Ubud Bali Travel Places

Ubud is located 35 km northeast of Bali's International Airport. It is attractive to tourists for a variety of reasons. On a relatively small island with a horde of attractions, Ubud is centrally located, and even the closest beach is only 15 minutes away.

The Ubud area is around two- to three hundred meters above sea level and surrounded by rice fields, which makes it noticeably cooler than then other tourist destinations in Bali. Neighbouring villages are well known for unique bamboo crafts and furniture, wood- and stone carving and many other crafts.

Ubud is famous for it's regularly nightly traditional dance performances, which are part of the traditional culture and are arranged for tourists on a regular schedule. Hindu-Balinese ceremonies take place on a nearly daily basis, especially in the European summer, which is the driest and coolest season here.

Ubud is popular in part today because it is the best place in Bali to break out of the tourist mode and get off the beaten path, although far from undiscovered. Hotels are plentiful; home stays and Indonesian guesthouses (losmen) are easily available to the foreign tourist. Many tourists simply base their entire stay in the city and travel to other destinations from Ubud.

Accommodations in Ubud are also somewhat more reasonably priced than in the beach towns of Bali. But atmosphere is perhaps the major attractions. One visitor summed it up this way: Kuta is madness, Sanur is sterile, and Nusa Dua is culturally isolated; Ubud is the place to go.

Sleeping places

• Agung Khalia Villa. Banjar Sala, Ubud-Pejeng. Luxury 3 bedroom villa with panoramic rice field and Mount Agung views. Private pool, wonderful staff, and excellent service. Only 10 minutes from central Ubud. Grand Opening Special for 2009. Rp.1,500,000-2,000,000 per night for the whole villa.

• Barong Resort and Spa. Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Bali, 80571. Tel: +62-361-971759. Nestled in the paddy fields of Ubud, the resort provides both accommodation and spa facilities that reflect Bali's tranquility. Offering 5 star hotel rooms, prices start from Rp.2,300,000.

• Bukit Naga, tel: +62 361 730668, A 6 bedroom private villa with a full staff and private car.

• Bumi Ayu Villa. A two storey, two bedrooms, bungalow in the forest on a cliff overlooking the river behind the village of Sebatu. Sebatu is on the road from Ubud to Kintamani. Rp.1,800,000/person/day, including driver available for the full day.

• Como Shambhala Estate. Formerly the Begawan Giri Estate. Price range Rp.3,100,000-41,000,000 per night. About a 15 minute drive from Ubud. Private residences.

• Maya Ubud. Jl. Gunung Sari Peliatan, Tel: +62 361 977888. Ten hectare of land with nice villas, excellent spa and good restaurant. Free shuttle to centre of Ubud and two free form pools

• Nandini Bali Jungle Resort & Spa. Br. Susut, Desa Buahan, Payangan, Ubud, Bali. Tel: +62 361 982777. The 18 guestrooms at the Nandini Bali Jungle Resort and Spa Ubud are designed as separate chalets. All have panoramic views of the forest valley. Balconies grant guests the opportunity to absorb the surrounding jungle's canopy, while inside the rooms, amenities are functional and straight-forward. Prices start from Rp.1,900,000.

• Santi Mandala Villa and Spa Banjar Bucuan, Desa Batuan, Ubud, Bali, Tel.: +62 361 297800. Located at the outskirts of Ubud, the resort has a spa center, poolside sunken bar and large private villas, which start at Rp.1,400,000.

• Ubud Hanging Gardens. Desa Buahan, Desa Payangan, Gianyar,Bali, Indonesia Tel.: +62 361 982700. Ubud Hanging Gardens is strikingly set with dramatic views over the Ayung River gorge. Two funicular lifts connect the reception to the river gorge and to the pool villas. Built in contemporary Balinese style, each villa uses local furnishing and thatched roofs. Each villa has its own heated infinity-edged pool. Pool villas from Rp.3,800,000/night.

• The Viceroy Bali, Jln. Lanyahan, Br Nagi., Tel: +62 361 971777. The Viceroy Bali is a luxury resort situated 5 min by car from the center of Ubud and offers private villas with pools, satellite TV, bath, shower, king beds, free broadband internet access and helicopter transfers. Rp.9,000,000-28,400,000 per night.

• Villa Alamanda. A 3 bedroom staffed villa of classic Bali design.

• Villa Amala Ubud. Amala is situated on the edge of a padi field, overlooking the river Wos. It sits between the villages of Sebali and Keliki , in the province of Tegallalang, Ubud. It is an hour’s ride from Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport, and only a 15 minute car ride from the famed centre of art and culture – Ubud.

• Villa di Abing. Villa di Abing is a 3-story, 3-bedroom, fully-staffed, luxury villa, in Central Ubud, offering bed & breakfast.This open Balinese-style villa is luxuriously appointed, and has a beautiful pool hugging the contours of a lush stream. Privately nestled with jungle views, the villa is within walking distance of the shops and restaurants.

• Villa Vajra. A 3 bedroom villa located right in the heart of Ubud. Rates run from Rp. 5,100,000- 6,400,000 per night (depending on the season).

• Wakanamya Resort and Spa, Jl. Penestanan, tel: +62 361 975719, 975719. Email: info@wakanamya.com. Waka Namya Resort and Spa is a luxury Balinese Architecture 15 rooms villa in Ubud, Bali with a beautiful spa treatment. The resort is a haven of quite in the bstling heart of Penestanan Ubud, Bali's famous painter community village, and built in the traditional Balinese architecture or Lumbung design ( Balinese rice storage ). It is developed by Nyoman Rudana, the founder of Museum Rudana. DRIVING HOURS : Ngurah Rai International Airport : 45 minutes drives, Denpasar/Sanur: 35 minutes drives, Ubud Center/market: 10 minutes drives.

• Hotel Tjampuhan Spa, ☎ +62 361 975368. The hotel is located on a spiritually charged piece of landscape at the conjunction of two flowing rivers. It offers inspiring dining alternatives to complement the visual appeal of this historic landmark in local Balinese hospitality. They offer Tjampuhan Spa that is dedicated to the therapeutic properties of water. Hotel Tjampuhan & Spa is a refreshing retreat to unwind amidst the full splendor of nature's bounty. Jl. Raya Tjampuhan PO Box 198, Ubud. Rates start at Rp.5,200,000.

• The Royal Pita Maha, ☎ +62 361 980022. The Royal Pita Maha is a captivating resort of refined Balinese villas embracing a precious parcel of valley landscape that descends down to the Ayung River.It is located on the outer boundary of the spiritually charged village of Ubud. The resort offers a fine collection of aesthetically designed villas for discerning travelers seeking the quality time out surrounded by that natural beauty of the Ubud valley. It was designed as a place for peaceful contemplation with plenty of water features for swimming and to enjoy communing with the environment. Desa Kedewatan PO Box 198, Ubud. Rates start at Rp.18,400,000.

• Pita Maha Resort and Spa, ☎ +62 361 974330. Situated into the hillside that overlooks the Tjampuhan valley in Ubud, Pita Maha Resort & Spa encompasses 24 private villas in a style reminiscent of an intimate Balinese village. It ends itself to a diverse collection of enriching leisure activities. Apart from spending time at the pool or indulging in a spa treatment, guests have the opportunity to partake in a number of cultural pastimes. Jl. Raya Sanggingan PO Box 198, Ubud. Rates start at Rp.11,700,000.

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Jimbaran Beach - Bali

Jimbaran is located just south of the international airport and Kuta at the north of the Buket (hill) peninsula. Here guests enjoy a whole range of fabulous villa resorts from modern contemporary style to traditional Balinese bungalows all of grand character and modern luxury. Villas are available on the beachfront sometimes with secluded private beaches, on the main strip of restaurants and bars or further up the hillside with fantastic panoramic views over Jimbaran beach and across the whole of south Bali including both the east and west coasts as well as the distant padi terraces, mountains and volcanoes.

Jimbaran’s main strip consists of a long road running parallel to the beach with adjacent tributary lanes running to the beach baring hotels and villas. The main strip is largely reminiscent of an Indonesian town with food stalls and facilities have not been commercialized for tourist use. This creates an authentic feeling in the area offering a more cultural experience. Accommodation in this area ranges from midrange to top end depending on the area although all establishments tend to be excellent value.

Hillside accommodation is more secluded without such close proximity to Jimbaran’s facilities and the beach. However here the views and tranquil serenity drifting through the trees and the amazing views around the clock make up for this 5 minute drive. All establishments including those of the hillside have all required facilities and most offer free shuttle services to nearby areas such as the main strip and Kuta.

Jimbaran beach is a long stretch of white sand sheltered by the Bukit creating amazing beach scenery and completely flat water all year round. With luscious palms offering shade on the beach and simple colorful fishing boats unchanged for generations decorating the scene. Jimbaran beach is one of the lushes in Bali and rarely crowded. Clear waters meet white sands and the outcrop of the Buket is reflected on the south side end for picture perfect views.

Eating in Jimbaran is notoriously excellent in every genre in and outside of the villas, as well as the notorious fresh seafood barbeques. In the evening, warungs (restaurants) in 3 areas set out candle lit beach restaurants where fresh live fish can be chosen personally then marinated and barbequed over coconut husk as the sunsets. There are many of these establishments and visiting one at least once on any trip to Bali is definite Bali must for delicious food in a gorgeous setting with a breathtaking tropical sunset or a candle lit horizon provided by the local fishermen. All of these are very good and it is often possible to barter prices here, as there is a lot of competition. Generally speaking the busiest are the best and less crowded warungs are likely to accept lower prices.

Activities in Jimbaran itself are not particularly extensive, however there are quaint and traditional paths and routes all around the Bukit that make for excellent cycling and walking with amazing viewpoints. There are many world-class surf spots in this area as well as proximity to Kuta for beginners. Other activities in diving snorkeling, sailing, whitewater rafting and trips into the mountains etc, these are not undertaken in the Jimbaran area but excursions can be arranged from almost all villas.

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Kuta Beach - Bali

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel Tips

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

source : http://www.my-indonesia.info

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Legian Beach Bali

Legian is a beachfront town in Bali, located north of Kuta and south of Seminyak. Stretching north from Kuta, Legian offers the same easy access to the shops and bars but a slightly more relaxed and less chaotic feeling. The northern area of Legian going towards Seminyak also offers a bit of an escape from the crowds and is also a popular surf beach.

This area basically stretches from Legian Beach Hotel up to Hotel Kumala Pantai or Double Six Road. Most of the popular hotels, such as Bali Mandira and Bali Padma, are on the beach along here. There is no proper road in front of the hotels, however there is a paved pathway between the hotels and the beach which is only open for authorised vehicles when there is a ceremony being held. This pathway acts like a boulevard and gives guests in this area the advantage of being able to stroll along this stretch to a number of restaurants, bars and nightclubs at the end of Double Six Road.

What we can do here ?

• Head into the ocean with boogie boards (Rp20,000/hour) and surfboards (Rp50,000/hour) hired from the beach or take surfing lessons from the Surf School based at Blue Ocean on the beachfront.
• Go shopping and score some serious bargains.
• Have a manicure, pedicure or hair braiding all while you relax under your ocean view sun umbrella.
• Take a break from the beach for lunch at one of the reasonably priced restaurants on the beachfront.
• Watch the stunning sunset over an arak madu (local spirit with honey and lime) or a Bintang (local beer).
• Have dinner at Blue Ocean restaurant which has live music on Friday nights.
• On Saturday and Sunday evenings, the beachfront is packed with tourists, expats, locals and motorbikes, with fire pois and musicians jamming on the beach - you'll be more than welcome to join in.

Hotels and Villas

Squeezed between Kuta and Seminyak this area has a wide variety of accommodation options in the mid range to splurge hotels and offers as well several villas. Legian is a bit more upmarket compared to the backpacker oriented Kuta.

• Blue Ocean. This legendary surfie hangout from the 70's remains an oasis in the midst of the many mid range hotels on Legian beachfront and beyond. For RP120,000/night you can get a large room with a couple of single beds or a double, an outdoor bathroom and kitchen facilities. Of course there's no pool (but the beach is right on the doorstep), you'll only get one thin blanket, toilet rolls and towels (only if you ask) and a noisy fan. No extra charge for mosquitoes and dust. For RP30,000 more you can get air-conditioning. The place has an ambiance all of its own and the staff are a delight - once you get through the door. Depending who's on duty you are likely to be told the place is 'full' but be persistent, there's nearly always a room available.

• SU's Cottages I, Jl.Pura Bagus Taruna (Werkadura) No. 532, +62 0361 730 324, Fax: +62 0361 762 202. This popular hotel has several rooms, a pool and friendly staff. It's located only 3 minutes from Legian's beach. The cheapest rooms go for RP170,000 and come with hot water, breakfast and TV. For a bit more you can get air conditioning as well.

• Bali Matahari Hotel, Jl. Melasti, Gang Lebak Bene, +62 361 763 707, (E-mail: E-mail: reservations@hotelbalimatahari.com),. 44 rooms with basic amenities, facilities include restaurant, swimming pool, with WiFi connectivity. Rooms start at Rp 375,000 ($33 USD).
• Club Bali, +62 361 752 840. Service apartments with kitchen. Single bedroom Rp 850,000 ($75), two bedrooms Rp 1,200,000 ($110 USD).
• Kumala Pantai, newest hotel on the beachfront and very nice with all modern cons. Rooms start at Rp 680,000 ($60).
• Hotel Jayakarta, Jl. Werkudara, +62 361 751 433. Long time favourite with Aussie & Kiwi families.
• Puri Raja, Jl. Padma Utara, +62 361 755 902. Recently refurbished , pleasant grounds , good value and has loyal regulars.

• Bali Mandira, Jl. Padma No.2, +62 361 751 381. Nicely situated hotel with a beach view and dining options.
• Rama Garden Hotel, Jl. Yudistira, +62 361 751 971. Take pleasure in well-appointed rooms and excellent service.
• Villa Naga Maya. Jl. Werkudara Gg. Arjuna 7B (Tel./Fax: +62 361 763-387). These picturesque holiday villas have all the five-star resort amenities, and provide an oasis of tropical gardens, elegant pools and traditional Balinese atmosphere. Villa Naga Maya is a delightful haven to make one's stay in Bali a unique experience of tropical island living. The crystal clear swimming pool has a unique water curtain, and is surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. Nestled back in the quite lanes of beautiful Legian, 400 meters from alluring Legian Beach and only 20 minutes from the airport. Its safe, quite and secure location is strategically located in the midst of fine dining establishments, invigorating nightlife, and of course the best shopping Bali has to offer.

• Bali Villas. Complete luxury Bali Private Villas for your special Bali Villas holiday vacation rental database.

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Uluwatu Temple, Bali

Uluwatu is at the southernmost tip of southern Bali, Indonesia. Uluwatu proper is a small village on the west coast, south of Jimbaran, but for most visitors it refers only to the famous temple of the same name, several kilometers further south. Many people also use it to refer to the area south of Jimbaran. The entire area is also called the Bukit Peninsula or just The Bukit, while Pecatu (peh-CHA-tuh) refers to a small village inland.

How to Get In ?

A taxi from Kuta to Uluwatu takes about 30 minutes up and down winding roads and will cost about Rp 50,000 one-way. If you are just visiting for the day, consider asking the driver to wait for you for the trip back, as it can be difficult to find transport out of Uluwatu. Figure on paying the taxi driver Rp 10,000/hour to wait. Joining a tour can be cheaper way of getting to Uluwatu.
If you are riding a rented motorcycle from Kuta, be aware that you need an IDP (International Driving Permit). Police perform frequent checks for driving licenses on the road between Kuta and Uluwatu, especially targeting foreigners. If you can not present the necessary paperwork you will be faced with a fine anywhere from Rp20,000 to Rp300,000.

See

Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) is one of Bali's six directional temples and Uluwatu's only site of significance. Though a small temple was claimed to have existed, the structure was significantly expanded by a Javanese sage, Empu Kuturan in the 11th Century. Another sage from East Java, Dang Hyang Nirartha is credited for constructing the padmasana shrines and is claimed to have attained Moksha here. More remarkable than the temple itself is its location, perched on a steep cliff 70 meters above the roaring ocean waves. There are more steep headlands on either side, and sunsets over Uluwatu are a sight to behold.

Entrance fee is Rp 3,000. As usual, you need to be properly dressed to enter and sarongs and sashes can be rented at the entrance. Guides, once famously mercenary, hassle visitors less than they used to, although they will offer to "protect" you from the monkeys, for a tip of course. Note that while you are free to walk around the temple grounds, the central courts can only be entered during special rituals.

The temple is inhabited by large number of monkeys, who are extremely adept at snatching visitors' belonging, including bags, cameras and eyeglasses. Keep a very close grip on all your belongings and stow away your eyeglasses if at all possible. If you do have something taken, the monkeys can usually be induced to exchange it for some fruit. Needless to say, rewarding the monkeys like this only encourages them to steal more. Locals and even the temple priests will be happy to do the job for you, naturally in exchange for a tip (Rp 10,000 - 50,000).
There is also a very scenic Uluwatu cave with rock formations leading into a beach close to the temple. This is a popular spot for surfers.

What we can do ?

• Go surfing. Uluwatu is a well known destination among surfing enthusiasts. Most of the surf spots are only suitable for advanced or expert surfers.
• Kecak dance (aka "monkey dance") performances are held at the temple daily between 6pm and 7pm. Tickets for the visually spectacular if rather unoriginal show (it was invented in the 1930s) performed for tourists cost Rp 50,000.

Buy

There are the usual souvenir shops at the parking area at the entrance to Uluwatu temple.

Hotels

• Blue Point Bay Villas, ☎ +62-361-769888. Small resort with villa accommodation. Two pools, restaurant, spa. US$230-680.
• Bulgari Resort, Jalan Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, ☎ +62-361-8471000, . Clifftop superluxury resort every bit as stylish as you'd expect from a boutique hotel run by a fashion label. Plunge pool, private elevator to the beach, excellent restaurants, and a price tag to match. US$1400.
• Tanah at Ulus, Uluwatu (South west in Badung Regency, near Uluwatu Temple), ☎ +61359856898 (villa@tanahatulus.com) . Tanah at Ulus Family house is brand new with inground pool, 3 bedrooms, air conditioning and with a single-booking policy for complete privacy. US$120 nightly: US$700 weekly.

Private Villas

All the villas listed below are standalone and feature private entrances, accommodation and their own swimming pools.

• The Istana. Five bedroom, clifftop luxury villa overlooking the famous Uluwatu search break. Featured in DestinAsian Magazine's top 10 villas in Asia on two occasions, the villa has been written up in such publications as W Magazine and the New York Times. Managed by BHM - which operates some of the top villas on the island. Sleeps up to 10 people, two private pools and extensive gardens - fully staffed (private cook, maids, etc). Prices vary from US$1500-2500 per night depending on season.
• Villa Indah Manis. Six bedroom private luxury villa . Managed by BHM. Fully staffed and serviced, this villa sleeps up to 12 people, features two private pools and has a pool table and dedicated private spa. Prices vary from US$600-950 per night depending on season.
• Villa Moonlight. Private luxury villa featuring four bedrooms and ocean view. Located just above Uluwatu surf beach and its world famous break. Built in 2008 to the highest standards of architecture and decor.

Source : http://wikitravel.org/en/Uluwatu

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Lake Toba : Unique Volcanic Lake in North Sumatra

Lake Toba also known as Danau Toba in Indonesia is the largest volcanic lake ( crater lake ) in the world. At 100 km long and 30 km wide, measuring 505 m at its deepest point, it is situated in the middle of the northern part of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Surrounded by tall mountains, it cradles the large island of Samosir in its middle.

Uniqueness of Lake Toba:

Unlike any other lake, if you think about the location — close to the equator — and look at the picture, you will realize that there is something strange about the lake. Most large lakes were formed by glaciers; large lakes close to the equator are sometimes formed by the damming of a large river. But there is no large river flowing into Lake Toba. The lake has a different and more dramatic origin.

Lake Toba marks the site of the largest volcanic eruption in the last 2 million years. It is, like Yellowstone, a “resurgent caldera”, or as geologists David Alt and Daniel Hyndman call this type of volcano, a “perfect horror”. Alt and Hyndman call resurgent calderas “perfect horrors” because they are both violent and enormous.

The size of Lake Toba may be a little difficult to grasp from the picture, so to give you some comparisons.

In Washington state, if the lake were aligned north to south in the Puget Sound area, it would stretch from Everett to Tacoma. In the Chicago area, it would stretch from Waukegan to Gary. In New York, it would stretch from West Point to the Statue of Liberty. This is one enormous volcano.

And its most recent eruption, about 75,000 years ago, was in Volcanic Explosivity Index of 8

The Young Toba Tuff has an estimated volume of 2,800 cubic kilometers (km) and was erupted about 74,000 years ago. The Huckleberry Ridge Tuff, erupted at Yellowstone 2.2 million years ago, has a volume of 2,500 cubic km. The Lava Creek Tuff, erupted at Yellowstone 600,000 years ago, has a volume of 1,000 cubic km. The May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens produced 1 cubic km of ash. Not shown in the diagram, is the Fish Canyon Tuff of the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. The Fish Canyon Tuff was erupted 27.8 million years ago and has an estimated volume of 3,000 cubic km.

The volume of the youngest eruption is estimated at 2,800 cubic km, making the eruption the largest in the Quaternary. Pyroclastic flows covered an area of at least 20,000 square km. Up to 1200 feet (400 m) of Young Toba Tuff is exposed in the walls of the caldera. On Samosir Island the tuff is more than 1800 feet (600 m) thick. Ash fall from the eruption covers an area of at least 4 million square km (about half the size on the continental United States).

That eruption would not have been pleasant for our ancestors. In fact, some scientists believe that the eruption, and the volcanic winter that followed, almost wiped out homo sapiens, cutting our population down to as few as 3,000, or even as few as 1,000. (That population bottleneck, as geneticists call it, would explain why humans vary less genetically that one would expect from the age of our species.)

How to Get to Lake Toba:

Since it is located in North Sumatra, the only way there is through the city of Medan - North Sumatra Indonesia. Lake Toba is about 4 hours drive by car from Medan City. You can travel by public bus which may take longer to about 6 hours. The usual stop is the town of ” Pematang Siantar ” halfway to Lake Toba for a toilet break. Local town is known as Prapat / Parapat.

Local transportation around the lake takes the form of boats. You can also hire a motorcycle for a day or two and get out and about ( Rp.50,0000 per day inclusive of 4 litres of petrol ). There are no police checking licenses and there is not much traffic - just watch out for the big trucks, buses and diabolical bridge.

Source : http://www.medanku.com

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Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) / Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park) is Indonesia's answer to every visitor's prayer to see the magnificent archipelago in just one day. An extensive park to get a glimpse of the diverseness of the Indonesian archipelago, it represents Indonesia's 27 provinces and their outstanding characteristics, reflected most strikingly in the exact regional architecture of the province. An extensive theme park set in over 100 hectares on the outskirts of Jakarta; the All Indonesian islands are realistically reproduced in miniature in a central lake and around the lakes, there are pavilions. Each pavilions is representative of each province firm the traditional architectural style in miniature to a wonderful display of cultural items and exhibits. The park's centerpiece is a beautiful artificial lake. The complex was the brainchild of Madam Tien Soeharto, the late Indonesian first lady.

TMII as a vehicle presenting the diversity of the people of Indonesia and the variety of the cultural wealth enables the community to gain interesting experience, knowledge and information regarding various aspect of culture, tradition, customs, forms of art as far as the introduction of cultural objects.

It also has its own orchid garden in which hundreds of Indonesian orchid varieties are grown. There is also a bird park with a walk-in aviary, a fauna museum and recreational grounds with a swimming pool and restaurants. The special interest here at Taman Mini is the Museum Indonesia. A richly decorated building in Balinese architecture, it houses contemporary arts, crafts and traditional costumes from the different regions of the country.

Cultural performances, events, and even local delicacies from the provinces are prepared regularly, especially during weekends and holidays, to showcase Indonesia's rich cultural heritage. The park is open seven days a week, giving guests ample time to explore and enjoy the sights. And if a day tour is not enough, visitors can spend the night at the 'Desa Wisata' or 'Wisata Remaja' serviced accommodations.

The beauty and cultural wealth presented by TMII can easily be observed by the community through the availability of a more complete and interactive means of information. It is expected that through the website the information can be disseminated widely all over the Archipelago and even abroad so that it will facilitate the community to better know about the culture and customs of the people of Indonesia.


TMII Management Office
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah Complex
Phone : 021-8409214, 8409210, 8409270, 8409236, 8409239 ,
Fax : 021-8400709
Email : info@tamanmini.com


Source : http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/

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