Parangtritis, the Most Popular Beach in Yogyakarta

Parangtritis beach is the most popular beach in Yogyakarta, Parangtritis is worth visiting since it is closely related to such tourism objects as the Sultan Palace in Yogyakarta city, Parangkusumo Beach to the west of it, and the Merapi area at the north part of Yogyakarta. Located around 27 kilometers from the city center, Parangtritis Beach is also part of the Queen of South's authority.

The naming of the beach has its own history. Hundreds years ago, someone named Dipokusumo, who was a fugitive of Majapahit Kingdom, came to this area to meditate. When he saw water dripping from the crack of the coral reef, he named this area 'parangtritis', originating from the word parang (stone) and tumaritis (water drops). The beach close to the area was then named the same.

Parangtritis is a beach full of myths, which is believed to be the manifestation of the unity among Merapi Mountain, Yogyakarta Kingdom, and Parangtritis Beach. The legend tells that Panembahan Senopati and Sunan Kalijaga once met in this place after completing their meditation. Panembahan Senopati was reminded of being a humble ruler despite his supernatural powers.

The primary attraction of this beach is its natural view. The enchantment of the coastal scenery can be seen from different angles to give you different experiences. When you are standing at the seashore, you will see the wide ocean with the high waves and steeply mountainside on the east side.

To get the view from the site, just walk or hire the horse-cart westwards and you look southwards when you have reached the place. You may get to the place by riding a horse that you shall rent at negotiable price.

After enjoying the scenery of Parangtritis beach from the seashore, you can leave for Langse Cave for a different experience. On the earth road leading to the cave, you can look westwards to see Parangtritis from different angle. The high waves rushing to the shore will look silvery under the sun, and will look golden by the sunset time. We got the opportunity to see this exotic view during its visit a couple of days ago.

Before reaching Langse Cave, we suggest that you pay a visit to the graveyard of Syeh Bela Belu that will give you spiritual experience. Usually, many pilgrims come on certain days such as certain Tuesday that is called Kliwon on Javanese calendar as one of the five Javanese days of the week.

From the graveyard, you may challenge yourself to continue your journey to Langse Cave that you have to go on foot to get to the cave that is 3 kilometers away through as high as 400 meters mountainside at the slope of almost 900. To get into the cave that is also called the Queen of South cave, you have to get the permission from the tomb guard. According to the guard of Depok Beach several times entered the cave when he was young, we will get beautiful view of the south ocean at the mouth of the cave that directly faces the ocean.

On the fifth day of the fifth month of Chinese calendar, you will be able to see Peh Cun ceremony procession in Parangtritis. Peh Cun, originating from the word Peh that means oar and Cun that means boat, is Chinese expression of gratitude to God. This rite is also meant to commemorate Khut Gwan (Qi Yuan), a loyal patriot as well as a minister who was once betrayed by his colleague so that he committed a suicide.

Peh Cun ceremony is unique since there is no festival of dragon-decorated boats rowing like in other regions, instead there is an attraction of standing egg. The attraction begin at 11:00 a.m. and by afternoon, according to the myth, the egg will stand upright with no means of support are needed. By 01:00 p.m., however, the egg will suddenly fall down and no one can erect it anymore.

To get to Parangtritis Beach, you can take either one of the two routes. One is the route of Yogyakarta-Imogiri-Siluk-Parangtritis with the river and coral reel scenery on the way. The other is Yogyakarta-Parangtritis route that is easier to take with quite smooth road. It is suggested that you do not wear green clothes to respect local people who believe that green clothes will bring misfortune.


source : http://www.yogyes.com/en/yogyakarta-tourism-object/beach/parangtritis/

Read More......

Wakatobi Marine National Park, Dive Resort - Southeast Sulawesi Indonesia

The Wakatobi is a Marine National Park comprising an archipelago of four large islands located in south east Sulawesi, Indonesia.

The Wakatobi, at 1.39 million hectares is the second largest marine protected area in Indonesia. The park encompasses stunning coral reefs, white sand beaches and an amazing wealth of whales and dolphins. Positioned at the heart of the Indo Pacific area where marine biodiversity is at its greatest, diving is truly fantastic.

Over 90,000 people live within the national park, many of whom rely on the reefs and inter-tidal habitats for their livelihoods. These peoples include many interesting cultures and histories. The objective of the marine park management is to balance the needs of the local communities whilst protecting biodiversity.



The aim of this website is to act as an independent source of information for tourists, conservationists, NGO's and anyone keen to visit this beautiful and remote setting. It is the intention of this site to remain up to date with information about the park utilising contributions from individuals, government bodies, and NGOs living and working within the locality.

ACCOMMODATION AND RESORTS

WANGI-WANGI

Transit Hotels

As Wangi is now the administrative capital of the Kapen Wakatobi district a number of small hotels of reasonable standard are available for travellers in transit. These are not marketed for tourists but are readily available (so don't expect much western language spoken). Travellers can also stay in Lossmens (staying in a locals house). Hotels cost between 50,000-rp200,000.

• Hotel Nita Sari
• Hotel Gaja Mada
• Hotel Yustia

Resturants in Wangi-Wangi

Warung Wisata
Surabaya Selera Kita


Other information about Wangi-Wangi

Ojeks (motor bike taxi) from Wanci Harbour to hotels / restaurants = rp5,000

The Nature Conservancy / World Wildlife Fund Office

Wakatobi Marine Park Rangers Office (Taman Nasinal Wakatobi) Park fee = rp 20,000 per pax per trip.

Tourism Office (Dinas Pariwisata)
Jl. Pangulubelo. No1 Kelurahan Mandate 1, Kec Wangi Wangi, Selatan Wakatobi

KALDEDUPA AND HOGA

Tukang Besi Diving (Hoga Cottages) - Ibu Guerje's
www.tukangbesidiving.com

Hoga cottages is a small back-packers resort that runs a basic dive operation around the reefs of Hoga. The resort is run by a Dutch woman who can provide basic bungalow accommodation and good food.

Traditional Home-Stays
As a result of the large groups of students brought to the Wakatobi by Operation Wallacea there now exists an abundance of small home-stay accommodation (wooden bungalows) throughout Ambeua (the capital of Kaledupa) and on Hoga Island. Although these are not tourist businesses in their own right they can be readily rented at most times of the year from local people. In most villages the local head-man (the Kepala Desa) will usually be happy to arrange food and accomodation.

Hoga Island Research Centre
www.opwall.com

The research centre is operated by Operation Wallacea in cooperation with a management team. The centre can accommodate and feed over 100 visitors in basic accommodation with extensive diving and research facilities available. It is not generally frequented by travellers however private group bookings are encouraged but not during the summer months (April to September) when student groups from Operation Wallacea are numerous.

Island Garden - Pak Kasims
home.arcor.de/islandgarden

Pak Kasim runs a wonderful small resort on the island. The accommodation is in traditional wooden houses on stilts overlooking the ocean. There are two double houses and three single houses, with comfortable beds. These houses are wonderful, you can just hang in your hammock during the day by the ocean after a dive, read your book (there is a little library), listen to the bird melodies, watch the sunset, or the moon rising, the unpolluted clear view of the stars and the fireflies in the trees.

TOMIA

Wakatobi Divers
www.wakatobi.com

Swiss-founded with an international management team, the resort is a high-end diving operation offering all the usual western amenities; hot and cold fresh water throughout the property, 24-hour electricity, satellite communications, in-room LAN ports with 24 hour internet access, and more. They have a team of gourmet chefs creating wonderful local and international cuisine. Access is by air direct from Bali International airport.


Park Fees

Park fees are to be paid at the Wakatobi Marine Park Rangers Office (Taman Nasinal Wakatobi) in Wangi-Wangi.

It is advisable that for extended trips, travellers introduce themselves to the local police showing passport and proof of park fee.

Fee = rp 20,000 per person per trip.

Tourism Office (Dinas Pariwisata): Jl. Pangulubelo. No1 Kelurahan Mandate 1, Kec Wangi Wangi, Selatan Wakatobi

Amenities

Hospital (Rumah Sakit): there is currently no hospitals in the Wakatobi, however a number of small clinics (very very basic) do exist within some of the villages. When Operation Wallacea has students at their base on Hoga a doctor and and reasoanable medical facilities are available.

There is no doctor (Dokter) or dentist available on the Islands, the nearest is in Bau-bau (Dokter Gigi)

Source : http://www.wakatobi.org

Read More......

Nusa Dua Beach Bali

Bali's most prestigious resort area, Nusa Dua is where you'll find international world - class luxury hotels elegantly lining beautiful white sands.

Quiet and exclusive with superb facilities... you really don't have to venture far from your luxurious hotel room... but if you do, the rest of Bali's attractions are within easy access. Located on the Bukit peninsula, in the southern part of Bali, approximately 10 km from the international airport.

The Beach

The white sand and shallow water at Nusa Dua beach is an ideal safe place for children to play in the sea, lifeguards are usually on duty.

Nusa Dua means two islands, at low tide the seabed is exposed so that two islands are joined to the mainland - great for exploring.


Where to Stay in Nusa Dua

Spectacular luxury resorts are the norm in Nusa Dua, with many incorporating contemporary Balinese style buildings and beautifully landscaped gardens, ponds and pool areas. Deluxe ocean view suites and stunning architecture like the Javanese Imperial Palace style at the Aston Bali are quite breathtaking.


What to Do in Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is really about taking it easy and relaxing in total luxury. As most of the hotels are 5 star, every comfort is at your disposal as well as a gorgeous white sand beach.

The kind of activities on offer gives a flavour of Nusa Dua.... The Bali Golf and Country Club, an immaculately landscaped 18 hole ocean view course. The Bali International Lawn Tennis & Lawn Bowls Club next to the Galleria Nusa Dua a spacious shopping mall with boutiques and upmarket restaurants.

Close by the Chandra Koka Amphitheatre provides a venue for traditional entertainment including arts festivals like the Nusa Dua Arts and Culture Festival. Stroll to the northern end of Nusa Dua for parasailing, jetskis, snorkelling/diving trips or better still, head for Tanjung Benoa.

Dining & Restaurants in Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua has a huge selection of restaurants with excellent five star dining.

Popular restaurants include the Watercourt (voted locally the Best Balinese) at the Grand Hyatt, Maguro at Nusa Dua Beach Hotel (voted Best Quick and Casual Japanese Bite) Eight Degrees South - (Best Mediterranean Seafood of the Year).

source : http://www.bali-indonesia.com

Read More......

Lovina Beach Bali

Lovina Beach about six km west of Singaraja north coast Bali. Its the popular beach resort of Lovina is a long stretch of black sand bordering the coastal villages of Anturan, Tukad Mungga, Kalibukbuk, Kaliasem and Temukus. Numerous hotels and restaurants have sprung up here, lining the coast for some 7 km. The pace of life at Lovina reflects the calmness and safety of the sea. This is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling, particularly near the reef, and local boats are for hire. The sunsets at Lovina are particularly spectacular.

Lovina stretches along 8km of black-sand beach, the largest resort in Bali outside the Kuta-Legian-Seminyak conurbation. Beginning 6km west of Singaraja, the resort encompasses six villages: Pemaron, Anturan, Tukad Mungga, Kalibukbuk, Kaliasem and Temukus. Kalibukbuk is generally accepted as the centre of Lovina and it's here you'll find most tourist facilities.

The name “Lovina” was coined by the last king of Buleleng. A convert to Christianity, he gave the name to a small tract of land that he purchased at Kaliasem, where he built the Tasik Madu (“Sea of Honey”) Hotel in the 1960s. The name Lnvina sigaifies the “love” that is contained “in” the heart of all people

Near the northern tip of the island of Bali lies a stretch of villages by the Bali Sea. Lovina Beach is the name. Lovina is really a string of coastal villages to the west of Singaraja. Escape from the hustle and bustle of Kuta to Lovina Beach located in north Bali, about 100 kilometers from southern tourist hotspots. It is well known as an excellent site for sunset watching, snorkeling, and diving. Darkly beautiful, Lovina offers quiet and calm, and is popular Asian tourists and those avoiding the hustle and bustle of the southern beaches. A number of coves offer tranquil, protected waters and Lovina is one of them. Although the sand is grey, it is quiet and peaceful, and popular among those who shun the glitzier beach resorts of the south. It is a popular place for dolphin watching; dolphins play in the water off Lovina. Famous for its early morning dolphin-watching boat trips, Lovina also offers good snorkeling and diving, and trekking in the nearby mountains. Diving off Menjangan Island, part of the Bali Barat National Park, is generally regarded as the best in Bali. Boats are readily available to take divers over to the island, where there are no residents or hotels.

Nightlife activities are also abound, as well as chartered boats to go out into the sea. If we like what Kuta offers but do not like the crowd. With a wonderful variety of hotels, restaurants and bars located on or very near the calm beach, Lovina offers something for everyone. It is also a good base to take day trips to the nearby attractions of north and west Bali.

Lovina is for those who like still waters (no surf) and are not fussy about the color of the beach.Lining up of busy losmen and hotels with the depleted shady sea makes Lovina one of the most stirring beaches in Bali. Tranquility, incredible under water world and popular attraction is the dolphin watching.

Read More......

Tana Toraja, The Heavenly Kings

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 Air
Directly from Hasanuddin airport, Makassar or Ujung Pandang, proceed to TANA TORAJA (twice a week on tuesday and friday) 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 DAYA 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.


Further information

Tana Toraja Tourism, Art and Culture Department
Address : Jl. Ahmad Yani No. 62A, Rantepao, Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi (Celebes)
E-mail Address : pariwisata.toraja@gmail.com
Blog Address : http://www.xanga.com/pariwisata_toraja
Website : http://pariwisata.toraja.googlepages.com

Read More......

Sanur Beach Bali

Sanur is one of Bali's biggest traditional villages but it's also one of the most established tourist areas. Sanur was Bali's first beach resort but still retains its Balinese character and old style village ambiance. On the southeastern side of Bali, Sanur beach is easily reachable from Denpasar, about a 5 to 10 minute drive. Sanur is an excellent site to watch the sun rises, as we jog along the white sandy beach. Being one of the first resorts developed in Bali, Sanur maintains its traditions. Only a stone thrown away from the beach, ancient temples stand as solemn as they have been in centuries past.

Palm-lined beach, facing the Indian Ocean towards the east, Sanur is an excellent place to see the sun rise in the morning. "Bali is the morning of the world", it is the right sentence for Bali if we has visited Sanur. Offshore reefs protect the beach against the waves, and make it popular for windsurfing, boating, and other water sports. It is one of the first areas where one can find good hotels, restaurants, shops, and other tourist facilities.

It's also the place for some of Bali chic fashion shops, hot hotels and well-known restaurants. It is a good location to explore the rest of Bali. Fine hotels, restaurants and modern entertainment venues complement traditional village activities like drama and dance, so it's a good place to enjoy the delights of a tropical island and gain a real appreciation of Balinese culture and local life. Gradual and early development has meant that Sanur has grown alongside the village, with hotels located right next door to local meeting halls and Brahmanic temples. Many hotels have expansive gardens that face the ocean in a picturesque unbroken seaside promenade.

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

Read More......

The Green and Lush Puncak Pass - WEST JAVA

Puncak Pass area has long been the foremost weekend retreat for residents of Indonesia's capital city. The cool, fresh air, and the magnificent view offers you a calm, fresh and peaceful feeling. In the afternoon, sunsets from the top of the pass can be quite spectacular. This area also surrounded by many attractions, such as Taman Safari Park or known as Taman Safari Park at Cisarua, Flower Park or Taman Bunga Nusantara at Cipanas, Cibodas Botanical Gardens, the Gede and Pangrango national park and other tourist attractions nearby Puncak Pass Area.

Getting There

Located only one or two hours drive from Jakarta. You can visit this area by using taxi, private or rent a car.

Where to Stay

Along Puncak Pass road, you will find many hotels and villas with varied price and facilities.

Dining Guide

Good varieties of restaurants are situated on or close to the city. Many of them provide local dishes. There are also warungs or food stalls that provide light meals such as toast, roasted corn and traditional drinks which can make your body warm at night, like bajigur and bandrek.

Moving Around

You can move around Puncak Pass area by car.

Other Things to See or Do

Halfway between Taman Safari and Puncak, lays Gunung Mas tea plantation area and tea factory. Here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of green velvet tea plantation covering over the hills and see tea processing. The site also offers a refreshing overnight stay at cool mountain breeze. The stunning mountain scenery and picturesque tea plantations also make this an ideal spot for hiking or simply a stroll through the tea plantations.

Souvenir Tips

Since Puncak Pass Area known as an agriculture producer, along the road side of Puncak, you can find many local stalls are selling agriculture crops like fruits, vegetables, various tubers like sweet potatoes and others. But, you may also find local stalls are selling other souvenirs.

Travel Tips

* At night it can be pretty cold up there, so you better equipped yourself with warm clothes.
* If youre planned to rent some villas, it is suggested to bargain the price at the beginning.

Source : www.visitbandung.net

Read More......

Senggigi Beach - Lombok's oldest and most famous resort area

Senggigi is Lombok's oldest and most famous resort area. A perfect place to relax, Senggigi boasts a series of white sandy beaches and safe swimming areas. The point at central Senggigi has good waves for surfers. This place has a colourful reef which provides shelter to a variety of marine life and exquisitely shapped coral and makes it a perfect place to snorkle.

In the dry season, there is an interesting variety of boats moored in the bay. The town of Senggigi spreads out along nearly 10 kilometers of coastal road. This road continues north to Bangsal, the port for the Gili Islands.

Getting There

Theres a few alternatives to get Senggigi Beach :

* Coming from Lembar harbour, you can go straight to Senggigi by Perama Shuttle bus, or any other Shuttle service available. Lombok taxi available on call for 24 hours of service.
* If you are coming by plane, there is a taxi service at the airport that will take you to your hotel destination for Rp. 35,000 (US$4.00).
* Public transportation or " Bemos " are available from 06.00 AM - 06.30 PM for about Rp. 1,500 (Ampenan-Senggigi, or Senggigi-Ampenan) one way.
* Ojek service (ridding the mopeds with advanced bargain deals) are available at night until the bars closed.


Where to Stay

There a lot of diverse range of hotel accommodations that you can choose to stay in Senggigi, from deluxe four-star resort properties to simple home-stays, Such as Holiday Inn, the Oberoi, Sheraton Senggigi, Melati Dua Cottage, Pool Villa Club, Panorama Cottage, and many more.


Moving Around

To go around Senggigi Beach, you can ride cidomos or if you wanted, you can go on foot.


Dining Guide

There are various foreign and local restaurants that offering international and local foods, cafes and entertainment venues. These all are available along the main Senggigi road and on certain areas along the beach. For inexpensive eating, try the food stalls along the beach, especially at the end of the road past the Senggigi Beach Hotel.

Souvenir Tips

There are many souvenir shops along the main Senggigi road that offering you many kind of Lombok souvenir, starting from clothes, paintings, handicrafts, wooden crafts, etc.

Other Things to See or Do

* Swimming off the beach is safe.
* You can also do canoeing here in Senggigi.
* Visit Pura Batu Bolong on a rocky point south of Senggigi.
* There's good snorkeling off the point and in the sheltered bay around the headland


Travel Tips

* Dont forget to equipped yourself with sun protection.
* Bring a bathing suit and extra clothing's.
* Several places rent mask-snorkel-fin sets. Try at the beach near tha Art Market or the Senggigi Beach Hotel.
* Senggigi nightlife is low key when there are few tourists in town. It's busier on Friday and Saturday, when young locals come up from the Mataram area.

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

Read More......

Borobudur Temple : A World Heritage Site

Borobudur temple is located in the district of Magelang, Central Java. It is considered one of the world’s wonders and has the largest and most complete ensemble of Buddhist relief in the world. UNESCO has listed the temple as World Heritage Site.

The village of Candirejo is located some 3 km from Borobudur Temple. A traditional Javanese village, Candirejo is being promoted for village tourism, portraying traditional Javanese culture and daily life through traditional houses, art performances, ceremonies, farming and local food.

How to Get There:

The temple of Borobudur and Candirejo Village can be reached from Yogyakarta by public buses that start from Umbulharjo Terminal or by taxis and rental cars. The distance is approximately 42 km from Yogyakarta.

The Best Season to Visit:
Almost anytime during the year, but preferably in the dry season (April to September).

Contact:
Koperasi Desa Wisata Candirejo
Jl. Raya Borobudur Sendangsono Km3
Kabupaten Magelang 56553
Telp./Fax. 0293 - 789675

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

Read More......