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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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50 Facts About Indonesia You Never Know Before (Part 2)

This post is sequel from previus post, 50 Facts About Indonesia You Never Know. Please read the first part before you read this article.

50 Facts About Indonesia You Never Know (Part 2)

1. PAL Company has successfully made one of the best ships in the world of "Star 50" weighs 50,000 tons. One of the countries that ordered the ship is Singapore.
2. In Singapore, the Gamelan (Indonesia's Musical Instrument) became a compulsory subject in primary schools in almost half of its territory.


 
3. Factory / manufacturing Mattel (Barbie USA), there are only 2 in the world. The first factory is located in China and the other in Jababeka, Cikarang, West Java.
4. A very prestigious international brands, Gucci, using native Indonesian woven cloth as raw material.
5. The most popular car in the United Arab Emirates is the Toyota Kijang Innova is fully manufactured in Indonesia.
6. North Korea's national flower which very popular, Kimilsungia, come from Indonesia and was named by the first Indonesian President Ir. Sukarno.

7. You know, the Air Bridge - proboscis stairs toward the plane door which become trends in airports in the world were first created by Bukaka Company, Indonesia.
8. Human rights defenders and the legendary father of the liberation of the State of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, after successfully removing apartheid in his country, recognizing that the struggle was inspired by the struggle of Sheikh Yusuf of Makassar, Indonesia.
9. In 2002, the Special Edition of TIME magazine on Asian Heroes, the popular indonesian singer, Iwan Fals, become FullPage cover. As well as Aa Gym in 2006 (The Holy Quran).
10. Prestigious cars, Mercedes Benz, using exhaust made in Indonesia, the process is entirely done in Purbalingga, Central Java.
    
11. 3rd Indonesian President, BJ Habibie is the holder of 46 patents in the field of aeronautics world.
12. David Foster admitted, his song 'To Love You More' sung by Celine Dion is inspired by the Kroncong music coming from Indonesia.
13. Menara Kuala Lumpur turned out to be designed by the son of Indonesia, Ir.Achmad Murdijat.
14. Indofood is the largest instant noodle manufacturers in the world.
15. Bagteria bags made in Indonesia has been sold in various storefronts in upscale malls in 32 countries around the world. World public figures who wear these products include Paris Hilton, Zara Phillips, Emma Thomson, and Audrey Tatou.
16. Three types of the best Starbucks coffee in Seattle, USA, are: Sumatra, Java Mocha and Toraja Coffee. These three types of coffee are displayed in the front.
17. Coins Ringgit Malaysia and Malaysian passport is produced by PT PERURI.
18. NATO soldier uniforms produced by PT Sritex, Solo, Central Java.
19. Kacang Dua Kelinci (Dua Kelinci Industry), is a sponsor of Real Madrid football club.
 
20. Motor GP, Manufacturers Honda using slogan "One Heart" (Honda Indonesia) which installed in its motor racing. Yamaha also annotate slogan "Semakin di depan" on his racing suit. Although the motorcycle are coming from Japan, but all production is done in Indonesia.
21. Bung Karno Stadium is the second largest stadium in Asia.
22. Kriss SVD weapon was inspired by traditional Indonesian arms, Keris. 
23. Adidas shoes are in collaboration with one of the shoes company in Indonesia, and is the only shoes company that is trusted by Adidas for producing Football Shoes worldwide.
24. Luwak Coffee beans are the most expensive coffee beans in the world, and the producer is Indonesia.

25. Official Manchester United Jersey and jacket  are made in Indonesia.

Well, so that's it 50 Fact About Indonesia You Never Know. Not much, but as Indonesian people, i proud of my country.

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50 Facts About Indonesia You Never Know Before

Do you know indonesia ? Where is it located ? . You can find Indonesia easily if you look at the World Map. Indonesia is located on SouthEast Asia. 

If you are 'new' about the word "indonesia", i want to make your brain remember about this heaven country. I want to tell you about 50 Facts About Indonesia You Didn't Know. Just Read and Learn :) 

1. Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world that consists of 17,504 islands (including 9634 unnamed islands and 6,000 uninhabited islands). Here are 3 of the 6 biggest island in the world, namely: Borneo (the third largest island in the world with an area of 539,460 km2), Sumatra (473,606 km2) and Papua (421,981 km2).  

2. Indonesia is the world's largest maritime waters covering an area of 93 thousand km2 and the length of the beach about 81 thousand km2, or nearly 25% of the long beach in the world.
3. Java island is the most populous island in the world where almost 60% of Indonesia's population (about 130 million people) live on the island which covers only 7% of the entire territory of Indonesia.
4. Indonesia is the country with the largest tribes in the world. There are more than 740 tribes / ethnic, wherein in Papua alone there are 270 tribes.
5. The world's largest Buddhist monument (temple) is Borobudur temple in Central Java with a height of 42 meters (10 levels) and long relief of more than 1 km. It is estimated that made ​​for 40 years by the Sailendra dynasty during the ancient Mataram kingdom (750-850).
 
6. Countries with the largest regional languages, namely, 583 languages ​​and dialects of the 67 main languages ​​used by various tribes in Indonesia. The national language is Indonesian although local language with the largest number of users in Indonesia is the Javanese language.
7. Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world. The number of Muslims in Indonesia around 216 million people or 88% of the population of Indonesia. Also has a number of mosques and pilgrims home country in the world.
8. The discovery place of the oldest ancient human in the world, namely: Pithecanthropus Erectus coming from 1.8 million years ago.

9. Republic of Indonesia is the first country that was born after World War II in 1945. Indonesia is the 70th oldest country in the world.
10. Indonesia was the first country (until now the only one) that ever came out of the United Nations (UN) on the date of January 7, 1965. RI to join back into the UN in 1966.
11. Indonesian badminton team is the most winner team that get badminton men symbol of supremacy, Thomas Cup, which is about 13 x (the first time last years 1958 & 2002).
12. Indonesia is the biggest producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the world (20% of world supply) and also the second largest tin producer.
13. This country has natural gas reserves LARGEST IN THE WORLD! precisely in the Natuna block. How much gas content in the Natuna block? Natuna D Alpha block has gas reserved of up to 202 TRILLION cubic feet !!
14. This country has the largest tropical forest in the world. This tropical forest has total area 39,549,447 hectares, with the most comprehensive  biodiversity and plasmanutfah in the world. It is located on the island of Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi. Actually, if this country wants apocalypse, it is very easy for them. Cut all the trees in the forest, andt the earth will have an end. Because the earth is very dependent with this tropical forests to maintain the balance of the Amazon rainforest climate. Amazon is not strong enough to balance the Earth's climate and now they are gradually destroyed only fir a handful of people who have money to build estate and golf course. Ironic.

15. Indonesia ranks first in agricultural products like Cloves, Nutmeg, and No. 2 in natural rubber and crude palm oil.
16. Indonesia is the largest exporter of plywood, which is about 80% in the world market.
17. Coral Reef (Coral Reef) Indonesia is the richest (18% of the world total).
18. Indonesia has the most shark species, 150 species.
19. The Biggest Orchid Biodiversity in the World: 6 thousand species of orchids, ranging from the largest (or Grammatophyllum speciosum Tiger Orchid) to the smallest (Taeniophyllum, with no leaves), including the rare black orchid and only in Papua.

20. Has the largest mangrove forest in the world. This plant is useful to prevent sea water erosion / abrasion.
21. Ancient animals were still alive: Komodo which is only found on the island of Komodo, NTT. It is the largest lizard in the world. Its length can reach 3 meters and weighs 90 kg.
22. Rafflesia Arnoldii which grows in Sumatra is the largest flower in the world. When the flowers bloom, its reaching one meter in diameter.
23.  Has the world's smallest primate, the Pygmy Tarsier (Tarsius pumilus) or Mount Tarsier that have only 10 cm length. This animals looks like monkeys , they live on the tree in Sulawesi.
    
24. The Discovery place of the world's longest snake, Python Reticulates along 10 meters in Sulawesi.
25. The world's smallest fish found recently in the muddy swamps of Sumatra. 7.9 mm long when mature or approximately have same size as mosquitoes. This fish body is transparent and has no bone heads. 

I will show you the other 25 in the next post... Read Part 2

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Putri Island at Pulau Seribu

Putri Island is a small island north of Java and is approximately 90 minutes drive from the sea port of Marina ancol. Putri Island is a very comfortable, and very nice to spend time to relax and eliminate fatigue. Various recreational facilities are available. There are diving facilities, underwater aquarium, glass bottom boat, swimming pool, sunset cruise, exploring the islands in Pilau Seribu in the afternoon (only available on weekends), or even a Tennis court.

When you arrive at the island princess, you will be greeted with a dance bali + welcome drink, and the time your supper will also be greeted with traditional dances and music.

The tour packages in Putri Island included:
:: Boat Transportation: from Marina Ancol on 08.00 am and from Island on 02.00 pm
:: Welcome drink
:: Accommodation
:: 4x meals (2x lunch, 1x breakfast, 1x dinner)
:: Free Pass for: Under sea aquarium, Glass bottom boat, Sunset cruise, & swimming pool.

Under Sea Aquarium

Glass Bottom Boat

Sunset Cruise

Further Information:
Pengelola Pulau Putri

Address: Jl. Lodan Timur No. 7 Marina Ancol Jakarta

Phone: (+62-21) 6827 4005 - (+62-21) 6406 166
Fax: (+62-21) 6407 344

(R) This blog contains various information about tourist destinations in Indonesia, from the very low-cost to expensive. hotel information, lodging, transportation, and accommodation support can also be found here.

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