Guide To A Sailing Vacation In Indonesia Filed under ( adventure, Explore, Indonesia, leisure, Tips ) by Aena

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world, with more than 17,000 islands. It's also primarily dominated by Muslims and is # 4 in the world in terms of population. In 2006, there are already over 200 million people living in Indonesia. The country is sharing land borders with other Asian countries like Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor. Indonesia is a mixture of both old and new. And with a lot of islands to choose from, besides touring, you can count sailing in Indonesia as one of the most popular pastimes.

A vacation in Bali will never be complete if you don't try swimming, canoeing, or even diving in any of the 10 best dive spots in the area. Good choices will include USAT Liberty. It's basically a U.S. cargo steamship filled with ammunition by the time it was torpedoed in 1942 by the Japanese. Today, it's considered to be one of the most gorgeous artificial reefs in Indonesia. You can then continue to Amed, which is located on the eastern coastline. It's composed of a lot of fishing villages, such as Gili Selang and Lipah. The island is valued for the privacy it gives to visitors.

Another interesting place to visit is the Maumere in Flores Island. It's already a very popular tourist destination, so there are now plenty of tours that you can choose from. You can also charter a yacht from Bali and then sail through the Maumere. You can also go to the area by flying from Central Flores Island. Formerly a volcanic island, Flores has attractive places to offer to foreigners. You can try shopping at their local market, dine in Wuring (a small fishing village), or experience traditional Indonesian culture at Sikka. Of course, your stay will not be complete without diving or swimming, especially in Pemana.

Sailing in Indonesia may also mean exploring Irian Jaya. This is the largest Indonesian province, with a span of more than 450,000 square kilometers. Besides the beach, you can make a stop and follow several hiking trails leading to Puncak Jayawijaya, a very large mountain range that is 5,500 meters above sea level. You can also camp at other mountains such as Gunung Yamin and Gunung Trikora. There are also plenty of lakes where you can go fishing or canoeing, the largest of which is Panai.

Most people go to Indonesia for food, clothing, and a sense of culture. They may have forgotten that it's also blessed with an impressive ecosystem, made up of seas, lakes, mountains, and animal creatures. Sailing in Indonesia will allow you to take a glimpse of its natural resources.

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Indonesia Holidays, With Some Ideas and Guides to Traveling Around Indonesia Filed under ( adventure, Explore, Hiking, Indonesia, Jaya Wijaya ) by Aena

There's A LOT more to Indonesia holidays than beautiful beaches, water sports and cheap colourful markets -- but there doesn't have to be. If Indonesia holiday-makers look past these tropical treats they'll find a lush jungle wilderness in Sumatra, the gateway to a rich ancient culture at Borobudur, and communities with thriving traditional lifestyles. And that's all without having to leave the main island, Java.

Each of Indonesia's 17,000 smaller island has its own treasures beyond the surf and sand, and most Indonesia holidays allow for some time 'off shore', staying on perennial favourite Bali, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Lombok, or one of the Gilis or other small resort islands.

Most international flights land in Jakarta, so most Indonesia holidays begin on Java, an island of still smoking volcanoes rising out of fertile jungles and and ancient culture. Or course the coastline has many likely looking beach resorts if that's what your Indonesia holiday is about, but Java's highlights are more for culture vultures than beach bums.

If you're on a tight schedule, hop a plane straight to Yogyakarta, which has temples peeking out from between its more modern Dutch forts and older Muslim architecture. This is the best place to stay when visiting the beautifully preserved, ancient Buddhist temple of Borobudur, and nearby Prambanan, a huge Hindu complex. These two religious monuments deserve at least a day of your Indonesia holiday each, Prambanan, in its prime, was almost a city of smaller temples and religious buildings, and though many of them remain only as ruins there's still a lot to see. The Telaga Warna Colour Lake and Sikidang Crater are a drive out of town towards Dieng Plateau if you'd be interested in seeing another Hindu temple complex, and one of the best surfing spots in Indonesia, G-Land is also reached by jungle trek out of Yogyakarta.

If you have more time for your Indonesia holiday, travel overland from Jakarta to Yogyakarta via Bandung for the Bogor Botanical Gardens, tea plantations, the Lembang Fruit market and the Tangkuban Perahu Volcano and Ciater Hotspring. From Yogyakarta heading further inland leads into the heavy teak forests and moist rice paddies, and eventually to Mount Penanjakan, which is said to have one of the most beautiful sunrise displays in the world. If you make it up for the sunrise you should continue on, over an unusually placed sand sea, to Bromo Volcano. From there Surabaya Airport is a few hours drive and from there you can catch a flight to Denpasar, Bali.

Indonesia holiday Extras

Indonesia's Wildlife

If your Indonesia holiday is about seeing the jungles and meeting some of the unique wildlife, and not just the colourful marine life, then Camp Leakey, a rehabilitation facility for orphaned orangutans, built into the Tanjung Puting National Park, or the Komodo Dragon island may be worth factoring into your Indonesia holiday itinerary.

Indonesia's Traditional Cultures

If stories of the old cultures and lifestyles still thriving in Indonesia's highlands have beguiled you in National Geographic, then visit the long houses around Lake Toba, or spend some time in one of the communities in the Baliem Valley - also a prime hiking destination, the Mentawai Islands or the Jayawijaya Mountains, during your Indonesia holiday. Some of these communities you can visit for a day by walking in to their villages, but some you can arrange to stay in: a pretty unique experience when compared with the city lifestyle of Jakata's population.

All these highlights cam be blended with hours or days on the beach for the perfect, individualised Indonesian holiday cocktail -- one of those exotic, colourful ones you drink out of a whole piece of fruit like they serve in the beach bars here.

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Your Private Beaches at Gili Islands Filed under ( adventure, Explore, Indonesia, leisure, Mataram ) by Aena

Indonesia is best known for its cultural diversity and beautiful landscape. You may say Bali is a touristic place offering both. However if you would like to have a tranquil place yet white beaches, beautiful scenery and friendly people, you may come to Gili islands in Lombok.

There are three Gilis (Gili means small islands) close to each others in between Bali and west of Lombok Island. Those are called Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan.

Each Gili island has different specialty. private beach of your own, friendly people, nice seafood, clear and blue sky, sea paradise with snorkeling and diving. Quietness is guaranteed as no cars and motorcycle is allowed. Gili Air provides tropical paradise with its clear water and clean white beaches. You can enjoy swimming, sun bathing or joining a boat for a day to visit other islands. Diving, snorkeling and fishing are not bad options either.

Gili Meno, the smallest and the quietest island, provides rural tropical paradise as you have the beaches on your own. You can spend time swimming and sun bathing in clear sea water and white clean beach.

If you consider yourself as a party animal, try to spend your time in Gili Trawangan. Combining party and beaches is one of the options. Gili Trawangan is the most active island and Gili Meno is the calmest one.

The suggested itinerary is you can combine Bali with Gilis. Other option is that spending some days in one Gili island to move to others. Going from Mataram, Lombok to Gilis is an exciting option as Lombok also has various interesting touristic destinations.

You can go there from Benoa Harbour, Bali with a ferry for about 2 hours. There are several flights per week from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta to Mataram, Lombok. From Mataram, you continue by car and small boat for about 2 hours. You will pass mountainous area, national park, villages and paddy field. The view of mountain, villages, paddy field and Monkeys are just marvelous! Ask the driver to stop by where you find monkeys. You can stop to feed and take pictures of them. The best time for you who seek for quiet time is November to April. Try to avoid the high season, May to September, to have your private beaches.

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10 Destinations to Visit in Nusa Tenggara Barat Filed under ( adventure, Explore, Indonesia, leisure, Mataram, Tips ) by Aena

Most of you surely have known about Bali. Bali is a small island with a huge destination. Virescent rice terraces, pulse-pounding surf, enchanting temple ceremonies, mesmerizing dance performances and ribbons of beaches are just some of the images people cherish. Mainly, a visit to Bali means that you are in the most visitor-friendly island of Indonesia.

Besides Bali, you can also enjoy your best holiday in Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB). This island also has been a tourist area for a long time. You will regret if you overlook this island when you visit Bali. The special thing from this island is visiting tiga gili that is located near Senggigi beach; Gili Trawangan, Meno, and Air.

However, you still have many destinations to visit in Nusa Tenggara Barat. The followings are 10 tourist areas of this island that can be your option to spent your holiday.

1. Mataram Metro is the area that is orientated as a tourist place for culinary and cultural purpose.
2. Senggigi with tiga gili (Gili Trawangan, Meno, and Air) are tourist areas for maritime and convention purpose
3. Taman Nasional Gunung Rinjani (TNGR) is natural tourism.
4. Koridor Tano, Empang, Gili Kramat, Alas Utan, and Agrotamase are tourist places that are suitable for maritime, culinary, and cultural purpose.
   
5. Moyo island and the area of Saleh Gulf are maritime tourism.
6. The area of Tambora mount is natural and cultural tourism.
7. The main corridor of Dompu-Sape is also orientated with maritime, cultural, and culinary tourism.
   
8. The south corridor of Lombok island, that is Sekotong-Kuta is a maritime, culinary, cultural, and convention tourism.
9. The corridor of Mataram-Lombok international airport is a natural and cultural tourism.
   
10. Selalu Legini is a tourist area that is suitable for natural purpose.

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Useful Tips For Your Successful Bandung Shopping Filed under ( adventure, Bandung, Explore, Indonesia, leisure, Tips ) by Aena

What is the best thing about shopping in Bandung? Why there are so many people, especially those coming from Malaysia and Singapore coming to Bandung only to go shopping? Well, not many people are aware that Bandung has become Indonesia's number one tourist destination for shopping. Why is that? This is because you can find so many shopping and factory outlets in Bandung where you can find very good quality products at very affordable price.

However how do you choose which factory outlets are really the best ones in Bandung? The only way to find out is simply join a local Bandung tour package which will take you directly to Bandung's hottest and best shopping arcade. The best time to go shopping to Bandung would be on weekdays, instead of weekends. It is because numerous people from Jakarta visit Bandung regularly on weekends and they are sometimes blamed for the traffic jams in Bandung during weekends, especially long weekends and holidays.

However to ensure that you really get what you want in Bandung, it would be best if you join and book a local tour in Bandung who will show you only the best places in Bandung where you can really get the best products at very affordable price. Do not hesitate to let them know what kind of places you or your family is interested in. And they would be more than pleased to show you the tour itinerary even before your coming to Bandung.

Choose only the best and the professional tour company in Bandung who can provide English speaking tour guide. Let them know how many days you would like to spend your holiday in Bandung and whether you have your children along with you. And they will arrange everything for you, including the tour package which already includes the accommodation, transportation and tour programs as well.

So, welcome to Bandung and enjoy your Bandung shopping!

The writer has been traveling extensively to many parts of the world, especially to third world countries, and have joined many local tours during her time in Bandung.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stanley_Walsh_Jones

A Trip to Garut South Bandung Filed under ( adventure, Explore, garut, Indonesia, leisure ) by Aena

Many people know that Bandung is a good place to visit. One can buy cloth, shoes, and bags with very cheap price. They could also visit North Bandung for example Tangkuban Parahu. But one thing that many people don't know is there are many good tourist destination in South Bandung.

Garut is one of them. There are many good place to visit in Garut and here some examples that perhaps you want to know.

Paraglaiding Place on Mount Haruman.
To reach this place one can go through Garut Bandung Highway via Kadungora subdistrict. From Kadungora one could use renting motorcyle called ojeg Haruman Sari village. It is more or less 15 km with 2 -5 meters wide street. From Haruman to Paraglaiding, it is more or less 7-8 km. Usually visitors use jeep. Activities that can be held here are paraglaiding, tracking, sight seeing and photography. Visitors come from Jakarta, Central Java, East Java and abroad like Singapore, Holland, Korea and America.

Cangkuang Temple
Cangkuang is a temple located on Cangkuang village. The name of Cangkuang derived from name of a tree called cangkuang (Pandanus Furcatus) that grows around grave of Embah Dalem Arif Muhammad.

To reach this location one could use bus from Bandung to Garut. It is about Rp.7.000. From Garut to Leles subdistrict there are public transportation service called "angkot". Street to Cangkuang temple from highway about 3 km, or 30 minutes by walking or one could use traditional vehicle called "andong".

Kampung Pulo Unique Traditional Village
Kampung pulo is a unique traditional village located on an island at the center of Situ Cangkuang Lake. Like Cangkuang Temple, it is located on Cangkuang village because Cangkuang Temple, Situ Cangkuang and Kampung Pulo are in one location.

According to history, the people of Kampung Pulo formerly Hindu, then Embah Dalem Muhammad retreat to this place because lose in a war with Dutch. Due to ashamed to Sultan Agung, Embah Dalem Arif Muhammad didn't want to go back to Mataram. He began to broadcast Islam to people of Kampong Pulo. Embah Dalem Arif Muhammad and his friends then live in Kampung Pulo until die. Despite 100 % people of Kampong Pulo are Islam, they still pratice some of Hindu tradition.

Curug Citiis Waterfall
Curug Citiis waterfall located on Pasawahan village, Tarogong subdistrict 1000 m above sea level. di atas permukaan laut. People said that this place is a meeting place of all kings from Java Island. The name Curug Citiis means cool water in Sundanese.

This place located more or less 15 km from downtown of Garut. From terminal to the nearest village of Curug Citiis, it is about 5 km.

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Indonesia Tourism - Exotic and Dangerous Filed under ( adventure, Bali, Explore, Indonesia ) by Aena

Have you been to Indonesia? Most people know more about Bali than Indonesia, while in fact, Bali is in Indonesia. Bali is one a province of Indonesia. It is an island which attracts tourists from many other countries. Indonesia itself has so many other tourism destinations. Indonesia is an exotic country. It has more than 17.000 islands, the second longest shoreline in the world. Indonesia is a tropical country. It has so many kinds of tropical plants and animals which are really worth experiencing.

The other interesting thing about tourism in Indonesia is their culture. Indonesia has about tree hundred different ethic groups and 250 distinct languages, all with their different cultures. It makes Indonesia rich in traditional culture that you will never finish enjoying. So many traditional ceremonies and exotic places like temples, traditional houses and shows. Borobudur, a Hindu temple is a must see place when visiting Indonesia. It is one of the wonder of the world that attracts foreign tourists to come. Another temple, Prambanan is also a magical temple which according to the folk story, was build only in one day.

Local people of Indonesia are famous with their friendliness and kindness. Enjoy the smile and warm welcome which is already be in their blood for many years. All of them make Indonesia even more worthy to visit.

However, so many incidents have been happening in the past few years. It reduced the foreign tourists visit significantly. On July 2009, seven people died from suicide bombers in J.W Marriott and Ritz Carlton Hotel in Jakarta. It begins back in few years before with a bombing in Bali which also took some lives including foreign travelers. Although the terrorists was arrested and executed by death penalty, the country is not 100% safe. There might be possibilities of another terrorist acts to happen. Those anarchist acts has made a big disappointment for all people in the world especially local people. Please stop all the threat in Indonesia.

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Discovering Bali, Indonesia Filed under ( adventure, Bali, Explore, Indonesia ) by Aena

Bali occupies a surface area of only 5,632 square kilometers and on this land; there exists people with a rich culture to brag about. In case you cannot point it on a map, Bali is an Indonesian island that will stretch form ninety miles east to west. A journey from the north to the south-most point of the island will cover fifty-five miles.

Exploring the island is every visitors dream. Because of this, there are hotels around the island to ensure that you have a good stay even as you tour the picturesque places.

Between 25oo B.C and now, the population of Bali has grown greatly to over 3 million people. This is a stark difference from that time when the first settlers immigrated from china. The inhabitants are majority Hindus but there are also Muslims.

Despansar is the capital of Bali and has a population of over 370,000. There are still a great number of people who prefer to stay towards the coastal areas in the South

Bali exports a lot of textiles, handicrafts, and garments to other countries as a source of income. Therefore the whole country's economy relies greatly on this, as half of the country's economy is derived form these.

Among the sites you should strive to set foot on are Kuta, Sanur, Seminyak, Jimbaran, and Nusa Dua. The hotel and tourist industry is experiencing a boom because of these places which also have activities like mountain climbing paragliding, cruising, rafting. They are way beyond average if you are looking for somewhere to relax and indulge in holiday fever. It is a wonder tourist destination.

Many people have always dreamt of jetting to Bali to have a breather over the holidays but have since changed their minds. Lately, there is a great fear that terrorists may strike at any minute. A great number of people were affected by this disaster as both the ones who wanted to travel then, and those who may want to travel today will remember the terrorist attacks in October 2002 and the consequent devastation.

The Balinese people are a hardworking and forward-looking lot. Their level of determination allows them to rise up once again and despite it all, get things running and look for better days ahead.

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