The Amazing and Legendary Tangkuban Perahu

Tangkuban Perahu is located in Lembang, i'ts only within 30 minutes drive from Bandung (when the traffic is light). Tangkuban Prahu is actually a volcanic mountain. The shape resembles an upturned boat, hence, the name. (Tangkuban Prahu in Sundanese means, more or less, upturned boat) There is a legend involved in the creation of this mountain.

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.

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.

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.

Mt. Gede Pangrango - The Rich Diversity of Mountain Forest

Gunung Gede and Pangrango are the first five parks that had distinction of launching Indonesias National Park Program. Located on Bogor, Cianjur and Sukabumi districts with cover area around 15,196 ha. It is the most accessible mountain to climb from Jakarta. By only 2 hours drive south of Jakarta and 5 " 6 hours trekking, you will find a tranquil rainforest, self guided trail and a spectacular view of West Java from the peak.
The national park consists of twin volcanoes: Gede 2958 m above sea level (asl) and Pangrango 3019 asl. The two summits are connected by a high saddle known as Kandang Badak, 2400 m asl. The mountain slopes are very steep and are cut info rapidly flowing stream, which carve deep valleys and long ridges.
For those fortunate enough to stand on the summit of Mount Gede in clear conditions the view is spectacular. Some people, including, it is said, Raffles, have claimed to be able to see the Java Sea to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. Occasionally climbers with very good eyesight or maybe imagination " have sighted Sumatra on the west! Mount Pangrango is less scenery, but more rich in flora than Mount Gede.
Getting There
Visitors usually enter the park by one of four gates :
Cibodas Gate (Cianjur) is the main entrance and the site of the park Headquarters. It is located about 100 km from Jakarta/2.5 hour drive; 89 km from Bandung/2 hour drive.
Gunung Putri Gate (Cianjur) is close to Cibodas and can be reached via Cipanas and Pacet.
Selabintana Gate (Sukabumi) is 60 km from Bogor/1.5 hour drive, and 90 km from Bandung/2hourdrive.
Situgunung Gate (Sukabumi) is 15 km from Selabintana in the direction of Bogor.
Except from Situgunung, Mount Gede and Pangrango summits may be reached on clearly marked trails.

Where to Stay
Accomodation in the park is in simple guesthouses. The park also provides some camping grounds, including one at the Alun-alun Suryakencana, a flat area near the top of Gunung Gede. There are many hotels, villas and bungalows in the Puncak Pass-Cipanas area. This area is quite close to the Headquarters of the park.
Among the mountains in West Java, the twin volcanoes Gede-Pangrango are very famous for hiking and mountain climbing. There are 4 trails to go up to the summits of of the mountains; two trails are from Cibodas, one from Gunung Putri and another one from Selabintana, Sukabumi. Climbing the mountains and watching the sunrise from the top or the crater wall of Gunung Gede are the most exciting attractions for visitors.

Moving Around
You can go around Selabintana Park and Cibodas Park, if you didnt have a plan to climb or hike.

Dining Guide
Before start hiking or climbing, be sure that you already eat, or you can bring some food and drink from your place. Otherwise, you can buy some food and non alcohol drink on the nearest supermarkets for your supply during your activities on mountain.

Souvenir Tips
Among the mountains in West Java, the twin volcanoes Gede-Pangrango are very famous for hiking and mountain climbing. There are 4 trails to go up to the summits of of the mountains; two trails are from Cibodas, one from Gunung Putri and another one from Selabintana, Sukabumi. Climbing the mountains and watching the sunrise from the top or the crater wall of Gunung Gede are the most exciting attractions for visitors.

Travel Tips
Permit :All visitors must buy a ticket when entering the park. Recreational visit tickets can be obtained from ticket hatches at each of the four gates. In addition, mountain climbing permits are required:
When living the main trail from Cibodas gate to Cibeureum Waterfall in order to climb to the hot water stream/Air panas.
When turning off the trail to Cibeureum waterfall of Selabintana, Selabintana Gate, Beyond Bobojong camping ground upon entering the National Park proper from Gunung Putri Gate.
Should you wish to climb the mountains you must obtain the permit either at the National Park Headquarters, Cibodas or at Selabintana Resort Office.Register at the National Park Office: - Monday-Thursday 07.30 - 14.30 - Friday 07.30 - 11.00 - Saturday 07.30 - 13.30

Tools & Equipment
Minimum hiking gear : hiking or climbing shoes, warm clothes, sleeping bag (if staying on the mountain overnight), raincoat, waterproof clothing, flashlight and medical kit.Carry enough food and drink (non-alcoholic).
Do not climb alone, preferably there should be at least three people in your party and preferably you should be guided by someone with knowledge of the trail.
Conservation Tips during climbing
Take nothing but picture : have respect for untouched nature by trying not to cut through thick foliage of places where animals may be living.
Leave nothing but footprint: Pack in pack out. All garbage should be brought back to civilization and disposed property.
Kill noting but time: Hikers and campers should never molest of otherwise disrupt the natural flow of things in the woods. Stay relatively quiet and you are likely to see animals and birds at work and at play.
Try and stick to established trails when hiking. Hike in a single file to minimize the chance of widening a trail.
Use biodegradable soap and wash away from water resources such lakes and streams. Dispose of waste water in a shallow hole dug with a trowel.Build only one small fire, if permitted, and use only existing fire pits.

Refreshing Maninjau Lake

Maninjau Lake West Sumatra, is one of the most splendid lakes in Indonesia. This volcanic lake is situated more or less 461 meters above sea level. This lake, 100 m2 in size with the maximum depth of 500 meters, is associated with a legend. It is said that from the local folklore called "Bujang Sembilan" (roughly translates as "Nine Young Men"), one of these men died by plunging himself to the crater. The crater then expanded, forming a lake.
Maninjau Lake has a five-starred resort located on the top of a hill. With pleasant, inspiring sceneries, staying around Maninjau Lake will be a dazzling experience for you.
Maninjau Village is located near the lake. Buya HAMKA, one of the most notable novelists in Indonesia, was born here. HAMKA wrote the phenomenal Tenggelamnya Kapal Van der Wijk. Another famous person born here is Rangkayo Rasuna Said, one of Indonesia's national hero. Her name is immortalized as one of the protocol roads in Jakarta.

Getting There
Located only 35 kilometers away from Bukittinggi, you can visit this site by using a car or a public transportation.

Where to Stay
You can stay at various inns and hotels in Bukittinggi, or at Maninjau Resort, which is closer.

Moving Around
From where you stay, you can use a private car or public transportation to view the magnificent scenery.

Dining Guide
You can eat at several nearby restaurants or hotels. Bear in mind that West Sumatran food tends to be spicy.

Souvenir Tips
You can buy traditional Minangese crafts within the area or in Bukittinggi. Various songket (hand-woven cloth), slippers, shoes, bags, money pouches made of songket, and other unique items are also available. You can also buy traditional West Sumatran snack such as cassava chips coated with chili sauce.

Other Things to See or Do
Simple water recreations can be done in the lake. Unfortunately, since the locals consider swimsuits improper, you shouldn't swim in this lake. You can swim in the resort or in other hotels. If you stay at the resort, you can also use the fitness center and jogging track.

Travel Tips
Respect the locals--dress casually yet not revealingly.
Stay in Maninjau Resort to spend a memorable night in this fantastic place.

Mt. Bromo & Semeru-A Spectacular Volcanic Landscape in East Java

The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park covers some 800 square kilometers in the centre of East Java. It is the largest volcanic region in the province and there stands Mt. Semeru, which rises 3676 meters above sea level. At its northern end is the spectacular Tengger Caldera, Java's largest, with its 10 km barren desert-like sea of sand. Within the caldera rise the deeply fissured volcanic cones of Batok and Bromo, the latter is still active with a cavernous crater from which smoke blows skyward. Temperatures at the top of mount Bromo range about 5 to 18 degrees Celcius . To the south is a rolling upland plateau dissected by valleys and dotted with several small scenic lakes, extending to the foot of Mount Semeru, a towering grey forest-skirted cone dominating the southern landscape.
Tengger sandy area has been protected since 1919, and its believed to be the only conservation area in Indonesia, even probably in the world possessing a unique ocean and sand at the attitude about 2000 m above sea level. There are several mountains inside the calderas namely: Mt Watangan (2,661 m asl)., Mt Batok (2,470 m asl), Mt Kursi (2,581 asl), Mt Watangan (2,661 m asl), and Mt Widadaren (2,650 m asl).
On the fourteenth day of the Month Kasada, the inhabitants of Tengger Mountain range gather at the rim of Mount Bromo's active crater to present annual offerings of rice, fruit, vegetables, flowers, live stock and other local produce to the God of the Mountain, as adherents of religion combining elements of Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism the Tenggerese ask for blessing from the supreme God, Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. This ceremony called Kesodo Ceremony.
While the Great Mountain or Semeru offer a wonderful place to 3 days hike. Serenity of small lakes and large meadows, a three hours struggling through loose screw to the peak and breathtaking views from peak Semeru explodes every half hour and sends billowing smoke upwards. These gases and belching lava make Semeru dangerous " stay well away from the vent. The fine scenery and bracing climate, easy access and reasonably visitor-oriented facilities make this one of the most popular reserves in Java.

Getting There
Bromo Tengger Semeru can be reached by private and public vehicle. There are four gates to access the place, Probolinggo, Wonokitri, Ngadas and Lumajang. Probolinggo approach is the easiest and by fat the most popular route, especially if you go by public bus, Wonokitri is the closes and the easiest one if you go by private vehicle from Surabaya (5 hours journey). To get closer to Mt. Bromo you must rent 4x4 vehicles (there are many 4x4 vehicles rental there).

Where to Stay
There are a few options that you can choose to stay. You can stay at The Bromo Guest House which is located at Ngadisari that lies 3 km from the crater rim. Or you can choose other hotels at Cemoro Lawang because it this situated at the crater rim.

Other Things to See or Do
Walking on the sea of sand and stepping up on the 249 steps to rim is worth to try. Enjoying the unique crater in crater, watching the dawn at Bromo is the main attractions in the area.

Dining Guide
Its kindly hard to find some food at night, because mostly of warung are closed after 7.30 pm. If youre in Wonokitri area, theres some warung in Tosari market, which still open at 7-9 pm.

Souvenir Tips
There are many souvenir shops around Mount Bromo viewpoints who are selling T-shirts, scarf that are made from wool and others. There are also street hawkers who are selling these things too at the caldera area.

Moving Around
You can moving around on foot and normally it will takes 2 hours, or you can ride a horse or even rent a jeep (for this two, you are suggested to ask first and make a negotiation)

Travel Tips
Necessities for the trip include a torch, warm clothing, comfortable trekking shoes, and glove as a protection against the freezing temperature which hovers between zero to five degrees Celsius (33 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit).
If you buy or rent something please Bargain.
Sunrise starts at 5.00 am till 6.00 am (If werent cloudy), so you may leave from your hotel or guesthouse at 3 am or even less than that.
Before start trekking, hiking or climbing, be sure that you already eat, or you can bring some food and drink from your places of stay.
Otherwise, you can buy some food and drink on the nearest markets for your supply before you start your activities on mountain.
If youre come in the right time, you may possible to watch the annual ceremony of Kesodo.