Friday, April 30, 2010

Pulau Seribu Jakarta Bay

The name of Pulau Seribu or Thousand Islands has been well known since the Batavia era, and when Indonesia got the independence the beauty of the islands and its water become publicized. The growth of Indonesian economy between 1970s to 1998 have given a great impact on the environment of Pulau Seribu. The need of recreation place a bit far from clumsy mammoth of Jakarta drove the eyes of businessmen o the islands by building various resorts which is ready to indulge the welfare resident of Jakarta city.

An article on Economic and Business Review Indonesia No. 262 April 23, 1997 pg 39-39 as published by UNESCO Jakarta Bay Pilit Project pin pointed the long term losses at the side of society opposed to individual capital on short term objectives. An observation whcih was started in 1901 until 1997 has disclosed that some island have become decreasing in size or simply disappeared with steadily coral reefs deterioriation over the decade. This environmental degradation suspected agent is land based pollution, sedimentation and uncontroled wastes deposition. In 1995 UNESCO with scientists from P3D - LIPI and ITI organized an observation on the coral reefs of Jakrta Bay to review the similar survey conducted 10 years previously. The result of the survey indicated that the condition of coral reefs continued to decline, and some islands were totally disappeared. It is realized that the damage of coral reefs has been caused by factors that are within human control and those can not be controled. Beyond human control factors are the changes of season, global heating and El Nino phenomena are believed to have given a degree of effect to the declining coral reefs of Pulau Seribu. While those factors that controled by human being called anthropogenic perturbations such as wastes disposal management, unsustainable echnique of fish catching such as bombing, blast, cyanide use, coral mining and dredging, degrading of water quality due to industrial pollution and nutriant enrichment. The polution might also contributed by the establishment of various resorts on the islands which invvolve various activities from project to tourists.

Bring together natural factors and antrhopogenic factors that can not be given serious attention can give an idea that between individual short term benefit against long term public losses are frightening. An assetment in term of dollars a blast fishing can yield US% 15.000 per kms square, but in long term the public will loss US$ 86.000 on fishery, US$ 9,000 - US$ 195.000 for coastal protection and US$ 3,000 - 482.000 on toursm. It is easy to understand that when coral reefs are damaged, the water is not interested anymore for tourists especially those travelers have great potential on diving and snorkeling activities who usually spend more money compared to normal leisure visitours. That is also happened on coastal protection will be impossible to keep the variety of equatic animal and plantation with low cost when coral reefs have been damaged. To slow down and giving awareness to the people and government of important in preserving coral reefs, UNESCO and LIPI organized workshop for young generation of fishermen and teachers on Pari island, which brought together fishermen, collectors NGOs, teachers and students.

Quoted from : http://www.jakarta-cityhotels.com/tours/thousand_island/pulau_ayer/index.html

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Air Manis Beach

Air Manis Beach is closely related to the legend of Malin Kundang in West Sumatra. Malin Kundang is a character fabled to have been turned to stone, together with his ship, after periods of disobedience to his mother. By the beach, there is a Malin Kundang stone and several pieces of equipment from his ship, which are also stones. Based on the story, Malin Kundang was cursed by his mother for his refusal to acknowledging her as his mother after traveling to another region and becoming rich.

Air Manis beach is a favorite tourist site for local and foreign tourists because it has low waves and beautiful views of Mount Padang. There is also a small island called Pisang Kecil (literally means “small banana”) on its right side. From morning to afternoon, you can walk to this one hectare island through shallow water. In late afternoon, however, there is a tide and you must take a boat to return. On its right, there is another island called Pisang Besar (literally means “big banana”). Local inhabitants on this island are mostly farmers and fishermen.


Getting There

Air Manis beach is located 15 km from Padang city center. From Minangkabau international airport, visitors can go to Air Manis by passing through Padang. If you want to use public transportation, you must first go to Plaza Sentral Pasar Raya from the airport exit gate in Simpang Ketaping. From the city center, you can take public transportation plying the Padang-Bungus route.


Getting Around

You can walk around the beach and wade to Pisang Kecil Island. Visitors can also rent a motor boat to visit Sikuai Island which is located across Pisang Island.


To Do

Beside playing in the water and swimming, visitors can rent a motor boat to visit Pisang Kecil and Pisang Besar Islands which are located some 500 meters from the beach. On Pisang Kecil Island, visitors can sit under gazebos and enjoy sea and beach sceneries. If

you want to stay overnight on Pisang Besar island, you can stay in a local inhabitant's home or your own tent.

If you visit Sikuai Island, you can try water sports such as surfing and diving. This island is famous for its white sand.
To Stay

There are hotels near Air Manis beach. You could also make a one day trip to Padang, stay on Pisang Besar or Sikuai Island.


To Eat

Near the beach, there are restaurants selling grilled fish, Kapau rice and other snacks.


To Buy

By Air Manis beach, there are many kiosks selling various souvenirs such as shirts, clothes, bags and other handicrafts.

The interesting thing is that some kiosks only sell small to large handicrafts made of coral for Rp5,000 to Rp50,000.


Tips

If you visit Air Manis beach, you should prepare extra clothes. You will be tempted to swim or walk to Pisang Kecil Island.


Quoted from : http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/183/air-manis-beach

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Thursday, April 29, 2010

South Sumatra Museum

The South Sumatra Museum consists of two smaller museums, Balaputera Dewa and Sriwijaya. This museum is more popularly known as Balaputera Dewa Museum.

Balaputera Dewa Museum is a public museum which stores and maintains historical and cultural objects. Balaputra Dewa is the name of a Sriwijaya king. This 23,565 square meter (5.8 acres) museum has 3,715 collections consisting 16 geological, 26 biological, 2,073 ethnographical, 87 archaeological, 37 historical, 456 numismatic, 29 philological, and 221 ceramologic collections; and 55 art objects, and 15 modern technological collections.

The Balaputera Dewa Museum also has collections of Limas and Ulu traditional houses, and statue wards. The Sriwijaya Museum is a special museum for historical objects of the Sriwijaya kingdom which lasted from the 7th to 13th centuries. It has 191 collections.

Both museums are only closed on Mondays and national public holidays. They are open from 08:00 to 15:30, except for Saturdays and Fridays, which are half days. The entrance fee to Balaputera Dewa Museum is Rp 500 (5 cents US) per child and Rp 1,500 (15 cents US) per adult. The entrance fee to the Sriwijaya Museum is only Rp 250 (2.5 cents US) per child and Rp 500 (5 cents US) per adult.


Getting There

This museum is located in Palembang city. To get to Palembang, you can take a flight to Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport, which is located on Tanjung Api-Api Street, and accessible from many countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, China, and Thailand. The distance between the airport and the museum is about 3 km. You can take a taxi or rented car from the airport. The museum is located at Srijaya I No. 288 Km 5,5 Palembang.


Getting Around

The South Sumatra Museum is a big building but you will find it easy to walk around.


To Do

In this Museum, all collections are well-maintained, enabling visitors to see and learn about the collections easily.


To Stay

Since Palembang was the host city of a National Sports Event, it developed rapidly including its hotels making it easy to find rooms in the vicinity. Since the museum is located in the City Center, you can easily find star-rated, or ordinary hotels along Kapten A Rivai, Sudirman, R Sukamto, Veteran, and POM IX Streets.


To Eat

For those of you who like culinary tours, you could go to Palembang City Center. Near the Palembang Grand Mosque and the Musi River, you can find traditional foods like empek-empek panggang for Rp 1,500 to Rp 23,000 (0.12 to 2.30 US dollars) per piece, depending where you eat. In addition, there is a food stall selling es belimbing (star fruit ice). It is the only food stall that sells es belimbing. The stall is called Ujuk.

You can also try the famous Martabak Har (omelete) in this oldest city in Indonesia, or try the Nasi Minyak (oily rice) which you can only find here.


To Buy

There are no shops selling souvenirs near the museum, but if you walk somewhere near the Musi River, you will find two markets seeling various types of foods and souvenirs including fruits and Songket (woven fabrics). These markets are called Pasar 16 Ilir and Pasar 35 Ilir. About two kilometers from there, you could find a Songket center and 50 meters from there, you could find a Lekeur (carving) center.


Tips

This is is the right place for those who like art and cultural tours. Don't forget to ask for a free leaflet about the museum and local culture.


Quoted from : http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/176/south-sumatra-museum

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Bali Bird Park

Find yourself at the Bali Bird Park to witness the largest and finest collection of Indonesian birds in the world plus fantastic birds from Africa & South America.

Encompassing two hectares of botanical landscape, the park provides sanctuary to almost 1000 birds of 250 different species.

Our innovative approach towards the display of rare and tropical birds has progressed from traditional exhibits to that of showcasing mixed species in their natural habitats & in large walk in Aviaries and free range throughout the park.

The park accommodates an amazing display of flora with more then 2000 tropical plants including 50 varieties of palms alone and attracting numerous butterflies.

Incorporating a breeding, research and veterinary facility within the complex, the park has a high success rate in the captive reproduction of exotic birds such as the Bird. of Paradise and Hornbill.


To Do

Join us for an adventure that has no boundaries as we take you on a journey across the Indonesian archipelago, Latin America and South Africa.

The park is divided into regions that recreate the natural habitats of our birds, complete with indigenous plant life and traditional artefacts for authenticity.

Experience the original Jungle birds of Bali and encounter the world's rarest bird, the Bali Starling.

Discover the exotic birds of Papua and one of the most comprehensive collections of Bird of Paradise in the whole world.

Travel to Far East Indonesia, home to an amazing array of birds as well as the extraordinary Komodo Dragon, a giant carnivorous lizard which is a direct descendant of the dinosaur and rarely seen in captivity.

See the fantastic Javan Hawk and Serpent Eagles - & listen to the sweet sounds of Java's song birds echoing through the foliage.

Visit the deep jungle and misty mountain ranges of Sumatra for rare and strange endemic birds.

Venture to other tropical continents to view our collection of South American exotics such as the Scarlet Macaw and Toucan, witness the Congo Grey Parrot and other birds of the African Savannah.

See Cassowaries, Cranes, Storks & Pelicans and many more birds as they wander freely living and breeding uninhibited throughout the park.

Stroll within the boundaries of our giant walk-through aviaries that replicate the natural eco-systems of the Bali Jungle and Papuan Rainforest.

Pathways and bridges are carved through the dense foliage where only filtered sunlight manages to penetrate the canopy of greenery overhead.

Several vantage points have been strategically positioned to catch glimpses of free flying birds as they follow their survival instincts of foraging for food, nesting and mating.

These protected enclosures safeguard rare species from outside predators, whilst still exposing them to the various aspects of living in the wild.

Within two hectares of Balinese landscape and a free range birds, Bali Bird Park is a popular place for:

* arranging a special program for family gatherings
* corporate programme
* group arrangements
* student group special education
* other creative competition such as photo shooting
* painting
* drawing, or
* annual gathering

Quoted from : http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/325/bali-bird-park

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Kailasa Museum: Tracing The Ancient Javanese Civilization

If you like religious objects, you should visit the Kailasa Dieng Museum. In this museum, you could trace the ancient Javanese Hindu civilization of the 7th and 8th centuries.

The Kailasa Museum is situated in Gedung Arca Compound and belongs to the Central Java Conservation Agency in Dieng, Batur sub-district, Banjarnegara district, Central Java.

Since it is situated within the Dieng area, you could also see a beautiful and cold environment because the Dieng highlands is not only famous for its ancient civilization but also its beautiful and natural scenery.

Dieng was a volcano, which erupted and destroyed its peak. This highland was made of dead cauldrons which filled with water to become a lake. The lake dried and was used for Hindu religious activities.

Historically, Dieng was a ritual site for Hindu followers. Up to the present, 22 ancient Javanese epigraphs tell about Dieng as a center for religious activities. Here, you will be astonished by temples near the Museum.

Some say, the names of these temples were taken from the names of players in Mahabrata stories such as Arjuna, Bima, Setyaki, Gatot Kaca, Dwarawati, Sembadra, Kunti, and Srikandi. In addition to these temples, you could also find loose sculptures near the Dieng temple compound such as Arca Nandi ( a bull), a symbol of Siva and Mahaguru.

When entering the museum, you will see Dieng’s antique sculptures. After that, you could climb steps to an information room where you could get as much information as possible, such as the history of Dieng highland and its temples.

Several panels provide information about the life of local inhabitants in the highlands. Some panels also tell about their lifestyle and agriculture, and information about local Mosques and Mushallas, arts, and the Myth of Anak Bajang. Other panels provide more information about the Dieng highlands as a center for Hindu ritual activities and about its temples. Dieng is taken from the word "Di" which means mountain, and "Hyang" which means God. Thus, Dieng means a mountain where Gods live.

The Kailasa Museum is taken from a epigraph. It means a holy mountain. This Museum was officially inaugurated by the Minister of Tourism, Jero Wacik, in 2008. It was built to provide information about the Dieng highlands.


Getting There

The easiest way is to go to Jogjakarta and arrange a trip by car to Dieng. There are direct flights to Jogjakarta from Jakarta or Bali.

Quoted from : http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/245/kailasa-museum

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Tolire Lake: Maluku: A Walk to Remember

Long time ago, in a small village, a father impregnated his own daughter and causing God fury. God cursed the father and his daughter-the form of big Tolire Lake reflected the fathers figure and the Small Tolire Lake reflected his daughter. Other myth about the lake, local people believe that the lake is the house for many invisible crocodiles.

Tolire lake covered 5 acre and 50 m depth located 10 km from the main city, Ternate and reachable by bus or Ojeg (ojeg: rented bike) depend on the mode of travel (if you manage your travel individually/couple, you better take ojeg, otherwise, for those who wish to travel in a group, hiring bus would be perfect). Tolire lake stated in the deep crater of Mt. Gamalama, the highest mountain in North Maluku with highest peak is 1715 m above sea level.

The relaxing and oozing view of Gamalama mountain, the crystal clear water of the lake, the luscious green view of the forest, the enchanting sounds of chirping birds and the lovely smile of Ternates people, all bounding together make this place glowing with beauties


Getting There

Lot of eager visitors questioned this simple-easy-issue. Dont worry, all you have to do is prepare your packs and then take flights.

* From Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport flight toward Hasanuddin Airport, Makassar (it takes you 3.45 hours). Dont forget to have SARABA in the airport (SARABA is local beverage)
* Take 30 minutes flight from Hasanuddin Airport to Sultan Baabullah Airport, Ternate.
* You are getting close to Tolire Lake and Gamalama Mountain. Be patient during 10 km trip by hired-bus (US$28, rate subjected to US$1=Rp. 9019,- January 10th, 2007).
* For individual traveler, use ojeg (rented bike drives by owner), costs Rp. 10.000,-/hours


Getting Around

You can acces the lake using hired bus if you wish to travel in a group, while "ojeg" will be the perfect choice for individual traveller.


To Do

After an extraordinary experience at Gamalama Mountain and Tolire Lake, dont forget to visit other places of interest which located near by the lake. Make sure you dont miss these:

* Small Tolire Lake
* Ngade lake
* Sultan Baabullahs grave
* Old forts as the legacy of Portuguese
* Sulamadaha Beach
* Gamalama market
* If you are not tired enough, found your self in Saturday night pub crawl and count 1-2-3 step for the POCO-POCO (line dancing focused on food-step)


To Stay

You can stay in non-star hotel owned by local people, installed with Television and air-conditioning


To Eat

There are several foods, beverage and fruit to boost-up your taste and surely make your visit unforgettable. Unique and genuine! Thats how the visitors, whether it Indonesian or foreigner express their feeling the moment they give it a try.



* SARABA : made from coconut milk, brown sugar and ginger
* Sagu : local food made from sago palm
* Durian: a very famous fruit in Indonesia with strong aroma. You can buy it along Tolire Lake and it costs you Rp. 5.000,-
* Bagea: traditional cake made from sagu, crispy and a bit salty. And the best way to enjoy it is with sweet black tea
* Makron: made from sagu (sago) mix with almond
* Nasi Jaha: made from submerged rice in coconut milk-put in bamboo stick-grilled in charcoal


To Buy

You can buy various souvenir in Pasar Gamalama or in the middle of Ternate town, traditional food, local handicrafts and etc. Make sure you know how to bargain the price to get the best price


Tips

* Throwing small stone using slingshot to the lake (you can buy the stone from the kids who sale it Rp.1.000,- for 5 stones). What is unique about this? Many visitors claim when I throw it to the lake, its never touch the water, Believe it or not! Thats how they told their experiences.
* Bring your sweater or jacket
* Bring your camera/handy cam because you wont let your self miss all the beauties, the lake, the mountain and the people as well
* Dont bathing in the lake. Local people believe, if somebody bathing in the lake, something bad will happen. While the visitors said, it's way too cold.

Quoted from : http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/404/tolire-lake

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Kobuk Valley National Park

Alaska
Established December 2, 1980
1,750,000 acres

"Now we were alone between fringes of spruce by a clear stream where tundra went up the sides of mountains," wrote John McPhee in Coming into the Country. The Kobuk Valley, said McPhee, "was, in all likelihood, the most isolated wilderness I would ever see." Located entirely above the Arctic Circle, Kobuk Valley has fewer tourist visits than any other national park. Float a river here in late August and the only other humans you're likely to encounter are Inupiat hunting the caribou that migrate through each year.

Thirteen thousand years ago, when continental glaciers covered much of North America and a land bridge connected Alaska and Asia, Kobuk Valley was an ice-free refuge with grassy tundra similar to that found in Siberia today. Bison, mastodons, and mammoths roamed the valley, along with the humans who hunted them. Since then, the climate has shifted, and sea level has risen to flood the land bridge; many of the early mammals have disappeared. But today's shrubby flora harbors relicts of the preglacial steppe, and in the cold, hard ground lie the legacies of ancient animals and peoples.

Here the Kobuk Valley, cordoned off by the Baird and Waring Mountains, protects the midsection of the Kobuk River, the drainage of the Wild and Scenic Salmon River, and an array of wildlife. This is where the boreal forest reaches its northern limit, and the North American and Asiatic flyways cross. Pockets of tundra blend into birch and spruce, dwarfed by blasts of freezing air. And along the Kobuk River stretch 25 square miles of active sand dunes, where summer temperatures can climb to 100°F.

Kobuk Valley National Park's management plan encourages traditional native subsistence practices over tourism, so no facilities or trails lie within the park.


How to Get There

Commercial planes fly daily from Anchorage to Kotzebue, where the park's information center is located. From Kotzebue or the neighboring villages planes or boats can be chartered to explore the park.


When to Go

Summer. Days are long (from about June 3 to July 9 the sun doesn't set), and temperatures in many places can reach into the 80s or higher. Ice breaks up on the Kobuk River in May and begins to reform by mid-October. Mid-June to late July is best for wildflowers. August can bring rain and September snow. In late August, the aspens begin to turn yellow and the tundra red, and the caribou migration begins. The ranger station at Onion Portage is staffed periodically from June to September.


How to Visit

Take a combination river-hiking trip that alternates between days out on the open water with days exploring the surrounding land. That way you can paddle to different landing points, leave your gear in the canoe, and hike unencumbered. Bring everything you need; no visitor facilities exist within the park. The Kobuk River, wide and placid, is a pleasant river to travel by canoe, kayak, or motorboat. Most people put in at Ambler and take out at Kiana, both outside the park. You can also float or paddle the Salmon, a Wild and Scenic river, but it has rougher water and is harder to reach. Hiking in most places is excellent, but the park maintains no trails or river crossings. So be sure to plan your trip carefully.

While in the park, be respectful of private lands, most of which are along the Kobuk River.

Quoted from : http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/kobuk-valley-national-park/

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Colorado
Established September 13, 2004
107,000 acres

Visitors to the Great Sand Dunes experience an undeniable sense of wonder, just as happens in so many of our most spectacular national parks. In contrast to the sudden shock of walking to the rim of the Grand Canyon, though, or topping a rise to view Crater Lake, the emotions evoked by this otherworldly landscape arrive in slow motion.

The dunes appear in the distance as you approach, but at first seem dwarfed by their backdrop, the 13,000-foot peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Not until you're nearly at their border does their vast scale become apparent: dunes up to 750 feet tall, extending for mile after mile—an ocean of sand hills of breathtaking magnitude. That's just how the explorer Zebulon Pike described them in 1807: "Their appearance was exactly that of a sea in a storm (except as to color), not the least sign of vegetation existing thereon."

The dunes sprawl across part of southern Colorado's San Luis Valley, a broad, arid plain between the San Juan Mountains on the west and the Sangre de Cristos on the east. Streams and creeks flowing out of the San Juan Mountains over millennia carried gravel and sand into shallow lakes in the San Luis Valley. During drought periods, these lakes dried, releasing the sand particles to the action of the wind. Strong prevailing southwesterly winds carry the tiny grains toward the Sangre de Cristos, piling them up against the foothills. The resulting dunes are the tallest in North America, covering more than 30 square miles. Adults hike across them and marvel at their beauty; children run and slide down their steep faces, enjoying a playground of fairy-tale proportions.

Winds that often top 40 miles an hour continually reshape the crests of the tall dunes, and smaller dunes may "migrate" several feet in a week. The dunes show a remarkable permanence of form, though, which geologists attribute to opposing winds. Prevailing southwesterly winds blow the dune mass northeasterly toward the mountains, and occasional but powerful northeasterlies blow the dunes back toward the southwest. This 'back-and-forth' action of the wind piles the dunes vertically, and contributes to the stability of the dunefield.

The need to protect the water that protects the dunes has led to a number of changes at Great Sand Dunes. Through a cooperative effort among government agencies and private conservation groups, the purchase of private lands, identified as important to the protection of park resources, was completed on September 13, 2004. The new entity comprises the original national monument, lands west of the monument known as the Baca Ranch, and mountains east of the monument previously managed by the U.S. Forest Service. This latter realm was established as a preserve in 2000 to safeguard the small streams flowing into the area. Official designation is Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

All this means that visitors have access to a great diversity of habitats, beginning in the desert dunes, continuing up to the pinyon pines, cottonwoods, and aspens of the foothills, and arriving even higher at the spruce-fir forests and tundra of the summits of the Sangre de Cristos, with seven peaks over 13,000 feet. The region's geology and biology make it a fascinating place, unique among our national parks. It's well worth the drive across southern Colorado, even if all you do is gaze in awe at this extraordinary and lovely terrain.


How to Get There

From the east or north, take US 160 west from Walsenburg 59 miles to Colo. 150 and drive north 16 miles. From the south or west, take US 285 to Alamosa and drive 14 miles east to Colo. 150, continuing north to the monument and preserve. Airport: Colorado Springs.


When to Go

Year-round. Moderate temperatures make spring and fall best. The sand dunes can get very hot in summer, although they can be traversed comfortably early and late in the day; summer is also the park's most crowded season. Winter snow curtails trips into the high mountains, though the dunes can still be visited.


How to Visit

Stop at the visitor center for a quick lesson in the Great Sand Dunes environment, and to learn the schedule of ranger-led walks and programs (summer only). From there, proceed to the dunes parking lot. Then walk out into the dunes, going as far and climbing as high as time and energy permit; the High Dune is a popular, moderately strenuous destination.

Kids and adults alike enjoy splashing along Medano Creek, which meanders along the base of the dunes (when there is enough water from the spring snowmelt). The Montville Nature Trail and the Mosca Pass Trail offer additional options for exploration, from short walks to mountain hikes.

If you have a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle, and are very careful, you can drive the Medano Pass Primitive Road, which leads 11 miles up into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the national preserve, exploring different habitats along the way, from foothills to coniferous forest at the 9,982-foot pass. A park concessioner offers tours along this road; ask a ranger for details.

Quoted from : http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/great-sand-dunes-national-park/

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Monday, April 26, 2010

Do It The Dayak Way

When visiting Palangkaraya, just look outside of your aircraft window and you will see the green field of nature below cut by a small river with slow course twisting to the downstream passing the mangrove forest. The flow is similar to the head of dragon with endless body.

When forest area seems to be distantly spaced and clear, Palangkaraya city will appear as though coming out of the tropical forest. Central Kalimantan is full with tourism and natural resources potentials. Plantation, forestry, fishery, mining and husbandry might attract curious visitors. Moreover, the diversity of the ethnic groups is interesting. Three major Dayak tribes inhabiting this region are Ngaju, Ot Danum, and Dusun Ma’anyan tribe.

Curious? Just go out of your routine and enjoy the differences by involving yourself in the way of life of a Dayak.


Getting There

By Garuda Indonesia Airlines’ domestic flights direct to Palangkaraya three times everyday. From Palangkaraya, you should book a travel package which includes a visit to a Dayak village. Some packages even include staying with them.


Getting Around

You need to return to Palangkaraya to rent a car or book a customized trip package where you can ask the guide to show you around wherever you want. The guide will give you a prediction on how long it should take to get there and what you should do to make the experience enjoyable.

Palangkaraya
Palangkaraya, In the local Dayak language, Palangkaraya means ‘holy container’. Palangkaraya can easily be reached from Jakarta, Banjarmasin, Samarinda, Balikpapan and other points on the island by air. The town has become the center of government, trade and education of the province. The Regional Museum of Palangkaraya contains a collection of historical and cultural interest from all over Central Kalimantan.

Here are some other places you can visit while going to or from the Dayak village.

Kuala Kapuas
Kuala Kapuas. It is located at Kapuas River, 40 km from Banjarmasin. A well-known tourist attraction is Telo Island, a pleasant fishing village and port. For the adventurer, white-water rafter and nature lovers, there is Gohong Rawai, known for its beatiful and challenging rapids. The gold mines of Teweh and Batu Api, Rung¬an district, are also interesting sites to be visited. In this region, gold mining is a major source of livelihood for the people, who pan for the valuable metal using the old traditional method.

Sampit
Sampit. Sampit is the biggest timber port in Kalimantan. The Orchid Park of Pembuangan Hulu is home to a number of rare and beatiful orchid varieties. Hunters can engage in their favorite pastime in hunting park of West Kotawaringin.

Pangkalanbun
Pangkalanbun. Make sure to visit the old Palace of Pangkalanbun, constructed completely out of ulin (iron wood). It is the only Banjar royal legacy found in Central Kalimantan.

Tanjung Puting National Park
The Tanjung Puting National Park is a well-known nature and wildlife reserve in lowland and swamp forests, inhabited by orang utans, owa-owa, bekantan and other primates. One can visit the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre which is supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).


To Do

If you want to know further about Dayak tribe, learn Dayak traditional dances and music instruments, like plucked stringed instruments and drums.

The Ngaju Dayak tribe, the most popular Dayak tribe occupying around Kahayan and Kapuas River, is known of its arts. Especially wooden-coffins with elevated cemeteries, dead ships and high memorial statues.

Ot Danum tribe inhabits around the River to the north of Ngaju inhabitant and to the south of range of Schwaner and Muller mountains. Ot Danum tribe lives in long-shape houses with 2-5 meter pillars over the ground. One house has about 50 rooms. This long-shape house is locally called as betang.

Ot Danum tribe is known of its skill of plaiting rattan, palm leave and bamboo. They still follow the ways of their ancestors. The Ma’anyan village tribe still practices the spirit heart, agriculture ritual, complex mortality ceremony. And they still call a shaman whenever they need some healing. The cemeteries indicate social hierarchy. The range of noble cemetery is situated at the upstream of the River, followed with soldier cemetery, ordinary community cemetery to the downstream, and cemetery for slave is situated in the downstream’s edge.


To Stay

The village provides home-staying services. While staying there, you can learn things like craftmanship or traditional cooking.


To Eat

For those who lead an active life might be tempted to follow the local fisherman to fish. Fishing technique ranges from using fishing rod to using their unique-style seine. There is nothing like feasting on the fish that you have caught yourself!

Then to top it all, you can go hunting with locals for deers or wild boars. Dayak tribes make a living by clearing away forests and they have a unique hunting method. They do not actively pursue the animals, but somehow lure them to approach the Dayak people.

How can they manage to do that? They have a unique method in attracting the animals. When hunting deers, they imitate the sound of a young deer. Since does always protect their youngsters, the female deer will approach as soon as they hear the sound for help.

In hunting, they use lances or blowpipes. A blowpipe’s size is long and it also functions as a lance. Blowpipe needles used for hunting are smeared with poisonous concoction that will paralyze or even kill.

Quoted from : http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/35/do-it-the-dayak-way

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Museum of The Asian-African Conference

The Asian-African Conference which was held on 18th to 24th April 1955 in Bandung gained a big success both in formulating common concerns and in preparing operational guidance for cooperation among Asian African Nation as well as in creating world order and world peace. The conference has had a result Dasasila Bandung, which became the guideline for the colonized countries in fighting for their independence. It also became the fundamental principles in promoting world peace and international cooperation. The success of the conference was not only for the time being but also for the time after so that the soul and spirit of the Asian-African Conference becomes one of the most important factor that deciding world history.

All is a huge prestige that gained by the Asian African Nations. The spirit of Bandung had succeeded in widening the work volume among Asian African Nations. As a consequence, their influence and their role in international cooperation are increased and more respected.

In order to maintain those mentions above, it is important if the Asian-African Conference with its event is maintained eternally in a museum where the conference was held, Gedung Merdeka, Bandung, a city that is considered as a capital city and a source of inspiration for the Asian-African Nations.

As a Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Dr. Mochtar Kusumaatmadja, S.H., LL.M., often met and got involved in some discussions with some of the Asian African Leaders. They frequently asked him about Gedung Merdeka and City of Bandung, which was the venue of the Asian-African Conference. The discussions were always ended with their wishes to be able to visit Bandung and Gedung Merdeka.

Inspired by desires to eternalize the Asian-African Conference, the idea of establishing a Museum of the Asian-African Conference in Gedung Merdeka was born by Prof. Dr. Mochtar Kusumaatmadja, S.H., LL.M.. The idea was delivered in the meeting of the Committee for the Commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Asian-African Conference (1980), which was attended by Directorate General of Culture, Prof. Dr. Haryati Soebadio as a representative for the Department of Culture and Education. Fortunately, the idea was fully supported including President of the Republic of Indonesia, Soeharto

The idea of establishing the Museum of the Asian-African Conference had been materialized by Joop Ave, the Executive Chairman of the Committee of the 25th Anniversary of the Asian-African Conference and Director General of Protocol and Consular in the Department of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with Department of Information, Department of Education and Culture, the Provincial Government of West Java, and Padjadjaran University. The technical planning and its execution was carried out by PT Decenta, Bandung.

The Museum of the Asian-African Conference was inaugurated by President of the Republic of Indonesia, Soeharto on 24th April 1980 as the culmination of the 25th Anniversary of the Asian-African Conference.





FACILITIES

PERMANENT EXHIBITION ROOM

Museum of the Asian-African Conference has a permanent exhibition room, which exhibits collections of three-dimension objects and documentary photos of Tugu Meeting, Colombo Conference, and Asian-African Conference 1955.

The exhibition room also provides:

- the historical events that become the historical background of the Asian- African Conference;

- the effect of the Asian-African Conference to the world;

- Gedung Merdeka from time to time;

- Profile of the participant countries of the Asian-African Conference that are performed in the multimedia.

In order to welcome the Delegates of the Tenth Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1992 in which Indonesia had been chosen as the host of the conference and became the Leader of the Non-Aligned Movement, the diorama describing the Opening Session of the Asian-African Conference was made.


Renovation of the Permanent Exhibition Room “The History of the Asian African Conference 1955”


In the framework of the Asian-African Summit 2005 and the 50th Anniversary of the Asian-African Conference on 22 - 24 April 2005, initiated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. N. Hassan Wirajuda, the display of the exhibition room at the Museum of the Asian-African Conference was renovated. The renovation was materialized through the cooperation among Department of Foreign Affairs, Secretariat of State, and Provincial Government of West Java. The planning and the execution were carried out by Vico Design and Wika Realty.


The Groundwork of Making the Permanent Exhibition Room “History of the Struggle of the Asia Africa” and Hall of the National Identity of the Asian African Countries (2008)


Department of Foreign Affairs RI has a plan to develop the Museum of the Asian African Conference as a symbol of cooperation between two regions and develop it as a study center, the archive center, and documentation center. One of its efforts is by making some permanent exhibition rooms that perform some pictures and three dimension objects concerning the New Asian African Strategic Partnership / NAASP also some materials that describe the culture of both regions.

The establishment of the museum is planned to be real in April 2008l 2008, on the 3rd Anniversary of the Asian African Summit.



LIBRARY

The library provides many books on history, social, politic, and culture of the Asian African Countries and others; documents of the Asian-African Conference and its preliminary conferences; magazines and newspapers donated from other institutions or gained by purchase.


Along with the extension of the permanent exhibition rooms on April 2008, the library will also be developed as an Asian African Library Center which its process will be started in 2007. it is hoped that the library will be the main source of information about those two regions that provide some facilities such as wifi zone, bookshop café, digitall library and audio visual library.





AUDIO VISUAL

As well as the library, the audio visual was built in 1985. the presence of this museum is also inspired by Abdullah Kamil.

The room is applied to perform documentary films on world condition until 1950s, Asian-African Conference and its preliminary conferences, and films about the social, politic, and culture condition of the Asian-African Countries.


Tips

Open for public:

Monday-Friday 08.00-15.00 WIB

Quoted from : http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/379/museum-of-the-asian-african-conference

Supported by : JavaTourism, lintang Buana Tours

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Galang Island, A Vietnamese Refugee Camp

In the 1980, Galang Island suddenly became famous. This island was debated over by many people because it was a home for hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese who left their country following the Vietnam War. They came here by boat in alarming conditions. 40 to 100 refugees flocked into one boat. They floated in the South China Sea for months, without any clear destination. Some of them died in the middle of the ocean, but others managed to reach Indonesian territory including Galang Island, Tanjung Pinang, and other islands nearby. At present, this ex-refugee camp is a tourist site.
Getting There

To reach this island, you can take a flight to Hang Nadim airport in Batam city. It is the entry point to Kepulauan Riau province. The Vietnam refugee camp is located in Sijantung village on Galang Island some 50 kilometers from the City Center.


Getting Around

You will get a clear explanation about the daily life of the refugees by visiting a building previously used as a UNHCR office. In this building, you can see pictures of thousands of refugees who once lived on the island. You can also see pictures of incidences incured by the Vietnamese during their time here. This building is now used as a reception office and information center for visitors.


To Do

By visiting this camp, visitors are brought back to the past tragedy, when hundreds of thousands of people left their country for protection. Visitors can see worship places built during that era, which are still well-maintained and can be used by tourists.


To Stay

No hotel is available for tourists on Galang Island. You can stay in hotels available in Barelang, Nagoya, or Batam Center.


To Eat

No restaurant or food stall is available around this tourist site. Restaurants and food stalls are only available in Barelang, Batam Center and Nagoya.


To Buy

Visitors can buy various types of souvenirs such as t-shirts, stickers, pins, etc. From a shop near the complex.


Tips

If you still have time, you can continue your journey to Melur beach in Barelang, which is located not far from the refugee camp. On this beach, you can enjoy exotic and natural scenery.


Quoted from : http://www.indonesia.travel/en/destination/79/galang-island-a-vietnamese-refugee-camp

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Biscayne National Park

Florida
Established June 28, 1980
172,924 acres

Biscayne, a seascape in watercolor, offers vistas ashore and beneath the sea. Standing on the park's narrow shore, you look out upon a bay that is tranquil on the surface and teeming with life below. Aboard a glass-bottom boat or, better yet, on a snorkeling tour, you look down and see some of that life—dazzlingly colored fish, fantastically shaped corals, gently waving fronds of sea grass.

Biscayne is an underwater wilderness. Only five percent of the park is land—about 40 small barrier coral reef islands and a mangrove shoreline, the longest such undeveloped shore on Florida's east coast. Park wildlife musters under water in the form of minuscule, unusual, or rarely seen animals. The most extensive life-form is a community known as the coral reef—colonies of tiny polyps that secrete limestone and live within ever growing rocky crannies. The coral reefs at Biscayne are part of the only living ones in the continental United States.

The park reprieved a living system condemned to die under the pressure of progress. The threat came in the 1960s, when developers were making plans to build resorts and subdivisions on Florida's northern keys, from Key Biscayne to Key Largo. Conservationists campaigned to preserve Biscayne Bay; it became a national monument in 1968. When Biscayne National Park was established, boundaries were expanded to encompass several more of the bay's keys and reefs.

Biscayne embraces a complex ecosystem that extends from the mangrove shoreline to the Gulf Stream. Besides the mangrove coast and living reef, the ecosystem includes two other biological realms found on the small islands and the shallow bay's marine nursery. The realms are interwoven, and each sustains still other webs of life.

Guarding all this are the northernmost Florida Keys, ancient exposed coral reefs that keep ocean waves from battering the bay. Thus shielded, the bay offers sanctuary to the life within it and beauty to those who come to look beneath the surface.


How to Get There

From Miami, take Florida's Turnpike (Fla. 821) south to Speedway Boulevard, and turn left (south). Continue 4 miles on Speedway Boulevard to North Canal Drive and turn left (east). Follow Canal Drive another 4 miles to the park entrance. From Homestead (about 9 miles), take S.W. 328th Street (N. Canal Dr.) to the park entrance at Convoy Point. Airport: Miami.


When to Go

Year-round. The best time to visit the park's islands is from mid-December to mid-April, subtropical Florida's dry season. In summer, you face the perils of mosquitoes and fast-moving thunderstorms, but seas are generally the calmest—making it ideal for snorkeling and diving. Hurricanes are occasional.


How to Visit

Unless you have your own boat, plan to see Biscayne on a concessioner-run cruise. You can look underwater on a reef cruise aboard a glass-bottom boat or swim the shallow waters on a snorkeling cruise. There are also scuba cruises to the outer reef for qualified divers. You should make reservations in advance. Cruises may be canceled if there are too few passengers or the weather is inclement. Although this is a water park, a walk around the mangrove shore will give you a chance to examine the coastal edges of the bay's ecosystem. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center offers a museum, audiovisual programs, and ranger talks.

Quoted from : http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/biscayne-national-park/

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Friday, April 23, 2010

50 New Marine Species Discovered in Indonesia



Fifty new marine species, including this epaulette shark that "walks" on its fins, were recently discovered by a team of scientists in northwest Indonesia's Papua province.

(Read full coverage: "'Walking' Sharks Among 50 New Species Found in Indonesia Reefs")

Led by Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit Conservation International, the team surveyed two sites in the Bird's Head Seascape region—a 70,000-square-mile (112,650-square-kilometer) area that is home to more than 1,200 types of reef fishes and around 600 coral species. The 50 new, or believed to be new, species include 24 fishes, 20 corals, and 8 mantis shrimps.

Among the fishes, scientists discovered two new species of epaulette sharks, so named for the distinguishing spots above their pectoral fins, which the animals use to prowl along the seafloor. Additional discoveries include several new species of flasher wrasses, fairy basslets, damselfishes, and a type of jawfish.

The scientists recorded a total of 1,233 species of coral reef fishes in the region, lending support to the belief that it is the Earth's most abundant seascape.

Photograph ) Gerry Allen

Sourced from : http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/09/photogalleries/newmarinespecies/

Supported by : JavaTourism, Lintang Buana Tours

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Tips for packing light

“Before you go, lay out your pieces and play mix-and-match to determine which ones work in the most possible combinations. A cashmere cardigan, for example, goes just as well with jeans as it does over a sleeveless dinner dress.

I suggest sticking to a neutral palette with a splash of color. If you’re headed to a casual beach destination, roll your clothes to maximize space; if your trip calls for formal wear, fold and layer each item with tissue paper to reduce wrinkles. And while you may be tempted to bring a different pair of shoes for every look, limit
yourself to just one pair of flats and one pair of heels—and pack them
heel-to-toe to conserve space.”
—T+L associate fashion editor Catherine Crate

Source from http://www.travelandleisure.com/tips/6788-tips-for-packing-light

Supported by:
JavaTourism.com or Lintang Buana Tours for your holiday arrangement