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Bali Adventure Tour's unique facilities have attracted international personalities such as magician David Copperfield, supermodel Claudia Schiffer and Hollywood action stars Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolf Lundgren, musician Julian Lennon, soccer star David Beckham, "The Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, as well as Jessica Biel, Johny Knoxville, Steve 'O', Kevin " Bloody" Wilson, Inge Debruin, Sherina, Tracy Trinita, Ali Landrey (E Entertainment) and Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes.

actress tour in bali

Bali Art Festival is a staging event of Balinese traditional artistry which is performed every once a year. In this year, this even has been executed to the 29 times and carried out during one month from 16 June - 14 July 2007. There are 13 thousand actors/actress which are merged into 156 sekaa (group of Balinese actors) will properly perform their artistry from dance, gamelan traditional, child/adult game, exhibition of gold, silver, batik, clothes of traditional Bali and others.
Why this event is held?
Globalization growth that is happened in Bali is one of threat for Balinese culture where foreign culture tends to more aggressive and worried that a august artistic value exist in Bali society will lose. Therefore, Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra - former Bali Governor trigger the idea to preserve this Balinese culture by performing a staging artistic event once a year and it is more recognized by Bali Art Festival. This event invites all components from actor/actress of entire Bali to show their ability and expected can dig the art potency which is not yet popular in Bali .
Where the event is executed?
Bali Art Center is a center of art event performance in Bali provides complete art demonstration facilities. The open stage which have been built and decorated by beautiful ornament with Balinese architecture is very good place to perform the art performance like drama, dance, music and other. This place is more known by the name of Arda Chandra Open Stage. The other side, a lot of buildings has been built to show the artistry or exhibition. In courtyard of Art Center is also used as a place to demonstrate the Balinese artistry which more popular in Bali society like Jogen Bumbung Dance (the dance is accompanied by made gamelan from bamboo) or game. Bali Art Center is located in Nusa Indah Street, Denpasar Town or 30 minutes drives from Bali's International Airport .
What else can be visited on Bali Art Festival?
Bali Art Festival beside provide a lot of entertainment amusement start from dance, drama, puppets, game, gamelan and art competitions, there is another side which can be enjoyed like exhibition. This exhibition provides the multifarious of artwork like gold, silver, batik, cloth, Balinese Traditional costume, painting, handy craft and other. At the west side corner of Bali Art Center is a place to sell the various of food and beverage. The Balinese Traditional Foods are also available in this place.
When the right time to visit Bali Art Festival?
It is open from 09.00 until last time performance (around 12.00 midnight). The best time to visit this place is the night time from 19.00 – 22.00 hours. You will meet the various of Balinese attraction in several stage including the Balinese art exhibition offering the competitive price. If you visit in the day time, some of Balinese performance and attraction are may be held based on the schedule.
Bali Art Festival is a very good moment for you to see the Balinese artistry exhaustively. You will see the Balinese art truthfully and played by all reliable and professional actors/actress inclusive of Popular Sekaa (A popular actors/actress group ).
Released on 19 June 2007At 15:30 pm - by Balistarisland.com

kintamani BALi

The mountainous region around Kintamani, centering around the spectacular volcanic caldera of Mt Batur with its deep crater lake and bubbling hot springs, is rugged with a high and wild beauty. Wonderful mountain air and dizzying views in all directions, as well as several important temples, are what make Kintamani one of the most memorable stops on the Bali tourist itinerary.A drive-in volcanoNearing Kintamani, the land rises steadily toward an almost featureless horizon - with only the mountains Mt Agung and Mt Abang in view to the east and northeast, respectively. Suddenly, you crest a ridge to find yourself perched on the rim of a vast crater, measuring some 14 km (9 mi) across. Down in the crater sits the blackened cone of Mt Batur, surrounded to one side by the long, blue waters of Lake Batur, and on the other by lava fields and cultivated onion patches.The great size of the crater implies that Mt Batur was once a much bigger mountain (as big perhaps as Mt Agung) which blew its top thousands of years ago. The volcano is still active - the last eruption occurred in 1994, springing from the lower western flank of the mountain and leaving a vast field of black, needle-sharp lava rock. Much of the crater, though, is now being farmed. Although rainfall is slight, farmers irrigate their crops (mostly cabbage and onions) water from the lake.Lake Batur, Bali's largest lake, is the source that feeds an underground network of springs throughout the southern-central flanks of the mountain. Homage is paid here to the life-giving grace of the lake at Pura Ulun Danu Batur. The original temple down by the lake, but during the 1920s it was built anew on the western rim of the crater near the town of Kintamani.Six very old settlements around the lake are called desa bintang danau ("stars of lake"): Songan, Abang, Buahan, Trunyan, Kedisan and Batur. People will tell you that these are "Bali Aga" villages, which some people take to mean "original Balinese" while others say it refers to the myth of Markendya, a legendary saint-sage who several bands of settlers to Bali from Desa Aga on Gunung Rating in East Java. In any case, the term is in popular use, and there are a number of "Bali Aga" villages through out the mountains around Kintamani. They are distinguished by their unusual lay out and the uniformity of the houses - as if they all adhere to a single design. The traditional Mountain architecture is very interesting steep bamboo shingle roof and walls of clay, woven bamboo or wide wooden planks - but in many places this is disappearing, as houses are re-built using modern materials.A paved road follows the crater's rim around its southern and western circumference. From the south, the first stop is Penelokan, which means "look-out," and indeed the views from here are stunning. Enterprising people are capitalizing on the panorama, and there are swarms of peddlers and a string of shops, restaurants and small hotels all along the road to Kintamani.The goddess of the lakeAs you go north from Penelokan toward Kintamani, you will soon spot the many meru of Pura Ulun Danu Batur. This is an imposing complex of nine temples, still undergoing construction. Ulun danu means the "head of the lake," and the original site of this temple was at the lake's northeastern corner - the "holiest" quarter, associated with the vitality of the sun as it approaches its zenith. Violent eruptions of the volcano in 1917 buried much of the area and took the lives of nearly a thousand people. Another serious eruption in 1926 forced the decision to rebuild the temple at its present site, high up on the rim of the crater.With help from the Dutch colonial government, the shrines were dismantled and transported across the lava strewn landscape and up the steep sides of the crater - a staggering task, one imagines, especially without roads or machinery. People from the original village of Batur at the foot of the western flank of the volcano also moved up to the new location (Batur and Kalanganyar) to tend to the temple's maintenance and ceremonies. Lava from the 1917 eruption stopped only a few meters from the village, which somehow encouraged the people to rebuild the village, damaged by ash. The village persists, just beyond the 1965-1974 lava fields.Ida Batari Dewi Ulun Danu is the goddess of the lake. Myriad springs on the south side of the mountain feed the rich rice-growing districts of Bangli and Gianyar. Tirta Empul in Tampaksiring is one of the springs fed by Lake Batur. The different temples in the complex thus reflect a concern with not only the invisible world, but the world of the living as well. The following is a description of the major shrines. Ask someone to point them out to you.Pura Penataran Agung Batur is the principal temple, with five main courtyards. The dominant shrines are the merus; an 11-tiered one for the lake goddess and three 9-tiered ones for the gods of Mt Batur, Mt Agung, and Ida Batara Dalem Baturenggong, the deified king of Gelgel who is said to have ruled from 1460 to 1550. The Chinese-looking shrine to the northwest, with brightly painted statues, is for Ida Ratu Ayu Subandar, the patron saint of commerce. Another important shrine is the 3-tiered meru to Ida Ratu Ayu Kentel Gumi, who protects crops from disease.
Penataran Pura Jati is related to the source temple on the western edge of the lake.
Pura Tirta Bungkah is related to the hot springs down by the lake.
Pura Taman Sari and Pura Tirta. Mas Mampeh are concerned with agriculture.
Pura Sampian Wangi is dedicated to such crafts as weaving, sewing, the making of offerings and ceremonial cakes.
Pura Gunarali is where adolescent boys and girls can invoke help to develop their natural abilities.
Pura Padang Sila consists of forty-five stone shrines for the gods and goddesses of Pura Ulun Danu Batur. The major odalan of the temple, attended by the people from all over Bali occurs sometime in March and runs for 11 days.Pura Tulukbiu just next to Pura Ulun Danu is another relocated temple. 'Tulukbiu" is the old name of Abang, the second highest mountain in Bali at the southern edge of the Batur crater. The original temple was at the summit of Mt. Abang, and is said to have been built by the sage, Mpu Kuturan.Panoramic frontier townThe village of Batur / Kalanganyar borders the town of Kintamani, an administrative center in the district of Bangli. This was formerly a way-station over the mountains that separate Buleleng (the old colonial headquarters of the Dutch) from the rest of Bali. second hotel built in Bali was in Kintamani but the place still looks like a frontier town: wooden huts and no-nonsense little cement boxes for the municipal offices. What one notices most is the delicious air and the vistas the crater to one side and all Bali extending to the sea on the other.Up the road going north is a market, busy every three days on Hari Paseh in the Balinese calendar. This is interesting to visit to see the variety of produce from surrounding mountain farms - oranges, corn, vegetable, fruit and the usual vast array of flowers, dried fish, tools, livestock, pots and baskets, plus a big clothing market. You may also see men cuddling big furry Kintamani puppies highly prized all over Bali.A temple of ancient kingsA few km past Kintamani on the right is the entrance to the temple Pura Tegeh Kuripan, also called Pura Penulisan, the highest construction on the island (1,745 in) until a TV tower was installed next door a few years ago. This temple is a powerful place ancient, royal and remote.A long steep flight of stairs rises through the eleven terraces of the temple complex. The pyramidal form and the large stones that are still venerated there suggest that this place has been holy for many centuries.From Pura Panarajon on the uppermost terrace, you can sometimes see as far as the north coast of Bali and the mountains of East Java. The proportions of the courtyard and various balai are modest, but the atmosphere is heavy with the solitude of hallowed kings. There are many sacred statues including lingga and mysterious fragments housed in the open pavilions. Of particular interest is a royal couple bearing the in8criptions "Anak Wungsu" and "Bhatari Mandul" dated Saka year 999 (A.D. 1077).Mandul means "childless" and although it is impossible to know who this refers to, one interesting conjecture is that she was the Chinese Buddhist princess Subandar, whose shrine stands in Pura Ulun Danu, and that her barrenness was caused by a curse from a siwaite wizard.From Sukawana, just to the right of the temple's entrance, you can follow a newly paved road that arcs along the northern rim of the crater, offering splendid views of the lava fields below. A steep drop takes you to Pinggan, overlooking the crater, and a road is now under construction to connect up with Blandingan and Songan down by the lake.The more usual approach to the lake is from Penelokan, where a good road descends to the water's edge at Kedisan and heads over to Toyabungkah (Air Panas / Hot Spring). There are a number of hotels and restaurants here, and this is a good place from which to climb the volcano and explore the lake area.The road to the lake winds down from Penelokan. Men waving and shouting at you at the top of the road are not trying to collect a toll, but want to sell you a boat trip to Trunyan. Best to smile and keep going.At Kedisan at the bottom of the road you have to turn right or left. To the right, you will soon come to a little port with boat-taxis to Trunyan and points around the lake. The road to the left leads to Toyabungkah and Songan.Of the lake villages, Trunyan is surely the most famous, and becoming notorious as a place not to visit after all. The village is virtually inaccessible except by boat, and on arrival the villagers will wade out to meet you and clamor for money. In Trunyan, it's okay to beg, yet the prosperous residents have re-built their houses in modern materials (cement block and zinc). Traditional architecture is rare.Still, the place is interesting to some. In the Pura Gede Pancering Jagat is a unique, four-meter guardian statue, Da Tonte or Ratu Gede Pancering Jagat, but it is stored out of view in a closed meru. The people of Trunyan do not cremate their dead, but place them exposed under a sacred tree by the lakeshore that has the remarkable property of preventing the decomposing corpses from smelling. Tourists are aggressively solicited to visit the graveyard and see for themselves. This is further down from the village itself and you may ask to skip Trunyan and go directly to the gravesite or kuburan.TrekkingIf you've always wanted to walk around inside the crater of an active volcano, here's your chance. Mt. Batur is 1,717 m high, but the upper cone itself is only several hundred meters above the level of the lake and can be climbed and descended in a few hours. At the top, there's a warm crust of ground over the cauldron. Be sure to hire a guide, as it can be dangerous.Each home stay can recommend a guide. Under the Volcano has guides for 2 euro per person; other home stays charge 8-9 euro.It's best to start very early in the morning, around 4 am: it's cool and you're likely to see a wonderful sunrise. Your guide will probably find you before you find him. Choose someone friendly who is not charging a ridiculous amount of money: 4-5 euro is a fair price. Gede at Gede's Trekking near Kintamani market is a helpful contact. Another professional trekking guide service is Panorama Tourist Services, located near the Toya Bungkah Hot Spring. They also organize other trekking trips in the area.There are several well-marked approaches to Batur. From Pura Jati, near Kedisan (where a large sign announces "Klim Prom Here-Please Polow, Wite Plag"), and from Toya Bungkah where the climb up and back takes about three hours. The latter route is notably easier.Wear high-top shoes: the slopes are covered with fine dust. Other necessary supplies are drinking water and a snack or two. On reaching the summit your guide will boil some eggs (in the sand) and make coffee. If you're fortunate, a great view stretching all the way to Lombok will be revealed as the sun rises.Going down is much easier than climbing up and it's possible to take another route down, via the hot spring at Toya Bungkah. Ask your guide to have a car ready to bring you back to the original starting point once you get down. The spring, set in a concrete pool, is not overly spectacular. Entrance is 1 euro. This trip is not recommended during the rainy season (November-April).There's a good new road that circles the volcano rim from Penulisan east to Pinggan and Blandingan, where it comes to a dead end. Another route is to drive past Toya Bungkah to Songan and follow the sign west to Air Mampeh. The road leads to Penelokan through the caldera behind Batur. It is sometimes difficult to pass because of volcanic sand and stonesThe public bathing spot at the Toya Bungkah Hot Springs is free and frequented mostly by Indonesians. There is now a large swimming facility, Tirta Sanjiwani, set in a lovely garden just above the lake. Two hot spring pools plus a huge regular swimming pool. You can take a personal spa for 25 euro, including a massage in your own little spa and bale. 10 euro for adults, a little less for children.

temple in BALi

In every village in Bali, there are several temples and at least one small one in each home. One can therefore safely say that there are more temples than homes in Bali. Most of these temples are shrines and might not be regarded as actual temples, but the number of walled compounds is believed to reach to a total of 10,000.

The word for temple in Bali is pura, which in Sanskrit means 'space surrounded by a wall'. Simple shrines or thrones are found everywhere and at all sorts of unusual places. Although many temples are quiet and uninhabited, they are transformed into colorful, active and ornately decorated places of worship when there is a festival. Offerings would be made, while performances of traditional dances and gamelan, cockfighting and gambling liven up the atmosphere.All temples derive their orientation from the mountains and the sea. Kaja, which is the direction toward the mountains, is the most significant direction. The direction toward the sea is kelod. Sunrise, or kangin, also plays a major part and most secondary shrines are found in this direction.

Temple typesThere are three basic types of temple in every village. Pura Puseh (temple of origin) remains the most prominent and is reserved for founders of villages. It is always situated at the kaja end of the village. In the middle of the village is the pura desa, which is for the spirits that protect and bless the villagers in their daily lives. At the kelod end of the village is the pura dalem or temple of the dead as well as the graveyard. The pura dalem would have representations of Durga, the dark and terrible side of Shiva's wife, Parvati. Both Shiva and Parvati have a creative and destructive side, and it is their powers of destruction that are honored in the pura dalem.Since rice is such an important produce in Bali, there are temples dedicated to the spirits of irrigated agriculture. These temples are called pura subak or pura ulun suwi. Apart from these local temples, Bali has a few great temples.

There are family temples, clan temples, and village temples in the pura puseh. Then come the temples of royalty or state temples.Temple architectureBalinese houses are often beautiful but will never be lavished with the architectural detail reserved for temples. Most of the decorative features and sculpture associated with Balinese buildings are traditionally present in temples. A typical temple should have the basic elements but larger ones may have a few more courtyards and shrines.Temple sculpture and decorationBalinese temples feature inextricably bound architecture and sculpture.

The gateways are covered with intricate carvings in every square inch. A series of diminishing demons' faces glare from above for protection and it is never completed without a couple of stone statues as guardians.Levels of decoration vary. Smaller or less important temples may have limited or no sculpture at all. Others may be exuberantly detailed with intricate and interesting designs. Sculpture also deteriorates fairly rapidly, but is usually restored or replaced whenever resources permit.Temple etiquetteDress appropriately before entering any temple. Women should not wear shorts or bare their shoulders. Shoes have to be removed while a traditional adat or sash must be tied around the waist. If the temple requires a sarong to be worn, there is always one for hire around the area. Ladies take note; do not enter the temple if you are menstruating. Anyone with a bleeding cut should also avoid entry because there is a general sanction against blood on holy soil.

When taking photographs during temple festivals, do not use the flash, stand directly in front of the priest, or walk in front of the kneeling congregation. Your head must never be higher than the priest's, so do not climb on temple walls to get a better view of the proceedings. You must also not remain standing when people kneel to pray. When in Rome, do as the Romans do - the same rules apply to Bali.

culture and tradition of AMbon

CarvingIt was since years ago Maluku was familiar with the art of carving. This can be proven with numbers of wood carved or stone carved for the ancestor's worshiping. Generally, the carving patterns are in the form of human and the placement can be difference according to the purposes. The carving can be placed at the boat prow, at the house front ladder at the village gate or at other special spot.Earthenware Vessel ArtThe work of this art is usually done traditionally in southeast Maluku, the place where can be found lots of clay, a main material for this art. The best season to burn earthenware vessel is during hot season, which is normally in August until October. Forming the earthenware is using arm or other equipment such as wood for example. If necessary can be colored or carved at the surface, and that also done in a very simple method, which is during the clay still smooth, before burned. The decoration pattern is varying. The earthenware from southeast Maluku for instant, it tends to use straight lines/stripes. While from Aru it is colored with the shape of geometry and shaped by straight lines after the burn.Weave ArtThe southeast Maluku is rich for weave artwork; in fact, it has cultural relationship with its neighbor, eastern southeast Nusa. Yet, not in every island in southeast Maluku this art has its place. To the contrary, in the region where weave art is booming, the carving art is less booming. The weave art in Maluku is using a lot of red color, blue, brown or black with thin stripes pattern with or without pattern, for the exchange to be using wide stripes. From the means of work and pattern color, it is obvious that the Maluku weave art has a closed relationship with the wave art from eastern southeast Nusa.Plait ArtSeveral type of household in southeast Maluku made through plait. Basket, boxes and bags are the items commonly made. They are used for storing and carrying stuff. The fish catcher is also plaited. The plaited material is not always related to the households; however, it can also be used for religion ceremony. The basic material for plaiting is usually bamboo, rattan or leave from palm tree. Plait artwork consists of various techniques, from a very simple one until a complex one. Women generally are using palm tree, whilst men are using bamboo or rattan. The pattern, which usually applied, is a dancing person, stars, spiral/spring, fish, moons, and even family badge.Family Hair loomThe beauty of Maluku is also shone from the sparkle of gold jewelry. Tanimbar, Babar and surrounding Kisar have a tradition in gold craft. The gold itself is not mined there. The gold crafter obtains it from the trader who comes from Madagascar, Bugis, and from the Dutch and British at that time. The gold jewelry usually made in the form of bracelet, earring, crown, head accessories, necklace, clothing accessories as well as plate. The crafter roughs them with various patterns. The pattern can be in the form of stars, animals, human, or art. It indeed represents symbolic purposes. The pattern can also be designed a dead creature. The gold jewelry represents a distinctive status in the society as what they meant to be. Presently, that gold jewelry remains stored by the inheritance. They are stored and covered in the particular basket. On during certain occasion such religion ceremony. They are disclosed on ritual ceremony. In addition, they can be performed to the interested party with certain sum of money compensation. They are allowed to take picture. However, the person who allowed to wear it only those who inherited those jewelry.TraditionsMaluku is rich with cultural tradition. Fortunately, that tradition is remained preserved up to present and still can be enjoyed.Crazy bamboo for example, several people holding bamboo accompanied with local music, swinging, that seems to live and moves itself. The musical instruments are also distinctive from Maluku, such as blowing a shell, tifa and totobuang. There is also a tradition that takes place after 7 days of Iedul Fitri in Mamala and Morela. The youngster from the village, holding palm leaves rib, hitting to each other. While the scar caused to that, is healed by rubbing particular oil that prepared. Kora-kora race up to present is remained a tradition that never leave behind. It is commenced on April in several villages; it takes more or less 8 km. The kora-kora race is also meant to commemorate the anniversary of Ambon. There are lots more of tradition, until the customs in the month September in Haruku islands. Wherein the people seek and gather Maleo bird's egg that meant to conserve those species. In traditional dancing, Maluku has several traditional dances, one of them known as Sawat dance. And the dance that popular and known through out the nation and even the first president of Indonesia, Bung Karno, loved it a lot. That is called Lenso dance.

Kota ambon

Ambon city is also the capital of this vast archipelago province of Maluku. With its long history since the hey-day of the famed Spice Trade, it has developed itself to what it now is: a bustling hub and center of trade, education, culture and development.The city of Ambon was found around late 1500s and early 1600s after the Nossa Seinhora da Annunciada fort was erected by the Portuguese conquista dores. The Dutch took it over in 1602 and changed this fort to Kasteel Victoria and later rebuilt, enlarged and renamed as Kasteel Nieuw Victoria until nowadays. The people of the whole Maluku archipelago still call it Victoria. Feeling save to live and work in and around the fort, local people began to settle near the fort and so the city began to grow until the present day Kota Ambon, known as "Ambon Manise" meaning "Beautiful Ambon" referring not only to the beauty of the city itself but also to the beauty of the Islands that represents the beauty of the whole Maluku archipelago. The city now covers the area along the bays of the island the Ambon Bay, (Outer-and Inner Bay), and the Baguala Bay, making up a territory of about 277 sq.kms. The nowadays population is exceeding the 282 thousand souls consisting of people and races from all over the Maluku archipelago and even from other parts of Indonesia.Victoria FortThis is an old fort contributing to the founding of the City of Ambon, the Portuguese erected it in 1575, the Dutch took it over in 1602. The huge walls facing the Ambon bay are still preserved until today, while other parts are ruined. The old buildings inside are rebuilt into army officers' and soldiers'. It is an easy walk to get to the site when you are in downtown.Pattimura MemorialPatimura is the nickname given to Thomas Matulessy, a native from the island of Saparua who raised up against the Dutch in 1817. He caused the Dutch many headaches and was almost successful in taking over the strong Dutch Duurstede fort in Sapanua. In the early morning of the 15th of May in the same year Pattimura together with his followers besieged and ran the fort killing all the soldiers and civilians, leaving a live the youngest son of Van den Berg (at that time the Resident of Kasteel Duurstede). He was later betrayed by one of the raja's (Village Head) in Saparua, and with some of his followers delivered to the Dutch authorities and brought to Ambon and after their trial, were sent to the gallows. Today Pattimura is acknowledged as a national hero in Indonesia. The Pattimura Memorial is erected, right on the spot where he was executed in the early 19th Century, on Jalan Slamet Rijadi dose to the governor Office and Victoria Fort.Martha Christina Tiahahu MemorialMartha Christina Tiahahu is also an acknowledged national heroine in Indonesia as one of the many freedom fighters. Martha Christina Tiahahu fought side by side and supported her father who also stood up and fought the Dutch colonialism in this archipelago. When the Dutch caught and executed her father on the tiny island of Nusalaut, south-east from Saparua, she was taken to Java to work on the tea & coffee plantations. On board she refused any food offered by the Dutch crew. Suffering from misery and the execution of her father she passed away on the 2nd January 1818 at the age of only 18, and her body was then launched into the Banda Sea to have her final rest. To reach this memorial, one can take a minibus from the city to Karang panjang. From the rear of this memorial one can see the beautiful panorama of the City and the Blue Amboina Bay beneath or watch the sunset behind the rugged hills of the Leihitu Peninsula.The Australian MonumentThis memorial was erected by the Australian Government in 1967 to commemorate Doolan, an Australian serviceman. Doolan alone, had shot down a considerable amount of Japanese soldiers in the Second World War/Pacific War, while his comrades were retreating southward Ambon Island. Unfortunately the Japans discovered his hiding spot and ambushed him, and forbade the villagers to bury his corps, but later in the evening someone took the courage to take away his decaying remains and buried them under the gandaria tree, where the present monument is erected, in Kudamati quarter. When taking a minibus to Kudamati, you will pass this memorial, the memorial is known to the citizen as Tugu Doolan or Doolan for short.Siwalima MuseumThe founding of the museum is on November 8, 1973. The recent building is located in Taman Makmur hill. Maluku's heritage is preserved and portrayed in this museum. There are collections of ethnographic, historic and cultural and other scientific interests. Basically, this museum has two kinds of objectives that is from the historical-cultural point of view and the aquatic point of view. Cultural performances and traditional events are presented as artistic attractions. Various kinds of souvenirs are also provided in a small cottage so that the visitors can buy the things of their interests. Most of the collections come from South-East Maluku, besides other ancient ones. The museum is located only 3 kms from the bus terminal, and to get there, you can board the Amahusu minibus with a stop at Taman Makmur or Batu Capeo. On special request, one can have the opportunity of watching local music, performances and hand woven cloth demonstrations.Sirimau HillThe Sirimau Hill is on the Leitimor Peninsula. On top of it is a centuries-old urn, which is regarded sacred by the villagers. It is said that the urn is never empty. It is always filled with water, partially or full. The water can be drunk directly and be used to wash parts of our body such as the face, hands and legs while we are making our wishes that will come true someday. If there is a visitor who finds the urn empty, it will mean that the person is likely to have bad luck. It is very unique to visitors who after prosperity and wealth or looking for an ideal partner to share his or her life, or to be healed from a serious illness. Another interesting tourism object in Soya village is the Ancient House of Soya King which is ornamented with antiquities and The Ancient Church (Protestant) which is still used by the parishioners. The Soya village has once been visited by St. Franciscus Xaverius who arrivd in Ambon in 1546 on his trip to China for his missionary around East Asia. To commemorate his visit, it has been erected a half figure statue from the missionary just beside the Ancient Soya Church. Soya minibuses go from the Mardika terminal to Soya village.Commonwealth War CemeteryThe Commonwealth War Cemetery is located in Kapahaha Tantui about 2 kms from downtown. The piece of land on which the graves are located is donated by the citizens of Ambon to be used as a burial ground for the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who had become the Japanese prisoners on World War II, and also the Alliance army who died during the war. This area is an ex-Concentration Camp of Japanese prisoners who mostly were Australian people. This cemetery is well kept, and one can reach it by using minibuses. All minibuses that leaving the center of town will pass it since it is a one way passage. The ANZAC Day on every 25th of April is held at this spot. The ANZAC Day is an event to commemorate the soldiers and servicemen and women who died during the first and Second World War. Many friends, relatives and old-veterans come here to pay tribute to these men and women who lay buried in this cemetery. Any vehicle which come out from Ambon to the north direction will pass this Cemetery, which the people of Ambon called as Australian Cemetery.Amsterdam FortressAmsterdam fortress was built by the Dutch in their early years of the Spice Trade at the beginning of the 17th Century, near the Hila old Church. It was the second Dutch fort on the island of Ambon, afler Kasteel Van Nerre was built ane destroyed in nearby Seith. Fort Amsterdam was built after the Vereenigde Oost Indische Compagnie, known as the famous VOC, was eswd by the Heeren Zevenben in Holland. The famous blind writer of Ambon Georgius Everhardus Rumphius had led a life of a prince in this fort and wrote some books on the biological vegetation and life of Ambon.Old Hila ChurchThis was formerly a wooden church built by the Dutch in the 17th Century, built in the vicinity of Amsterdam fortress, but during the rule of Bernardus van Pleuren, then Governor of Comptoire Amboina (1775 - 1785), the church was renovated. After a strong earthquake in the late 1880s, the villagers rebuilt and changed the entrance to what it now is. The church is still in use for the services. To get there, one can catch the same minibus leaving to the old mosque Wapauwe mentioned above. Every end of the year, that is on every January 31, there is a folk party held in Hila-Kristen Village which lasts until February 1, in the morning.Wapauwe MosqueThe Mosque is an ancient bulding which has Malayan character traits. According to the village story, this mosque was formerly built on the hills and later in 1414 by an unknown supernatural power it moved down to its present location in Kaitetu. Today it is still being used for the daily services. One can get to Kaitetu by using the same Hila-Kaitetu minibus leaving from downtown Mardika terminal. Hila and Keitetu are the two villages which lies side by side on the north part of Cape Leihitu, Ambon Island.Dusun WisataA garden covering a wide area grown with "Kelapa Raja" (short species of coconut tree) and many species of local orchids and local fruits.Marine MuseumMarine museum that includes men eating crocodile exhibit, a complete whale skeleton, and other marine specimens.Rhumphius MonumentGeorge Everhard Rhumphius (1628-1702), a German scientist, but a Dutch Citizen, specialized in Fauna and Flora. He had lived in Ambon from 1660 to 1670. He made a research in Hilla Village, Cape Leihituand lived next to Fort Amsterdam. One of his great works is a book entitled: HET AMBONSCH KRUIDBOEK (botanical book). In this book, he scientifically exposed the plants which he discovered in Maluku. Besides writing about Fauna and Flora, Rhumphius also wrote about the history of Maluku. His Residence was on the street known as Pattimura street. The monument was erected at the Xaverius Senior High school yard at Pattimura street.

source: http://indahnesia.com/indonesia/MALKOT/kota_ambon.php

Unique Heritage and culture of PAPUA

PAPUAPapua is one of Indonesia province comprising a majority part of the western half of New Guinea Island and nearby. The province originally covered the entire western half of New Guinea, but in 2003, the western portion of the province, on the Bird's Head Peninsula, was declared in Jakarta as separate province named West Irian Jaya. The legality of this separation has been disputed, as it appears to conflict with the conditions of the Special Autonomy status awarded to Papua in the year 2000. The status of West Irian Jaya province is not yet resolved as of early 2006.
Papua is the official Indonesian and internationally recognized name for the province. During the colonial era the region was known as Dutch New Guinea. The province was known as West Irian or Irian Barat from 1969 to 1973, and then renamed Irian Jaya ("Victorious Irian") by Soeharto. This was the official name until Papua was adopted in 2002. Today, natives of this province prefer to call themselves Papuans rather than Irianese. This may be due to etymology (variously identified as a real etymology or a folk etymology) the name of Irian, which stems from the acronym Ikut Republik Indonesia, Anti Nederland (join/follow with the Republic of Indonesia, rejecting The Netherlands). The name West Papua is used among Papuan separatists and usually refers to the whole of the Indonesian portion of New Guinea.
The capital of Papua province is Jayapura. Most of the population depends on subsistence farming, especially the cultivation of rice and maize. The main industries include copper (with the largest concentration of copper in the world at Tembagapura), palm oil, copra, maize, groundnuts, pepper, tuna, gold, oil, coal, and phosphates. It is mostly a mountainous and forested region, with the Maoke Mountain range rising to 5,029-m/16,499 ft at Jaya Peak. The population comprises Melanesians (original settlers of Western New Guinea), Papuans, Negritos, and Europeans. Indigenous animism prevails. The province declared independence from Indonesia, as West Papua, in June 2000. However, the president of Indonesia stated that the declaration was unrepresentative of true feeling in the province.

GeographicallyA central East-West mountain range dominates the geography of New Guinea, over 1600 km in total length. The western section is around 600 km long and 100 km across. Steep mountains 3000 to 4000 m and up to 5000 m high along the range ensure a steady supply of rain from the tropical atmosphere. The tree line is around 4000 m elevation and the tallest peaks are snowbound year round.
Both North and West of the central ranges the land remains mountainous mostly 1000 to 2000 m high covered by thick rain forest and a warm humid year round climate. The third major habitat feature is the southeast lowlands with extensive wetlands stretching for hundreds of kilometers.Mamberamo River sometimes referred to the "Amazon of Papua" is the province's largest river, which winds through the northern part of the province. The result is a large area of lakes and rivers known as the Lakes Plains region. The famous Baliem Valley, home of the Dani people is a tableland 1600 m above sea level in the midst of the central mountain range; Jaya Peak, sometimes known by its former Dutch name Carstensz Pyramid, is a mist covered limestone mountain peak 5030 m above sea level.
Wide Area The wide area of Papua is 420,000 sq km/162,000 sq mi.
PopulationPapua population based on 2000 est. is 2,220,900. It has some 240 different tribal peoples, each with its own language and culture. Indigenous Papuans in West Papua and Papua New Guinea speak some 15% of the world's known languages. West Papua together with the rest of the island of New Guinea, are the lungs of the Asia-Pacific, containing the last great surviving virgin rainforest after the Amazon.
DemographicsThe population of Papua province and the neighboring West Irian Jaya, both of which are still under a united administration, totaled 2,646,489 in 2005. Since the early 1990s, Papua has had the highest population growth rate of all Indonesian provinces at over 3% annually. This is partly a result of high birth rates, but also from immigration from other regions in Indonesia.
According to the 2000 census, 78% of the Papuan population identified themselves as Christian with 54% being Protestant and 24% being Catholic. 21% of the population was Muslim and less than 1% were Buddhist or Hindu. There is also substantial practice of animism by Papuans, which is not recorded by the Indonesian government in line with the policy of Pancasila.
EcologyA vital tropical rainforest with the tallest tropical trees and vast biodiversity, Papua's known forest fauna includes marsupials (including possums, wallabies, tree-kangaroos, cuscuses), other mammals (including the endangered Long-beaked Echidna), many bird species (including birds of paradise, cassowaries, parrots, cockatoos), the world's longest lizards (Papua monitor) and the world's largest butterflies. The island has an estimated 16,000 species of plant, 124 genera of which are endemic.The extensive waterways and wetlands of Papua are also home to salt and freshwater crocodile, tree monitor, flying foxes, osprey, bats and other animals; while the equatorial glacier fields remain largely unexplored.
In February 2006, a team of scientists exploring the Foja Mountains, Sarmi, discovered numerous new species of birds, butterflies, amphibians, and plants, including a species of rhododendron, which may have the largest bloom of the genus. Ecological threats include logging-induced deforestation, forest conversion for plantation agriculture (especially oil palm), small holder agricultural conversion, the introduction and potential spread of non-native alien species such as the Crab-eating Macaque, which preys on and competes with indigenous species, the illegal species trade, and water pollution from oil and mining operations.
RegionsIndonesia structures regions contains of regencies and sub districts within those. Though names and areas of control of these regional structures can vary over time in accord with changing political and other requirements, in 2005 Papua province consisted of 19 regencies. The regencies are: Timika, Yapen - Waropen, Biak - Numfor, Nabire, Puncak Jaya, Paniai, Jayawijaya, Merauke, Sarmi, Keerom, Waropen, Tolikara, Yahukimo, Bintang Mountain, Boven Digoel, Mappi, Asmat, Supiori, and Jayapura. In addition to these, Jayapura city also has the status of regency.
Government Papua province has governed by a directly elected governor (currently Barnabas Suebu) and a regional legislature, DPRP (Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat Papua). A unique government organization that only exists in Papua is the MRP (Majelis Rakyat Papua / Papuan People's Council) that was formed by the Indonesian Government in 2005 as a coalition of Papuan tribal chiefs, tasked with arbitration and speaking on behalf of Papuan tribal customs.

SOUTHEAST SULAWESI potention

Formerly called the Celebes, Sulawesi is one of the world's most uniquely shaped islands. It is often referred to as the "Orchid Shaped Island". Historically, Sultans ruled this land and the Local area is Governed by regents. Today, Sulawesi is divided into four provinces, one of them being Southeast Sulawesi, covering the lower eastern leg of this beautiful island.
Southeast Sulawesi is an Indonesia province on Sulawesi Island. The capital of the province is Kendari, on the east coast of the peninsula. The province is one of the most remote regions of Sulawesi; no highway connects it to the cities on the rest of the island, so the primary transportation link is a ferry across Bone Sea between Watampone (Bone) in South Sulawesi and Kolaka port.
The population of the province is 1.771,951 (in 2000 Census), most of which is centered on Buton island of the Sulawesi south coast, and around Kendari. From the seventeenth century until the early twentieth century, the region was the site of the Buton (Butung) sultanate.
The Southeast Province is populated by more than 1,2 million people, in five diverse and interesting cultural groups: Tolaki, Morunene, Buton, Muna (Locally called Wuna), and Bajo. All offer the visitor a glimpse of life-styles, which have survived man's rush to modernization while using much of today's technology to their advantage.

Most of the land area of southeast Sulawesi is covered by natural jungle, with extensive plantations of teak and ironwood, which are used for local handicraft and contribute to the local economy. Much of the beauty of the region has been preserved for prosperity by declaring it "National Parks" and "Nature Preserve.

Wonereous animals, living freely, easily seen and appreciated by visitors, inhabit the entire province. Deer, Wild Pigs, Small Rodent-Like animals called Kus-Kus, Monkey, Snakes, Anoa (small buffalo) and numerous varieties of birds abound. But the hunting of animals is forbidden in national parks preserves and carefully controlled by local government, in other areas.

The friendly of the Sulawesi People, the local flora, fauna, and untouched beaches, are the highlights of this unique located. It is truly one of the world's last remaining. Natural habitats are waiting to show for the visitor who can appreciate such natural beauty and the people who live in it.

EAST NUSA TENGGARA

East Nusa Tenggara Islands have been shaped by the power and force of an enormous chain of mountains and volcanoes, which begins from the North of Sumatra and stretches east across Java. The province consists of over 550 islands, but is dominated by the three main islands of Flores, Sumba, and Timor. Occupying a unique position at the junction of Australian and Asian submarine ridges marked by the Wallace Line, it is one the world's most dynamic and exotic marine environments with nearly every species of coral and tropical fish represented. The arid landscape of eastern and southeastern Nusa Tenggara is the result of hot, dry winds blasting in from the Australian continent. In fact, in many coastal areas not a drop of rain falls during most of the year.
Flores is a Portuguese name, which means 'flower' and ideally describes the beauty to be found here. This long island between Sumbawa and Timor is crowded with volcanoes and mountains dividing it into several distinct regions with individual languages and traditions. Predominantly Catholic and heavily influenced by the Portuguese, there are many examples of a strong European cultural heritage like eastern procession held in Larantuka, and the royal regalia of the former king in Maumere.
Formerly known as the Sandalwood Island, Sumba is now famous for its horses and an excellent style of ikat cloth. Spirits, both ancestral and natural are worshipped. Although some exist in East Sumba, it is in West Sumba that there are a number of enormous megalithic tombs and traditional thatched and peaked huts raised on stilts. It is here where incredible rituals take place, such as 'Pasola' where hundreds of horsemen fling spreads at each other in an annual ritual. Many traditional ceremonies, all with a component paying homage to the spirits, take place from July to October including the traditional houses and burials when sometimes hundreds of pigs, water buffaloes, horses, and dogs are scarified. Other ceremonies include 'Pajura' or traditional boxing, festivals for the Lunar New Year in October and November, horse races and ritual dances.

GEOGRAPHICALLYEast Nusa Tenggara is one of the four provinces in the Nusa Tenggara (Southeast Islands). Starting from Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, and east Timor. It stretch is between 118° and 125° east longitude, and between 1 18° and 125°southern latitude lines, and between 8° and 12 ° southern latitude lines. The territory of East Nusa Tenggara Province comprises 566 islands. The three main islands are Flores, Sumba, and Timor from which come the term FLOBAMOR, which has been familiar as one of the names of East Nusa Tenggara.Flores is the main volcanic island and has many unique and spectacular attractions, one of these is Mount Kelimutu with its lakes of distinct color variation, has become one of the fabled destinations travelers.Sumba is the island famous for its arts, handicrafts, particularly the textile weaving, and cultural assets. The other name given to East Nusa Tenggara is "Nusa Cendana" the Sandalwood Island.
GEOLOGICALLYGeologically, East Nusa Tenggara can be regarded as being divided into two zones: first, the volcanic inner curve formed by the islands Rinca, Komodo, Flores, Alor, Pantar, Adonara, Lembata and Solor, which have fertile soils and second, the out curve with limestone and rock formation, made up of the island Sumba, Sabu, Rote, Semau, and Timor.
DEMOGRAPHYThe total number of NTT inhabitants in 2001 was 3,888.735 - 1,919.644 (49.36%) men and 1,969.091 (50.64%) women. The most populated is Manggarai regency (621,989 people) and Kupang city is the most densely populated (1,517.30 people per square kilometer).
CLIMATEDue to central highlands and their closeness to Australia, the seasons are irregular. Generally the islands are semi-arid, with a longer dry season lasting from March to November. The wet season lasts from December to March, but can be considerably shorter and small island of Savu. The average rainfall of this region is between 36 - 4,127 mm/year. The temperature is range from 20.3 C to 31.7 C.
TOPOGRAPHYEast Nusa Tenggara is mountainous, and very steep slopes are everywhere besides some not too wide plateaus or uplands. The lowlands are a long the coastal areas only. Despite of the situation, most part of this region is not fertile, since the rainfall varies between 500 mm and 2000 mm a year. East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is includes 566 islands. In addition, there are 524 uninhabited islands. It covers an area of about 47,349.9 square kilometers, including 200,000 square kilometers of maritime territory. Roughly 57 percent of the territory is hilly, with cliffs. The lowlands lay generally around the beaches and river mouths.
WIDE AREAThe area of East Nusa Tenggara occupies an area of 49,879.98 square kilometers, and has a population of more than 3,500.000. It is divided into 12 regencies and one municipality. Kupang regency is the largest region (7,178.26 square kilometers) and the smallest region is Kupang city (160.34 km2).
LANGUAGESThere are a lot of languages spoken in East Nusa Tenggara coming from as many different which groups of the population. Bahasa Indonesia is the national language in Malay, written in Roman script and based in European orthography. In all tourist destination areas English is the number one foreign language fairly spoken and written.

wakatobi south east sulawesi

Welcome to Wakatobi - a destination where you can dive the world's most pristine reefs and experience remoteness from everyday life in total comfort. Situated on a beautiful tropical island in the remote and peaceful Wakatobi archipelago in the Banda Sea, Wakatobi Dive Resort offers what many consider to be the best reef diving in the world.

Intimate and eco-friendly"
Our intimate, eco-friendly resort is located in the Wakatobi archipelago in remote Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia where we are the only fully licence dive tourism operator. The resort itself is situated on a small island locally called Onemobaa. Our island is beside Tomia Island, one of four major islands covering an area of 821 sq. km. The beautiful resort is built directly at the seaside, with all bungalows spaced along our exquisite beach.
A whole new level
Over the years Wakatobi's grown from being a simple, remote outpost to a fully equipped resort offering comforts otherwise not associated with the best diving. Often you have to choose between comforts and diving quality. Well, not anymore!
Wakatobi now offers beautiful accommodations with fine appointments that will satisfy the most discriminating traveler! There are four (4) levels of accommodation: Villas, Select Beach Bungalows, Standard Beach Bungalows and Garden Bungalows. All accommodations are spacious and available with a either a king-size bed, and/or twin beds to sleep up to three adults or two adults and two children. All of our accommodations have a balcony in front as well as lounge chairs, tables and other furnishings. There a desk with internet access, a mini-bar, and much more. All bungalows and villas are equipped with airconditioning.
I've been to 19 different resorts & liveaboards around the world and the only place I've ever returned to, despite having had a wonderful times at every other place, is Wakatobi. And now I want to come back again! 5 time returnee T. Grogan, CA-USA

Guest conveniences
Just because we are located on a remote island doesn't mean you half to sacrifice on comfort and conveniences. We generate and provide our own electricity 24-7. All of our villas and beach bungalows are equipped with air conditing to keep you comfortable day or night. We have our own reverse-osmosis water system to provide plenty of purified safe drinking water and hot water for your shower.
To keep in touch with the outside world, we also provide guests access to the resort's own satellite communication system which handles voice, fax and 64/128 kbs internet. All bungalows have complimentary internet connectively

Delightful cuisine
Our team of top-trained Balinese Chefs prepare delicious, ample and healthy meals using fresh produce that we fly in from Bali and overseas. Added to this are loads of day-fresh tuna sashimi, excellent soups, barbecued fish, fresh fruits, steaks and oriental specialties. Be sure to save room for one of the decadent desserts made fresh every day by our pastry chef.
We are of course able to accommodate special diet needs and in advance of your arrival our attentive Bali administrative staff will enquire if you have any special wishes or needs.
"The staff is great and actually the food is mind blowing considering the remoteness of Wakatobi. Beef fillet, smoked marlin, pastries, fresh salad almost to the very end. No one went hungry; an amazing feat of logistical support. We had 2 birthday cake parties. Beautiful. The breads are amazing. The entire staff really works and it shows. They really care. I like Wakatobi and I will get busy putting together a group for a repeat visit."
Edward Fedoruk - GourmetDivers.com (2005, 2007)

The Story of Wakatobi

The story of Wakatobi Dive Resort starts back in the sixties when Resort founder Lorenz Mäder's father brought him from the mountains of Switzerland to the Mediterranean and taught him to snorkel. That was the start of a life-long passion for Lorenz. Two decades later after years of working in the Red Sea and Maldives as a dive instructor and Dive Liveaboard Cruise Director Lorenz set out to create his dream. A Dive Resort far away from the tourism hot spots, where he could establish a new way of running an ecotourism operation. A Resort combining diving with care for the environment. A place where a quality experience goes over the number of people served in a day. A community based business concept to manage the natural resources.
Lorenz was in Singapore establishing a base for his exploration of Eastern Indonesia. (Having studied Navy Charts and dived the Wallacea area, which marks the region with the highest marine biodiversity, he knew that the envisioned dream location must be there). Months of trekking through the islands and exploring the reefs on local fishermen's boats finally brought him to the blissful corner of an island the locals called Onemobaa (Local language for 'Long white sandy Beach'. Knowing that this was indeed the place to build his resort, Lorenz approached the locals to find out who owned the land. He then met Mr.. Baharruddin, the son of the last Sultan of the area and made friends with him. Till this day the two are, as they say, inseparable. In his role as keeper of traditions, serving the community by thinking long-term, Haji Baharuddin is one of the very few Indonesians truly understanding the necessity of conservation.

Reinforced by Lorenz's personal objective to make a contribution to marine conservation, the challenging project was started in a region where locals have not seen a white man since the Dutch left the country and electricity and running water are still a rarity.
The first building, the LonghouseSearching for the right location to setup his dream resort, Lorenz spent many days being "Manta-towed" behind local boats researching the reef conditions in the area. Lorenz' objective - to find a place with a combination of a World-class reef in front, a beautiful topside (read: beach), ground water availability and a friendly local community.
1995The arduous task of building the resort could then begin. The first building was erected (the Longhouse), which laid the grounds for what years later would be called the premier coral reef diving destination.
1996Start of Diving and Hotel Operations. In the beginning the resort had a capacity of only 12 guests, all housed in the Resort's Longhouse. An ingenious building that was a bit like a live-aboard on the beach. This largest traditionally built house on these islands contained guest rooms, kitchen, dining area, staff quarters, dive center, bathrooms and storage. The concept was developed so that if the resort wasn't a success the building could be folded up and be moved elsewhere!Back in those days it was very hard to get to the Resort. The journey involved international flights, two or more domestic flights, an overnight in a transit town, several boat and van transfers. This brought the total traveling time from gateway towns like Singapore to somewhere around 30 hours! Yet somehow determination managed to attract a hard-core bunch of diving enthusiasts, and the resort was on its way.
Our first boat, the Wakatobi Satu1997An 'Undercurrent' article published in the USA opened the Wakatobi Destination to avid American Divers.Locally hired boats were used for dive operations.
1998In September 1998 the first custom built transfer boat 'WAKATOBI SATU' brought the guests directly from the nearest airport (Kendari, capitol of Southeast Sulawesi) to the Wakatobi Resort, 250 km away. WAKATOBI DUA speed boat enters service
1999The decision was made to build an own runway out on the islands to enable direct flights from Bali to the Resort. This way the transfer time would be brought down to a mere fraction of what it used to be! (2.5 hrs vs. 30 hrs). WAKATOBI TIGA provides a convenient dive platform with an always cheerful crew.
2000A larger vessel, the CISKA got chartered to transfer the maximum 18 guests until the airstrip opened.Works started at the airfield, Wakatobi Resort managing a team of up to 1000 people during the runway construction.
2001Wakatobi Resort inaugurates the 1506 m long Wakatobi Maranggo Runway, probably the largest hotel owned airstrip in Asia. Planes with 18 - 44 seats bring visitors in style from all over the world to the extremely remote Wakatobi Resort.
2002The company gets restructured, moves office to the current location in Kuta Bali.
2003
Community launch of the locally built Wakatobi VWAKATOBI EMPAT, custom built locally, proves to be extremely convenient for diving and is the first of 4 new dive vessels to enter service over the next 3 years.Divers are a hungry bunch and the newly introduced Kitchen Team from a Bali 5* Hotel creates a new level of F & B services.
2004Over the years capacity has gradually been brought up from the initial 12 to 34 guests. WAKATOBI LIMA is added to the dive fleet
2005The resort housed 44 guests in all Bungalow-style accommodations and one Cliff Villa, with the original Longhouse having been converted entirely to house the dive center and other common guests facilities such as library and bar, souvenir shop and Multimedia room.
A Jetty Bar is added, offering drinks and snacks with spectacular sunset views.
With WAKATOBI ENAM the resort has 4 large, convenient, safe dive platforms to reach as well farther away dive spots such as Ndaa island and Binongko.
2006Due to the increased capacity of 48 guests in 22 Bungalows and 2 Cliff Villas, the new restaurant in the beach corner takes over from the longhouse.
Our first wooden dive vessel WAKATOBI TIGA is replaced by a new vessel with the same name.
Overcoming the infrastructure and logistic challenges in this remote area with his pioneer spirit and multiple skills he developed a resort that is now by many ranked the No. 1 Land-Based Coral Reef Diving Resort in the world.

Buton Island Group, “Pakande-kandea”

Buton Island Group, “Pakande-kandea” Buton Island Group, “Pakande-kandea”. The most fascinating cultural appeal of Buton Island can be enjoyed when local people conduct cere-monies, celebrations of folk events which welcome honored guests, food and cakes are offered to visitors and traditional dances are performed. Buton Island is also well-known for its asphalt, and for its teak and ironwood. Nirwana Beach is located 12 km from the village of Baubau, and is popular for swimming and its fine white sand beach. The small adjoining island, only thirty minutes away by sailboat, is a fisherman’s paradise. There is daily boat service from Kendari, with a stop-over in Raha, the capital city of the island of Muna.

Wenang Golf Club, North Sulawesi

Facilities:
Club House
Locker
Shower
Pro-Shop
Restaurant
Golf Club for hire
Shoes for hire
Driving Range
Golf Course Info:
Member of: APLGIYear Built: 1978Designer: Pemda Sulawesi Utara
Total holes: 18Total Pars: 72Type Course: Member
Owner: Government of North Sulawesi
Address:
Jl. Mr. A.A Maramis, Kairagi IIManadoPhone: [62-431] 811480Fax: [62-431] 811480

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 atRp. 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

Dramatic of Kecak Dance in Bali

The Kecak dance is one of the most famous of Balinese dances. It is unusual because it has no musical accompaniment like many other Indonesian dances do, the rhythm of the dance is produced by the chanting 'monkey' chorus. Instead, a troupe of over 150 bare-chested men serve as the chorus, making a wondrous cacophony of synchronized "chak-achak-achak" clicking sounds while swaying their bodies and waving their hands .From that chanting noise of "Cak-cak-cak", then it gave the dance its name Kecak.
What makes the Kecak such a fascinating dance to watch are the fifty or so men in the checkered pants. They are both the choir and the props, providing the music for the story in a series of constant vocal chants that change with the mood of the actors. They don't sit still, either, they wave their arms to simulate fire, and reposition themselves around the stage to represent wind and fire, prison cells, and unseen hand of protection from the gods.
The dance is played in five acts and lasts roughly 45 minutes. It taken from the Hindu epic Ramayana, which tells the story of Prince Rama and his rescue of Princess Sita, who has been kidnapped by the evil King of Lanka, Rahwana and somehow with the help of the white monkey army, Rama rescues his wife and defeats the evil Rahwana.
Attending a Kecak recital is a must for any visitor to Bali. It is a wondrous experience, and a window into the musical and artistic culture that make the Balinese a special people.
By Land:Bali is connected to Java by a regular ferry service running between Gilimanuk and Banyuwangi. If you are taking the train or a night bus from Jakarta, Bandung or Yogyakarta, travels first to Surabaya for the connection to Banyuwangi. Buses can be boarded at Banyuwangi or Gilimanuk for the final leg to Denpasar.
By Sea:The state-run passengers line PELNI operates weekly sailing's between Bali and Jakarta, Ujung Pandang and Balikpapan. Regular ferries sail between Lombok and Bali.
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No need to worry where youll stay in Bali. There are many hotels range provided here, from the luxurious, middle range and budget hotels are spread around the island.
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There are a variety of restaurants in Bali offering a good choice of food to suit a variety of tastes at reasonable prices. Kuta and Jimbaran is a great place to eat especially Seafood and Western dishes are your best bets while in Ubud lots of sophisticated restaurants and many of the shopping centers in the area have places to eat and there are several fast food places for those fast food addicts.
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Its so easy to move around in Bali, especially in the tourist area. You can rent a bike or motorcycle to move around the city. Theres also car rental. Public buses ply routes throughout Bali from Denpasar's Ubung Terminal.
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There are a lot of things to do or see while youre in Bali. Beside its cultural and art, there are also numerous temples, ancient sites and of course, great restaurants around Ubud while in the roads around Kuta, Legian and Sanur are lined with shops and hawkers that sell about everything, offering a huge choice of places to eat and a lively nightlife.
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Handwoven fabrics are a great buy; a simple sarong is an inexpensive, portable and practical travel accessory,Ubud is the best place for you to buy paintings and other artworks,Browsing at the Sukawati Art Market and Galeria Nusa Dua offers a tempting range of Balinese goods in one place.
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Various hotels in Bali hold Kecak Dance performances and often deal providing dinner and tickets to the performance are offered at the main hotels in Bali. Ask your hotel for further information.
Weekly (in some places daily) performances of the Kecak abound around the island, but the most well-known Kecak Theater is in the town of Batubulan just north of the Balinese capital of Denpasar. The dance company provides transportation for a nominal fee to and from the resort.
Upon arrival, if your hotel has not arranged transportation from the airport, hire a taxi from the transport counter outside the arrival gate. Fares are listed by destination and must be paid in advance. Metered taxis are also available in Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua and Denpasar.
[=Travel Tips'>
By Air:Numerous international carriers service Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport either directly or via Jakarta. Domestic airlines operate schedule flights from various cities within Indonesia.
By Land:Bali is connected to Java by a regular ferry service running between Gilimanuk and Banyuwangi. If you are taking the train or a night bus from Jakarta, Bandung or Yogyakarta, travels first to Surabaya for the connection to Banyuwangi. Buses can be boarded at Banyuwangi or Gilimanuk for the final leg to Denpasar.
By Sea:The state-run passengers line PELNI operates weekly sailing's between Bali and Jakarta, Ujung Pandang and Balikpapan. Regular ferries sail between Lombok and Bali.
[=
No need to worry where youll stay in Bali. There are many hotels range provided here, from the luxurious, middle range and budget hotels are spread around the island.
[=
There are a variety of restaurants in Bali offering a good choice of food to suit a variety of tastes at reasonable prices. Kuta and Jimbaran is a great place to eat especially Seafood and Western dishes are your best bets while in Ubud lots of sophisticated restaurants and many of the shopping centers in the area have places to eat and there are several fast food places for those fast food addicts.
[=
Its so easy to move around in Bali, especially in the tourist area. You can rent a bike or motorcycle to move around the city. Theres also car rental. Public buses ply routes throughout Bali from Denpasar's Ubung Terminal.
[=
There are a lot of things to do or see while youre in Bali. Beside its cultural and art, there are also numerous temples, ancient sites and of course, great restaurants around Ubud while in the roads around Kuta, Legian and Sanur are lined with shops and hawkers that sell about everything, offering a huge choice of places to eat and a lively nightlife.
[=
Handwoven fabrics are a great buy; a simple sarong is an inexpensive, portable and practical travel accessory,Ubud is the best place for you to buy paintings and other artworks,Browsing at the Sukawati Art Market and Galeria Nusa Dua offers a tempting range of Balinese goods in one place.
[=
Various hotels in Bali hold Kecak Dance performances and often deal providing dinner and tickets to the performance are offered at the main hotels in Bali. Ask your hotel for further information.
Weekly (in some places daily) performances of the Kecak abound around the island, but the most well-known Kecak Theater is in the town of Batubulan just north of the Balinese capital of Denpasar. The dance company provides transportation for a nominal fee to and from the resort.
Upon arrival, if your hotel has not arranged transportation from the airport, hire a taxi from the transport counter outside the arrival gate. Fares are listed by destination and must be paid in advance. Metered taxis are also available in Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua and Denpasar.

toraja south sulawesi

The road from Makassar or Ujung Pandand to Toraja runs along the coast for about 130 km's and then hits the mountains. After the entrance to Tana Toraja you enter a majestic landscape with giant gray, granites and stones and blue mountains at a distance after passing the market village of Mebali. They form a sharp contrast with the lively green of the fertile, rain-fed terraces and the rusty read of the tropical laterite soil. This is Tana Toraja, one of the most splendid areas in Indonesia.
Tana Toraja has a specific and unique funeral ceremony which is called Rambu Solo. In Tana Toraja, dead body is not buried, but it is put in Tongkonan for several times, even can be more than ten years until the family have enough money to held the ceremony. After ceremony, the dead body is brought to the cave or to the wall of the mountain. The skulls show us that the dead body is not buried but just put on stone or ground, or put in the hole.The funeral festival season begins when the last rice has been harvested, usually in late June or July, and lasts through to September.
By AirDirectly from Hasanuddin airport, Makassar or Ujung Pandang, proceed to TANA TORAJA through the airport of Rantetayo, near Makle, 24 km south of Rantepao and there is a bus service to town.
By Land
Buses to Rantepao from Ujung Pandang leave daily from Ujung Pandang. The journey takes 8 hours and includes a meal stop. Tickets should be bought in town but coaches actually leave from Panaikan bus terminal, 20 minutes out of town by bemo. Coaches typically leave in the morning ( 7 am ), noon ( 1 pm ) and at night ( 7 pm).Several companies in Rantepao run buses back to Ujung Pandang with the departure time and prices. The number of buses each day depends on the number of passengers.
Tourist who wants to stay in the heart of the city has many choices since there is lot of hotels available. Or if you had an adventurous soul, you can sleep in villages on the way.
Bemo is the best way to get to know the locals, besides chartered vehicles (minibuses and Jeeps) with or without driver. While you are in the village you can take a walk to move around.
Exploring the market; You should not to be missed going to the traditional market. Here you can get the top end of Toraja coffee beans [like Robusta and Arabica]. And several local veggies, fruits Tamarella or Terong Belanda and gold fish [ikan mas].
Visit Batu Tumonga Plateu; It means stone that facing to the sky. From here can be seen many volcanic stones comes up in between padi fields. And, several giant stones became cave graveyard. The views is pretty awesome. The huge of Tana Toraja [Toraja land] looks so lush and greenery. Like a patchwork in gradation hue of green color
Palawa is an excellent village to visit a Tongkonan, or a burial place still swarming with celebrations and festivals.
Take a side trip from Rantepao to Kete, a traditional village with excellent handicraft shops. Behind the village on a hillside is a grave site with lifesize statues guarding over old coffins
Most of the times, you can't eat at these locations; however more warung and restaurants appear along the road. You can also bring your own foods and drinks.
There is a souvenirs shop where you can buy everything specific from Tana Toraja. There are clothes, bags, wallets and other handicrafts.
Visitor are expected to adhere to local dress customs and to bring a token present, such as cigarettes or coffee whenever entered Tongkonan.
As roads are not always paved, it is necessary to use a jeep or walk, even when the weather is good (between May and October).
Beware with your head whenever going inside to Tongkonan, The Torajan traditional house.
Enrekang, Makale and Toraja Higland are surrounded by astonishing volcanic rocky cliffs. Do not miss it , just stop and take picture for awhile and you will not regret.

Baliem Valley - Papua

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

Another remarkable custom of Dani is that women will amputate their finger when their relatives die, hence doesnt be surprise when you see women with missing finger.
To enhance the quality of your experience in Baliem Valley, guide is essential since there are no clear maps or signage initiated for visitor. The guide will help to lead the track, communicate with the local people and in advance, the guide will inform the tourist about local dos and donts.
Flying might be the only way to access the Baliem Valley through Wamena. Here are some alternatives on carrier from Jayapura to Wamena: (For further info, ask the officers at Sentani Airport Information Center).
Trigana Air Services provide daily flights into and out of Wamena. Spot the Trigana Air Service Offices at Sentani Airport terminal and Wamena Airport terminal.

MAF
AMA
Yajasi
Manunggal Air
Hercules carrier provide by Indonesian army (TNI)
To access Baliem Valley, you can rent car or public bus from Wamena.

For those who are adventurer and cultural observer in heart, stay and mingle with the Baliem Valley people is possible, just make sure your guide booked it before your visit. Go Show? Affordable.
If the first alternative is way too extreme, you can stay at hotels at Wamena:
Wamena Hotel at Jl. Homhom 61
Srikandi Hotel at Jl. Irian 16
Pondok Wisata Putri Dani at Jl. Irian 40
Nayak Hotel at Jl. Gatot Subroto 63
Hotel Syah Rial Makmur at Jl. Gatot Subroto 45
Hotel Anggrek at Jalan Ambon 1
Baliem Pilamo Hotel at Jalan Trikora
Baliem Valley Resort (3 star resort), www.baliem-valley-resort.de
Would you mind if we say ON FOOT? Healthy foot and fit body? Absolutely. Through trekking, you can witness traditional ceremonies, traditional markets and the people of Dani.
There is no restaurant inside the Baliem- Valley, a guide could bargain the Dani people to provide simple meals. Its stoutly advised, that the visitor bring their own meals and snack during the trekking. Meals and snacks can be found in grocery store at Wamena
Souvenir can be easily found on the valley and buy the crafts directly from the Dani people.
Stone blade is a major favorite for the tourist
Sekan: rattan bracelate
Noken: made from trees bark
Head and arm necklace
Jogal: grass skirt
And other head decorations
The captivating Baliem Fiesta is held on August around 10 - 17 August every year. The festival performs traditional dances, pig races, ancestral fighting and races. Today, Baliem Fiesta is one of the main reasons why tourists visit Papua. Its a magical Fiesta says most of the tourist.
Join the large and busy local market at Sinatma.
Spotting mummies at Kurulu Village.
Guide is needed to explore the valley
Dont forget to bring the copy of your Surat Keterangan Jalan
Best time to visit is between March and August
If you travel during the rainy season, be prepared with cold weather equipment
Ask your guide about Dos and Donts in the Baliem Valley
Foreigner must obtain a travel permit letter or known as Surat Keterangan Jalan to get the access into the interior part of Papua. You can obtain the Surat Keterangan Jalan at main town police station such as Jayapura, Merauka, Timika, Biak, Nabire, Monokwari and other main city. The permit of lasts will depend on your request, from 1 week until 1 month or even longer. Please prepare copies of your passport, recent photograph and list of places you wish to visit. Its easy to get the Surat Keterangan Jalan, because the officers are friendly and helpful.
You can ask your travel agent to arrange the Surat Keterangan Jalan.

Further Reading:
www.papua-adventures.com

EAST NUSATENGGARA culture

East Nusa Tenggara (Indonesian: Nusa Tenggara Timur) is a province of Indonesia, located in the eastern portion of the Lesser Sunda Islands, including West Timor. The provincial capital is Kupang, located on West Timor.The province consists of about 550 islands, but is dominated by the three main islands of Flores, Sumba, and West Timor, the western half of the island of Timor. The eastern part of Timor is the independent country of East Timor. Other islands include Adonara, Alor, Ende, Komodo, Lembata, Menipo, Rincah, Rote Island (the southernmost island in Indonesia), Savu, Semau, and Solor.After the declaration of Indonesia independence in 1945, the eastern part of Indonesia declared themselves as the State of East Indonesia by the statute of Staatsblad No. 143, 1946.

The state was further included in the United States of Indonesia as one of the agreement of the Dutch to transfer its sovereignty to Indonesia in 1949.In 1955, Indonesia dissolved itself into a unitary state and began to divide its region into provinces. In 1958, by the Indonesian statute of law (Undang-Undang) No. 64/1958, three provinces were established in the Lesser Sunda Islands, namely Bali, West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara provinces.[3] According to the law, East Nusa Tenggara province includes the western part of Timor island, Flores, Sumba and other several small islands in the region. The province was further divided into twelve regencies.

Source: Wikipedia

Western New Guinea is the Indonesian western half of the island of New Guinea and consists of two provinces, Papua and West Papua. It was previously known by various names, including Netherlands New Guinea (1895-1 October 1962), West New Guinea (1 October 1962-1 May 1963), West Irian (1 May 1963–1973), and Irian Jaya (1973–2000). The incorporation of western New Guinea into Indonesia remains controversial with human rights NGOs, including some supporters in the United States Congress and other bodies, as well as many of the territory's indigenous population. Many indigenous inhabitants and human rights NGOs refer to it as West Papua.Western New Guinea was annexed by Indonesia under the controversial Act of Free Choice in 1969. In 2003, the Indonesian central government declared that the province would be split into three provinces: Papua Province, Central Irian Jaya Province, and West Irian Jaya Province. Opposition to this resulted in the plan for Central Irian Jaya province being scrapped, and even the designation of West Irian Jaya Province is still legally unclear. Despite this, the West Irian Jaya (Irian Jaya Barat) province was formed on February 6th, 2006 and the name was officially changed to West Papua (Papua Barat) on February 7th, 2007. The independent sovereign state of Papua New Guinea (PNG) borders Papua Province to the east.