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