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.

Pacitan - Goa Gong

Gua Gong is one of the most popular cave with stalactites and stalagmites Pacitan fascinating. Along the cave is quite large this will take you to enjoy the beautiful forms of limestone water droplets results for hundreds or even thousands of years. 
What do you think of when they hear the word cave? Dark, muddy, and scary? Well, it means that you have never entered the cave Gong. Located about 30 km west of Pacitan, this cave is far from scary. The government has built a path from cement to ease your journey. Locals congregate at the mouth of the cave that is not how wide, offering guide services and also a flashlight. 

 Go to the first room that is not how much you will be greeted by the number of straw, ornaments shaped like a straw contained in the ceiling of the cave. Starting from this room, the cave is divided into 2 lane entrance and exit paths. Passing through a narrow slit, you are taken to the second room. Outside estimates, the room was very large with hundreds of beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. The lights have been installed in several sections, providing an increasingly dim light beautify the cave. 

The cave is equipped with a ladder and an iron grip so you do not need to bother looking for a place to tread down the leg. Walking through the tunnel with stalactites stalagmites cave cavity prop stands firmly as if to take you into another dimension that is different. Flowstone-shaped curtain Flowstone visible in some places, decorate the cave with the shape of dazzling. It's amazing to imagine how many thousands of years if needed to form this remarkable formation. A giant stalagmite a boundary with the third room on the end of the cave. Crystal ornaments adorn the shimmering white space called the space of this crystal. 

If you want to enjoy its beauty with the more liberal, you should avoid coming on Sundays and other holidays. In those days, hundreds of people always thronged this cave. You certainly do not want to lose the opportunity to admire the natural beauty of this carving with jostling, is not it? 

Pacitan - Banyu Anget

Husodo Tirto hot springs are a special attraction which is owned by Pacitan. More popularly known as Banyu anget, hot springs is different from other hot water sources, namely the lack of a distinctive smell of sulfur. 

You've never visited the hot springs or also popularly known as hot springs? Well, you would be familiar with the typical sulfur smell. Hot water source is identical with this odor.But unlike Hot Springs Tirto Husodo in Pacitan. There is absolutely no smell of sulfur that can interfere with the water enjoying a warm bath. 
More hot spring baths known as Banyu anget by the surrounding community is located about 15 km north of downtown and is relatively easy to reach. The streets are relatively wide and flat so that the car will easily pass through. Although located quite far away, this resort is equipped with adequate supporting facilities, including parking space.From the parking lot we still have to walk up the path with some stairs flanked by shady trees. Forest at the foot of Mount Screen is still natural and awake. viewnatureworld even had time to see some tail squirrel playing with fun in the trees. 

There are 4 pools at the baths, where hot springs pools, 2 adult pools, and children's pool. There is a prohibition to enter or touch the water in the main pool because the temperature is hot enough. Hot water is channeled to other pools in 3 and mixed with cold water for temperature in accordance with human body temperature. Interestingly, no sulfur smell at all! 

The smell of sulfur sting that often appear in the hot spring is the smell of hydrogen sulfide produced by anaerobic bacteria when water is heated naturally in the bowels of the earth. This substance is then dragged to the ground, except in some cases when the levels of hydrogen sulfide formed is not enough or when the substance is oxidized by Oxygen before reaching the surface. Banyu baths anget this one example. The absence of sulfur smell is of course will make you more comfortable in the bath enjoying the warm water can soothe and blood circulation. It's really fitting to end the day after a full day surfing or along the beaches and caves in Pacitan. 

Pacitan - Srau Beach

Beach Srau in Pacitan (East Java, Indonesia) offers 3 surf spots for intermediate surfers, beach scene with white sand that naturally and away from the crowds, snorkel in the clear sea water and fishing from the top of the cliff. 

Hidden behind a row of hills 25 km west of the town of Pacitan (East Java, Indonesia), Srau Beach is one of a paradise for surfers. Its location is quite far from the city center make this a beautiful beach not too crowded with visitors. A nearby village a few kilometers away. Do not imagine the hotels or restaurants. Only there is a mosque and an open hall that can be used to rest. Some small fruit stall to provide food and beverages perfunctory like instant noodles, fried, coconut ice, tea or coffee. When viewnatureworl expressed intention to spend the night, a shop keeper suggested to sleep in the mosque because it's the lack of adequate accommodation facilities. 

This beach has 3 surf spots with a fairly challenging waves for surfers who are quite powerful. The first spot is located at the back of the ticket portal so often referred to as The Portal. The second spot is the inducement, under the cliff to the west coast that is often used by the fishermen hung angler fish. While the third spot is Pandan, was behind this cliff. 

Beach Srau have a reef type waves break, meaning that the waves created by the sea waves hit the reef. Basic beaches were dominated by rock, so that surfers should be more careful. November to February is the best time to surf and chasing barrels at the Beach Srau. 

Besides spoiling the barrel of his surfer, Srau also offers the charm of the beautiful beach with white sand that dihempas clear waves. Water clarity is what also makes this place perfect for snorkeling and enjoying the beauty and diversity of marine life. Tired of walking on the beach? Try to go up to a small hill on his right. Hiking in the hills of this rock, looking at the landscape and the sea coast magnificent will soon eliminate your boredom. This hill is also a paradise for the angler fish. In addition to the fishermen, not a few people who like fishing had come from out of town and spend a day here. 

Pacitan - Klayar Beach

Klayar is an exotic beach with white sand, coral-like Sphinx, perforated reef, marine fife and natural fountains up to as high as 10 meters which makes the beach with a natural charm that is second to none. 

Though not yet famous, klayar Beach is a beach that is very beautiful and exotic. Se-exotic what the heck? Well, although reluctant to admit it, according viewnatureworld klayar Beach is more exotic than Parangtritis most popular beach in Yogyakarta. 

Klayar located approximately 45 km west of Pacitan and can be reached by motorcycle or car. The journey to get there is a challenge that will stimulate adrenaline because of the narrow and damaged roads in some sections, sharp bends and route up and down hills. There are several sections with the rise and fall quite extreme. However, the beauty of the scenery of green hills and valleys will be accompanied throughout the journey. 
The beach is still very quiet. If you did not come on holiday, you'll only find a few fishermen who were fishing. Stretches of white sand with crystal-clear waves breaking on shore, cliff flanked on the right and left. You can go up to the cliff on the right and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the landscape klayar view post. 

After having klayar from above, take a walk along the white sands of the most fitting choice. Walking to the east, you will meet with a small river that flows to divide the beach for later merge with the sea water. Crossing the river has become an exciting sensation.At some point its depth reaches adult thigh. Not far from this estuary, the river other smaller but no less beautiful flowing tranquil estuary of the second form. Basically black sand with stripes of white sand washed from the beach.

Flute Laut, Sphinx Rock, and Karang Bolong

At the east end you will be greeted by a beautiful lagoon. Sandwiched between two rock clusters, it looks beautiful lagoon with crystal clear rolling wave that hit the wall rocks and then break down and spin in the white sand. This small lagoon is stunning and makes feel at home for long sit back at him. The waves repeatedly menghempas rock with strong and waterfall effect on the walls with foam-white froth that beautiful.

Rocks towering to the east of the lagoon. One of them noted that similar to the form of the Sphinx. viewnatureworld take a picture and show it to a friend who came from Egypt.He also recognizes this similarity. Exploring the reef area in the rear, visible a few small holes filled with water that seems to be a home for small crabs. Far, far right, seems a natural coral reef with a tunnel underneath.

Do not be surprised when you are behind a sudden a gush onto the fountain. Again, an extraordinary natural phenomenon. There is a gap in this rock. When the waves came up with enough rain, some water got under the stone and gush upward like a giant fountain that can reach a height of up to 10 meters. This fountain also comes with a sound like whistling so often referred to as a flute of the sea. 

Want to linger to enjoy keeksotisan klayar? You can try .... Rise to rock sphinxes waist wide enough and sat there while enjoying the rolling wave lagoon with a waterfall effect on the right, a natural fountain on the left, coral hole far away, and the expanse of ocean as far as the eye could see. Lay your body and close the eye. Listen to the sea sing to you with the pounding of waves, and you'll instantly fall in love.