Bunaken National Park, North Sulawesi

A flat island, about 15 kilometers from Manado, with friendly people. Coral reefs from the island of Bunaken miss during your stay in Manado. This beautiful pristine reefs are still relatively intact. The falling walls Liang cove is not only rare in the world, caves, gorges and caves, houses an immense wealth of marine life. Spectacular reefs begin training flat with about 5 meters deep. She dives in the form of vertical slots with a depth often reach several hundred meters. On this beautiful coral reefs, a magnificent collection of marine life develops.

Bunaken Reef is a chain of more than 40 five-star dive spots. The marine park is spectacular with the largest concentration of tropical fish, coral species and famous diving wall.

Clear, warm water (sea, the temperature varies between 27-30 degrees C), the current quiet and easy access to the sub-attracting visitors to wait five islands of Manado Tua, Bunaken National Marine Park directly from Manado. Bunaken striking is the favorite, with the highest density of the fish and teaching that the greatest chance of the larger species such as turtles, sharks and Napoleon wrasse. There are plenty of sites here to keep any diver happy for more than a week with no elsewhere.

The dive sites:

Most diving is done in the near Bunaken and Manado Tua, because of their many good sites. The following is the representative of diving in the region.

• Lekuan Walls (I, II, III)
  
  This long wall at Bunaken is divided into three locations: lekuan I, II and III. Together they form the best of the park. Steep walls are marked with deep cracks, sea fans and giant sponges. The shallow filled with fish. The barrier, which often are protected against the strongest currents, is visited by bump head parrot fish, turtles and Napoleon wrasse.
• Mandolin
  
  Mandolin coup de grace was a reef crest and a wall which attracts thousands of fish, such as school rifle surgeon fish, unicorn fish and fish banner. They are acclimated to divers and are easy to reach.
• Bunaken Timor
  
  There are strong currents and a lot of fish during this long wall. The shallow reef is not as spectacular as some, but there are sea turtles, sharks, eagle rays and other big fish in the blue. Small caves and overhangs mark the wall.
• Tanjung Kopi
  
  Tanjung Kopi is a beautiful wall with a small school of barracuda and many sweet lips. Visibility in the shallow is not great, but the number of fish for them. Flat Worms gobies and fire are easy to find here.
• Siladen Island
  
  Siladen has a beautiful wall of soft corals that flourish when the current run. The shallow are pleasant with lots of schooling fish and snappers.
• Muka Gereja
  
  Muka Gereja is a fun site with thousands of fish in lowland and deepest canyons leading to the wall.
• Barracuda Point
  
  Barracuda Point on the northwest Monte Hage, is one of the worst. A school of barracuda are familiar with huge catch and tuna.
• Manado Wreck
  
  This 60m (200ft) long German merchant ship sank near Molas Beach in 1942. He is upright with the 23m arc (78FT). The ship is divided amidships, almost back to back, exposed, and in possession of the wheel. Diving end on a shallow reef near. Expect 10-15m (30-50-foot) visibility.
  

How do I get there?

Bunaken island is easily reached from Manado boat propelled by support from Manado port, Molas, Kalasey and Tasik Ria beaches. The audience of Manado Bunaken boats leave every day for about 2 hours (depending on the tide), except Sunday, Pasar Jengka near Manado port. Back in Manado Bunaken usually early in the morning, around 7-8 a.m

Where to stay?

On the island, you can choose from a number of the house, with packages from

Rp 40 000 per day per person, including full board. Some of the diving operations on Bunaken offers the highest housing, and even running water.

Navigation

You can explore the country on foot. And you can use a boat to move from one location to another dive destinations.

Dining Guide

There are several restaurants and cafes throughout Manado and the islands. Try their specialty: seafood, bubur Manado and food made of coconut!

Tips memories

Sea-related products, such as items made of shells, corals etc.

Other things to see and do

• Diving, swimming and snorkeling.
• Walking around the beach.
• Sample tempting seafood cuisine.
• Bird-lovers and bird lovers can find Tangkoko visit Dua Sudara Nature Reserve entertainment.
  

Travel tips

• Entry tags and tickets can be purchased by naval tour operators based in Manado and Bunaken National Park, or can be purchased from one of the three counters in Bunaken Liang and villages on the island of Bunaken and Siladen on the island;
• You should be aware that during the absolute peak season months of July and August is usually very busy. Many of the best diving resorts and operators will not be able to accept walk-ins during this period because they fully booked. Better make a reservation before;
• Try renting equipment, such as large companies tend to be more reliable, but do not forget the responsibility to determine whether the material is ultimately up to you.

Durian Festival in Bandar Lampung

Start: 25/01/2009 06:00

End: 25/01/2009 16:00

Festival Durian will be held in Bandar Lampung, Lampung is the paradise of Durian [ The King Of Fuit ] wich varian of flavour. this festival is realy will give us many experience for Durian, like the Durien Hunting, Children favorite ice cream with Durian flavor and teste. don't miss the schudle of this Durian Festival

Megou Pak

Start: 17/03/2009 08:00

End: 20/03/2009 22:00

Festival Megou Pak is the ethnic culture carnival, this festival will held at Tulang Bawang Regent and have varien of culture performance, come and joint this festival

Monday's Sky Show may be will never come againt in year 2009

Start: 26/01/2009 00:00

The exciting Monday morning, 26th January 2009 brings us the first total lunar eclipse of year 2009. Those living in the West of Lampung at Nagras will be able to partake in at least some of this sky show. The very best viewing region for viewing this elipse will fall across the West Lampung, at Nagar, the places will be able to see the complete eclipse from start to finish.

Elipse An eclipse is an astronomical event that occurs when one celestial obuect moves into the shadow of another. The term is derived from the ancient Greek noun ἔκλειψις (ékleipsis), from verb ἐκλείπω (ekleípō), a combination of prefix ἐκ- (ek-), from preposition ἐκ, ἐξ (ek, ex), "out," and of verb λείπω (leípō), When an eclipse occurs within a stellar system, such as the solar system, it forms a type of syzygy—the alignment of three or more celestial bodies in the same gravitational system along a straight line.

Don’t miss the schedule and come to visit, This exiting event to open year 2009 in Lampung and my be the sky show will never have for the 2nd time for this year 2009. room still available, contact with nearest agent to book and to see.

Heritage House, Bung Karno

To know the charm of this one, Heritage House, Bung Karno in Bengkulu you should know the history of short, first. Moreover, many historical memories save for the development of the Republic of Indonesia.

In the colonial era, Bung Karno was removed and exiled by the government of the Netherlands in Bengkulu years 1938-1942, here Bung Karno placed in a house that is located on Market Anggut, currently named Jalan Sukarno-Hatta.

In this house there are household equipment, bicycles and other tools used in the Bung Karno pengasingannya. In this city, Bung Karno also gain as a mother Fatmawati First Mother Country.

In addition to dwelling house, Bung Karno, during pembungan the Bung Karno was also designing and building a mosque Jamik located in the middle of Bengkulu city, the Road Suprapto. Objects of this tour has been visited by many tourists and foreign archipelago.

Uniquely for lovers anywhere in the archipelago you are. Not only free if the recommended course, how well the visit immediately and overnight in the hotel horizon Bengkulu. (indonesia.go.id / rmb)

Mulawarman Museum

"Bermahkota bukannya raja, berbelalai bergading lainnya gajah, bersayap bukannya burung, bersisik lainnya ikan, bertaji bukannya ayam", whether this animal? That is why you will find in the Museum Mulawarman, Samarinda, East Kalimantan if there to visit.

This was below a statue of animals,''''strange, exactly in front of the Museum Mulawarman, Kutai, East Kalimantan. It raises a little curious to taste more animals know what the actual patungnya placed in front of the museum, this former kingdom of Kutai.

Usut have usut, this is a unique animal Suana cattle, the symbol of the Kingdom of Kutai Kartanegara. This cattle, is now the Mascot community pride and East Kalimantan. So, not surprisingly, when many statues decorate some cattle this building, including a supermarket in Peterborough.

Statue of cattle Suana with Mulawarman Museum is one of tourism in East Kalimantan. Although tourism is not the object, but the location is accessible, even with the tour can be combined water through the Mahakam River, causing the Museum of Kutai can be used as an alternative to the visits, if you had a step on Earth Etam, East Kalimantan.

In addition, this museum also keeps a collection of old photographs and paintings of the period mozaik Netherlands. Yupa also saved with the inscription written Pallawa, speaking Sanskrit, peninggalkan Kingdom of Kutai Martadipura IV century CE, Raja Mulawarman the government.

Mulawarman Museum, including the graves of the kings of Kutai, is located in the city of Tenggarong, about 45 km from Peterborough, or about 110 km from Balikpapan. According to history, this museum was established on the initiative Aji Muhammad Parikesit, the king to-19 Sultanate of Kutai Kertanagara, to preserve and develop the potential of tourism and cultural relics and ancient history.

Outside the museum, precisely in the east, there is building the tomb kings Sultanate of Kutai. In the back of the museum, a line of stalls selling souvenirs or souvenirs typical of Kalimantan, such saber, lampit, stone, and the ring, and other accessories. Very unique indeed, to flee to the East Kalimantan now! (Oesep Kurniadi/M-4/rmb/mi)

Hunting Island in Sebesi

If you compare with the Krakatau Islands, the name Sebesi is less popular. Understandably, this presence Sebesi less promoted. If I ever mention, the island is populated only as a transit place for tourists to go before the Mount Krakatau.

Island Administration, 1,600 hectares of this is the nearest island with the most exotic mountain in the world. The distance between Mount Krakatau Sebesi with only around eight sea miles, which if adopted by the fishermen of motor boat takes about one hour. The uniqueness of the other, on this island you need not making themselves in terms of accommodation. There is lodging with three rooms, built Promotion Agency, Investment, Culture, Tourism and Lampung in 1992, generating electricity and diesel power.

I wonder, before Krakatau erupts on 27 August 1883, the mountain crater in the fact that this island is not inhabited so active. Even when it is the inhabited island of Krakatau. Of the residents come from Banten residents who do not want to be a worker order to build a road from Anyer to Murree by the Netherlands. As a result, the dominant population from Serang, Banten, so that the language of the population is also day-to-day language Sudanese Serang.

Pigs Forest

To re-stimulate tourism and Sebesi Krakatau, there are currently regular boats that sailed from the pier with Canti time around 1.5 hours, Kalianda Sebesi toward each morning with a tariff of Rp. 11000, - per person with a long two-hour cruise. From Sebesi, visitors can rent a fishing boat to Krakatau with the tariff of Rp. 300.000, - to 30-40 people.

Besides as a place of transit for you to Krakatau Island, Sebesi potential to be developed into tourist hunting location. On the island, which still form the majority of this forest there are many wild pigs. To hunt here, hunters do not need to go looking for pigs. Sportsman enough to make rookery in the tree and be a pig with coconut. No long Pig crowds will come and living will. (sinarharapan.co.id / rmb)

EVENT MONTH VISIT IN DECEMBER

Indonesia is a country that pluralism, with the variety that deserve only if the unity of this country have a variety of cultural activities along with the customary archipelago from their respective regions. Differences that can be done in each month, namely:

Dec. 4-7

Bali; International Spa, Herbs and Natural

Dec. 5-11

Lampung East; Way kambas Festival

December 10-15

Jambi; Jambi Cultural Week Charm

December 15-21

Manado, North Sulawesi; Darwin-Manado Yacht Race 2008

Dec. 26

West Aceh, Aceh; The 4th Commemoration of the Tsunami

December 28-31

Bandung, West Java; Braga Festival

Riau Archipelago

Riau Archipelago with Tanjung Pinang as the capital city Is blessed of a lot potential tourism objects, beautiful beaches, and culture attractions. It is located at the crossroads of one of the world’s oldest and busiest maritime routes and well reputes as an ideal stop over for trade and commerce. Riau Archipe¬lago was once home a sea gypsies cruising its rich mangroves forest and waterways. Moreover, it was on this island that the Sultan of Malacca found refuge from Portuguese attack in the 16th century, mapping tales of the legendary importance when Bintan thenceforth grew as the center of the powerful Johor Riau Sultanate.

Jl. Basuki Rahmat 17 Tanjung Pinang, Phone/Fax (0771) 315822 http://www.disparsenibud-kepri.com.
Batam Tourism Promotion Board :
Sekupang Ferry Terminal Jl.R.E. Martadinata, Phone. (0778) 322871, 322875 Fax.322898

Riau Islands can easily reached by air or sea from Jakarta and Pekanbaru directly. Batam and Bintan have international shiplines and flight. It is only 45 minutes away from Singapore by ferry.

Perahu Naga (Dragon Boat) Festival in every October covers a distance of 400 meters with both domestic and foreign contestants. It is held along the Tanjung Pinang coast facing Penyengat Island. It features cultural performances, swimming contest and traditional diving challenge.

Tanjung Pinang

Tanjung Pinang is a busy town on Bintan Island, now as a capital of Riau Archipelago. It has a Museum on Jl. Katamso. A large section of the old part of the town was built in traditional local fashion, on stilts, over the water. Tanjung Pinang City is located at about 10 km from the airport. This town also has 2 ports, Sri Bintan Pura in Tanjung Pinang and Sri Bayintan in Kijang. Tanjung Pinang Serves flight to Pekanbaru and Natuna.

Batu Bedaun Beach

Batu Bedaun Beach is very famous among the teenagers in Dabo Singkep. The beach situated 20 km from Dabo. This white sandy beach is very clean, with blue sea and small wave.

Daik

Daik is a small town but has many historical relics of Riau Lingga kingdom as in the Penyengat Island. We can reach the town by speedboats from Tanjung Pinang. In Lingga Island there are also many variation of tropical plantation and marine water fish species that cannot be found in other pla¬ces. Other interesting objects is Mount Daik with 3 peaks.

Senayang Island

Senayang Island. Boat cruising touring the waters between the islands is among potential attractions. Some real and thrilling adventures are available since there are many islands surrounding Senayang and excellent packages include cycling, bush wacking, swimming, snorkeling and diving.

Tambelan Island

Tambelan Island is about 200 km away from Tanjungpinang. There are only six villages, which are spread over a few islands, with a total population of about 4,000. As is to be expected, the environment here is largely unspoilt, and the scenery is truly magnificent. One of the most interesting of natural attraction in this island is watching turtles laying their eggs in great number that protected by local peoples.

Bintan Island

Bintan Island. International investors have developed many new hotels, integrated world-class resorts, international golf courses on the island of Bintan. Other deve¬lopments include industrial parks, medical, commercial and banking facilities that are readily available to any visitors. During your visit to Riau Archipelago will not be bored or uninspired because there are many other interesting places like Pasar Ikan (Fish Market) where fresh, cheap seafood and ve¬getables are sold. There are also the Akau (Night Market), Pelantar (Water Villages) and shops selling local handicraft, natural attraction like watching the turtles laying their eggs or fishing on the Kelong.

Trikora Beach

Trikora Beach is about 40 kilometers south of Tanjung Pinang on the eastern side of the island. Good beaches are also found on the islands of Terkulai and Soreh, about an hour away by boat.

Natuna Archipelago

Natuna Archipelago is a part of the vast province, which embraces all of the islands off the Riau mainland. The main island clusters of the Natuna archipelago are: Anambas, Natuna, South Natuna and Tambelan. Matak Island at present serves as a base for offshore oil exploration. Colourful co¬rals and reef fish are found in the waters surrounding these islands. South Natuna comprises the islands Serasan, Panjang and Subi. The surf is strong on these islands and the scenery impressive. The Tambelan Islands are accessed by boat in 6 hours from Pontianak in West Kalimantan or from Tanjung Pinang in 16 hours. Turtles habitually come to some of the beaches to depo¬sit their eggs in the warm sand. There are probably more turtles than people on these islands. Natuna is located in area of South China Sea with the geographical location passed by international shipping and coast lines. Natuna’s Ranai airport has length of 2,550 metres and Matak airport with length basis of 1,700 metres. Natuna’s seaport are Lampa (100 x 10 sqm) and Penagih (50 x 8 sqm).

Karimun Island

Karimun Island is one of the most important islands in the Riau Archipelago, due to its thriving economy and proximity to Singa¬pore. Tanjungbalai Karimun is a medium-sized town, with a large Chinese community and shops selling a large variety of imported items. Lies in a shipping line in Malacca Strait and Singapore, Karimun gateway can be passed by international ferry from and to Malaysia and Singapore.

Sea Gardens

Sea Gardens with beautiful corals and fish are found in the waters around the islands of Mapor, Abang, Pompong, Ba¬lang and Tanjung Berkait.

Batam Island

Batam Island is a very strategic island designated as a center of industry, tourism and trade. It lies close to Singapore. The Nongsa recreational region has international hotels, four golf courses, a marina sports facility and a forest reserve. Batam can be reached in two hours from Tanjung Pinang by ferry and in about half an hour from Singapore.

Pulau Penyengat

Pulau Penyengat (Stinging Island) When people found on the first time, Penyengat Island was an island with many stinging bees it is six kilometers from Tanjung Pinang, can be reached in 15 minutes by boat. The seat of the powerful Bugis viceroys of Riau during the 18th century, Penyengat still bears the traces of its illustrious past. Ruins, abandoned for almost 70 years, were recently restored. The old ruler’s palace and royal tombs are among the legacies left by the Riau sultanate. Still in use is the old viceroyal mosque, the Mesjid Raya, there is also a newly built cultural center for stage performances of Malay music and dances.

Places of Interest

Tourism Events

Getting there

Tourist Office

Baliem Valley - Papua

Once you read or give it a deeper study to Danis way of life, dont be surprise that you may find your eye lifting or forehead wrinkling. Why? Because the Dani is uniquely amazing.

The Dani men and women sleep separately in different honai (Danis traditional house). The men sleep grouped in one honai, while the women and children slumber in another honai. As descended from their ancestor, sex is taboo for the women after giving birth, for 2 or 5 years, as the result the Dani generated healthier kids since the women focus on babysitting the kids during the most important phase of growth. This situation makes the men vulnerable to polygamy, its a true fact of life that the Dani men are allowed to have more than 1 wife or as many as he can afford. A man should give 4-5 pigs to the girls parent he wants to marry. For Dani men, his social status are initiated by the number of wives and pigs he has.

Another remarkable custom of Dani is that women will amputate their finger when their relatives die, hence doesnt be surprise when you see women with missing finger.

To enhance the quality of your experience in Baliem Valley, guide is essential since there are no clear maps or signage initiated for visitor. The guide will help to lead the track, communicate with the local people and in advance, the guide will inform the tourist about local dos and donts.

Flying might be the only way to access the Baliem Valley through Wamena. Here are some alternatives on carrier from Jayapura to Wamena: (For further info, ask the officers at Sentani Airport Information Center).

• Trigana Air Services provide daily flights into and out of Wamena. Spot the Trigana Air Service Offices at Sentani Airport terminal and Wamena Airport terminal.
• MAF
• AMA
• Yajasi
• Manunggal Air
• Hercules carrier provide by Indonesian army (TNI)

To access Baliem Valley, you can rent car or public bus from Wamena.

For those who are adventurer and cultural observer in heart, stay and mingle with the Baliem Valley people is possible, just make sure your guide booked it before your visit. Go Show? Affordable.

If the first alternative is way too extreme, you can stay at hotels at Wamena:

• Wamena Hotel at Jl. Homhom 61
• Srikandi Hotel at Jl. Irian 16
• Pondok Wisata Putri Dani at Jl. Irian 40
• Nayak Hotel at Jl. Gatot Subroto 63
• Hotel Syah Rial Makmur at Jl. Gatot Subroto 45
• Hotel Anggrek at Jalan Ambon 1
• Baliem Pilamo Hotel at Jalan Trikora
• Baliem Valley Resort (3 star resort), www.baliem-valley-resort.de

Would you mind if we say ON FOOT? Healthy foot and fit body? Absolutely. Through trekking, you can witness traditional ceremonies, traditional markets and the people of Dani.

There is no restaurant inside the Baliem- Valley, a guide could bargain the Dani people to provide simple meals. Its stoutly advised, that the visitor bring their own meals and snack during the trekking. Meals and snacks can be found in grocery store at Wamena

• Souvenir can be easily found on the valley and buy the crafts directly from the Dani people.
• Stone blade is a major favorite for the tourist
• Sekan: rattan bracelate
• Noken: made from trees bark
• Head and arm necklace
• Jogal: grass skirt
• And other head decorations

• The captivating Baliem Fiesta is held on August around 10 - 17 August every year. The festival performs traditional dances, pig races, ancestral fighting and races. Today, Baliem Fiesta is one of the main reasons why tourists visit Papua. Its a magical Fiesta says most of the tourist.
• Join the large and busy local market at Sinatma.
• Spotting mummies at Kurulu Village.

• Guide is needed to explore the valley
• Dont forget to bring the copy of your Surat Keterangan Jalan
• Best time to visit is between March and August
• If you travel during the rainy season, be prepared with cold weather equipment
• Ask your guide about Dos and Donts in the Baliem Valley

Foreigner must obtain a travel permit letter or known as Surat Keterangan Jalan to get the access into the interior part of Papua. You can obtain the Surat Keterangan Jalan at main town police station such as Jayapura, Merauka, Timika, Biak, Nabire, Monokwari and other main city. The permit of lasts will depend on your request, from 1 week until 1 month or even longer. Please prepare copies of your passport, recent photograph and list of places you wish to visit. Its easy to get the Surat Keterangan Jalan, because the officers are friendly and helpful.

You can ask your travel agent to arrange the Surat Keterangan Jalan.

Further Reading:

www.papua-adventures.com

Travel Tips

Other Things to See or Do

Souvenir Tips

Dining Guide

Moving Around

Where to Stay

Getting There

Mt. Bromo and 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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

• 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.
  

Travel TipsMoving AroundSouvenir TipsDining GuideOther Things to See or DoWhere to StayGetting There

Indonesia Diving, Raja Ampat Island "The incredible 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

There are many traditional souvenirs made from wood.

You can visit gorgeous waterfalls, ancient burial sites, bat caves and stunning waterways breathtaking limestone landscapes and Manta ray spotting and bird watching.

• 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

Travel Tips
Other Things to See or Do
Souvenir Tips

Dining Guide
Moving Around

Where to Stay

Getting There

// Visit Bandung - The City Parks

The City Parks

"Paradisi in sole paradisus terrestris" Jon Parkinson, 1629

Since the Dwhich were made in the 1920's are Taman Maluku (Molukkenpark), Taman Citarum (Tjitaroemplein), Tamanutch times, Bandung already has many parks which were made for the beauty of the city. The city parks in Bandung Pramuka (Oranjeplein), Taman Ganeca (Ijzermanpark), Taman lalulintas (Insulindepark), Taman Balaikota/Merdeka (Pieter Sijthoffpark), Taman Cibeunying (Tjibeunjingplantsoen), Taman Kebon Binatang / Taman Sari (Jubileumpark), etc.

Taman Cibeunying (Tjibeunjingplantsoen)

It is located at Cibeunying street, around Gedung Sate complex. This beautiful parks is stretch along a length. There is the footpath for pedestrian and the small river inside.

Taman Balaikota (Pieterspark)

This park is located at Merdeka street, in the center of Bandung city. The photos were taken from the same spot in 1931 (top) and 1999 (below). You can see the cathedral church in the background, the oldest church in the city.

Taman Maluku (Molukkenpark)

It is located at the intersection Aceh Street and Maluku Street. There is a pond with the white lotus and the fountain in the middle of this park. This park has one guard, H.O. Verbraak (1835-1918) statue (right photo) .

Ganeca Park (Ijzermanpark)

It is located at Ganeca Street, in the front of Bandung Instiute of Technology (ITB). This park has a pond with fountain also. In the upper section of the park, there is the half-circled platform. In the past, from this platform we can see the beautiful mountain range scenery; Manglayang Mountain (1611 m.), Tampomas Mountain (1683 m.), Mandalawangi Mountain (1650 m.), Graha Mountain (1159 m.), Jaya Mountain (2416 m.), Ppandayan Mountain (2660 m.), Kendang Mountain (2607 m.), Masigit Mountain (2076 m.), Dayeuhluhur Mountain (1010 m.), and Lalakon Mountain (970 m.), from the east toward the south until the west of Bandung. But currently we can not have the view like that. In 1928 (top), we can see two ITB buildings and Tangkuban Perahu mountain in the background (The north of Bandung), but now (below) those are covered by the denseness of the trees.

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Some of Old Buildings

Bank of Indonesia Building

This Beautiful building is located at the edge of Braga street. You can see the elegance of this building in the past (1925) with the very big banyan tree on the side. There's no traffic on the street, just one horse-drawn buggy and one cart were passing by...

Biofarma Building

It is located at Pasteur Street. The photos were taken in 1920 (top) and 1999 (below). This building is well known as The Pasteur Institute.

Mesjid Raya Kaum Cipaganti

It is located at Cipaganti Street. This is the oldest big mosque in Bandung city. There is no difference in the shape of building between 1934 and now.

Another picture of Masjid Raya Cipaganti in 1934. See Tangkuban Perahu Mountain in the background.

Catholic Cathedral

This old catholic cathedral is located on the south east side of Balaikota (Merdeka Park). The photo in the left was taken in 1925.

Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) Building

This is the landmark of ITB campus. The architect of this building is Ir. Mac Laine Pont (1920). This building is the combination between Indonesian traditional architecture style with modern western construction technique.

Villa Isola

This is the landmark of UPI campus. Beautiful building with interesting architecture.

Ex-Majestic Building

This old theater building is located at Jalan Braga

The Palace of Army Commandant

This old building located at Jalan Aceh, in the front of Taman Lalulintas

Bethel Church

This is another oldest church in Bandung, located on the west side of Balaikota, not too far from the Cathedral. You can see the picture of the church in 1920's (above) and now (below).

BMC Building

Bandoengsche Melk Centrale is one of the oldest restaurant in Bandung. You can see the picture in the 30's (left) and now. This Fancy Restaurant is located not too far from Merdeka Park (Balaikota).

// Visit Bandung -Gedung Sate

Gedung Sate

The decision of the government to move some departments from Batavia to Bandung was a big impulse for the development of the city. First, in 1914, the War Department was transported, and later in 1920 the Department of Government buildings (Gedung Sate) followed.

Gedung Sate (Satay Building).

Because of the special decoration on the roof, with somewhat resemblance to with a stick of sate, the building was known as Gedung Sate. It was built with total cost 6 million gulden. This is the first building that constructed by reinforced concrete technology in Indonesia.

Gedung Sate Complex in 1925

In the beautiful shaped building-complex, by design of the architect J. Gerber (1921), both elements of western and eastern architecture were assimilated.You can see Gedung Sate is the only one big building around its area in 1925.

Gedung Sate View From Back

This photo was taken from Cimanuk street in the back of Gedung Sate.

The Front of Gedung Sate in 1925 (left) and 1999 (right)

These photos was taken from Diponegoro Street in the front of Gedung Sate.

Gedung Sate Complex and Gasibu Square

Gasibu Square, in the front of Gedung Sate, is the place for every official ceremonial of West Java Province Government.

// Visit Bandung -Braga Street

Braga Street

Actually, today almost impossible to see horse drawn buggy in this street

Braga is the most famous Bandung street in the past. The street that lies north-south in Bandung city center was one of city landmark and once the pride of Bandung citizen.

Braga is one of the oldest street in Bandung city. The buildings in the left and the right side of the street are the old buildings with more than 100 years of age.

The buildings are the inheritance from Dutch-indies golden age in Indonesia. So, we can see Braga street as open museum of many classic architecture style, like classic romantic, art deco, indo-European, neo classic, till modern style.

Braga in 1911, very shady with trees on the left and right side of the street.

Braga in 1913

Braga in 1920

Braga in 1937, already densely by modern building in the left and the right side.