Visit Indonesia Guide

Taman Narmada in Bali, Indonesia

2008-09-03T05:59:00.000-07:00

Located just 11 km east of Mataram, Taman Narmada is a beautiful water garden which was constructed by the King of Mataram in 1805 as a replica of the summit of Mount Rinjani and its Crater Lake, Segara Anakan, when he was no longer able to climb the 3,726 m-high Mount Rinjani to make offerings to the God. This beautiful water garden takes its name from a sacred river in India. Taman Narmada is not just used as a place to worship God but also a pleasure garden for the King and his family.

Inside Taman Narmada, visitors can visit Pura Kalasa, a temple that is used as avenue of ceremony to celebrate the anniversary of god who dwells on Mount Rinjani. To reach this temple, the visitors have to conquer dozens of stairs but the exhaustion will soon recede for the lush green view of the surrounding combine with a fresh spring water will sooth the mind.

Taman Narmada also houses a sacred spring whose water is believed can give a long life and preserve the youthful appearance, in short this spring is believed to be the fountain of youth.

It is best to visit Taman Narmada around November or December since a great ceremony will be held in this water garden by the Hindu followers.

Interesting places in Indonesia

2008-08-31T03:33:00.000-07:00

Nangro Aceh Darussalam:
There is the mosque am most beautiful in Indonesia that is the Great Baiturrahman mosque that has 5 turrets, Sabang has the busy port.In Sabang have the Island of the Laot Lake that is very beautiful and have the Island Marine Park Rubiah.

At the Lhokseumawe area has the international village because of in the place am the industrial region that his inhabitants the outsider's majority negeri. The condition it like in developed countries. The Leuser Mountain national park that is this current is still having the Sumatran Tiger that is the animal that in protect by the government of the Indonesian Country.

Nort Sumatra:
In Medan have a Lake that really terkenalyaitu the Lake Toba. This object tourism his air is very cool and in the middle has a Island that is named the Samosir Island so as can pull turist.

In Medan have the Maimun Palace and the Great Medan mosque that are very beautiful to in visit.In the Gate Hill, Bohorok has monkey children/the orang-utan that in train after that in return to his original habitat. In the Nias Island with his capital of Gunung Sitoli have the performance of the person jump over the stone that the height reach 2 metre.

West Sumatra:
In the Padang City have the Adityawarman Museum that often keeps the historic collection of objects.In BukitTinggi is gotten the Gadang Hour, the Fort Fortress deh kock whichever the fortress is second-hand the legacy of the Dutch colonisation time during 1825 and in use to keep the people's opposition that in lead by Mr I the Priest the Protruberance.

Selapan is Goa Japan and Goa this am made by the Japanese troops in the World War II.Goa this have high 2 metre and the length more than 100 metre and have the room separti rooms and his door in part have the Sianok Gorge that sagat steep but very very beautiful.

8 interesting places in Bali, Indonesia

2008-08-14T01:57:00.000-07:00

Denpasar
The capital city of Bali, Denpasar has many community temples called "Pura". One is the Museum called Pura jagatnatha which is dedicated to the Supreme God, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. The statue of a turtle and two dragons (prevalent in all temples) signify the foundation of the world.

The Museum offers a fine variety of prehistoric and modern art, whereas its architectural design resembles that of a palace. The government supervised "Sanggraha Kriya Asta" has a wide variety of handicraft and works of art. The "Werdi Budaya" presents a yearly art festival between June and July, with performances, exhibitions, art contest and so on.

Sanur
Sanur beach has long been a popular recreation site for people from Denpasar. The palm-lined beach curves from the Bali Beach Hotel toward the south, facing the Indian Ocean towards the east. Sanur offers many good hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist facilities. It is only a short distance from Denpasar. Public transportation to and from the city are easily available until well into the night. Offshore reefs protect the beach against the waves to make it popular for wind surfing, boating and other water sports.

Kuta
Once a lonely village on the road from Denpasar toward the Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is now a thriving tourist resort, popular mainly among the young. It is a beach for surfing although currents make it less suitable for swimming. Coast guards, however, are on constant duty during the day. Kuta faces toward the west offering beautiful sunsets.Accommodation ranges from international hotels to home stays.

The village abounds with restaurants, shops, discotheques and other tourist facilities. It is easier to find regular performances of Balinese music and dance in Kuta, staged specially for tourists, than anywhere else in Bali. Some performances are staged nightly. The village is ideal for meeting and mixing with other people, locals as well as visitors from abroad.

Nusa Dua
The Nusa Dua tourist resort is part of the Bukit Peninsula in southern Bali. Some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels are found here. The resort is known for its clean white beaches and clear waters. The surf is gentle along the northern side of the peninsula, bigger along the south. The most convenient form of transportation to and from Nusa Dua is by taxi.

Batubulan
Driving northeast from Denpasar, stone figures on the roadside mark the village of Batubulan. Divinities and demons are carved from sandstone for ornaments of houses and temples. Workshops can be visited to watch artists at work.

Batuan
An old and famous center of the arts, it is now known for its dancing, wood panel carving and paintings.

Celuk
Northeast of Denpasar, the village of Celuk is noted for its silver and gold works of jewelry in various styles.MasThe village of woodcarvers, many of Bali's old masters still live here. Art galleries exhibit some of their best works. Visitors can wander through the Balinese style houses to view the carved wooden pillars and the artists at work or instructing apprentices who work in groups.

Ubud
The center of Balinese painting, Ubud's Museum "Puri Lukisan" has a permanent collection of modern works of Balinese art dating from the turn of the century. There are also several art galleries and homes of famous artists here, including that of Dutch-born Hans Snel and the American Antonio Blanco. The "young artist" style now popular in Balinese painting was introduced by the Dutch painter Arie Smith.

In the past, other foreign painters inspired Balinese artists to adopt western techniques but traditional Balinese paintings are still made and sold. Another museum called "Neka Museum" has a wide collection of paintings both by Indonesian as well as foreign artists who used to live in Bali.Ubud has several small hotels. Located on a higher altitude with a pleasant climate.

AirAsia to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Manado, Indonesia

2008-07-22T22:32:00.000-07:00

AirAsia is to launch flights between Kuala Lumpur and Manado, a province in Indonesia, with three direct weekly flights from 12th September 2008.

Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi is the main gateway to the Indonesian archipelago comprising of Minahasa, Bolaang, Mongondow and the island of Dangihe Talaud.

Scuba diving and snorkeling on the nearby island of Bunaken are the most popular attractions. Other places of interest are nearby Lake Tondano, Lokon Volcano, Klabat Volcano and Mahawu Volcano.

To celebrate this new route, AirAsia is offering a promotional fare of RM49 (IDR150,000) for booking between 22-27 July 2008 for travel between 12 September 2008 and 30 April 2009.

United States of America Embassy in Indonesia

2008-07-15T23:24:00.000-07:00

1. United States of America Embassy
Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 5 Jakarta Pusat 10110, Indonesia Phone : (62-21) 3435-9000 Fax : (62-21) 386-2259 Email : jakconsul@state.gov Website : www.usembassyjakarta.org

2. United States of America Consulate Medan
Jl. Walikota No. 13, Medan , Sumatera Utara Phone : (62-031) 2956.400 Fax : (62-031) 567.4492

3. United States of America Consulate General Jakarta
Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 5, Jakarta 10110, Indonesia Phone : (62-21) 3435-9000 Fax : (62-21) 3435-9922

4. United States of America Consulate Agency Denpasar, Bali
Jl. Hayam Wuruk 188 Denpasar - Bali, Indonesia Phone : (62-361) 233-605 Fax : (62-361) 222-426

5. United States of America Consulate General Surabaya
Jl. Raya Dr. Sutomo No. 33, Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia Phone : (62-31) 568-2287, 568-2288 Fax : (62-31) 567-4492

Pramuka island, Indonesia

2008-07-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

Pramuka island is parts of thousand islands - Jakarta. This area has about two thousand residents and is a good conservation for the hawksbill turtle, one of six types of sea turtles who reside in. For more information, the hawksbill turtle is protected by Indonesia government. Beside Pramuka Island, these few islands near here has served as places to breed for hawksbill turtle.

In here, the eggs of the beach are taken, then stored in buckets which are buried to 50 cm in the sand as a semi-natural hatchery. In 40-60 days, the eggs hatch and 2 days small baby turtles will begin showing on the sand at the surface.

Half of baby turtles will then be removed in large buckets depending on their age, while the other half goes directly into their natural habitat. If you come to visit, you can join to release the baby turtle to the ocean. Since the beach are very amazing, try snorkling here.

To go to Pramuka island, there are some transportation alternatives.You can go from Muara Angke or Marina Ancol Beach. If you like traditional trip, choose starting point from Muara Angke, you can join with traditional ship with cost Rp 25.000,- once walk. If choosing from Marina, you will use motorboat, with cost Rp.35.000,- once walk.

Hotel
Villa Lima, Rp. 200.000 - Rp.250.000 a night

Mount Bromo, Indonesia

2008-07-07T08:14:00.000-07:00

Bromo have known by all of visitor of the worlds. They come to Bromo to watch the sunrise. The visitor also can look down to the crater that full of its smoke, and feel the cold of the air, is probably could only be done in Bromo.

Our eyes will also completed by the sea of sand that the way to reach Bromo’s peak. The main gate to the sea of sand and mount Bromo is through Cemorolawang. This is the most crowded visiting area, espesially on holidays.

There are many kinds activities that could be carried on this area such as; Camping, watching the scenery, horse riding to sea of sand or walking.To get to the peak Bromo with its largely open crater, which belch of smoke expelling from its bottom.

Mount Bromo has settled by Tenggerese for about thousands years. They who are good of God follower and always do their custom strickly, has historical relationship with Majapahit. The Antropologist from our country or other country are interesting to do some research, because the Tenggerese are strickly in keeping custom for centuries, without influenced by world’s change. So there so many version of the unique of Tenggerese in Probolinggo, it can be in the forth of tale, folktale, serat and kidung, legend and science report.

As a good follower of God, which have Hinduism belief, they have many kinds of traditional ceremony such as; marriage ceremony, Entas-entas, Wilujengan Karo, Wilujengan Kapat, Wilujengan Kapitu, Wilujengan Kawolu, Wilujengan Kasanga, Wilujengan Kasada. Those of ceremony are lead by a person who supposed to have a magic power to make a communication with powerful things (roh halus) that called ‘Dukun’.

However, the ancestor of Tenggerese are married couple named Rara Anteng (Teng) and Jaka Seger (Ger). The combination of the two syllables were than abbreviated as Tengger. They had not child for some years, then they decided to had a meditation. They orayed to God in order that he granted their wish. One day there is aa misterious voice that said: that one day when Sang Hyang Widhi (God) wanted to give them children, one of them had to sacrifice to Bromo Crater (Bromo Mountain).

Many days later, Rara Anteng birth her first son named Tumenggung Klewung, then followed by other children and they had 25 children. Firstly, they didn’t want to sacrifice one of their children, but they had a sign from Bromo that they must to keep the promise. Finally, their last son named Raden Kusuma had take by Bromo crater as a requirement for Dewata Sang Hyang Agung (God).

Next, the misterious voice of Raden Kusuma gave an order to provide half of the harvest to be sent to Raden Kusuma in Bromo Crater every Full Moon at 14th, Kasada month.Because of that, every full moon at 14th in Kasada Month, people sent Raden Kusuma many kinds of harvest in Bromo mountain. That ceremony, which called “Yadnya Kasada” becomes a tradition (custom) that held up to know.

Hotel Sedona Manado is 2008 Indonesia's Leading Resort

2008-06-29T04:08:00.000-07:00

Sedona Hotels International calls for triple celebration as Hotel Sedona Manado was awarded Indonesia’s Leading Resort while Sedona Hotel Yangon and Sedona Hotel Mandalay were nominated Myanmar’s Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2008.

Hotel Sedona Manado winning this award on its first nomination within two years of operations is remarkable. Mr Vincent Tan, Senior Vice President of Sedona Hotels International said “We are honoured to receive this award which signifies the international travel industry recognition of Hotel Sedona Manado as Indonesia’s Leading Resort. We are committed to continue contributing to Indonesia’s travel and tourism industry and to raise Manado’s profile on the global tourism scene as an attractive dive and leisure travel destination.”

Set against a backdrop of Manado’s renowned diving and fronted by a dazzling private lagoon, Hotel Sedona Manado offers endless recreational opportunities. The sprawling 24 hectare resort is a tropical paradise with lush greenery, spacious rooms and memorable dining experience. Within the resort’s manicured grounds, Martha Tilaar Salon and Day Spa pampers with ancient Javanese beauty rituals.

Hailed by the Wall Street Journal as the travel industry’s equivalent to the Oscars, the World Travel Awards are the most comprehensive and prestigious awards program in the travel industry. The awards recognize excellence in the world’s travel and tourism industry and are voted by travel professionals from 167,000 travel agencies, tour and transport companies and tourism organizations across the globe.

Dialing Guide in Indonesia

2008-06-23T01:52:00.000-07:00

Indonesia Country Code : 62
Jakarta Area Code : 21

Dialing Guides to Call to Jakarta, Indonesia:

1. From your Cell
To Land line
Dial: + 62 + 21 + Number you wish to call.
To Cell phone (e.g you are about to call 0811234567 or 08189101112)
Dial: +62 + 81 + the rest of numbers or +62 + 85 + the rest of number

2. From Land Line to Land Line
E.g If you and the person you want to call is live in the same area (code) just dial the phone number, but if you are in Jakarta and need to establish a call to Bandung
Dial : 022 + Number you wish to call

3. From Land Line to Cell Phone
Dial precisely to the numbers that you are given without area code, don't forget to start dial with zero

Below are other cities in Indonesia area Codes :
Balikpapan 54
Garut 26
Palembang 71
Bandar Lampung 72
Jakarta 21
Pekanbaru 76
Bandung 22
Jambi 74
Pontianak 56
Banjarmasin 51
Malang 34
Samarinda 54
Bogor 25
Manado 43
Semarang 24
Cilacap 28
Mataram 37
Surabaya 31
Cirebon 23
Medan 61
Surakarta 27
Denpasar 36
Padang 75
Ujung Pandang 41

If the city you are looking for is not stated above, please call 24/7 Indonesia information service at 108.

From land line : 108; Cell phone : 021-108. Indonesia information service will help you if you find any difficulties on dialing guides or you can ask for company's address or phone number to the operator.

National Monument of Indonesia

2008-06-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

The 137-metre tall monument with the gold flame on top facing the Presidential Palace in Jakarta symbolizes the nation's independence. The basement of the monument houses a Museum of History with dioramas depicting the history of Indonesia from prehistoric times up to the present.

A good portion of it is devoted to the national war for independence waged from 1945 to December 1949. Not part of the museum but located similarly at the foot of the National Monument is the Hall of Silence, Indonesia's first President, Soekarno, can be heard. Located at Jalan Silang Monas Jakarta.

Get cash in Indonesia

2008-06-15T18:44:00.000-07:00

While you are in Indonesia, you should only use cash to makepurchases or transactions. Credit card fraud is rampant in Indonesia,and I just think it would be best to avoid using your credit cardwhile in country.

You have several options to access cash in Indonesia:

1. Bring the currency with you.
You can order foreign currency at mostbanks in the U.S. and they should have it for you in less than 5 days.
Pros: You have your money when you arrive in country and you don'thave to worry about using money changers or anything. There issomething to be said for not having to worry about changing your moneythe second you arrive at the airport, when you are exhausted and disoriented and probably cranky.
Cons: Probably the worst exchange rate you're going to find. However, if you wantto just order a little bit of currency and change the rest when youget in country, that's not a bad option either.

2. You can exchange your money when you get to the Surabaya airport, however the exchange rate is better in Jakarta Airport.
If you choose this option, definitely bring the crispest, cleanest,NEWEST $100 bills you can find. Go to the bank to get these. If yourbills are from before 1996, too worn, or torn in any way, they willnot accept them. And that would suck. You get the best exchange rateon $100 bills, then $50 bills have the next best rate, and they maynot accept anything smaller than a $20 bill.
Pros: Good exchange rate.
Cons: It's a hassle, and sometimes their English is pretty bad.There's a higher risk of getting fake currency, although this is unlikely.

3. You can exchange money at a local bank in Indonesia. The samewear&tear issues from #2 apply here.
Pros: Best exchange rate you can find.
Cons: A really really really big hassle. I do NOT recommenddoing this, as it is time consuming and just annoying to try and finda good bank.

4. Traveler's cheques.
Pros: Good exchange rate, very SAFE.
Cons: big hassle

5. You can withdraw your money at ATMs. This is a really the best option because ATMs really are all over the place at airports and shoppingmalls and other places like that. Most ATM cards will work in Indonesia (those associated with Visa, MasterCard, Plus, Cirrus, etc.are all accepted).
Pros: Good exchange rate. You don't have to actually deal with real people, which is nice and safe when you're in Indonesia.
Cons: You might get charged with fees all over the place. Anything from yourbank charging you a transaction fee bc it's not one of theirATMs, then you'll have an International Transaction fee, then you will most likely get charged a fee from the Indonesian bank whose ATM itis, etc.

Tenganan ferris wheel, Indonesia culture

2008-06-15T04:54:00.000-07:00

Annual Usaba Sambah Festival (a grand festival which is held in the fifth month of Tenganan’s traditional calendar) in Tenganan Pangrisingan village is not just offers the well-known adrenaline-rising ritual such as makare-karean (a duel using thorny pandanus leaves as weapons) but also a joyful ritual such as the “maayunan or ayunan” (swinging on ferris wheel) ritual.

The meayunan ritual is usually held annually as one of main rituals during the Usaba Sambah Festival. The Maayunan ritual is usually held on the 21st day of Usaba Sambah Festival that is usually last for 30 days. The ferris wheels that are used in this ritual are made completely of wood; these gigantic ferris wheels only erected during the Usaba Sambah Festival and after the festival is over they are dismantled and kept in the meeting hall.

The Meayunan ritual usually starts late in the afternoon around 5 PM and last for 2 hours. The ceremony is proceeded by symbolic duel using thorny pandanus leaves by the adult member of Tenganan community and communal feasting by the boys of Tenganan. The Maayunan begins when the Tenganan girls in their finest dress have gather in the Bale Patemu Kaja (the North Meeting Hall).

A young boy usually be the first swinger who ride the ferris wheel the followed by the girls. Out of eight seats in one ferris wheel, only one seat is reserved for the boy other seats are occupied by the girls. The ferris wheel is put into action by two boys who worked with all their might to spin the ferris wheel. Sometimes they have to climb each of two pillars of the ferris wheel so they can operate the ferris wheel using their feet from a special place on the center of the ferris wheel.

The swing on the feeris wheel usually last for twenty to thirty minute, after the girls and boy are finished swinging on the ferris wheel of Bale Patemu Kaja (the North Meeting Hall) they move to other ferris wheel in other meeting hall.

Kedonganan / Jimbaran Bay, Indonesia

2008-06-07T21:06:00.000-07:00

Kedonganan Bay or Jimbaran Bay will be interesting for people who would like to enjoy fresh seafood with beautifull panorama of sunset, Beeing a part of legendaris indian ocean jimbaran bay offer you a complete activites of seafood product.

It is about 3 kilometers south of Bali International Airport ngurah Rai. The fishing village of Kedonganan. At the northern part of the beach could be seen a traditional fish market and great number of anchoring “Jukung” or traditional fishing boat which present an interesting view. To experience sailing around the gulf here by traditional sailing boat give us the picturesque image of west Bali’s cresent beach.

The new arising tourist resorts at Jimbaran now have more option to dine out. Along the Jimbaran to Kedonganan Beach there are many cafes operated by local people. It is something like night markets where visitors can choose a wide range of seafoods. Nearly all cafes provide special seafood menus with local recipes or combination with the western one. Fish is supplied by a nearby fishermen village at Kedonganan. Some vendors there still sell their fish until to the afternoon.

When the west horizon turns yellowish red, the cafes spread their colorful chairs on the sand overlooking the beach. Slowly the activity on the beach reduces, while other activities begin at cafes. And when the night arrives, it starts getting to be romantic. Candle lights and live musicians enhancing the atmosphere. There are many small and big jukungs that are ready to sail and will become an artistic background for your dinner.

The shining stars in the sky, candle-like lights from the resorts on the hill and the spotlight from the airport has changed Jimbaran Beach to something like a celebration night. Taste the grilled fish on the sand of a open-air beachfront café and enrich your dining experience with one not usually available at 5 star hotels . You can choose the kind and size of fish and other seafood yourself. The local characteristic of the recipe is that grilled fish is topped with Balinese raw spices (basa matah). It is then traditionally accompanied with stir-fried water spinach and white steamed rice.

Bali Cultural Fiesta

2008-06-03T23:11:00.000-07:00

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to officially kick off the 30th Bali Cultural Fiesta (PKB) on June 14, 2008.

The head of state to be accompanied by a number of ministers will watch cultural attractions involving thousands of artists from Bali as well as other regions. The organizing committee invited 12 foreign ambassadors to the inaugural ceremony of the annual cultural fiesta.

The invited ambassadors will include those from the United States of America, Japan, Singapore, India, South Korea, Thailand, Britain, and Malaysia. During his stay in Bali, the President would also open the first Bali Cultural Congress and watch a colossal classical dance-drama created by the Denpasar-based Indonesian Arts Institute (ISI), he said.

This year`s theme of the cultural fiesta is "Self-Control Towards Balance and Harmony. The event will involve arts troupes from nine districts and one city of Bali, five arts groups from other provinces, and several arts groups from the 12 invited countries.

5-Star Puri Alam Sari Villa, Indonesia

2008-06-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

Puri Alam Sari Villa is only 15 minutes from the international airport and 5-minutes from the many world-renowned resorts, restaurants, beachside cafés and shopping districts at Jimbaran Bay, Nusa Dua and Seminyak.

2 air-conditioned double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, 1 air-conditioned library/3rd double bedroom with en-suite bathroom and 1 air-conditioned guest house/children’s bedroom with en-suite bathroom. One of only a handful of luxury villas-style that is set upon a soaring cliff - with sweeping panoramic views across Lombok Strait and the Indian Ocean - and on a clear day - views all the way to Java.

This vacation villa is comprised of a compound of modern Balinese living pavilions with steep alang-alang thatched ceilings and paras-stone floors with water features that surround each terraced pavilion. Behind an intricately carved-stone wall - located at the main entrance and accessed by a series of steps and a short walkway - is entry to the main living pavilion.

It is difficult not to notice the breath-taking view of the ocean beyond a 15-meter infinity edge swimming pool that seems to drift off the edge of the stone terrace. The main living pavilion features a wooden dining setting and unique sunken ‘conversation pit’ that seats 8 in comfort - all with a stunning sunset backdrop to the horizon.

The air-conditioned master bedroom is accessed via another set of steps across a lotus pond off the main living pavilion. It features a large 4-poster bed with walk-through dressing room and a separate en-suite with outside shower and a large bathtub that is set against a clear glass wall that offers tranquil scenes of the water features behind it.

A second pavilion houses another air-conditioned bedroom - similar in features to the master bedroom - with it’s own en-suite against a glass wall with views of the adjacent lily ponds and an outside Jacuzzi style spa. Of course…the spa features more magnificent views of the ocean and beyond.

A fourth pavilion has 2 single bedrooms with shared en-suite bathroom and outside shower. It should be noted that this extraordinary villa not only offers stunning scenic views of the ocean and picturesque views - in-land - of the many volcano summits by day, but twinkling colourful vistas of the city lights by night.

With its gentle ocean breezes - from the traveling trade winds - creating the perfect tropical climate all year ’round - ‘cocktail hour’ in the main living pavilion is always an essential indulgence at twilight.

Facilities summary:
2 separate double bedrooms with air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. Fully air-conditioned library/3rd double bedroom with en-suite bathroom. 1 air-conditioned guest house/children’s bedroom with en-suite bathroom.

Puri Alam Sari is serviced by:
2 cooks - fully trained in both local and European cuisines. 1 housemaids - kitchen hand, waiting service, cleaning and linen. 1 gardener/pool attendant. 2 over-night security guards. A 15 meter infinity edge swimming pool Large poolside terrace deck with sun-loungers and swimming- pool. Fully equipped kitchen. Satellite television, video VCD player and stereo CD sound system. Masseuse upon request. Nanny facilities upon request. Rental car for self drive or with driver upon request. Overseen by western management.

Courtesy: Bali Luxury Holidays

Cool, Quality and Cheap T-shirt in Bandung, Indonesia

2008-05-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

While we were in Bandung, we were introduced to this good and cheap t-shirt shop called SILOKA. The design is up to date and cater from young people to elderly ones. I was so impressed by this shop.

The quality of the t-shirt is good. I am actually worn one now. The price is very reasonable. Only 50,000 rupiah for adult and 35,000 rupiah for kids. Hey! that is just USD5 each.

The address :
SILOKA,
Jl. Laswi No. 1a
Gedung Perhutani Bandung, Indonesia.
PH 70601766, 70137459, 91192911

Free trip to Indonesia

2008-05-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

Fancy for a free trip to Indonesia for 3 months. If you are EFL teachers with a minimum of CELTA, CTEFL or equivalent throughout the academic year, there is working opportunity in Indonesia for you.

The package is very comprehensive, which includes:

-Highly Competitive salary allowing a comfortable lifestyle and travel within Indonesia.
-A return air ticket.
-Visa & work permit.
-22 days paid leave.
-Accommodation assistance.
-Medical insurance.
-Incidental medical allowance.
-A renewable one year contract.

Interesting right? For more information:

Annatasya HRD Secretary EF Swara Group Tlp : +62 - 21 - 5694 2002 Fax : +62 - 21 - 5694 2112 E-mail : efswara@pacific.net.id Website : www.efjakarta.com

Ancol Dreamland in Jakarta

2008-05-29T01:50:00.000-07:00

Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, an amusement park in north Jakarta, Indonesia, is one of the most attractive places serving the densely populated city of Jakarta. It has all the adventures people crave for; Sea World, Fantasy World, Atlantis Water Adventure and Marina Beach. This is Jakarta's largest and most popular recreation park.

It is built on reclaimed beach land at the Bay of Jakarta, having, sea and freshwater aquariums, swimming pools, an artificial lagoon for fishing, boating, bowling, an assortment of nightclubs, restaurants, a steam-bath and massage parlors.

The Ancol complex includes a Marina, Dunia Fantasi (Fantasy Land), a golf course, hotels and a drive-in theater. The "Pasar Seni" or art market has a varied collection of Indonesian handicraft, paintings and souvenirs on sale. At a nearby open-air theater art performances are held using the local dialect.

Inside the Ancol Dreamland, there is Ancol Art Market, it is outdoor art market likely recreational place where we will be most tempted to purchase something. Items include antiques, handicrafts, painting, potters, and knickknacks. With many of the artisans working on site, it is a paradise for souvenir hunters and art lovers.

This colorful open-air market located in the Ancol Amusement Park provides the unique experience of not only buying quality Indonesian arts and craft, but also a chance to see and meet the artisans at work. We can watch puppet makers, wood-carvers, painters, and many other craft makers from throughout the archipelago cheerfully working on their creations. At this art and handicraft market, visitors get to watch Indonesian artists creating their masterpieces.

Hundreds of artists from all over the country congregate here to exhibit their work, making the spot a fascinating place for tourists and art connoisseurs. We can even get a portrait of our self-done. Both traditional and modern art and crafts are on display, including paintings, sculptures, traditional Indonesian wayang kulit (leather puppets), gemstone jewelry and many other artistic products.

Art performances are frequently held at the Art Market (Pasar Seni) inside the Jaya Ancol Dreamland on Jakarta's beach. They normally range from wayang kulit shadow plays to folk dances and modern drama. This location is open Monday to Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Indonesia is No.1 budget travel in Asia

2008-05-28T19:24:00.000-07:00

Graph from Budget Monkey Travel

This is the survey that just completed recently. Indonesia is No.1 budget travel in Asia. The survey is based on one person, but assumes you are sharing a room with a friend. Two budget restaurant meals are included.

Indonesia also recently being lifted by US for travel warning. There are a lot of things Indonesia can offer. One should seriously consider visiting Indonesia now.

Travel warning for Indonesia lifted

2008-05-28T00:30:00.000-07:00

The US State Department has lifted its travel warning for Indonesia, reflecting improved security and paving the way for closer ties between the two countries.

The Islamic militant group Jemaah Islamiah, which wanted to create an Islamic caliphate in Southeast Asia, carried out a series of deadly bomb attacks in Indonesia between 2002 and 2005, dealing a severe blow to the country's tourism and trade.

Following the bombings, the Indonesian authorities worked closely with foreign allies to arrest militants and step up security.

Indonesia has not experienced a major terrorist attack since October 2005, and the government of Indonesia has disrupted, arrested, and prosecuted numerous terrorist elements. The embassy added that the warning had been in effect since November 2000 and that it was cancelled with effect from May 23.

Members of Jemaah Islamiah bombed bars in the Indonesian resort island of Bali in 2002, killing more than 200 foreigners and Indonesians. The group later bombed Western targets in the capital Jakarta, including the JW Marriott hotel and Australian embassy

Puncak Adventure activities in Indonesia

2008-05-27T21:49:00.000-07:00

Mountain Biking / Motorcross Rides

This is a seemingly natural activity for adventure seekers in Puncak but is not yet available on a commercial basis. Generally the ride starts right below the Rindu Alam restaurant and drive down through tea plantations and villages on a 25 km run to the start of the Puncak road at Ciawi.

If you are keen for such an adventure, we will recommend that you contact United Adventures to help with the arrangements, or take your own mountain bike and ride with the Indonesian Mountain Biking Association on their many rides through the area. Alternatively, if you’ve got your own bike, you can also ride through the Ciliwung tea plantation with a small cover charge.

On the chance that they’ve got some motocross bikes (they usually have 4 or 5) or a 4x4 old green army jeep for rental, give Pak Tedja a call at the Ciliwung Agro Tourism or call United Adventures and they’ll make the arrangements. On a side note, if you like horseback riding, Pak Tedja can also arrange a couple of horses for you and your pals.

Paragliding

If adventures are what you seek; this mountain resort town has a few hidden secrets.Do you dream of being a bird, flying free, without the simulation effect on a plane with its propeller and gasoline? Drive up along the windy tea plantation road towards Rindu Alam and you’ll often catch glimpses of paragliders – brave souls jumping off ledges attached to parachutes. You can take lessons in Sentul, which is on the way to Puncak, and then jump yourself to glide above the tea plantations, or you can do a tandem introductory jump with a professional.

The feeling is exhilarating, and the view is stunning. Handgliding is one of the world’s most dangerous sports, but paragliding is surprisingly safe – especially on tandem jumps. Paragliding up at Puncak Pass is good all year, but to ensure weather conditions and availability of someone to take you up, try Pak Gendon of the Merapi Paragliding Club. If you’d rather stick to the ground, explore the Cibodas national gardens or venture up to the Gunung Gede Panggrano national park.

Tea Plantations

As early as 1728 AD, Japanese teas were planted on the slopes of Gede-Panggrano – and have since changed the landscape of the area permanently. The rolling green hills have been associated with Puncak for centuries, and they’re a pleasant sight along the way up. The two major ones in the area are the Gunung Mas and the Ciliwung plantations.

At Gunung Mas, whose entrance gate resides further below Ciliwung at the base of the climb, one can go on a variety of ‘tea walks’ and witness the whole process of making tea. They also have accommodations, guest houses, and camp grounds on the premises, although we haven’t surveyed these. The launch pad for paragliding resides within their estate, and the view from here is spectacular.

To walk to this point, keep an eye out on the right hand side as you ride up, before Ciliwung and the Rindu Alam restaurant, and look for a small steep road up to some stalls and a small sign for the Paragliding Association. A small road from these shops winds around the hill and the launching spot is about 700 meters from the main road.

Taman Safari Indonesia - must visit while visiting Bogor, Indonesia

2008-05-27T21:43:00.000-07:00

For a totally unique experience for most of us, visit this drive-through zoo and keep your windows closed! You might have a tiger look at you in the eye, or an ostrich check out your passenger. You will see some uncannily human traits from the orangutans here.

There was this one time where we saw a lazy young male lying on his stomach smoking a kretek and exhaling comfortably through his nostrils.

The Zoo boasts 2500 animals from 271 different species inhabiting 140 acres of secondary forests – and the designers have done their best to allow us to see the animals in reproductions of their natural habitats.

There’s also a baby zoo, where you can get up close and personal with tigers, baby bears, 4 meter long pythons, orangutans, and other animals. For the kids, there are plenty of mechanical rides in the amusement park, as well as animal shows featuring parrots, elephants, and other intelligent creatures of the Earth. Their Safari Trek is also a good recommended short hike.

Entrance Fee
Taman Safari Night Safari
Local Visitor
Above Six Years : RP 40,000 RP 45,000
Five Years & below : RP 35,000 RP 40,000
International Visitor
Above Six Years : RP 60,000 RP 60,000
Five Years & below : RP 55,000 RP 55,000
Vehicle : RP 15,000 RP 10,000
Bus : RP 20,000 -

It takes more than a day to fully explore Taman Safari Indonesia . Some visitors choose to stay for more than a day and also take advantage of the beautiful panoramic views of Mt Pangrango.

If you are planning to stay over, these are some of the accommodations available:
On-site Caravan Popular with families and v isitors can enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of Pangrango mountain in Caravan Camping Ground and be close to nature.

Villa bungalows

Come with one, two or three bedroom all with en-suites.

Safari Lodge (Motel)

The accommodation at the Safari Lodge is probably the equal of any motel anywhere. Rooms are equipped with either double, twin or three sleeping units. All have TV and their own shower and toilet. Tea and coffee making facilities are provided and room service is available. Many suites are interconnected for family use.

Safari Garden Hotel (4 Star Hotel)

The Hotel is located at Cisarua (less than 2.5 km from Taman Safari Indonesia ). It is ideal for both family vacations and business conferences. The fresh mountain air will refresh you as will the lack of noise that is experienced in the city.

Address : Jalan Raya Puncak No. 601 Cisarua Bogor 16750
Tel : 0251 250 000, Fax : 0251 250 555

20 Top hotels in Indonesia

2008-05-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

The following is the list of 20 Top Hotels in Indonesia with the contact and website:

Amandari
BALIUBUD -Br. Kedewatan Ubud PO BOX 33 UBUD 80571
+62-361-975333 fax: +62-361-975335
Amanjiwo Hotel
MAGELANG -Jln. Majaksingi, Komplek Borobudur
+62-293-788333 / +62-293-788355
Amankila
BALIKARANGASEM -Desa Manggis Karangasem
+62-361-41333 / +62-361-41555
Amannusa
BALINUSADUA -Jln. Nusa Dua
+62-361-772333 / +62-361-772335
Aryaduta Hotel
PEKANBARU -Jln. Diponegoro No.34, Pekanbaru 28116
+62-761-44204, 44200 / +62-761-44210, 46527
aryadutaku Uv^u^H @ `EaAw telkom.net
http://www.aryaduta.com
Aryaduta Hotel
JAKARTAPUSAT -Jln. Prapatan No. 44-48, Jakarta 10110
+62-21-2311234, 23521234 / +62-21-3812060
jktaj.reservation KMlE @ DDBQ hyattntl.com
http://www.jakarta.aryaduta.hyatt.com
Aston Hotel
JAKARTASELATAN -Jln. Garnisun Dalam No. 8, Kav. Semanggi, Jakarta
+62-21-2515151 / +62-21-5744160
sales beFpU^ @ DrgalJ aston.indosat.net.id
http://www.astonhotel_jakarta.com
Bali Cliff Resort
BALIKUTA -Jln. P Batu Pageh, Ungasan
+62-361-771992 / +62-361-771993
Bali Hilton Int’l Hotel
BALINUSADUA -Jalan Pantai Mengiat, Nusa Dua Bali, Indonesia
+62-361-771102, 771616
http://www.balihilton.com/
Bali Hyatt
BALIDENPASAR -jl Danau Tamblingan PO BOX 392 Sanur
+62-361-288271, 288361
BALI HYATT
BALISANUR -Jl. Danau Tamblingan 89 Sanur 80228 Bali
Ph. +62 361 281234 Fax: +62 287693
balihyatt.inquiries Cincij @ twZyF] hyatt.com
http://bali.spa.resort.hyatt.com
Bali Intercontinental
BALINUSADUA -Jln. Uluwatu No. 45, Jimbaran
+62-361-771102 / +62-361-701777
Bali Padma
BALIKUTA -Jl Padma 1 Legian PO BOX 1107 TBB
+62-361-752111, 751723
Borobudur Hotel
JAKARTAPUSAT -Jln. Lapangan Banteng Selatan, Jakarta
+62-21-3805555 / +62-21-3809595
welcome Hm`i @ e_mIP borobudur.com
http://www.hotelborobudur.com
Conrad Bali Resort & Spa
BALINUSADUA -Jln. Pratama No. 168 TJ Nusa Dua
+62-361-778788 / +62-361-773888
Crowne Plaza Hotel Jakarta
JAKARTASELATAN -Jln. Gatot Subroto Kav. 2-3, Jakarta 12930
+62-21-5268833 / +62-21-568867
crowne zvWkEFn @ sV]cDW_ indosat.co.id
http://www.crowneplaza.com
Discovery Kartika Plaza
BALIKUTA -Jln. Kartika Plaza, South Kuta Beach 80361, Bali-Indonesia
+62-361-751067 / +62-361-752475
reservation UeyWl @ v[Iayv discoverykartikaplaza.com
http://www.discoverykartikaplaza.com
Equator Surabaya Hotel
SURABAYA -Jln. Pakis Argosari 47
+62-31-5634083 / +62-31-5687172
Four Seasons
JAKARTASELATAN -Jln. Rasuna Said Kav. B-4, Jakarta
+62-21-2523456 / +62-21-2524480
rjk NliJHY @ MLBE cbn.net.id
http://www.fourseasons.com
Four Seasons Resort
BALIKUTA -Jalan Jimbaran, Bukit Permai Bali, Indonesia
+62-361-701010/ 701020
http://www.fourseasons.com/jimbaranbay/

The 20th Yogyakarta Arts Festival 2008 will be held July 6 - August 3

2008-05-19T01:02:00.000-07:00

Nine kampongs (villages) will take part in the so-called `babad kampung` (chronicle of village) program. The nine kampongs are Tukangan, Kricak Kidul, Pandean, Samirono, Mergangsan Kidul, Suryowijayan, Minggiran, Dolahan and Pajeksan.

The festival would make kampongs as the focus of the festival as it has always been identical with a dirty and old fashioned object. Such condition could be changed with the reposition of the kampongs as productive and creative part of the city.

In the program, the art performance could function as a media in the form of contemporary and traditional arts.The most important thing is how a kampong`s society understand the meaning of its past and how they think of their identities.

Besides performing the historical story of the villages, the program would organize a documentary exhibition in the villages.

source: www.antara.co.id/en

Jakarta, Capital city of Indonesia

2008-05-17T07:28:00.000-07:00

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia, located on the northwest part of Java.Jakarta has been called a study in contrasts: traditional and modern; rich and poor; spiritual and wordly stand side by side in this bustling metropolis.

Among the 8 million people who call Jakarta home, one find representatives of the many diverse ethnic and cultural groups which shape Indonesia, a reminder of the nation’s motto: ‘Unity in Diverse’. You may have to search high and low in this multi-cultural collage to find one of the proud ethnic Jakartans, called "Orang Betawi".

Their language.Betawi Malay, has two variations, conventional Betawi Malay, spoken by elder people and bred in Jakarta, and modern Jakarta Malay, a slang form spoken by the younger generation and migrants.

Jakarta is the port of entry for many tourists and business people. It is home to a dynamic contrast between Western-style skyscrapers, modern urban life-styles and traditional Indonesian culture. It’s rapid growth into a metropolitan city reflects the economic, political, social and industrial development of the nation. In recent years, Jakarta has expanded its facilities for visitors with luxury hotels, fine restaurants, exciting nightlife and modern shopping centers. It contains many tourists attractions such as Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful ‘Indonesia in Miniature’ Park), restored colonial period buildings, island resorts in the Pula Seribu (Thousand Island), and an extensive beach recreation complex called Ancol.

Districts

Jakarta is administratively divided into the following unimaginatively named districts:

* Central Jakarta (Jakarta Pusat, postal code: 10XXX) - an aptly named district and the site of Jakarta's symbol, the National Monument. Presidential palace, office buildings,hotels, Mangga Dua shopping center, Menteng residential area.

* West Jakarta (Jakarta Barat, 11XXX) - Jakarta's Chinatown, museums, trading centers, nightlife entertainment centers, shopping centers and malls.

* South Jakarta (Jakarta Selatan, 12XXX) - shopping centers, malls, restaurants, hotels, nightlife entertainment center (Blok M), Senayan sports complex, residential areas.

* East Jakarta (Jakarta Timur, 13XXX) - Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Utan Kayu art community, Cibubur camping ground, industrial parks, Halim Perdanakusuma airport.

* North Jakarta (Jakarta Utara, 14XXX) - Beautiful Thousand Islands, Ancol Bayfront City, and Kelapa Gading shopping centers.

Suburbs:

* Tangerang (15XXX) - Soekarno Hatta airport, golf course, industrial parks.
* Bogor (16XXX) - Beautiful palace, botany garden, golf course.
o Depok, Bogor (164XX) - Universities.
* Bekasi (17XXX) - Industrial parks.

Accommodation

The capital city has a wide choice of fine hotels which are managed by well known international chains. These include the Jakarta Hilton, The Mandarin Oriental, Sahid Jaya Hotel, Hotel Borobudur Inter-Continenetal, Aryaduta, Grand Hyatt, Hotel Sari Pan Pacific, Hotel Indonesia, President Hotel and independent hotels like Hotel Horison, Jayakarta Tower and Hotel Kartika Chandara.

The first five are rated five-star and the remainder four-star. All three and two-star hotels, in Jakarta have air-conditioned rooms, restaurants, bar, room service and laundry with a few exceptions. Most of those in the three-star, category have swimming pools, nightclubs and shopping arcades.

Most of the one-star hotels have conditioned rooms, with attached bathrooms telephones and restaurants.

Banten, Indonesia - Must Visit

2008-05-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

Banten, once a powerful maritime capital rivaling the vast Javanese Mataram empire, is today a fishing village with an illustrious past. The Capital City of Banten Province is Serang. Old Banten is one of the well know historical objects, only 10 km from the town of Serang. In this site, we can find a lot of remains of Islamic Banten Kingdom which was founded between 16 and 18 century.

This is the coastal area where the Dutch formerly landed to trade. Banten has few relics to show of its past grandeur, however, there are the ruins of powerful Moslem kingdoms such as the pala¬ces of Surosowan and Kaibon, the grand mosque of Mesjid Agung Banten (1599) and a Dutch fortress and an old Chinese temple. Old Banten is the city which was the capital of the Republic of Indonesia.

Tourist office
Jl. Ayib Usman No.1, Kaligandu, Serang 42151 Phone. (0254) 219836 Fax. (0254) 200220 Website : http//www.dispardabanten.com
Jl. Raya Air Kuta No.2 Bali, Phone (0361) 766184 http :// www.bantentourism.info

Getting there:
Soekarno Hatta International Airport is the main access from aboard to Banten. It also can be reach by car or motorbike through a route of Jakarta - Serang.

Tourism Events
Debus, a combination of traditional martial art performance and body invulnerability Gembrug - the opening act with drum percussion and Beluk Strident hysterical sound when it began to reach heavy level of performance and Pencak - single or pairs of traditional martial art performance

Workmanship of Celuk artisans of Indonesia

2008-05-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

The Balinese are renowned for their artistic and craft skills. One of the most popular areas is silver jewelry and the most famous center of production is Celuk.

Getting to Celuk from Kuta, you take the Bypass to Sanur, head in the direction of Ubud and take the turn off in the direction of Sukawati. About a mile further, you come to the begining of a long strip of silversmith’s shops, which include small independent places, and larger more organized ones.

The journey from Kuta takes about 40 minutes, and Celuk is easy to find. Along the way, if you stop at a traffic light, a friendly local might pull up next to you, and offer to take you to his cousin’s jewelry shop. They are hoping to get you to make a purchase, so they can get a commission.

Celuk, known for its silver and goldsmiths. The skills of the Celuk artisans are well known for their high taste of art and high quality products. A large variety of all types of intricately designed pieces can be found. The silver filigree work is quite amazing.

Original designs in delicate filigree make Balinese jewelry one of the most unusual styles in Asia. Although individual pieces are elaborate, they have simple origins in their making. Artisans use a tree stump with a protruding iron spike as a pounding base, a bamboo stem to catch the filings, and a manually operated gas pump for heat. As with most Balinese crafts, gold and silver work is largely an hereditary trade. Apprentices begin young.

Balinese silversmiths are known worldwide for their intricate designs and meticulous attention to detail. Their skills are passed down from generation to generation. Many fake "Bali beads" are now being produced in other countries (India is the worst offender). These are often cheap imitations that are cast in molds rather than handcrafted as described above. Many Indian-made "Bali beads" are also merely silver plated rather than made of solid silver.
Please help preserve the Balinese culture and its traditions. Buy Bali-made Bali beads!

St. Regis Bali Resort, Indonesia is now open

2008-05-09T08:15:00.001-07:00

The St. Regis Bali Resort, opening with 81 over-sized suites, 42 splendid villas and 2 residences in September, will open its reservation lines from 10 May 2008. The resort will take reservations on this date onwards for stays starting from 15 September 2008.

The St. Regis Bali Resort adds a new dimension of luxury to Bali. The resort soaks in a rich surrounding, infused with an eclectic collection of individually and uniquely crafted furnishing reflecting rich imported fabrics with indigenous materials and cultural artifacts, and uniquely features landscape architecture from the early 1900s, inspired by the blending of art and nature with lifestyle and living.

Swimmable lagoons throughout the resort provide private areas to relax and unwind. A 290 square metre function/meeting room, two modern restaurants, an all-day dining restaurant, and a beach restaurant with stunning views of Nusa Dua create opportunities for any event.

With the reservations department at The St. Regis Bali Resort fully in place with a team of agents ready to take reservations and full inventory with rates uploaded in the system, guests can book via travel agents (GDS code: XS) or directly with the hotel or through Starwood.

Events in Surabaya

2008-02-13T00:32:00.000-08:00

Reog Ponorogo

Performances where the dancers carry a very heavy, ornamented tiger head with peacock feathers. This dance depicts a fight between a tiger and two noblemen on horseback.

Kerapan Sapi (Bull Races), Madura

This is very popular sport and spectacle is held regularly at least twice a month at Bangkalan on the island of Madura, about half an hour by ferry from Surabaya. Bull racing is a great event in Madura especially the annual races for the islands championship which are usually held by the local administration after the harvest time in September and October. The finals are held at Pamekasan capital of the island, once a year. Special races can be organized, given three days advance notice.

Kuda Kepang (Bamboo Horse), Kediri

A dance performance originating from the town of Kediri. Male dances falling into a trance ride on bamboo horses, and eat grass flowers, rice husks and pieces of glass.

For further information, please contact the East Java Provincial Tourist Office, Jl. Wisata Menanggal, Phone : (62-31) 853-1814, 853-1820, Surabaya

Consulate office in Bali, Indonesia

2008-02-08T18:42:00.000-08:00

Knowing where you need to go should you need assistance from your country’s consulate when in Bali is ideal. There are numerous countries with consulates and here are the major ones for your perusal:

Australian Consulate,
Jl. Prof. Moh. Yamin no. 51 (Tel. 0361 235092).

Consular Agent of France,
Jl. Bypass Sanur (Tel. 0361 285485).

Consular Agent of United State of America,
Jl. Hayam Wuruk no. 188 (Tel. 0361 233605).

Consular Agent of the Netherlands,
Jl. Imam Bonjol no. 599 (Tel. 0361 751517).

Honorary Consul of The Federal Republic of Germany
for Bali and NTB,
Jl. Pantai Karang No. 17, Sanur (Tel. 0361-288535).

Consular Agent of Switzerland and Consular Agent of The
Federal Republic of Austria,
Istana Kuta Galeria complex (former central parking), Block Vallet 2 No. 12, Jl. Patih Jelantik, Kuta (Tel. 0361 751735).

Honorary Consul of Finland and Sweden,
Segara Village Hotel Jl. Segara Sanur, (Tel. 0361 288407).

Italian Consulate,
Lotus Asia Tour Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai Jimbaran (Tel. 0361 701650).

Japan Consulate,
Jl. Raya Puputan no. 170 Renon, Denpasar (Tel. 0361 227628).

Spain Consulate
Jl. Raya Sanggingan Ubud (Tel. 0361 975736).

Mexican Consulate,
Astina Tour Jl. Prof Moh. Yamin 1 A (Tel. 0361 223552).

Czech Honorary Consulate,
Jl. Pengembak No. 17, Sanur (Tel. 0361-286465).

The Island of Nias, Sumatera

2008-02-02T18:31:00.000-08:00

Stone jumping (hombo batu) and surfing are the two most well-known attractions for tourists coming to the island of Nias, 75 miles west of Sumatera, which only take place in Teluk Dalam on Nias’ south coast. Young Nias men jump over 2-meters stone walls for Rp 50,000, in the village of Bawomatoluo. Meanwhile, surfing was introduced and developed by foreign tourists on the beach of Sorake.

Coming all the way to Nias, however, tourists should not limit themselves to stone jumping and surfing, since the island — with a civilization dating back to the Dongson period of North Vietnam — has a unique traditional architecture adapted to the frequent earthquake tremors in the region as George Junus Aditjondro writes.

Two original solutions were created by the Nias ancestors. Firstly, all houses were set on a series of vertical pillars (enomo) which are not anchored into the ground, but rest on stone blocks.

Secondly, the vertical pillars were reinforced by slanting piles (ndriwa), which created a very resistant earthquake-proof three-dimensional structure.

While surviving earthquakes, Nias traditional architecture is presently endangered by two big challenges, namely deforestation and modernization. Nias has largely been stripped of its forests over the past 150 years since head hunting ceased and the population grew rapidly. This has nearly depleted the native efoa, manawa dano, and simalambuo hardwood trees, used for the pillars of the traditional clan houses (omo hada), chief houses (omo sebua or omo nifolasara) and large meeting halls (omo bale).

Secondly, modernization has reduced the strength of the clan (mado), with most Nias people preferring now to live in Malay houses, while the government has also forsaken Nias traditional architecture in all official buildings.

The billions of rehabilitation and reconstruction dollars channeled to Nias through the NAD-Nias Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Body (BRR), overlooked the need to revive this cultural heritage of Nias.

Fortunately, two European charities — the German aid organization, Johanniter Unfall Hilfe, and the British Turnstone Tsunami Fund — have assisted the rebuilding of remaining omo hada on the island. Johanniter cooperated with the Nias Heritage Museum (Museum Pusaka Nias) in Gunungsitoli, the capital of the Nias district, while the Turnstone Tsunami Fund cooperated with the Medan-based North Sumatera Heritage.

With Johanniter’s assistance, Museum Pusaka Nias has helped families rehabilitate 26 traditional wooden houses in 13 villages. In addition, with financial assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta and the Muenster and Konstant Municipalities in Germany, the Museum has rehabilitated eight more traditional houses in seven other villages. Then, with the assistance of other donors, the Museum has distributed funds — ranging from Rp 200,000 to Rp 5,000,000 — to 357 traditional house owners to rebuild their traditional houses.

The museum was trusted by all those donors due to the serious dedication of its director, Johannes Hammerle, OFM Cap, a naturalized German-born priest, to revive Nias traditional architecture. The Museum director has studied chief houses (omo sebua) since 1990, and supervised the construction of the museum compound — with its various wooden buildings — according to Nias traditional architecture, involving Nias and German carpenters.

In the museum compound, one can observe a South Nias rectangular wooden house, used as a guest house, where the author has twice stayed, and a North Nias oval wooden house, used as an office building. The oval house, called omo laraga, originated from Sinandraolo village near Gunung Sitoli. Owned by the family of Ama Jeni Telaumbanua, it collapsed during the 2005 earthquake.

The traditional house was rebuilt in the museum compound and modernized with an indoor toilet, with the financial assistance of Brigitte Ott and Guenter Ott and their colleagues from the German International School in Jakarta. The omo laraga was inaugurated on June 22, 2007, with the traditional house inauguration dance, Fameheu Omo, by high school kids dancing and jumping on the floor, to test the house’s structural strength.

Meanwhile, the Turnstone Tsunami Fund has rebuilt the chief house (omo nifolasara) in the village of Hilinawalo Mazingo, the oldest omo hada in Southern Nias. This magnificent chief house had survived nearly three centuries, but was in desperate need of restoration after falling victim to intense sun, rain, insect infestation, neglect, and finally, the March 2005 earthquake.

In 2005 and 2006, the Turnstone Tsunami Fund focused on training a younger generation of Nias men, ranging from 23 to 50 years of age, by the elderly village carpenter, Ama Liana, in four-week courses, supported by the Carpenter’s Company of the City of London.

Following two carpentry courses, all houses in Hilinawalo Mazingo and four surrounding villages had been fully repaired by mid 2006. In addition, this project also supported a reforestation education project with local teenagers, led by a Nias school teacher, Yamin, and using afoa seedlings.

Thanks to these massive programs, Nias will have much more to offer to tourists than swimming and snorkeling in Teluk Dalam, watching stone jumping in Bawomatoluo, and surfing at Sorake. It would be nice if BRR and all aid agencies contribute to reviving this unique cultural heritage.

As Roger Miall from the Turnstone Tsunami Fund suggested is his email letter to me, some help from BRR to build a road to the village of Hilinawalo Mazingo would encourage tourist to visit the restored chief house. Meanwhile, tourism agencies should incorporate visits and short periods of living in Nias’ omo hada in their packages, similar to tourism packages in Sarawak, East Malaysia, where tourists are encouraged to visit and live in Dayak long houses. Or in Mentawai, where tourists also can visit and live for short time in the indigenous people’s longhouses.

Visit Indonesia Year 2008

2008-01-18T09:58:00.000-08:00

Taman Wana Villas, Bali

2007-12-05T20:10:00.000-08:00

Taman Wana Villas is located at the mountainside location at the edge of the Palasari Irrigation Dam, near The West Bali National Park.

Taman Wana Villas & Spa is only 90 kilometers, or 55 miles drive from Bali ’s International Airport. Built on 8 hectares or 20 acres of naturally landscaped rain forest land, Taman Wana Villas & Spa is reached by traditional canoes from Greeting Post or by buggy from the mainland.

Taman Wana Villas & Spa overlooking the irrigation dam, lagoon, mountainous valley, terraced paddy fields and the sea.

In Bali, ” Nyegara Gunung ” means living in a way that is in a natural balance, and Taman Wana Villas & Spa incorporate this important philosophy, bringing the positive aspects of tourism’s effects back to the natural environment that has given so much.

The 3rd Internasional Ecotourism Business Forum 2007

2007-11-25T14:47:00.000-08:00

ECOTOURBIZ 2007 invites you to attend the conference, which will be held at Wonosobo, Central Java on 30th November to 3rd December 2007, The three-day conference will bring together ecotourism associations and networks from around the world, along with each other interested organizations and individuals. tourism academics, tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers, officials of tourism associations, tourism offices, and NGOs.

Third International Eco-Tourism Business Forum

PLANNING, MANAGING & MARKETING ECOTOURISM

TENTATIVE PROGRAM
30 November - 3 December 2007
Gallery Hotel Kresna, Wonosobo, Central Java - Indonesia
Day 0: Friday, 30 November 2007: ARRIVAL

Arrival & Registration
Time Description Remarks

09:00 – 18:00 Arrival of all delegates Venue:
Registration for buyers, Sellers, Speakers Kresna Hotel
Participants & Exhibitors

Day 1: Saturday, 1 December 2007 PRE-TOUR, WELCOME DINNER
Arrival & Registration
09:00 – 18:00 Arrival of all delegates Venue
Registration for Buyers, Sellers, Speakers, Kresna Hotel
Participants, Media & Exhibitors
- Familiarization Tour of Ecotourism Organized by:
Destinations Central Java
- Exhibitors set up booths Province Government
19:00 – 21:30 Welcome Dinner Venue:
Hosted by Governor of the Central Java Tentative Province, Drs H.Ali Mufiz,MPA

Day 2: 2 December 2007 ECOTOURISM FORUM
VENUE: Gallery Hotel Kresna Ballroom
Morning Session: Ecotourism Forum

07:00 – 09:00 Final Registration Venue:
Pringgodani Ballroom Foyer
09:00 Opening Ceremony
09:00 – 09:10 Report Speech by International Promotion
Director, Department of Culture and Tourism,
Tatang Rukhiyat
09:10 – 09:20 Welcome Speech by Head Of Wonosobo Regency, HA Kholiq Arif
09:20 – 09:35 Opening Speech by Director General of Marketing, Department of Culture and Tourism,
Thamrin B. Bachri
09:35 – 10:00 Keynote Speaker:
Joop Ave, Former Indonesian Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunication of The Republic Of Indonesia. (confirmed)
10:00 – 10:30 Coffee Break (Held in Exhibition area) . Venue:
Pringgodani Ballroom Foyer
11.00 – 13.00 PANEL PRESENTATION 1 :
Theme planning: Managing and Marketing ecotourism
Moderator : Prof.Dr.Wiendu Nuryanti, M.Arch
Executive Diretor, Yogyakarta Tourism Development
Board Indonesia
11:00 – 11:15 Speaker 1: Mr Jose Ma Lorenzo (Lory) Tan
Vice-Chairman, World Wide Fund (WWF) Philippines
“Planning Ecotoursm” (tba)
11:15 – 11:30 Speaker 2 : Ari Suhandi
Director INDECON (Indonesia)
“Managing Ecotourism in Indonesia” :
Opportunity & Challenge (tba)
11:30 – 12:45 Speaker 3: I.B Ngurah Wijaya
Head Of Bali Tourism (Indonesia)
Marketing Ecotourism (tba)
11:45 – 12:00 Speaker 4: Dwi Windari Widyastuti
Director of Tlogo Plantation (Indonesia)
“Planning, Managing, Marketing Ecotourism:
Tlogo Plantation Cases (tba)
12:00 – 13:00 Question and Answer/ Discussion Moderator
12:30 – 12:40 Conclusion and Recommendations Conclusion Team
12:40 – 12:50 Conference Closing Session by Head Of Banjarnegara Regency,
Drs. H.Djasri, MM
12:50 – 14:00 Lunch Break
Certificate Distribution at Committee Desk Venue :
Maespati Restaurant

AFTERNOON SESSION: ECOTOURISM MART
13:30 – 14:00 Buyers & Sellers briefing in Exhibition area – Venue :
Compulsory session Kendalisdo Room
14:00 – 16:30 TABLE TOP:SELLERS MEET BUYERS Venue
Exhibition area only for Buyers & Sellers Ballroom Free Function
Coffee available in the exhibition room

Evening : Free program to explore Wonosobo

EXHIBITION OPEN FOR PUBLIC: 10 am – 17 pm
10:00 – 17:00 Exhibition Open for Public Venue :
Pringgodani Ballroom Foyer

DAY 3: Monday, 3 December 2007 BUSINESS SESSION & DEPARTURE
VENUE : Kresna Hotel

EXHIBTION OPEN FOR PUBLIC: 10:00 am – 17:00 pm Committe

08:00 – 10:00 Follow up Business Session Venue :
(buyers and sellers only) Pringgodani Ballroom Foyer
(Individual optional basis)
10:00 – 17:00 Exhibition Open for Public
All Day Hotel Check Out by 12:00 noon
Departure of Delegates

Contact :
Ecotourbiz - International Ecotourism Business Forum
Jl. Lingkar Utara 234
Yogyakarta - Indonesia 55281
Phone: (62 274) 520 907
Fax: (62 274) 583 783
e-mail: ecotourbiz@gmail.com

Village of Bali

2007-11-21T21:29:00.000-08:00

The idea of balance is central to Balinese philosophy and way of life. Nature and Man meet and complement each other.

The villages are a study in order. Hidden behind the same mud walls, there will be the same red tiles of the same family pavilions with, again thirty meters apart, the same thatched puppet houses: the family temples (sanggah/merajan). Then, there will be a big tree, two slit logs hanging from its branches, with a couple of shrines under its shade and a nearby hall: the banjar (neighbourhood) community hall. An atmosphere of calm, order and collective belonging prevails.

The basic Balinese territorial unit is desa (village), whose surface covers both the wet land of the ricefields, and the dry land of the compounds and related gardens, temples and roads. To the wet land, correspond the irrigation units or subak, and to the dry and inhabited land, the community wards or banjar, each with their temples and organisations.

The Balinese desa (village) is typically host to a set of three village temples, the kahyangan tiga, each related to a focal aspect of the village's symbolic life: the origin with pura puseh (navel temple) located mountainward, where the tutelary gods of the village and its founders are worshipped; the territory itself with the pura desa, located in the centre of the village, where meetings of the village assembly and the rituals of fertility are held; the temple of the ded (pura dalem), located down ward, where the forces of death and the netherworld are worshipped, and near which burials take place. Besides these territorial temples, there is also a temple for each banjar (bedogol or pura banjar), a temple for each subak, and the various temples of the local sub - clans (pura dadia or pura panti), each of which with its own calendar of festivals.

All temples of the kahyangan tiga are of paramount importance in the local rituals. Most ceremonies, at the level of the household or of other local temples, cannot take place before a "notification offering" (pejati) of the kahyangan tiga. The most important though, is arguably the pura desa, or village territorial temple, as evidenced by the honor shown to its god, the Batara Desa, who is usually given the forefront position during the village processions of gods. The village community (desa pekraman) corresponds in practise to the congregation of the pura desa, whatever the other affiliations. It is headed by the bendesa adat.

Much of the ritual work at the village level is shared among the various banjar, for example, one banjar may look after the pura desa for the upcoming festival and another banjar for the next one. Each banjar redistributes the work entrusted to it to its vision of the kelian banjar or neighbourhood headman. No ritual activity can normally take place without the latter's involvement and participation.The banjar is a grouping of anything between fifty and two hundred individual compounds. The word banjar originally referred to a row of houses, thus to the physical clustering of compounds into a neighborhood, with a temple and a community. Nowadays, most of these banjars have split, and the banjar community is no more strictly territorial. Two banjars can occupy the same territory, and banjar members sometimes live kilometres away from the core of community.

The banjar makes up an association called the "banjar suka duka" or "the association for the sharing of joy and pain" This refers to the function played by the group in the performing of specific social services or work the ayahan within the larger structure of the village (desa). These bonds are arguably the most important of all found in the network of village associations.

The basic social unit of the banjar is the couple (pekurenan). Only married couples are full banjar members and subjected to the banjar rights and obligations. The decisions are taken by the assembly (sangkep) of the banjar's male members, the krama banjar, which usually takes place every 35 days. The decisions are taken on the basis of unanimity, The banjar is now, since 1979, the lowest administrative structure of the national administration, directly under the authority of the perbekel / lurah (supra - village head) and beyond the traditional village headman (bendesa adat).

There are also two types of kelian banjar, the kelian dinas, who is in charge of the administrative aspects of the banjar life, and the kelian adat, who looks after the customary aspects in collaboration with the bendesa adat. They usually work hand in hand, unless the two roles are assumed by the same person.

Aria Luxury Villas & Spa - luxury villas in Bali Indonesia

2007-11-14T05:57:00.000-08:00

Aria Luxury Villas & Spa is a new set of luxury villas designed for the discerning travelers. Make a choice, as each of our villa is differently set up to better cater for your individual needs and priorities. Choose from luxury bathroom expericence, luxurious swimming pool, or spacious living and dining area. These are the combinations provided in our modern villas style.

The villas & spa is located at Jl. Peti Tenget, Kuta - Bali, just 5 minutes drive to Peti Tenget Beach 15 minutes from the center of Kuta, the center of shopping Mecca in Bali and 25 minutes drive to Denpasar the capital city of Bali. Each villa has own swimming pool, living room, Kitchennet and massage tables.

Facts to know before visit Indonesia

2007-11-14T05:33:00.000-08:00

Climate
Upon arrival and disembarking from the plane, one immediately notices the sudden rush of warm, wet air. Indonesia is a warm place. It has no spring, summer, fall, or winter, just two seasons: rainy and dry, both of which are relative (it still rains during the dry season, it just rains less). While there is significant regional variation, in most of the country (including Java and Bali) the dry season is April to October, while the wet season is November to March.

In highland cities/resort the temperature is somewhat cooler. In Papua island, there are snow covered peaks: Jayawijaya Mountains: Peak Trikora (Mt. Wilhelmina) - 4730 m. Sudirman Mountains: Peak Jaya (Mt. Carstensz) - 5030 m.

Time
Since the country is very large, Indonesia is divided into three time zones:
GMT +7: Western Indonesian Time (WIB) Sumatra, Java, West/Central Kalimantan.
GMT +8: Central Indonesian Time (WITA) Bali, South/East Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara.
GMT +9: Eastern Indonesian Time (WIT) Maluku Irian Jaya.

Visa
American can get a visa on arrival for US$10/25 at most common points of entry (Java, Bali, etc) Transit visa is 7 days maximum stay and Tourist visa is 30 days maximum stay.
Please be advised that Visa On Arrival may only be extended upon approval from the Director General of Immigration of the Republic of Indonesia in case of natural disaster, illness or accident, but cannot be transferred to another type of visa. Overstay visitors incur to pay a penalty of US$20.- per day/person (for under 60 days stay) whilst over 60 days stay will be a 5 (five) year prison sentence or a fine of IDR25.000.000 (local currency).

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR VISA ON ARRIVAL (VOA)

Passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months as from the date of entry into Indonesia.

Please note that these regulations do not apply for foreigners/expatriates (including members of their family) who are assigned/based in Indonesia.Visa is required and should be applied for before hand.

Changing money
Banks and money exchangers are widely available on Java, Bali and Lombok, but can be a major headache anywhere else, so load up with rupiah before heading off to any outer islands. Money exchangers are very picky about bill condition, pre-1999 dollar bills or imperfect bills (ripped, wrinkled, stained, etc) will often be rejected. Banks frequently won’t change any 1996 dollars. Counterfeit US dollars are a huge problem in the country and as a result the older your dollars are, the lower the exchange rate. You will get the highest exchange rate for dollars issued in 2001 or later and the exchange rate drops for 1999 and 1996 dollars. There are even different exchange rates according to the serial number for dollars from 1996. Banks and money exchangers on outer islands are sparse and frequently offer drastically reduced exchange rates of 10-20% or more.

In the reverse direction, moneychangers will be happy to turn your dirty Rupiah into spiffy dollars, but the spread is often considerable (10% is not unusual). Be very careful dealing with moneychangers, who are very adept at distracting your attention during the counting process and short-changing you as a result. As a precaution, consider bringing a friend along to watch over the transaction very carefully.

ATMs
ATMs are common in the larger cities on the islands of Java, Bali and Lombok and are generally reliable. They are non-existent on most other islands.

Credit Cards
Be careful when using credit cards, as cloning and fraud are a major problem in Indonesia. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but American Express can be problematic. At smaller operations, surcharges of 2-5% over cash are common.

Eating by hand
In Indonesia eating with your hand (instead of utensils like forks and spoons) is very common. The basic idea is to use four fingers to pack a little ball of rice, which can then be dipped into sauces before you pop it in your mouth by pushing it with your thumb. There’s one basic rule of etiquette to observe: Use only your right hand, as the left hand is used to clean yourself in the bathroom. Don’t stick either hand into communal serving dishes: instead, use the left hand to serve yourself with utensils and then dig in. Needless to say, it’s wise to wash your hands well before and after eating.
Eating by hand is frowned on in some “classier” places. If you are provided with cutlery and nobody else around you seems to be doing it, then take the hint.

Indonesian Food
Rice is the basis of many Indonesian meals, seafood is also prominent in many dishes, and often restaurants offer a wide array of fresh seafood. There is a strong Chinese influence in many foods especially meat dishes in Indonesia. Pork is not commonly used in Indonesian cuisine due to the country’s population being largely Muslim. Indonesian food is generally rich in flavour and heavily spiced. Hot peppers feature in many dishes or as a condiment at many meals. Each province of Indonesia has its own cuisine some areas have a strong Chinese influence, others Dutch or Japanese, or a combination of the three. Javanese food is thought of as the most palatable.

Javanese cuisine uses a variety of fresh spices that give the dishes a wonderful aroma. Javanese cuisine consists of vegetables, chicken and fish with rice. Padang food originally from the Northern region of Sumatra, is severed in many restaurants throughout the archipelago. Nasi Padang is cold rice served with a variety of dishes mixed in one plate. Sumatrans tend to eat more beef than the other provinces of Indonesia. Fried rice and noodles are common as is satay and gado-gado, a dish that consists of bean sprouts, various vegetables and spicy peanut sauce, throughout Indonesia.

Palembang's events for 2008

2007-11-14T05:28:00.000-08:00

Palembang is the capital city of South Sumatra. It's famous by the Musi River and the Bridge. To celebrate the Visit Indonesia Year 2008, Palembang has a program to attract the domestic and foreign tourist and come to Palembang all the 2008 year.

Sungai Musi/Musi River is the main area for this program, each month there will be at least two or three program to be launched.

January:
5; Grand Launching Visit Musi and Visit Indonesia Year 2008 at Benteng Kuto Besak
10 & 20; Islamic decorated car parade to celebrate 1 and 10 Muharram (Islamic New Year)
25-27; Folk Song Festival at SMB II Museum

February:
7; Imlek Festival
18-21; Barongsai Festival & Cap Go Me celebration
24-29; Holtikultura Exhibition at Kenten

March:
2-3; Nusantara Dishes Festival at Plaza BKB
16-20; International Information Communication Technology Exhibition
21-22; Gambus Music Festival & Beduk Parade at Plaza BKB

April:
1-3; Egg Painting Competition
7-9; International Speed Rally II & Speed Rally I
20-22; Traditional Media Exhibition
International Aeromodeling Championship at Jakabaring Stadium

May:
15-21; Sriwijaya Fair in South Sumatra Anniversary at Plaza BKB
16-17; Indonesia Bercahaya at Sport Hall
20; National awakening celebration
21; Waisak 2561 celebration at TPKS Museum

June:
16-23; Sriwijaya Festival XVII at Plaza BKB
17; Decorated Boat Competition, celebrating Palembang anniversary in Musi River
20-22; International Fishing Turnament in Musi River
National Offroad
National Time Rally
Miss Indonesia Election

July:
1-3; International Ijtima
12-18; SMEs Exhibition
15-17; Wisata Rally SERIE IV
19-23; National Kite Festival at Jakabaring Stadium
21-24; Art Festival at Plaza BKB

August:
19; Kemilau Sumatra
28-31; Nusantara Dress Festival
International Motocross
International Triathlon, Para Sailing, Water Ski and Jet Ski Championship, Sky Diving Exhibition in Opi Lake and Plaza BKB

September:
1-3; Gebyar Wisata Budaya Sumatra Selatan
12; Musi River Painting Competition at Plaza BKB
National Agro and Food Expo

October:
Indonesia-China Energy Forum III
9-12; International Dragon Boat Race in Musi River

November:
1-5; Melayu Dance Festival
17-18; Traditional Theater Festival
25-30; Suara Pesona Bintang
AMI Award Presentation

December:
19; Silk Air Memorial
31; New Year Celebration

Detail information at http://www.visitmusi.info
or visit Palembang's official website: http://www.palembang.go.id, you also will find Palembang City Map on that website.

Extracted from : http://visit-indonesia-euy.blogspot.com

Beware of passenger bag theft

2007-11-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

Travelling with valuables is never a good idea, especially if you fly through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. Police have just busted a ring of baggage handlers who were expert at stealing from people’s baggage in their care. Here’s more from the Jakarta Post.

Arrests made in theft of plane passenger bags

TANGERANG, Banten (JP): Security officers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport have busted a ring of thieves responsible for stealing valuables from passenger luggage.

“So far, we have arrested a total of 25 suspects comprising 21 baggage handlers who work for Garuda Indonesia, Air Asia and Batavia Air. We also arrested four people suspected to be buyers of the stolen goods,” airport police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Guntur Setyanto said Thursday.

Guntur said police were looking for seven more suspects.

Police also seized 160 stolen items, including cellular phones, multimedia players, watches, cameras, video cameras, sunglasses, perfume and jewelry.

Guntur said the suspects opened passengers’ bags in the belly of the planes. For international flights, the thieves riffled through bags as they were being transported from the plane to the carousel.

The airport executive manager Edi Haryanto explained that on Oct. 25 security officers caught three airport workers stealing a necklace and a bracelet from passenger bags on an Air Asia flight to Kuala Lumpur.

They were transferred to police for further investigation, which led to the arrests of the 25 others suspects.

“The perpetrators will be charged with violating Article 363 of the Criminal Code and if proven guilty they face a maximum punishment of five years,” Guntur said. (Multa Fidrus/**)

Some of the good rules I try to follow are:
1) Take are of your ‘Crown Jewels’ (money, passport, ticket) and don’t worry about the rest. If these 3 are safe in your money belt, your trip can continue without the rest.
2) When in doubt, simplify - if you can’t decide what gear to bring, leave it at home.
3) Don’t bring anything you can’t afford to loose. (I don’t want to hear sob stories about how a taxi driver stole your $5,000 camera).
4) If you are not going to use a piece of gear at least every other day, don’t bring it.
5) Whatever gear you do bring has to do its job - Shoes, boots have to be comfortable, rain-gear has to be waterproof, sleeping gear has to be warm enough.

Back to the Jakarta airport crew. This kind of stuff goes on all over the world and is a reminder to travelers that flashy gear attracts thieves.

Sampan is one of our mode ot transportation

2007-11-12T08:37:00.001-08:00

Sampan is one of traditional boat, it’s made from wood.

Some sampans include a small shelter on board, and may be used as a permanent habitation on inland waters.

Sampans are generally used for fishing or transportation, in coastal areas or rivers. It is unusual for a sampan to sail far from land as they do not have the means to survive rough weather.

2008 is Visit Indonesia Year

2007-11-12T08:31:00.000-08:00

Introducing 5 new tourist destinations :
PADANG, LOMBOK, KUPANG, MANADO, MAKASSAR

Gateway to Business & Investment in Indonesia
Products and Services Profile

Investment Opportunities
Tourism Destinations
Furniture & Handicraft
Garment, Batik & Embroidery
Fashion & Accessories
Herbal & Spa
Printing & Packaging
Etc

Agenda

Seminar by Hermawan Kartajaya (World Marketing Guru)
B2B & B2C Tradeshow
Indonesian Cultural Night (Jembatan Budaya Indonesia Malaysia 2007)

Visit the Indonesia Booth: Hall 5, Booth No: 23 -28
Trend Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
10 - 13 November 2007 (10am - 6pm)

Contact the following for more information:
INDONESIA TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE - MALAYSIA
No.328, Level 3 Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 603-2161 8134

Please visit Indonesia Tourism Website for more information.

Bali Fashion Week - 22 to 25 Nov 2007

2007-11-08T03:20:00.000-08:00

Bali Fashion Week is an international event aimed at promoting the textile Industry, garments, accessories, handbags, shoes and jewelery to the world in order to help the Indonesian government in economic development and growth.

Bali Fashion Week is a mix of art and fashion where they collide for an event filled with street carnivals and fashion shows by international designers. Awards for best design will be announced at the end of street carnivals.

The next Bali Fashion Week will be held on November 22-25, 2007 at the Kartika Plaza Hotel in Bali, Indonesia. For more info or to preregister click here.