Amazing Blue Flames at Ijen Crater East Java

Ijen Crater is one of the most popular tourism resort in East Java, Indonesia. These attractions are part of the Ijen Resort Nature Reserve Travel. Administratively, the crater is located in two districts name Banyuwangi and Bondowoso. Ijen crater is above an altitude of 2,368 meters above sea level and is part of the Mount Ijen, one of the active volcanoes in Java .

The Crater with an area of ​​20 sq km is surrounded by caldera walls as high as 300-500 meters. In addition, the acid content that existed at the crater is close to zero with temperatures reaching 200 degrees Celsius, which means the crater water is enough to melt clothes or even human body in a short time.

However, just calm down. As long as you remain within safe distance , Kawah Ijen is harmless. However, due to a very high sulfur content, you are required to wear a mask for comfort when breathing. Temperatures around the tourist attractions can reach 2 degrees Celsius, so don't forget to bring warm and thick clothes.

In the western part of the crater there is a dam made by the Dutch to avoid overflowing of crater water. This defunct dam is made of concrete and could be alternative places to visit in the crater, but the path to getting there is difficult to pass.

To be able to enjoy the beauty of the crater , you can depart from Banyuwangi and Bondowoso heading to Paltuding, the final post in this tourist spot. From Paltuding, you have to hike for about 2 hours to get to the top of the caldera which is the closest location to watch the crater. From here, you can see the turquoise sea of ​​the crater with a puff of smoke. It's an amazing sight.

If you want to get the best views of the crater, you should start climbing departing from Paltuding about 4 AM hours with the above estimate at 6-7 o'clock in the morning. At this hour, the crater is at his best and produce the most beautiful scenery.

How could we set off up so early? Don't worry, around the Paltuding post, there are simple lodgings run by the local Forest Service. Before dawn, you will be woken up in preparation for a hike. If you do not want to spend the night at the inn, you can set up a tent for camping with friends in this post. But don't forget to take care of a camping permit.

The best time to visit tourist attractions in East Java is in the dry season, which is between the months of July to September. In the recent months, rain is rare so the terrain or climbing way is relatively safe and you can enjoy the crater without exposed to rain or fog.

What's Interesting from Ijen Crater ?

Blue Flames !

If you want to see the unusual beauty , try hiking in the early morning. Ijen Crater has another miracle, in the bottom of the crater there are blue flame which became uniqueness of this tourism spot. The blue flame are coming from the liquid sulfur that dried and become mineral locals. Blue flame can only be seen when the surrounding atmosphere is still dark.

One of Two Traditional Sulfur Mine Site in Indonesia

In Indonesia, there are only two traditional sulfur mine site,  in Welirang and in the crater. Mining process here is very simple and doesn't use sophisticated tools. Miners will go down closer to the crater to take sulfur bullion that has dried up with simple tools without adequate safety equipment.

Chunks of sulfur that had been frozen will be cut with a crowbar and then transported using a basket carried on the shoulders. Miners bear the heavy burden that can reach 80-100 kg and they had to take it to walk as far as 3 km to the sulfur collection points . For safety reason, each miner is allowed only to carry twice a day.

Sulfur will be collected in an old building from the Dutch called the Round Pos. Each basket of each miner will be weighed and exchanged for money according to the weight of sulfur.
 

You will encounter these miners while being around this tourist attractions. Feel free to say hello to them or simply inquire about the sulfur mining process. Although they looks tired and busy with their activities, miners are friendly people.

Special Souvenirs at Ijen Crater

When visiting a tourist spot, it feels incomplete if we didn't buy typical souvenirs. What can be gained from the crater? Ijen Crater is not only known as a tourism spot, this crater is also popular as a sulfur mine site.
 

At the crater, precisely in the post Paltuding, there are some simple stalls that selling food to the miners, but many tourists often stop by and enjoy warm drinks and food there .

One of the shop owner is Mr. Im who also works as a tour guide at the crater. Beside that, Mr. Im's stalls also sell crater souvenirs. This souvenir is made of bamboo and shaped to resemble a  miniature baskets owned by sulfur miners. Beside that, miners also sell miniature made by sulfur.

Coffe Agrotourism

If you're departing from Bondowoso, you will pass arabica coffee plantation area. Nothing wrong to stop by and try agrotourism experience here. You can walk around the estate and see the process of picking up to the processing in order to produce a coffee with the best taste.

Selengkapnya →

5 Most Frightening Tourist Attractions in Indonesia

Indonesia has many tourist attractions ranging from beautiful, stunning, attractive and frightening. There are several frightening tourist attractions in Indonesia. It was so horrible, many people who visited these place don't want to come for the second time. 

#1 Lawang Sewu

Lawang Sewu is an old building that said to be very haunted and terrible. Lawang itself means the door, and sewu means 9 that if  combined become nine doors. Actually, this building doesn't have nine doors,  but have many large windows so it is considered as the door by people. The building is located in the city of Semarang, precisely in the Tugu Muda roundabout formerly called Wilhelminaplein.

 

It was said that this Lawang Sewu is inhabited by Kuntilanak and Gunderuwo ghost that often roaming in the building. Nearby residents often see a shadow in the this old building.

#2 Lubang Buaya

Lubang Buaya is the victims of September 30th's  tragedy in 1965. Lubang Buaya is located in Pondok Gede, East Jakarta. Local residents often hear the shouts from the crocodile pit (Lubang Buaya), so they think this place is a horrible place.

#3 Kumala Island

Kumala Island was once a forest. People then turned it  into a tourist attraction by building a variety of entertainment venues. When the  workers were working in  this forest, they often saw kuntilanak wandering in the forest. Until now, this island is still feared by many people.

#4 Japan Cave

This cave is a terrible place that is often used as tourist attractions for tourists. Japan Cave was once a haven for Japanese army, which is made by the indigenous people when Romusha forced labor. If you enter this cave you will hear the screams like being in torments, and also the mysterious shadow that is often seen.

#5 Kontilola Cave

Kontilola cave is the most creepy cave in Indonesia. The cave is located in Papua. This cave has  its own peculiarities in it.  There are pictorial painting of a very strange man, having 3 meters tall, with a bald head and round and also has four fingers.

Local residents regard the painting as a very horrible alien. If you come there, you have to set up some full equipment so you could be safe.

Selengkapnya →

5 Best Hotels (Accomodation) In Kuta Beach Bali

Kuta and Bali are never separated. The Tourist areas which located in Badung, South Bali, is the ideal place for foreign tourists. No wonder there are many people choose to stay in the region to enjoy the beauty of the island.

Kuta Beach is the best spot to enjoy Bali. Playing water, enjoy the sunrise and sunset, shopping and hunting for cheap food, everything becomes easy if you stay in the Kuta Beach area. You can read more about the beauty of Kuta Beach here >> Awesome Surfing and Sunset at Kuta Beach Bali

For those of you who want to go on vacation in Bali, do not be puzzled at the number of lodging options. Because in this article i want to tell you about 5 Best Hotels in Bali. These acommodation is selected and recomended by Traveloka.

1. Hard Rock Hotel Bali

Hard Rock Hotel is the first in Asia to offer a concept of music and entertainment. The Hotel interior looks like a rock and roll museum with a variety of memorabilia music and fashion from 50-90's. Hard Rock Hotel Bali features 418 stylish rooms like a rockstar dressing rooms. 

This hotel facilities are complete, including the largest lagoon pool in Bali, long cliff facility, spa services and a sauna, fitness center, music studio, children's club, family entertainment room (Tabu) , 6 restaurants, shops accessories, and a business center. For those who interested to stay in this four star hotel, will be subject to tariffs ranging from Rp2.582.443 ($258) per night.

2. Mercure Kuta

This hotel stands facing Kuta Beach, so you can just crossing to visit the beach. The pool and restaurant that located on the 4th floor serves gorgeous views of  Kuta Beach, perfect place for relax. Mercure Kuta has 130 guest rooms packed with modern minimalist wooden Balinese architectural elements. 

Additional hotel amenities include a spa, surfing courses, tour and travel service, and a business center. To stay at this four-star hotel, you can prepare a budget ranging from Rp888.140 ($88) for one night.

3. Harris Resort Kuta Beach

This hotel located on the opposite side of Kuta Beach. This resort-concepted hotel has a special access straight to the Beachwalk Mall, which offers modern facilities for you. 

Facilities in this hotel is complete. A total of 191 modern rooms are air conditioned, also supported by the presence of a restaurant and lounge, spa services, kids club, swimming pool, billiards, flying fox, and a business center. To enjoy the service of this four star hotel, you can prepare a budget ranging from Rp845.001 ($84) for one night,

4. Pop! Hotel Kuta Beach

This green-concepted hotel's location is hidden, making it suitable for tourists who need serenity. The distance is only about 200 meters to the Kuta Beach. This Hotel feel very fresh and colorful with a unique interior. 

Pop! Hotel Kuta Beach has 223 guest rooms fully-equipped with unique bathrooms tube. Other facilities at the hotel are swimming pool, restaurant, and meeting rooms. If you want to stay in this three star hotel, you can prepare a budget ranging from Rp347.999 ($34) per night. 

5. Tune Hotel Kuta Beach

This budget hotel is located a bit hidden in the alley, but still close to Kuta Beach (a 2 minute walk). The budget concept is loved by travelers because the facilities provided is match with the guests needs. Tune Hotel Kuta Beach is packed very clean, neatly arranged with good interior so it looks classy. Hotel with 139 guest rooms is suitable for a backpacker. 

You don't need to worry for meals because there are many  food stalls around the hotel, that can be reached by foot. Stay at this two-star hotel, you only need to prepare budget ranging from Rp231.000 ($23) for one night.

Selengkapnya →

7 Ancient Animals That Still Exist In Indonesia

If we want to see the ancient animals, we usually see it in the form of fossils because ancient animals had became extinct millions years ago. But it turns out that several ancient animal were still alive on earth, especially  in the territory of Indonesia.

Those animals are called living fossils. Living fossil is a term for animal or plant species that has been considered extinct and become a fossil, but in fact it still alive. This term may also be worn for animals / plants that have been existed millions years ago with a form that doesn't undergo many changes from fossil relics.

Here are some living fossils of ancient animals that can be found in Indonesia.

#1 Komodo Dragons

Komodo is an endemic species of ancient reptiles that lived since ancient times. The evolution of the Komodo dragon started with the Varanus genus began to flourish in Asia between 40-25 million years ago. Komodo is a close relative of the dinosaur . It is seen from the fossils discovery of dinosaurs that shows similarity body structure with dragons. 

Dinosaurs have been extinct long long ago, but Komodo are still exist until now. Komodo  is called the last dinosaur in the world. This animals live in the same era with the dinosaur, and known as carnivorous lizards, but they are also cannibals because sometimes they eat their children. 

Komodo dragon ( Varanus Komodoensis) is the largest lizards. The largest Komodo recorded  has a length of 3.13 meters and 166 kilograms weight. Komodo dragons can be found in Komodo Island and the small islands around it in the province of East Nusa Tenggara . The original habitat of Komodo can only be found in Indonesia.

#2 Leatherback

Leatherbacks or Dermochelys coriacea said to have inhabited earth since 100 million years ago, when the dinosaurs ruled the planet. Leatherbacks are the largest sea turtle species. Leatherback can reach 900 kg weight, with a body length of about one half to two meters. 

Unlike other turtles, leatherbacks don't have a hard shell . It's Carapace is like a mosaic of firm small bones, and the skin is rubbery with seven longitudinal ridges. Leatherbacks can be found from the tropics to the sub-polar ocean region and usually nesting on beaches in tropical regions. 

Leatherbacks only eat jellyfish, and there are few places in the world that are chosen to spawn. One of the spawning grounds is in the Jamursba Medi Beach and Mamon. It is located in the North of West Papua Province. Leatherbacks have a habit of traveling around the world exploring different regions of the earth.

#3 Coelacant Fish 

Coelacanth fish thought to have existed since the Devonian era about 380 million years ago, until now the shape is not changed. Coelacanth is an ancient fish that comes from a branch of the eldest surviving evolution of jawed fish . Previously, the fish was believed to have gone extinct since the end of the Cretaceous period 65 million years ago. But then it turns out the fish was found alive. 

This fish lives only in western  South African waters  and eastern Indonesian waters respectively called Latimeria chalumnae and Latimeria menadoensis. Indonesian coelacanth ancient fish can be found in the waters of Talise, North Minahasa and Malalayang waters, the Gulf of Manado, North Sulawesi. This fish's habitat is at more than 180 meters depth with a maximum temperature of 18 degrees Celsius. In Indonesia, especially in the waters around Manado and North Minahasa, this species is called SeaKing fish by the local people.

#4 Arowana Fish

Arowana fish is one of the ancient fish that have not gone extinct. Studies of genetic and fossil findings show that this fish at least have lived on earth since 220 ​​million years ago. Arowana fish is one of carnivore that inhabit the river and lake with calm water. This fish can be found in the Amazon , and in some parts of Africa, Asia and Australia. 

Arowana fish (Scleropagus sp.) can be found in the fresh waters of Indonesia. One type of arowana fish is Arowana super red, which is the original fish in Kapuas River and Lake Sentarum in West Kalimantan. The waters is the forest area of peat which creates a primitive environment for the ancient fish.

#5 Estuarine Crocodiles

Crocodiles is one of the ancient animals left on this earth. Estuarine crocodiles or Bekatak crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is one of the largest crocodile species in the world, much bigger than the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) and the American Alligator (Alligator mississipiensis). The length of the body including the tail can reach 12 meters as it had been found in Sangatta, East Kalimantan. 

Crocodiles still have close relatives with the ancient reptiles, CrocodileSaurus is the ancestors of crocodiles that have a length of nearly 30 meters. However, because of nature influence, the body of CrocodileSaurus shrunk and become estuarine crocodiles . Estuarine crocodiles can be found from the Bay of Bengal (India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh) to the Fiji Islands . Indonesia became a habitat to the estuarine crocodile besides Australia.

#6 Belangkas

Belangkas are animal species of artopoda that live in shallow waters and mangrove areas. Sometimes referred as horseshoe crabs, mimi , or mintuna. Mimi is the name of the Java language to the androgynous male and mintuna is for the androgynous females. 

This animal is one of the ancient animals that did not undergo significant deformation since Devon period (400-250 million years ago) compared to its present form, although it is not the same kind. These animals form shaped like a horseshoe pony-tailed . Although the shape looks creepy, crab meat and eggs can be used as food. However, we should be careful because there are parts of his body that contain toxins . 

Horseshoe crab can be found in the marine waters of Southeast Asia and North America . In Indonesia, the type of crab found is Tachypleus gigas , Tachypleus tridentatus and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda. Type T. gigas are found in estuarine waters almost in every Indonesian waters.

#7 Pangolin

Pangolin is one of the ancient animals, some fossil of pangolins have been found during the Oligocene and Miocene era. These animals eat insects, especially ants and termites. His hair was modified into a kind of big scales which arranged to form a layered shield as a means of self-protection. If disturbed, it will furl his body like a ball . 

Pangolin lives in lowland tropical rain forests. Pangolin can be found in Southeast Asia. Pangolins in Indonesia known as the Java pangolin (Manis javanica) found in the mountainous areas of Sumatra, Borneo and Java and Bali. Although it looked like reptiles, these animals belong to mammals . In Indonesia this animal is protected. In Jambi Province, pangolin populations still quite prevalent.

Indonesia is quite amazing because in this area we can still find a variety of unique ancient animal. They have very little population and must be protected.

Selengkapnya →

Enjoy Underwater Beauty in Bunaken Marine Park

Bunaken Marine Park is one of the tourism spot in Indonesia which lies in Manado, North Sulawesi. In 2005, Bunaken Marine Park have been designated as the world's heritage site. This is because of the richness and diversity of sea life ranging from the extraordinary coral reefs, sea grass to fish species there. This tourist spot has more than 30 diving spots, make it become favorite place for domestic and foreign divers.

Bunaken National Marine Park has an area of 75,265 ha. There are five islands included in this national park. They are Naen Island, Bunaken, Manado Tua Island, Siladen Island, Mantehage Island and more islands surrounding them. Total population in these island is around 21,000 people.

Bunaken Island is geographically included in the waters teritorial "Golden Triangle". More than 3000 species of fish are in Bunaken Marine Park. The "Golden Triangle" is the a waterway sea linking Philippine Sea, Sea of ​​Papua, and Indonesia sea. Because having rich natural resources, national and international organizations work together in carrying out the conservation of coral reefs and mangroves.

Manado City Government has made the idea of ​​Bunaken as a marine tourism and educational tourism, because local governments saw marine nature conservation activities in this region. And then in 1991, the Minister of Marine officially announced Bunaken National Marine Park.

Tourism Site

Bunaken has an area of ​​approximately 8 square kilometers located in the Bay of Manado. Bunaken is one of sea park which has the highest sea biodiversity in the world. There are many tourists who come to perform diving activities in the area of ​​Bunaken. Although the area reached 75,265 ha, the diving locations is very limited, just being around the beach which surrounds the five islands in the area of ​​Bunaken National Marine Park.

There are 40 diving sites which have diverse coral reefs and beautiful tropical ocean fish in Bunaken. Travelers who dives in Bunaken can see 150 species of fish from about 58 genus of fish and coral reefs.

Bunaken National Marine Park has 20 diving spot with varying depths. Of the 20 diving spots, 12 diving spots are located on the island of Bunaken. It is frequently visited by divers. Both local and foreign divers.

Bunaken dive spot lined up from the southeast to northwest. In this area there is a vertical and curved giant rock wall. This wall is the food source for fish and the other sea dwellers. 

Location

Bunaken is located in the sea waters of Sulawesi Island . Most of Sea Park is located in the northern Bay of Manado. To get to the Bunaken National Marine Park, you can use motor boat from Manado Bay.

Admission Prices

The admission price to the Bunaken National Marine Park is Rp. 50.000 ($5) / person for one entry.  You can buy Rp. 150.000 ($15) / person which valid for 1 year. If you buy a ticket that is valid for 1 year, you will be given a badge made of plastic instead of the ticket.

Facilities and Accommodations

Some hotel accommodation in Bunaken district already available with various options. Some of them are  Bunaken Island Dive Resort and Bunaken Divers Sea Breeze Resort . Both hotels are located on the island of Bunaken. You can rental diving equipment along with the instructor. The diving instructor has mastered French, Dutch, English, and German.

Selengkapnya →

5 Mystical Lake in Indonesia

Indonesia is the largest archipelago country in the world that consists of 13.466 islands. This country has a lot of natural resources to enjoy. One of them is lake. Behind its beauty, several lake in Indonesia has mystical story. The story is usually come from the ancestor and passed down to the generation.

Tolire Lake

Tolire lake is located in Ternate, North Maluku, or about 10 km from the center of Ternate city. Beside having a unique shape, this lake also has an interesting narrative (legend).

Based on the narrative, and has been proven by some people, objects that was thrown into the lake will never touch the surface of the lake water. People believe this is because the power of stealth crocodile that nested inside the lake.

Pening Swamp (Rawa Pening)

Rawa Pening derived frow word "bening" which means "clear" . Rawa Pening is located in Semarang, Central Java.

According to legend, Rawa Pening is formed by the water that flows from the the stick done by Baru Klinthing. Baru Klinthing story tells about a little boy who has many scar on his body, and smells stink. People hate him, but an old widow accept and help him. This swamp is also preferred as fishing tourism object and water sports facilities. But in recent decades, fishing boats are hard to move.

Toba Lake

This lake is located in the city of Medan, North Sumatra. Toba is the largetst freshwater lake in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. This lake is unique because it has an island named Samosir in the middle.

Lake Toba has a legend about Dragon Guardian. According to the statement of the residents around the lake, they often sea a figure of a dragon in the Lake. The Dragon is believed to be the son of Mr Toba, who turned into a dragon to protect the lake.

Until now, the dragon still like to reveal itself. Most fisherman in the lake sometimes feel like a big snake is swimming in the lakes surface.

Gunung Tujuh Lake

Gunung Tujuh Lake is located in Kerinci, Jambi. Precisely in the Pelompek Village, Ayu Aro District. This lake is just behind Kerinci Mountain.

Native people known this lake as Sacred Lake. It is because the lake water is always clean, where the leaves that are falling from the trees around the lake, aren't visible on the surface of the water. People also narrated that sudden weather change often occur in this lake.

Kaco Lake

Kaco Lake is also located in Kerinci, Jambi. Precisely in the Lempur Village, Gunung Raya. Local people called it Kaco Lake, which means "glass" in English.

Lies in the height of 1289m above sea level, this lake is so small. Only about 30x30m. But it can present the beauty of the lake itself among the surrounding trees.

This lake has very clear water. The depth of this lake is still a mystery. Another miracle of this lake is that it can emit a clear light in the darkness, especially when full moon occur.

Many visitors who stay to see this miracle doesn't need light because the clear light of the lake is enough. Some researchers are trying to find answers to this phenomenon, but it still become mystery. The diver are always running out of oxygen before touching the lakebed.

The myth of the birth of Lake Kaco are told in the local folklore. It tells about beautiful princess who proposed by many man. Without any doubt they entrust precious stones to the King Crow, father of the princess. However, greedness make King Crow tarnish his own daughter. Later, her daughter was buried in the lake along with the treasures.

Selengkapnya →

5 Unique Villages You Can Only Find in Indonesia

Talking about the wealth and natural beauty of Indonesia is endless. It seemed every place in Indonesia has a story and the beauty of its own. Indonesia's sea and land has formed a rare beauty that other countries do not have.

One of the beauty and uniqueness of Indonesia when compared to other countries is Indonesia has unique and very thick villages culture which very tempting to visit. Call it the village of Wae Rebo in Flores and Village Baduy in Banten.

Both villages are two of the many unique villages in Indonesia. Unique villages in Indonesia still retain most of their cultural values ​​and reject the technology. Most villages in Indonesia still retains the unique traditional style. Because of that uniqueness, there are many tourist who come there.

Ok, in this article, Indonesia Geek want to tell you about 5 unique villages you can only find in Indonesia. Here they are

#1 Wae Rebo Village

The first unique village owned by Indonesia and has known worldwide is Wae Rebo Village. This village  is located in the Satarmase districk, Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara. In this village, there are at least seven cone-shaped main house with the same height and diameter. Unique house in this village can be inhabited by 6 to 8 families.

The scenery in this village is no doubt, there are a stretch of mountains and the green of nature that we can enjoy every day. The houses are arranged in a circular cone that makes this village perfect to see.

#2 Penglipuran Village

Bali is very a famous place in the international arena. There are many world travelers who recognize the beauty owned by Bali Island. Besides the wonderful beach, Bali also has a unique village called Penglipuran Village, located in Bangli. It was said that the village is touted as the cleanest village in the island.

This tourist village is not so large,  the area is only 112 acres with a 9 acre used for settlement. Air and circumstances of this village is still beautiful and very thick with Balinese culture. Bali's architecture house are lined up on the left and right of the road. Trees, grass and colorful flowers seemed to flourish. 

This village is free from motor vehicles. You can have fun taking pictures while learning the culture of the local people without fear of polluted smoke. The entrance fee to the village is also affordable, which is Rp 7,500 per person. Less than 1 dollar.

#3 Baduy Village

In Java island, precisely in Banten province, there is a unique village that has very strong traditional culture. The village is called Village Baduy. Baduy village is inhabited by Bedouin(Baduy) tribes. Baduy village is divided into two, the Outer Baduy and Inner Baduy. If you want to come to this village, you can directly visit the entrance in Ciboleger village.

If you love photography and wanted to take a picture of Baduy village, you must prepare your stamina. This is because you must tracking to the Baduy village for about 5 hours. The journey might be exhausting, but along the way you can enjoy the cool air and the enchanting hills.

Arriving at the Bedouin settlement, you could see their houses made of bamboo and neat. The river that flows in the settlement is quite clear, because Baduy really appreciate nature. Of the several branches of the river, they are just using one for everyday use.

Tourist can enjoy another river branch which also has clear water. Forests are also maintained as Bedouins always keep clean and does not destroy the forest.

#4 Trunyan Village

Trunyan village is located in Bangli regency, Bali. If the villages above has amazing beauty, this village is the opposite. Trunyam village is  unique because of the cultural village and unusual customs that still preserved in the village.

Beside the green scenery, this village also has many human skulls that scattered everywhere. Creepy but unique. This village has grave on the east side of Lake Batur. Here, the bodies were not buried. The bodies were left alone there on the ground to rot. This is very different because Balinese usually doing cremation ceremony for the people who died.

#5 Kete Kesu Village

Kete Kesu village is located in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi. This village has a unusual uniqueness. People in this village has a belief that burying human body in rock cliff is a good thing. So, don't be surprised if you watch the skulls scattered on different sides of the cliff in Kete Kesu.

In the village of Kete Kesu, there are two ways of burial.  There are bodies that placed in the rock and natural caves, or the tomb of the house called Patane in Toraja language. While on vacation to this village, you can see the coffin of the Toraja called erong. Most of this erong have reached 500 years age!

So that's it 5 Unique Villages you can only find in Indonesia. This is only a little, because in fact, there are many unique village in Indonesia that is still unspoiled.

Selengkapnya →

Pandawa Beach, A Hidden Beauty in Bali Island

If this time you only know Sanur beach and Kuta Beach in Bali, you must visit this pretty beach that have grown into a place of Marine Tourism. The name is Pandawa Beach, or commonly known as Kutuh Beach. 

No need to doubt that Bali has a lot of amazing beauty. Cultural and religious plus the beauty of nature especially stunning Exotic beach make a lot of tourists want to visit this Bali Island .

Pandavas (Pandawa) beach located in South Region of Bali or in the Kutuh village, Badung. This beach was once called the Secret Beach because of its location which lies behind the high cliffs overgrown with shrubs. The beach which lies approximately 3 KM from Nusa Dua has long been known, but because the access to this beach is very difficult, it is rarely visited by tourists. 

Judging from the potential beauty of this beach, 10 years ago Badung regency  has opened the access road made ​​along approximately 1.5 KM that leads to the beach pandawa which passes through the high limestone cliffs. State of the road leading to the beach location is very unique and beautiful because it is flanked by cliffs that has been split.
 

Name of the Pandavas in Nusa Dua Beach is derived from the figure puppet Five Pandavas. Therefore, if you go in the beach area you will be served by 5 Statue of Pandavas, Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhishthira, Nakula and Sadewa. They are measured with magnificent and the great statue was stored in a limestone cliff. You can watch the statue from coast to the west.

The Beauty of this coast no doubt. Shades of white sand, The clear water and the waves are singing from a distance. The breeze are ready to soothe your heart.

Access to Pandawa Beach in Nusa Dua Bali

Pandavas beach can be taken approximately 60 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport. Travel can be addressed from Kuta to Garuda Wisnu Kencana and then turn left towards Nusa Dua Bali. You just need to follow the signpost that reads "Pandava Beach" and then turn left to arrive at the intersection and adjust the path, you will arrived on the coast of Bali Pandavas. The terrain to this beach are passing through the rock cliffs and hollow hills.

Activities You Shouln't Miss

Visiting Pandawa Beach means you have to ready for wetting yourself. Swimming became an important activity beside a small boat ride or paraseiling. But, if you don't want to wet yourself then you can indulge yourself sitting in a cafe next to the beach cafe where you can feel a sip of coconut water accompanied by bajar corn. You can also stroll along the coast while seeing seaweed farmers doing their activities.

Selengkapnya →

Gili Trawangan, A Beautiful Island like Bali

Bali is the most exciting destination in Indonesia. But you're wrong if you think Bali is the only exciting destination in Indonesia. Bali has a neighbor island that holds the outstanding natural beauty , Lombok. The Points of Interest in Lombok is , you can see a very beautiful nature, from head to toe. That is, from the plateau on Mount Rinjani, to the plains in a variety of beautiful beaches, one of which is on the island of Gili Trawangan.

Gili Trawangan is one of three Sea Islands in the west coast of Lombok. The other island is Gili Meno and Gili Air. Gili Trawangan is the most distant island and most substantial of the two other islands. In addition, the island has a complete tourist facilities of the two other Gili. Gili Trawangan island has a length of 2 km and 1.5 km wide, so you can go around the island just in 2 hours.

Gili Trawangan presenting a stretch of fine white sand that gentle when stepped, clear sea water, and coral reefs typical of tropical regions. You can get everything there without having to hear the noise of motorcycles, automobiles, or the frenetic urban areas that you normally hear in the city. You can get quiet, comfortable and fun in Gili Trawangan. For 24 hours a day, you will be treated by a very beautiful tropical island, and the hospitality of the local people.

Gili Trawangan Tourism is one of the coolest diving destinations, so too bad if you do not try to snorkel in Gili Trawangan. The island's underwater is beautiful, with spectacular coral reefs, one of which is a dive spot named Shark Reef. One of the attractions that you must see is the beauty of the green turtles that often swim around the ocean. You can see the green turtles that swim gracefully in depths of 10 to 20 m below the sea. Dive deeper and you will find a cool white shark. In addition, you can also enjoy views of the blue colored corals that you can find only in Lombok and Carribian Sea.

Besides beaches, Gili Trawangan also has historic buildings. The building is in the form of a cannon Japanese heritage who once occupied Gili Trawangan. To enjoy the sunset, you can watch it from the beach, or from the top of a hill where you can also see the sights of Bali Strait and Mount Agung which stands on the island of Bali. Gili Trawangan also have a number of sea turtle conservation activities, you can release the hatchling or baby turtles into the sea.

Some tips that can be useful when traveling to Gili Trawangan is, prepare more budget. Budget is required to rent diving equipment and diving instructor. This is to ensure your safety during a dive at Gili Trawangan. In addition, do reservations about 4 months before departure, because especially in June to August, Gili Trawangan will be crowded by visitors. So, in order to secure your vacation, you must immediately reserve flight ticket and lodging from the distant days.

Selengkapnya →