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

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

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.