Monday, April 4, 2011

Gunung Kawi (Mount Kawi)


Indonesia is no less than a paradise. Dotted with numerous islands Indonesia’s picturesque setting is simply impeccable and stunning. It is a perfect holiday destination for tourists. Bali in Indonesia is an immensely popular tourist destination. Rice paddies tripping down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes surging up through the clouds, lavish tropical jungle, captivating stretches of soft sandy beaches, gleaming turquoise water and humble, friendly people make the place all the more lovable. Situated in Bali in Indonesia Gunung Kawi draws a huge crowd from different parts of the globe.

Built along a river in the 11th century Gunung Kawi, is a complex of pavilions and rock-cut shrines carved into the hillside northeast of Ubud. A tranquil calm surrounds the place. Gunung Kawi is surrounded by terraced rice paddies where local farmers carry on with their harvesting activities. Gunung Kawi happens to be a sacred spot for the Balinese people. Gunung Kawi happens to the largest ancient monuments of Bali. 
Description of Gunung Kawi- The Gunung Kawi monuments have been built in the honor of King Anak Wungsu of the Udayana dynasty and his favorite queens. Gunung Kawi complex houses one of the oldest monuments of Bali. The term Gunung Kawi literally means “carving in the mount”. Gunung Kawi monuments remain open from 8am-6pm daily.
A steep stone staircase usually leads down into a beautiful valley where one can find 10, seven-meter-high memorials beautifully carved into the rock face. Four are situated on the west side and five on the eastside of the river. The last one is situated to the south across the valley.

Taman Impian Jaya Ancol (Ancol Dreamland)


Taman Impian Jaya Ancol (Ancol Dreamland), 10 kilometers north of Merdeka Square, Jakarta, can be your next holiday trip with your family specially kids. The dreamland is present with its captivating beauty of Jakarta Bay and four other attraction, Sea world, Fantasy World (Dunia fantasy), Atlantis Water Adventure and Marina Beach.
Sea World is a thrilling experience with its inhabitants-Dolphins and an immense number of marine lives from all over the world. Dolphin show is a popular attraction of this particular section which gathers tourists from all over and it can be equated with any of the modernized and high-ticket sea world.
Fantasy World (Dunia fantasy) makes the trip worth to children, keeps them amused and indefatigable entirely. The section, servers several joy rides like Halilintar, Bianglala (a ride of Ferris wheel), Kora-Kora (swing boat), Niagara, Balada Kera and more. This amusement section is sorted into few areas like American are, Asian Area, European Area and further. You will be thrilled with Istana Boneka which will take you for a round in the sea to feel the diverseness around. With the new addition like Power Surge, Perang Bintang and spinning cup, Fantasy World (Dunia fantasy) can claim itself as a complete entertainment package.


Both Adults and kids love to visit Atlantis Water Adventure as they can experience diving in pools, water rides and additional. The poolside restaurants with local dishes are another attractor of this water park and the price is affordable for tourists.

Marina Beach is basically seawall and plays a very important role as it’s an entrance between Jakarta to other Thousand Islands. Known for its captivating scenic beauty, Marina Beach is also popular adjoining of café, dockyard and marine sports centre and will certainly offer you a complete refreshment and entertainment.
Overall costing of the complete visit is reasonable. But the trip will be incomplete without a cycle rickshaw ride which is only available in this place in Jakarta.

Lovina Beach - Bali


Lovina Beach, situated in North Bali, Indonesia, is a lovely beach perfect for coastal hangout. Whether you are planning a long pleasure trip or a short break to rejuvenate yourself, this is an ideal place for both in tranquil lap of nature.
The beach is encircled with around 8 Kilometers extend of black sand beach which will surely magnetize the beach Lovers. Lovina Beach is basically a collection of few villages. Anak Agung Pandji Tisna, a novelist, made this place known as tourist spot by his writing a number of articles on it. Because of its tranquility, boat riding and diving is allowed in Lovina beach. You will experience lovely blue morning, sunset, mountain range, rice field. With its unspoiled nature, tradition, culture and inhabitants the beach proves itself as an ideal seaport and holiday resort.


Except the beautiful seacoast, Lovina Beach extends itself to diving or snorkel diving in seawater, boat riding, diving in clear water in Bali Barat Nation Part in Menjangan Island, snorkel diving among coral reefs, boating in traditional boat called jukung. In early morning near seashore the dolphin watching is one of highlights.
Lovina Beach will attract you with its hot spring, natural falls, tracking in mountains, wood let, farmland, forests. These are surely relaxing and soothing holiday experience after the hustle and bustle of urban life. Your trip to Lovina resort covers Buddhist Monastery, Giant tree, Tablingan and Braten Lake, local market and gardens. If luck favors, you will be thrilled with sudden visit of Whales or Turtles. Colorful marine fish and fabulous Coral reefs are present there with all their beauty to surprise you. A stride through rice farm, Coconut plantation for vast area covering village after village, plantation of Banana Trees, locals and their rituals mesmerized the visitors and make the trip pleasant.


Lovina Beach, waiting for you with fine and relaxing and luxurious accommodation including some star hotels with their all starry features. Easy and available reach of food joints, bars, easy transportation make the trip comfortable to tourists. Of course, the reference of local Sea food claims to be mentioned.

Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands)


Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands) is so called as Pulau Seribu literally means a "Thousand Island". However, this island group comprises almost 128 small islands located in the Bay of Jakarta in the Java Sea. Most of these support population and can be reached in about 1 - 2 hours from Marina Ancol by ferry or by chartered board.
The stunning reef systems surrounding Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands) are home to a wonderful underwater world of a wide variety of colorful fishes, making Pulau Seribu an ideal spot for diving, Snorkeling and fishing.
Of the several islands that are a part of Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands), there are a few which have been developed for tourism, like Pulau Bidadari, Pulau Ayer, Sepa, Coconut, Pelangi, Bira, Pantara, Kul-kul and Pulau Putri. In these exotic islands, tourists can rest in comfortable cabins located on the golden palm fringed beaches.
The skin divers find the surrounding turquoise waters irresistible for exploring the fascinating marine world filled with a myriad of tropical fish, which live among the multicolored corals. The Pulau Putri Paradise Co. has developed Pulau Putri, Pulau Melintang, Pulau Petondang and Pulau Papa Theo as a holiday resort with cottages, restaurants, diving and sailing facilities.
The enchanting island of Pulau Ayer, belonging to the Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands), was once the private recreational retreat of the former kings of the Thousand Island. In fact, not too long ago, even the first President of the Republic of Indonesia also used it as his private vacationland.

Looking at this oasis of tranquility, you will understand why this exotic island, laced with secluded trees and beautiful beach has been dubbed " Mutiara Kepulauan Seribu " or " Pearl of the Thousand Island ". It is located only a short, 30 minutes boat trip from Marina, Ancol Jakarta, offering many kind of entertainment, recreational, water sport facilities and accommodation.

Bira Beach - Sulawesi


Bira Beach, Sulawesi is a lovely beach that lies 190 kms southeast of Makassar. The beach derives its name from the village, Bira, which is renowned for the innumerable wooden houses. Bira Beach, Sulawesi is also popularly called the Paloppalakaya Bay. The whole region looks resplendent with the abundance of white sand. Today it is the hub of tourists. 

The Bira Beach, Sulawesi is pristine and exquisite for holidaymakers. Though the beach is frequented often yet it has managed to retain its natural beauty. Though occasionally goats are seen loitering in the beach the vegetation on the beach has not faced any threat. On the contrary it remains one of the greenest and clean beaches in Indonesia. Pantai Bira, or Bira Beach in Sulawesi is characterized by the shallow waters. 

The water has a depth of 150 meters and this makes swimming and snorkeling rather pleasurable. There is an awesome coral wall that fringes the beach. It is also an ideal condition for sea creatures like turtles and toads. Here the tourists will also find fishes like the manta ray and a variety of other fishes. The waters adjacent to the Bira Beach, Sulawesi is home to sharks too. However, sharks reside in the deeper waters and tourists can watch how skilled divers often go in search of them. 

The water is clear and there are strong currents. The tourists can enjoy a lovely swim as well as get to see spectacular sunsets in this region. Another reason why the Bira Beach, Sulawesi has become popular is because from here the tourists can access Pulau Selayar or Seleayar Island. Take a boat ride on the blue waters and on your return gorge upon tasty seafood at the Bira village. The Bira beach is undoubtedly among the top Indonesian beaches. 

Tourists come here primarily because of the host of attractions and things to do. Food is also a major factor. However, another reason why the tourists love to come here time and again is the impeccable hospitality of the people of the island. There are no inhibitions imposed on tourists and they can enjoy themselves as they want. 

Mount Bromo


The island of Java in Indonesia is a famous tourist destination which attracts tourists from different parts of the globe. Mount Bromo which is also locally known as Kawah Bromo happens to be the most well-known volcano in the island of Java. It is a popular tourist attraction in Indonesia.
Description of Mount Bromo- Mount Bromo happens to be the island’s highest peak and also the world’s most active volcano. But the reason why Mount Bromo has become popular all over the world is because of its easy accessibility. Another unique feature about Mount Bromo is that it is a volcano inside a volcano. The base of the mountain actually rises from an old volcanic crater of the bigger Mount Tengger. Even the journey to the crater is an exciting experience in itself. Before arriving at the Mount Bromo one needs to get across the Sea of Sands (Lautan Pasir), another unique landmark of the national park. One can also hire a pony that will take you finally to the staircase that takes you to the crater’s edge. Once you reach the edge of the crater you will be greeted by Mount Brome whose entire top has blown off several years ago. A deep vale of black granite is left inside. A sulphurous smoke eructs from the small opening of the Mount Bromo. It’s an absolutely mind-blowing experience to visitMount Bromo. It is known for spectacular sunrises. The crater was transformed into a lake in 1838. Mount Bromo rises 133 meter above the ground and is almost 700m wide.

The journey to Mount Bromo is an adventure in itself. Visit to Mount Bromo is highly recommended for adventure enthusiasts. So when on a tour to Indonesia make it a point to arrange a trip to Mount Brumo and have an experience of a lifetime.

Pasir Putih Beach - Bali


Come to the pristine white sand beach of Pasir Putih in East Bali. Pasir Putih Beach is your vision of tropical beach come true.
Location of Pasir Putih Beach 
It is located off of the main road in Perasi, East Bali. The beach is about 400 meters wide.

How to get to Pasir Putih Beach
Drive East from Kuta towards Sanur. From there take the Kusamba Bypass to East Bali. Keep driving on the coastal road past Candi Dasa and slow down when you come to Perasi, from there ask for directions from locals for ‘Pasir Putih’. The total driving time from Kuta is 2.5 hours.


Facilities available at the Pasir Putih Beach

  Parking

  Beach goers can rest in the shade of plenty of trees behind the beach. Moreover, a number of umbrellas have been recently installed at the beach.

  There are shacks selling drinks / nasi goreng. Etc at the beach

  You might try snorkeling from a boat

  Swimming is allowed at the beach

Dangers & annoyances at Pasir Putih Beach: 
Sometimes there can be strong currents at the beach. So always be careful if you go swimming alone. Make sure that there are a few beach vendors sitting next to you, wherever you go.
Closest accommodation from Pasir Putih Beach:
If you would like to spend some time at Pasir Putih Beach, you can stay in a small collection of guest houses in Jasri, to the east, which include Kangkung Cottages. Further east you can stay in Ujung, in a string of guest houses along the coast, including Seraya Shores. If you go west from Pasir Putih, you have a wide selection of places to stay in Candi Dasa.
Pasir Putih Beach is an ideal destination for:
Perfect for beach lovers who want tropical relaxation, and who have time on their hands. Families, couples and adventurous people will love it.

If you are in a hurry or don’t like leaving the Kuta area, or seeking shopping destinations, a selection of foods, and creatures comforts it is best that you stay away from Pasir Putih Beach

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Kuta Beach - Lombok


 Kuta beach, Lombok is one of the finest beaches located in the southern coast of Lombok. It is a surfing destination for adventure sports lovers. Kuta Beach, Lombok gives a splendid picture of long stretches on white sand and the blue sea water with the rugged mountain relief standing at the backdrop. Though the Kuta Beach, Lombok does not pull the same amount of crowd as the famous Kuta Beach Bali, yet it draws a good number of visitors throughout the year. 

Kuta Beach in Lombok has a windy beachfront with facilities not very modern. It is traditionally a fishing village and the main attraction of the year is the Nyale Fishing Festival that is held during the months of February and March. A trip here during the festival gives a thrilling picture of the festivities and fun that fills the air. 




Getting to Kuta Beach, Lombok: 

There is regular bus service from the bus terminal at Madalika to Kuta via Sengkol. Shuttle buses are also a good option. Taxi Services, though slightly expensive is a very convenient option. Apart from these there are pick up and drop services of the renowned hotels that will remove all your worries of reaching to Kuta Beach. Though the airport is not yet operational, plans are being worked out to make it operational. The roads near the airport are also being developed for easy conveyance to and from the airport. 

Accommodation: 

Kuta Beach in Lombok is rapidly growing into a popular tourist spot and efforts are on to set up a long stretch of hotels to meet the growing accommodation requirements of the tourists. Novotel Group has set up a luxury hotel in the traditional Sasak style. It has all the facilities offered by most international luxury hotels in Indonesia. Besides, there are good number of hotels that are located in and around the beach area. These hotels provide tourist an ideal base to explore the southern parts of Lombok. 



Attractions in Kuta Beach in Lombok: 

Kuta Beach offers some good reason to be visited and revisited. There are some fine beaches that offer plenty of activities that can really make your holiday in Kuta worthwhile. There are mainly 5 beaches worth exploring. These include the Kuta Beach in Kuta Village, the Novotel Beach, Tanjung Aan, Mawun and Selong Blanak. 

Things to Do in Kuta Beach, Lombok: 

Kuta has so much to offer that need not think of relaxing or passing away the time in idleness. Apart from enjoying beaches, surfing and diving can be some interesting activities that will make you holiday a fun-filled one. Kuta is a surfer’s paradise and surfing is not limited to a single beach. There are several spots to enjoy surfing. From beginners to experienced and professional surfers, there is offering for all and everyone who has a strong heart. 

Bintan Beach - Sumatera


 Pulau Bintan Beach, Sumatra is about 10 kms from Batam. Pulau Bintan is a small island and in size it is comparable to Singapore. It is a member of the Riau Archipelago and the 3rd largest among the 27 provinces in Indonesia. In recent years the island has undergone several modern modifications. Despite this tendency for modernization the region retains its cultural and traditional values intact. Pulau Bintan Beach, Sumatra is a gorgeous place on this island and the primary attraction of the holidaymakers. 



Pulau Bintan Beach, Sumatra is located along the coast of the South China Sea. Tourists love the turquoise, crystal clear water of the sea. The South China Sea is a very pleasant place for the divers. The temperatures in this part of Indonesia are also warm and enjoyable. For tourists therefore, this beach locale is a great holiday venue. Among the Indonesian beaches this is a commendable destination. 

Like most of the other beaches in Indonesia at the Pulau Bintan Beach, Sumatra the tourists will find plenty of lush green vegetation. It takes about an hour from Bintan to the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. It is a great place to shop too for the tourists. Just after having a gala time at the Pulau Binta Beach in Sumatra, the tourist can go on a shopping spree. The products are cheap here and another factor that makes purchase easy is the popularity of the Singapore dollar in this part of Indonesia. 

There is a small secluded beach very close to the Pulau Bintan Beach, Sumatra. It is called the Near Banyan Tree Bintan. This rocky beach is beautiful and serene and a good place to hang out. People can reach here by kayaks and motor boats mostly. Tourists who have visited this place have praised the place considerably. 




Pulau Bintan Beach, Sumatra on the Bintan lsland (Sumatra) is the largest of 3,200 islands in the Riau Archipelago and the 3rd largest of 27 provinces in Indonesia. Apart from spending time at the beaches the tourist can also opt for walking tours. Enjoy yourself to the fullest. 

Authentic online information on Pulau Bintan Beach, Sumatra offered only at viewnatureworld.blogspot.com 

CitraElo - Rafting, Outdoor Games & Management Training, Riverside Restaurant

CitraElo is an official and professional tourism service provider serving specific-interest tourism and training packages, such as whitewater rafting, outdoor games and management training and riverside restaurant. This company has been operating since 1999.
All services are centered at Base Camp CitraElo, a lovely and cozy site surrounded by paddy fields and river, parted from crowd by a-600-m private access. The base camp can be reached by driving from Mendut Temple (5 min), Borobudur Temple (10 min), Magelang City (20 min) and Yogyakarta City (40 min). Base Camp CitraElo is furnished with facilities, such as main lobby, riverside restaurant, sanitary, bungy tower, bungy pool, open spaces, parking area and internal security.
CitraElo arranges whitewater rafting into safe and comfortable tourism packages that suit most everybody, even those with no swimming ability. CitraElo is committed to preserve its Zero-Accident milestone by providing and assuring the use of international-safety-standard gears and equipment which is compulsory to all participants, and assigning well-trained and experienced RiverGuides to escort the trip.
Participants can choose suitable whitewater rafting trips to their need and ability:


ELO TRIP (Elo River, Magelang)
Ideal for Family & Corporate Gathering and Training
Difficulty Level: Novice (Grade I - III+)
Track Length: 12,5 km (accomplished in
± 2,5 - 3 hours)
Trip Schedule: Daily (Trip I: 08.00, Trip II: 13.00)
Tariff: IDR 750,000 per boat (1 boat for max 5 participants)
SERAYU TRIP (Serayu River, Banjarnegara)
Ideal for more thrill in rafting trip
Difficulty Level: Moderate (Grade II - IV+)
Track Length: 24 km (accomplished in
± 3 hours)
Trip Schedule: by prior request (One-Day Trip, started at 07.00)
Tariff: IDR 1,500,000 per boat (1 boat for max 5 participants)
LOWER PROGO TRIP (Lower Progo River, Kulon Progo)
Ideal for extreme adrenaline rush
Difficulty Level: Advanced (Grade III - V+)
Track Length: 8 km (accomplished in
± 45 menit)
Trip Schedule: by prior request (started at 08.00)
Tarif: IDR 1,500,000 per boat (1 boat for max 4 participants)
CitraElo Rafting service coverage:
  • Insurance
  • Rafting gears & equipment rental + RiverGuide
  • Welcome tea
  • 1x refreshment at Trip Break
  • 1x after-trip meal
  • Local transport from finish to start point
  • Sanitary usage
  • Certificate
There is an extra breakfast and economy shuttle transport from Base Camp CitraElo - Banjarnegara in Serayu Trip.
CitraElo also organizes packages such as outdoor games (airsoft games, paintball and flying fox) and outdoor management training. Riverside Restaurant in traditional menu specialization is available upon reservation. Please contact us for detail.

KRATON - The Palace of the Sultan of Yogyakarta

It lies between Tugu as the north border and Panggung Krapyak as the south border, between Code River in the east and Winongo River in the west; between the Merapi Mountain and the South Sea. In the mind of the Javanese community, kraton is defined as center of the world that is described as center of the universe.

After the Giyanti Agreeement, Yogyakarta territory was given to Pangeran Mangkubumi. To run his governance, he built a palace in 1755 in Hutan Beringan area; such a good place flanked by two rivers that protect it from being flooded. The first king of Yogyakarta Palace was Pangeran Mangkubumi with the title Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I (HB I).

Naming and Meaning of the Lay Out

Karaton, Keraton or Kraton, originates from the word ke-ratu-an that means the place where the queen/king lives. Simple explanation of its broader meaning is that all structures and buildings in the Kraton area have significant meaning related to essential Javanese philosophy of life, namely Sangkan Paraning Dumadi that means the origin and the destination of human being.
In general, the Kraton area stretches 5 kilometers southwards to Krapyak village and 2 kilometers northwards until the Tugu monument. In this imaginary line, there is a reversed dualism linear line that tells symbolical philosophy: the direction from south to north symbolizes the birth of human being from the high place to the perishable world, and the opposite direction symbolizes the return of human being to the Dumadi (God in Javanese philosophy). Kraton is physical symbol and the King is the symbol of the real soul that presents into the physical body.
The direction from the Palace to the Tugu monument represents the road of life that is full of temptations. Beringharjo market symbolizes women temptation and temptation of power is symbolized by Kepatihan building. The straight street connecting the Palace to Tugu monument symbolizes close relationship between human being and the Creator (Sangkan Paraning Dumadi).
In short, Tugu monument is a symbol of lingga (male sex organ) and Krapyak symbolizes yoni (female sex organ) and kraton is physical blend of the two.

The Meaning of Yogyakarta Space Arrangement

Hit by the earthquake in 1867, the Sultan Palace was severely damaged. During the reign of HB VII in 1889, the building was renovated. The lay out being retained, the shape of the building was changed to the current look.
Tugu monument and Manguntur Tangkil hall or Bangsal Kencana (where the king is seated), are straight in a line. This means that while sitting on his throne and looking toward the Tugu monument, he will always remember his people.
In general, the space arrangement of the current Sultan Palace is similar to the one of Mataram Dynasty. The center of the Palace is the so called Bangsal Kencana that is adjacent to Bangsal Prabayeksa as the place to keep sacred weapons (in this room, there is an oil lamp called Kyai Wiji that is kept lit by the Palace servants). This hall is surrounded by Kedhaton yard so that people must go through layers of the yard that seem like waves in order to reach the center.
This special arrangement of the Palace looks similar to constellation of mountain and Jambu Dwipa land that is considered to be central archipelago of the universe.
From north part to west part of the Palace area, there are North Square, North Siti Hinggil, North Kemandhungan, Srimanganti, Kedhaton, Kemagangan, South Kemandungan, South Siti Hinggil and South Square (the yard that is protected by high walls).
In order to reach all of the places, there are nine gates (called regol) that must be passed through, namely: gerbang, pangurukan, tarub agung, brajanala, srimanganti, kamagangan, gadhung mlati, kemandhungan and gading.
Brongtodiningrat sees the significance of this number, as the highest number to describe excellence. This is related to nine holes in human beings, commonly called babahan hawa sanga.
The sacredness of each Palace building is indicated by the frequency and intensity of Sultan activities in the location.
Sultan only visits the Square, Pagelaran, and Siti Hinggil three times a year, namely during the events of Pisowan Ageng Grebeg Maulud, Sawal and Besar and other very special, incidental events such as coronation of the Sultan and the crown prince or Pangeran Adipati Anom.
Yogyakarta Sultan Palace is an old building that was once damaged and restored. In general, it looks like other Kingdom buildings. When we understand the philosophy of them deeper, however, we will understand the symbolical meaning of life philosophy, human nature, how the nature works and human beings live their lives and various symbols of life existence in them.

Sepanjang, The Old Kuta Beach

If you want to enjoy the nostalgia of Kuta Beach in the past time, Sepanjang Beach is the right place. Sepanjang has long coastal lines, clean water sands, and medium waves. You can just choose: sun bathing under the bright sun, surfing, or just enjoy the beach beauty. You can enjoy all the things when you come to the beach that lies some kilometers from Sundak Beach.

Sepanjang Beach is one of newly opened beaches. The name 'Sepanjang' which means 'long' derives from the characteristic of the beach that has the longest coastal lines of all beaches in Gunung Kidul. The atmosphere of this beach is so natural. The seaside is decorated with palm trees and huts roofed with dry leaves. The coral reef in the rise and fall of tides area is kept well. The dashes of waves reflect blue color signaling uncontaminated sea water. With such a situation, it is not false if the local government and investors plan to make this beach the second Kuta Beach.
The natural atmosphere makes Sepanjang Beach superior to Kuta Beach. Sepanjang does not offer such cliché things as beach café and luxurious cottages, but closeness to nature. You can still dig out coral reef to find mollusk and starfish (Echinodermata). You can also pull out seaweed from the coral. However, you must be careful in order not to stick the sea urchin's spines. You will not find those all in Kuta, will you?
The community sticks firmly to the coastal culture. No permanent buildings alongside the beach, only some huts where local people are living. Still on the coastal area, there is field where people plant soy bean. The slope beach that is directly dashed by waves prevents people from going to sea. Looking at the back, there are two hills on which valley where people plant corn as their main food. The land on top of the hill has been bought by an investor to make villa where visitors can stay.
Sepanjang also has a historical site, namely Banyusepuh. 'Banyu' means 'water' and 'sepuh' means to wash. Thus, the name means that the place that used to be a water spring is used to wash or to bathe. Those who used the place were Islamic pious leaders who washed their sacred weapons. You must ask local people to locate this site. When YogYES came to the place, there was only dry trash damp with wild plants around it.
When you get tired, have a rest. Local people usually sell food and drink in the huts alongside the beach. You may sit on bamboo seat while chatting and enjoying the wind of the sea. YogYES had the opportunity to enjoy the cool weather under the hut. When daylight is fading, look westwards where the sun sets. Local people will warmly welcome you to stay in their house because there are no villas yet.
For the souvenirs that you are going to take home, you do not have to worry. You do not have to take food as souvenir, do you? Some people living some kilometers from the beach make handicrafts from seashell that then are sold by coastal people. Even though it is not as commercial as those in Malaysia, the handicrafts vary. The shapes are royal carriage, statue, hair pinch or the dried ones and buried in white sands. Some of them are painted. The price is so fair, only five thousand Rupiah each.
Low price does not necessarily mean low value. Handicrafts made from seashell have precious historical value. If you read articles or books on Conchology Mollusca, you will know that such handicrafts are of high culture developing in coastal community. The people in Hawaii of the United States of America, Melanesia islands, or Maori in New Zealand develop similar handicrafts. They set seashell to become necklace, pant, belt, and carve them to make marvelous fine arts.
If you have no budget for the souvenirs, you can collect the seashell on the seaside. This small thing becomes interesting present with further processing. Take a piece of seashell and put it into plastic bag. Arriving at home, buy some tobacco or mint and mix it with alcohol 90%. After you soak it one night, take it and polish it slowly. The process will eliminate the lime layer on the seashell, leaving the central layer (prismatic layer). Polishing will make the color of the seashell brighter.
Isn't it interesting to make a tour to Sepanjang Beach? What are you waiting for? You can just ride your motorcycle or step on the gas pedal of your car. You do not have to worry about the stony road to this place since the beauty of nature and culture you are going to enjoy pay for it. Trust me, it pays everything and you will agree to a tourist from the Netherlands saying, "This is the real new Kuta. There are many beaches here and there have been so many tourists in Bali; the beach here is so quiet, so enjoyable."

KALIURANG - Tour a la Madam and Meneer

In the early of the nineteenth century, some Dutch geologists living in Yogyakarta intended to find a place for their family to spend their vacation. They went along the edge of the north area as the high land. Arriving at Kaliurang that is located on 900 meter above sea level, the "meneers" were enchanted by the nature beauty and coolness in that foot of the mountain. They finally built bungalows and decided to make the area their place for vacation.
The trip from Yogyakarta to Kaliurang reminds us of the scenery picture we (=Indonesian people) made in the kindergarten. A mountain with the street lying in the middle and the green spread on both sides ornamented with people's houses will release tiredness in the frame of nature painting.
Covered with the breeze, even when the sun is over our head, the coolness is still felt. The air dancing through the trees and slowly going down hill gives fresh feeling to our body.
The view of Merapi Mountain gives special sensation in this area. Just like village girls who will cover their face when we look at them, this mountain will also be covered with fog when we come to see it.
Going along the west side of Plawangan Hill as long as 1,100 meters, traveling cross country, through soil path framed with trees and green slopes, and series of 22 caves as the inheritance of the Japanese colonial are some uniqueness of Kaliurang natural tourism.
In addition to its natural beauty, Kaliurang also has some historical buildings. Some of them are Wisma Kaliurang and Pesanggrahan Dalem Ngeksigondo that is owned by the Sultan Palace that used to be functioned as the meeting place of the Three Nation Commission, and Ullen Sentalu museum which part of the building is under ground. This museum reveals the mystery of the culture and values of Javanese history, especially those related to the princess of Yogyakarta and Surakarta kingdoms in the nineteenth century.
Family Recreation Area
Located 28 kilometers from the center of Yogyakarta city, Kaliurang now has an enchanting cultural and natural tourism area that becomes en enjoyable place for family recreation.
Parents may relax while keeping their children playing in the Play Ground. In an area of 10,000 meter square width, children can play swing, sliding, or swimming in a mini pool. Besides, in the play ground that is ornamented with the statue of a genie a la 1001 night stories and some kinds of animal, children can play mini cars or pass through a dragon statue by entering from its mouth and exiting from its tail.
About 300 meters to the north east of the recreation garden, there is Plawangan Turgo garden. There is Tlogo Putri swimming pool of which water originates from a spring at the slope of Plawangan Hill. Playing swing or behaving playfully with the family in the garden will release tiredness among the green forest of the forestry department.
Walking along the east side, seeing some monkeys jumping and swinging on the branches, enjoying the chirp of birds in the sloping up path of layered stones and stairs as long as 900 meters can be a little tiring, but the top of Merapi Mountain viewed on a bright day from Pronojiwo Hill will replace the tiredness with admiration. On the way to the top of Pronojiwo Hill, YogYES had the opportunity to run race with Nick (47 years old), an English tourist. I won the race, but the feeling of being united with nature was more pleasant. Mineral water sold by the drink sellers will quench your thirst while seeing Merapi that stands amidst the green spread of the forest. Binocular is rent for IDR 3,000 per 30 minutes to see the Merapi Mountain more clearly.
Arriving back to the garden, have relax at Tlogo Muncar to enjoy the waterfall. During rainy season, water will flow down swiftly.
To enjoy the Kaliurang scenery, visitors may go around by a rabbit carriage that is most popularly called sepoer. This vehicle usually stands by in the parking lot in front of the food shops. The route is going around from the east to the west to encircle Kaliurang tourism area, passing through the viewing post on the west side where Merapi can be seen clearly on bright days. For minimum of seven people, each person will be charged IDR 3,000. For exclusive trip, the charge is IDR 20,000 per person with services like those for a nobleman.
If you want to enjoy the coolness of the air and the quietness of the night at Kaliurang, there are many choices of villas, bungalows, and inns. The tariffs vary from IDR 25,000 to IDR 300,000. Some lodgings where you can stay are: Bukit Surya (most recommended), Puri Indah Inn (3-stars), and Wisma Sejahtera.
Before leaving, make sure that you buy gifts ranging from local fruits to special food namely tahu and tempe bacem (sweet, fried tofu and tempeh) and jadah (made from sticky rice and grated coconut).
The green spread at the foot of Merapi Mountain, cool air and all natural, luxurious packages will release your tiredness and refresh you from the noise of the city. 
 

Loji Arsitekktur - Jogja

Colonizing Indonesia for hundreds of years, including Yogyakarta, Dutch people left some historical buildings. The buildings were called loji by local people because of its grand size and wide yard. You can enjoy the beauty of some of the buildings cheaply; you only have to walk along the area in the city center of Yogyakarta, starting from the crossroad of the Grand Post Office or kilometer 0.
The oldest loji in Yogyakarta is located precisely opposite the Grand Post Office, namely a building named Benteng Vredeburg or Vredeburg Fortress. The building of the fortress that is often called Loji Besar or Loji Gede meaning the Grand Building was built in 1776 - 1778, only two years after the foundation of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Kingdom, one of Mataram Kingdom fractions. The fortress initially named Rustenburg was intentionally built in the axis of Kingdom - Tugu in order to control what the Kingdom did.
Being a fortress, the Loji Besar area was equipped with various supporting buildings, for example the spying place and the resting place for the soldiers. When Loji Besar was still used as fortress, there was a canon that intentionally was directed to the Kingdom in a ready-to-fire position to ease the raid. It was done in order for the Kingdom to acknowledge the power of Dutch troops.
Now, you can explore each corners of Loji Besar because it is open for public. In addition to the fortress with characteristic European architecture, you can also see diorama of Indonesian struggle to reach the independence. The weird thing of the fortress is that the name does not reflect the image of a fortress; rustmeans resting, vrede means peace and burg means fortress. Rustenberg that means fortress for resting and Vredeburg meaning fortress of peace are not suitable names.
From Vredeburg, the most visible loji is Loji Kebon, which is now known as Gedung Agung or the Great Building. The building with European style was built in 1824 and functioned as Residence Building. The yard of Loji Kebon is so wide and is decorated with statues that Dutch officers collected from different corners of Yogyakarta. In 1912, the complex of Loji Kebon was equipped with Societeit de Vereniging building where Dutch officials danced accompanied by violin.
Just like Loji Besar, Loji Kebon also serves as historical witness. The construction of the building that was designed by A Payen was stopped during Prince Diponegoro war in 1825 - 1830 that nearly made the Dutch went bankrupt. During Japanese colonization, this building served as dwelling place of a Japanese official named Koochi Zimmukyoku Tyookan. When the capital of Indonesia was moved to Yogyakarta on 6 January 1946, this building functioned as presidential palace. Up to present time, even though the capital of Indonesia is in Jakarta, this building still serves as a presidential palace.
The other loji area is Loji Kecil that is located to the east of Vredeburg fortress, to be exact in the area of Shopping Center to the crossroad of Gondomanan. Different from Loji Besar that functioned as a fortress and Loji Kebon as government building, Loji Kecil serves as a dwelling place. Now, even though only a few left, you can still enjoy several old buildings, one of them is located in Taman Pintar complex. In the same complex, there is also Societet Militair building where Dutch military troops used to relax.
The area of Loji kecil was the center of dwelling place of the first Dutch people in Yogyakarta. Now, you can enjoy the beauty of some supporting facilities such as Protestansche Kerk church that was built in 1857 (it is now named Marga Mulya Christian church, located to the north of Gedung Agung) and Francis the Xavier church of Kudul Loji (the old building) that was founded in 1870, which is located to the south of Loji Kecil area.
Another loji area that is not less interesting is Loji Setan or the Satanic Building. It bears the name since the building that by far is not known when it was built is eerie. Many people tell that in the eastern room and the center hall there are often crying voices for help and sound of dance music. Governor Raffles was told to drop by in the building that now functions as the office of Local House of Representative on 15 May 1812 when Dutch was triumphant in Yogyakarta.
Loji Setan had functioned for different purposes. In the past, the building was often used for meditation and exhibition room, for example the exhibition by Luch Bescherming Dienst in 1940. After the independence, the building that initially was named Loji Marlborough was used as the office of Indonesian National Committee (1945 - 1949), the office of Nation Defense Council and the place where cabinet meeting was held (1948).
Walk around each loji, and you will enrich your history insight from compiling each story of them.

Senggigi Beach - Lombok Indonesia


You can find a variety of restaurants, bars, discotheques, travel agents, photo processors, money changers, souvenir shop and a range of accommodations starting from budget guest house to 5 star hotels. Restaurants and small cafes line the colorful main beach road. Swimming off the beach is safe.
The town of Senggigi spreads out along nearly 10 kilometers of coastal road. This road continues north to Bangsal, port for the Gili Islands. Along the way, a fantastic scenery of the north west coast of Lombok awaits. Most travelers start or end their stay at Senggigi because of the easy access to Mataram Airport and accommodations options are available to all budgets. If you are frugal or intrepid and take the slow ferry from Bali, it's best to arrange transport in advance from the ferry dock to Senggigi, since the dock on the Lombok side is in a remote spot several kilometers south of Mataram.

There are plenty of activities you can do to complete your holiday. Sightseeing or touring organized by reputable local tour operators is the best option to discover what Lombok has to offer. Renting a car or motor cycle is also good alternative to get around, either self-driving, or with a driver so you can relax and enjoy the view. Car rental in Lombok is more expensive than Bali. Tip driver pocket money for meals if you stop for lunch or diner. If you are pleased with service, tip the driver or local guide at the end. If you collide with anything, or it collides with you, you are responsible for all costs

 INFORMATION
Senggigi Post Office located on the main street of Senggigi, opposite from Pamour Art & Antique shop. Health Centre or Puskesmas located near Hotel Puri Saron. Drugstore or Apotik available next to the gate of Intan Lombok Hotel. Dentist available at Meninting Puskesmas 10 minutes drive from Senggigi towards direction to the airport.

Bank BNI available during office hours 5 days a week located near the Post Office. ATM's (Automatic Teller Machine) are easy to find. ATM BCA, ATM BNI, ATM Mandiri are available, you can swift your credit card and withdraw local currency IDR (Rupiah).
 Police office located in Senggigi Art Market, near The Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort. Telephone Service (Wartel) available near Melati Dua Hotel. Internet Cafes are: Millenium Internet (opposite Papaya Restaurant) and Star Internet Service located in Senggigi Plaza with dedicated broadband speed at reasonable rates. Cellular phone in Indonesia is GSM and CDMA. If you have brought your cellular handphone, you can purchase prepaid calling cards to make outgoing calls at lower cost than calling on your home SIM. Shops which sell these cards are prolific. Major service providers are: Telkomsel, Satelindo and XL Ritel. Look for signs and banners with those markings.


Money changers are available almost in every corner of Senggigi. Double count your money before leaving the money changers to get the accurate amount. Hotel reception also change foreign money with lower rates.

Mini markets are located next to Bank BNI and near the Papaya Cafe.
Local Indonesian Foods sells nasi campur and warung Padang can be found right opposite from Taman Restaurant. At night, you can find the famous Nasi Goreng at Warung Cak Poer.

Tipping
Most larger hotels and restaurants automatically add Government Tax and Service charge up to 21% to the bill. Tipping is expected in main tourist area, but you're not compelled to tip at restaurants. If you like your driver or local tour guide, a tip of 10-15% is appreciated.
Carry small changes with you as taxi drivers often have none.
Airport or hotel porters expect Rp. 2000 - 10,000 per bag depending on the size and weights.

Disabled
Wheelchair ramps and van lifts are non existent. Many major hotels have limited handicapped facilities and accommodation. Advise your tour operators or hotel for special assistance.