Lake Sentani : Introduction to Spectacular Papua

Lake Sentani : Introduction to Spectacular Papua

Travel into inner Papua can be relaxing when commenced with a visit to Lake Sentani, a scenic beauty over glittering water located near Jayapura, capital city of Papua. The stillness of the water is most peaceful, evoking a peculiar wonder whether such a lake should indeed exist in paradise. The embracing Cyclops Mountains to the north and the lush vegetation as backdrop, securely protect the twenty four villages surrounding the lake.  The people here are friendly and creative, carving their reputation among the best craft makers in the land of Papua.

To best experience the excitement of boating on the lake, rent a motorized canoe available at one of the villages. The guide who has taken you on the overnight tour from Jayapura will show you where to get one of the dugout canoes.  Experience the thrill of being caressed by the warm breeze while speeding on the lake, photograph the stilt houses, know the locals, and make friends with your guide, and eventually boldly brag about it in the travel blogs.

Lake Sentani and its surrounding areas was once the training field for amphibious aircraft landings. It was built by the Japanese and captured by the US Army in 1944.  American war legend, General McArthur was said to have gazed on the lake and its 22 islets, and came up with his victorious island-hopping strategy.

Living as fish farmers, and the close location to the provincial capital, are reasons why  most of the population around the lake are open to visitors. Stilt houses with ponds and nets are common landscapes. The lake is home to at least 33 species of fish, of which almost half of them are native. The Sawfish (Pristis microdon) was once the premier host of the lake, which today is said to have become extinct. This fish is one of the indigenous ornaments found on Sentani’s woodcrafts. Hang one of these items on your wall as a mark that you have been dramatically introduced to the wilderness of Papua.

The Baliem Valley Resort

 The Baliem Valley Resort

The resort offers 15 circular rooms colorized by local style especially the Honai’s, done with a super large sun terrace with comfortable sun-chairs and the roofs made from local grass that made you feel the ‘air’ of the tribes. All rooms are completed with handmade wooden furniture and the spacious bathroom with natural stonewalls, fulfilled with all common bathrooms amenities.

The Lobby Restaurant will serve you the best meals with local ingredients just taken from the field in the highlands where the Danis plough their best vegetables and fruits. It nicely takes place in a big open-air sun terrace offers bird view over the Baliem Valley, completed with comfort handmade wooden furniture as well as modern TV-DVD and CD-station gives you nice entertainment with selected films concerning Papua’s flora and fauna, certain ethnic tribes, cultures and some historical expeditions. A nice service is available with hospitality of our attendants.

The licensed “Stone Age” Bar provides various beverages that will spoil your appetites. Try one of our specialties like “Headhunters Cocktail”! It is a must for every visitor!

The main attraction interesting the visitors is the exhibition of different cultural objects collected from all parts of New Guinea. The resort also presents many exciting activities that give you sweet everlasting memories…as you fly your fancies in the homeland of the birds of heaven…

Address	:	Sekan Village (around 20 kms by road from Wamena Airport) Baliem Valley, Kabupaten Jayawijaya, Papua - Indonesia
Phone	:	-
Fax	:	-
Email	:	info@puribagus.net
Website	:	http://www.bagus-discovery.com

Baliem Valley : Home of the Dani's

Baliem Valley : Home of the Dani's

High up in the mountains of central Papua at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level, hemmed in by steep green mountain walls, lies the stunningly beautiful Baliem valley, home of the Dani tribe.

Baliem valley is 72 km. long, and 15 km to 31 km wide in places. It is cut by the Baliem river, which has its source in the northern Trikora mountain, cascading into the Grand Valley, to meander down and further rushing south dropping 1,500 meters to become a large muddy river that slowly empties into the Arafura Sea.

The first outsider to discover the valley was American Richard Archbold, who, on 23 June 1938 from his seaplane, suddenly sighted this awesome valley dotted with neat terraced green fields of sweet potatoes, set among craggy mountain peaks. This is Indonesia’s own Shangri-La.

Only recently emerged from the Stone Age, the Dani are known as the “gentle warriors”. With their simple tools of stone and bone, they nonetheless, managed to sculpt green fields that hug the hills, where they grow root crops, and raise pigs. They have also built outposts and lookout towers to defend their valley from hostile tribes.

Because of the fertile soil and their agricultural skills, the Dani together with the sub-tribes of the Yali and the Lani, are, therefore, the most populous in Papua, living scattered in small communities near their gardens among the steep mountain slopes. Today, they also cultivate bananas, taro and yams, ginger, tobacco and cucumbers.

The men's and women's huts (locally called the honai) have thick thatched roofs, which keep the huts cool during the day and warm during the cold nights.

Jakarta Hotel Info : Aryaduta Hotel

Jakarta Hotel Info : Aryaduta Hotel

Aryaduta Hotel
Jl. Prapatan 44 - 48 Central Jakarta
Phone: (62 21) 231-1234
Fax. (62 21) 384-9900
email: jktaj.reservation@hyattintl.com
website: www.jakarta.aryaduta.hyatt.com

Name:	Aryaduta Hotel
Rating:	5 Stars
Address:	Jl. Prapatan 44 - 48 Central Jakarta Indonesia
Phone Number:	(62 - 21 ) 231-1234 Fax (62 - 21 ) 384-9900
Emails:	jktaj.reservation@hyattintl.com
Hotel facilities:	Bar Lounge Bar Laundry Service Air-Conditioned Rooms Banquet & Conference Facilities Disabled Facilities Restaurants Business Centre Car Park
Room facilities:
Standard facilities	Superior room Air-Conditioning Internet Connection Room Safe Satellite TV Minibar Room Service Telephone Hairdryer Non-Smoking Rooms Available
Leisure facilities:	Swimming Pool Spa Parasailing Jacuzzi Fitness Centre Massage
Family Facilities:	Babysitting Service

Taman Safari : Where Wild Animals Roam Free

Taman Safari : Where Wild Animals Roam Free

If you like to observe wild animals like tigers, lions and crocodiles in their native habitat, then Taman Safari Indonesia is just for you.

Taman Safari Indonesia or the Indonesian Safari Park is a conservation center as well as a modern zoological garden with various collections of flora and fauna. In this Park, you will not only enjoy the beauty of it‘s nature, but also interact directly or watch the animals wander around freely. Visitors can also travel in this conservation area using their private car or a provided bus through these amazing wild habitats.
 
In Indonesia, Safari Parks are available in three provinces; Taman Safari I in Cisarua Bogor, West Java, Taman Safari II in Mount Arjuna, Prigen, East Java, and Taman Safari III (Bali Safari and Marine Park) in Serongga Gianyar, Bali. Among these three tourist sites, Taman Safari I in Bogor is the most famous site for domestic as well as foreign tourists.  It was built in 1930 and previously called Radio Safari Garden and Taman Safari Televisi Indonesia.  It is also a buffer zone for Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park and is situated 900 to 1,800 meters above sea level.

Taman Safari has a collection of animals from nearly all over the world and local animals such as komodos, rhinoceros, bisons, sun bears, white tigers, elephants, anoa, etc. There are more than 2,500 animals in Taman Safari Bogor with hundreds of species currently being maintained.
 
Upon entering Taman Safari Bogor, visitors will notice sensational shady trees and cool weather from Mount Gede Pangrango. It will certainly attract you to start your adventure in open nature.
 
Using cars, you will enter various habitats of tame and wild animals such as tigers, lions, komodo, bears and crocodiles.  Although you are not allowed to get out of your car or open your door or window, you still can see the animals activities closely.  Traveling with your children in this location will certainly be unforgetable. Don't forget to take pictures of these amazing animals.

After watching animals in their habitats, you can take your children to enjoy various animal attractions performed by orangutangs, dogs and even goats.  These attractions take  about half an hour.  You could also visit the bird park, animal education show, reptiles, baby zoo, elephant and horse riding, safari trek, and wild-wild west exhibits.
 
If your children like to see cowboys in action, then you could take them to the Wild-Wild West. It is a show in a cowboy-like setting. Especially if it's your children's first time to see Asian cowboys.

Another interesting venue to see is Baby Zoo, where you could cuddle animal babies and take their pictures. After visiting such venues, you could eat at one of the food vender stands.  Before going home, don't forget to buy souvenirs.

Travel Information

Travel Information

VISAS
All travelers to Indonesia must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, and have proof (tickets) of onward or return passage.

Visa-on-Arrival:
The Indonesian Government extends Visa on Arrival (VoA) to nationals of 63 countries which can be obtained at designated entry airports and sea ports. Visa-on-Arrival are valid for 30 days and are extendable with another 30 days to be applied at Immigration offices in Indonesia.

Please note that starting 26 January 2010, the 7-day Visa-on-Arrival has been discontinued.

Countries extended Visa-on-Arrival facility are:

1. Algeria, 2. Australia, 3.Argentina, 4. Austria, 5. Bahrain, 6. Belgium, 7. Brazil, 8. Bulgaria, 9. Cambodia, 10. Canada, 11. Cyprus, 12. Denmark, 13. Egypt, 14. Estonia, 15.Fiji, 16. Finland, 17.France, 18. Germany, 19.Greece 20.Hungary, 21.Iceland, 22.India, 23.Iran, 24. Ireland, 25.Italy, 26. Japan, 27.Kuwait, 28. Laos PDR, 29.Latvia, 30.Libya, 31. Lithuania, 32.Liechtenstein, 33. Luxemburg, 34. Malta, 35. Maldives, 36.Monaco, 37. Mexico, 38. New Zealand, 39. the Netherlands, 40. Norway, 41. Oman, 42. Panama, 43. The People’s Republic of China, 44.Poland, 45. Portugal, 46.Qatar, 47.Rumania, 48.Russia, 49.South Africa, 50.South Korea, 51.Switzerland, 52.Saudi Arabia, 53. South Africa, 54.Spain, 55.Suriname, 56.Sweden, 57.Slovakia, 58.Slovenia, 59.Taiwan, 60. Tunisia. 61.the United Arab Emirates, 62. the United Kingdom, 63. The United States of America.

Entry Ports Where Visa-on-Arrival May Be Issued are:

Airports:

        * Soekarno-Hatta in Jakarta
        * Ngurah Rai in Bali
        * Sultan Syarif Hasim in Pekanbaru
        * Minangkabau in Padang
        * Juanda in Surabaya and
        * Sam Ratulangi in Manado
        * Polonia in Medan
        * Hang Nadim in Batam
        * Halim Perdana Kusuma in Jakarta
        * Adi Sucipto in Jogjakarta
        * Adi Sumarmo in Surakarta
        * Husein Sastranegara in Bandung
        * Ahmad Yani in Semarang
        * Selaparang in Mataram
        * Ei-Tari in Kupang
        * Hasanuddin in Makassar
        * Sam Ratulangi in Manado
        * Sepinggan in Balikpapan
        * Supadio in Pontianak

Authorized seaports are at Batam: Sekupang, Batuampar, Nongsa, Marina, and Teluk Senimba, Bandar Bintan, Talani Lagoi, Tanjung Balai Karimun, and Bandar Sri Udana Labon in the Riau archipelago, Sri Bintan Pura in Tanjung Pinang;  Belawan port and Sibolga in North Sumatra, Yos Sudarso Tanjung Perak in Surabaya; Teluk Bayur of Padang; Tanjung Priok harbor at Jakarta; Padang Bai and Benoa ports in Bali; the port of Jayapura; Bitung; Tanjung Mas in Semarang, Central Java; Tenua and Maumere in East Nusa Tenggara, Pare-Pare and Soekarno Hatta port in South Sulawesi.

Free Tourist Visa
Free Tourist short stay visas for  30 days are extended to tourists from 12 countries, namely from Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Chile, Equador, Morocco and Peru,

VISA Application at Indonesia Embassies or Consulates

Visitors from other countries must apply for visa at Indonesia Embassies or Consulates in their home country. In addition, the visa cannot be replaced with any other immigration letters. The visa shall then be administered by Visa Officer in the presence of the applicant concerned.

You may find information on Indonesia embassies and consulates contact details at the Ministry of Foreign Affair website on the following direct link: www.deplu.go.id

Free entry visa is also provided to delegates registered in a conference that is officially convened. In addition, tourist visa can be obtained from every Indonesian Embassy or Consulate. You can visit Indonesia through certain means and gates, by air via Jakarta, Bali, Medan, Manado, Biak, Ambon, Surabaya and Batam; by sea via Semarang, Jakarta, Bali, Pontianak, Balikpapan, Tanjung Pinang and Kupang. Maximum stay in Indonesia is two months.

Airport Tax
An airport tax of Rp150,000 is levied by airports on departing passengers on international flights and Rp.25,000 for those on domestic routes.

Tipping
Most hotels add a 10% service charge to the bill on top of the 10% tax. In restaurants where service charge is not added, a tip of 5 to 10% on the bill will be appropriate depending on the service and type of establishment.

Customs
Maximum items allowed by customs when you visit Indonesia:

        * 1 liter of alcoholic beverages
        * 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 100 grams of tobacco
        * Reasonable amount of perfume per adult, meaning if you arrive drenched in perfume the customs probably will not mind you carrying loads of bottles.
        * Cameras, video cameras, portable radios, cassette recorders, binoculars and sport equipments are admitted provided they are taken out on departure. They must be declared to Customs.
        * You are prohibited to carry:
        * Firearms
        * Narcotics drugs
        * Pornography materials
        * Chinese printing and medicines
        * Transceivers and cordless telephone
        * Films, pre-recorded video tapes, laser discs, VCDs, DVDs must be screened by Censor Board.
        * Import or export of foreign currencies and travelers’ checks are allowed. However, the import and export of Indonesia currency, exceeding 100 million Rupiah is prohibited.

Further information on customs and taxes in Indonesia, log into www.beacukai.go.id

Arion Swiss-Belhotel Bandung

Arion Swiss-Belhotel Bandung

The Finest Boutique Hotel in Bandung

Arion Swiss-Belhotel Bandung Hotel is your perfect home away from home complemented with Swiss-Belhotel International brand of service. This four-star international hotel in Bandung is your preferred choice accommodation in Bandung.

Arion Swiss-Belhotel Bandung Hotel has 103 guestrooms including Deluxe, Business, Family Suite, Business Suite, Junior Suite, and Presidential Suite. All rooms are elegantly designed and well appointed with a host of modern amenities making your accommodation in Bandung a comfortable one.

Address	:	Jl. Otto Iskandardinata No.16 Bandung 40171
Phone	:	(62-22) 424 0000
Fax	:	(62-22) 426 6280
Email	:	info@arion-swiss-belhotel.com
Website	:	http://bandung.swiss-belhotel.com/

Dragon Village

Dragon Village

If you are tired of life in a metropolitan city with its sky scrapers, you should take a few days off to stay in the Dragon village within Neglasari village, Salawu sub-district, Tasikmalaya, West Java.

This 1.5 hectares village is still 'green' and not influenced by modernization. Some 311 people live in this village. You will have to take several hundred steps to cover the villages over 500 meters. You will see hundreds of high ebony trees, large green paddy fields and the long Ciwulang river. In addition, you will feel the cool air and sounds of river waterflows in the distance.

Flights to Indonesia

Flights to Indonesia

Flying is often the quickest and most convenient way to get around Indonesia and with 61 international and domestic airports serving all major cities the country is well serviced by many air carriers.

A number of international airlines fly to Indonesia's main international airports in Jakarta, Denpasar, and Medan. Jakarta is serviced by the Soekarno-Hatta Airport situated 20 kilometres northwest of the city. The Soekarno-Hatta international airport is the hub of Indonesia's huge aviation network and hosts a numbers of international and domestic airlines including Indonesia's own Garuda Indonesia, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, EVA Air, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Royal Brunei, and Thai International, KLM and Lufthansa.

Other domestic airlines flying from and to Indonesia's capital city include Lion Air, Batavia Air, Mandala Airlines, Merpati Nusantara, Sriwijaya Air, and Indonesia Air Asia and other Low Cost Carriers (LCCs).

The other major international airport of Indonesia is the Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali, situated 15km from the main town of Denpasar that serves flights direct from Australia, Asia and Europe. A number of international airlines also fly direct to Medan, Padang, Bandung, Surabaya, Solo, and Manado from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.

Garuda Indonesia, Indonesia's prime national airline provides flights to the country from 24 international destinations including Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Sydney, Melbourne, Jeddah, Singapore, Shanghai, Guangzhou (Canton), Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Dubai and Amsterdam. Over the next four years Garuda intends to expand its network in Europe to include destinations such as Frankfurt, London, Paris and Rome.

Other airlines providing international flights to Indonesia include:
Air Asia; Cathay Pacific; Emirates; Etihad; Kuwait Airways; SilkAir; Tiger Airways; Transaero Airlines; Valuair; Thai Air; China Southern Airlines; Korean Air; and many more.

With so many airlines flying to Indonesia, it's worth your while to shop around for the best price for your flight.

Among the Gods at Dieng Plateau

Among the Gods at Dieng Plateau

The name ‘dieng’ which literally translates as ‘abode of the Gods’ says all you need to know about this collection small ancient temples set in the  remarkable volcanic landscape of the Dieng Plateau. The misty location, sulphurous springs and colored lakes truly make this a place of natural wonder and cultural significance. 

Come here and you will be transported back to ancient times. The temples are remnants from the glorious period of the Hindu empire in Java dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries. Standing on a plateau 2,000 meters (6,500 ft) above sea level, it is the extraordinary setting of these temples which make them most remarkable. It is believed that this place was chosen as the sacred location because of the spectacular landscape.

Paris van Java "Bandung-West Java"

Paris van Java "Bandung-West Java" 

Ever wondered why some foreigners like to vacation in Indonesia? Indonesia has some of the most famous beautiful place. One of these beautiful places is Bandung.

Bandung is the capital city of West Java. The locals' people know West Java Province as the Land of Sunda. This province has its own unique culture and language, both called Sundanese which is also used to call its people.

Bandung is located about 180 km (112 miles) southeast Jakarta. The city is situated on a plateau 768 meters above sea level with a cool climate throughout the year, with the surroundings of lush and beautiful Parahyangan mountains makes the climate mild and pleasant. The scenery is attractive and rolling hills lead up to higher mountains, portraying a bucolic charm and peacefulness, many Bandung Hotels has spectacular view of the whole valley where Bandung is situated. Bandung Travel road from Jakarta to Bandung passes through a beautiful panorama of mountains. 

Bromo Tengger Semeru

TENGGER HIGHLAND: An ancient caldera; the highest one in Java. Right in the middle of a sea of sand stands four peaks of mountains. According to Esther (1980 et all) formerly Mount Tengger was a very large mountain with a peak of 4.000 meters above sea level. About one and a half million years ago a very large caldera of 8-10 km Mount Tengger; there was a major explosion which formed activities did not stop.
Now the remains of the previous mountain are there to see in the highlands such as: Mt. Bromo (2.392m), Mt. Batok (2.400m), Mt. Widodaren (2.614 m), Mt. Watangan (2.601 m), Mt. Kursi (2.581 m), and wide laut Pasir (sea of sand) caused by its eruption.

Tengger highland itself consists of some beautiful attractions can't be miss such as Tengger Caldera. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is popular because of its unique and spectacular natural phenomena and it is easy to enjoy it from a relatively close position.

“Sempu” The Undiscovered Island

“Sempu” The Undiscovered Island

Find it virgin, clean, calm, and absolutely beautiful it should be the first sight of Sempu Exotic Island. Peaceful place, isolated from outside world then it would be your next destination on your Marvelous Malang travel. The lagoon which called Segara Anakan in the middle of Sempu Island will remind you on the Glenrock (Australia), it have white sand, blue calm clear water, high rock on the other side with splashing water from the Indian Ocean will give you the best feeling you ever had.

Sempu Island actually is a natural conservation area which is located on Tambakrejo village, Sumbermanjing Wetan (about 60 km from Malang). Find also the wild life just like deer’s, black monkeys, boars, and panthers. You can find this natural island by boat trip from Sendang Biru Beach the largest fish landing spot along the southern beach of Java Island.

One of the best Ecotourism spot of Java Island is Sempu Island, it also be the place to preserve the wild life in it. The topography of the island is for almost 50% made up of hilly plains, with slopes ranging from average to steep, at altitudes of 50 to 100 meters above sea level.

Find the best ecotourism spot with a real adventure, no electricity, no signal for your cell phone, sun block is important, outdoor camping utilities need here, and also bring your own drinking water.

Find more interesting Indonesia Tourism Spot just see our website Malang Emporium

 

Traditonal Cruise and/ or River Cruise: a proposal based on Historical and Cultural Background

Presented by Harry Waluyo

ASEAN Cruise Working Group in Lao PDR, 23 April 2008

Background

Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia are rooted from Austronesia language groups; Viet Nam, Thai, Khmer, Myanmar, Lao are part of Mon-Khmer language groups. Those language groups are rooted from Proto-Austronesia since 5 thousand years ago.
This article is downloadable



Files to download:

• 3862_1232-FinalTraditionalCruiseinSouthEastAsianCountries.doc (44 KB)

Source : http://www.budpar.go.id/page.php?ic=643&id=3862

Bunaken Sail

Bunaken Sail

Ever fancy yourself being a mermaid? Being able to swim along with other creatures of the sea , moving to the rhythm of the waves? In the Bunaken Marine Park, you will encounter a real “mermaid”, and you can also get a glimpse of sea life here.

Bunaken is an 8.08 km² island in the Bay of Manado, situated in the north of the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Bunaken forms part of the administrative city of Manado , capital of North Sulawesi. The marine Park around Bunaken is part of the National Park that also includes the ocean around the island of Manado Tua – or Old Manado, Siladen and Mantehage.

Within the Bunaken Marine Park, visitors can see various strange and colorful marine life along its sea bed. To reach this park, you can take a motorboat. The journey from Manado takes around 40 minutes. Entrance fee is 25,000 rupiahs per person per visit.

Baluran National Park

Baluran National Park

This park is a forest preservation area that extends about 25.000 ha on the north coast of East Java. The location is in Sumberwaru village, Banyuwangi district, Situbondo (on the east border of Java Island). You can enjoy the panorama of savannah and mount Baluran (inactive volcano) in the center of area that becomes habitat of many exotic animals such as wild pigs, deer, peacocks, wild chicken, some species of monkeys and also bulls as the protected animals in the area.

You can enjoy the amazing scenery of the forest and do the safari activities in the wild life and feel the magic of the forest. This park is so unique because 15 km from the main entrance, you can find a beautiful white beach called Bama Beach, here in the habiat of coral reef, fish and mangrove.

You also can observe hundreds species of birds such as hornbills, peacocks and bulbuls. If you like to observe the tropical forest vegetation, the park is a heaven for many species of trees, plants and flowers such as pecan nut trees, Maja, Gadung, Java tamarind trees and mount Widara.

Affordable Travel - How to Have a Great Vacation Without Going Broke

Affordable Travel - How to Have a Great Vacation Without Going Broke

I have two weeks of vacation each year. My goal for at least one of them is to have the kind of trip that gets me away from my life and lets me forget the password to my work computer. Travel is a bit of an obsession for me. And a potentially costly one, which is why affordability is always important. Over the years, I have picked up a few tips that have allowed me to indulge my passion without going broke.

1. Research-Thorough research is the single best money saver around. Part of what I love about my trips is the planning and plotting that goes into them ahead of time. Once the destination is chosen, I devote a few hours each week to learning everything I can about wherever I am going. Get your PhD at the University of Google.

2. Book Early-Most of the truly great deals disappear quickly. From airfare to hotel reservations, planning in advance can save you hundreds. For people with extra flexibility in their travel days, waiting for potential last-minute bargains may be worthwhile, but many do not have the luxury of leaving transportation and lodging plans to chance.

3. Membership Discounts-Oftentimes, professional or personal affiliations will offer discounted rates on cars, hotels, or attractions. While it may seem obvious that some car insurance companies would have deals on car rentals, you may be surprised to find that your membership in a work association or professional certification group has benefits as well. Take the time to check them out.

4. Cost Compare-Never jump on the first rate quoted. Always check the airline's website for rates on the same flights that are offered through Orbitz, Expedia, or other discount ticket site. For hotels, consider need versus want. My only requirements for a hotel are that it be clean, safe, and close to what I want to see. While spa and concierge services may be nice, if staying in a hotel that offers them means a bigger dent in my vacation budget, it is not worth it. Plus, most of the high-end hotels charge for breakfast. Why pay for that when so many offer it for free nowadays?

5. Calculate Transportation Costs-Renting a car is not always the way to go. Public transportation can often be cheaper, especially if you are staying somewhere within a short cab ride or walking distance of everything you want to see. It will also save the hassle of parking and dealing with rental return counters. Most hotels in all price ranges have shuttles that will take you to and from the airport. Spend your money enjoying your vacation instead of renting parking space.

6. Reward Programs-Airlines, hotels, credit cards. Everyone has a reward program these days. For the fiscally-disciplined, charging monthly expenses on a miles-earning visa then paying the balance in full each month is a fantastic way to earn free airfare. Most chain hotels offer free stays after a few paid nights, and programs like Southwest Airline's Rapid Rewards offer achievable and usable free flights. Always read the fine print. Good programs exist, but restrictions may apply and being informed is your best defense against unwelcome surprises.

7. Skip the Souvenirs-Easier said than done for some people, but I see every knickknack as a dent in my travel budget and lost space in my suitcase. Your friends and family do not need t-shirts from every place you visit, even if they are 3 for $10. Save your money and take pictures. Lots of pictures. Transfer to a thumb drive when you get home to view on your laptop or digital frame. Play on a loop so you can relive your adventures anytime you want. Of course there will be some things that you really cannot live without, but if you are not buying every single thing you see you will feel good about the occasional splurge.

8. Make it a Priority-Travel brings so many great things to my life that I do what I can to channel every extra penny I have in its direction. People get intimidated by what they assume will be out of control costs. Look into it and run the numbers. You may be surprised to see that something as simple as cutting down on the takeout and the Starbucks will, in time, allow you to plan a getaway to remember. All it takes is a little research and a willingness to be flexible with the extras. A simple change of scenery even a few short hours from home can do wonders. Get out there and make it happen!

Patti Gallagher is the owner of EverydayTravelCafe, a website dedicated to exploring vacations and getaway opportunities in the Pacific Northwest. http://www.everydaytravelcafe.com

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

Travel Information Do's and Dont's

Travel Information Do's and Dont's

Indonesia has several traditions and customs and it is best if you know them beforehand. Some of them are:

• Even though hand shaking is deemed appropriate between men and women, bear in mind that a number of Muslim women prefer to introduce themselves to men by nodding their head, smiling, and clasping their hands without any physical contact.
• Traditionally, when you greet someone, both hands are used when shaking, without grasping.
• It is considered polite to make a phone call first before visiting.
• Shoes must be taken off before entering a house or place of worship like mosques.
• Usually drinks are offered to guests. It is polite to accept.
• When eating, receiving or giving something, always use your right hand. Right index finger should not be used to point a place, items or people. Use the right hand thumb and fold the remaining fingers to be more polite.

• Taking photographs of houses of worships is allowed, however permission should be asked first whenever possible, especially if you want to take pictures of the interior.
• Most Indonesian Muslims do not consume alcoholic drinks and pork.
• Hence, the tradition of proposing a toast to honor someone is not generally known.

TRAVEL TIPS

• Plan your budget and choose your destination carefully. Indonesia is vast—each region has its own quirks and possibilities. For instance, if you plan to have some adventure in rugged terrains, it’s advisable to come on dry season for rains might make your paths muddy.
• Make sure you find as many information as possible concerning Indonesia, especially about the visa.
• Have sufficient cash ready, usually US$ is preferred. It can easily be exchanged in airports, hotels, banks or reputable money changers. Customs might ask you to show how much money you bring.
• Dress sufficiently. If you are female, make sure you dress accordingly. Skimpy clothing's in public area, save from beaches and pools, might warrant unwanted attention.

Source : http://www.indonesia.travel/en/travel-information/do-dont

Ministry to Monitor Merapi and Mentawai Disaster

Ministry of Culture and Tourism continuous to monitor the natural disaster happened, Mentawai Tsunami in the Mentawai islands, West Sumatera, and Merapis volcanic eruption in Sleman, Yogyakarta.

Head of Information and PR Center, I Gusti Ngurah Putra said, from the reliable information being gained from each location, indicated that until this time there is no foreign tourists victim in the two disasters.

When tsunami struck Mentawai islands, there were about 15 foreign tourists in Makaronis Resort, located at South Pagai Bay, Mentawai, the epicenter of the tsunami. They were right away rescued by surfing boat, that was in the location, so there were no casualties claimed I Gusti Ngurah Putra at recently meeting with journalists at the Sapta Pesona Building, Thursday (28/10).

I Gusti Ngurah Putra said, one of surfing operator in Mentawai resort, reported when tsunami struck, there were two foreign flagged surfing vessels, Freedom and Mydas, in front of Makaronis Resort, at South Pagai bay. Both vessels were collided led to Mydas burnt out. On that accident, there were no casualties, except the unsaved Mydas vessel.

Meanwhile, Merapis disaster caused the Kaliadem tourist area, at Cangkringan, Sleman severely damaged, while Kaliurang tourist area is currently closed. The reports indicated, there are no foreign tourists killed or injured in the disaster.

As we know, Mentawai Islands is tourist destination which is known as world class surfing site, while Mount Merapi is the most active volcanic Mountain the world, attracting many trackers and Volcanic Mountain climbers. Both Mentawai Islands and Merapi are enthused by those special interest tourists. 

Sources : http://www.budpar.go.id/page.php?ic=612&id=5721

Countries Granted with Visa on Arrival

1. Argentine
2. Australia
3. Austria
4. Bahrain
5. Belgium

6. Bulgary
7. Brazilia
8. Cambodia9. Canada
10. Cyprus
11. Denmark
12. Egypt
13. Estonia
14. Finland
15. France
16. Germany
17. Greek
18. Hungary
19. India
20. Iran
21. Ireland
22. Islandia
23. Italy
24. Japan
25. Lao PDR
26. Liechtenstein
27. Luxemburg
28. Maldives
29. Malta
30. Mexico
31. Monaco
32. Nederland

33. New Zealand
34. Norway
35. Oman
36. People's Republic of China
37. Poland
38. Portugal
39. Qatar

40. Quwait
41. Russia
42. Saudi Arabia

43. South Africa
44. South Korea
45. Spain
46. Suriname
47. Swedia
48. Switzerland
49. Taiwan
50. United Arab Emirates
51. United Kingdom
52. United States of America
53. Aljazair
54. Tunisia
55. Romania
56. Lithuania
57. Panama
58. Libya
59. Latvia
60. Czech Republic
61. Slovakia
62. Fiji
63. Slovenia

Rate:

• 7 days : US$ 10
• 30 days : US$ 25

Indonesia Travel Tips

Indonesia Travel Tips
Immigration Weather Transports Communication and Electricity Shopping & Tipping Hospitals
Food and Health Banks and Money Changers Embassies and Consulates Clothing and Manners
Office Hours Foreign Exchange

Immigration

Visas are required except for the nationals of 48 countries namely Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom (Great Britain), United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Venezuela, Yugoslavia and Taiwanese holding MFA//M passports. The visa requirement is also waived for other nationals from friendly countries, attending a conference which has received official approval.

Visa free entry is for maximum of 60 days and is not extendable. Entry and departure must be through the airports of Polonia (Medan), Simpang Tiga (Pekanbaru), Hang Nadim (Batam), Tabing (Padang), Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta), Husein Sastranegara (Bandung), Juanda (Surabaya), Adisumarmo (Solo), Ngurah Rai (Denpasar), Eltari (Kupang), Supadio (Pontianak), Sepingan (Balikpapan), Sam Ratulangi (Manado), Pattimura (Ambon), Hasanuddin (Makassar), Selaparang (Mataram), and Frans Kaisiepo (Biak), and the seaports of Belawan (Medan), Batu Ampar and Sekupang (Batam), Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), Tanjung Mas (Semarang), Tanjung Perak (Surabaya), Benoa and Padangbai (Bali), Bitung (North Sulawesi), Ambon (Maluku), and Tanjung Pinang (Bintan). There is only one land gateway, Entikong in West Kalimantan.

For other ports of arrival or departure, visitors must have visas, For others, tourist visas for thirty days can be obtained form any Indonesian embassy or consulate. Two photographs are required and a small fee is charged. Possession of passports is a must to all visitors to Indonesia valid for at least six months with proof of onward passage, either return or through tickets.


Transports
There are metered taxis in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Solo, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Bali and Lampung. For air-conditioned taxis flag falls are Rp.2,000 (Rp. 900 for each additional kilometer) and Rp. 3,000 (Rp. 1,300 for each additional kilometer). For Silverbird flagfall is Rp. 3,500 and Rp. 1,500 for each additional km. Hire cars are available and rates differ form area to area and it is best to ask the transportation desk of your hotel for information concerning rates and distances.

From Soekarno-Hatta airport to Jakarta city, taxis add a surcharge ranging from Rp. 7,500/Rp. 9,000/Rp. 10,000 depending on the destination and the road tolls of Rp. 7,000. There are also Soekarno-Hatta International Airport buses which run every 20 minutes to five different points in the city. For those heading for the major hotels in the city center, take the bus to Gambir, a railway station, which is five to ten minutes away by taxi from the hotels. Bus fare is Rp, 5,000 per person plus luggage. At other airports there are transport counters with fixed fares for taxis.

Other forms of transport in Indonesia are bajaj for two passengers, small buses which ply regular routes, the man-driven pedicab "becak," all of which need advanced bargaining to come to a mutually accepted fare. Buses are very crowded, particularly in the cities and routes need to be identified. Trains traverse the island of Java and part of Sumatra. Fares are comparatively cheap but higher on air-conditioned express trains running between major cities.
Garuda Indonesia has an extensive network throughout the country. To all major cities on the archipelago, Garuda had daily services. Garuda services are supplemented by those of Merpati Nusantara, Bouraq, and Mandala, Lion Air, Awair and Pelita.


Communication and Electricity

Long distance calls within Indonesia are by direct dial. International Direct Dial (IDD) is available from major cities and hotels to 240 countries. Long Distance, IDD and facsimile services are also available at the telecommunications offices (Wartel) in major cities and hotels. Internet service is not a difficult things to find in big cities public internet services (Warnet). Most hotels in big cities use 220 volts 50 cycles and a two-pronged plug. However, some hotels in the provinces may still be using 110 volts. It is better to check before using an appliance.

Weather
Indonesia has two seasons, the dry season from June to October and the rainy season from November to March. There are occasional showers during the transitional periods and the general maximum temperature is 33°C (62°F) and the general minimum 21°C (41°F). Humidity is high at all times.

Customer

Customs allow on entry a maximum of one liter of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco and a reasonable amount of perfume per adult. Cameras, video cameras, portable radios, cassette recorders, binoculars and sport equipment are admitted provided they are taken out on departure. They must be declared to Customs. Prohibited are firearms, narcotics drugs, pornography, Chinese printing and medicines, transceivers and cordless telephones. Films, pre-recorded video tapes and laser disks must be screened by the Censor Board.

There is no restriction on import or export of foreign currencies and travelers checks, however, the import and export of Indonesian currency exceeding Rp. 5 million is prohibited. Airport authority levies an airport tax of Rp. 50.000 for travelers on international routes and Rp. 11,000 for those on domestic routes.

Shopping and Tipping

At most hotels a service charge of 10% is added to the bill. In restaurants where a service charge is not additional, a tip of 5 to 10% would be appropriate depending on the service and type of establishment. An airport or hotel porter expects Rp. 5,000 per bag.

Tipping taxi drivers Rp. 1,000 or leaving the change is appreciated but not mandatory. It is advisable to carry small change as taxi drivers are often short of change. The big cities have shopping complexes, supermarkets and department stores where prices are fixed. They stay open from 8.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. everyday and some even on Sunday. At small shops bargaining might be necessary.

Food and Health
The Indonesian staple food is rice steamed boiled or fried. Some accompanying dishes can be pepper hot - big red pepper or small green ones - so it is advisable to ask before ordering. Please be inform to also ask the price before ordering. There are many restaurants specializing in European, American and Oriental cuisine including the fast food restaurants.

A variety of beverages (both imported or locals) are available everywhere including very good Indonesian beer. Keep to bottled drinks if doubtful of water served in restaurants. Travelers coming from infected areas are required to submit International certificates of valid smallpox, cholera and yellow vaccinations.

Weekly hotels top five of five - Indonesia

Indonesia's tourism suffered another setback this week with the eruption of Mount Merapi, which displaced hundreds of thousands and caused disruption to flights to and from the country.

It will hopefully be the last incident in a difficult decade for Indonesia - despite an initial surge is tourism during the first part of the decade, visitor numbers to the country fell dramatically after the 2002 Bali bombings, and struggled to recover for several years after.

Since 2007 though, numbers have risen steadily, soaring to nearly 6.5 million visitors last year.

Singaporeans and Australians make up the majority of Indonesia's visitors, which are more often than not from the surrounding South East Asian regions, although the number of visitors from Europe has been growing steadily thanks to international promotion of the country as a tourism hotspot.

Jakarta

Despite competition from well-known brands such as Mandarin Oriental and Grand Hyatt, the Hotel Mulia Senayan was pick for both leisure and business travelers, with travelers describing it as "simply the best in class of Jakarta hotels."

1 Hotel Mulia Senayan
2 Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta
3 The Dharmawangsa
4 Grand Hyatt Jakarta
5 Ritz-Carlton Jakarta

Average price of top five $207 - $285 / €150 - €207

Bali

Bali is a world-famous destination and its luxury resorts have prices to match. The Samaya Bali was the most popular resort, with travelers saying "Best place I have ever stayed."

1 The Samaya Bali
2 Spa Village Resort Tembok Bali
3 Komaneka at Monkey Forest
4 Komaneka at Tanggayuda
5 The Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah, Ubud

Average price of top five $312 - $535 / €227 - €389

Sumatra

Indonesia's largest island offers buzzing cities such as Medan and incredible scenery if you're prepared to venture out into the rainforest. Paridiso Village in Padang was described as "amazing."

1 Paradiso Village
2 JW Marriott Hotel Medan
3 Grand Swiss-Belhotel Medan
4 Aryaduta Hotel Medan
5 Rasa Seni Hotel Resort

Average price of top five $75 - $122 / €54 - €89

Lombok

Lombok boasts an excellent selection of good value luxury retreats, which were topped by the luxury Oberoi Lombok.

1 The Oberoi Lombok
2 Qunci Villas Hotel
3 Puri Mas Boutique Resort & Spa
4 Hotel Tugu Lombok 4.5 of 5 stars
5 Alang-Alang Boutique Beach Hotel

Average price of top five $158 - $328 / €115 - €238

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan has become a popular stop on the tourist trial and holds the dubious honor of being the smallest island in the world to boast an Irish pub. The Luce d'Alma Resort & Spa came out top, with guests praising the staff and rooms.

1 Luce d'Alma Resort & Spa
2 Villa Grasia Resort & Spa
3 Danima Resort & Restaurant
4 Alam Gili
5 Blu d'Amare

Average price unavailable

 

Visit South Sulawesi 2012

Visit South Sulawesi 2012

South Sulawesi Tourism Agency is calling on local regencies/cities governments to prepare their agenda for the Visit South Sulawesi 2012 event by the end of this coming December at the latest. “There is only one year left to prepare Visit South Sulawesi 2012,” warned the Secretary of South Sulawesi Tourism Agency, Yulianus Batara, in Makassar yesterday.

He said the regions that have prepared new tourism activities are Makassar, Gowa, Maros, Bulukumba, and Palopo. “We are still waiting for other regions to submit their the end of the year,” he said.

Yulianus said that they must it prepare well and all regencies/cities are asked to design activities that can attract foreign tourists. “The prioritized tourism activities must be related to local culture,” he said.
To support the preparation, the South Sulawesi Tourism Agency proposed a promotion fund on the revised regional budget in the amount of Rp 300 million. “I hope that the legislature approves it,” he said.

In addition, he said that the Tourism department will also cooperate with travel agencies in South Sulawesi and abroad.

Foreign tourists are expected to come from Europe, such as the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and France and also from Asia, such as China, Singapore and Malaysia.”Many tourists from those countries have visited South Sulawesi,” he said.

The Culture and Tourism Department has targeted 50.000 foreign tourists in 2012, higher than the 2010 target of 40.000.

The Head of Makassar Tourism Agency, Rusmayani Majid, said that Makassar has several excellent tourism agendas to support the Visit South Sulawesi 2012 program. “We had the Visit Makassar 2011, earlier than South Sulawesi,” he said.

One of the programs to attract tourists is the ethnic Chinese Cap Go Meh celebration. There are also the maritime activities, such as jet ski and sailboat races. “In total, there are around 15 tourism activities,” he said.

The Head of Wajo tourism, Jasman Juanda, said that the program they prioritize for Visit South Sulawesi Year will be silk weaving festival

It is chosen because Wajo is the biggest silk producer in South Sulawesi. Besides the weaving festival, there will also be a silk fashion show competition.

“There are more than 10 programs,” he said. Preparations are expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Tourism in Flores

Tourism in Flores

Tourism in Flores Located east of Sumbawa and Komodo and west of Lembata and the Alor Archipelago, Flores offers many great tourist destinations. The most famous tourist destination in Flores is Kelimutu; three coloured lakes in the district of Ende and close to the town of Moni. These crater lakes are in the caldera of a volcano and have highly acidic water as a result of a volcanic gas source in the caldera. These coloured lakes change colors on an irregular basis, depending on the oxidation state of the lake from bright red through green and blue.

Flores offers good snorkeling and diving locations along its north coast such as Maumere and Riung. However, due to the destructive practice of local fishermen using bombs to fish, and locals selling shells to tourists, combined with the after effects of a devastating tsunami in 1992, the reefs have slowly been destroyed.

Labuanbajo, a town on the northwestern tip of Flores serves as a base for tourists, from where they can visit Komodo and Rinca Island. Labuanbajo also attracts scuba divers, as whale sharks inhabit the waters around Labuanbajo. Flores also has great culture, you can visit Luba and Bena villages to see traditional houses in Flores. Larantuka, on the isle's eastern end, is known for its Holy Week festivals.

The Seven Giant Waves Wonder of Plengkung Beach (G-Land)

Plengkung is known as one of the best surfing beaches in the world. The most popular name for surfers is “G-Land”. It derived from Grajagan beach, name of the bay where the huge waves were found at south of Banyuwangi. It is a long stretch of deserted white sand; where jungle country runs down to meet rolling surf. It attracts many surfers from neighboring Bali, especially during the months of July and August, which are said to be the best time for surfing. Available some simple cottages and jungle camp by the beach, where the visitors could stay foe few days and taste the different feeling. Plengkung is located at Alas Purwo National Park on the 87 km south coast of Banyuwangi.

In Plengkung beach you can enjoy waves as high as 4-6 meters, and it would match for the professional surfers. But don’t have to worry if you are beginner surfers, just go to Batu Lawang beach. In this beach the waves called “twenty-twenty”, which means twenty minutes to paddle and the next twenty minutes to enjoy the wave.

Alas Purwo National Park is not also the surfer paradise, but you can find other excitement here. Just take our adventure trip, then we will take you on real adventure life, observing wildlife, then you will find also many mystical caves like Istana Cave, Putri Cave, Padepokan Cave, and then the Macan Cave as the most mystical ones. How about the unique and mystical old temple which named Giri Seloka, you can find it here.

Lombok The Undiscovered Island

Lombok may not be as well known as Bali, but it has the other great and marvelous taste as Bali have. Deep blue seas, the unique blending of Islamic and Hindu cultures, cool waterfalls in green mountains glens, from them all you can find it all in one island.

Beaches
Seger Beach, Kuta, it is around 70 km from Mataram. And this beach is the chief venue of the Nyale festival which takes place in February or March each year. Hundreds of local gather on the beach, when night falls, fires are built and the young people sit around competing with each other in rhyming couplets. Theatrical dances, stick fighting and other kind of local cultural shows can be seen here. At dawn the next day, the first Nyale a caught, after which it is time for the Sasak teenagers to have fun. In colorful procession boys and girls sail out to sea in different boats chase one another with lots of noise and laughter.
Seger is a right reef break, with the occasional left off the peak. A good place when the swell drops, on mid tides and offshore winds this can be a great spot, with short tubes and bowly walls ready for any move you can think of.

Tanjung Aan, it is around 5 km from Kuta. The sea displays various shades of green and blue; pure white sands and a cluster of stony outcrops welcome us. One side of Tanjung Aan has fine white sand, and the other side large black grains like peppercorns.

Pantai Senggigi, it is the most popular beach. You can see the sun set, surfing, watching the sun set with the silhouette of Bali’s Gunung Agung in the distance. In the night you can find lively night life here, dozens of cafes and pubs along Jalan Raya Senggigi and Senggigi Plaza.
Traveling further north, you can find three marvelous islands ( Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air) with the beautiful beach on it.

Gili Trawangan, the largest and furthest of the three gili, Trawangan has the most complete range of accommodation, restaurants, and pubs. For who tend to prefer a bit more privacy you can visit Gili Meno or Gili Air. Gili Meno is the most serene; you can engage in water sports or simply laze in hammock on the beach, caressed by cool sea breezes, or walk in the fine white sand that surrounds the island.
Gili Air, is full of young foreign couples. You can view the underwater wonders of Gili Air without getting wet by taking a cruise in a glass bottom boat, or you can choose snorkeling. Along the shore at depths from one to six meters you can feast your eyes on blue and yellow kima (clams) of various sizes, blue coral the size of a small table, tiger fish, moon fish, and many other colorful species of tropical fish.
You can also take a Gili Air tour by cidomo, it takes only around 45 minutes to circumnavigate the dry, you can see cattle and goat grazing, and vast expanses of sea in many shades.

Traditional Villages
Find the sade Hamlet in the Rambitan area, it is the oldest Sasak village in South Lombok. Discover the uniqueness on their houses; the houses are on two levels. The three stairs symbolize the teachings of the local religion, a syncretistic blend of Islam, Hinduism and animism. The floor of the houses is made of a mixture of earth and rice stalks, which is freshened up once a month with ox dung to keep the dust down.
Another traditional Sasak village is Senaru, it around 80 km from Mataram. This village is the last stopover for those who plan to climb Rinjani Mountain from the Senaru route. This village is much more peaceful and natural, the house are different too, the roofs are thatched but without high peaks. The interiors are on only one level, with one wide space divided into sleeping area and kitchen.

Culture
Lingsar temple is the largest and oldest in Lombok, built in 1714. It symbolized harmony among the religions, it used as a place of worship both by Hindus and by the Sasak followers of Wektu Telu.
The Perang Topat or Pujawali festival in November or December is the largest festival celebrated here. This festival was first held to venerate the wali who brought Islam to Lombok, but nowadays people from all ethnic and religious groups from throughout take apart.

Natural Greenery
Although much of island is parched, Lombok is also blessed with dozens of waterfalls in the cool mountain areas. The best known waterfall is Sendang Gile, in north Lombok. Lying at 600 meters above sea level, this waterfall is said to be able to cure many ailments.
Above the Sendang Gile is another waterfrall, Tiu Kelep with natural ponds in which tourist often bathe – a welcome treat after the one hour – hike to get there.

Journey Into The Deeps

As popular tourist destinations in Indonesia, East Java has many tourist attractions, such as natural, cultural and special interest one. It also has many karts areas and calcified hill that make natural caves of thousands or billions years ago.
Enjoy your journey to the center of the earth…….

Akbar Cave in Tuban
It is a cave that has uniqueness and special characteristics compared with the other caves in Indonesia. That uniqueness is visible from its interesting and charming space. Tuban down town that is why town is called as thousand cave town. There is also an alley in the cave going to underground of river, in which its water is very clean and there are various fishes living there.

Maharani Cave
Maharani cave is one of natural miracles found accidentally by some diggers of substance phosphate on 6th of August, 1992. It has a millions of beauty stays in the dept of 25 meters from land surface with the cavity cave for the width of 2500 m2. Experts in cave and visitors tell that Maharani is the same as famous caves in the world, such as Altamira in Spain, Mamouth and Carlsbad in America and also Coranche in France.

Embultuk Cave
Embultuk cave is a natural cave; it has a beautiful view when you enter the cave along 1-5 kilometers. You will see very charming stalactite and stalagmite and the sound of streaming water along the cave. When you entering this cave you should prepare the clothe change, because it have to pass the river about one meter deep. Just an amazing experience you got here.

Langseh Cave
There is almost no stalactite and stalagmite in this cave, but there are a million interesting stories in the cave which is close to the resettlement. It has great long stories about nine saints (wali songo).

Gong Cave
What a great cave here, besides having beautiful stalagmite and stalactite this cave also has four water sources that have mystics for those who believe in. This cave is often used as a place for meditation for them who want to pray for God. Gong cave has nominated as most beautiful cave in South East Asia which can catch the eyes of domestic and foreign tourist. The cave it self was equipped with the air conditioner that makes tourist feel comfortable.

















Ngerong Cave
Ngerong cave is a cave that is a lot of dwelt by hundreds of bats, from caves mouth emits a stream of the very clear river, so we can see thousands of fish having bizarre exasperation that is like to eat the wedge of the Randu tree and do not run when visitors hold.

Selomangleng Cave
There is no stalactite and stalagmite in Selomangleng Cave, stone hill forming alley it is said place of axle journal Kediri’s king at 10th century. In the cave there are ordinary relief inscriptions or old world’s omission temple. Interesting relief is picture of story of Arjuna Wiwaha and a inscription in the form af ancient characters in stone.

Lowo Cave
This beautiful cave with its stalactites and stalagmites consists of nine big rooms. There have been built bridge and completed with the electric lightings and children plays, a very wide parking area outside the cave. According to the expert (Mr. Robert Kingstone Kho and Gilbert Manthovani) Lowo cave is one of the biggest caves in Asia and it is very beautiful cave. Inside the cave, there is a small river with the fresh water and we look up, there is the sun light from the small hole.

Tetes Cave
Tetes cave is a tourist cave in which there are multifarious stalactite and stalagmite. To get here you should take to the hill about two kilometers long to the mouth of cave. Before entering the cave, the tourist has to swim through waterfall in front of the cave. Uniqueness this cave is believed by the society to be able to firm up broken family.

Putri Asih Cave
Visitors who want to see the uniqueness of Putri Asih Cave have to downstairs make about 20 meters. Differing from other entrance accessibility in general, Putri Asih Cave cannot look the mouth of cave when we see from a head. We can enjoy the beauty of stalactite is bend (small serge) stalagmite and which look like the clump crop when we are decreasing downwards.
If you have been inside the space, it is better for you to look backward, you will find the meeting place for the great kings with amazing stalactite and stalagmite. Various forms of porosities of limestone endokarst , it look like needle, pot, stupa. Even it seems like shark fins.

When East Java Beaches Calling

East Java, one of the provinces in Indonesia covering 48,000 sq km of main land and 110,000sq.km of water settled exciting between two popular tourist destinations Yogyakarta and Bali. East Java has a lot of beaches tourist destination, they are located at the capital of province and on the northern and southern coasts of East Java.

Prigi Beach
Beside its beautifulness, Prigi is also the second biggest basis of fish after Cilacap. A traditional ceremony Labuh laut Larung (Sembonyo) is held every month selo (Java). Sembonyo is a ritual ceremony which is very attractive. Prigi beach is located in Tasikmadu Village, Kecamatan Watulimo more about 45 km on the south from Trenggalek. Calm wave, beautifulness of the nature, and fishermen neighborhood with their activities are a unique combination in tourism objects of Prigi beach. The available facilities are: there is a wide camp area around the beach, Prigi Hotel with a hall or meeting room and tennis field.

Popoh Beach
The activity fisherman can be looked at one of the best harbor fish auction, Popoh Beach in Besole village, Kecamatan Besuki, around 29 km on the south of Tulungagung. Popoh Beach has a shreep beach so that it looks beautiful especially panorama in the beach. Recreation activities that can be done by the visitors are: sailing, fishing, swimming, and camping and safety by providing experienced expert divers. There is a traditional ceremony called “Larung Sesaji” in the first of bulan Suro with some interesting events. The facilities are: parking area, information room, veranda, souvenir shops, playground, pier, guardhouse, restaurants, and accommodation. The most well-known souvenir in this place is batik, onyx, wayang (skin puppet) made out of buffalo skin.

Pasir Putih Beach
The strategic position of Pasir Putih Beach which is located at the main road side of Surabaya-Bali enables tourist to visit the beach any time. It lies at Pasir Putih Village, Bungatan Sub District, Situbondo about 173 km east of Surabaya or 21 km north west of Situbondo. Many inns are available overlooking the beach. However, Situbondo Hotels is one of non-star hotels in Situbondo which is very close to Pasir Putih beach. The facilities include a cafeteria offering sea foods, Indonesia, Chinese, and European Foods, parking area, and souvenir shop. The beach is equipped with a tower and is an ideal place for traditional wind surfing, canoeing, and scuba diving.

Teleng Ria Beach
Enjoy your next travelling on the way to Pacitan, the panorama beautiful karst before get Teleng Ria Beach. Located not far from city, teleng Ria is a beach of which the name at Sidoharjo. The waves are not too big and the beach is good for bathing, swimming, and fishing. Motor boats are also available for rent launching the visitors into the centre to explore the beautiful panorama at the green hills surrounding the beach and to witness sea animals in their breeding place. The available facilities include seaside bungalows, camping ground, and performances stage, horse drawn buggies. The beach is easy to reach either from Surabaya to Pacitan by bus.
Beside Teleng Ria Beach others beaches accessible from Pacitan are Watu Karung located 22 km of the city. Also Srau and Klayar beaches of which, the latter has coral reef resembling the Sphinx in Egypt and the waves ram into the hole of hard coral producing a whistle sound. Just beyond Punung Village, 30 km east Pacitan the Gua Tabuhan or Musical Cave is a huge limestone cavern, here you can listen to an excellent orchestral performance, played by striking rocks against stalactites, each in perfect pitch and echoing pure Gamelan melodies.

Plengkung Beach (G-Land)
Plengkung is known as one of the best surfing beaches in the world. The most popular name for surfers is “G-Land”. It derived from Grajagan beach, name of the bay where the huge waves were found at south of Banyuwangi. It is a long stretch of deserted white sand; where jungle country runs down to meet rolling surf. It attracts many surfers from neighboring Bali, especially during the months of July and August, which are said to be the best time for surfing. Available some simple cottages and jungle camp by the beach, where the visitors could stay foe few days and taste the different feeling. Plengkung is located at Alas Purwo National Park on the 87 km south coast of Banyuwangi. In Plengkung beach you can enjoy waves as high as 4-6 meters, and it would match for the professional surfers. But don’t have to worry if you are beginner surfers, just go to Batu Lawang beach. In this beach the waves called “twenty-twenty”, which means twenty minutes to paddle and the next twenty minutes to enjoy the wave.

Camplong
This beach with slight slant and white sands as well as pine trees which make the park shady, is beautiful and even more beautiful in the afternoon. On certain days, the beach which is 40 m wide and 6000 m long is used as the arena of bull race. On Sunday and holidays, the local fisherman’s boat are rented to visitors with relatively low fee. Camplong beach located in Dharma Camplong village, Camplong sub district, it approximately 9 km from Sampang city.

Sukamade Turtle Beach
Sukamade beach is the place where turtles appear between 9 pm until dawn to lay eggs, where buried under a half meter on the sand. The eggs lying are subject to seasons, and the beach can be awash with turtles at times, especially during the full moon. Limited and simple accommodation are available, the facilities include watch tower, turtle aquarium, and camping ground. The beach is situated 77 km south coast of Banyuwangi, in the village of Sarongan, Pasanggaran sub district, the visitors require a four wheel drive vehicle to reach there
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Watu Ulo And Papuma
The ambience calm and breezy of wind can you feel at Watu Ulo and Papuma Beach. The location of Papuma is beyond Watu Ulo Beach that constitute the combination of white sand and rocks which looks as though they were arranged neatly with the background of protected forest and a part of production forest which managed by regional government and the local Perhutani (Indonesia Forestry Unit). Located in Sumber Rejo Village, Ambulu, Jember. Watu Ulo beach features a recreation site with the area of 7.5 hectares which are equipped with various facilities such as: inns, food stall, observations post, parking area and path.

Muncar Beach
Muncar is a fishing beach where the visitors will find fishermen in their activities. The most interesting event is a traditional sea festival held every 15th day of the month of Sura in the Javanese Calendar, and thanksgiving celebration for year round succes in fishing. The festival includes the Gandrung Dance, performed in an "offering boat" loaded with 60 kinds of offerings, which are release into the sea. The feature of this celebration is called "labuh sesaji". Beside that you can enjoy the Watu Dodol, combination of hills, jungles, and beach. It can reached by any kind of transportation, and particularly popular with visitors who like to laze on the beach and bask in the sun.

Balekambang
Find the "Tanah Lot in Bali" here! Balekambang beach will make you comfort to enjoy your holiday. It offers a different touch of beach resorts in the Southern part of Malang. One of the three isles, Ismoyo isles, has a Hindu temple established by the local Hindu Community.
Annually, the ritual and traditional ceremonies Jalanidhipuja (Hindu ceremony) and Suran (Javanese New Year ceremony) are held here every year. The parking area, stalls, inns, souvenir shops, and the others tourism facilities has provided for the visitors. This beautiful beach is located at Srigonco village, Bantur district, about 57 km away to the south from Malang and accessible by public transportation.
On Balekambang beach, can also enjoy the beauty of coral reefs that stretch along two miles with a width of 200 meters to the sea. If the water is receding, it would appear various types of small ornamental fish swim in between the rocks.
Offshore waters Balekambang seen three islands that line toward the West. The island is the island Ismoyo, Anoman Island, and Island Wisanggeni. Ismoyo Island, there is a famous Hindu temple, the Pura Luhur Amertha.
Pantai Balekambang is the spot of an impressive, picturesque Hindu Temple. It's located on the rocky islet of Pulau Wisanggeni, about 75 km from Batu via Malang. Also reachable on foot from Sujono village. The Balinese-stylish temple is a splendid example of peaceful beauty, extraordinary nature and cultural architecture, you can reach by a bridge ... Although you'll see people wading the sea around the islet swimming can be dangerous, so better be careful and ask the locals for a safe place to swim!
Balekambang beach located at Srigonco village, about 56 kilometers away on the Southern part of Malang has fascinating view with beautiful panorama of the Southern Oceans. Visitors will fell enchanted while the wind blows. Possessing 3 isles, namely: Ismoyo, Wisanggeni, and Hanoman, with a size of about 100 meters each, two of which have been connected with a one bridge to the shore, Balekambang offers a different atmosphere of beach resorts in the southern part of Malang.

Ngliyep Beach
Enjoy one day-trip in Ngliyep beach, a beautiful rocky beach in the Southern part of Malang Regency. The beach lies at Kedungsalam village, Donomulyo Sub District about 62 km away to the South from Malang City.
See the gigantic waves meet coral reef, in this place you can find an isle with a lush green tropical shore-forest which giving more enchantment to the beach. Some facilities are avalaible, such as; stalls, souvenir shop, inns, etc.
Annually the traditional ceremony Labuhan Mulud (offering ceremony) is held here. Labuhan Mulud is the traditional ceremony that always held in the beach at Malang regency.
You can get to this beach by using car then enjoy a journey through farmers villages over rough landroads and stone hills. Ngliyep is attracting most visitors, especially on holidays like Labuhan (normally in October). However the sea looks very attractive, along these beaches are dangerous streams and whirlpools. This is the place of the Queen of the Southern Sea, Nyai Ratu Kidul; the color green angers her and a huge wave takes away innocent swimmers.

Sendangbiru Beach
Discover the most beautiful nature, Sendangbiru is one of beach resorts in the Southern part of Malang Regency, which free from tumulous waves of Indian Ocean due to the existence of wild life Sempu Island, about 300 meters offshore.
At the other side of the beach is now utilized as a Fishing Harbour and the Center of Fish Disembarkation. Here, boats can be hired for a trip to the island reserve Sempu with sandy creeks which are overshadowed by low trees.
It is said that this is the last place where the Javanese tiger can be found. The green area of the 800 hectare big island is being engulfed in warm waves, and offers a view towards Jawa's green coastal area. To reach Sendangbiru, you have to take a public transportation (mikrolet) to Sumbermanjing wetan, from here you take an "Ojek" (motorcycle used as a public transportation) to travel the remaining distance directly to the beach. The beach of Sendangbiru is about 70 kms away to the south from Malang, at Tambakrejo, a village belonging to Sub District of Sumbermanjing Wetan.
Officially, the beach of Sendang Biru is managed by the State-owned Forestay Company which has so far provided the beach with inns, guest house, stalls, guard houses, boats, etc.

Bawean Isle
The Bawean Nature Reserve is a mountainous with the type of rain forest and primeval forest. You can find lot of Digaba (Aglaria Abeagnoides), Angsana (Pterocarpus Indicus), Pangopa (Eugenia Lepidocarpa), Binong (Meles Nudiflo Tetra-ra), Kenari (Canarium Asperius) and the others.Beside that you can find Bawean Deer (Axis Kuhlii) Grey Monkeys (Macaca Fiscularis), many kind of birds and many more about fauna you can find there.
Bawean Nature Reserve has a variety of natural scenery which are quite prominent, as well as the beauty of the mountain ecosystem that consists of mountains with a panoramic expanse of forest which are mixed the canopy of trees then forming beautiful scenery.

Tanjung Goang
It is located in Kamolasa Village, about 8 km from Sangkapura sub district. Two thirds of the journey to the site can be done by 4-wheeled vehicle, even though the road is narrow and stony and then followed by 2 km walk a long path, and the rest of the trip must be finished by traditional boat. While sailing along the coast of Somor-Somor Village, you can fish and rocks with your naked eyes. The coast consists of marble hills. This natural Tanjung Goang you can enjoy various fish and coral reefs along the coastal hills fortified by marble.

Kastoba Lake
Kastoba Lake is one of uniqueness in Bawean Island Nature Reserve. The lake is located in Paroman Village, about 8 km from Tambak sub district or about 32 km form Sangkapura sub district. Its altitude is 400 meters above the sea level, its water is calm clear, and cool, and the surrounding environment is very natural and beautiful.
What a great experience you can get here, see the natural and untouchable panorama you ever sees.

Lombang And Slopeng Beaches
Located at Lombang Village, Batang-Batang Subdistrict, Sumenep, about 28 km east the town, Lombang Beach covers a total area of 14c hectares. Local endemic plants called Cemara Udang (casuarina tree), coconut, and palms trees grow well at the brown white sand beach. The extraordinary tradition of the local people of Legung Fishing Village near the beach is their habit of sleping on white sands. Such tradition can only be seen in the village. Meanwhile about 21 km north of Sumenep Town, Slopeng Beach covers a total area of 16 hectars. His beautiful beach is often visited by local visitors as an out door recreation.