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

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

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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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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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.

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