Ijen Crater Tourism

Ijen Crater or Kawah Ijen is another volcanic tourism attraction in Indonesia. Ijen Crater (Kawah Ijen) is a famous tourism object, which has been known by the domestic and foreign tourists because of the beautiful and charming nature. It is 5,466 hectares, 2,386 meters high from the depth of the sea, with a 92 hectares tourism forest. Its temperature is between 2 to 8 degree centigrade and the crater area lies at 2.386 meters above sea level (mdpl).
There are many beautiful species of plants that can be found there, such as; the edelweiss flower and the Casuarina Junghu (cemara gunung), etc. Various animals can also be seen in the area like jungle fowl (ayam hutan) and porcupine (landak).
The Ijen Crater lies about 68km from the town center. There are some of facilities here such as: a campground, a shelter and Tourist Information Center (TIC) etc.
The best time to enjoy the crater scenery is at morning, when the yellow sunlight glows the yellow water and shines the surrounding mountain like mount Merapi, the sister of Mount Ijen. Morning haze is creating a tranquility that we don't get at the metropolitan towns. At 2 pm, the crater is closed for the reason that the thick smoke from the crater that is poisonous.
Visiting from Bondowoso route, the tourists will travel across a coffee plantation. It has beautiful view either. The green of Arabica coffee trees are really an exciting scene to enjoy.
To reach Ijen Crater from Surabaya, we can use the public transportation with the route as follow:
- Surabaya - Bondowoso : 180 km with public bus
- Bondowoso - Paltuding : 68 km with public transport
- Paltuding - to the location : 2 km on foot
The Ijen volcano complex is a group of stratovolcanoes, in East Java, Indonesia. It is inside a larger caldera Ijen, which is about 20 kilometers wide. The Gunung Merapi stratovolcano (not to be confused with Central Java's Gunung Merapi) is the highest point of that complex.
West of Gunung Merapi is the Ijen volcano, which has a one-kilometer-wide turquoise-colored acid crater lake. The lake is the site of a labor-intensive sulfur mining operation, in which sulfur-laden baskets are carried by hand from the crater floor. Many other post-caldera cones and craters are located within the caldera or along its rim. The largest concentration of post-caldera cones forms an E-W-trending zone across the southern side of the caldera. The active crater at Kawah Ijen has an equivalent radius of 361 meters, a surface of 41 × 106 square meters. It is 200 meters deep and has a volume of 36 × 106 cubic meters.
By Adi Mulya Prasetya

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

West Java (Puncak-Taman Safari-Cangkuang Temple-Mount Galunggung-Mount Papandayans-Telaga Bodas Crater)

Puncak
Between Bandung and Bogor in the mountains lays Puncak, a cool area, which is very popular. People from Jakarta spend their weekend and on public holidays from the heat and busy streets of the capitol of Indonesia to Puncak. Bandung to Puncak takes about 3 hours drive. Puncak Pass area has long been the foremost weekend retreat for Indonesians capital city residents. The cool, fresh air, and the magnificent view offer a calm, fresh and peaceful feeling. In the afternoon, sunsets from the top of the pass can be quite spectacular.
Puncak Pass is one of interesting destination in the West Java Province. It is located in the south of Jakarta and can be reached by an hour journey. Puncak is an ideal place for weekend, as well as a good location to find a fresh mountain air. Besides, many attractions can be found nearby, such as the Bogor and Cobodas Botanical Gardens; the Gede Pangrango National Park; the Plantations and the Safari Park.
Puncak Indah consists of three districts: Ciawi, Megamendung, Cisarua. The area is familiar with its fresh air and beautiful panorama. From Ciawi to Cipanas, there are many bungalows, hotels, motels, restaurants, and other tourism facilities. Tourisms object in Puncak is Lido Park, which is located in Cigombong village/Wates Jaya (km. 21) Rd. Ciawi-Sukabumi, Cijeruk. Facilities that are provided in Lido Park ara restaurant, cottages, swimming pools, camping grounds, and other facilities for lake recreations. Gunung Mas XII Plantation, which is located in Rd. Puncak, Cisarua district. It offers panorama with hilly panorama, which could only be found in Puncak. Activities that could be done are tea walk and seeing the making of the tea from the picking of tea until the tea is ready to serve.
Taman Safari
The wildlife conservation is located in Cibeureum village, Cisarua. Taman Safari Foundation owns the land in Taman Safari, which is also the management of the tourism object. Facilities in Taman Safari are bus, artificial lake, water cycling, canoe, swimming pool, mini train to see African style village, Bird Park, go cart, children playground, windmill, circus, merry-go-round etc.
Animals from all continents roam freely in this 35-hectare park, 75-km southeast of Jakarta along the Jakarta-Bandung route. Among the animals kept here are some comparatively rare species such as anoas, rhinos, giraffes, white tigers and European, American and Asian bears. Adjacent to the park is recreational grounds with a swimming pool, tennis courts, an artificial lake, waterfall and children's playground and amusement park. There are also restaurants and cafeterias.
Taman safari is a drive through zoo and amusement park and is open every day. On the way from Bandung to Taman Safari we have to pass Puncak, do not try to do this on Sunday or public holiday because we can end up in a big traffic jam, because Puncak is a very popular spot for people from Jakarta. Normally, it take 3,5 hours from Bandung to get to Taman Safari.
Cangkuang temple
Cangkuang Temple is 10 kilometers from Tarogong to the North in the direction to Bandung. To go there, tourists particularly foreigners took delman (a traditional land transportation with horse in the front). Beautiful flowers cover the shallow situ. There is a small island in the middle of the lake, namely Cangkuang temple. It is the only Hindu temple that ever found in West Java is the important discovery in the past. Cangkuang has been built in the period of the first Sundanese Kingdom: Galuh Kingdom. Near the temple, there are heritage graves from the Moslem follower Arif Muhammad, who is one of the Mataram Kingdom soldier from Central Java when attacking the Dutch Colonialist in Batavia (now Jakarta), at the 17th Century. The ambush failed, he refused to return and stayed in Cangkuang for teaching and disseminating Islam to the surrounding community, precisely in Kampung Pulo, where his hereditary stays until now. In Kampung Pulo, can be found the traditional village, which contains six houses in a row and face-to-face, three on the left and three on the right, plus one mosque, which stays only six families. In the edge of the lake, to reach Cangkuang temple, people must use traditional transportation made from bamboo, but safe and comfortable that is called rakit (raft).
Mount Galunggung
Mount Galunggung is a volcano with 2,167 m above sea level. It is located about 17 km from Tasikmalaya. There are several objects offered, that is forest-tour in at least 120 hectares area under Bureau of Forestry management, hot water bathing place completed with swimming pool, bathroom and hot water tub facilities. Mount Galunggung is a volcano near to Tasikmalaya city. The volcano erupted in 1990 and spread its rain of ash to entire Indonesia and neighboring countries.
An easy trip from Tasikmalaya by minibus, motorcycle ride and then a two-hour walk is Mount Galunggung. An active volcano that erupted less than ten years ago is worth a look-see. Hike around the "Golden Crater" of Mount Papandayan, southwest Garut, which is an active steam-hissing volcano. The mountain is named after its bright-yellow sulfur deposits and gains its fame, or infamy, due to its highly active and potentially dangerous steaming geysers and poisonous gases. Be careful when walking around the volcano's rim.
Mount Papandayans
Papandayan Mountain is situated on the island of Java, at 7°32' S and 107°73'E, rising 2.665 m. Papandayan Mountain is one of the natural wonder in West-Java. Papandayan is a complex strata volcano with four large summit craters, the youngest of which was breached to the NE by collapse during a brief eruption in 1772 and contains active fumarole fields. This interesting place lies in the border of the Bandung and Garut regencies, about seventy kilometers south of Bandung and about 19,25 km from Garut. It is one if the most spectacular volcanoes in this province and the top of the mountain are easily reaches, because there are special road leading to the crater. Mount Papandayans crater is probably one of the most spectacular mountain scenes on Java Island. There is a Cangkuang temple situated by Cangkuang Lake, which was a major discovery of archaeological value as it was the first of its kind found in West Java, dating back to the 8th century. This volcano is situated 17 km from Garut or 50 km from Bandung.

Telaga Bodas Crater
It is a very nice and beautiful place for hiking and to know the nature from close range (natural studies). The crater is very captivating with water in the crater, which becomes the sulfur exploitation project. Tourists that intend mostly visit the tourism site to bath in the hot water, which contains sulfur. The surrounding view is beautiful, which is full of plants and tropical trees. Telaga Bodas Crater is situated 19.5 kilometers from Garut. Some 30 kilometers from Garut to the Southwest, there is Curug Orok tourism site. The tourism site is beautiful waterfall as the road to reach Curug passes tea plantation. Natural scene in the Curug surrounding areas and the atmosphere of mountainous areas with green tea plantations are the magnetic charms of the tourism site. No wonder many youngsters love to visit the site. Other activities that could be done in the site is bathing in the waterfall. It is good for tourists that seek peace or take a rest for a while from busy cities atmosphere. To reach the site, private cars and public transportation from Garut to Bungbulang could be used. (Courtesy By Indonsia-Tourism)

West Java (Leuweung Sancang-Ciater Hot Spring-Mount Ratuha and Kawah Putih-Cimanggu Hot Springs-Patengan Lake or Situ Patengan- Batu Tulis Ciaruteun)

Leuweung Sancang
Leuweung Sancang includes the conservation areas, which is located in Cibalong district. To reach the site, we need a -5- hour or a -118-kilometer trip from Garut. The long trip must be taken, as the road condition is stony. But it is an outrageous journey as we can see the Leuweung Sancang Natural Conservation Area, the area of tropical rain forest with multi function. The natural conservation area, which is protected by law, covers 2,157 hectares of land. The charm of the site is that we can walk inside the forest while looking at a number of endangered species. _Unique animals that live in Leuwung Sancang Natural Conservation Area is buffalo (Bos Javanicus), Merak bird (Papo Muticus), Mencek (Muntiacus Muntjak), while plants that exist in there are Palahlar (Diptek Ocarpuspee dir), Kabao (Dipterocarpus Gracilis), Werejit (Excoecaria agallocha lin). However, this area could only be used for tourism activities that are related with education and research.

Ciater Hot spring
Ciater Hot Spring is a nice park with small pools in which we can sit or swim. The streams and pools are fed by warm mineral springs, which are created by the heat from nearby volcanoes. About 30 minutes from Tangkuban Perahu crater. Ciater is pretty little place in the middle of huge tea estate. Its main attraction is the Sari Ater Hot Spring Resort; the pools are probably the best of all the hot springs around Bandung. We can enjoy swimming in warm sulfurous water pools that can heal rheumatism and skin problems. Here we can swim in warm mineral water pools, good for healing skin problems. Ciater hot spring is one stop place for entertainment and relaxation. Ciater is located in Lembang, a green, lush place. The water contains iodium and sulfur, well for curing skin ailments and rheumatism. Equipped with tennis courts, restaurants, and camping area, Ciater is a good way to retreat from every day's life.
Ciater is another area with tea plantations and hot springs, eight km northeast of Tangkuban Perahu. The place also has a tea factory. Ciater is a good starting point for hiking, and has some accommodation.

Mount Ratuha and Kawah Putih
Mt Patuhu is located southwest of Bandung, Kawah Putih is a lake on this mountains is sometimes pale turquoise, or as it's name says white. The direction is drive to Ciwidey. Kawah Putih can easy be reached by car all the way to the rim and then it is a 100 metre walk to the lake it self. It is a very nice colorful lake. Far to the south of Bandung, the hill becomes greener. The fresh air flows through the bamboo trees marching along the way. Kawah Putih, The White Crater, is waiting for who want to contemplate there.
Two craters adorn the summit of Patuha Volcano. The dry crater of Kawah Patuha lies 600 meters northwest of Kawah Putih, a crater lake with approximately 8 meters of water depth. Kawah Putih Crater Lake represents a relatively stable volcanic system, with no records of magmatic or phreatic activity since A.D. 1600. Surrounded by the tea plantation, Kawah Putih is a very prospectors tourist's destination in West Java - Indonesia. Located at about 30 km to the south of Bandung, Kawah putih is relatively easy to be reached. But, driving bu your own car is recommended, it's convenience because along the way, you can stop by to just take a rest, or buy strawberry, which can be easily found in this area. Fresh and considerably cheap.

Cimanggu Hot Springs
Ciwidey is rich with hot springs. One of them has used by Perhutani (State Forest Management Firm) as the source of Cimanggu swimming pool. Cimanggu Hot Spring is some swimming pools full of hot water from the mountain. The water is much hotter then in Hot Spring Ciater Resort, the area of this hot spring is very nice and a good place to relax. This hot spring is not so crowded as Ciater Hot Spring. The drive from Bandung takes about 2 hours. It is a lovely spot reasonably maintained, to relax, to swim, or just soak. The hot springs are channeled into a small pool for children and a large hot water pool. Cimanggu tourism site has some facilities such as; big parking area, play ground, hot water swimming pool, public toilet and bathroom, musholla, and drinking and food shops.

Patengan Lake or Patengan Situ
One of the leading resorts is located in less than an hour by road to the south of the city. The eastern side of the lake is a cool forest has an average temperature of 10 degrees C and is often hazy the whole day. A lush tea estate, reaching far out to the west and south, borders the north side. From Cimanggu Hot Spring it is just 30 minutes drive through tea plantations. This is a lovely site for boating, the lake looks a green carpet, and tea plantations surround the lake. Patengan Lake is a very popular spot for Indonesians on a Sunday and public holiday. Its location is in Ciwidey tourism area, 47 kilometers from Bandung to the South, and the site is in the area of Rancabali tea plantation. The tourism site is good for family as it offers hot spring water swimming pool, restaurants, a recreation park for kids, and bungalow as well as other supporting facilities

Batu-Tulis Ciaruteun (Stone Inscription)
One of the oldest kingdoms of Indonesia, the Hinduism Tarumanagara from the 5th century, was probably located near Bogor. In the area a number of inscriptions has been found, under them a remarkable one, which still can be seen in Ciampea, 15 km west of the city, approximately two kilometers Southwest of the botanical gardens It's a big stone in a riverbank, which contains several lines of Indian style inscriptions, and two king-size footprints, which should have been from the conqueror and king Purnawarman. This inscription tells about the influence of king Surawisesa of Pajajaran in 1533, an important Hindu-king. This inscription is used Sanskrit language.
A replica of the stone can be found in the Fatahillah Museum in Jakarta. The name of the kingdom seems to have close ties with the river, which runs through the Bandung Basin east of Bogor to the coast, Citarum River. Because the inscriptions were found here, the historians concluded the capital of Tarumanagara should have been here, also because it's a good place for defense, and it also provides entry to the fertile hinterlands and the nearby trading harbors at the Sunda Strait.
The site is located on the bank of the Ciaruteun river in Ciampea village which can be reached by driving along the 9-kilometer road from Bogor to Ciampea followed by going on foot for about two kilometers. (Courtesy By Indonesia-Tourism)

West Java (Maribaya-Jatiluhur Dam-Pangandaran Beach)

Maribaya
Maribaya is well known for its hot springs, the sulfur-laden water, a comfortable place for swimming and enjoying the scenery of a 25-meter waterfall set against a steep mountain cliff. Maribaya warm springs emerge from near the fault trace of the almost east west trending Lembang Fault which is downthrown to the north. The uplifted southern block consists of older andesitic volcanic products from Tangkuban Perahu and other old eruptive centers to the east while on the north the outcrop is mainly of younger Tangkuban Perahu pyroclastics. The main Tangkuban Perahu craters are 9 km to the NW of Maribaya and Bandung city is about 11 km to the SW. Maribaya, which lies 9 km southeast of Tangkuban Perahu at the foot of an east-west scarp which may be associated with Lembang fault. The springs flow from the banks of a stream where it flows over two waterfalls created by basaltic lava flows. The waters have temperatures ranging between 38° and 47°C, an 8-9 and are slightly turbid and yellowish in color. Where they emerge from the rocks they are often associated with carbonate and argyle deposits.
The 30-minute trip from Bandung to Maribaya passes through some lovely mountain scenery. Renowned for its hot springs, the sulfur-laden water is comfort, able for swimming or soaking. Lie back and relax while enjoying the view of a 25-meter waterfall set against a steep mountain cliff. The mountain air is cool and the sulfur-laden water just comfortably hot enough for swimming as and soaking in. Part of the scenery is a 25 m high waterfall set against a steep mountain cliff. This is tiny waterfall.

Jatiluhur Dam
Purwakarta is a part of West Java, a small district with its beautiful scenery of Jatiluhur Dam. It is located 9 kilometers from Purwakarta, is known as Juanda Dam, which could accommodate 3 billion cubic of water from Citarum River. Situated halfway between Jakarta and Bandung, this dam was originally built with French technical assistance in the 1950's to generate electrical power for the region. It is the first multipurpose dam in Indonesia. It now provides irrigation to the surrounding Arabic land and a fishery industry has been developed as well. It is now being developed for tourism and provides convenient facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, a camping ground, and speedboats for water skiing and cottages. The reservoir is huge, the scenery tropical, the air crisp and cool.
In the dam, there are six turbine units with installed capacity of 187 megawatts and could generate electricity of 1,000 million kilowatt ours per year. Besides, the dam functions to feed water to irrigation channel of 242,000 hectares of farming land provide raw water for drinking water, as fishery and as flood control.
Grama Tirta is a place where we can enjoy our holiday doing various kinds of outdoor sporting activities. Enjoy a morning walk at Jatiluhur Dam, inhaling the crisp fresh air. Let the cool morning dew on the grass and melodious songs of bird greet in each morning. Catch a glimpse of our Morning Glory and its breathtaking beauty will inspire us to new heights.
For those who love water sports and recreation, 8,300 hectares dam with its year round crystal clear waters, will be difficult to resist. Climb into a paddleboat to explore the Jatiluhur Dam, or just sit back and relax in a motorboat to experience the great outdoors. And if speed and challenge are what we are looking for, the fleet of jet skis will propel the tourists to all corners of the lake.
Asides from its function as hydro power plant, Jatiluhur dam also has a number of recreation facilities including hotels, bungalow, bar and restaurant, tennis court, billiard, camping site, swimming pool, meeting room, water sport recreation center, playground etc. Water sport recreation center includes rowing, surfing, water ski, boating and shipping. In Jatiluhur dam, there is a Ikan Keramba Jaring Apung or Keramba Fish Floating Net activity, that could become a distinguished activity in the dam. In the daylight or at night, we can fish with peace and eat roasted fishes.

Pangandaran Beach
Small mainland peninsula with a national park with beaches and stunning scenery to rival the beaches of Bali on the south coast of Java. Pangandaran is one of Java's best-kept secrets as far as international tourists are concerned, but has been extremely popular with locals for along, long time. A small fishing town, it possesses one of Java's finest beaches and Pangandaran Nature Reserve teems with wild buffalo, barking deer and monkeys. The people are very friendly, this combined with the idealize surroundings make this a great place to spend a few days relaxing island-style. Pangandaran is halfway between Bandung and Yogya, about 5 hours by bus from Bandung and 8 hours from Jakarta.
This is the second beach resort area on the Indian Ocean after Pelabuhan Ratu. The site is 223 from Bandung and 400km from Jakarta. The trip by car or bus is recommendable because the road conditions are good. However, if we prefer to take the train, get into Bandung-Yogyakarta Express train and get off at the Banjar railroad station about 4 hours later. From here it will be another 50 km by bus to Pangandaran. The beach is called Penanjung, where most of the cottages and hotels are located, however, of modest ratings. Nothing luxurious should be expected. Pangandaran is especially of interest to nature lovers, as there is a wildlife reserve in the vicinity where wild birds and other indigenous animals live about freely to be enjoyed by visitors. In Pangandaran visitors will like fine white beaches, blue ocean and fine seafood. Twelve kilometers before arriving at Pangandaran visitors will see a huge rock on the beach, which is called Karang Nini.
Another place of special interest for nature lovers is a forest Conservation Park, close to the camping ground, which has basic facilities suitable for the younger set. Somewhat further out, west of Pangandaran, driving 23 km on the way to Parigi, lays Batu Hiu, meaning Shark's Rock, a coastal rock that has the shark shape. (Courtesy By Indonesia-Tourism)

West Java (Pelabuhan Ratu Beach-Mount Tangkuban Perahu)

Pelabuhan Ratu Beach
Pelabuhan Ratu is a lovely holiday resort, visited by holidaymakers from Jakarta and Bandung. The site is only three-hour drive from either city through cool mountain villages with picturesque sceneries. Pelabuhan Ratu - Cisolok is a 15 km stretch of breathtaking beauty with hills, mountains and very wide sandy beaches everywhere around, set against the deep blue Indian Ocean. Right next to stretches of white beaches, visitors will find thick tropical forests on rolling hills. Taking walks uphill enables the visitor to look down on the horseshoe shape of the bay's coastline, whereas at night hundreds of fishermen's boat-lamps are seemingly competing with the star-studded sky above, which is both enchanting and romantic. There is one four-star hotel, Samudera Beach, about 6 km from Pelabuhan Ratu, but several other smaller hotel and cottages are available at moderate rates.
At this virgin stage, this area represents unspoiled beauty in a typically tropical setting with hospitable inhabitants. Because of its proximity to Jakarta, more tourists visit this area from the capital than those from Bandung. Moreover, the highways to and from Pelabuhan Ratu have recently been greatly improved to assure the visitor of a smooth ride to enjoy the sceneries that pass even well. Good for taste, swimming, sun bathing and surfing.
The picturesque fishery village, more than 50 kilometers southwest of Sukabumi, is home to the mysterious goddess of the South Sea, Nyai Roro Kidul. The legend tells that the sea in Karanghawu would have taken her, 14 kilometers to the west. Pelabuhan Ratu ('seaport of the queen') is located in a wide bay, which has had the name 'Wijnkoopsbaai'. During the weekends this village is overloaded with visitors from Jakarta. It's not advised to take a bath in the domain of the goddess, and especially not in green clothes. Green is the favorite color of Nyai Roro Kidul and wearing it is an invitation for her to take that person to the depths of the ocean.

Mount Tangkuban Perahu
Tangkuban perahu is a volcano, 25 kilometers north of Bandung direction of Lembang. Its location is in between Sagalaherang village, Sagalaherang district, Subang regency and Cikole village, Lembang district, Bandung regency. This is Bandung's most famous tourist volcano just 28 km north of the city. This volcano offers many places to see and explore. Whether we look into the huge crater or hike down into it, stroll through the forest on its slopes, or simply enjoy the splendid panoramic scenery. Mt. Tangkuban Perahu is an interesting destination that everyone in the Bandung area is fond of visiting. When seen from Bandung, Mt. Tangkuban Perahu has a distinctive shape, like an upside down boat. Tangkuban Perahu means, in fact, "up-turned boat" This peculiar shape has stimulated the fantasy of the Sundanese people from early times as expressed in the Legend of Sangkuriang. Geologically, Mt. Tangkuban Perahu has played a significant role in the development of Parahyangan highlands. Eruptions have contributed immensely to the hills north of Bandung through lava flowing into the valleys and hardening into rock, thus forming big cliffs over which waterfalls leap. Likewise, mud flows have formed a semi-circular cone of gentle gradient (what geologists call "a fan"), which is now a mass that blocked the valley of the ancient Citarum River near present day in Padalarang (some 18 km west of Bandung), this caused a lake to form covering the whole Bandung plain.
Tangkuban Perahu is a volcano with three craters into which areas tourists can walk through. These three craters are: Kawah Ratu ("Queen Crater"), Kawah Domas ("Domas Crater"), and Kawah Upas ("Upas Crater"). Tourists can go down into the Domas Crater where exist many hot geysers in which they can boil eggs. Though the mountain appears peaceful, mild eruptions occurred in 1969, when Kawah Ratu spewed ash and barrages 500 m high. As recently as September 1992 it was closed to the public for a few days because unusually high seismic activity leads volcanologist to fear a new eruption. On the mountain's northern flank is an area called Death Valley, so named for its frequent accumulation of poisonous gases. On a reasonably clear day, from Kawah Ratu, the main crater, we can see not only the mountain range to the east, with Mt. Bukittunggul as its highest peak (2,209 m), but also two other in a northeasterly direction. The lower and nearer one is Mt. Tampomas (1,684 m) just north of Sumedang some 40 km away. To the right and about 90 km away is Mt. Ciremai close to Cirebon on the north coast. At 3,078 m, Mt. Ciremai is West Java's tallest mountain. At the foot of Mt. Tangkuban Perahu we see the Ciater tea plantation covering the rolling hills. Farther to the left are the northern coastal plains of Java, and on an extremely clear day we may even be able to see the Java Sea beyond.
Kawah Ratu, which means "Queen's Crater", is today just a big gray hole, which sometimes has a pool of water at its center. Poisonous gases sometimes accumulate in Kawah Ratu, thus making it somewhat of a risk to descend to the crater floor. Beyond the saddled shaped depression on the far side of Kawah Ratu is the still active Kawah Upas, the oldest crater on the mountain. On the very far western cliff we see a spot where all vegetation has been destroyed by constantly rising sulfurous vapors. On the crater walls, note the various layers of material consisting of rock, sand, and pebbles. Overtime, new craters have formed again and again in a rather consistent shift from west to east. The most well known of these is the Domas crater, but also there are other smaller ones in jungle on the mountain's northeastern flank. Facilities in Tangkuban Perahu Crater are comfortable parking area, souvenir kiosks, and restaurants. (Courtesy By Indonesia-Tourism)

West Java (Garut-Tasikmalaya-Cirebon)

Garut

Garut is an Old Dutch hill station and a characteristic Sundanese town in the highlands, surrounded by mountains, volcanoes, and crystal clear lakes. Garut's Hindu temples and hot springs are often the destination for hikers attracted by spectacular views from the mountaintops. The choices of where to plan the next trek in the area are as varied as the sights along the way. Some like to hike across to Mount Telaga Bodas with its pale-green Crater Lake bubbling with pure sulfur. This cool place can be reached from Bandung in approximately one hour. Due to the scenic beauty of this there are many places of interest for nature lovers. The northern part of the region is reserved for the development of the city of Garut while the southern region is rich with a beautiful coastline, nature preserves and beautiful scenery. Since the time of the Dutch occupation, this region has been developed as a resting place.
The inhabitants of Garut are mostly Moslems and more than half of the people live on farming. The specific food from this place, which is very famous, is "dodol Garut", a sweet food made from sticky rice flour and sugar with various flavorings. This food is offered in different wrappings and can be store for a long time. In the past, Garut was also famous for its high quality oranges.
The hot springs resort at Cipanas has comfortable accommodations. Many people visit these laden springs, which have medicating effects to purify their skin. Mount Papandayan's crater is probably one of the most spectacular mountain scenes on Java Island. There is the Cangkuang temple situated by Cangkuang Lake, which was a major discovery of archaeological value as it was the first of its kind found in West Java, dating back to the 8th century. The site is located 17 km from Garut and 50 km from Bandung.
Garut has a specific cultural attraction, the "Ram Fight". Two strong male Ram, with big, long and strong horns are made to fight against each other in the center of a arena, usually in a field, accompanied by "Kendang Pencak" music. There are three centers for ram high performances: in the districts of Bayongbong, leles and Samarang. The participants mostly come from the surrounding place. In Garut there are a lot of interesting places to visit, some have been developed, some others are being developed and there are places, which are still left natural.

Tasikmalaya
Sixty kilometers from Garut, Tasikmalaya is known for its plaited mats, painted umbrellas and batiks of particular designs and colors. Geographically, Tasikmalaya is situated between 107° 53' to 108° 20' eastern longitudes and between 7° 3' and 7° 49' southern latitude. The population of the entire regency (the city and rural area around it) is about 1.58 million. Like most of West Java, Muslim, ethnically Sundanese people, mostly populates it with a small Indonesian Chinese minority. A quarter of Tasikmalaya Regency, which has an area of about 256,756,692 hectares, is covered by forest. This Regency may be divided into two areas, lowlands and mountainous regions.
Tasikmalaya Regency is rich in places of interests and cultural attractions. First of all, there is an interesting area called Kampung Naga. Thirty km from Tasikmalaya, visitors will find the uniqueness of Kampung Naga. The distance from Bandung to this kampong is about 88 km. The people of this Kampong still adhere to the old traditions. Their house building is unique. The uniqueness lays its uniformity, starting from the building materials, the house designs to the direction their houses are facing. Instead of its proximity to modern society, it has retained its traditional customs over the centuries. It is a small village in the beautiful mountains of the Salawu District. The most important traditional ceremony is called "Upacara Pedaran" which illustrates its age-old history and culture, held only once every year.
Places of interest in Tasikmalaya include the most attractive natural resorts. From a tourism viewpoint at least, the area has benefited from the latest eruption of Galunggung Mountain, which happened on April 5, 1982. The remains of the eruption have now become taking scenery and are worth-visiting. A lot of tourists, both foreign and domestic, have started visiting this resort. Shady trees are growing again and visitors can also enjoy the sight the crater and bathing in the spa.
Transportation is easily available, although the distance from Jakarta to Tasikmalaya is about 380 kilometers, and from Bandung about 120 kilometers. Since the road is good the distance can easily be covered by either public or private transport.
Home industries are prevalent in Tasikmalaya Regency and the tourist can of course buy the product. Home industries mean handicraft, such as pandan hat, samak hat, dudukuy cetok, hand bags, etc in another region of this regency, there is a place which is famous for plaited handicraft, called Rajapolah. Home industries here produce mats, plaited wares made from bamboo, like kitchen utensils, etc.

Cirebon

Traveling northeast from Bandung towards the coast, the seaport of Cirebon offers a wealth of culture and history. Situated on the border of West and Central Java, it is home to a combination of both cultures. Gemah Ripah Loh Jinawi means a prosperous city that has many people. Cirebon is actually located at the north coast of Java. It is located at West Java. Cirebon has a great resource of sea, especially shrimps. These shrimps are exported abroad to get so much income for city development and education. This city is almost always be passed every time any one wants to go to West Java or Jakarta from Central Java and any east cities of Java. The location of Cirebon is very strategic. In the Indojavanese time it was the most important harbor of the mighty Galuh kingdom, of which the capital was located in the fertile of Citanduy River, not too far away from Ciamis. The harbor also opened the way to the Cimanuk River, which flows through Sumedang to the lake basin of Bandung. Because the coasts of Western Java are swampy and in some places rocky Cirebon and Sunda Kelapa (Jakarta), together with Banten in the far West, the main entries to the blooming highlands.
Cirebon at 14th was a part of Padjajaran Kingdom. The Moslem movement there was so fast and Padjajaran commanded to remove the settlement to Lemahwungkuk, 5 kilometers from Cirebon harbor. In the city itself; the ancient palace (keraton) of Kasepuhan and Kanoman now serve as museums which are open to the public, exhibiting household ornaments, paintings, calligraphy and other art treasures of the courts. The royal carriages are sumptuous in design, one of them a gilded coach in the form of a winged elephant. The three well-known palaces (Kraton) of Cirebon are Pakungwati, Kesepuhan, and Kanoman. The former is the earliest of the three and has said to be occupied by Sunan Gunung Jati himself. In fact, according to the records preserved within the Kesepuhan Palace, and firmly believed by the Cirebon people, the normally accepted account of Sunan Gunung Jati's life is incorrect. Syarif Hidayatullah was, they claim, the son of an Egyptian King and a Sundanese princess. He lived until the age of 120 and died in 1568 A.D.
Across the square from the Kasepuhan Kraton is "Mesjid Agung" (Grand Mosque), in a traditional Javanese style and made entirely of wood. There is an ancient royal cemetery where a holy sultan was buried which has become a place for pilgrimage at the Astana Gunung. Jati Cirebon is also known for its distinct batik, now a flourishing industry in Trusmi village. The local seafood is among the best in West Java. Another specialty this city can offer the visitor is a wide range of seafood, probably the best in West Java.
Nowadays Cirebon is on the crossing of a busy coastal road and the main road to Bandung. The harbor, main depot for the oil from the Java Sea, is famous for it's great catches of fish and other sea animals. Cirebon means 'River of Shrimps' and the city has a nickname 'Kota Udang', 'City of the big Shrimps'; historical sources tell us that the name of the city is probably diverted from caruban, which means 'mixture' - a witness of the very heterogeneous heir of Cirebon. (Courtesy By Indonesia-Tourism)

West Java (Bandung-Bogor)

Of the 17,000 islands that make up the archipelago of the Republic of Indonesia, Java has historically been considered the heartland. Where Java has led-culturally, economically and politically down through the centuries, other regions have followed. On Java, still the most densely populated island of Indonesia, there are five Provinces. West Java is the largest, with the greatest population, and, some would claim, with the most pride.
West Java Province is located at part of western Java Island. The enchanting of Sunda land stretches from Sunda Strait in the west to the borders of Central Java in the east. The locals' people know West Java Province as the Land of Sunda. The region is primarily mountainous, with rich green valleys hugging lofty volcanic peaks, many of which surround the capital of West Java province. The history of West Java is a story of trade, spices, and the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms. In the late 1500's the region was ruled from mighty Cirebon, which still survives as a sultanate today, although a shadow of its former glory. West Java was of the first contact points in Indonesia for Indian traders and their cultural influences, and it was here that the Dutch and British first set foot in the archipelago.
This province has its own unique culture and language, both called Sundanese that is also used to call its people. The ancient kingdoms of Tarumanegara, Pajajaran, Banten and Cirebon would make interesting studies for the student of archaeology. Cirebon is located on the border between West and Central Java, having a mixed culture originating from the ancient Cirebon and Banten kingdoms, resulting in similar customs and dialects of the two people, although Banten is located at the extreme western part of the province.
West Java province its self, is formed based on the Constitution number 11/1950 on the establishment of West Java. With the issuance of Constitution number 23/2000 on Banten Province, West Java Governor Assisting Territory I Banten was inaugurated as Banten Province with its territories comprising Serang Regency, Pandeglang Regency, Lebak Regency, Tangerang Regency and Mayoralty, and Cilegon Mayoralty. After the change, at present West Java consists of 18 regencies, nine mayoralties, 584 districts, 5,201 villages and 609 sub districts.The capital city of West Java province is Bandung city. Bandung is situated 180 km southeast of Jakarta. The city gamed fame in 1955 as the venue for the first Afro-Asian Conference, which brought together the leaders of 29 Asian, and African nations with the aim to promote economic and cultural relations and take a common stand against colonialism.
The road from Jakarta to Bandung passes through a beautiful panorama of mountains, paddy fields and small holiday resorts. An expressway connects the crowded capital city with Bogor and the mountain areas, and onward to Bandung. It has a number of sea resorts on its western and southern coasts, which have modern hotels and are popular during the weekends. The Sundanese people are soft-spoken. The women of the Bandung region are known for their beauty. A lighthearted people who have a love for bright colors, their mournful "kecapi" music is memory of beautiful legends.

Bandung
Bandung is the capital of West Java in Indonesia. Bandung is 180 kilometers southeast from Jakarta. Although it has a population of over two million the pace of city life is slower than Jakarta's. Today Bandung has a population of 2 million people, Bandung area an estimated 4 million. Bandung is situated on a plateau 768 meters above sea level with a cool climate throughout the year. Bandung is the most European city of Java. The raining season starts in Bandung a little bit earlier, then the rest of Indonesia. Normally the raining season in Indonesia is from October till May, the peak of the raining season is in January. The dry season is from June until August, temperature is then 25-30 degrees Celsius during the day. In the morning, the sun is almost shining every day, but in the afternoon many times it gets cloudy, for sunbathing we have to wake up early from 6.30 the sun is already there. In the evening when the sun is down the temperature has drops. The average temperature in Bandung is 22 degrees Celsius; the weather is pleasant all year round.
There are short drives up to the mountain resorts of Lembang and the Bosscha Observatory, and higher to the volcanic crater of Tangkuban Perahu, the only crater in Java accessible all the way by car as far as its rim. It is an awe-inspiring sight of emanating sulfur fumes. Descent into all the volcano's 12 craters is only possible with the aid of an experienced guide, because of the presence of suffocating gases at certain spots.Just a 15 minutes drive from Tangkuban Perahu is a hot springs resort. Here we can swim in warm mineral water pools, good for healing skin problems. The resort provides visitors with a bar, restaurants, tennis courts and cottage style hotels overlooking a beautiful mountain-scope.
In Bandung, try to see the "Wayang Golek" wooden puppet show and hear the "Angklung" bamboo orchestra, as well as the classical Sundanese gamelan and dances. Several institutes of higher education are located here, including the country's prestigious Bandung Institute of Technology.

Bogor
A bit further away from Bandung about 4,5 hours drive is Bogor, also called the city of rain. Previously known as "Buitenzorg" (Sans soucis or Without worries), during the Dutch colonial era, Bogor actually lies closer to Jakarta (50 km) than it does to Bandung (120 km). Appropriately named by the Dutch as a town "without worries", they chose Bogor to be the site for constructing the first palace of the Dutch Governor General way back in 1745. Later restored in 1832, the palace still stands solid and elegant today with its stretched out gardens where deer roam freely on the green grass under majestically tall old trees.
The inhabitants of Bogor work in agriculture, forestry, industry, as civil are Christians, Catholics, Hindus and Buddhists. From a historical point of view, the Bogor Regency still has a close relationship with the history of the Pakuan Padjajaran Kingdom, which was built between the 13th - 15th centuries. This is supported by some historical objects in the form of inscriptions as old manuscript written by some historians, which were found in the area.
Bogor, is famous with its botanical garden. This botanical garden and in the garden is the palace "Buitenzorg" On a not so busy day on the road a visit to Bogor and Taman Safari can be done on the same day. The world-famous Bogor Botanical Garden borders the Palace Grounds, covering an area of 87 hectares with thousands of species of plant life from all over the world. There are over 15,000 species of trees and plants, 400 varieties of palms alone. The orchid houses contain over 3000 orchid varieties. We don't have to be a horticulturalist to enjoy the gardens, it is a masterpiece of design and a wonderful place to just stroll and enjoy the company of family and friends. See the original "Havea Brazilliensis" rubber tree, formerly imported from Brazil, and world's largest flower, the Rafflesia, a foul smelling and stem less as well as leafless plant. When visiting this Garden, arrange for a permit to visit the neighboring Presidential Palace, which belonged to the Dutch Governor General before Indonesia's independence. Doing this may be a daylong visit by leaving Jakarta in the morning and spend the night in Puncak mountainous region on the way to Bandung the next day. Here again, the whole car trip will be memorable, as scenic tropical beauty all around is really astonishing. We will also pass by another smaller Presidential Palace at Cipanas, the setting of which is in a colorful and flowery vast garden around this wooden but stylish palace. (Courtesy By Indonesia-Tourism)

Mountain Malabar

The first thing you see upon entering the Cisangkuy Valley from the north is Mt. Malabar. The name alone conveys something exotic; in fact, it\'s quite possible that the mountain is named after the Malabar coast in India; since West Java was one of the strongholds of Indian Hindu culture, this would not be surprising. It\'s a magnificent work of nature at more than 2,300 m above sea level. Dominating the Bandung skyline, Mt. Malabar is the mountain you see from Bandung\'s northern hills. The huge explosion crater which opens to the northwest tells you that here is still another of West Java\'s old volcano family.
Follow the directions above to Banjaran. 5 km after Banjaran there is another turnoff to the left which takes you to a camping ground much frequented by Indonesians. This narrow but well-surfaced road winds higher and higher through the rice terraces, with beautiful vistas of the Bandung Basin.

The camping ground near where the old tea plantation used to be is also a starting point for some good hikes, for example to a waterfall a little farther up. Ambitious souls might consider an assault on the summit of Mt. Malabar, which, however, is anything but easy and should be carefully planned. Afternoon rains are more common here than in Bandung, so do take that into consideration.

The huge cleft in the mountain flank in front of you originates from a pre-historic eruption. This was also once the location of the world-famous transmitter station Radio Malabar. In those days no other colony of such economic importance was so far away from its \"motherland\" as was the Dutch East Indies. Thus, the Dutch made a prodigious effort to install Ruins eerily overgrown with ferns and pine trees are all that remain of the old Malabar Tea Plantation. a radio station that would allow direct communication between Holland and Java.

After Marconi first succeeded in sending radio signals across the Atlantic Ocean in 1906, the technology was quickly refined and inter-continental radio communication became possible. For the Dutch project, huge wire antennas had to be hung between two mountain peaks. The huge cleft on the flank of Mt. Malabar provided ideal natural conditions for such a facility; the antennas could hang right across the ravine, the Lamajan hydro-electric power station a little farther up the valley provided the electricity to transmit, and the whole thing was not too far away from Bandung. On 5 May 1923 Radio Malabar went on the air with the most powerful transmitter in the world (up to 1,800 kW). A telecommunication link with Holland, 12,000 km away, had been established. When Dutch rule collapsed, the facility deteriorated, never to be restored. The foundations of the antenna poles are supposedly still somewhere in the jungle.

Dilapidated, too, are the houses that were once the residences of the tea plantation\'s managerial staff. These are located on the western slope of the mountain at 1,300 m, some 35 km, or about one hour\'s drive, from Bandung. Eerily overgrown with a strange-looking mixture of pine trees and huge tropical ferns, they are still marked with the names of the former occupants, mainly Dutch and Chinese. A bit farther up are the remains of a swimming pool filled with water diverted from the river and full of silt. It must have been a lovely if somewhat chilly place to swim. This is all that remains of the old colonial facilities. Nowadays, there are some food stalls, a tennis court, an information kiosk (probably not open when you are there), and a number of inviting trails up into the forest.
(With Courtesy http://www.articlexpose.com)

The Different Kinds Of Visitors Attractions In Indonesia

Indonesia is a land of mountains, volcanoes, dense forests, attractive beaches, spectacular artless beauty, which draws the awareness of assorted tourists throughout the year. With its glorious temples, vast mosques, museums Indonesia is a house of some magnificent Indonesia Tourist Attractions.
Attractions in Indonesia Java- Jakarta - The funds city of Jakarta retains much from the regal Dutch and British periods, with many tenuous grand-technique buildings and the newly restored old part. You can stopover at The National Monument towers, Merdeka Square, The Central Museum, Portuguese Church, Istiqlal Mosque etc. If you want to store, then antiques souk on Jalan Surabaya and batik factories in the Karet are the total place for you. Throughout the island, flunky shows are thespian in which traditional wayang golak and wayang kulit marionettes act out stories based on well-known tradition; performances can sometimes last all night.

Sumatra The instant-major island in Indonesia is Sumatra, which is a house of the volcanic mountain sort, hot springs, unexplored jungle and general plantations. Bengkulu, Gedung Wani and Mount Loeser Reserve are some of the amazing Reserve forests. The current Indonesia Tourist Attractions situated in Sumatra are, Lake Toba, Lingga village, Bukittinggi's Fort de Kock that located close to the zoo, promote, a refurbished rice store and the Bundo Kandung Museum and the most attractive beaches on the east coast.

Sulawesi Popularly known as Orchid Island, Sulawesi is a land of high mountains, hazy valleys and lakes, geysers and hot springs like Karumengan, Kinilow, Lahendong, Leilem and Makule. In the south is Bantimurung Nature Reserve which has thousands of exotic butterflies. The island has geysers and hot springs, the most celebrated of which are at Karumengan, Kinilow, Lahendong, Leilem and Makule. Torajaland is known as the 'Land of the Heavenly Kings' and its people are prominent for their opulently ornamented houses and custom of burying the over in vertical cliffside tombs. Ujung Pandang, formerly Makassar, is celebrated for the Pinsa Harbour where impassive schooners of the notorious Buganese seafarers are moored. Fort Rotterdam, built by Sultan Ala in 1660 to defend the township from pirates, is now being restored. Racing is a general island activity; there is horseracing and bullock-racing and at Ranomuut there races with traditional mount-strained carts.

Bali With its spectacular sallow beaches, green jungle and mountain, Bali is a steamy paradise. The landscape of Bali 'is made up of volcanic mountains, lakes and rivers, terraced ricefields, giant banyans and palm groves and, on the coast, bays rang with colorless grimy beaches. Bali is imminent for its crafts and adventurous activities, which are orderly on the southern beaches. The island deception a rapid detach from the eastern coast of Java, across the Strait of Bali. The tourist areas are in the south, around Sanur Beach and at Kuta, which lies on the other boundary of a narrow cape. The island also has thousands of temples - the extract number has never been counted - ranging from the great Holy Temple at Besakih to small village places of worship.

Lombok It is a land of temples home handicrafts like cane baskets and bamboo fabrics. Lombok is an admired tourist destination where you can call at the Senggigi Beach, Gili Islands, Gunung Rinjani, and Desert Point well known for surfing. The island possesses one of the utmost volcanic mountains in the Indonesian archipelago, Mount Rindjani. The two main towns are Mataram, the assets, and the occupied harbor of Ampenan; both are interesting to explore. The south coasted is tough. The west, with shimmering rice terraces, banana and coconut groves and prolific plains, looks like an addition of Bali. The east is dry, sterile and desert-like in appearance. The north, the area dominated by Mount Rindjani, offers thick forests and dramatic vistas. There are also some glorious beaches, some of pallid sandpaper, others, such as those near Ampenan, of black sand. At Narmada there is a gigantic complex of palace dwellings, achieve with a well containing 'rejuvenating waters', built for a former Balinese queen. At Pamenang, visitors can hire a ship and go diving, entering a fine-water world of brilliantly colored coral and inquisitive steamy fish.

Yogakartas Capital of Java Yogakarta is the centre of educational, cultural and efficient activity. You must see the leading university of Indonesia, the Gajah Mada University and numerous arts centers, markets, galleries, shape shops and bazaars.

Moluccan Archipelago Also known as the Maluku Archipelago, it is made up of 1000 islands, many uninhabited and the surplus so secluded from one another and from the exterior world that each has its own nation and very regularly its own poetry. Halmahera is the biggest island in the Moluccan group and one of the most diverse. Banda, in the medium of the Banda Sea, is regularly termed the initial 'Spice Island' and is notorious as a nutmeg-growing interior. At donate, the islands are prevalent for diving and snorkeling.

Nusa Tengara Archipelago Nusa Penida was at one time a penal colony but now attracts visitors to its dramatic seascapes and beaches. Komodo home to the world's prime and rarest species of screen lizard, while Sumba is famed for its handsome Ikat cloth. Mount Keli Mutu is one of Indonesia's most spectacular relaxed sights, famous for its three cave lakes, who's stunning ensign change with the light of the day. Little since the Bronze Age, yet the islands' inhabitants are legendary as musicians and palm weavers. The Terawangan Islands is a small group with lovely beaches and coral gardens. Lucipara has superb waters for snorkeling. Bone Rated, Kangean, Tenggaya and Tukang Besi is a group of isolated islands in the Flores and Banda seas, epitomizing a sultry paradise.
by Jenna Sawin

Cheap flights to Jakarta

Traveling to various destinations is a dream for every common people, everybody loves to travel, but getting right kind of cheap flights for their desired destination is little complicated. Surrounded by the Java Sea to the north and the low Bogor Hills to the south, Jakarta welcomes their visitors to explore the beautiful and overwhelming capital city of Indonesia. Planning a holiday vacation to this exotic holiday destination by cheap flights will be a fun filled experience. Welcome to Jakarta, one of the most popular tourist holiday destination. No doubt, the overwhelming capital city of Indonesia is a wonderful city with lots of activities to do and to see for various age ranges of people. The most awe-inspiring beauty of nature is the dramatic volcanic range towering from the lush green hillsides and dense rainforest. Travelers will be in love with the cities mystical land, plethora of natural beauties, wonderful geographical features, beautiful landscape and many more. However Jakarta is known to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, one can decide to take a short break from their regular activities and fly back from the exotic location of Jakarta with their family members or with friends or relatives. It is the city's unique culture and heritage which has managed to draw the attention of various travelers.
Even though Jakarta has very few sited to explore. Most of the travelers feel trip to Jakarta as a starting or ending point of their journey. One can come across various cheap flights to Jakarta and capture the most memorable moments of their life. Traveling to any exotic destination is a wonderful experience on its own and traveling with cheap tickets would be an added bonus during the trip. Today numerous travelers are looking forward to experience such wonderful and fun filled memories while cherishing its modern as well as traditional culture that goes hand in hand. Once you are sure about your destination, a traveler needs to do some kind of planning work for their trip to ensure a proper get away. Travelers are always advised to travel smart with cheap flights and enjoy the entire travel without making hole in their wallet. Looking out for a low cost airline for Jakarta is one of the major steps taken while planning the most exotic holiday. It is advisable to gather enough of information having cheap flights to Jakarta.

There are various reliable sources that are used to provide information about cheap flights and best airfare deals. Get some helpful hints and tactical tips on how to buy cheap flights to Jakarta available online. Put little effort for on research work before landing up to the right travel site to find the bargain. You can easily track the right kind of airline tickets with the help of online travel sites, word-of-mouth, and travel agents. Knowing what types of resources are available and using them to their advantage is the way to get those cheap flights online. A traveler should have to mention their travel need means when and where should like to go means their travel destination, most of the online travel sites aim to give best and cheap New York airfareto his/her customer only on one search. Various travel sites or the bargain airfare sites are the sources of finding discounted airline tickets. Browsing and comparing various online cheap flights to Jakarta ensures a traveler to get the best deal available. Depending on the season, destinations and departures various airlines display information about inexpensive flights offer on their websites.

Chances for getting cheap flights to Jakarta within a short-term notice period from various sources are very less in compare to early research work. Out of thousand of travelers only few of them can manage to track the best airfare deals on last minute search. However, looking out for low cost airlines is time consuming but it is worth for tracking the right kind of airfare you are looking for. Due to heavy competition in the market most of the airlines has come up with new ideas and discount offers to attract their travelers. Sometimes airline offers discount airfare tickets as a promotional fares on certain location to attract visitors, therefore it is wise enough for a travelers to keep themselves update.
by Tom Cena

Tropical Weddings: Tips for a Wedding in Bali

Are you considering a romantic destination wedding for your big day? Today many couples are opting for tropical weddings and combining their wedding ceremony; many times a beach wedding, with their honeymoon vacation
Destination weddings are popular at many romantic resorts in Bali, Tahiti, the Caribbean, Mexico, Fiji, Hawaii and Costa Rica wedding destinations. Most Resorts will have a wedding coordinator on site to work with you to plan your destination wedding, or if you prefer, you may want to organize a beautiful private villa. In this case, you can seek an independent wedding planner or on booking your luxury villa may find that the management may be able to help you organize your wedding.

As more couples plan and pay for their own weddings, they want to have a casual, unique celebration and combine it with their honeymoon. Imagine having your family and close friends in a warm tropical setting with a spectacular sunset over the ocean and gentle ocean breezes filling the air. Next to you is the love of your life, passionately vowing their commitment and devotion to you.

Inviting Your Guests: When planning a destination wedding, make sure to send out invitations far in advance. After all, the majority of your guests will have to make some monetary and social calculations before they reply to your RSVP. If you are worried that too many guests will be unable to attend, remember that you may have the wedding ceremony at the destination of you choice and you can then hold the reception at a more convenient, albeit less exciting, location.

Marriage Laws, Licenses and Certificates for Bali: Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia and is subject to Indonesian Laws. Every couple considering getting married in Bali must comply with these Laws.

In accordance with Law No. 1 of 1974 concerning marriages in Indonesia (Article 2 (1): "a marriage is legitimate if it has been performed according to the laws of the respective religious beliefs of the parties concerned."

All couples who marry in Indonesia must declare a religion. Agnosticism and Atheism are not recognized. The Civil Registry Office can record marriages of persons of Islam, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian-Protestant and Christian-Catholic faiths. Marriage partners must have the same religion; otherwise one partner must make a written declaration of change of religion.

The Religious Marriage under Islam is performed by the Office of Religious Affairs (Kantor Urusan Agama) in a ceremony at a mosque, the home, a restaurant, or any other place chosen by the couple and is legal immediately after the ceremony.

Christian, Hindu or Buddhist marriage is usually performed first in a church or temple ceremony. After the religious ceremony, every non-Islamic marriage must be recorded with the Civil Registry (Kantor Catatan Sipil). Without the registration by the Civil Registry these marriages are not legal. Recording by Civil Registry officials can be performed directly at the religious ceremony for an additional fee.

Persons of non-Islamic faith are required to file with the Civil Registry Office in the Regency where they are staying first a 'Notice of Intention to marry' as well as a 'Letter of No Impediment' obtained from their consular representatives.

For the issue of the Letter of No Impediment to Marriage by your Consular Representative you will need to present for yourself and your fiancé, your Passport(s) valid for more than 6 months and Certified Divorce Decrees (absolute/final) and/or Death Certificates regarding the termination of all previous marriages. Please contact the Consular Representative of your country for details well before your intended date of marriage

What should your wedding planner provide you?

• They should give full details of requirements and procedures for each of the appropriate nationalities.
• Help the wedding couple obtain your 'Certificate of Non Impediment' letter which will be issued by your Consulate or Embassy representative in Indonesia. For Canadian citizens, the Bali Adventure wedding assistant will take care of your Certificate of Non Impediment letter. For citizens of the USA and Australia it will be necessary to apply in person to your Consulate after arriving in Bali and the certificate is generally issued immediately. The Bali Adventure wedding assistant will assist with this process.
• Arrange the photographs that are required for the wedding certificate and documentation. Ensure that they are correct and adhere to authority requirements.
• Advise the Minister of any special requirement you may have requested such as special vows you may wish to say to each other, additional readings, ring exchange etc.
• Just prior to wedding date all arrangements should be reconfirmed with the Civil Registrar, the Minister and any other persons involved with your wedding ceremony.
• Attend your ceremony to ensure it's a smooth procedure and to act as coordinator.
• Act as witnesses if you have no friends or family attending the ceremony

Planning your wedding in Bali can be challenging, considering the constraints on your time and the multitude of choices available. A good wedding planner will give you the assurance that your Wedding Day will be the one you have always dreamed of. A wedding has always been a sacred ritual and in Bali where magic and mysteries mix in harmony, the occasion would be just perfect.
by Sofie De

How to Enjoy Your Stay In The Tropics

Summer is just a few months from now. However, if you cannot wait to feel the summer heat then you can book a flight to various tropical resorts around the world where the heat and fun is all-year round. There are countless places you can go to where you can enjoy warm waters, fine sand, gushing waves, fresh breeze, festivals, colorful blossoms, sumptuous delicacies, and good-natured people.
Lucky are these places where the heat stays. The tropics enjoy continuous lush growth of flora and fauna. There is no frost season, of course. The perennial warm humid climate allows the flourishing of a diverse variety of vegetation and wildlife which you will not see in the rest of the world. The tropics also house a huge number of tourist destinations, generating income and fostering economic growth. It is in the tropics where you find the most popular vacation and holiday spots.
Enjoy the delights of the tropical resorts these places can offer. This should be fun. Here are some tips you should keep in mind.

1. Plan ahead.
A well-planned vacation will not let you fail. Travelling to another land requires some tasks to be done. It's not like you're going to take a ride on a cab and there you go. Decide on where you'll go, whom you want to join you, what to bring, food preparations or arrangements, how long you'll stay there, what your activities would be and your budget.

2. Secure your documents.
You can't just go to a foreign land and then discover upon getting off the plane that you have left your passport. Bring all your necessary identification documents including your license IDs. Also, take note of contact numbers of hotels and emergency numbers. If necessary, make a checklist of all the things you are bringing and be sure to check them before leaving. 3. Don't forget your first aid kit. Bring bandages, ointments, aspirins, and other over-the-counter medications in case you need them. Pack them in one kit and do not mix them with your other things.

4. Bring your toiletries.
Toothpastes, deodorants, shampoos, toothbrushes, soaps, among others are necessary for hygiene. The heat in the tropics favors the growth of infectious microorganisms. You don't want to acquire some skin infection after a fine holiday. Hence, it is important that you maintain good hygiene.

5. Wear light, comfy clothes.
It doesn't snow in the tropics. There's no need for sweaters or thick jackets. Bring thin garments made of cotton. You can wear almost anything light in the beach from thin, sleeveless shirts to bikinis or trunks. Some people go to beach naked. Leave your leather shoes and bring beach walking sandals or tennis shoes. Be sure to bring enough clothes, unless you feel like getting the used, dirty ones laundered.

6. Don't get burnt.
Tropics are places near the equator. The sun's rays are almost direct. Avoid getting sunburn. It won't be fun to be somewhere in the shade soothing the burns. Apply sunscreens. They contain agents that protect your skin from the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun which may cause skin cancer. Wear hats and sunglasses that filter out UV rays. Avoid wearing sunglasses that has no UV filter component as these will only dilate your pupils allowing more ultraviolet light to enter your eyes.

7. Be aware of your destination.
You may read a brochure about the resort you're heading to or you can search the internet for details about the place you have a booked your vacation. This allows you to note of what to expect and to have an overview of the location unless, of course, you fancy surprises. You can also bring a map if you wish.

8. Observe environmental awareness.
It's rude to go to a place that's so clean and orderly and then finally leave it with whole lot of mess. Dispose your garbage properly.

9. Be nice to people.
This is basic. You ought to be friendly with the staff of the hotel or the resort you are staying at. Be polite and smile.

10. Have fun.
Soak yourself to the environment. Feel the vibes and explore places. Don't just stay in your room spoiling what has to be pleasurable. Don't bore yourself. If you do, you might as well pack up and head straight home.

Getting on a vacation is fun but it doesn't end there. Be a wise vacationer and follow these simple yet helpful tips and you're surely have a great time!
by Joalesto

Bali Might Be A Long Flight Away, But Is An Excellent Destination For A Spectacular Holiday

A stunning island in Indonesia, Bali is renowned all over the world for being welcoming, diverse and incredibly beautiful. If you are looking to get away from the daily grind and head to a place of pure escapism then Bali is the ultimate choice. Balinese life takes many sophisticated and diverse forms and if you want to truly immerse yourself in it then hiring self-catering holiday rentals will allow you to do so. Bali is an ideal holiday location for food lovers and there is a huge choice of eating options, particularly when you are staying in holiday rental accommodation. There is a diverse and impressive range of markets on offer so for every meal you can choose to eat as locally or as internationally as you wish. Even if you aren't buying the food the marketplaces are buzzing and colourful! Ubud is the cultural epicentre of Bali and it is a must-see, particularly if this is your choice for holiday rentals. This the best place to absorb the island's cultural heritage. It is from here that different strands of Balinese culture resonate outwards and these are as diverse as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handcrafts, and performing arts. Music and dance are also important in Balinese culture and their percussion orchestra music, or gamelan, is varied and highly developed. Traditional dances portray stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana - and there are dozens of famous Balinese dances including pendet, legong, baris, topeng, barong, and kecak (the monkey dance). Perhaps you could join in and try some of the dances for yourself!
Although Bali can seem like a long way away it is absolutely worth the extra flight time. And if you stay in self-catering holiday rentals it does not have to be expensive. Whatever type of holiday you're planning the island will surprise and delight you. This is the kind of magical island where you will find what you were looking for, even if you weren't sure what that was! If culture isn't your thing do not worry because visitors to Bali have access to some of the finest beaches in the region. When relaxation is the aim of the game you can venture from your villa to bask in the sun, unwind on the sand and bathe in the warm sea. There are few places in the world more idyllic than holiday rentals on a beach in Bali at sunset. If you fancy a little more activity then hiring a four wheel drive vehicle is an excellent way to see the island properly. If you travel inland you can see the famous rice terraces and ancient temples. Balinese inhabitants also hold spectacular festivals which are entertaining and full of life and will make your visit genuinely memorable. Wherever you have been during the day one thing is certain - that you will return satisfied and exhilarated to your holiday rentals property where you can reflect at leisure on what you have seen. It is likely to have been pretty special.
by Olly Symonds

Sumbawa Besar

Sumbawa is a large island to the east of Bali and Lombok. It is part of West Nusa Tenggara province along with Lombok. There are hundreds of small islands in this area in addition to the two major islands. Sumbawa really belongs more to Eastern Indonesia than to the western part of the archipelago. The effects of Hindu and Buddhist cultures are minimal in Sumbawa (although there is a Balinese presence along the northern coastal area), and although the island is predominantly Muslim, the role of traditional culture is still very strong.
The slogan of Sumbawa Regency is: "B E S A R" which stands for BERSIH, ELOK, SEHAT, AMAN DAN, RAPI, (Clean, Beautiful, Healthy, Safe, and Proper). The regional government's official website notes that Sumbawa still lacks sufficient medical facilities to support public health, in particular a lack of doctors and other health professionals. A public health center was recently opened in Sekongkang, but adequate treatment for a serious illness or accident requires a trip to Sumbawa Besar or Mataram, both of which require a journey of at least four hours minimum.
The regional government has a six-year plan for improving the lives of the island's residents. This plan includes: Health (improving health service quality including equipment and facilities), Education, Social Welfare (including reaching gender equality), Agriculture (optimizing resources for improving agricultural products), Industry, Trade and Cooperation (developing an economic system that focuses on the fair market mechanism), Regional Finance and Capital Investment, Manpower and Demography, Public Works and Communication (improving transport and the use of water resources), Agrarian Matter and Landscape, Living Environment and Natural Resource (rehabilitating and conserving natural resources), Tourism, Art and Culture (developing tourism based on natural and cultural tours, as well as teaching traditional art and culture), Religious Life Teaching (improving religious life through teaching and providing praying facilities and by making the role of religious institutions and social organizations to be teaching about living in harmony with other religious people), Law and Society's Orderliness (creating safe conditions based on the supremacy of the law and human rights); Politic and the Efficiency of Apparatus (improving the quality of public service through responsibility and the quality of government institutions); Science and Technology (the application of right and useful technology).
In many respects Sumbawa can be considered remote. To get to Sumbawa from Bali most people take the ferry from Bali to Lombok, travel overland to the eastern seaport in Lombok and then take another ferry to Sumbawa, ending up in Poto Tano. From there transportation is somewhat problematic. There are buses that will take us on to Sumbawa Besar, the capital, or down the coast road to the south, If traveling from Lombok, it is best to board a bus there that will take us to our final destination in Sumbawa. It is also possible to fly into Sumbawa Besar city on the western side of the island, and Bima on the eastern side of the island. A small airline called Tropical Air existed for a short while which flew directly to Sekongkan where the surfing spots of Yoyo and Scar Reef are located.
Sumbawa is known for its great waves and sandy white beaches. Due to the somewhat trying process of getting there and the scarcity of cheap tourist facilities, the island is not visited much by non-surfing tourists which is unfortunate as the parts of the island that have seen are quite beautiful. During the dry season (April to November) a lot of dust is blown up and around. Strong winds blow in off the ocean, and the lush green hills, mountains and valleys turn a dusty brown. When the rainy season begins an amazing transformation takes place and the island becomes a lush jungle once again.
The pace of life on Sumbawa is definitely slower than that in Bali. As most of the island is still developing, there is a very rural feel to just about everywhere that you go, including Sumbawa Besar, the capital of the western side of the island. The mining company, New Mont, has gold and coppers mine down in the southwestern corner of the island around the villages of Sekongkang, Maluk and Benete. Their presence has speeded up the development process on this side of the island.West Sumbawa is mostly made up of hollow lefts that are best accessed by boat charter. The charters will pull up and anchor at the best breaks for easy access to the surf. This area has many steep cliffs that offer scenic backdrops to the epic surf. The Lake area can be accessed by charter, as well as by ferry and overland transfers, or flights from Bali. Here there some hotels and surf camps

Daya Magis Watu Pinawetengan

Sekitar satu jam perjalanan menggunakan mobil telah ditempuh dari kota Manado. Sepanjang jalan, dari Kawangkoan terlihat hamparan sawah apalagi saat memasuki Desa Pinabetengan, Kecamatan Tompaso di lereng Gunung Soputan, Kabupaten Minahasa itu. Rumah panggung khas Minahasa milik penduduk sekitar tertata rapi di kanan kiri jalan desa yang hanya cukup untuk berpapasan dua mobil.Jalan menuju obyek wisata Watu Pinawetengan memang beraspal tetapi banyak sekali lubang dan di beberapa ruas jalan banyak kerusakan. Jangan heran pula bila di jalan sempit beraspal itu akan berpapasan dengan gerobak sapi yang mengangkut rumput atau dengan segerombolan kuda yang pulang merumput. Selain itu, penduduk sekitar desa pun cukup ramah untuk ditanyai jalan, karena setelah papan penunjuk jalan di dekat Kawangkoan, tak ada petunjuk lain. Setelah melewati hamparan sawah dan ladang, akhirnya terlihat juga bangunan seperti rumah dengan atap putih dan lambang burung hantu berwarna kuning. Tiang berwarna merah berjumlah sembilan dan di bawahnya terdapat batu dengan panjang 4 meter dan tinggi 2 meter. Menurut kepercayaan masyarakat sekitar, bentuk batu ini seperti orang bersujud kepada Tuhan Yang Maha Esa. Selain itu, bentuk batu ini juga seperti peta pulau Minahasa. Batu ini menurut para arkeolog, dipakai oleh nenek moyang orang Minahasa untuk berunding. Maka tak heran, namanya menjadi Watu Pinawetengan yang artinya Batu Tempat Pembagian.Di tempat inilah, sekitar 1000 SM terjadi pembagian sembilan sub etnis Minahasa yang meliputi suku Tontembuan, Tombulu, Tonsea, Tolowur, Tonsawang, Pasan, Ponosakan, Bantik dan Siao. Selain membagi wilayah, para tetua suku-suku tersebut juga menjadikan tempat ini untuk berunding mengenai semua masalah yang dihadapi. Goresan-goresan di batu tersebut membentuk berbagai motif dan dipercayai sebagai hasil perundingan suku-suku itu. Motifnya ada yang berbentuk gambar manusia, gambar seperti alat kemaluan laki-laki dan perempuan, motif daun dan kumpulan garis yang tak beraturan tanpa makna.Bongkahan batu besar alamiah ini ternyata juga menyimpan sisi magis religius. Tak jarang banyak wisatawan lokal maupun mancanegara yang datang untuk berziarah mengajukan permohonan melalui ritual-ritual tertentu yang dipercaya. Menurut juru kunci Watu Pinawetengan, Ari (48), banyak turis mancanegara yang berziarah di tempat ini, biasanya dari Belanda, Jerman, Australia dan Inggris. "Mereka yang kemari biasanya punya permohonan masing-masing dan batu ini dipakai sebagai sarana untuk mendekat pada Sang Pencipta," ujar Ari. Diakuinya, seperti kisah salah satu turis dari Belanda, Jacob Rygeesberg, yang menderita lumpuh dan dibawa ke tempat ini dengan tongkat. Lalu dia bertekad setelah melihat batu ini, maka ia akan berjalan. "Memang saat itu, perlahan dia melempar tongkatnya dan berjalan tertatih hingga akhirnya benar-benar berjalan normal," kata pria yang tinggal di samping bangunan Watu Pinawetengan itu.Beberapa kejadian aneh, menurutnya, juga sering terjadi di tempat ini seperti orang terlempar keluar area, mobil berjalan sendiri, ada yang memukul dari belakang. "Biasanya kalau kejadian seperti itu karena yang berkunjung sudah memiliki niat tidak baik," jelasnya.Para wisatawan asing yang ingin berziarah dan melakukan ritual tertentu biasanya didampingi oleh guru spiritual mereka. Dalam bahasa masyarakat sekitar lokasi tersebut, pendamping ritual itu biasa disebut tonhas atau "orang pinter". Tetapi bagi wisatawan lokal biasanya membawa tonhas dari tetua adat penduduk sekitar. Juru kunci obyek wisata tersebut memang mengakui banyak wisatawan asing yang berkunjung ke tempat itu hingga bermalam. Ada bekas hio atau pembakaran kemenyan di sekitar batu megalit itu. "Memang tak ada batasan mau berkunjung hingga jam berapa, yang penting mengikuti aturan di sini, seperti melepas alas kaki untuk masuk ke area dan tak punya niat yang jahat," ujar pria yang sehari-hari bekerja di ladang ini.Bahkan beberapa orang yang rutin mengunjungi Watu Pinawetengan, ada ritual khusus yang diadakan tiap 3 Januari untuk melakukan ziarah. Sementara itu, karena nilai sejarah dan budaya yang kental, tiap 7 Juli dijadikan tempat pertunjukan seni dan budaya yang mulai terkikis di Minahasa.Batu ini bisa dikatakan tonggak berdirinya subetnis yang ada di Minahasa dan menurut kepercayaan penduduk berada di tengah-tengah pulau Minahasa. "Nilai sejarah, budaya dan religiusnya sangat kental, maka cagar budaya ini harus tetap dirawat dan itu tugas kita bersama," jelas Ari. (Courtest By Kompas/Antara)

Menyapa Malin Kundang di Pantai Air Manis

Jika ditanyakan pada generasi 90an ke atas, mitos Malin Kundang begitu melekat terkait dua frase “Anak Durhaka”. Seorang putra yang dikutuk ibunya menjadi batu karena tidak mengakui ibunya lagi setelah sukses pulang dari negeri rantau. Tapi cukup menakjubkan jika sisa-sisa kisah sarat nilai moral tersebut terekam nyata di sebuah pantai di daerah tempat kisah ini berlangsung, Sumatera Barat.Pantai Air Manis, namanya. Di tepi pantai inilah terdapat onggokan batu yang dipercaya sebagai wujud Malin Kundang dan seluruh perangkat kapalnya yang pastinya sudah menjadi batu. Batu Malin dalam posisi bersimpuh sedangkan perangkat kapalnya terserak di sekitarnya. Setiap pengunjung yang datang ke Pantai Air Manis, kawasan batu Malin Kundang menjadi tempat pertama yang disambangi. Mereka berpose dan mengambil gambar terbaik di depan batu Malin Kundang.Namun demikian, keindahan ombak yang bergulung-gulung namun tidak terlalu tinggi serta pemandangan Gunung Padang membuat Pantai Air Manis menjadi pelengkap kesan pesona Pantai Air Manis bagi masyarakat Sumatera Barat ataupun para wisatawan dari luar. Ombak yang bergulung-gulung di tepi pantai seolah-olah menjadi saksi bisu kisah Malin Kundang beratus tahun sebelumnya.Menyusuri pantai merupakan pekerjaan yang menyenangkan sambil sesekali membiarkan kaki basah oleh ombak yang berkejar-kejaran. Berenang juga sepertinya menjadi kegiatan yang terdengar cukuup menarik untuk dilakukan di kawasan ini. Jadi, siapkan baju ganti jika ingin bertandang ke pantai ini.Sekitar 500 meter dari lokasi batu Makin Kundang, pengunjung dapat memulai perjalanan ke Pulau Pisang Kecil di seberang pantai dengan berjalan kaki kurang dari 500 meter. Kedalaman air di antara Pantai Air Manis dan Pulau Pisang Kecil memang tidak terlalu dalam sehingga bisa ditempuh dengan berjalan kaki, meski sebenarnya sejumlah masyrakat menyewakan perahu kecilnya juga untuk menyeberang. Titik paling dalam hanya setinggi perut orang dewasa. Tapi, eits, hal ini hanya dapat dilakukan sebelum sore tiba. Sekitar pukul 16.00, air pantai biasanya mulai pasang. Oleh karena itu, pengunjung disarankan untuk kembali dari pulau seluas 1 hektar itu ke Pantai Air Manis sebelum sore hari.Di Pulau Pisang Kecil, pengunjung bisa duduk di pondok-pondok yang terdapat di sana sambil menikmati pemandangan laut dan pantai. Jika memutuskan untuk menginap di Pulau Pisang Besar, pengunjung bisa menginap di rumah penduduk atau membawa peralatan tenda sendiri. Selain itu, dari tepi Pantai Air Manis pula, pengunjung dapat berangkat ke Pulau Sikuai dengan waktu tempuh sekitar 2.5 jam untuk mencoba berbagai wisata air, seperti surfing dan diving. Pulau Sikuai terkenal dengan pasirnya yang putih.Pantai Air Manis terletak 15 km dari pusat kota Padang, tepat di Kecamatan Teluk Kabung, Kabupaten Padang. Oleh karena itu menghabiskan waktu seharian di Pantai Air Manis dan kembali lagi ke Padang dalam waktu satu hari bukan hal yang mustahil. Tapi, jangan lupa untuk membeli cendera mata berupa terumbu karang dan kerang dengan berbagai bentuk dan ukuran yang dibanderol dengan harga antara Rp 5.000-50.000. jika berminat mencari kaus dan baju berbau Sumatera Barat, pengunjung juga dapat membelinya di kios-kios di sekitar pantai. (Courtesy By Kompas/Antara)

Pesona Wayag dari Puncak Pulau Karang

SIAPA yang tidak mengenal Kepulauan Raja Ampat? Letaknya yang berada di wilayah segitiga terumbu karang dunia (Coral Triangle) membuat Raja Ampat dinobatkan sebagai kawasan yang paling kaya dengan keragaman hayatinya di dunia. Tidak diragukan lagi, keindahan alam bawah lautnya laksana sihir yang menghipnotis perhatian wisatawan yang datang untuk berenang, snorkeling, dan menyelam.Nyatanya, Kepulauan Raja Ampat juga memiliki lokasi wisata di atas air yang tak kalah menarik. Raja Ampat memiliki pantai-pantai berpasir putih yang indah dan panorama gugusan pulau-pulau karang (karst) yang memesona. Salah satu lokasi yang wajib masuk dalam list perjalanan anda di Raja Ampat adalah Pulau Wayag.Pulau Wayag berada di wilayah Distrik Waigeo Barat, Kabupaten Raja Ampat, Papua Barat. Pulau ini terdiri dari gugusan pulau-pulau karst terjal berbentuk seperti cendawan yang bermunculan dari dalam laut. Menikmati keindahan pulau-pulau karang ini dari dekat laksana masuk dalam sebuah hall besar dengan pulau karang di sekeliling kita.Di dalam hall pulau karang ini air laut teduh dan jernih, bahkan kita masih bisa melihat dengan kasat mata aneka biota laut yang berada di bawah permukaan air. Menyaksikan keindahan Wayag belum lengkap jika tidak menikmatinya dari puncak pulau karang.Di Wayag terdapat sebuah pulau karang yang umumnya dikunjungi pelancong. Untuk mencapai puncaknya dibutuhkan waktu sekitar 30 menit. Karena biasa didaki, batu karang di sepanjang trek yang dilalui juga tidak begitu tajam, namun bukan berarti minim tantangan.Untuk benar-benar mencapai puncak pulau karang ini membutuhkan cukup keberanian. Tiba di atas pulau karang bukan berarti telah mencapai puncaknya. Kita masih harus memanjat tebing setinggi 3 meter dengan kemiringan nyaris 90 derajat. Begitu tiba di puncak pulau karang ini, semua tantangan yang harus dilewati benar-benar terbayar dengan keindahan panorama yang ditawarkan. Dari puncak pulau karang kita bisa melihat kemegahan hall di bawah serta laut lepas di balik gugusan Pulau Wayag.Di kawasan pulau ini juga terdapat lokasi menyelam. Penyu, manta ray, dan ikan kalabia adalah beberapa satwa yang bisa di jumpai di sini. Kalabia merupakan ikan primadona di lokasi ini. Ikan endemik yang hidup di perairan laut Teluk Cenderawasih, Kepulauan Raja Ampat, dan Teluk Triton merupakan jenis baru dari genus Hemiscylliidae. Uniknya ikan hiu berbentuk kadal ini berjalan dengan siripnya ketika mencari makan di atas karang-karang.Untuk mencapai lokasi Pulau Wayag memang bukanlah perkara mudah dan murah. Transportasi menuju Wayag harus ditempuh menggunakan speed boat maupun long boat sewaan dengan biaya relatif mahal.Dari Sorong kita bisa menggunakan kapal cepat maupun kapal perintis reguler menuju ibu kota Kabupaten Raja Ampat di Waisai dengan waktu tempuh berkisar 2-4 jam. Ongkos yang dibanderol berkisar Rp 100.000-Rp 125.000 per orang sekali jalan. Dari Waisai, perjalanan menuju Wayag masih harus dilanjutkan menggunakan long boat sewaan dengan waktu tempuh sekitar 6-8 jam. Anda harus merogoh kocek sebesar Rp 6 juta per hari.Sebagai alternatif kita juga bisa menggunakan speed boat sewaan langsung dari Sorong menuju Wayag. Dengan waktu tempuh sekitar 5 jam, biaya sewa speed boat ini dibanderol sekitar Rp 9 juta per hari. (Courtesy By Kompas/Antara)

Melawan Ombak di Pantai Pelawan

Bila Anda sedang berada di Kepulauan Riau, sempatkanlah untuk mampir ke Pulau Karimun. Konon, banyak yang menyatakan bahwa orang yang pernah singgah di Pulau Karimun maka kelak dia akan kembali lagi. Boleh percaya atau tidak, namun kenyataannya Pulau Karimun memang memiliki sejumlah tempat yang indah, termasuk Pantai Pelawan.Pantai ini mirip lukisan impresionis ketika senja berkaca-kaca di teluk kecil yang diapit dua tanjung. Garis pantainya meliuk-liuk seperti disengaja. Pemandangan di pantai ini sangat memesona, terlebih bila malam tiba. Cahaya bulan tampak memantul di atas permukaan laut dengan warna kuning pucat. Pengunjung juga dapat menikmati jagung bakar atau sekadar bermain air laut.Pantai Pelawan merupakan pantai dengan hamparan pasir putih kekuningan. Hamparan pantainya luas dan warnanya membiru dengan batu-batu yang tersebar di sekitar pantai. Batu-batu tersebut dapat digunakan untuk duduk-duduk dan bersantai sambil menikmati deburan ombak.Di bibir pantai, dikelilingi oleh hutan bakau yang indah. Kealamian pantai ini juga masih sangat terjaga terlihat dari bersihnya pantai. Pada bulan-bulan tertentu seperti akhir tahun, kawasan pantai ini sangat potensial untuk selancar karena ombaknya yang bergulung-gulung dan anginnya yang sangat pas.Pada pergantian tahun, kawasan pantai ini ramai dipadati pengunjung yang ingin merayakan malam Tahun Baru. Biasanya, untuk menyemarakkan malam tahun baru terdapat sejumlah acara yang dipersiapkan pemerintah setempat di sekitar kawasan pantai ini.Jauh sedikit dari pinggir pantai tersedia pondok-pondok atau balai-balai dari bambu dengan atap ijuk dan beralaskan tikar untuk duduk-duduk sambil menikmati pemandangan. Pengunjung juga dapat menikmati makanan ringan dan minuman yang dapat dipesan di tempat makan di sekitar pantai.Di sekitar lokasi banyak terdapat banyak rumah makan yang menjajakan makanan khas Melayu, sea food, makanan ringan, mi instan, minuman ringan, dan air kelapa. Sejumlah penginapan tepi pantai dengan berbagai tarif juga banyak terdapat di sekitar kawasan ini.Bila Anda hobi memancing, pantai ini kaya akan biota laut. Pengunjung dapat memancing di sejumlah titik yang tersebar di sekitar pantai. Bila kurang puas, dapat juga dengan menyewa pompong atau kapal dari nelayan setempat untuk berlayar dan memancing hingga ke tengah laut. Karena di pantai ini banyak terdapat ikan, maka tidak perlu terlalu jauh melaut untuk dapat membawa hasil tangkapan yang lumayan. Pengunjung juga dapat belajar memancing dari nelayan setempat dan merasakan menjadi nelayan.Sejumlah olahraga air juga dapat dilakukan di tempat ini, seperti menyelam (diving). Atau bila tidak cukup mahir untuk menyelam, pengunjung dapat melakukan snorkling yang hanya mengambang di atas permukaan air laut sambil menikmati keindahan bawah laut. Pengunjung juga dapat berlayar, atau bermain banana boat.Untuk mencapai tempat ini, dari Bandara Hang Nadim, di Jalan Hang Nadim, Batu Besar Batam, Kepulauan Riau, pengunjung dapat naik kapal tujuan Batam-Karimun. Perjalanan menggunakan kapal dari Batam memakan waktu sekitar 2 jam. Atau dapat juga dari Pelabuhan Sri Bintan Pura, Tanjung Pinang, dengan menggunakan kapal tujuan Tanjung Pinang-Karimun dengan waktu tempuh sekitar 1 jam. Pantai Pelawan terletak di Pangke, Meral, Tanjung Balai Karimun, Kepulauan Riau. Letaknya sekitar 30 kilometer dari pusat kota, Balai Karimun, dan memakan waktu perjalanan menuju Pantai Pelawan sekitar 45 menit. Atau dapat juga dengan menyewa speed boat dari Batam menuju Karimun.Saat ini, belum ada kendaraan umum untuk mencapai pantai tersebut. Untuk menempuhnya, harus dengan menggunakan kendaraan pribadi ataupun ojek. Pengunjung juga dapat menggunakan taksi tanpa argo yang dioperasikan oleh penduduk sekitar yang terdapat di sekitar pelabuhan. Atau dapat juga menyewa mobil dengan harga sewa Rp 350.000-Rp 500.000 per hari ditambah ongkos bensin.Bila ingin menginap, pengunjung dapat menginap di penginapan yang tersebar di sekitar lokasi Kota Tanjung Balai, seperti di Jalan Nusantara, Jalan Teuku Umar, Jalan Pertambangan, dan Jalan Setia Budi.Berada di Pantai Pelawan sungguh menyenangkan. Bila Anda mau menikmati keindahan dan kealamian pantai, tidak ada ruginya jika mengunjungi Pantai Pelawan di Pulau Karimun. (Courtesy By Kompas/Antara)

Pesona Resor Rumah Jambuluwuk di Ciawi

Resor atau tempat penginapan menjadi salah satu tempat favorit di kala liburan. Tidak heran, bila sejumlah resor di kawasan Bogor dan Bandung berlomba-lomba menawarkan seabrek fasilitas untuk menarik pengunjung.
Selain jaraknya yang cukup dekat dengan Jakarta, resor di kawasan tersebut diminati karena memiliki pemandangan yang masih asri dan hawa yang dingin. Rumah Jambuluwuk, misalnya, menjadi salah satu resor favorit pengunjung untuk liburan keluarga maupun bersama teman.
Buktinya, pengunjung yang datang membanjir hingga rata-rata mencapai 2.000-3.000 pengunjung per tahunnya. Sebagian besar pengunjung datang dari wilayah Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, dan Bekasi. "Pengunjung yang datang sekitar 2.000-3.000 pengunjung setiap tahunnya. Apalagi kalau musim liburan, lebih banyak lagi. Bahkan, pengunjung harus booking tempat dulu jauh-jauh hari agar tidak kehabisan tempat," kata pengelola Rumah Jambuluwuk, Mella Purwanaika, kepada Kompas.com.
Resor ini memiliki pemandangan yang asri dan indah dengan latar belakang Gunung Salak dan Gunung Pangrango. Jaraknya hanya sekitar 1 jam perjalanan bila ditempuh dari pusat Jakarta. Rumah Jambuluwuk menawarkan konsep Nusantara dengan menonjolkan gaya arsitektur tradisional dari berbagai daerah di Indonesia.
Vilanya terbuat dari papan kayu dan ditata apik dengan gaya rumah adat. Temboknya didesain menyerupai batu bata yang bertumpuk sehingga semakin menonjolkan kesan tradisional. Fasilitas komplet ditawarkan oleh resor ini, mulai dari vila full AC, tempat hiburan, aneka permainan, kolam renang, sejumlah lapangan olahraga, seperti basket, badminton atau tenis meja, plaza untuk melakukan kegiatan outdoor seperti barbeque, arena bermain anak, function room, tempat memancing, restoran dan kafe, minimarket, serta akses Wi-Fi.
"Kami juga menawarkan paket meeting atau outing bagi perusahaan. Kami memiliki 3 function room, yakni Rumah Bali, Rumah Minahasa, dan Rumah Sumatera," ujar Mella.
Mela mengakui banyak perusahaan dan sekolah yang memanfaatkan fasilitas ini. Untuk paket meeting tersedia dalam dua paket, yakni paket ekonomis dan paket eksekutif. Untuk paket ekonomis dipatok dengan harga mulai dari Rp 133.000 hingga Rp 205.000 per net per orang. Sedangkan untuk paket eksekutif ditawarkan mulai dari Rp 175.000 hingga Rp 520.000 per net per orang. Lengkapnya fasilitas yang ditawarkan membuat pengunjung betah dan menjadi pelanggan setia.
Vanya, warga Kalimalang, Jakarta Barat, mengaku ketagihan berlibur di resor ini. "Nyaman, adem, dan unik. Tempatnya juga dekat dengan Jakarta. Saya ke sini pertama kali tahun 2007. Waktu itu rekomendasi dari saudara. Sekarang kalau ke sini selalu mengajak teman atau saudara juga," kata Vanya, saat ditemui Kompas.com, di Rumah Jambuluwuk, Sabtu (18/4).
Dibandingkan dengan resor lain, kata Vanya, Rumah Jambuluwuk memiliki fasilitas yang lengkap dan nyaman. "Setiap kali saya ke sini ada saja fasilitas yang bertambah," ujarnya. Resor yang terletak di Jl Raya Tapos Ciawi, Bogor, ini memiliki 20 vila full AC, masing-masing 12 vila dengan 3 kamar tidur dan 8 vila dengan 4 kamar tidur.
Selain itu juga terdapat vila kelas VVIP yang dilengkapi dengan kolam renang pribadi dengan pemandangan Gunung Salak. Vila ini juga memiliki teras yang luas dan dapat digunakan untuk pesta kebun.
Vila yang ditawarkan relatif murah. Untuk vila dengan 3 kamar tidur dipatok dengan harga Rp 1.250.000 hingga Rp 1.550.000 per malam. Sedangkan untuk vila dengan 4 kamar tidur dipatok dengan harga antara Rp 2.150.000 hingga Rp 2.450.000 per malam.
Untuk vila VVIP ditawarkan dengan harga sekitar Rp 3.600.000 per malam. Vila ini lengkap dengan kamar mandi, living room, dapur, dan sarapan pagi untuk 6-8 orang.
Pengunjung juga dapat menikmati fasilitas olahraga yang ditawarkan, seperti jogging, badminton, basket, atau tenis meja. Sebab, resor ini dilengkapi dengan lapangan olahraga dan jogging track yang melintasi taman dengan tanaman hijau segar dan kolam ikan.
Sejumlah tempat hiburan, seperti kafe, tempat karaoke atau biliar, dapat ditemukan dengan mudah di resor ini. Atau bagi Anda penggemar permainan outbond menantang juga dapat menjajal sejumlah permainan, seperti flying fox dengan panjang lintasan 100 meter, wall climbing, cargo net dan titian ban, jembatan goyang, side traversing, serta burma bridge.
Untuk mengelilingi seluruh area resor ini, pengunjung dapat menggunakan andong, yakni kendaraan tradisional berupa kereta yang ditarik dengan kuda. Meski fasilitas di Rumah Jambuluwuk sudah terbilang lengkap, tetapi pihak pengelola terus menambah fasilitas yang disediakan untuk menarik pengunjung.
Menurut Mela, Rumah Jambuluwuk siap menambah permainan ATV atau mobil-mobilan dengan track-nya sendiri. Sedianya, arena permainan ini akan beroperasi mulai bulan depan. Untuk tahap pertama, pengelola akan menyiapkan sekitar 2-3 mobil untuk pengunjung. Nah, Anda dapat meluangkan waktu akhir pekan untuk berlibur dan mencoba semua fasilitas di Rumah Jambuluwuk. (Courtesy By Kompas/Antara)