Tuesday, 23 April 2013

Nias : Interesting Island to Travel

Nias : Interesting Island to TravelNias is an island in western of North Sumatera Province. Nias is an interesting island to travel because not only for its beautiful pure and origin nature,  but cause Nias have also a unique and different culture from  others area in Sumatera Island. It is more interesting if we remind that Nias Island is not too far from the mainland Sumatera Island. All of this things make Nias becomes an interesting island to travel. Nias : Island to Travel - MegalithicIn this pretty island to travel, Nias, there are many megalithic remains and there are many old traditions that still continue today. The Megalithic remains in this beautiful island to travel, were made from stone and such as statues, pillars, sarcophagus, altar, throne, tables, chairs and many others. Archaeologist predicted that the remain were about 12,000 â€" 30,000 years old. All of the megalithic remains have unique carving and smooth enough that shows the civilization in that time. For the archeologist, Nias is an interesting island to travel. Nias : Interesting Island to Travel - Hombo BatuThere is a tradition in this unique island to travel, Hombo Batu. Hombo Batu is a very old tradition that a teenage had to jump over a 2.3 m stone structure then he could call himself, ‘A man’ and became a warrior. It needs a skill and ability to jump  over the stone, especially when he land to the ground, to avoid fall down, muscle injury or broken legs. In this unique island to travel, a teenage who can do this attraction is considered old enough to have a wife. That’ why, in the past, Hombo Batu is an arena to find partner. For anthropologist, Nias is an interesting island to travel. Nias : Interesting Island to Travel - BaluseThe people in this interesting island to travel, are the warriors. In the past,  there were sometimes the wars between villages in Nias, the warrior island to travel. They were also known as head hunters. The wars happened, were usually about the border of the villages because it determined the resources of the villages. But, in fact, people of Nias is peace community.  It is showed by their greeting “Ya’ahowu” which means “bless you”.  This greeting is said to everybody and it shows that they take care of each other. The remains of war troops of this warrior island to travel, can be seen in the war dance, Baluse. For  sociologist, Nias is an interesting island to travel. Nias can be an interesting island to travel for everybody. For the surfer and diver, the seas around Nias island is provided for their activity. For the adventurers, the jungle of Nias Island is challenge enough to explore ( I had did it on 1978 and 1982), Well, Nias is really interesting island to travel. Ya'ahowu bale ! [hide-this-part]

Island to Travel

Island to Travel

Island to Travel

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Lombok Diving Travel

Lombok Diving Travel 1The underwater of  island of Lombok has attracted many tourists to explore and therefore, the dive operators create Lombok diving travel. Lombok diving travel serve the tourists who like to dive. There are many Lombok diving travel because of there are many good dive site off the coast of Lombok island.

Here are several Lombok diving travel spots for you to explore.

Shark Point Lies along the west coast of Gili Trawangan, north-west of Lombok Island and one of most popular Lombok diving travel sites.  Find black-yellow Bannerfishes swim around the coral reefs, a school of Jackfish or Trevally or sometimes Reef Sharks and occasionaly Rays. Blue-spotted stingrays, turtles, cuttlefish and more colorful reef fish also live here. At this Lombok diving travel site, you can dive at three levels : deep dives, midwater drifts anf shallow dives.

Manta Point This Lombok diving travel site is generally an easy one. Lies at the south-west of Gili Trawangan. This Lombok diving travel site is the best site to see Mantas. In the rainy season, the Mantas migrate here because the waters is rich with planktons. You also can see lobsters or moray eels or cuttlefish in this Lombok diving travel site.

Meno wall This Lombok diving travel site lies west of Gili Meno, north-west of Lombok Island. There is wall that drops from 6 metersto 27 meters. This Lombok diving travel site is good for nightdive. You will see all kinds of nocturnal activities. Sleeping fish rest in coral and rocky holes. Also it’s a good place to see things like Nudibranch, Spanish dancer lobster and crab.

Lombok Diving Travel 3Sulat Drop-off Near Gili Lawang at north-east of Lombok Island, there is the Lombok diving travel site, Sulat Drop-off. This is a dive site from 4 until 40 meters deep. A lot of coral, like brancish and tabulate coral also Acropora coral, are there. You can see a lot of shrimps and crabs. You can find a lot of big fish like Barracuda, Parrot fist and White-Tip Shark. This Lombok diving travel site is good for night dive.

Gili Nanggu This Lombok diving travel site is situated off of south-west Lombok. It is ideal for snorkeling. This Lombok diving travel site is a water paradise with white sand beaches and turquoise water that provides experiences of underwater world amongst thousands of tropical fish and various sea creatures. Here, you watch more a lot of species of marine life living just off-shore.

At last, just to remind you that do not forger the diving insurance for your Lombok diving travel. Have a nice diving ..

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Lombok Diving Travel

Lombok Diving Travel

Lombok Diving Travel

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Indonesian Cruises

Indonesia is an archipelago consisting of more than 13,000 islands. And the nature of Indonesia has a good potential for Indonesian Cruises. Although, there are not many Indonesian Cruises, but there have been several Indonesian Cruises which will provide a wonderful experience for you.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="325"]Indonesian Cruises - Ombak Putih Ombak Putih ( The White Waves)[/caption] Indonesian Cruises more often wade in the Nusa Tenggara / Lesser Sunda Islands. Lesser Sunda Islands region consists of many islands, it is suitable for Indonesian Cruises. So doe in the Banda Sea, around the Maluku islands to the south. And of course the famous Raja Ampat Archipelago

One of Indonesian Cruises sailing in this area is Ombak Putih (White Waves), a Buginese schooner built in 1996/1997 by traditional craftsmen and custom designed in western style. Ombak Putih, the Indonesian Cruises, has 12 twin cabins with shower and toilet for each. The cabin are also equipped by their own air-conditioner. And there are 16 crews who are ready to serve and take care the passengers' needs.

Indonesian Cruises, Ombak Putih, has several scheduled cruises. And these are some of Ombak Putih scheduled cruises.

7 days Indonesian Cruises, Bali - Komodo - Flores This Indonesian Cruises takes 7 days. Depart from Tanjung Benoa, Bali to Labuanbajo, western tip of Flores Island. This Indonesian Cruises will stop at Padang Bai, East Lombok, Satonda and Bima on the island of Sumbawa, Komodo and Rinca Island and Labuanbajo. In Padang Bai, Bali, we will see the tribal life of Bali Aga, and see the village of pottery makers in East Lombok. Beautiful coral gardens and stunning crater lake are waiting for us at Satonda, the remained of an Extinct volcano of the which the caldera was filled with water when nearby Mount Tambora erupted in 1815. At the island of Komodo and Rinca Island, we will see the relic Jurassic, Komodo.

9 days Indonesian Cruises, Komodo, Sumba-Savu-Lembata-Maumere This Indonesian Cruises, starting from Labuanbajo and stop at Komodo Island, Waingapu on Sumba Island, Savu Island, Ende, Lembata and Maumere. On the island of Komodo, we will look at the Jurassic dragon, komodo, and in Waingapu and Savu we will see making the famous “ikat” weaving. In Ende we will make the journey to the stunning three-colored crate lakes of Mount Kelimutu. In Lembata, we will visit Lamalera, the whaling village. Here you will be hard to imagine how to hunt whales with the tools and techniques are very simple from the top of a small boat.

13 days Indonesian Cruises, Maumere-Ternate This Indonesian Cruises depart from Maumere to Ternate. A place of transit is Waienga Bay, Island of Kumba, Tukang Besi Islands, Buton Island, Muna Island, follow the east coast of Sulawesi to Tolo Bay, Morowali National Park, Banggai Islands, Sanana Island, Bacan Island, Tidore Island and Ternate Island. In this Indonesian Cruises, you can go snorkeling in Island of Kumba, make an acquaintance with the Bajau people at Tukang Besi Islands, visit limestone caves with ancient wall paintings in Muna Island, meet the Wana tribe at Morowali National Park. You can also find beautiful sceneries and amazing flora and fauna in Bacan Island, Tidore Island and Ternate Island.

There are many other routes traveled by the Indonesian Cruises White Waves such as:

  • 12 days Indonesian Cruises, Ternate-Halmahera-Raja Ampat-Sorong
  • 11 days Indonesian Cruises, Ambon, Banda Islands-Tanimbar-Kai
  • 11 Days Indonesian Cruises, Kai-Agats-Timika
  • 13 Days Indonesian Cruises, Timika-Agats-Raja-Ampat-Sorong
  • 13 days Indonesian Cruises, Banda-Ambon-Ternate

Do you want an adventure? Indonesian Cruises is the answer.

Indonesian Cruises

Wednesday, 10 April 2013

Anantara Seminyak – Bali Indonesia

anantara seminyakAnantara Bali is a resort and spa located in Seminyak Bali. Being on the land area of 3500 square meters on the main beach of Seminyak, Anantara Bali presents 59 suites each covering about 80 square meters, equipped with Anantara style, including plasma screen TVs, Asian-inspired contemporary furniture, internet connection and a spacious and comfortable bathroom. In addition, the Anantara Bali also provides a penthouse with an area of 420 M2, which has an indoor-outdoor pool and a view of width of 270-degree panorama toward the Indian Ocean and Seminyak beach. Anantara Bali provide facilities on the ground floor dining room. There are 3 dining room at the Anantara, each of which presents a different flavor of international cuisine. And each dining room also presents the different places and situations. You can enjoy your meal indoors or outdoors in the company of beautiful ocean views. All of that will take you on an amazing experience. anantara seminyak Anantara Bali also provide facilities for your leisure, whether organized by the hotel or you can do it yourself. Rafting on the Ayung river, elephant safari, horse riding, bungee jumping, diving and snorkeling, excursion to Ubud or Tanah Lot, Kuta or Legian shopping or riding a Harley Davidson, all of them are some activities that you can do outside the resort. But if you do not want to get out of the resort, you can also do interesting activities in the environment of resort such as , beach soccer, beachminton, kite flying, surfing, swimming, fitness or yoga class. And if you are more interested in reading, Anantara Bali also provides a quiet library where you can read their collection of book while enjoying a glass of smoothies juice. Anantara Bali also provide several special packages. You can look for to their website for further information. Awaken to the rustle of a sea breeze through coconut palms. Toast the world-famous Seminyak sunsets from your private balcony. Dive into fabled Balinese culture and unique island discoveries from your luxurious Bali resort outpost on the island's most sought-after stretch of shore.

Travel to Lombok

Lombok Island, one place that perhaps you have never heard before. Well, Lombok is one of undiscovered paradise island in Indonesia which may be I can be your new destination for your new experience. Lombok island is located east of Bali and has friendly people, a tropical climate and magnificent white sand beaches. Miles and miles of fine beaches! Definitely place to go for a seaside relaxation experience. There are many activities to do on the island of Lombok such as rock climbing, scuba diving, trekking, biking, sailing,snorkeling, bamboo rafting, surfing, fishing, boating, paragliding, parasailing, and even golfing. You will experience some pretty cool and memorable dive and snorkeling in the underwater of Lombok. And the surfers can also hit the waves in Lombok too.   [caption id="" align="alignright" width="244" caption="Mount Rinjani"]Mount Rinjani[/caption] Mount Rinjani National Park, the third largest volcano in Indonesia with a measurement of 3726 meters, also situated here, in Lombok Island. You can trek on the mountain or on a natural trail. Most trips are usually done with an average of 15 to 20 people and accompanied by a local guide. You can even go camping and view some of the natural animals and vegetation. [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="220" caption="Senggigi"]Senggigi[/caption] The city of Senggigi holds various of local nightlight filled with many dining establishments and dining restaurants. You will be sure to find something that will want to remind you of your visit and other unique items to take back as gifts. You will find exotic foods that will provide you with experiences unlike any other. [caption id="" align="alignright" width="241" caption="Gili Islands"]Gili Islands[/caption] Lombok is also your base for the Gili Islands, a set of three island that lies just of the northwest coast. There is no cars and motorbikes disturbing the peace Gili Islands, The only choices for transportation are your feet, bicycle or horse drawn carriage. Dive, snorkel, swim, bask on the beach as you wish. Do not swim between islands! It may look swimmable, but the currents are fierce and you will be risking your life by doing this. Otherwise, the Gilis are all yours! The best time to plan your trip is from the months of May to October. The peak season during the months of July and August so you will want to plan your trip early and make sure you have reservations! When you visit Lombok Island you might not get a chance to see everything. You might be so overwhelmed by all the activities and adventures that happen here. You might decide not to do anything at all but simply meditate, relax, and get pampered. That can be done here as well. Whatever your vacation ideal is you can have it when you come to Lombok Island. It is a tranquil place with unheard of beauty and lulling waters that soothe your senses. The colors are so vibrant they appear to have been painted by an artist. You will not want to leave.

Wakatobi Marine Park : Another Underwater Paradise

Wakatobi Marine Park -  Wakatobi Dive ResortWakatobi Marine Park is located in the Wakatobi Islands in Southeast Sulawesi. Wakatobi Islands (formerly known as Tukang Besi Islands) has four major islands, namely WAngi-Wangi, KAledupa, TOmia and BInongko, whom the locals called WAKATOBI. And the Wakatobi Marine Park established since 1996.

Wakatobi Marine Park has a high potential of marine natural resources, both the type and uniqueness, with amazing underwater panorama. In general, Wakatobi Marine Park has a configuration of flat to sloping towards the sea, and some areas are steep. Water depth in the Wakatobi Marine Park is also varied, the deepest reaches 1044 meters with mostly sandy and rocky bottom.

Wakatobi Marine ParkWakatobi Marine Park has 25 clusters of coral reefs, with the greatest number of species of coral reef in the world. This happens because of Wakatobi Marine Park is in the center of the golden triangle of world's coral reefs, stretching from Thailand, Malaysia, Philippine, Indonesia (Bunaken Marine Park, Wakatobi Marine Park, Bali, and Lombok), Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and Solomons. Based on data from the Operational Wallacea, Wakatobi Marine Park has 750 of  850 coral species in the world  and 943 fish species, such as grouper, unicornfish, triggerfish, napoleon, snapper, rabbitfish and others. There are also three species of sea turtles that frequent the Wakatobi Marine Park for laying of the hawkbill turtles, loggerhead turtles, and olive ridley turtles. In addition, Wakatobi is also home to several species of seabirds such as the brown booby, malaysian plover, common kingfisher.

Wakatobi Marine ParkBeside Wakatobi Marine Park with its underwater beauty, Wakatobi Islands has also other beauty and richness such as white sandy beach, clear sea water, sunset in every islands edge, historical ruins like ancient fortresses and cannon that spread out in the four main islands, old village with its pillar house, traditional waving, blacksmiths, Bajo tribe and various particular dances. This nature and culture heritages put Wakatobi Marine Park  as the world's famous marine tourism objects.

Wakatobi Marine Park can be reached by sea or air. Being by air, Wakatobi Marine Park can be reached  with a plane ride from Makassar, transit in Bau-Bau and then continued toward the airport of Matohara in the city of Wanci at Wangi-wangi Island. Being by sea, Wakatobi Marine Park can be achieved by using ferry, transit in Bau-Bau, Buton Island and then headed Wanci at Wangi-Wangi Island.  And to get to other islands in the Wakatobi Marine Park can only be by sea.

At least there are three resorts are ready to serve you in the Wakatobi Marine Park, namely: Wakatobi Dive Resort, Hoga Island Resort and Patuno Resort Wakatobi.

Have a nice diving trip in the Wakatobi Marine Park .. (*o*)

Tuesday, 9 April 2013

7 Wonderful Culture in indonesia

Indonesia, a country that is famous with the motto : Unity in Diversity. Well, Indonesia consists of thousands of ethnic and cultural diversity. Here are some unique culture that exists only in Indonesia Fahombo FahomboFahombo is stone jump tradition on the island of Nias, which was done by a man wearing traditional clothes and skip stone structure which is built of  2.3 meters tall. This tradition is only found in the Teluk Dalam area, South Nias. At the beginning, this tradition was a forum aimed for physical and mental test of the young men in Nias before adulthood. Every male who wanted to go to the war had to pass this ritual. In addition, Fahombo was also assessed as a requirement for those who are ready to get married. The jumper is not just have to cross a pile of stones but he also should have the right technique at the time of landing. Bad landing can cause muscle injury or broken bones. Fahombo  was once displayed in a thousand rupiah denominations in the early 1990s with a picture of a man of Nias, which was jumping the stone. Tomb in Stone Cliff - Toraja Tomb in Stone Cliff - TorajaToraja Tribe settle in the mountainous northern part of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, and very famous for its funeral rituals which is the most important ritual and very expensive.  Only the royal family who can make this ritual which was attended by thousands of people and lasted several days. A funeral is sometimes just held after weeks, months, even years since the death relevant and along that time, the family collect enough money for funeral expenses. In this ritual, there is slaughter of buffalo and the quantity of buffalo shows the powerful of the person. Toraja people believes that the more buffalo slaughtered will make the more quickly reach Puya (Hereafter) for the death. There are three ways a funeral: The coffin can be stored in the cave, or stored in a tomb carved stone, or hanging on the cliff. Rich people are sometimes buried in the tomb of carved stone and wooden statues, called Tau Tau usually placed in a cave and facing outward. For baby coffin or the children will be hung with ropes on the cliff side. Ngaben - Cremation in Bali Island Ngaben - Cremation in Bali IslandNgaben is Hindu cremation ceremony in Bali, Indonesia, which was conducted in order to send the soul to the next life. Ngaben does not performed immediately after someone dies. While waiting, the body is placed like a sleeping person who is only waiting for reincarnation or towards Moksha (freedom from the wheel of death and reincarnation). On the day, corpses is laid in a coffin which is then stored in sarcophagus formed of ox or monasteries made of wood and paper. Then the ox or the monastery was draped and brought to the cremation. Then, the ox or the monastery and the bodies therein are burnt. The fire is needed to liberate the spirit from the body and facilitate reincarnation. For the high caste, this ritual can last for 3 days. But for a low caste, first bodies were buried and then, usually in the event group to a village, was cremated. Funeral in Trunyan Bali Funeral in Trunyan - BaliTrunyan Village is a village located on the shores of Lake Batur,Kintamani, Bali and famous for its unique burial customs. The body of citizen who died,  was simply laid on large stone which has 7 pieces basin and is enclosed by a wovenbamboo.  Uniquely, though the corpse was not embalmed, it does not spread bad smell. When a Trunyan resident died by reasonable cause, the bodies will be covered by white cloth and be prayed, then placed  without buried under a big tree, Taru Menyan, at Sema Wayah. However, if the death cause by unnatural reason, such as accidents, suicide, or murdered, the the corpse will be placed at a location called Sema Bantas. As for burying babies and children or unmarried people will be placed in the Sema Muda. Bodies that lay on the sema, does not cause odor though there is the decay of the bodies. It is due to Taru Menyan tree, which produce the smell of fragrant and neutralize the smell of rotting corpses. Taru Menyan tree only grows in this area. Taru means the tree, while Menyan is fragrant. Then, Taru menyan later became the name of the village, Trunyan. Angklung Angklung Angklung is a traditional musical instrument that evolved in Sundanese in western Java Island. Made from bamboo and sounded by shaken. Angklung’s gamut as traditional musical instruments are salendro and pelog. Angklung is estimated to have been used since Neolitikum era. The creation of angklung related with the agrarian life of Sundanese. Initially, angklung played to lure Dewi Sri (Rice Goddess) for going down to earth and enrich people's rice crop. This tradition still can be seen in the Baduy community, which is the remnants of native Sundanese people, who use angklung as part of the ritual planting of rice. Angklung was also used as a spirit generator during the battle In 1938, Daeng Sutigna (1908-1984) changed the traditional scales angklung (salendro and pelog) to western scales (diatonic) so that angklung can be played in major orchestras. Then in 1966, Udjo Ngalagena (1929-2001) began to teach how to play angklung to many people from various communities and developed a culture workshop for angklung in Bandung, named Saung Angklung Udjo. On 18 November 2010, UNESCO set angklung as  a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Batik BatikBatik is the typical clothing of  Javanese culture in Indonesia and has existed since the 12th century. Things that make batik became so amazing is the beauty of the pattern which is very unique and traditional. The process of making batik is as follows:  
  1. The first wax is applied over the outline of pattern by using canting (tools that used to draw in batik process) or by stamping. Almost the original cloth is white or beige.
  2. The cloth is dyed in the first dye bath and the area of the cloth where the wax was applied before will remain white.
  3. The two process above can be repeated if there are more color want to be applied to the cloth.
  4. After the coloring process finish,  then all the wax that has been applied thus far is removed. This is done by heating the wax and scraping it off and also by applying hot water and sponging off the remaining wax.
In the past, batik showed the social strata or the family that someone came from. Now, it is no longer valid, although still there are some motifs that are unique and special family-owned by Palace of Yogyakarta and Palace of Surakarta. Batik patterns and motifs have evolved because of interaction with outsiders, particularly in coastal areas. Currently on the island of Java there are many centers of batik with its distinctive patterns and motifs respectively. Some of them are in Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Pekalongan, Banyumas, Cirebon, Tasikmalaya, Garut, Banten, Jember, Kediri, Malang, Madura. In addition, in regions outside Java are also many centers of batik with each pattern that adds a richness of Indonesian culture, such as Bali, Aceh, Palembang, Manado, Bugis, Kutai, Banjar etc. On October 2, 2009, the UNESCO Masterpieces of batik as a set of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity Pencak Silat Pencak SilatPencak silat is a martial art from Indonesia and every region in Indonesia has their unique martial arts. In antiquity, the ancestor of the Indonesian created martial art by mimicking the style of animals,  to protect and defend himself and his group. Furthermore, this martial arts very much used at the time of the kingdom in the archipelago and at the time against the Dutch colonial occupation. Pencak silat prefer the dodge and parry techniques and using the power of the opponent motion. Attack techniques are also learnt, but it only used if necessary. So it was obvious that Pencak Silat is an art to defend and not to attack, though it can make a deadly attack. In improving their physical abilities, the warriors also practice by using the “inner power” of human energy. Currently, the human “inner power” is used to cure various diseases and is a kind of alternative medicine.

7 Nature Wonders of Indonesia

Lake Toba [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="259" caption="Lake Toba"]Lake Toba[/caption] Located in North Sumatra province, Lake Toba is the largest lake in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. It has a length of 100 kilometers and 30 meters wide. Lake Toba is a volcanic lake and in the middle of the lake, there is a volcanic island named the island of Samosir. Lake Toba explosion was estimated to occur at about 73,000-75,000 years ago and it was a Supervolcano eruption of Mount Toba. The materials was spewed by this explosion estimated at 800 km ³ of rocks, and 2,000 km ³ of volcanic ash. The eruption occurred during a week. Ejected volcanic ash as high as 10 miles and spread throughout the earth even recording its history is also available at the north pole. This incident caused mass death and the extinction of some species. After the eruption, the caldera formed which is then filled with water and became what is now known as Lake Toba. Pressure upward by magma that has not come out cause the emergence of Samosir Island. The evidence that shows how powerful the Toba volcanic eruption strengthens the case, that the eruption and tsunami could wipe out life on Atlantis. Lake Kelimutu [caption id="" align="alignright" width="299" caption="Lake Kelimutu"]Lake Kelimutu[/caption] Lake Kelimutu is located on top of a volcano in Flores, Indonesia, this lake is better known as the Three Colors Lake because of the lake is comprised of three lakes that have different colors, red, white and blue. However, the color of the lake always change from time to time. The area of ??that three lakes are about 1,051,000 square meters with a volume of 1292 million cubic meters of water. Boundary between the lake was a narrow stone walls prone to landslides. This wall is very steep with 70-degree angle. Lake wall height ranges from 50 to 150 meters. Local people have the belief that the lake is blue or "Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai" is a gathering place for the souls of young people who have died. Lake of the red or "Tiwu Ata Polo" is a gathering place for the souls of the dead and as long as he lived always commit a crime / magick. While the lake is white or "Tiwu Mbupu Ata" is a gathering place for the souls of parents who have died. Mount Krakatoa [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="279" caption="Mount Krakatoa"]Mount Krakatoa[/caption] Mount Krakatoa is a volcanic island that is still active and located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. This mountain had erupted on 26-27 August 1883. The eruption was so powerful. Hot clouds and the tsunami killed about 36,000 people. Eruptive sound could be heard in Alice Springs, Australia and the island of Rodrigues near Africa which is about 4653 kilometers. The eruption estimated at 30,000 times the atomic bomb that was detonated in Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II. The tsunami is the biggest in the Indian Ocean region until then happened again on December 26, 2004 because of 9.0 magnitude tectonic earthquake off the west coast of Sumatra island. Tsunami waves creeped up to the Hawaiian coast, west coast of Central America and the Arabian Peninsula that 7,000 miles away. Krakatau eruption caused global climate change. World experienced darkness for two and a half days due to volcanic ash that covered the atmosphere. The sun was shining dim until next year due to volcanic ash suspended in earth's atmosphere. Volcanic dust scattering appeared in the sky of Norway to New York. The eruption of Mount Krakatau is recorded as the world's first major disaster in the modern human life. Jayawijaya Mountains   [caption id="" align="alignright" width="336" caption="Jayawijaya Mountains"]Jayawijaya Mountains[/caption] Jayawijaya Mountains is a mountain range that extends lengthwise in the middle of Papua island, from West Papua and Papua in Indonesia to Papua Newguinea. Rows of the mountains which have some of the highest peak in Indonesia was formed by the removal of the sea floor thousands of years ago. So, despite being at an altitude of 4800 m above sea level, fossil of sea shells can still be seen in limestone and clastic rocks in Jayawijaya Mountains. Therefore, besides being a heaven for hikers, mountain paradise Jayawijaya also a world geological researchers. Jayawijaya Mountains are also the only mountains and mountain, which has a peak covered with eternal snow in Indonesia, an equatorial country. Although not all of the peak of the cluster Jayawijaya Mountains that has snow. Snow is owned by several peaks even at this time is lost due to weather changes globally. Raja Ampat Islands [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="259" caption="Raja Ampat Islands"]Raja Ampat Islands[/caption] Raja Ampat Islands is an archipelago located in the western part of the Bird's Head (Vogelkoop) of Papua Island. Four islands are members named by the four largest islands, namely  Waigeo Island, Misool Island, Salawati Island, and Batanta Island. According to various sources, the waters of Raja Ampat Islands is one of the 10 best sites for diving around the world. In fact, recognized as number one for the completeness of underwater flora and fauna at this time. A study noted in these waters there are more than 540 species of hard corals (75% of the total species in the world), more than 1,000 species of reef fish, 700 species of mollusks. Unique species that can occur during diving is some kind of dwarf sea horses, wobbegong, and manta rays. There are also four endemic fish king, namely Eviota king, which is a kind of fish gobbie. At Manta Point, you can dive in the company of benign Manta Ray. Or at Cape Kri or Chicken Reef, you can dive while surrounded by hordes of fish like tuna, giant trevallies and snappers. But those tense when we are surrounded by a collection of barracuda or suddenly visible shark. And if lucky you can also see the turtle which is eating sponge or swim around you. In some places like in Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo also seen dugong or sea cow. Komodo  Dragon [caption id="" align="alignright" width="272" caption="Komodo Dragon"]Komodo Dragon[/caption] Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), is the world's largest lizard species that live on the island of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Gili Dasami in Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Locals call it , Ora. Komodo dragon is included in family of Varanidae lizards, and klad of Toxicofera, Komodo dragons are the largest lizards in the world, with an average length of 2-3 m. Large size is associated with symptoms of island gigantism, the tendency for giant body of certain animals because of there is no others carnivores on the island where dragons live. And because of its body size, these lizards occupy the dominating position of a top predator ecosystem where he lives. Komodo dragons are found by western researchers in 1910. Currently, the dragons in the wild habitat has been shrinking due to human activities and therefore included as a species of dragons that are vulnerable to extinction. These large lizards are protected under Indonesian law and a national park, namely Komodo National Park, established to protect them. Komodo is a lizard from prehistoric remains. Lake Kakaban [caption id="" align="alignleft" width="256" caption="Lake Kakaban"]Lake Kakaban[/caption] Lake Kakaban formed from the sea water which was trapped in Kakaban, coupled with water from the soil and rain water from 2 million years ago. Kakaban Lake is a lake that is a prehistoric era Holosin transition. The extent of approximately 5 km ², walled cliffs as high as 50 meters, which resulted in sea water is trapped no longer get out, and  became a lake. Because of the changes and evolution of a very long time by rain water and ground water, the lake water is then to be more fresh than in the surrounding sea. These changes have an impact also on the adaptation of existing marine fauna in the lake. For thousands of years the lake in the middle of the sea has finally created a very unique ecosystem of its own. This unique lake has four types of jellyfish, one of which is the jellyfish Cassiopea species. There is a symbiosis story in this lake. Jellyfish of Kakaban, placing algae in the leg. Because algae are concerned to get the sun as a means of doing fotosistesa, then the jellyfish eventually go upside down, with legs up and head down. And in turn, the jellyfish gets its food from the algae. There are only 2 places in the world that have a lake like this. The other lake is in Palau Island, Micronesia Islands in the Pacific Ocean southeast region.

Monday, 8 April 2013

Weh Island : Dive in The Most Western of Indonesia

Weh Island - Gapang BeachWeh Island (or Pulau Weh) is a small volcanic island located in the Andaman sea, on the northwestern island of Sumatra. The largest city in Weh Island is Sabang, which is the most western city in Indonesia. Weh Island separated from Sumatra after the last time volcano eruption in the Pleistocene era. There are several small islands around Weh Island, namely Island of Rubiah, Seulako Island, and Island of Klah.

Weh Island has a beautiful nature. The west side of Weh Island, there is a Forest Reserve and Marine Reserve. On the Weh Island, there are also many attractions, like Pantai Kasih (Love Beach), Pantai Sumur Tiga (ThreeWells Beach), Pantai Tapak Gajah (Tread Elephant Coast), Pantai Ujung Kareung (Reef Tip Beach) and Beach of Gapang. As a volcanic island, Weh Island also has hot springs, small volcano, and hot mud pools. On the Weh Island, there are also waterfalls and Lake Aneuk Lot that not far from the town of Sabang. But the famous of Weh Island is its sea and beaches that are very excellent for snorkeling and diving.

Waters of  Weh Island has wealth of very fascinating marine and is one of the best dive sites in Indonesia. There are at least 19 point dive in the waters of Weh Island. The most famous is Rubiah Marine Park, located east of the Rubiah Island in Sabang Bay.

Weh IslandRubiah Marine Park located on the west of Sabang, about 23.5 km by road or about 7 km by sea, adjacent to the village of Iboih. Government of Indonesia set the waters around Rubiah Island (about 2.600 acres) as nature reserves. In this most famous dive site of Weh Island, you will find calm and clear seawaters. Moreover, a variety of tropical fish and colorful coral reefs, are also ready to welcome you to enjoy the beauty of Rubiah Marine Park. Gigantic clams, angel fish, school of parrot fish, lion fish, sea fans, and much more, are also waiting for you in this dive site of Weh Island. Also find the honeycomb morays, octopus and stingrays.

Weh IslandThe wrecks of "Sophie Rickmers" is also an interesting dive site in Weh Island. Sophie Rickmers was a steam cargo ship made in Germany in 1920, that the Dutch had seized it on May 10, 1940 in the waters of Weh island. But then on that very day, the crews of  Sophie Rickmer sunk their own ship. Currently the boat 134 m long, covered by corals and become the home to giant groupers, giant morays and giant travellies.

In the south of Weh island, there is a dive site, Batee Meuduro. The distance is quite far away and isolated from other dive sites in Weh Island. But many divers said that Batee Meuduro is a top diving spot in Weh Island. Its shallow beach is covered by large table coral that becomes the home to lobsters, reef fishes and the baby sharks. At this top dive sites in Weh Island, you can encountered a lot of tunas, mackerels, barracudas, napoleon wrasse, manta rays and various of sharks.

Rubiah Marine Park, Sophie Rickmers ‘ wreck and Batee Meuduro are just 3 beautiful dive sites in Weh Island . There are still many more beautiful diving sites in Weh Island like Batee Dua Gapang, Batee Meuroron, Rubiah Utara (North Rubiah), Pantee Ideu, Batee Gla, Pantee Aneuk, Seuke or 'The Canyon', Pantee Peunateung, Sumur Tiga (Three Wells), Anoi Hitam and many more other dive sites.

Weh IslandHow to reach Weh island ? You can use the ferry from the Malahayati harbour in Banda Aceh headed to Port Balohan in Weh Island (about 2 hours). From Balohan,  minibuses and taxis are available to take you to Sabang, the capital of Weh island.

In Weh Island, there is not any classified hotels, but Inns (locals called "losmen"). Although only inns,  they are always ready to serve you with good service and hopitality. The facilities are quite simple and adequate; the rooms have baths and some have fans and air conditioning. The losmens are also ready to serve you a  good meal. Want to try different culinary ? you can go to the numerous food stalls in the town of Sabang.

Have a nice diving vacation in Weh Island :>)

Borobudur and Prambanan - Tour in Indonesia

Borobudur TempleBorobudur Temple, a marvelous ancient Buddhist structure situated about 42 kms from Yogyakarta, in central of Java Island, Indonesia. The temple was built in the 9th century and is a masterpiece of architecture. The temple  presents various levels, countless statues, perfect stupas and many stone carved reliefs and consists of three platforms that sit on top of six different square platforms. Borobudur Temple is now the one of the most visited tourist sites in Indonesia. There are three prestigious qualities that make Borobudur temple become one of the World Heritage site. First, by its architecture and precision. Second,  by its technology. And the third, by its arts, culture and tradition. Borobudur Temple is also used as a ceremonial celebration of the holy day of Vesak by Buddhists.

Prambanan TempleNot far from Borobudur Temple, there is Prambanan Temple, a 10th century ancient temple.  The Prambanan Temple complex has an architectural wonder, an amazing historical sight, and a picturesque Hindu temple. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is classified as one of the most impressive ancient temples in the world. Prambanan temple complex has three zones. A large stone fence surrounds the complex at the outer square, however, it has deteriorated throughout the years. The middle square zone consist of 224 shrines. And the inner square, the most important and holiest are, is the home of three central temple structures. The three important temples are dedicated to the trio of Hindu gods, they are Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. The biggest temple that is about 47 meters in height, is dedicated to Shiva. Borobudur Temple and Prambanan Temple are the ancient temples that are placed in Indonesia. Like the famous, Angkor Vat in Cambodia, both of that temples are world heritage sites. The architectural, technology and art are very magnificent. Those are compelling site to visit.

Sunday, 7 April 2013

Diving in Bali

diving in bali  Bali is primarily known as an exotic holiday destination with beautiful beaches, interesting culture and stunning nature.  But now, Bali is also known for its underwater life,  one of the best destination for scuba divers. It is a great idea if you plan a vacation for scuba diving in Bali with your family. Here are mentioned some of the areas for scuba diving in Bali. Hope you can be easier to decide where to go first and where later. Tulamben diving in bali tulambenTulamben is very popular among domestic and foreign divers for its wealth of marine life. The carcass USS Liberty, a famous WWII wreck, also make up the beautiful of Tulamben’s marine life. The wreck is easily accessible, only 30 meters from the beach with a maximum depth of 30 meters. A variety of undersea creatures ranging from tiny sea snails, crabs and shrimp, ghost pipefish and pygmy seahorses to large such as shark, mola mola, and others will welcome you when you begin to greet them. Tulamben is a good sites for diving courses, diving casual (fun dive) and underwater photography. Menjangan Island diving in bali menjangan-islandA small island in area of West Bali National Park, at the northwestern tip of the island of Bali. A quite long journey, three-hour overland journey from Denpasar and then 30 minutes using a traditional boat. The journey can be done as a day trip, but much better if taken as part of the Dive & Accommodation Safari and staying overnight there. Menjangan island is one of the best diving spot in Bali, with the bright and colorful underwater world. There are many different sites to choose, including wooden wreck at a depth of around 35 meters. Nearby, there is 'Secret Bay', where the best diving spot for photographers macros; heaven Frogfish, Seahorse and nudibranchs. Being at the end of the island of Bali which is protected, which means calm and clear conditions. The water is warm and visibility is perhaps the best in Bali. And white sandy beach is a nice place to relax and enjoy lunch. Nusa Penida diving in bali nusa-penidaThree mutually adjacent islands - Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan,  are dry limestone which is located about 20 kilometers off the southeast coast of Bali, can be achieved by using the speedboat with travel time approximately 45 minutes from Sanur. One of diving spot in Bali that offers healthiest corals in Bali, which is home to various species of fish. Very suitable for drift diving, and the best place to see Manta and Mola-mola in the season. The sight of a dramatic sea level. The normal temperature of about 28°C, but strong currents and thermo clines can lower the water temperature to around 20°C. Currents and waves on the sea surface. Amed diving in bali amedAmed is a small village in a peaceful bay, on the east coast if the island of Bali, about 2.5 hours overland journey from Kuta, followed by a few minutes using a traditional boat. About 20 minutes by road from the Tulamben. Its landscape point of view is much prettier than Tulamben. You will see many rice fields along the way. And Amed’s sandy beaches also as opposed to Tulamben's stony beaches. The best coral in Bali formerly found here, but the last few years this area has suffered heavy damage. But the day a fun diving can still be obtained, if you know where should look for. Generally good and calm, with warm water. Padang Bai diving in bali padang baiA small village hidden with and white sandy beaches. Padang Bai can be reached by car about an hour from Sanur, joined by a short trip by boat to reach the dive site. Padang Bai’s underwater is home to many creatures, from fish-tiny reef fish to a variety of marine animals: Manta Ray, Cuttlefish, Crocodile Fish, and often also found sharks and turtles. Padang Bai is more soft and protected than the islands of the Eastern Seaboard, and therefore more water is too warm. Amuk Bay diving in bali amuk-bayAmuk Bay is an amazing scuba diving destination. It is situated towards the north and is stretched to about 6 km of area. It is located by the side of the southern area of eastern point of Bali. It is also close to Candi Dasa. You can visit beautiful islands of Biaha and Tepekong here. You can dive around Padang Bai, and the Blue Lagoon.          

Raja Ampat Islands

Raja Ampat IslandsMaybe most of you have never heard the name of the Raja Ampat Islands. But if you have a hobby of diving, then perhaps you've heard the name of the Raja Ampat Islands, or even been familiar. Well, according to various sources, the area of Raja Ampat Islands is one of the 10 best dive sites in the world because of the wealth, diversity and beauty of the underworld sea.

Located in the western region of "Bird Head" Peninsula of Island of Papua, Raja Ampat Islands administratively belongs to the Province of West Papua, and only about 50 miles from the town of Sorong in West Papua. The Raja Ampat Islands is a series of four adjacent islands. The four islands were named in the name of its largest island, namely Waigeo Island, Misool Island, Batanta Island and Salawati island. The entire island in Raja Ampat Islands, numbering more than 610 islands, 35 islands of which have been inhabited, but many of the island has not even given a name.

To visit Raja Ampat Islands, you can use the airlines from Jakarta to Sorong via Manado. This trip takes about 6 hours. From Sorong, then you can use pinisi boat to explore Raja Ampat Islands or stay in Papua Diving Resort that offers underwater tours.

As mentioned earlier, the Raja Ampat Islands are recognized in the top 10 best places in the world for its richness, diversity and beauty of the underwater world. A research in Raja Ampat Islands noted, there are more than 540 species of hard corals, over 1000 species of reef fish, 700 species of mollusks. This research revealed that Raja Ampat Islands owns 75% of coral species of the world. In some areas of Raja Ampat Islands, the condition of coral reefs are still very well where the level life coral reached to 90%. This area are  Dampier Strait between Batanta Island and Waigeo Island, Kofiau Islands, Wayag Islands and Misool Islands. In Raja Ampat Islands, you can find a wide range of marine life such as several species of sea horses, wobbegong, manta rays. You can also find hordes of tunas, giant trevallies and snappers in Raja Ampat Islands. Maybe, you also will get a thrilling experience when you meet a group of barracudas or sharks. In some places, you can also find turtle or sea cow. Raja Ampat Islands also has endemic fish species, such as Eviota, a kind of gobies. There are also Apogon, a kind of cardinal and Hemysyllium, a type of shark.

Not only the beauty beneath the water, Raja Ampat Islands also offers a wealth of flora and fauna that are not less interesting. Red Cendrawasih, Wilson Cendrawasih, Maleo Waigeo, Nuri and Cockatoos, are various species of birds that inhabit Raja Ampat Islands. While the plants that make its natural resources are the various types of orchids, including the famous black orchid.

In Raja Ampat Islands can also be found relics of history. In Misool Islands you can find prehistoric relics in the form of hand stamp on a rock wall. Uniquely, the stamp of this hand is very close to sea level and not in the cave. Estimated age of this hand stamp around 50,000 years and become part of a series of instructions for distributing human path from the western region of the archipelago to Papua and Melanesia. It can also be found in the remains of World War II such as the sinking ship in the diving area of ??the Wai archipelago and cave bunkers built by the Dutch and the Japanese army during the World War II.

In Raja Ampat Islands there are also natural phenomena. In East Waigeo, particularly in front of Urbinasopen and Yesner Villages, 'there is a very interesting and unique natural phenomenon, the which cans only be seen every year-end. A light comes out from the ocean and wanders around on its surface for about 10-18 minutes. After that, it disappears and cans only be seen again at the following years-end. Local inhabitants in both villages call this phenomenon the "Sea Ghost". This is more than just a sunset view, overlooking from your liveaboard.

There is several accomodation in Raja Ampat Islands such Misool Eco Resort, Kri Eco Resort, Sorido Bay Resort, Raja Ampat Dive Lodge and another else. They provide a simple but you will experience a fun place to stay while you are there. Or perhaps you like to have a liveaboard trip ??

You may rent a small boat if you wish to stop and make personal discoveries along the line of the beaches and then trek around the islands to find hidden beauties, like Waterfalls and ancient Caves.

Enjoy the pure nature of the Raja Ampat Islands.