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.  

Beyond The Underworld – A Journey To Cerme Cave

The three kilometers long Cerme cave is located near Imogiri around 30 km to the south of Yogyakarta. This cave has been known to the local people as a place for meditation, in spite of this you can feel a real adventure session while you visit this cave.

This cave still has a very attractive interior design, the cave filled with stalactite and stalagmites in huge variety of out of this world forms and shapes. The soft sound of water slowly running at the bottom of the cave, the echo of water droplets and gust of wind rushing from the cave entrance should encourage your feeling to venture deeper and explore the secrets of this mysterious underworld.

Heritage Tour on Ancient Mojokerto

Mojokerto is the witness of greatest and glorious Majapahit Kingdom, the artifact sites of the Majapahit Hindhu Kingdom (XIII-XVI century) are closely set and many temples could be found in this place especially in Trowulan area. Let we take you to Trowulan Archaeological Museum, it displays the remains of Majapahit Hindhu Kingdom. We will take you to the Segaran Pool which it have story about the golden dishes, based on the story golden dishes which the guest had used then were thrown away into the pool by the King. This is just to show the King’s richness. After that we will take you to the Pendopo Agung Trowulan which is strongly predicted as the main building of Majapahit Palace.

Bajang Ratu Temple, is the next spot. It is a sample of the gateway during that time, it is a pleasing temple for you. And now is about Tikus Temple, this could be the sample of ritual bathing pool for royal family. Another ancient heritage tour is Brahu temple it is about twenty minutes drive to the north west of Tikus Temple. Brahu Temple is well-known about the cremations ashes of King Brawijaya. Wringin Lawang Temple, it is a sample a split gateway of that area which can be visited in this area, close to the main Mojokerto Surabaya road.

Just take this ancient trip on Mojokerto then feel like you were in ancient time.

The Thousand Islands (Jakarta)

It’s called Thousand Islands, but actually the actual number of islands is only around 110, and all are still in the area of North Jakarta. Even the closest island can be reached in just 25 minutes from Marina Ancol.
With the total width of 107.489 hectares, Thousand Islands are still a part of national sea garden. In order to ensure preservation programs, only 45 islands can be used as recreational and tourism spots.There are more than 9 resorts spread out among these islands, and many things can be done around here, from diving, going on banana boat, snorkeling, and fishing, to learning about mangrove trees and sea turtle conservation, watching wild life creatures, and visiting Netherlands left over archeological site. You can also pick an exclusive vacation in the resort or blend in through the life of the islands community through home stay.
 
Rambut Island
This island is inhibited with vary kinds of birds, especially water birds. It’s best known as shelter towards migrating birds.
In order to explore this island, you have to go on a steep road. Just walk along on this road to enjoy the panoramic views from these conservation areas. As you get in deeper into the forest the trees will envelope you. Their branches can even sprawl out into the middle of the road. To get better view, try to get to the top of the old lighthouse made in 1942 located in the middle of the island. From 25 meters up of this tower, the vast ocean view spans 360 meters. Meanwhile, from the plethora of green trees around the tower there are hundreds of birds buzzing about.
 
Pramuka Island and Karya Island
Pramuka Island is one of the inhabited islands, with 16 hectares this area has around two thousand residents and is a good conservation place for the hawksbill turtle, one of the six kinds of sea turtle that reside in and are protected by Indonesia.
Many things you can be done around here, from releasing the baby turtles in Karya Island, snorkeling, you can go around for visiting the part from Pramuka Island which used for fish cultivation place and a model of milkfish cultivation. The product was boneless milkfish, for your knowledge this bone was manually taken one by one by the workers. You can see also the big fish around here just likes Napoleon, Baracuda, Platax, Kuwe, and Julung-Julung in the floating net by the sea.
 
Untung Jawa Island
Untung Jawa Island is the most visited by the tourist, its self supported by native residents, this areas has recently become a mass tourist project to middle class and lower class societies.
Mawaris music (traditional Betawi music) was played by some boys using tambourines as we came in to dock. Usually tourists come just to enjoy seafood and coconuts sold by the locals, since the island is not far from Marina Ancol, Jet Ski groups wandering around the island constantly crowd Untung Jawa. Beside that the Mangrove forest here is interesting to see, stretching 200 meters is a wooden bridge with several stopping points to view mangrove life including crabs, eels and birds.
 

Resort Island
You can choose an exclusive tour just choose the islands with resorts. The majority of these islands are located north with clean sea compared to those toward the south. These islands offer various activities of water sports. Beside that, every resort has its own characteristic that differs then from the others.
 
Putri Island has underwater aquarium 24 meters long with a vast array of sea creatures such as sea turtles, commercial fish, sharks, sea horses and ray fishes. You can have scuba dive in here beside that if you cant dive you still enjoy the beauty of the sea without getting wet.
 
Pantara Island was previously known as Antuk Island, you can pick a resort on the east part or west part, so you can enjoy both sunrise and sunset. They are also music room facing the open sea.
 
Sepa Island, the beach in this resort can be called one of the best around, perfect for the beginner divers. They are also have a conservation program about the hawksbill turtle from Pramuka Island.
 
Matahari Island, as well as docks stretching out to the open sea that have chairs perfect for lazing about.
 
Bira Island, it has a 9-holes golf course, biking activity. Just feel free to get your leisure time in here.
 
Kotok Island, is a resort that keeps preserves nature so well that we can still see a big sea plants while walking along the island. Some monitor lizards are often seen on shore.
 
Bidadari Island, has Martello castle built with 2 floors in 1876 left by the Netherlands.
 
Ayer Island, can be reached in 25 minutes from Marina Ancol.

When Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Get You

Based on geo volcanic history, Mt. Tengger was originally formed by two closely located mounts, namely Tengger and Semeru. The mount once experienced twice tremendous explosions causing a huge caldera of approx 200 meters dept. The caldera was originally in the form of vast sand sea, followed by the creation of hills, known as mounts Watangan, Widodaren, Kursi, Segara Wedi Kidul, Segara Wedi Lor, Bromo, and Batok. Among those seven mounts, Bromo is the only active volcano at present.

Tourist Objects and Attractions around Bromo Tengger Caldera
1. Enjoying wandering in the vast sand sea, while taking pictures.
2. Watching spring water at Widodaren cave. The water coming out from this spring is considered as sacred water and it is used during the execution of Yadnya Kasada. This is a religious ceremony which is carried out every year based on Tengger Tribe Calendar.
3. Having a horse back-riding and mount cycling.
4. Walking upward to the top of the Bromo through concrete stairs, should you afford to do it.

During Yadnya Kasada, tourist and local people come in flocks to this area. They are curious to watch that ritual procession. The temple at which the event is carried out is located in the sea of sand, close to mounts Bromo and Batok.
It’s not far away from Mt. Bromo, down on the northern side you may find Mt. Penanjakan. With approx. height of +2.774 m asl, this is a suitable point to watch sun rise and to enjoy the view of Mt. Bromo. Most tourists have come to this point at 04.00 am. Heading for Jemplang, you’ll have to pass through a vast sand sea. The sand is porous, dried, and light during dry season. The sands will produce a hissing sound when they are strongly blown by the wind. That’s why it is called as the area of the hissing sands. When you are at the sand sea, you may experience the Bromo not only by a four wheel drive, or on foot, but also through horse back riding.
Heading for the Southern side of mount Bromo, there you’ll meet a vast grassy plain with its beautiful Teletubbie’s hills. The beauty of this place comes out when wet season falls, during which season the area is totally blanketed with green grass. The hills gradually change to yellow in flowering season, and brown in dry season. In addition, this place also has a cool temperature, clean and fresh air, breezing wind, and excellent views that are perfect for making pictures with family, relatives, and friends.

Mount Climbing at Bromo Tengger Area
If you are outdoor sport fans, particularly for mount climbing, you may choose to do it at Mt. Watangan, Widodaren, Kursi, Segara Wedi Kidul, Segara Wedi Lor, Bromo, or at Mt Batok. However, you should do it accompanied by our rangers or porters who know well how to get there safely.

Mount Semeru Climbing
The access for Mt. Semeru is commonly opened during dry season, however the opening the access is basically subject to the recommendations issued by the Centre of Volcanic Agency in Bandung. The climbing starts from Ranupani Resort and must be in groups. Before starting the climbing you may set a side your time to have a look around two lakes there, Ranupani and Ranuregulo. You can find great views like virgin forest, clean and beautiful lake. It can be the best place for you to camping or just relaxing.
Ranukumbolo is another lake, it is the most beautiful one in the park. Ranukumbolo is located on the climbing route to Mt. Semeru and it may be reached within three to fours hours walking from the Ranupani Resort. This is a very cold place to visit for those who come from tropical countries. After that you can reach a beautiful grassy plain area, called Oro Oro Ombo, meaning a vast grassy plain and you can find thousand of flowers are blooming around the area. Next you will have to walk across the mountainous cypress forest called Cemoro Kandang.
Having left Cemoro Kandang, you can get the Kalimati. Its mean a waterless river, but nearby clean and drinkable spring water can be found there, called Sumber Mani. From Kalimati you have to come into Arcopodo a mountainous cypress forest with steeply hills, sandy and porous soil. At the end of this place you will find a twin statue. You are now coming to the hardest area with a steeply, sandy, bare without vegetation hill. The wind blows so strong all around this area.
Finally you come to the top of Mt.Semeru, you can celebrate and enjoy your success of climbing this highest volcano in Java.