Bali The Paradise Island

Bali is paradise island in the world and immaculate it could almost be a painted backdrop. The location of Bali is in tropical island in the Indonesian archipelago. It has rice paddies tripping down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soaring up through the clouds, dense tropical jungle, long sandy beaches, warm blue water, crashing surf and friendly people who don't just have a culture but actually live it. In Bali spirits come out to play in the moonlight, every night is a festival and even a funeral is an opportunity to have a good time.

Bali Island, the perfect holiday destination for all ages offers something for everyone. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. The Balinese people are proud of having preserved their unique Hindu culture against the advance of Islam, the dominant religion throughout Indonesia. This is still reflected in day to day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas.

So you must come to Bali. As soon as Better.

Mentawai Island: the Ultimate Diversity of the Hidden Paradise

The Place and the People

Located in the middle of Indian Ocean, 150 km and takes 9 hours trip from Padang, West Sumatra-Mentawai glowing with all the nature spirits and make it an extraordinary escaping spot from a hectic life. Mentawai is the natural habitat for 16 endemic species, and some of them categorized as endangered species e.g. Simakobu monkey (simias concolor-eat leaf as primary food).

The present life of Mentawai people categorized as the legacy from Neolithic era and they have a strong believe in nature spirit, for their life strongly affected by nature. They believe that nature is the center of life. All the genuine attributes make Mentawai a perfect place to gain cultural experiences; here you will notice a very fascinating and indigenous culture, like traditional cloths, art, music and the way of life. The entire culture attributes strongly reflects their respect to nature.

Tattoo is one of the most important symbol for Mentawai people, its reflect maturity, manhood and status. The art of this body painting inherit from their ancestor. The tattoos ink naturally made from leaf.

Among the surfers, Mentawai is the best place to fill their demand for challenges and natures beauty. The beaches offer one of the highest wave in the world, 3 to 4 meters, totally challenge your gut. Once you grounded your self in this hidden Paradise Island, next you will paddle out to the worlds best surf. Dont call your self Surfer if you havent ride Mentawais waves said most of the surfer to expressed their surfing experiences in Mentawai

There are four ultimate diving spot here in Mentawai ,Siberut, Sipora, Pagai Utara (north Pagai) and Pagai Selatan (south Pagai). You can find great waves here year round, but the best waves are during dry season, March to October. Make sure you have the gut to explore all the glassy waves, because the best way to entitled your surfing experiences remarkable is through finding your own.

Getting There

• Take flight from Sukarno Hatta air port, Jakarta to Tabing air port, Padang-west Sumatra (flight served every day)
• Trip from Teluk Bayur port, Padang to Mentawai island by Ferry

Where to Stay

Lot of visitors said, that the best housing to stay is the local people house. Offer you a distinctive way of living in a unique architecture and experience interacting with local people. Other wise you could stay in a budget hotel in Siberut

Moving Around

To access all the beauties offered, you can use boat owned by local people. You can find the boat a long the beach and the rate depend on your bargaining power

Dining Guide

Boost your taste with exotic and fresh sea foods that you can found in the local restaurants run by local people. If you are lucky enough, you can pick and cook your own sea food, but make sure you know the secret recipe/spices from Mentawais people. For those who are not sea food lover, you can find regular meals for your dining.

Souvenir Tips

Local hand made souvenirs like traditional hats; traditional bag and accessories will be genuine souvenirs for your relatives and friends. You can buy it in a souvenirs shop or buy it from local people directly.

Other Things to See or Do

Beach Activities

• sight seeing
• Diving
• Snorkeling

Cultural Activities

• Learn how to perform the Traditional dances (war dance and gratitude to nature)
• Traditional ceremonies
• Mentawai is one of the best place to conduct an Ethnographic study since its one of the oldest tribe in Indonesia

Ecotourism Activities
As the habitat for rare primate, the natural rain forest of Mentawai will be the perfect place for research or other educational purpose. Here, you can conduct research about

• Snub-nosed monkey/Simakobu (Simias concolor)-monkey family eat leaf as primary food
• Joja or Lutung Mentawai (Presbytis potenziani) easily identified for the long tail, white face and black hair head
• Bokkoi atau Beruk Mentawai (Macaca pagensis),
• Kloss Gibbon/Bilou atau Siamang Kerdil (Hylobates klossii) " famous for the beautiful voice, different compared to general monkey

Travel Tips

• Nature and culture come to be understood and respected
• Bring your own surf board with you, because its may hard to find surf board shop in Mentawai
• You may arrange your travel using the local travel agent in Indonesia
• Great wave can be find year round, but best wave is during dry season March to October
• Bring your personal medicine
• You may arrange your visit by contact the travel agent and airline services in Indonesia
  

Photos Copyrigt : www.freelinesurf.com.au

Bukit Lawang, the Parish of the Orang Utan

Bukit Lawang might be one of the best place to meet this exclusive and unique primate. Bukit Lawang is one of the largest stronghold community of Orang Utan. Bukit Lawang situated at the eastern side of Gunung Leuser National Park, leap with the track of Sungai Bohorok, Medan. With more than 5000 orang utans occupied the jungle, Bukit Lawang considered as the house of the enormous orang utan by the visitor.

Bukit Lawang founded in the early of 1973, set up to preserve the decreasing number of orang utan as the negative result of hunting, orang utan trading and etc. The rehabilitation center helps the orang utans to re-gain their nature habits and trained through certain programs before released to the wild. Once the primate heads the jungle, the rehabilitation center keep provide them with supplement and regular check-up.

If you wish to feed the orang utan directly, there are 2 feeding times 08.30 am and 3.00 pm; you could feed them with milk, bananas and other food supplements supplied by the rehabilitation center. All the activities within the Gunung Leuser National Park should be done under the permit and guide by professional provide by the rehabilitation center. Some visitor argued that the regulations is way too strict and stiff, but the rehabilitation center excuses that the wrong contact by human could harm the orang utan.

Getting There

By Air - Daily international flights are available, flight from Medan to Singapore, Malaysia. The domestic flight hook up Medan to Jakarta, Aceh, Pekan Baru, Padang, Batam and Pontianak.

You can arrange your flight through the airline services listed below:

• Garuda Indonesia (www.garuda-indonesia.com)
• Jatayu Airlines (www.jatayuairlines.co.id)
• Air Asia (www.airasia.com)
• Adam Air (www.flyadamair.com)
• Silk Air (www.silkair.com)

Bus - Get to Pinang Baris bus terminals (located at Jalan Gatot Subroto) by taxy from the airport and then take the frequent public bus to Bukit Lawang for 3 hours trip.

If you traveling in group or wish for something more convenient ambience instead of the public bus, you can rent car that arrange trip through most of the main tourist destination. National Car Rent (+624157744) which located at Jl. Balai Kota 2 is a good alternative for car rental

Where to Stay

Most of the hotels in Bukit Lawang run by the local citizens. Here are alternatives to stay in during your visit to Bukit Lawang.

• Bukit Lawang Eco Lodge (+628126079983), an eco-friendly lodging situated in the forest.
• Noras Homestay & Restaurant (+62813620706561), situated on the rice field side and the materials are dominated by bamboo huts.
• Wisma Leuser Sibayak
• Wisma Bukit Lawang Indah
• Indrah Valley
• Garden Inn
• Jungle Inn

Moving Around

Most of the activities are done on Foot.

Dining Guide

Most of the hotels have restaurants, so you can ask the owner to provide your meal. Along the river, there are some small cafes with chill surrounding; here you can have fruit salad, nasi goreng and snacks. Local pizza also available at Tonys restaurant

Souvenir Tips

You can buy the souvenirs at souvenir shop near the Sungai Bahorok

Other Things to See or Do

Trekking

Over night trekking is the major tourists favorite. Most people choose to have a two days treakking in order to have the chance to witness the Orang Utans and other unique creature n their habitat.

Every single trekking activity should be guided by professional to prevent notorious event that might be occurred in the wild. Make sure to inform the guide if you have special interest to specific flora or fauna before trekking.
Guide rates are including basic meals, guide fees, permit and camping equipment
Ask your guide to visit the bat cave

Jungle Hiking

Bukit Lawang emerge as one of alternative-not to be missed. Leave at the earliest morning so you can have the chance to experience the wild life

Rafting at Sungai Bohorok

Ride the Sungai Bohorok rapids using tubes. This activity should be done under the assistance of guide, the stream can be extremely tough and strong.

Travel Tips

• To soak the entire Bukit Lawangs beauties, make sure you are in your best healthy, fit and well prepared because the Sumatran jungle is not an easy path.
• Bring along mosquito & leech revolting.
• Sunscreen and mineral water supply are highly recommended .
• Make sure you wear special shoes with grip, since the ground is always slippery.
• Long sleeves and long pants are considered as the best outfit to conquer the jungle fiesta, unless you think that you can outshine Tarzan.
• Heavy rains are mostly downpour at the afternoon; please bring your rain jacket and a water resistant bag to keep your items.
• Do not litter, make sure to collect your trash, any type of trash.
• Dont feed the animal

Others:

For more info please visit

• www.bukitlawangtrust.org
• Bukit Lawang Visitor Centre, open from 08.00 am " 15.00 pm
• PHKA Ranger Station open from 07.00 " 15.00 pm
• PHKA permit office
• Bukit Lawang Guide Association
• Decentralization

Uluwatu the most famous wave of Bali

Uluwatu is the most famous wave of Bali. There is always some swell here so it's also always crowded. The spot offers several waves which are working with different swells and tides:

The Peak: best at mid and high tide. Closes out at low tide. In front of the cave. it's the most consistant. Short and powerful waves, tubes. The take off is moving. It works from 1ft to 8ft. The most crowded. One of the sections closes more than the others.

Racetracks: 100 meters further. fast wave, a lot of sections with easy tubes. Best at low tide and at 6ft. Can hold bigger swell. On the right tide and the right swell, "The Peak" connects with "Racetraks" (you need to be a good tuberider). Over 10ft, Racetracks breaks until "The Corner".

Inside Corner: best at mid and low tide with a 6ft swell. At first, it's a fun wave and the final bowl is a tube. Don't do a cutback just before the bowl! Take plenty of speed, stay high in the face and trim. You will pass the tube.

Outside Corner: the REAL Uluwatu. Works only with big swells (>8ft) and at low tide. The lower is the tide, the better is the wave. Take at least a 7' board. It is a succession of long walls good for carving and, sometimes, a beautiful final tube. The length is around 300 meters.

Temple: less surfed. 2 waves in fact ("Outside temple" and "The Bombies"). Only for experts because the water is very shallow. For thoses,it is a incredible tube when it works.

Spot information for surfing at Uluwatu (globalsurfer.com):

• Type of break: reef break
• Type of wave: hollow barreling wave
• Direction: left hand
• Bottom: coral

• Average lenght of ride: long
• Suitable for : expert level

Detailed information:

• Crowd level: a big crowd
• Best tide: mid
• Ideal board size: 6'8-7'4 Mini gun
• Ideal wind direction: south-east

Wavesize & wetsuit:

• Spring - Summer - Autumn - Winter
  Overhead: 6'- 8' - Ok : 2'- 4' - Overhead: 6'- 8' - Overhead: 6'- 8'
  Boardshorts - Boardshorts - Boardshorts - Boardshorts

Getting There

To reach Uluwatu from The Ngurah Ray International Airport by using Taxi, rent car/motorcycle or using travel agent. Its about 1 hour drive.

Where to Stay

There are many accommodations from Warung (warung in a traditional caf), motels, hotels until Villa. The range price in $5 until $ 2000 for 1 day. If you stay in warung you just pay for the meals.

There are many surfing spot near Uluwatu such as: Padang-padang beach, Dreamland beach, Bingin beach, Impossible beach.

Dining Guide

Various restaurants and cafes throughout Uluwatu, from cheeps price to a luxury restaurant.

Souvenir Tips

Sea-related products, such as items made of seashells, corals and t-shirt, etc.

Other Things to See or Do

There is Temple near the beach, its one of the best temple in Bali called Uluwatu Temple. In the Temple you can see a lot of attractions such as:Watching traditional Bali dace performance, Watching Sunset (very good view from Uluwatu Tample).

Travel Tips

• A good hat and water-proof sun-screen.
• Basic first-aid kit, antiseptic dressing, etc.
• Sand-shoes and thongs.
• Board-shorts, t-shirts, 1 pair light-weight, long-pants and long-sleeve wind cheater.
• Two towels and sun-glasses.
• Personal toiletries, after-sun cream, insect repellent.
• Walkman, camera, handy-cam and books.
• Booties, 2 surf-boards.
• Light-weight wet-suits, rash-vest, gate helmet and spare leg-ropes.

Bunaken National Park, North Sulawesi

A flat island about 15 km from Manado, with a friendly people. The coral reefs off Bunaken island shouldn't be missed while you are in Manado. These magnificent virgin reefs are still relatively unspoiled. The drop-off walls at Liang cove is not only rare in the world, with caves, gullies and caverns, harboring an immense wealth of marine life. Spectacular formation of reefs begin with flat at about 5 m depth. These plunge downward to form underwater vertical crevices with often reach depth on several hundred meters. On these beautiful reefs, a wonderful collection of marine life thrives.

The Bunaken reef is a chain of over 40 five star dive spots. The Marine Park is spectacular with the greatest concentration of tropical fish, coral species and world famous wall diving.
Clear, warm waters (sea temperatures usually range between 27-30 degrees C), light currents and calm seas allow easy access to the underwater attraction awaiting visitors to the five-islands of the Bunaken-Manado Tua National Marine Park which sits directly offshore of Manado. Bunaken is the standout favorite, with the highest density of schooling fish and the greatest probability to see larger species such as turtles, sharks, and napoleon wrasse. There are enough sites here to keep any diver happy for over a week without going elsewhere.

The Dive Sites :
Most diving takes place near Bunaken and Manado Tua, because of their many excellent sites. The following is representative of the diving in the area.

• Lekuan Walls (I, II, III)
  This long wall on Bunaken is divided into three sites: Lekuan I, II and III. Together they represent the park's best. Steep walls are marked with deep crevices, sea fans and giant sponges. The shallows are filled with fishes. The wall, often protected from stronger currents, is frequented by bumphead parrotfish, turtles, and Napoleon wrasses.
• Mandolin
  Mandolin has a knockout reef crest and a wall that attracts thousands of fishes like schooling fusiliers, surgeonfish, unicornfish, and bannerfish. They are acclimated to divers and are easily approachable.
• Bunaken Timor
  There are strong currents and lots of fishes on this long wall. The shallow reef isn't as spectacular as some but there are turtles, sharks, eagle rays, and other big fishes in the blue. Overhangs and small caves mark the wall.
• Tanjung Kopi
  Tanjung Kopi is a nice wall with a small school of barracuda and lots of sweetlips. Visibility in the shallows is not terrific but the numbers of fishes make up for it. Nudibranches and fire gobies are easy to spot here.
• Siladen Island
  Siladen has a beautiful wall of soft corals that bloom when the current is running. The shallows are nice with lots of fishes and schooling snappers.
• Muka Gereja
  Muka Gereja is a pretty site with thousands of fishes in the shallows and deeper canyons that lead to the wall.
• Barracuda Point
  Barracuda Point, on northwest Montehage, is one of the furthest sites. A school of giant barracuda are regulars along with jacks and tuna.
• Manado Wreck
  This 60m (200ft) long German merchant ship sank near Molas Beach in 1942. It sits upright with the bow at 23m (78ft). The ship is split near amidships back to the stern, exposing the wheelhouse and cargo holds. Dives finish up on a nearby shallow reef. Expect 10-15m (30-50ft) visibility.

Getting There

Bunaken Island is easily reached from Manado by motorized outrigger boat start from Manado harbor, Molas, Kalasey and Tasik Ria beaches. The public boats from Manado to Bunaken are leaving daily around 2 p.m (depending on tide), except Sundays, from Pasar Jengki near Manado harbor. Back from Bunaken to Manado usually early in the morning, around 7-8 a.m

Where to Stay

On the island you have the choice amongst a number of homestays, with rates starting at
Rp. 40 000 per day and person including full board. Some of the dive operations on Bunaken are offering more up-market accommodation, and even running water.

Moving Around

You can explore the land on foot. And you can use a boat to move from one dive sites to another sites.

Dining Guide

There are several of restaurants and cafes throughout Manado and the islands. Try their specialties: seafood, bubur manado 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, and snorkeling.
• Walking around on the beach.
• Sampling the tempting seafood cuisine.
• Ornithologists and amateur bird-watchers might find visiting Tangkoko Dua Sudara Nature Reserve entertaining.

Travel Tips

• Entrance tags and tickets can be purchased through marine tourism operators based in Manado and in the Bunaken National Park, or can be purchased from one of three ticket counters in Bunaken and Liang villages on Bunaken Island and on Siladen Island;
• You should be aware that during the absolute peak season months July and August it usually gets VERY busy. Many of the better resorts and dive operators will not be able to accept walk-ins during that time since they are fully booked. Better make a reservation before;
• 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.

Prambanan,The 1000 Temples Minus One (Travel)

Located about 15 kilometers away from Jogjakarta, this Hindu temple was built in the 9^th century. Sometimes Prambanan is called Loro Jonggrang. There's a legend involved, concerning Loro Jonggrang. Many, many years ago, so they say, lived a beautiful and haughty princess called Loro Jonggrang. Many people wish to marry her but she always refused, setting impossible tasks for her suitors to perform. One day, a noble told Loro Jonggrang that he'd like to marry her. Loro Jonggrang agreed, in one condition: he had to built one thousand temples during the night. The man had extraordinary powers, so he did not even flinch upon hearing this.

Loro Jonggrang watched in horror at this man's ability. The noble managed to build one temple and then another, efficiently and quickly. Loro Jonggrang did not want to get married, so she cunningly roused the roosters to crow before dawn. That way, the man would lose the bargain. When the roosters crowed, the man had finished building 999 shrines. Angry for being tricked, he turned Loro Jonggrang into a big statue and use it as an adornment for the 1,000^th temple.

Nowadays, an open theater has been constructed in front of this temple. On certain months, especially during the full moon, traditional dances depicting Ramayana and other legends are performed here.

Getting There

You can rent a car to go to this place.

Alternatively, join a tour.

Where to Stay

Innumberable inns and hotels scatterred around Jogjakarta.

Moving Around

Explore the temple (and 200 or so smaller shrines remained from the so-called 1,000 temples) on foot.

Dining Guide

There are no restaurants nearby, but you can buy snacks here. Bring your own food and drink, if you wish.

Souvenir Tips

Even though there are many peddlars around this site, it is best if you buy souvenirs at Malioboro street. Should you wish to buy the souvenirs from the peddlars, don't forget to bargain.

Other Things to See or Do
Admire the big statue of a woman (some say that it was Loro Jonggrang herself), take a look at the bigger and smaller temples.

Travel Tips

• To save money and time, join a tour.
• Ask the locals and tourist centers for information concerning the traditional dances and events.

Kuta Beach - Bali

Once a lonely village on the road from Denpasar toward the Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is now a thriving tourist resort, popular mainly among the young. It owes its claim to fame owes to two factors: its beach (originally Bali's best) and the sunset. The beach front is now host to many hotels, except for Legian and Seminyak, where much of the social scene is now centered. The main shops are located along Legian street.

Kuta has become one of the most dynamic places in Indonesia. It is a place to encounter new ideas and lifestyles and a place to experience all manner of pleasures. It is a popular beach for surfing although, currents make it less suitable for swimming. Life guards are on constant duty during the day. Kuta faces the West, offering beautiful sunsets.

The popular Kuta Beach, overlooking the Straits of Bali, attracts foreign and local water sport enthusiasts and sun worshippers. Throngs flock to this 1.5-kilometer stretch on weekends. The period April to September/October promises favorable reef and beach breaks, enabling surfers to take to the waves. Amateurs should stick to the milder beach breaks for safety reasons. You can also swim here--make sure you do so only within the designated area--or just join the carefree sunbathers. Wandering hawkers and guides offer their wares and services, while others provide a relaxing massage for a reasonable fee.

Getting There

ts very easy to reach Kuta beach and only 15 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport, Denpasar-Bali.

Where to Stay
There are many accommodations ranges from star hotels to Home stays along Kuta-Legian road. You may choose one of them to stay.

Moving Around
Moving around Kuta its very fun and simple. You can go around on foot or you can rent a bike or motorcycle.

Other Things to See or Do
Beside watching sunsets and surf, the other things that you may see or do here are shopping, watching performances of Balinese music and dance in Kuta, staged specially for tourists and anywhere else in Bali and some of them are staged nightly. If you're looking by night, various foreign and locally restaurant, clubs, pubs and bars start to fire up.

Dining Guide
There are various foreign and local restaurants that offering international and local foods. These restaurants are available along Kuta.

Souvenir Tips
There are many souvenir shops along Kuta that offering you many kind of Balinese souvenir, starting from clothes, paintings, handicrafts, wooden crafts, etc.

Travel Tips

• Dont forget to equipped yourself with sun protection,
• Bring a bathing suit and extra clothings,
• If you're including backpackers tourist, and looking for cheap accommodation in Kuta, just go to Poppies Lane Alley 1 & 2 where you can find cheap accommodation and restaurants.
• Warungs offering cheap food are within a 2 minute walk on Poppies Lane 1, so no need to get sucked into a beachside restaurant and high prices.
• Almost every evening there is a performance of Balinese -dance somewhere in Kuta. To know what is on just ask around.