Borobudur Temple, Magelang

Borobudur is one of the most famous Buddhist ruins in the world and Indonesia’s single most visited tourist attraction. This ancient Buddhist monument is located on an elevated plain, called Kedu Plain, between the Progo river, the twin volcanoes of Sundoro-Sumbing and the twin volcanoes of Merbabu-Merapi, of which Merapi is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. The site is in central Java, about 40km (25 miles) northwest of the city of Yogyakarta in Indonesia.

Borobudur is the biggest of the three Buddhist ruins in the area, which includes Pawon and Mendut, and is aligned in one straight line. Although there is no documented proof, according to a folk tale, there once was a paved brick road that ran from Borobudur to Mendut, with walls on both sides.

Borobudur was inscribed as a World Heritage Site during the 15th session of the World Heritage Committee which met in Carthage, Tunisia, on 9-13 December, 1991. Borobudur is built to encase a hillock that is 265m above sea level. According to archaeologists, it is also 15m above the floor of a dried out ancient lake. Borobudur is believed to have been built on the lake shore, or may have even been an island on the lake.

W.O.J. Nieuwenkamp, a Dutch artist and scholar of Hindu and Buddhist architecture, theorised in 1931 that Kedu Plain was once a lake, and Borobudur represented a lotus flower that floated on the lake. His theory found support among geologists who discovered clay sediments near Borobudur.

Construction of Borobudur

There is no written record to show who constructed Borobudur or why, but based on its carved reliefs, scholars believe that Borobudur was constructed around 800 AD. That corresponds to the peak of the Sailendra dynasty of Central Java.

Sailendra, meaning “lord of the mountain”, was the name given by historians rather than actual name. It was coined to relate to sailaraja, meaning “king of the mountain”, used by the kings of Funan, from whom the dynasty was said to be descended.

The Sailendra dynasty existed at the same time as the Srivijaya dynasty, and there is likely to be intermarriages between the rulers of these two powers.)

Borobudur is built to illustrate the Buddhist mandala, or cosmos. It consists of three sections: the base, the square platforms and the circular platforms.

Construction of Borobudur was estimated to have taken 75 years, and the completion was believed to be in 825 AD, during the reign of the Srivijayan Maharaja Samaratunga. It was around the same period that the Hindu temples of Prambanan was constructed.

The Sailendra Dynasty collapsed in 832 AD when Prince Rakai Pikatan of the Hindu Sanjaya Dynasty conquered the Sailendra kingdom, and took Princess Pramodhawardhani, daughter of the Sailendra King Samaratunga, as his wife. Members of the Sailendra household that managed to escape took the Sailendra prince Balaputra into the forest and raised him in secret.

In 850 AD Prince Balaputra mounted an unsuccessful attempt at regaining the through but was defeated. He escaped to Sumatra where he took the throne of the Srivijaya kingdom with little opposition. With the demise of the Sailendra Dynasty, the Sanjaya dynasty established a Hindu kingdom credited for building the Prambanan Temples, also near Yogyakarta.

Stamford Raffles and the Rediscovery of Borobudur

By the time Stamford Raffles – the founder of Singapore – rediscovered Borobudur in 1814, the ruins have already been abandoned for centuries. It is not known when the massive ruins was abandoned, and why. Among the theories put forward includes a massive volcanic eruption in AD 1006, that resulted in the inhabitants of Kedu Plains moving east to Brantas valley. Another speculation is that Borobudur was abandoned as the population converted to Hinduism and then to Islam.

To say that Raffles rediscovered Borobudur is not entirely true, because he did not set foot to look for it himself. The few sentences of instructions issued by Raffles was all the world needed to credit him with the rediscovery.

Upon hearing about this marvellous ruins deep in the jungles near the village of Bumisegoro, Raffles sent a Dutch engineer by the name of H.C. Cornellius to investigate. It was Cornellious who employed 200 workmen and over a period of two months, set forth to clear the vegetation and earth, to reveal the buried ruins. He found that the structure was unstable, so he did not unearth all the galleries. He did report back his findings to Raffles.

The Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 saw the delineation of the Malay archipelogo between British Malaya and Dutch East Indies. It resulted in the British administrators leaving Java. The Dutch administrator of the Kedu region, named Hartmann, continued the escavation of Borobudur that was begun by Cornellius. In 1835 Borobudur was fully unearth for the first time in many centuries. Subsequent wave of Dutch engineers further documented Borobudur.

Preservation of Borobudur

The earliest attempt to preserve Borobudur began in 1885, when Yzerman, the chairman of the Archaeological Society of Yogyakarta, discovered the hidden base of Borobudur. The discovery garnered public attention to the monument, leading to the Dutch government take steps to safeguard it. A commission was set up to access the monument.

In 1907-1911, restoration was carried out according to the principles of anastylosis. It was headed by Theodor van Erp, the Dutch army engineer officer. The grounds around the monument was escavated to look for missing buddha statues and head. The circular platforms and their stupas were dismantled and restored them. By the time the restoration work was completed, Borobudur looked better than it had centuries earlier. But it was shortlived.

Within 15 years, the gallery walls start to sag. There were signs of new cracks and general deterioration. Due to limited budget, van Erp had concentrated on cosmetic restoration and had not put in place a proper drainage system. Now alkali salts and calcium hydroxide from the concrete used in the reconstruction leeched through the stones and hastened their erosion. A more thorough restoration is needed, and fast.

In late 1960′s, the Indonesian government sought help from the international community to restore Borobudur. In 1973 a restoration master plan was put in place.

Between 1975 and 1982, the Indonesia government, with help from Unesco, dismantled the whole monument, cleaned all 1,460 panels, put in place a drainage system and reassembled Borobudur. The monumental project rivalled the restoration of Abu Simbel Temple. Around 600 people were involved in the project, and it cost US$6,901,243. Upon completion of the restoration work, inscribed Borobudur in 1991 as a World Heritage Site.

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Segara Anakan, Sempu Island, Malang

The beauty of Segara Anakan in Sempu Island will make amazed anyone who visits this place. This place is like a lake, with white sand and beautiful stars at the night.

This tourist area is located in the south of Java island, in the district of Malang. To go to  Sempu island, you can rent a boat around IDR 200,000 from Sendang Biru Beach, Malang. The journey from Sendang Biru Beach to the Sempu Island will spend time about 30 minutes.

Before entering Sempu Island, you are required to report and ask permission to forestry office, because Sempu island is a conservation area.

You need for 1-2 hours trekking through tropical rainforest to arrive at the Segara Anakan from Sarang Semut harbor, in the Sempu island.

Arriving at the Segara Anakan, you'll find a stretch of green forests, beautiful white sand and turquoise sea water. In this area you can circle the lake by boat or enjoy the beautiful scenery in the shore lake.

This area is shaped lake with green water surrounded by towering cliffs. In the middle of this lake there is a hole that connects to the sea. At high tide, sea water will go into this lake with small sea fish.

The sun came wrapped with a stretch of ocean would be the perfect scenery in the Segara Anakan area and complement your holiday mood.

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Pulau Merah (Red Island), Banyuwangi

Red Island beach located at the foot of Mount Tumpang Pitu. It’s a beach resort located in Banyuwangi southern tip and have a unique form of a small mountain in the middle of the coast. This place get its name from the red color of its soil. In the south part of the island we can enjoy a beautiful sunset in the evening. About 50 meters in west of the port, there’s a big total-fresh fish auction.

The beach is quite natural because one of the tourist sites in the southern coastal areas pristine. Red Island beach also has good waves for surfing. When the sea receded, the visitors can visit this place on foot and enjoy the uniqueness of a small mountain in the middle of the beach where the soil is red, it caused it's called Red Island Beach.

Red Island is a small hill-shaped island near the coast with white sandy beach approximately 3 km. Red Island Beach is located about 60 kilometers from the city to the south of Banyuwangi. To reach these attractions will takes two and a half hours. Also damaged paved roads will make the trip become a test for your patience. Most of the Red Island beach at the foot of Tumpang Pitu Mountain which Overlapping hundreds meters and it’s also a protected forest.

Green belt which encircle along the coast, become a great barrier for a safer area for the Tsunami disaster that ever occurred here, in 1993. But the enormity of the disaster was almost obliterate the beauty of the island. But now Red Island rebounded with its trademark: the red soil. Remarkably, the place is clean of trash and you can find some colorful shells.

Not enough to enjoy the beauty of the red beach, visitors might enjoy watching a professional surfer who tried to conquer the waves of the Red Island. With its 4-5 meters high wave, it makes Red Island frequently visited by tourists from France, Germany, and Australia.

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Green Canyon, Pangandaran

 

Green Canyon is a place that will not be missed when visiting the Pangandaran area. This is not excessive because it offers a unique tourist attractions are hard to come from other attractions. Beautiful scenery and the beauty offered in the Green Canyon that before called as Cukang Taneuh.

Green Canyon

Green Canyon tourist attractions are located in Kertayasa village, ciamis, West Java, it’s about 31 km from Pangandaran. The name of Green Canyon was introduced by travelers from France. The greenish color of river water may be the reason why this place is called Green Canyon. While the previous name is Cukang Taneuh that means land bridge, because of the bridge with a width of 3 meters and up to 40 meters long that connects Kertayasa village with Batukaras village.

Cijulang River

The main purpose is the cave tunnel under the land bridge, that known as Green Canyon Cave. To reach the cave, you should down the river by using a boat which called ketinting. This boat can be boarded by only 5 passengers. The price rents for the boats or ketinting is IDR 75.000, - per boat. The time that required for travel from Ciseureuh pier to the cave is about 30 minutes.

On the side of Cijulang river you can enjoy a hill cliff that overgrown with lush green trees and rocks that decorate it. The trip will not be boring because beautiful scenery and relaxed to enjoy the river flow. Use ketinting can also create an unique experience. When almost arrived, the line will be narrowed so you have to change the boat to come in this line. You will be directed by the tourist guide.

Green Canyon Caves

Beautiful scenery awaits you after the long trip. You can enjoy a solid side of the cave to see the stalactites and stalagmites that are still dripping water. Water continuously issued on the cliff so that the area is referred to as the eternal rain. You can also swim in the cave by using a float. You will feel the water is cold and refreshing. The scenery most beautiful while watching Palatar waterfall include in the Green Canyon Cave. Swimming in cold water while enjoying the high cliffs and see the stalactites and stalagmites certainly an unforgettable experience.

Green Canyon or Cukang Taneuh is a beautiful tourist attractions in the area of ​​Pangandaran. If you intend to visit this place, better if you go when dry season, because the color of Cijulang river is Tosca Green. While in the rainy season, the color of water will be brown. In addition to the rainy season the river water is likely to be posted or river water flow is too swift, so the place was closed for public for the safety of visitors.

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Sawarna Beach, Bayah

Sawarna beach is located in Sawarna Village, Bayah, Lebak District, Banten. Within 150 km of Rangkasbitung (Lebak Capital) is more complete with spectacular waves, perfect for surfing sports lovers. Not surprisingly, beaches are opened for public is becoming a new haven for surfers from Australia, Japan, and Korea. One of the favorite spots of surfers around the world for surfing are Ciantir.

Sawarna beach is one of the beaches are very beautiful and attractive with white sand. The tourists are mostly photography lovers choose to stay 2-3 days in the village at Sawarna Coast region. Understandably, so much beauty can be explored of Sawarna Coast and not enough when visiting just a few hours.

The unique of this village is the location separated by a shallow stream and wide enough. Hence, anyone who wants to go to the village must pass through a wooden bridge hanging like doing outbound. 

In addition to its beautiful beaches, while driving along the edge of Sawarna beach, there are interesting objects namely Laylay cave which inhabited by thousands of bats. In the cave can be seen clear water that flows down of the cave.

If interested in beach trekking, it never hurts to ask help of local residents or owners of the inn where you stay. Understandably, the beach is still managed by local residents. So for lodging or guiding affairs, has not facilitated well.

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Tidung Island, Thousand Islands

 

Tidung Island is one of the villages in the Thousand Islands, Jakarta. The island is divided into two part, Big Tidung Island and Small Tidung Island. The island also has a considerable population. Tidung Island region is a unique place, especially for marine tourism and diving. Coral reef ecosystems in this island has great beauty, especially when snorkeling or diving activities in the edge area. Research activities are also often done in this area.

Big Tidung Island and Small Tidung Island are connected by a long bridge is located in the Thousand Islands south western part, with the distance of approximately 3 hours drive from Muara Angke with public ships.

Tidung island which is estimated only 200 meters wide but about 5 km long, surrounded by shallow beach with white graded because overgrown with corals that appear invisible to the eye and filled with beautiful marine fish. This beach is not big wavy because clusters of corals and coral reefs that surround capable of withstanding the waves, it's safe for swimming.

In this island can be found friendly locals settlement and a view stalls that provide foods and soft drinks. There are also many public facilities, such as police stations are also friendly, a school for high school students from around the island, a collection of stalls and headed into the long bridge connecting the island with the island of Big Tidung and Small Tidung without inhabitants. Health center and administrative offices are neat and tidy will also pass along the journey tracing Tidung Island.

At the beginning of this bridge, you will find a bridge high enough to go through ocean basins that rather deep, there are many local young children demonstrate diving from the bridge, quite entertaining and very inviting tourists to join with them to perform diving in blue beach without waves.

At the end of the bridge, up the coast Small Tidung Island which is a cultivation area of mangrove, looks beautiful when traced with cycling, through a path filled with weeds and deserted beaches of soft white sand, very beautiful scenery.

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Ragunan Zoo, South Jakarta

Ragunan zoo was designed as an open zoo. Consist of more than 4,000 animals and 295 species. 14 acres of the zoo was officially opened by Governor of Jakarta in 1966 with the name of Ragunan Wildlife Park. The zoo with an area of 14 acres was officially opened by Governor of Jakarta in 1966 with the name of Ragunan Wildlife Park. Later, the name was changed became Ragunan Zoo. Ragunan Zoo is the largest zoo in Southeast Asia. This zoo has a primate conservation center, thats the largest in the world, the name is Schmutzer Primate Center.

About 90 percent of the collection of animals in Ragunan zoo is Indonesia native animals. In each cage, there is information about the wildlife, thus adding visitors knowledge about type and origin of  the animals. The most complete zoo in Indonesia has been experiencing expansion. the area grow about 140 acres, with approximately 295 species of animals, following 4040 specimens.

Schmutzer Primate Center: Heaven of primate lovers

 Primate Center who was standing in the region Ragunan zoo is a gift from a Dutch-blooded woman, Puck Schmutzer. Primate Center which was inaugurated August 10, 2002 it reached 13 hectares, and recognized as the largest in the world. Primate life in Schmutzer is made ​​them like real life in the wild. The animal is allowed to live freely without a cage or called enclosure.

Some Indonesia native primate that are here like orangutans, owa (Gibbons) of Borneo, Java Gray owa - an extremely rare species -, Siamang, and several other types. Primate center also has a collection of primates from other countries such as gorillas and chimpanzees. Four Gorilla who inhabit in Schmutzer Primate Center, brought in from Howlettes and Port Lympne, England.

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Rinjani Mountain, Lombok

 

Rinjani volcano on the island of Lombok rises to 3726 m, second in height among Indonesian volcanoes only to Sumatra's Kerinci volcano. Rinjani has a steep-sided conical profile when viewed from the east, but the west side of the compound volcano is truncated by the 6 x 8.5 km, oval-shaped Segara Anak caldera. The western half of the caldera contains a 230-m-deep lake whose crescentic form results from growth of the post-caldera cone Barujari at the east end of the caldera. Historical eruptions at Rinjani dating back to 1847 have been restricted to Barujari cone and consist of moderate explosive activity and occasional lava flows that have entered Segara Anak lake. Rinjani Mountain in West Nusa Tenggara is enter into the National Park area of Rinjani Mountain. This national park is also listed in UNESCO as a geological park in Indonesia.

Rinjani Mountain is a favorite for Indonesia mountain climbers cause its beautiful scenery. Rinjani has panaroma best among the mountains in Indonesia. Each year (June-August) are frequently visited by lovers of nature ranging from local residents, students, and lovers of nature. At the peak of Rinjani Mountain you will see a very large caldera (with an area of ​​approximately 50 km2) with a lake (Segara Anak) and a small mountain (Baru Mountain) in the middle. The view at the top is very beautiful, enough to pay for your trip tired during the hike. If you have enough time, try to go down into the crater & fishing. In the lake Segara Anak there are lots of Mas fish and Oreochromis mossambicus. In addition there are also hot tubs, try soaking in a pool is of hot water which probably the highest in Indonesia. Temperatures at the top of Rinjani is very cold, could reach 4 degrees Celsius.
 

Towards the top of Rinjani Mountain can be reached from two places, namely Senaru door with a height of 600 M above sea level and the door Sembalun (Sembalun Lawang) with a height of 1150 M above sea level. Doors Sembalun more chosen because it is closer to the top so they can save energy.

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Five Indonesia Unique Culture

• Ceremony Tabuik (West Sumatra)

Many activities performed the customary rites and western Sumatran society in the which is the tradition handed down by Their Ancestors.

Derived from the Arabic "ark" which means parading, Tabuik ceremony is a tradition of community on the west coast, West Sumatra, which was held by hereditary. The ceremony was held on the day of Asura that falls on the 10th of Muharram, the Islamic calendar.

According to the story, Tabuik brought by Shi'a adherents from the middle east to Pariaman, as a memorial to the battle of Karbala. The ceremony is also a symbol and expression of a deep sense of grief and respect for Muslims in Pariaman against the Prophet Muhammad's grandson. Since excitement and uniqueness in every implementation, local government was put Tabuik ceremony in West Sumatra tourism agenda and held every year.

Two weeks before the implementation of Tabuik ceremony, residents Pariaman been busy done a variety of preparations. They make a variety of snacks, and pastries typical Tabuik. In this period, there are also people who run a special ritual, which is fasting.

Aside from being the name of the ceremony, Tabuik also pinned to the names of objects that become an important component of this ritual. Tabuik numbered two and made of bamboo and wood. The shape of a horse-bodied animals, human heads, a well-built and winged. By Muslims, this beast called Buraq and is considered a magical beast. In Tabuik back, made a milestone as high as about 15 m. Tabuik then decorated with red and other colors as well be in the wine later.

• Makepung (Balinese Buffalo Racing)

If in the area there Kerapan Madura Cattle, then Bali has Makepung. Two traditions are similar but has become a unique spectacle of a fresh and entertaining in waiting by the public. Makepung is a tradition of water buffalo races which have long runway attached to the Balinese, especially in Jembrana. This tradition originally was a game of farmers who performed at the sidelines of plowing a field at harvest. At that time, they are clashing with spurring rapid buffalo tied to a cart and is controlled by a jockey.

Fraudulent activities that were originally developed and increasingly in demand among many. Now, Makepung has become one of the most interesting cultural attractions and many watched by tourists including foreign tourists. Makepung now become an annual agenda of tourism in Bali and professionally managed. Currently makepung not only by farmers alone, but officials and many businessmen from the city to be a participant or a supporter. Especially in a big fight, Governors Cup for example, participants who attended Makepung could reach about 300 pairs or more buffalo. The atmosphere was very festive with the presence of the musicians jegog (Balinese gamelan made ​​from bamboo) to enliven the atmosphere of the race.

• Debus Attractions (Banten)

Debus martial arts pedigree came from al Madad. The growing era of martial arts is growing and growing in all societies as the art of entertainment offerings for the community. Core of the show is still very strong movement or martial arts and weapons use. Debus arts offerings are widely used and focused on one player immune to attacks with sharp objects.

Art is growing and developing since hundreds years ago, along with the development of the religion of Islam in Banten. At first this art has the function as the spread of religion. But in the Dutch colonial period and during the reign of Sultan Agung Tirtayasa, martial arts are used to evoke the spirit of the people who made ​​offerings against Dutch colonialism. Because at that time the power is not balanced, the Dutch have a very complete weapons and sophisticated. The only weapons they have none other than the heritage of martial arts Debus.

• Madura Cows  Karapan Community, East Java

Karapan cow is a custom race activities cows from Madura, East Java. In cattle karapan activity not only audiences were treated to racing cows and dexterity of the jockey, but before the start, the owners usually do the ritual procession of cows accompanied by musical instruments around the seronen racing, Madura distinctive blend of musical instruments that make this event a more festive.

The length of the path traveled cow karapan between 180 to 200 meters, which can be reached within 14 to 18 seconds. Certainly a very fast pace cow - the cow, but shrewdness jockey. Sometimes the bamboo used to tread the jockey to float in the air due to the rapid speed of the beef cow. To obtain and increase the speed rate of the cow, the base of the cows that are fitted with a belt full of sharp spikes that cracked his whip and the jockey who was also given the sharp thorns towards the rump of cows.

Of course, these cuts will make the cow run faster. Distance winners sometimes the difference is very thin, even not rarely only within 1 to 2 seconds. Bull in Madura is a very unique performances, in addition to already inherited the hereditary tradition is also preserved until now. These events serve as a tourism event in Indonesia, and not only local tourists, many foreign tourists watched this cow karapan.

• Kasada Bromo Ceremony

Bromo Kasada ceremony performed by the Tengger people who live on Mount Bromo in East Java. They perform this ritual to appoint a doctor or a shaman in every village. So that they can be removed by traditional elders, they must be able to practice and memorize spells spells. A few days before the ceremony begins Kasada bromo, they are working on offerings that will be thrown into the crater of Mount Bromo. On the night of the 14 months Kasada, people throng in huge perch with ongkek containing offerings of various kinds of agricultural produce and livestock and they took him to the temple. While waiting for a respected elder shaman came back they memorize and recite the incantation, the inauguration was held at midnight the shaman and the blessing of the people. For the people of Tengger, Shamans very important role. Because they are tasked to lead the event - rituals, marriage etc..

Before they are appointed are required to pass the exam by rote and fluent in reading spells spells. After the ceremony finished, ongkek - ongkek containing the offerings brought from the foot of Mount Bromo crater and threw up into the crater, as a symbol of the sacrifices made by their ancestors. Inside the crater there are many beggars and people who live in the interior perch. They are far distant day to come to Mount Bromo and set up residence dikawah Mount Bromo in the hope they get thrown offerings. Residents who threw the offerings a variety of fruits and livestock products, regard it as a vow or their gratitude to the god of livestock and agricultural abundance.

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Senggigi Beach, Lombok

If you ever imagine your body lying on the beach Indonesia, on the beautiful white sand, sprinkled with exotic all-natural scenery, and showered with sunlight that warms the body, it is not wrong if you took time to relax and air travel to the Senggigi Beach on the Island Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The beach is located 12 kilometers northwest of the city of Mataram was indeed a famous tourist attraction for its beautiful beaches and naturalness.

Communities often align the beauty of this beach with famous beaches on the island of Bali, like Kuta, Legian and Sanur. In fact, the beauty of Senggigi Beach is often portrayed beyond the beaches, because the condition is much more comfortable and quiet. Perhaps this is related to the arrival of foreign tourists has not been rampant in this beach.

As the mainstay of coastal resorts of West Nusa Tenggara Province, Senggigi is still relatively natural, and kept clean. The beach is still beautiful, the crash of the waves are not too big, and beautiful underwater scenery, further confirmed that the beach that stretches about 10 kilometers is an ideal place for domestic and foreign tourists for a moment forget the daily routine and atmosphere of the hustle and bustle of the city.

Senggigi Beach is now beginning ogled by tourists, especially foreign tourists, because of the relatively virgin territory and also has extensive information about his whereabouts. With increasing interest and enthusiasm of tourists to the Senggigi Beach, the local government and companies sewasta increasingly keen to build and fix all the infrastructure, so that the tourists more interested to visit this beach.

• Feature

Visiting Senggigi in Lombok Island may need to be a travel agenda for tourists who love the beauty and freshness of nature. Just imagine, when entering the coastal area, travelers will soon swept away by soft-breeze that blows along the coast cluster in West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara Province. Fresh atmosphere, comfortable, and beautiful as if greeting tourists at the beginning of his visit. Time has been at the beach, the eyes of the tourists will be served by the exotic charm of the beach set in waves chasing each other, which extend the white sand, and thousands of tiny animal that spreads on a bed of sand, and the landscape of Mount Agung in the opposite island (the island).

Senggigi beach does offer a unique charm. Natural atmosphere that has not been overwhelmed by foreign tourists, as a marker of difference with this beach on Bali's beaches. It certainly gives the feel of its own for the visitors. Not surprisingly, this beach is now used as a new alternative destination of the tourists who missed the reassuring atmosphere of natural silence.

There are many tourist activities that visitors can do at this beach, like swimming, splashing, diving, snorkeling, sunbathing, and playing around making sandcastles. If the afternoon sun had begun to fade, tourists can also take the time to simply stroll the beach barefoot track, sitting on the sand with mangamati blue-green ocean water, or relax at the beachside hotel outlets while waiting for sunset arrived. For visitors who want to swim or just playing in the water, it is suggested to be more careful, because at the seaside there are many sharp rocks are quite harmful to the feet.

For tourists who visit the beach of Senggigi, Batu Bolong Temple sempatkanlah observed. As I walked along the edge of Senggigi Beach, approximately half an hour, travelers will find a temple built on a reef which is located on the beach. Pretend this is by surrounding communities named Pura Batu Bolong. According to local legend, the ancient temple is often held the sacrifice of a virgin, as a dish of food for the sharks that live on the beach. Another legend says, the temple is also a place where women throw himself into the sea because of a broken heart.

Another interesting thing to do is along the Senggigi at night, especially during full moon arrives. Visitors will see lots of people / people around who take advantage of the warm sand of Senggigi to medical therapy. They bury part or all of the body to the neck for 2-3 hours, while listening to waves that broke the silence. This therapy is believed to surrounding communities can cure various diseases, such as rheumatic pegel to paralysis. If interested in this activity, visitors can join and try it.

For matters of the stomach, tourists can try delicious types of meals / dishes typical of Lombok in the restaurants are lined up neatly on the beach. The price varies from Rp 30,000 to Rp 300,000 per person (December 2008). Of course, dining fun at the seaside tinge illuminated by moonlight and the orchestra entertained the surf beach a pity if you pass away. No less interesting, tourists do not forget to taste the typical food dish that is chicken Taliwang Lombok and Plecing Kangkung. Almost every restaurant in Senggigi Beach, Lombok or in general, provides this cuisine. While eating chicken or Plecing Taliwang Kangkung, tourists are entertained by the distinctive art of Lombok, a music and dance. Even if you do not mind, visitors may also come to dance together in shades of joy and kinship.

In addition, for souvenirs, tourists also do not forget to buy pearls and woven fabric with various motifs and colors. Pearl jewelry that has been assembled into a beautiful and charming eyes are mostly found in the stalls on the beach. However, if you want to string the pearls themselves, tourists can buy a plain pearl beads. Plain pearls are usually sold in the form of a necklace that consists of many pearls. Pearls can be arranged themselves according to the desired form of jewelry.

After enjoying the natural beauty of Senggigi Beach, tourists can go on tour to major tourist attractions are not far from the beach location, among others, the three Gili (small islands): namely Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, Beach Kerandangan, and Stone Coast Screen. The stone screen is a place sacred to the followers of Islam Wetu Telu Island Lombok (Sasak).

• Location

Senggigi Beach is situated in the northwest city of Mataram, West Lombok regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province (NTB), Indonesia.

• Access

To the area of Senggigi Beach is quite easy, because there have been ports and airports on the island of Lombok. If the opposite of the island of Bali, travelers can depart from the Port of Karang Asem use a ferry to Senggigi, with travel time about 30 minutes away. Mileage can be trimmed when using aircraft from Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar to Mataram Selaparang Airport (Capital NTB), which only takes about 15 minutes.

Apart from the Port of Karang Asem, tourists can also depart from the port of Padang Bay in Bali use a ferry to Sheet Harbour on the island of Lombok. On the way, travelers will be pampered with a beautiful natural scenery and also the appearance of dolphins followed the ship that chased each other. Padang Bay-Sheet trip by ferry takes about 4 hours. After arriving in Sheet Harbour, visitors can proceed to the city of Mataram. From the city of Mataram, Senggigi Beach is 11 kilometers and can be reached by taxi and other public vehicles.

In addition to sea, tourists can also headed Senggigi Beach by way air flights from major cities in Indonesia, like Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali and Yogyakarta. By using aircraft from one of the city, travelers will get to the airport Selaparang, Mataram. From the airport it can direct travelers to the area of Senggigi Beach.

• Accommodation and Other Facilities

Around Senggigi Beach there are many lodging options that can be made to suit your needs. Ranging from five-star hotels, resorts, hotels jasmine up. Some places to stay that can be used as an alternative is the Holiday Inn, the Oberoi, Sheraton Senggigi, Melati Dua Cottage, Pool Villa Club, Panorama Cottage, and others. Moreover, in coastal areas is also often found restaurants, cafes, bars, open markets, a row of souvenir stalls and souvenirs, mosque, public toilets, parking lots, and others. Indonesia Senggigi beach is a beach that deserves to be the tourist beaches.

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6 Typical Festival in Indonesia

Indonesia is often called the sleeping giant of Southeast Asia, and the epithet was was appropriate. With more than 18 thousand islands, this island chain has a remarkable diversity of what you can see or do while on vacation there.

Modernization brings a wide range of development (some say excessive development) to Jakarta, while the Bali tourism back to life after being destroyed when a bomb blast 2002. There are also mountains such as Borobudur Bromo and the mystical search for various types of attractions, as well as the 6000 inhabited islands.

Not surprisingly, Indonesia offers a wide range of festivals that are very distinctive feature of their culture, reflecting the ethnic diversity and traditions from various parts of the archipelago. You will find that diversity in Indonesia is typical of six festivals, ranging from the celebration of art, batik, dance and ceremony. If possible, you can witness one of the festival during his visit to Indonesia!

• Krakatau Festival

Krakatau Festival is an annual festival held in Lampung, held to celebrate the volcanic island of the same name, Krakatau. Krakatau Mount erupted in 1927, the eruption was then generate new small islands, called Anak Krakatau.

During the festival, visitors can enjoy variety shows like Tuping Carnival (Lampung Carnival Mask), elephant and various dances from Lampung and surrounding towns. End of series of events was a visit to the island's volcanic, is still active but was sleeping soundly. For a while!

• Bali Arts Festival

One of the largest annual celebration of art and culture in Indonesia, Bali Arts Festival is always crowded. During the entire month, various art performances, exhibitions and other cultural activities will take place in Bali, offering dance, music and beauty of their culture.

Celebrations famous attractions such as traditional dances that have been almost forgotten, the trace of a remote area in Bali, food, crafts, new creations from dance schools in Denpasar and contemporary choreography of national and international artists.

• Solo Batik Carnival

 Since time immemorial, batik tradition has always had very strong roots in Solo. The city in Central Java has made it even batik as an icon and identity, an exact image of a famous city for its beauty of kingdom. Solo Batik Carnival was held to reinforce that tradition, and to promote batik on national and international scale.

This event is a combination of ceremonies, fashion shows and carnivals, all using batik as a theme. There will also be a bazaar that offers a wide range of unique batik and souvenirs Solo.

  

• Solo International Ethnic Music  Festival

One of the latest  festival of Solo is Solo International Ethnic Music (Siem) Festival, which focuses on performances and celebration of ethnic music. This event is a unique platform for collaboration between modern and ethnic music, local artists and international.

The long list of performers including artists Minangkabau, Riau, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Papua, Kalimantan, and even foreign artists from Japan, Australia, India, New Zealand and many others.

• Gerebeg Mulud

In Java language, gerebeg mean the crowd and mulud is one of calendar month name in Java. Celebration, also known as Sekaten, to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. The procession lasted all day and 'showing' two gamelan performances are paraded toward the grand mosque.

In the evening there will be a market in the northern city to increase the excitement of the city, a great place to try different foods as well as Java and Yogyakarta to hunt for souvenirs.

• Baliem Festival

Papua festival typically rooted in the beliefs of local tribes that the war not only conflict of power and interests, but also a symbol of fertility and prosperity. Since 20 years ago, local governments have stressed the importance of peace between the tribes who fought to prevent retaliation and prolonged loss of life. So, Baliem Valley Festival is an event held to replace the war between the tribe.

As you may have guessed, the main event is a war between tribes. Imagine more than 20 different tribes with their respective 30 to 50 people wearing traditional clothing, carrying spears, bows, arrows and machetes! There are also performances and a host of other attractions, such as local traditional games, dances, as well as local cuisine.

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Raja Ampat, West Papua

Underwater enthusiasts flock to this region because it offers the world’s best marine sights. Two days earlier, some of these travelers had been at a deafening corner of a tourist trap in Bali. Once they took their flight to the bird head of the island of Papua everything changed as they embarked on a diving tour of a lifetime. In the Raja Ampat islands, divers can explore vertical underwater walls. The thrill of drift diving is another great challenge. These are the awesome experiences you will find in Raja Ampat. 

Meanwhile, on this tour several divers were well equipped and looked advanced. The territory within the islands of the Four Kings is enormous, An experts from Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, and National Institute of Oceanography (LON) Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) have done a rapid assessment in 2001 and 2002. The result, they noted in these waters there are more than 540 hard coral species (75% of the total species in the world), more than 1,000 species of reef fish, 700 species of molluscs, and the highest record for gonodactyloid stomatopod crustaceans. This makes 75% of the world's coral species in Raja Ampat. None of the places with the same area has a number of coral species as much as this. When divers first arrive here their excitement is palpable. It’s common to hear people praise God as they take in the remarkable scenery. Others prefer to remain in silence taking in the overwhelming sight of so many islands with crystal clear water that softly brushes over the white sandy beaches.

While the landscape may look like a dream, this is not an illusion. As you embark on your dive, the phrase  ‘Attention to detail’ takes on new meaning as pigmy seahorses swim around your fingers. Manta Rays and wobbegongs will glide right by you. Tuna fish, giant trevallies, snappers, and even barracudas are there to complete your underwater ‘meeting list’. Not to mention the friendly assistant of the dugong, and a busy colleague, the turtle.  Natural and untouched beauty is the main attraction here. With no unnecessary adages, the sky, the lush islands, the sea, and everything above and under it is genuinely saying ‘Welcome to Raja Ampat Islands; your personal Disneyland of diving sites’.

Please explore this site to find information on breathtaking diving opportunities, travel logistics, Raja Ampat’s new tourism entrance fee (which directly supports conservation and community development), and the tremendous conservation effort taking place in Raja Ampat.

 Biodiversity Features in Raja Ampat and the greater Bird’s Head Seascape (Dec 2010) :

• 1,606 species of reef fish in the Bird’s Head Seascape

• 1,397 species of reef fish in Raja Ampat

• 35 species of endemic reef fish found only in the Birds Head Seascape

• 603 species of hard coral recorded in the Bird’s Head Seascape

• 75% of all known coral species in the world

• 10 times the number of hard coral species found in the entire Caribbean

• 57 species of Mantis Shrimp in the Birds Head Seascape

• 13 species of Marine Mammals in the Bird’s Head Seascape

• 5 species of endangered sea turtles in the Bird’s Head Seascape

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