Indonesia Tourism

tes

2008-10-08T20:20:00.001+07:00

tes

RIMBA ORANGUTAN ECO LODGE

2008-03-20T16:33:00.004+07:00

ORANGUTANS in the wild!

See as many as 9 primate species, crocodiles, butterflies and rare birds such as Storms stork. Many endangered species, even clouded leopards, are hidden in the jungle or “Rimba”, through which you chug in a ’kelotok’ boat. You then land and walk 20 minutes into the forest to see the orangutans at the feeding stations upriver. You might also take a night safari to see tarsiers, glowing mushrooms fireflies and perhaps owls.

Hear the plaintive cry of Gibbons, early birdsong and the resident Macacque monkey troop from your comfortable room at the Lodge, set right on the edge of the gently flowing Sekonyer river in light forest.

RIMBA ORANGUTAN eco LODGE HAS

35 rooms - (15 Emerald, 6 Sapphire, 14 Ruby)
Mosquito drapes and repellent
Emerald rooms have AC and Hot water
Excellent meals in the restaurant
Drinks in the Lounge
All transport organized (extra cost)
Eco tour guide for bird watching etc
Management practices are eco responsible in all the lodges
Double or twin beds
Western shower and toilets
Fans in all rooms
Packed picnic lunches
Friendly staff to serve you
A percentage of our profit goes
to environmental protection
You may also decide to make a donation
Easy email bookings
Internet access

To enter Tanjung Puting National Park you need a photocopy of the photo page and visa page of your passport, we do the rest. Don't forget to bring binoculars, camera and film!

HOW TO GET THERE!

We can organize all your travel by air from Jakarta via Semarang; from Bali, also via Semarang and also via Surabaya to Sampit followed by 4 hours by road.
By air from Bali or Jakarta via Surabaya or Semarang to Pangkalam Bun via Sampit (approx: 3hrs).
Then, by car (we meet you) - 20 minutes to Kumai Port.
Then, by boat - a delightful river trip (approx: 2 hrs) to the RIMBA ORANGUTAN eco LODGE

* There is a speed boat option - more expensive.
* Yachts can tie-up at Harri's Landing, Kumai.

The Rimba Lodge can only be approached by boat. The following are standard charges for transport and national park fees:

• Airport pick-up and Lodge boat (1-4 persons) - Rp.1,000,000

• River boat (Klotok) per day - Rp.600,000

• Lunch (per person/day) on the boat Rp.100,000

• Police, Park and Ranger fees per person/day - Rp.250,000

Rimba eco Lodge - Address and Contact details:

Lodge: Sekonyer River
Phone (International): +62 532 6710589 Kumai, Central Borneo
Phone (within Indonesia): 0532 6710589
Fax (International): +62 532 21923
For Bookings (Rates) or more information please email us at: info@rimbalodge.com

Source : http://www.rimbalodge.com/

Bajo Komodo Eco Lodge

2008-03-20T16:24:00.005+07:00

The Komodo Dragon, is also known as the Komodo monitor, being a member of the monitor lizard family, Varanidae, which today has but one genus, Varanus.

Komodo National Park is located in the Lesser Sunda Islands between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. The island of Komodo lies at a distance of 200 nautical miles to the east of Bali, and seven degrees below the equator.

The area around the Komodo Islands is world famous for diving and snorkelling. Manta rays and cetaceans are often seen. There are several experienced dive operators in Labuan Bajo.

The Bajo Komodo Eco Lodge is located near Labuan Bajo on Flores. It is an ideal place to base yourself for visits to Komodo National Park, or for diving or snorkelling.

The lodge features the island's best amenities, including:

6 rooms with AC, fan, hot water and phone
4 rooms in two cottages with AC, fan and hot water
Complimentary breakfast
Pool
Free airport transfers
A restaurant serving three meals per day at reasonable prices
A simple bar
Bottled drinking water supplied
Information, books and binoculars for bird and butterfly watching
Affordable vehicle hire with modern vehicles and experienced drivers
Masks/Snorkels for hire (no fins)
Storage area for diving gear
Tour information to Komodo National Park
Boat pick-up from the beach for snorkelling, diving or river safari

NOTE on MALARIA: It is wise to take a prophylactic in Flores, to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and trousers at night, preferably in light colours. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark blue and black! All rooms have mosquito nets, screens, electric mosquito plugs and complimentary insect repellent.

Contact Bajo Komodo Eco Lodge Mail: Jl. Pantai Pede Km. 3 Gorontalo-Labuan Bajo Flores, Nusa Tenggara, Timor Indonesia Telephone: +62 (0) 385 41391 Fax: +62 (0) 385 41452 e-mail: lodge@ecolodgesindonesia.com

Source : http://www.ecolodgesindonesia.com

Udayana Eco Lodges

2008-03-20T16:14:00.004+07:00

Udayana Eco Lodge

Located on Jimbaran Heights, Udayana Eco Lodge is located on 30 hectares of bush land overlooking a beautiful view of Mt.Agung and Jimbaran and Benoa Bays. Safe, quiet and convenient to all of southern Bali's attractions, Udayana Eco Lodge is the perfect choice for a great holiday in Bali.
Our recommended dive operators are

The lodge features all the amenities discerning travellers expect, including:

Free airport transfers
10 AC rooms with bathroom
Complimentary breakfast
A dining room with a fantastic view serving three meals per day at reasonable prices
Outdoor swimming pool
Free wireless internet, this can be used in most locations including the restaurant, bar and lounge
A well-stocked bar
Drinking water supplied
Affordable vehicle hire with modern vehicles and experienced drivers
Information, books and binoculars for bird and butterfly watching
A seminar room for small groups

Contact Udayana Eco Lodge
Mail: PO Box 3704, Denpasar 80001, Bali, Indonesia Telephone: 62 (0) 361 7474204 Fax: 62 (0) 361 701098 e-mail: lodge@ecolodgesindonesia.com

Source : http://www.ecolodgesindonesia.com

About Bali

2008-03-16T17:03:00.002+07:00

Bali Island, the perfect holiday destination for all ages offers something for everyone. Bali offers not just various customs but also various "adrenalin pump" parks. Many exciting amusements are available in Bali, with something new opening all the time. The number of offshore and inland attraction are on the rise because many tourists want them. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. After white water rafting that has gained popularity in Bali, comes offshore rafting or ocean rafting. The more adventurous sort of amusement has now become an alternative sport for tourists. Meanwhile white water rafting is still a popular activity with trips on Ayung, Telaga Waja, Unda Rivers, etc. The tourists can refresh their mind by watching beautiful scenery along the route. Those are not enough, some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas.

Bali is small island, just 140 Km by 80 Km and lies between Java, the most highly populated and influential of all the islands, and Lombok, one of the quieter and moderately slower paced islands. Like many islands, Bali has developed a world of its own. It not only captures what is special about Indonesia but also has a uniqueness of its own.

The culture of Bali is unique. People say that the Balinese people have reached self-content. The Balinese people are proud of having preserved their unique Hindu culture against the advance of Islam, the dominant religion throughout Indonesia. This is still reflected in days to day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. The Balinese are skilled artisans, particularly in woodcarving and in fashioning objects of tortoiseshell and of gold, silver and other metals. The Balinese are noted for their traditional dance, the distinctive music of the gamelan and for their skills in weaving cloth of gold and silver threads, Songket, as well as for embroidering silk and cotton clothing. Stone and woodcarvings, traditional and modern paintings and intricately designed jewelry in gold and silver are readily available in shops and galleries throughout the island.

As for recreation, there is no shortage of options. Nature walks, horseback riding, diving, surfing - even bungy jumping and white water rafting - await the adventurous here.

(http://www.indonesia-tourism.com)

About Central Java

2008-03-15T20:37:00.002+07:00

Central Java Province, as one of the Indonesia tourist destination areas, offers various kinds of tourist attractions whether natural, cultural, or man made features. Central Java is located exactly in the middle of Java Island. It borders with West Java Province in the western part, while in the eastern part borders with East Java Province. On the part of the southern side lies also the province of Yogyakarta Special Region. Central Java is the island's cultural, geographic, and historic heartland. Universities, dance schools, pottery, handicrafts, textiles and carving, give to the region a rich culture and interesting shopping. This is also the place of the famous Javanese temples of Borobudur. But it is not the only ones to be noted; Dieng plateau and Sukuh temple are worth a visit. Performing arts is still widely practiced, and traditional dance dramas (Wayang Orang) or shadow puppets (Wayang Kulit) performances are easy to find. Mountains cross the entire central portion of the province. The cool slopes contain numerous hill resorts (Tawangmangu, Kaliurang, Sarangan).

The very first Moslem kingdom on the island was founded in 1511 at Demak, about 40 km from Semarang. Today Demak is a sleepy little town, however, its glory of the past is still visible from one of the major relics, which is still well preserved. The Grand Mosque, a quaint blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, still honored and worshipped by Javanese pilgrims. Surakarta, better known as Solo, is the cradle of Javanese culture in the province. TV courts of Solo embody the noble value that the Javanese attach to grace and refinement, with majestic ceremonies and royal festivals still held with great pomp and circumstance. Although no longer the seat of power it once was, descendants of the royal houses of Solo are regarded as leaders of, Javanese culture and traditions, upholding standards of sophistication and conduct.

(http://www.indonesia-tourism.com)

Puncak

2008-03-15T20:17:00.006+07:00

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.

http://www.indonesia-tourism.com, pics :wkipedia.org

Mount Galunggung

2008-03-15T20:05:00.005+07:00

(http://www.westjava-indonesia.com)

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. (http://www.indonesia-tourism.com)

More Info :

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER

Dinas Pariwisata Kabupaten Tasikmalaya

Jl. Otto Iskandardinata No.2 , Tasikmalaya
+62265) 330165
kabtasikmalaya@westjava-indonesia.com

Mount Tangkuban Perahu

2008-03-15T19:53:00.006+07:00

(http://www.westjava-indonesia.com)(wikipedia.org)

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.

http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/

More Info :

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER
TWA Tangkuban Parahu
JL. Raya Tangkuban Parahu No. 147 Ds. Cikole Lembang Jawa Barat
+622291150480/2788155
tangkubanparahu@yahoo.com

Mount Gede Pangrango National Park

2008-03-15T19:46:00.006+07:00

(wikipedia.org)

Mount Gede Pangrango National Park is a national park in West Java, Indonesia. The park is centred on two volcanoes—Mount Gede (2,958 m) and Mount Pangrango (3,019 m)—and is 150 square kilometres in area. It evolved from already existing conservation areas, such as Cibodas Nature Reserve, Cimungkat Nature Reseve, Situgunung Recreational Park and Mount Gede Pangrango Nature Reserve, and has been the site of important biological and conservation research over the last century. Lower and upper montane and subalpine forests are within the park and have been well studied. To the north of Mount Gede is a field of Javanese Edelweiss (Anaphalis javanica). The park contains a large number of species known to occur only within its boundaries, however, this may be a result of the disproportionate amount of research over many years. The area is two hours drive from the Indonesian national capital, Jakarta, usually via Cibodas Botanical Garden. (wikipedia.org)

(admin)

More Info :

Jl. Raya Cibodas PO Box 3 Sindanglaya
Cipanas 43253, Cianjur, Jawa Barat
Telp. +62263512776; Fax. +62263519415
E-mail : tngp@cianjur.wasantara.net.id

Mount Ciremai (Gunung Ciremai)

2008-03-15T18:48:00.005+07:00

Gunung Ciremai National Park is located on the province of West Java, Indonesia. Some endemic or endangered flora and fauna are being protected in this national park, such as Pinus merkusii, Castanopsis javanica, Fragraera blumii, Villubrunes rubescens, Macaranga denticulatan, Lithocarpus sundaicus, Elacocarpus , Ardisia cymosa, Platea latifolia, Phantera pardus, Javan Muntjac, Zaglossus brujini, Javan Surili, Spizaetus bartelsii and Python sp. (www.wikipedia.org)

More Info :

LOKAL TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER
	Kuningan Regional Tourism & Culture Office
	Jl. Raya Cilowa No. 40 A Kramatmulya Kuningan
	0232-871378
	kabkuningan@westjava-indonesia.com

Bandung

2008-03-15T18:45:00.002+07:00

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.

HISTORY
In 1488, the area now named Bandung was the capital of the Kingdom of Pajajaran. During colonial times, the government of the Dutch East Indies built a supply road connecting Batavia (now Jakarta), Bogor, Cianjur, Bandung, Sumedang and Cirebon. This event was very important for the growth of Bandung. In the 1930s the Dutch East Indies government planned for Bandung to become the capital of the Dutch East Indies due to its location, however World War II disrupted these plans.

It is not known exactly when Bandung city was built. However, contrary to the beliefs of some the city was not originally built by the orders of Daendels, the Dutch East Indies Governor General, but by the orders of 'Bupati' R.A. Wiranatakusumah II. The Dutch colonial powers built wide tree-lined boulevards, villas, gardens, and fountains, earning Bandung the nickname of "Parijs van Java", the Paris of Java, in the early 20th century. Many of these structures survive to today, and can be seen along the road leading to the Dago area north of the city.

After Indonesian independence, Bandung was named as the provincial capital of West Java. Bandung was the site of the Bandung Conference which met April 18-April 24, 1955 with the aim of promoting economic and cultural cooperation among the African and Asian countries, and to counter the threat of colonialism or neocolonialism by the United States, the Soviet Union, or other imperialistic nations.

Garut

2008-03-15T18:36:00.005+07:00

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.

http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/west-java/garut.html

Ciater

2008-03-15T18:31:00.005+07:00

The water temperatur of 45⁰ C cools down to 40⁰ C - 42⁰ C, after is allowed to flow through the pipes of the bathrooms in the hotels. The village of Ciater is well know for its natural hot spring, the source of sulphuric water which is reputable for its efficacy to cure various disease like paralysis, remathism, nerve and bone diseases and other skin diseases under consultation and supervision of doctor specialist. The water shich flows through the river of 2.000 meters long becomes cold and is used by the people in the community to irrigated their rice fields. It is said that this water helps to improve the quality of harvest.
Location : Subang, west Java
More info : http://www.sariater-hotel.com

Bogor

2008-03-15T17:03:00.004+07:00

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 Botanical Garden (Kebon Raya Bogor)

(Source : wikipedia)

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.

(Source : Text : http://www.indonesia-tourism.com)

About West Java

2008-03-15T16:54:00.001+07:00

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.

About West Sumatera

2008-03-15T16:11:00.000+07:00

There is a saying in the Minangkabau adat (customs and traditions) that “the beauty of the nagari is because of its pangulu (adat chief), and the beauty of the bathing place is because of its youth”. In traditional Minangkabau a bathing place is actually a meeting ground for young people where they can exchange information and gossips. The meaning of this saying is that life would not only be tolerable, but also enjoyable, if everyone plays his or her social role properly.

The Minangkabau people have always been fascinated by adat ideals as expressed in traditional sayings, illustrated in tambo and other forms of literature and which are repeated on every adat occasion. Their lives are dominated by the elaborate adat social networks and the complex adat regulations.

Therefore, it is understandable that from early children hood the Minangkabau have been exposed to sometimes conflicting social demands. They are taught, for example, that there are four types of words (kato nan ampek), namely, ascending words to address older people, descending words when facing those who are younger, leveling words when talking to the same age-group, and indirect words when conversing with in-laws.

In this closely knitted communal system, the Minangkabau youth are also traditionally also taught the art of using figurative speech, because a direct mode of speaking might be constructed as an affront to another person honour. Above all, they should learn the rithym of nature which endlessly is a revelation to those who want to see not only its secrets, but also the supreme greatness of Allah. The question is, how this traditional wisdom could come to terms with the modern world?

To the Minangkabau marriage is not only the most important traditional rite of passage, but also a fulfillment of a religious obligation. So important is marriage that it is even stipulated in adat law that the inalienable land might be pledged if the daughter of the house is still unmarried.

Marriage in Minangkabau is exogamous and matrilocal- the husband is the honourable guest of his wife’s house. According to adat, it is the bride’s family who takes the initiave for the wedding proceedings. In realty, however, more often than not it is the groom’s family who unofficially makes the first move. Though a go-between the two families may discuss – again unofficially – matters such as the date of the wedding, expenses, guests to be invited, etc.

The wedding ceremony begins when the bride’s family invites the groom to come to the bridal home. There the groom would be treated as the honourable guest of the house. However, it is during this welcoming ceremony when a “battle of honour” between the two families might take place. The battle is conducted by an exchange of salutary words between the two parties. The rhetoric character of Minangkabau culture is clearly demonstrated by this battle of words.

The husband stays in his wife’s house. He is a guest of the house which in Minangkabau is called sumando. As a sumando he is expected not only to love his wife, but also to respect the other members of the rumah gadang (the Minangkabau matrilineal in house). The worst sumando one can expect is he who forgets the code of behaviour. The Kaba Rancak di Labuah (one of the most famous literary works that was produced at the turn of the century when the people of Minangkabau began to taste modern life) mentions six anecdotal types of sumando.

The first type is a sumando who is only a child producer, one who does not show responsibility to his wife and children. The second is a green fly, a dandy with a bad character, a lady killer. The third kind is an itchy nut which is said of somebody who enjoys creating discord among the wife’s family. Fourth, an ugly mat, meaning a lazy, jobless and good for-nothing husband. Fifth, a kitchen cat, said of somebody who likes to do domestic work. And sixth, sumondo niniak mamak, a sumando who is also the host of the house. The later is the ideal sumando in Minangkabau tradition. He is a guest who has already made himself a devoted member of his wife’s rumah gadang.

One of the most popular folk dances in traditional wedding ceremonies is the tari piring Quite often it is performed by old male dancers who are themselves experts in the art of self defense. Not rarely this dance has an element of magic since the dancers might perform on shreds of broken glass. A definitely magic dance can be found in the regency of Pesisir Selatan where Tari Lukah Gilo (Dance of the Mad Fish Trap) is performed. A Magician would cast a spell on a decorated empty fish trap that makes it move wildly around as of possessed by an evil spirit. Two or three men would try to restrain it and so dance movements were created. (Saucer Dance).

The last two decades showed the flourishing of contemporary Minangkabau performing arts. The pioneer choreographer was the late Hoeriah Adam (1936-1971) whose new creations of Tari Payung (Umbrella Dance), Tari Piring, and the operette of Malin Kundang were widely applauded. Although her efforts were cut short by her untimely death in a plane crash, her footsteps were followed by other promising choreographers such as Gusmiati Suid, Deddy Lutan, Sofyani, Boy Sakti, and Tom Ibnur. They have now performed in many theatres in Indonesia as well as abroad.

Source : http://www.west-sumatra.com

West Sumatera - Place of Interest

2008-03-15T15:53:00.001+07:00

Sianok Canyon

This canyon seperates Bukittinggi from the slopes of mount Singgalang. The sheer rock sides tower to height of 100-120 metres and the canyon is 15 kilometers long. This is one of the most impressive sites in West Sumatra, and can be best viewed from the Panorama park Bukittinggi. There is delightful walk down into the canyon and along the river. This trail goes all the way to Koto Gadang, the home of the Silversmith of West Sumatra. (source : Teks : www.west-sumatra.com, pics : admin)

Jam Gadang

Dominating the centre of Bukittinggi is Jam Gadang nicknames of West Sumatra "Big Ben". The clock was constructed by the Ducth in 1827, itoverlooks the market and as always the Minangkabau design is evident in the buffalo horn design on the top of the clock. (source : www.west-sumatra.com, pic source : admin)

Lake Diatas And Lake Dibawah

Sometimes known as "Twin Lake" . On the way to the lakes, we pass several winding roads uphill, with luscious green trees on both sides, and tea plantations too. The air gets cooler as we approach the lakes.

The lake are devided into 2 : Danau Diatas (Upper Lake) and Danau D

ibawah (Lower Lake). The Upper Lake is situated at the lower part of the mountain, where the air is not so cool and we can swim or go boating here to see the view of the lakes.

While the Lower Lake can be seen from the top of the mountain where the air is cooler and we can see the magnificent view below, such as vast lands of paddy fields, plants and the two lakes. A tropical juicy fruit, 'Markisa' is available here. It is very sweet and tasty with edible seeds.The fruit is grown in abundance here because of the cool weather or climate (source : www.west-sumatra.com)

Lake Singkarak

Another lake which way down from Solok . The water here is clear and a good place for swimming or just walk along the lakeshores. We can also ride in the motor boats to see the view around the lake. Accomodation to stay overnight is also available here.(source : www.west-sumatra.com)

Lembah Harau

Lembah Harau (Harau Valley) has 7 interesting falls, steeply sloping riverbank a nice place to wall climbing. You will fell like in the fortress while you are in payakumbuh it’s because the Harau Valley. Along in payakumbuh’s street you can find green wet rice field. (source : admin)