Indonesia Diving, Raja Ampat Island "The incradible reef and fish"

No doubt about it, the Raja Ampat is definitely the richest place for fish, that I have ever been. Dr G.R.Allen"

I was like a five-year-old, seeing a reef for the very first time. I was awestruck, held by the incredible power of this richest reef. We must, with all available resources, preserve the beauty of Raja Ampat. This may be the last frontier.

Michael Aw
"I love the people, I love the diving, It's super!! I've never been for a second time to the same dive destination but now I'm thinking about going back for the third time!! Should I say more?" Peter van Dalen (Taken from www.iriandive.com)
Raja Ampat Island is the most western district of the Indonesian province of Papua. Raja Ampat consists of an area surrounding four major island off the western coast of Birds Head Panisula of New Guinea Island. The western half of which is Indonesia and the eastern half, Papua New Guinea. The province was called Irian Jaya, and its a cluster of over 1500 small Islands.
Raja Ampat is the most bio-diverse location in the world more than 3000 species of fishes and over 300 species of corals have been identified here, in a single one and half hour dive you can identified more than 282 fish species and more than 400 species. Till this very day the area is virtually unexplored and unknown due to its size. This area as there are still many remnants of WW II.
The Roughest seas and decreased visibility in the Raja Ampat area are from mid-June until the end of August. During the rest of the year, the sea is mostly very smooth whit good visibility.

Dive sites in Raja Ampat Island:
Kri Island: Kri has several sites and Cape Kri is one of the fishiest. The fish numbers and variety are truly amazing. The site is current dependent. Generally it's a steep slope with beautiful coral growth, lots of reef and schooling fishes, including the giant Queensland Grouper.

Sardine Reef: Sardine Reef has really giant clams at 10m (33ft) but it's all about non-stop fishes here. There's a resident school of bumphead parrotfish in the shallows, colorful soft corals and plenty of critters.

Kaboei Bay Rock Islands: The bay is a labyrinth of rock islands. Visibility isn't great but this is a great place for macro and finding odd nudibranches, mollusks and the pictured dragonet. Bat caves and skeletons are found on some of the islands.

The Passage: This is a drift dive through a narrow channel near Waigeo. Look for archerfish among the mangroves, orange cup corals, seahorses, and percula clownfish.

Fam Island: Several sites near Fam have stunning coral growth. Sponges and soft corals add color and fishes keep it going. Sites include walls, sloping reefs, and muddy bays.

Misool: Misool is awash in fish life and huge sea fans. Caverns and boulders mark several sites. The schooling fishes seem endless and pygmy seahorses live in less than 10m (33ft). Some sites are current dependent.

At a Glance Irian Diving
Reef type: Vertical walls, Lagoon channels, caves, platform reefs, etc.
Access: By boat from base camps.
Visibility: Very good, 20-45 meters.
Current: Moderate, excellent for drift diving.
Coral: Excellent " abundant & divers.
Fish: Variety & abundance guaranteed.
Highlights: Snorkeling with dolphins near the Wai base camp (5m); White-tip sharks under P47B wing; finding new wrecks untouched/complete.

Getting There
It is easiest to fly through to Sorong via Jakarta or via Singapore. Merpati, Pelita and Lion/Wings Airlines operate daily flights from Jakarta to Sorong (with stopovers in Ujung Pandang/Makassar and/or Manado), whereas Silk Air operates regularly from Singapore to Manado. Daily flights to and from Sorong by Airlines Merpati, Lion/Wings or Pelita.

Where to Stay
Raja Ampat Island have several accommodations whit traditional design, and there many boat you can rent for a stay. If you using dive operator they will arrange for your base came.

Moving Around

Raja Ampat islands have a very diverse topography with steep mountain shores and deserted white sand beaches. Explore the land on foot. Use a boat to move from one dive site to another dive site.

Dining GuideThere are several restaurants and cafes throughout Sorong. Try their specialties: traditional irian foods!

Souvenir Tips

There are many traditional souvenirs made from wood.
Other Things to See or DoYou can visit gorgeous waterfalls, ancient burial sites, bat caves and stunning waterways breathtaking limestone landscapes and Manta ray spotting and bird watching.

Travel Tips
To enter Papua itself, you need a surat jalan (Travel Permit) which is issued by the local police. Please bring: 3 Passport Photos, 3 Copies of the photo page of your passport and 3 Copies of the passport page with the Indonesian Visa.
Guide Book : Diving Indonesia (a guide to the world's greatest diving), Periplus Action Guide, Kal Muller.
More Information about Irian Jaya Dive, contact: Sorong, Indonesia Office: Papua Diving. Phone: +62 (411) 401 660, Fax:

+62 (951) 325 274. www.Iriandiving.com

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Basking on Beautiful Borobudur

Budha's Statue in BorobudurOne of the 7 wonders in the ancient world, Borobudur is located near Magelang. Borobudur, a Hindu-Buddhist temple, was built in the 9th century. This temple has Gupta architecture of India?s influence.
Constructed on a hill about 46 meters high, Borobudur has about 55,000 m3 or stones. Borobudur?s design symbolizes the structure of the universe. This design influences temples in Angkor, Cambodia. This temple was found in 1815, under volcanic ash. About 41 kilometers northward from Jogjakarta, Borobudur offers spectacular sight in this modern world.

Getting There

Borobudur is only 1 hour away by car from Jogjakarta. You can either join a tour or rent a car to this spot.

Where to Stay
Inns and hotels in Jogjakarta.

Moving Around
You'll explore this site on foot. Climb this magnificent temple and marvel at various carvings on the stone around you.

Dining Guide
You can bring your own food or buy them around this site.

Souvenir Tips
Souvenirs related to Borobudur can be bought in Jogjakarta. You can buy silver Borobudur's miniature (silver plated ones are also available), keychains, and many more. T-Shirts and postcards with an overview of Borobudur are popular as keepsakes.

Other Things to See or Do
Marvel at the magnificent view. For better understanding of this temple, you can join a tour or hire a licensed tour guide here. Climb the temple to reach the top, where you can see an vacant space signifying emptiness as completion. There's a superstition saying that if you climb this temple with one wish deep in mind, try touching Buddha's figure inside the stupa, which is bell-like in structure. If you're able to touch the Buddha, your wish will come true. Take note of the stone carvings. There are many stories in these stones.

Travel Tips
Dress lightly and comfortably.
Hire a licensed tour guide, so you'll get better information.
Wear a hat or an umbrella. Bring along a raincoat, just in case.

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A World Heritage Site: Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung Kulon National Park is the first national park, founded in Indonesia. The park (80,000 ha) lies on a peninsula in south-west Java and includes the islands Pulau Peucang, Pulau Panaitan and the Krakatau archipelago. On 1 February, 1992, the Proposed Ujung Kulon National Park complex and the Krakatau Islands Nature Reserve were declared a World Heritage Site. The borders on the north, south and west side of Ujung Kulon are made up by the Indian Ocean. The Honje mountain range, including the highest point of the park Gunung Honje (620 m), forms the eastern border. The Indian Ocean is the main access route.
Single-horned RhinocerousHabitats in the park consists of lowland rainforest, swamp, mangrove and beach forest. Vegetation on Pulau Panaitan consists of dry-beach forest, mangrove forest and lowland rain forest which is characterized by an abudance of palms. On Anak Krakatau, the island that came into existence after the Krakatau exploded, flora and fauna are still young. Small animals and birds gradually colonize the lava island. The principal flora consists of grasslands, beach forest, lowland rain forest and moss forests at the higher altitudes. The most important reason to declare Ujung Kulon a National Park is the existence of the almost-extinct Javan Rhinoceroses in the area. The population of these extremely endangered animals in Ujung Kulon is estimated to be 50-60.

Getting There
Ujung Kulon National Park is accessible by boat (5-6 hour) from Labuan. You can get to Labuan by minibus from Jakarta (3-4 hour) or Bogor. An other possibility is to take a bus with destination Merak from Kalideres bus station in Jakarta. Get out in Cilegon and from there catch a bus to Labuan.The boat from Labuan leaves for Pulau Peucang or Tamanjaya.
The beach of Ujung KulonComing from Sumatra by ferry, your journey will end in Merak. From Merak, take the bus to Jakarta, jump off in Cilegon and from there see above. There may be minibuses going all the way from Merak to Labuan. A cheaper alternative to access the park runs over land. From Labuan you may take the HM minibus (from Serang bus station) or a taxi to Tamanjaya (about Rp. 25,000, 3,5 hrs). In Tamanjaya you'll be able to arrange a boat to Pulau Peucang (Rp. 700,000), Pulau Handeleum (Rp. 200,000) or Pulau Panaitan (Rp. 900,000); mooring and boat entry permits are not included. Krakatau is best visited from Labuan.

Where to Stay
Permits, local guides speaking only bahasa Indonesia (about Rp. 30,000/day, excluding meals and cigarettes), English-speaking guides (Rp. 100,000/day, excluding meals and cigarettes) and accommodation can be arranged at the PHPA office in Labuan, or at Kagum in Jakarta. You can also find accomodation in Ujung Kulon. But it's always best to plan ahead.

Moving Around
Navigate around the park on foot. If it's your first time here, you may want to consider hiring an English-speaking guide.

Dining Guide
Although you can order meals at places of accomodation, you should bring your own food for the trip.

Souvenir Tips
Unfortunately, not much to hope for. There may be some rhinoceros figures for sale, but you'll have to keep a keen eye on the quality. Ask your guide for keepsake recommendation, things that you're allowed to pick up along the way and will remind you for this pleasant experience.

Other Things to See or Do
Round Pulau Peucang and Pulau Panaitan you'll be able to snorkel and dive among beautiful coral reefs.

Travel Tips
The best time to visit the park is April to August, when the sea is calm, so you won't get seasick.
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Diving Experience in Celebes

Bunaken is one of the most spectacular spots for diving and admiring marine life. Other places nearby are also ranked among the favorites by locals and international tourists Located near Sulawesi or Celebes, Indonesia, Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siladen Island, Lembeh Strait are perfect destinations for amateur and professional divers.

Getting There
Where to StayInns and hotels in Manado, or in Sulawesi Dive Quest on Bunaken island Liang beach, a small beach resort.
Moving AroundExplore the land on foot. Use a boat to move from one place to another.

Dining Guide
Various restaurants and cafes throughout Manado and the islands. Try their specialties: seafood and food made of coconuts!

Souvenir Tips
Sea-related products, such as items made of seashells, corals, etc.

Other Things to See or Do
Diving, swimming, snorkeling.
Walking around on the beach.
Sampling the tempting seafood cuisine.
Ornitologists and amateur bird-watchers might find visiting Tangkoko Dua Sudara Nature Reserve entertaining.

Travel Tips
Bring along your bathing suit, if you plan to swim. You can rent diving suits and equipments in Manado area, though. So no need to bring your own, unless you're a pro.
Join a tour if you'll be diving for the first time.
For more information about diving in Manado, you can visit the Odyssea Divers' About Manado page.From some major cities in Indonesia, such as Jakarta, join a flight to Manado (in North Sulawesi). To save the hassle, you can join special tours provided by a travel agent of your choice.

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The Komodo Islands: Diving & Visit the Dragon

The islands of the Komodo Dragon: Rinca & Komodo Islands are part of the complex of 175 islands (about 90% unhabitant), situated 200 nautical miles east of Bali, between the islands of Flores and Sumbawa. Both above and below the sea Komodo represents a unique range of geological and biological diversity. On shore it is an amazing museum diorama of the Mesozoic era dry tundra and reptilian supremacy. Komodo's symbol of international fame its dragons, the world's largest living lizard.
In the sea it's vibrant color and exotic life will enchant divers and snorkelers alike as endless schools of fish ride the waterways rushing up from deep sea vents, below them the seabed is covered with a thick carpet of florescent corals and marine invertebrates - an underwater photographers paradise.
The waters that surround the island are turbulent and teeming with unparalled marine life. A marine reserve has recently been established and this reserve is largely undocumented and remains unexplored. Komodo National Park was established in 1980. It was declared as a Man and Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site in 1986. KNP includes three major islands - Komodo, Rinca and Padar and numerous smaller islands together totaling 41,000 ha of land contains 132,000 ha of marine waters.
The corals in Komodo National park are pristine, with Mantas, sharks, turtles, dolphins, dugong, many pelagics, to the tiny pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, frog fish, you name it we've got it. The sites vary from gentle easy coral slopes to heart pounding adrenalin rides, from the warm waters of the Flores Sea in the north to the chillier waters down south in the Indian Ocean, the underwater terrain is so varied with sheer cliff walls, pinnacles, sandy flat bottoms, underwater plateaus, slopes, caves, swim-throughs, channels, all with varying colours, sizes and types of coral both hard and soft.

DIVE SITES:
Bidadari Island
Angel Steps, huge towers of stone, encrusted with hard and soft corals, covered in nudibranchs, small caves and overhangs make this a very interesting and beautiful site, Dusky sharks, humphead parrot fish are among the bigger creatures we see here. Cathedral Coral, a gentle slope covered with table corals of every colour and schooling fish, a towering spire of coral with a small cave at it's base is the home to some huge lobsters.

Sabolon
Sabolon kecil a slope on the east side of this tiny island, with two underwater mounds at the southern end with fields of garden eels and sea pens, schools of round bat fish are often seen coming quite close for some nice photography.

Sabolon Besar steep slopes off the southern and western sides of the bigger island, fabulous coral coverage and a good chance of spotting Scorpion leaf fish.

Sebayur kecil walls and slopes of every kind of coral you can imagine, wide variety of marine life to be seen at this site, mantas often seen.

Tatawa Besar slope with soft coral garden changing to hard coral along the slope, lots of shoaling fish, rainbow runners, fuseliers and often turtles and black tip sharks.

Tatawa Kecil (current city) as the name implies, this site is washed by very strong currents, which is why this site is among the many world class sites in the Komodo National Park, schools of pelagic fish patrol the waters, best dived at slack tide.

Batu Bolong

A little further west from current city a small rock outcrop with a hole through it is the surface mark of another world class site, only to be dived at slack tide or with a current not long from stopping or starting to run, these giant slabs of rock which disappear into the depths are an amazing sight to see, covered with every form of marine life and patrolled by giant trevally, Napoleon Wrasse, sharks and turtles with schools of barracuda sweeping in to check out the divers.

Diving the Komodo National Park provides some fantastic conditions:
WATER TEMPERATURE: 20 - 28 Degrees Celsius (68-85 F) , cooler water is experienced on the southern sites. Full 3mm wetsuit & hood is recommended. More active people will prefer a sports suit in northern sites.

VISIBILITY: 10 - 50M year round. Traditionally clearer water on northern sites.CURRENT: Komodo experiences a strong tidal flow. Not all sites are affected by current. Drift diving is excellent, however during spring tides some sites are impossible to dive. Particular attention is placed on diving the correct sites at the most suitable time to ensure optimum conditions, in accordance with the preferences of the group.

NIGHT DIVING: The night diving in Komodo is breathtaking. The sheer beauty, color and diversity of life makes it a must see for all divers.

WALLS: There are numerous walls to choose from. Both drift and static wall dives are offered.

CANYONS: Huge chasms drop thousands of meters, fringed by extraordinary coral gardens.

CRITTERS: Found in all locations, however we do offer special sites for encountering unusual marine species.

OTHERS: Seamounts, fringing reefs, gutters, muck, and sandy locations are also found in the archipelago.

Getting There
By daily flights from: Bali - Labuan Bajo/Komodo Airport - Bali (each 1.5 hours)

Where to Stay
You can contact the above tour operators for more information. You can also plan to stay in Bali, and spend a whole day for visiting Komodo Island.

Moving Around
On foot. If you join a tour, the tour will see to everything? including the transportation.

Dining Guide
Traditional restaurants and small cafes.

Souvenir Tips
Wooden carving resembling komodo and other animals.

Other Things to See or Do
-Fishing
-Snorkeling in Komodo has one of the world's most famous snorkel sites (Pink Beach)
-Dragon walks
-Nature walks
-Hiking
-Beach-combing.

Travel Tips
Guide Book : Diving Indonesia (a guide to the world's greatest diving), Periplus Action Guide, Kal Muller.
More Information about Diving in Komodo Islands you can contact: Adventure Indonesia, Jakarta Office-Wisma 31 Kemang, 3rd Floor, Jl Raya Kemang 31, Jakarta 12730. Phone: 62-21-7182250, 7182256, Fax:62-21-7180438. www.adventureindonesia.com

email:info@adventureindonesia.com

bali@adventureindonesia.com

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In Pursuit of Komodo Dragons in Komodo Island

The biggest lizard in this world, it's sometimes called komodo dragon. There is nothing dragonlike about the komodo, though. Admittedly a komodo (Varanus komodoensis) is huge an adult can grow to be 3 meters high with approximately 70 kgs in weight, but it is not as fierce as many people thought. For instance, komodo dragons do not pursue their preys actively or show vicious streak in their coup de grace. Checking on a komodo dragon's mouth and teeth must be every dentist's nightmare, for they are incredibly smelly and full of germs. A komodo dragon usually eats the youngs/wounded animals. But bigger komodo dragons are known to attack bigger livestocks. A bite from a komodo dragon is enough. Then the komodo dragon will follow its prey for days, if necessary. The germs are bound to take effect. When the prey dies, the komodo dragon feasts.
Located between Sumbawa and Flores island, Komodo National Park was founded as a conservation for komodo dragons. Six years after the establishment in 1980, UNESCO declared that this park is a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve. Komodo
National Park consists of three main islands, i.e. Komodo, Rinca, and Padar, also other smaller islands. One of the richest marine environments, this park is also the home for at least 1,000 species of fish, hundreds of species of reef-building, coral, and 70 types of sponges. You can also find sharks, manta rays, whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and dugongs in this park.

Getting There

You can go to Lombok or Flores island first, then embarkbark on a boat/ship to this island.

Where to Stay

You can contact the above tour operators for more information. You can also plan to stay in Bali, and spend a whole day for visiting Komodo Island.
Moving AroundOn foot. If you join a tour, the tour will see to everything?including the transportation.

Dining Guide

Traditional restaurants and small cafes.
Souvenir TipsWooden carving resembling komodo and other animals.

Other Things to See or Do
-See komodo dragons live even in action, if you're lucky enough to watch their feeding time (officers of this park supply food like fresh chicken to komodo dragons).
-Marvel at the diversity of the plants and animals.
-Swim on the pristine beaches.
-Snorkel to glimpse the diversity of the marine life.
-Visit a traditional village in order to observe their way of life.

Travel Tips
-Since most people in this place speak only Bahasa, it is essential that you learn a few useful phrases in Bahasa Indonesia.
-Join a tour to save your time and energy.
-Bring along sunblock, comfortable clothes, shades and hats.

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Dive in Banda Islands

The Banda Islands are one of Indonesias top destinations for divers. Both experts and beginners will enjoy themselves here, as the diving ranges from the shallow lagoon between Banda Neira and Gunung Api to the vertical walls of Hatta Island, the most easterly in the group. The Bandas offer stunning tropical scenery, a remarkable history, friendly villages, and some of the globe's most pristine, biologically diverse coral reefs. Scuba is new here, but the pioneering divers didn't have to work hard for their thrills. The undersea world around Ambon and the nearby island of Saparua have top-rate dive sites. Highlights among reef walls here are the presence of large marine life - sharks, enormous turtles, schools of Napoleon Wrasse, giant groupers, tuna, rays, and huge lobsters - neighbors to generous schools of reef fish.
The Banda Islands, about 132 kilometers southeast of Ambon, consists of three larger islands and seven smaller ones, perched on the rim of Indonesia's deepest sea, the Banda Sea. Near the island Manuk, the water reaches a depth of more than 6,500 meters. Of the three biggest islands Banda, Banda-Neira and Gunung Api, the first two are covered with nutmeg trees and other vegetation. The third however, is entirely bare and highly volcanic. The seas around Banda are the site of the famous Maluku sea gardens with their bright corals and colorful fish darting through the crystal- clear waters and makes it suited to dive, snorkel or even just sightseeing.

The Banda Islands Dive Sites :
Sonegat : The nearest site for a decent dive is just five minutes by boat from the hotels. It is in the sonegat-sea arm- between Banda Neira and Gunung Api, just offshore from a little seaside house owned by Des Alwi, the Bandas most famous son. The drop off here is steep and the wall extends down 25 meters to a grey, sandy bottom. There were few fish around, but a good sized dogtooth tuna cruised by and some beautiful blue girdled and emperor angelfish.

Keraka Island: Pulau Keraka or Crab Island is just a few minutes further out, and protects the north entrance of the Neira " Gunung Api sea passage. A nice sandy stretch on the north coast is perfect for picnic. At the south shore, there are some 18 meters down a mini-wall covered with hundreds of large blue-and-yellow tunicates. To the east shore, you may see at 10 meters a good assortment of reef fish and a school of half meter long barracudas.

Sjahrir Island and Batu Kapal: Sjahrir Island or formerly known as Pisang Island (Banana Island) and Batu Kapal (Boat Stone) are just 20 minutes by boat from the hotels on Banda Neira. These two sites combine well for a morning dive, a picnic on the beach, and an afternoon dive.

Gunung Api: In May 1988, the explosion from this mountain has killed of most of the off-shore coral formations around Gunung Api, but amazingly spared many sponges. Some corals are beginning to to grow back, but by and large the seascape remains bleak. There are no walls off Gunung Api. The bottom slopes gradually to 30-35 meters.

Lontar Island: The outer edge of Lontar Island, which represents part of the rim of a sunken caldera, offers several good dive sites.
Batu Belanda: On this site, you will find many barrel and tube sponges and small caves and cracks. The fish were varied and plentiful: a school of snappers, large emperor and blue-girdled angelfish, wrasses, a large pinnate bat-fish and numerous bannerfish

Ai Island: Together with Hatta Island, this island offers Bandas best diving. Both the north coast and the south "west of Ai are ringed with flawless coral walls, which are rugged and full of caves, the kind of habitat that harbors fish.

Hatta Island: Hatta Island is about 25 km by sea from Banda Neira. Skaru atoll, a barely submerged reef a few hundred meters off the southern point of Hatta. On a coral outcrop, watch the passing parade of Unicornfish, Fusiliersm Jack Fish and Rainbow Runners, often seen Whitetip Sharks (almost 2 meters) and Dogtoothed Tuna, Napolean Wrasse, and Hawksbill Turtles.

Getting There
To Ambon :usually fly from Denpasar Bali via Ujung Pandang. To Banda Islands :fly from Ambon by small plane/Merpati Airlines. Or you could try this one :Flying from Ujung Pandang to Ambon. Then you'd have to wait for the ferry (once every two weeks), and stay at the Bandas for 17 days until the ferry returned.

Where to Stay
There are plenty of small, very inexpensive places to stay around Bandas that you can choose to stay with varied price and facilities

Moving Around
Many days can be spent around these lush islands. Spices are still grown here and the local people still make traditional food and snacks using these once very rare and sought after spices. Short walks to see the forts left behind by the Dutch, visits plantations of nutmeg. The trek up Gunung Api will surely leave a lasting impression with amazing panoramic views if the islands surrounding Banda Niera.
Dining Guide
There are only a few small restaurants with varied of Indonesian foods.
Souvenir Tips
Try to buy some local souvenirs here or traditional foods and snacks.
Other Things to See or Do
For non divers need not worry about boredom, beside snorkeling in the lagoon right off Banda Neira, there are tennis courts and go on a short pleasure trip around Banda Neira. For those who bring their children, they can swim in calm waters or watch the sharks, fish and turtles in two enclosures in the lagoon.

Travel Tips
-Diving is possible all year round, but the monsoon may restrict your choice of dive sites from July to September,
-Diving is usually comfortable, with good visibility and calm waters, but some of the dive sites are subject to conditions that make them suitable for experienced divers only,
-Don't forget to equipped yourself with diving equipments, surf board and snorkel, Try to hire equipment from larger firms as these tend to be more reliable, but remember the responsibility of checking the equipment is ultimately yours.
-Bring a bathing suit and extra clothings.

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Enchanting Toba Lake in Parapat

Viewing this vast lake might make you believe that you're actually visiting an ocean instead of a lake. The atmosphere is so cool and refreshing, the view magnificent and breath-taking, for you can see mountains circling this area. Samosir Island is located proudly in the middle of the lake. Another lake inside Samosir Island makes this place more unique and interesting.
This lake is about 1,700 m2 in size with the depth of approximately 450 meters. About 906 above sea level, this lake hosts various interesting plants. Some people, viewing the sunrise and sunset around this area, claim that Toba manages to help them forget their problems--even though only for a while.

Getting There
By renting a car from Medan to Parapat. Parapat is 185 kilometers away from Medan. It will take about 4 hours to reach this place. You can also ride a bus or join a tour to visit Toba Lake.

Where to Stay
Numerous inns and hotels are available in Parapat. Some hotels even have their own swimming pools and jacuzzi.

Moving Around
You can ride a motorboat / ferry to reach Samosir Island.

Dining Guide
This place has several restaurants, where you can eat. You can also eat in the hotels/inns.

Souvenir Tips
Classic souvenirs such as T Shirts, hats, keychains, are available in Medan and Parapat. In Tuk Tuk, you can buy traditional Batak crafts such as Batak traditional calendar, traditional musical instruments, elaborate carvings, ulos, and so on.

Other Things to See or Do
You can swim in the lake or ride a boat circling this lake. You can also visit Samosir Island to see traditional houses of Batak kings in the past also royal tombs in Tomok area. For those of you who are into golf, a golf course is also available in Parapat.

Travel Tips
Bring your own bathing suit and sports equipment.
Bring a hat and a jacket. This place can be quite cold.

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Sanur Beach Bali

Sanur beach has long been popular recreation site for people from Denpasar and elsewhere. The palm lined beach curves from the Bali Beach Hotel toward the south, facing the Indian Ocean towards the east. The main attraction of Sanur beach is the beaches with their very white sand and the beauty of constantly calm water. Due to the protection of the lagoon, this beach is one of the safest on the island, and thus perfect for families. Offshore reefs protect the beach and make it popular for windsurfing; boating and other related watersports.
Sanur is also the place where the few remaining of Brahman Kuasa villages found. Some of the charming ritual procession such as Balis only all-female keris dance is held in this area.The Prasasti Blanjong, an emblazoned pillar here dated AD 913, is Balis earliest behind the times relic and is now kept in a temple in Blanjong village, southern part of Sanur.

Getting There

Sanur beach is easily reachable from Denpasar, about a five to ten minute drive. You can get to Sanur from the airport by Taxi. Tickets available at the airport taxi co-op counter outside customs, near "left luggage".
Where to StayThe choice of accommodations in Sanur ranges from the superior service and extensive facilities of the larger luxury establishment. Make your choice based on location rather than the number of stars. Sanur can be divided into several sub-areas:The Grand Bali Beach Hotel area. West and south of the hotel, at the point where the black and the white sand beaches meet. This northern section of Sanur is popular with local crowds. Sindhu is east of JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai, and south of JI. Segara Ayu. Extending south to the first stretch of JI. Danau Tamblingan. This area is classier, with good hotels on the beach, night and art markets, and good restaurants.Batujimbar, further south, has few hotels, but is the location of expatriate and Indonesian jet set society mansions. Exclusive beaches are reached via small lanes.Semawang stretches south from the Bali Hyatt Hotel to the Sanur Beach Hotel and beyond. It houses both the priciest hotels and restaurants, as well as the red light district

Dining Guide

The beachfront esplanade has restaurants, warung and bars where you can catch a meal, a drink or a sea breeze. Cheap warung and street food carts can be found around Pasar Sindhu (night market), at the beach end of Jl.Segara Ayu and along Jl.Danau Poso, at the southern end of Sanur beyond the resort area. At the eastern end of Jl.Kesumasari, several cheap eateries face a nice stretch of beach. At the northern end of Jl Danau Tamblingan, theres a bar and restaurant who has happy hours and good quality standard tourist meals. For them who are vegetarian, there is a few of restaurants and cafes served vegetarian and health foods. For late-night eaters, Sanur has several moderately priced Padang restaurants open all night.

Moving Around

You can move around Sanur on foot while biking around Sanur is also fun, try to rent one.
Other Things to See or DoYou can find almost every watersport imaginable here like diving and snorkeling, although not the best in Bali. Most of the facilities are found right on the beach in front of the big hotels Sanur is famous for its white coral temples (Pura Segara, Pura Merta Sari). There are many small ones hidden away along the south beach. In December and January, watch the huge processions to the sea with purification ceremonies on the beach. There are also often gamelan rehearsals in the evenings at the various banjar.

Souvenir Tips
There is a night and art market in Sanur to buy some souvenirs from Bali.
Tourist shops line all the main streets of Sanur. Otherwise, go to the arcades in the main hotels for high quality goods and no bargaining
It is quite common to bargain in markets, shops and art shops for buyers, so having a good price is partly dependent upon one's smartness in bargaining.

Travel Tips
Public transportation to and from the city are easily available until well into night.
Sanur is an ideal base for trips to Bali's rice growing heartland and the mountain areas. Rent a self-drive car or a minibus with driver on a daily basis.
It's good to speak a bit of the language of a country you are visiting, or at least understand it, commonly used expression or greetings - This will allow you to get better involved with the people and culture. It also helps to speak a bit of the language when bargaining for souvenirs in the tourism areas, as a little knowledge goes a long way to getting a better price!
Wear a light, airy, and casual clothes like cotton or linen are the most comfortable in Bali's often humid conditions.
Some hotels charge no extra cost for two children under 12 years old occupying the same room with parents. Ask your hotel for more information about this.
Restaurants outside the hotels offer a greater variety of food in a broad price range. Most close at 10 pm.

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Ijen Plateau - Home - Grown Sulfur

Ijen plateau or known as "Kawah Ijen" is highly recommended to mountain buffs and hikers. The Plateau was at one time a huge active crater, 134 sq km in area. Today, Ijen is a quiet but active volcano, and the landscape is dominated by the volcanic cones of Ijen (2,368 asl) and Merapi (2,800 asl) on the northeastern edge of the Plateau, and Raung (3,332 asl) on the southwest corner.The magnificent turquoise sulfur lake of Kawah Ijen lies at 2148 m above sea level and is surrounded by the volcanos sheer crater walls. The vent is a source of sulfur and collectors work here, making the trek up to the crater and down to the lake every day. Sulfur collectors hike up in the morning and return around 1 pm when the clouds roll in. They carry shoulder basket of pure sulfur from a quarry on the lakes edge under the shadow of the sheer walls of the crater. The mineral at Kawah Ijen is purer and is worth commercial exploitation despite the horrendous labor involved: Javas homegrown sulfur is a natural source of sulfuric acid, in great demand in the oil-refining business and in the production of fertilizers.
Getting There
The Ijen Plateau can be reached through Bondowoso from either the northern or the southern coast. It is closer to Banyuwangi, but the road is very steep and badly deteriorated. A 4 WD is essential, although difficult to hire in Banyuwangi and outrageously expensive. Most people walk the last 8 km along the road to Pos Paltuding (the PHPA Post, the starting point or the trek to the crater).

Where to Stay
You can choose your places of stay at Bondowoso or Banyuwangi. There's a few type of accommodation with varied price and facilities.

Moving Around
You can take a walk for about 1-1 1/2 hour to the crater rim.

Dining Guide
Before start trekking, hiking or climbing, be sure that you have already eaten, or you can bring some food and drink from your places.of stay. Otherwise, you can buy some food and non alcoholic drink on the nearest supermarkets for your supply during your activities on mountain.

Souvenir Tips
The sulphur diggers will approach you for playing a guide and sell some nice sulphur statues for 5.000 till 10.000 Rp (probably their day-income).
Other Things to See or Do
At the rim itself you have a nice view on the lake. You can walk around the rim or go immediately left so you can walk down to the lake for about 40 minutes.

Travel Tips
The walk starts at Pal Tuding. Its a basic camp where you can stay overnight. There is a block with showers and toilets
At night it can be pretty cold up there,(it is suggested that you carry a sleeping bag). Take your own picnic, since the food you can buy at the parking lot isn't up to much.
The walk up to the crater rim takes 60-90 minutes. It's pretty steep. Halfway is a small post where the sulphurworkers take a break. A cup of tea is available here.
The path is just one-way so there is no need for any guidance.
An absolute must is a handkerchief to put in front of your mouth and nose to avoid inhalation of the sulphur gases.
If you buy some souvenirs like statues, they are very breakable so tape them in with toilet paper and take precious care of it.

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Experiencing Paradiso in Paradiso

Thousand IslesThousand Isles near Jakarta has been a favorite destination for ages. Paradiso, containing four island's Kahyangan (formerly known as Cipir), Bidadari (used to be called Sakit), Onrust and Kelor offer spectacular views of the forest and the sea. The name Paradiso indeed comes from Paradise, for Kahyangan in Indonesian means Heaven in English, and Bidadari means Angel.

Getting There
Use a speedboat from Marina Jaya Ancol, Jakarta. It will take about 20 minutes. Bidadari island is only 15 kilometers away from Jakarta.

Where to Stay
Bidadari Island Resort. This resort offers floating cottages and seaview cottages. No need to worry about food for you'll be given food three times a day, plus the fee for the boat ride.

Thousand Isles
Bidadari Island Resort Jalan Lodan Timur 7 MarinaTaman Impian Jaya AncolJakarta 14430021-6401140 (phone)021-680502 (fax)

Moving Around
With a minimal fee, you can visit other islands (Onrust, Kelor, Kahyangan) by boat. You're free to explore Bidadari island on foot.

Dining Guide
Bidadari Island Resort will take care of everything.

Souvenir Tips
Bidadari Island Resort offers various kinds of souvenirs, from clothings to handicrafts.

Thousand Isles
Ruins of VOC's (Dutch Colonials) Fortress. Used to be center of Jakarta's (known as Sunda Kelapa, then) defense against the British invasion. Circular in design with 23 meters in diameter, rows of windows for cannons are still visible. Seven rooms in this fortress still exist.
Garden of plants with medicinal values. You can also see hundreds-years-old kepuh trees here. If you're lucky, you can even see some biawaks (giant lizard/monitor) around.
Adventurous people might be interested in jet skiing and banana boating. You can swim on the pristine azure ocean and fish on the fishing pier.
Interested in outbound training? Enjoy your holiday with canoeing, rafting, and climbing tress in Paradiso!

Travel Tips
Dress accordingly. Bring a swimsuit if you're interested in activities related to the ocean.
Bring your camera. Take pictures of your memorable time in Paradiso and share them with your families and friends.
Those who are interested in visiting Paradiso but not in staying overnight, can join the Overday Tour. With a reasonable fee you'll be able to visit Bidadari island. Welcome drink, lunch, boat fee and insurance included!
If you want to spend New Year's Eve at Bidadari Island, please book in advance. Bidadari Island resort has special packages and events to commemorate the changing of the year

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The volcanic caldera with its deep crater lake, Mount & Lake Batur-Kintamani, Bali

The mountainous region around Kintamani, centering on the spectacular volcanic caldera of Mt Batur with its deep crater lake and bubbling hot springs, is rugged with a high and wild beauty.
Wonderful mountain air and dizzying views in all directions, as well as several important temples, are what makes Kintamani one of the most memorable stops on the Bali tourist itinerary.
Mount Batur is actually just a small volcano, but its setting is in the heart of a huge crater 14km in diameter. Adjacent to the volcano is the large crescent-shaped Batur Lake, all surrounded by the high walls of the crater rim. The sheer size of the crater conjures up images of the massive eruption of the original Mount Batur that occurred tens of thousands years ago.
The volcano is still active today as Balinese all over the island who still remember the great eruption of 1917 will testify. It claimed thousands of lives and destroyed hundreds of temples. Old people might tell you this was "the year when the world shook" Other eruptions have taken place since, forcing the local population to be relocated, along with several of their temples including one of the main Bali temples, Pura Ulun Danu. Initially inside the huge crater, this temple has been relocated to the top of the ridge overlooking it. Here it now offers an impressive view of Mount Batur.

Getting There
You can go there by taxi or just rent a car. You can also join a tour to visit Mount Batur and Lake Batur. Tourist shuttle buses between southern Bali and Lovina stop off at Kintamani.

Where to Stay
There are several accommodations ranges from star hotels to Home stays in Kintamani. You may choose one of them to stay.
Moving Around
To move around Batur area, you just need to take a walk or you can rent a bike also.

Dining Guide
At Penelokan (translated as 'viewing spot') there are several restaurants from where to repose and get a well-deserved bite.

Souvenir Tips
Up the road going north is a market, busy every three days on Hari Paseh in the Balinese calendar. This is interesting to visit to see the variety of produce from surrounding mountain farms - oranges, corn, vegetable, fruit and the usual vast array of flowers, dried fish, tools, livestock, pots and baskets, plus a big clothing market. You may also see men cuddling big furry Kintamani puppies highly prized all over Bali.

Other Things to See or Do
Pura Ulun Danu Batur - near Batur village. This is most important temple after Besakih, housing more than 90 shrines. Worth visiting at any time of year, especially during the Odalan festival, usually in March depending on the full moon, which is dedicated to the goddess of the crater lake, who is said to control the irrigation systems for the entire island.
Trunyan Village - mortuary traditions. From Toya Bungkah, lot of boats will cross the lake to a Bali Aga village called Trunyan. This place is notorious for its mortuary traditions. Instead of cremating the dead, as Balinese do throughout most of the island, the Trunyan communities leave the bodies to decompose naturally in a special cemetery.
Trekking Around Gunung Batur. The most popular trek is from Toya Bungkah to the top of Gunung Batur for sunrise. You may ask for this to a group of local guides or some of tourist service there.

Travel Tips
Theres a brilliant view from Penelokan, if its clear. But prepared for wet, cold and cloudy conditions and aggressive souvenir selling.
Remember to bring along a camera, as the breathtaking view is one to be cherished and shared back home.
There are many street hawkers selling some souvenirs. If you don't want to buy from them, don't make any contact to them otherwise you will be followed until you give up and buy from them.
Its better to visit mount and lake Batur in a dry season. It would make lakeside activities available and enjoyable. The rainy season was just too foggy and wet to enjoy to its fullest.

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