calmer areas where you can view waterfalls, lush forests, and steep cliffs. The Telaga Waga River is more of a thrill ride with continuous rapids from start to finish. Experienced guides will make sure you have a fun and safe trip.

So when visiting Bali make sure you do more than just enjoy the beaches. I've touched on just a few of the adventures that can add a little spice and excitement to your trip. In addition to the the adventures mentioned here, Bali also offers bungee jumping, trekking to volcanoes, and mountain biking. So get out there and enjoy the natural beauty of Bali while adding some excitement to your trip.



Source :https://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/615308?articleid=615308

Monday, November 3, 2008

Bali Beaches

By Eddie Tobey

Bali is one of the most visited vacation hotspots in the world. Situated in Indonesia, it was once named as the best island destination in the world by Travel and Leisure magazine. It attracts huge number of travelers from all over the world with its fun filled, palm fringed beaches known for having white sand. Bali has a many beaches, all of which are easily reachable from Despansar airport.

The line of beaches on the island of Bali includes Sanur beach, Jimbaran, Soka beach, Nusa Dua, Medewi beach, Lovina beach, Kuta, and Legian beach. Locals and tourists popularly go after Legian beaches, which are famous for their magnificent view of sunset. Surfing is a major activity here and the best waves are a 5 to 10 minute drive from Despansar airport.

Nusa dua beach has a chain of hotels placed on the sandy shores and these hotels provide luxurious swimming experience in protected lagoons, as well as fabulous gourmet food served on site.

Sanur beach is easily reachable from Despansar. Sanur has calm, secluded lagoons, which are favorites for lots of activities like wind surfing, parasailing, and excellent for families.

Between Despansar and Gilimanuk, two wonderful beaches called Soka beach and Mediwi beach are present. Jimbaran attracts many local families and tourists with its beauty and superb seafood restaurants that line along the beaches. Jimbaran is placed on the way from Despansar to Nusa Dua, directly to the south of Despansar airport.

Lovina is the most inspiring beach in Bali that attracts large number of tourists, irrespective of the season. A number of people visit this beach to view schools of dolphins swimming and playing in the waters.

Kuta is home to the whitest beach in Bali, and is just a 5 to 10 minute drive from Despansar. Kuta could be very well called the tourist mecca, because of its shops, pubs, and fully equipped first class hotels. Kuta is famous among skilled swimmers and recognized for its unpredictable underwater currents - novice swimmers should use caution when swimming at this beach.

Bali provides detailed information on Bali, Bali Vacations, Bali Culture, Bali Real Estate and more. Bali is affiliated with Bangkok Airfare

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eddie_Tobey

A Powerful Celebration in Bali

By Sharon Hornstein

Even though it happened about six years ago, my trip to Bali impacts my life to date. I saw people gather together in a way that I had never seen in the States. Or anywhere else. The man being cremated had died the year before. Because they believe that we are reborn to the same community that we lived in, they believe in throwing a huge party for the people therein. There was much celebration, with music, offerings of colorful clothing and bountiful fruit, and a generous party of food and drink. The reason the ceremony happened a year after the man's death was because the family needed to save enough money to provide this party for the community. An infant was also cremated at that time. The people grieved for both, but in a spirit of celebration at the same time. The bodies were cremated along with the offerings. Two elegant elderly women then sifted through the doused ashes to remove any larger fragments of bone, which were gently wrapped and put aside. The cremains were placed in a large, wide bowl and set atop a tall ornately decorated structure that rode on two long poles. Family members (and friends?) lifted the whole thing onto their shoulders and took off down the road to the river. Because they did not want the deceased to be stuck here or come back too soon, they twirled and swayed as they walked to confuse the deceased. And because they had been enjoying the drinking portion of the ceremony, I was afraid it all was going to come crashing down as their swaying and weaving on the road became more and more exagerated.

Now what I took away from all this was a profound sense of community coming together in support of the family, and the family's joy in providing such a wonderful celebration. They had had time to grieve the man's departure, but also present was the fresh grief for the infant. It was all there. Grief, comraderie, celebration, amidst tears and laughter. All there on one afternoon. I want more of that.

There's oftentimes such a sterility in our funeral services. People not showing much emotion in the services I've been present in in my past...wouldn't it be wonderful to have permission to weep and laugh, sing and cheer, sob and sway?! And without fear of seeming odd or uncouth! Just to let it all hang out. I know other cultures allow this as well. I would love a ceremony where my friends and family and community at large could congragate in such a way as to allow whatever feelings are present to express. What a gift!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_Hornstein

Temples in Bali

By Herman Maulana

It would be impossible to visit Bali and not see the temples. Mostly because they are everywhere! Bali has been called the land of a thousand temples, and it is an apt description. Temples large and small are dot the Balinese landscape. In fact, there are tens of thousands of temples in Bali, from the simple to the ornate, from the very large, to the very small. There are so many temples in Bali that the government doesn't even bother counting them. In Bali the word for temple is Pura. Both words are used here.

In Balinese-Hinduism it is believed that the mountains are for the gods, the flat lands are for the people, and the sea is for the demons. (One of the reasons the ancient Balinese did not do much ocean navigation!) It most villages you will find temples for all three. The Pura Puseh is the most important temple, for honoring and worshiping the gods, the Pura Desa will be for the people. This temple is for the spirits that bless and protect the people. The third type of temple, Pura Dalem, is used to appease the demons and to ask for protection from the spirits.

The best time to visit a temple is during it's festival day. This only happens once per year for each temple, however, there are so many temples that it should not be difficult to find a temple festival. When visiting the temples it is important to show respect. Women should not wear shorts or have bare shoulders. There is a prohibition against blood on sacred ground, so anyone who is bleeding, including women during their cycle, should not visit the temples. Never stand directly in front of the priest, or be at a level above the priest's head. No flash photography. Kneel when others kneel and in general, try to blend in and do what others do. Men may be asked to wear a sash. These can be rented, but if you are going to be visiting a lot of temples it might make sense to buy your own.

The one temple you shouldn't miss on your trip to Bali is Besakih. It is often called the Mother Temple and is located high on Mount Agung. It is the most important temple in Bali. There are over 22 structures, some dating back to the 14th century. Located here are shrines to Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu.

One of the oldest temples in Bali is Pura Luhur Batu Karu. It is located 10 km west of Bedugul. It overlooks a lake which has a temple to the goddess of Lake Tamblingan.

If you like bats you'll love Goa Lawah Temple. A sacred site for Brahma, the temple is located in a cave filled with bats. It is said the caves may go all the way to Basakih. If bats are not your style you might prefer the Sangeh Monkey Sanctuary. Watch your belongings as you visit this temple surrounded by tall nutmeg trees. The monkeys are sneaky thieves! They particularly like glasses and keys.


So during your visit to Bali, make sure to enjoy the architecture, the sculpture, the festivities, and the sacredness of the Balinese temples.

Bali Exotic Breeze has been accommodating satisfied guests for years with private villas rental in Bali Private Villas.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Herman_Maulana

Friday, October 31, 2008

Bali Travel: The Undying Balinese Arts

By: Made Dertha

The island of Bali is literally a very beautiful island situated under the equator in Indonesian Archipelago, is one of the most interesting and ultimate tourist destination in Asia. Since the first decade of the 20th century visitors have given to it several nicknames "Island of Gods" - "Island of thousand Temples" - "The Last Paradise" - and also often called "Island of Artist".

The spirit of creativity pervades everything in Balinese life, from the cultivation of the steeply-terraced rice field to the elaborate temple offerings of flowers and foods given to the gods at times of celebration. Dancing, playing the gamelan, painting and carving is as much a part of an ordinary day as working in the offices, in the fields or feeding livestock.

In ancient times, the people of the Indonesian Archipelago followed the ways of animism and ancestor worship. By around A.D. 600 however, Indian ideas and beliefs began to spread throughout Southeast Asia. Both Buddhism and Hinduism became active force on the islands of Sumatra and Java. When Islam gained control of Java in the 16th century, many Hindu princes, their followers and artisans fled to Bali. They established principalities on Bali.

The earliest art of Bali dates from this pre-Hindu era, including highly of decorative works of bronze, as well as skilled basketworks and weaving. During the Hindu era, the princes and their relatives were the patronage of the native arts of Bali, and also sustained by the guiding rituals of its religion. The palaces and temples, as political and religious center of the island, were also centers of the arts.

A prince would adorn his pavilions with the most exquisitely carved wood panels, paintings, silken materials, gilded umbrellas and would be entertained by gamelan music, dances and songs of poetical Kawi language. The opulence of the court - had its religious parallel in the lavish decoration and dances within the temples. So the courts and the temples have been receiving equal high performance in art.

This convergence of beauty and ritual explains why the arts have endured to such a great extent in Bali. Ritual demanded a continuous renewal of communion with the divine through temple celebrations. The people poured their artistic talents into preparations of these occasions. New offerings have to be made, new shrines constructed, new statues of stones and woods have to be carved, dances, music and dramas created and practiced. This kept carvers and masons constantly occupied creating new sculptures or retouching older ones.

The Balinese language has no words for "art" and "artist". In former times there had been no need for such definitions. Art was never considered a conscious production for its own sake. Rather, it was regarded as a collective obligation to make thing beautiful. And this was always done with a definite purpose: to create beauty in service to society and religion. Thus a "figure-maker" or "picture-maker" as well as a farmer or merchant, he was called upon when his skills were needed. He neither signed his name to his work, nor received money for his labor. His prime aim was to serve his community. As was true in the olden days, the majority of Bali's artists are highly skilled craftsmen who learned their trade by mastering the traditional forms inherited from their forefathers.

In the first decade of the 20th century, the Dutch took the island, and Bali entered a new era as a colony of the Netherlands. Western education, modern technology, magazines, and a steady tourist trade opened up a new world for many Balinese, and this widening of outlook was reflected in the arts. For the first time, craftsmen began to treat their work as art for art's sake, experimenting in new style, themes and media. With the arrival of the Western influence, the rigid conventions of the traditional style were no longer binding. Instead of illustrating stories from the great Hindu epics, some Balinese artists began to depict scenes of everyday life and nature in their work. The present art community has two criteria: (a) a work of art is praiseworthy in the eyes of fellow Balinese, or (b) it appeals to the foreign market and is sold.

To day the traditional and modern arts can be viewed at various places: Museum Bali in Denpasar presents a commendable survey of Balinese art from prehistoric times to the early 20th century and modern arts. Werdi Budaya Arts Center in Denpasar offers exhibitions and sales of local handicrafts and hand loomed fabrics. Tohpati for fine batiks. Celuk for silver and gold works. Mas for excellent woodcarvings. Ubud is the heart of arts and cultures, home of the most talented painters. And Klungkung for the traditional paintings and silver works.

So if you are interested in arts, do not hesitate to choose this enchanting island for your Bali Vacation. It also has very nice beaches, hotels, fabulous nature's views, friendly people and of course excellent foods. Go online and search your preferred Bali hotels or contact your reputable travel agent.

Ciao readers, my immense thank to you all.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com

About the Author:

Made Dertha was an English and Italian tour guide for many years in Bali, writes for Bali Turista Tours where he is the Managing Director now. Bali Turista is focusing on Bali hotels and villas reservation. Just visit www.baliturismo.com