Culture Immersion

Posted in: Destination, Rural Getaway by admin on March 22, 2010 | No Comments

• Fields Tour

  Agriculture is an important commodity in Indonesia. Use the farmer’s hat and rubber sandals, carry along your pickaxe and walk with the villagers to the fields. Cultivate and participate in planting the paddy rice and vegetables. If you are a Tea addict or Coffee addict, visiting the plantation to see the villagers’ activities in processing these beverages from its raw ingredients will definitely enhance your experience in enjoying tea and coffee. Share these with friends and amaze them with your newfound knowledge and insights!

  Have lunch with the locals who traditionally use only their hands to eat. Learn local traditions! Did you know it was impolite to eat or drink until invited to do so by the host and finishing a drink implies the desire for the glass to be refilled? Always sit to eat because it is considered inappropriate to eat while standing or walking on the street!

  Enjoy the local high tea where cassava and hot drink are served while you are overlooking the tropical landscape and sound of traditional music played with instruments constructed with bamboo. Explore the natural beauty from rice terrace, waterfall, forest and the wonderfully friendly people. Take a bath at nature hot spring water or clean water river to complete this amazing cultural experience.

• Village Trekking

  Life in a village is never alone! Explore traditional life of different ethnics of Indonesia, stay at local homes and involve with the activities of the family. Have you ever traveled around by local transportation and spent the journey squashed into a small seat, wedged between bound chickens and bags of rice, and surrounded by thick smoke from clove-scented cigarettes? Despite the hardship, this kind of journey even brings you closer to ordinary Indonesians. Talk about immersion!

  Come! Visit the local elementary school, experience the teaching and learning process and enjoy the chirping of the kids.

  Don’t miss visiting the traditional market and getting advice in selecting ingredients and obtaining secret recipes from local chef on how to prepare the local cuisine. There is something you must know, which is that Indonesia food recipes are rich of colorful spices and offer different taste from west. Learn how the villagers cook their authentic food in traditional kitchens and discover the flavors you will not find commonly served in hotels and restaurants. Bring the culinary experience back from Indonesia to your home kitchen with friends and families!

• Festivals and Tradition

  Indonesia is one of the most culturally developed countries in the whole of Asia. The lifestyle is expressed through dance and music during festivals and ceremonies. Visit this country and attend festivals and events that are held throughout the year. The colorful processions and cultural performances are worth indulging your senses into. You can join them to enjoy singing, dancing and organizing grand feasts.

  In the month of January, you can attend the Lomban Festival that is celebrated by the fishermen of the country. Join them as they thank the sea for their fishing catch during the year and understand the joy in having a simple life with the fishermen.

  In the month of February, Muslims throughout the country commemorates the Birth of Prophet Muhammad with a week-long festival with gamelan performances and a colorful float parades. Don’t miss it if you’re there in the month of February!

  In the month of March, Indonesia celebrates the Kasada Festival, when people pay tribute to their ancestors by offering flowers, chicken and fruits. As for Balinese of the Hindu religion, they celebrate Hari Raya Galungan (Holy Day) where they make offer to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi (Balinese word for God) for prosperity and blessing to the world and then bring the offerings to the temple in the morning. The festive is characterized by offerings, dances and new clothes. All day men go through the streets performing with musical instruments and a sacred barong monster. Hear from the locals themselves for the interesting myths and legends.

  In the month of April, Hindu religion throughout the country will celebrate the Nyepi (Day of Silence) also known as The Saka New Year is observed where a large number of cultural shows and grand processions are held on this month. To honor a pioneer for women’s rights in Indonesia on Kartini Day (21 April), most of Indonesia woman celebrates the life and achievements of Raden Ajeng Kartini (Lady Kartini) who set up a special girl’s school and went on to raise awareness about women’s rights and movement in Indonesia.

  In the month of May, Indonesian Buddhist commemorate the birth and death of Gautama Buddha (Vesak Day) at Borobudur; the largest Buddhist monument in the world. The ceremony centered at the three Buddhist temples by walking from Mendut to Pawon and ending at Borobudur.

  In the month of August, hundreds of thousands Tenggerese in East Java gather at the active crater of Mount Bromo to witness the Kesodo Ceremony and present offerings of rice, fruit, vegetables, flowers, livestock and other local products to the God of the Mountain. They ask for blessings and a year free of eruptions.

  Also come visit South of Sulawesi, where most of Toraja rice farmers that lives in the mountainous areas hold fascinating and elaborate funeral rites to send the spirit of the dead to the afterworld and to prevent misfortune on the deceased’s family. The ceremony is often held weeks or months after the death so that sufficient funds can be raised to cover the funeral expenses. During the waiting period, the corpse lives with the family in Tongkonan. Chanting and dance are performed to honor the deceased and to bid farewell.

• Culinary

  Most people always associate Indonesian cuisine with Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice), Gado Gado (Vegetable Salad with Peanut Sauce) or Sate (Skewered Grilled Meat with Peanut Sauce). So where do you go to discover the other lesser known cuisines that stretches more than 2800 miles from Sumatra to Papua as Indonesia is a food lover’s paradise? Well… Come with us!

  The staple food of most Indonesian is rice. On some of the islands in Eastern Indonesia, staple food traditionally ranged from cassava, corn, sago, and sweet potatoes. If you want a gastronomic tour with a difference, try adventurous and intriguing traveling through Indonesia’s regions and sampling the different local culinary specialties.

  The Sumatrans generally eat more beef compared to the other regions. For a truly unique flavor of Indonesia, a visit to Padang restaurant from West Sumatra is a must. You will see Padang restaurants everywhere in Indonesia from the biggest cities to the smallest towns. These Nasi Padang shops are characterized by plates of cooked dishes piled high in an elaborate pyramid formation in their window display. The waiter will bring a huge array of dishes to your table, spread them out in front of you, and leave them on the table until you have finished your meal. You will be expected to eat with your right hand and a bowl of water provided for cleaning your fingers. You only pay for what you eat but please expect to be charged if you only took a nibble at one of the dishes. Famous Padang dishes are Rendang (Beef Cooked in Spices and Coconut Milk), Ayam Pop (Chicken Breast served with Tomato Paste), Ayam Gulai (Yellow Curry Chicken), Telur Balado (Boiled Egg with Spicy Chili Paste) and Vegetables.

  Java is not the biggest island geographically but certainly one of the most culinary diverse where as many as 120 million of people live. The Javanese cuisines are more palatable to the general taste and consist of vegetables, beef, chicken and other varieties. You may try classic dishes such Bubur Ayam (Porridge with Chicken and Vegetables mixed together with a Chili Sauce), Soto (Chicken Soup with Vermicelli, Boiled Egg, Fried Potatoes and Fried Shallots cooked with Turmeric), Bandeng Presto Semarang (Pressure-cooked Milkfish), Gudeg Jogjakarta (Jackfruit Curry), and even the signature dish of Surabaya; Ayam Penyet (Smashed Fried Chicken).

  In Bali, Irian Jaya and North Sulawesi, pork dishes are specialties. As the population of Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, pork is usually not served except in Chinese restaurants, non-Muslim regions and in places serving international cuisine. A particular favorite famous pork dish in Bali is Babi Guling (Roast Suckling Pig) where Balinese roast a piglet rather than a fully grown pig.

  Continue the journey eastwards across the archipelago to the fabled spice islands of Maluku province. Until the 19th century, Maluku was the only places in the world where nutmeg, cloves and pepper grew. It was nutmeg, a spice worth more than gold in weight in medieval times, which first brought the Dutch to Indonesia to establish a monopoly on the trade. Where better place to try a dish made with nutmeg than in its original home?

  Indonesia being such a huge country consisting of 17,508 islands makes us impossible to write about all the different foods to be enjoyed. Wherever you go, your taste buds will not be disappointed. One thing for sure!

Multi-Sport and Adventure

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• Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

  You’ll be amazed! With the longest coastline in the world, Indonesia has been hailed as the world’s best scuba diving destination. Located at the heart of triangle of the world’s greatest marine biodiversity, boasting more amazing diving destinations than anywhere else on earth to explore.

  Indonesia has 15% of the world’s coral reefs throughout 80 thousand kilometers of coastline, and 3.1 million square kilometers of territorial waters with more than 3000 fish species and 500 species of corals! Are you wondering which are the best diving spots to visit already?

  Underwater Indonesia with spectaculars Sea Gardens, Steep Walls, Deep Water Trenches, Underwater Volcanic Mountains, World War II Wrecks and variety of Macro-life are blessings from God for us to enjoy until the next generation. Diving in Indonesia is therefore truly a splendor. Overall the perfect dive condition exists from April to December as many areas have rainy season from January to March.

  If you are a certified diver, bring along proof of your certification. You can either join local dive club or be alongside diving enthusiasts to plan trip together or explore Komodo, Ambon, Bali, Sulawesi and Papua for excellent Scuba Adventure holiday.

  If you are interested in learning to dive, learn it in Indonesia! You can choose your Scuba Diving Course from diving in open waters to other preferred specialties such as adventure, rescue and dive master lessons. Our certified instructors will guide you from the basics with an introductory lesson to ease beginners into diving with confidence. With your experience as a beginner diver, come swim in true view and fascination of the interdependency of the various creatures and marine plants.

• Surfing

  Surfing has really gained popularity in Indonesia today. Indonesia has equatorial climate and the very best waves in the world suited to surfing. The time for perfect conditions to surf is definitely from April to September. Come glide with us!

  Nihiwatu West Sumba, Manggudu East Sumba, Lagundri Bay Nias, Cempi Bay Sumbawa, Lakey Beach Sumbawa, Uluwatu Bali, Kuta Lombok, and many more are surfer’s dream destination. You will be able to see the line of men approaching the beach on their surfboard as the sun approaches the horizon.

  If you want get closer to culture of Indonesia, slip away from the crowd and try the surf camps in Lagundri Bay – Nias, Cempi Bay – Sumbawa and Ombak Tujuh and Garajagan – Java. The clear waves await you.

  And Bali is where the waves are absolutely superb! A favorite haunt amongst surfers worldwide! Stand up on your board and ride the wave for great surfing. If you are a beginner, just spot Kuta Beach for the long rolling waves and safe sandy bottom. You even can take the short course that begins from a lesson in the swimming pool that teaches the basics of water safety, surfing etiquette and surfboard handling. After that, get ready to the beach where the coach will show you the finer points of surfing.

• Water Rafting

  Set your adrenaline running by rafting on Indonesia’s fast and foaming rivers. It’s a must not miss experience where it sets your heart beating faster than ever and hear screams happening along the river-flow with natural water slides! Let your adrenalin race while jumping from high water flow and beware of being addicted to try again. We offer you four provinces in Indonesia to do this activity.

  In Sumatra, you can raft in 2 rivers. Wampu River offers a fascinating adventure with many grade 2 rapids that takes about 4 hours down the River. All around you can see and hear the tropical wildlife, stop at a waterfall and continue rafting for 2 hours until the bridge of the Bohorok River. Another choice raft on Alas River, where the water plunges 300 kilometers through the largest National park in Southeast Asia, Gunung Leuser National Park. The park covers 850,000 hectares of rainforest ecosystems where you may observe the incredible diverse wild life such orangutans, lemurs, tigers, and many more primates. You will also experiencing the canyon’s amphitheater of rainforest sights and sounds.

  If you intend for a longer and intense river experience, Sadan River in Sulawesi is an ideal place for the multi-day expeditions. Sadan River passes the Tana Toraja and is about 182 km in length, 80 km width, and 294 tributaries. In the middle of journey, you can stay overnight in Lantang, a stage house in the riverside. The Adventurer can see the various flora fauna and observe the beauty of the mountains surrounding the river that are covered by savannah meadow. There are 3 types of different difficulty levels, from Puru rapid level III; Pembuangan Seba rapid level IV, and lastly Fitri rapid level V which can sets boats rocking!

  If you like a gentle 16 kilometers run through the Volcanic Gurges and Jungle, the Citarik River in Sukabumi is the right choice. Just few hours drive away from Jakarta, you can find the river with water flows all year round from Mount Halimun. Another exciting river to raft is Pekalen River located in Probolinggo, few hours drive from Surabaya. The journey on the river begins with two streams just a couple seconds after you are on the boat. It has beautiful cliff on its both sides with the bats and the waterfall. The streams are fascinatingly made from a combination of the river rocks and the currents.

  Last but not least, few rivers in Bali will challenge you for a trip down through deep valleys, terrace rice fields, and tropical rain forest. Rafting at Ayung River gives different experiences where the river itself is approximately 10 kilometers length with 27 sets of challenging fun filled rapids. Experience the adventure spirit to raft Telaga Waja River where the water are holy to Balinese that flowing from the sacred Mountain Agung and challenges you to finish this 12 km length with thrill of grade 2-4. Whereas raft at Bakas River has fantastic rafting you will find nowhere else in Bali with its white, foamy and wavy water shaking the boats along the way.

• Bungee Jumping

  As a paradise island at the Pacific Ocean, Bali is a perfect holiday destination for all ages. And if you are someone who likes extreme sport very much, Bungee Jump is the answer. Take the challenge of this fun extreme sport in Legian beach. We offer you the unforgettable bungee experience from a 45-meter tower in the heart of Kuta. Take the challenge of Day Bungee Jump, Night Bungee Jump, Harness Bungee Jump, Tandem Bungee Jump, Push Bike Bungee Jump or even Motor Bike Bungee Jump.

• Paragliding

  One of the fastest growing high thrill adventure sports that are gaining popularity is Paragliding. For beginners, Tandem Paragliding is available to give you the adventure of a lifetime at 10,000 feet above ground.

  You will be given an introduction and briefing on safety, fitted securely into a harness and at the right moment, the Tandem Master will signal you to run and fly off from the hills. Instantly you will be hit by the thrilling sensation of free flying like a bird and gliding weightlessly in the air.

  You will get to see view of the villages at an unbelievable bird’s eye view. It will definitely be an unforgettable ‘high-flying’ experience ever. We will take you higher!

• Golf

  Golfing in Indonesia gives you a choice from playing in many different environments. Whether you are a beginner or weekend golfer, it doesn’t matter as long as you can still enjoy the game. Accompany by friendly Caddies, they will assist you in playing best, advise and give you a read to make your putt sink for par and even better.

  Indonesia is the real paradise of golf! With more than 100 international class courses in at least six major regions, offering you an unforgettable and ultimate experience to play with value pricing and great atmosphere. Range from City Golf, Fringed by White Sandy Beaches Golf Course, to the Mountainous Areas Courses, and designed by top world designer such as Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Nick Faldo, plenty of golf courses are waiting for you to swing!

• Trekking, Hiking and Camping

  Indonesia is one of the world’s best exotic places for tropical mountain trekking and volcano observation. Experience it through trekking to the village and hiking to the mountainous tropical forest. Enjoy walking through the lush green trees, feel the grass touch your skin and bathe in the free flowing clear water of the river.

  Take a chance to learn practical tips of jungle survival like obtaining water, setting animal traps and identifying edible and poisonous plants. Stay overnight in tents to consciously escape from the urban life to enjoy the charm of nature and dinner over the campfire. The majestic beauty of this experience leaves you in deeper connection with your thoughts.

• Cycling

  To discover the amazing life of Indonesian, we invite you to cycle on the hills passing the hidden beauty of Indonesia, with its valleys, rice fields, villages, to landscape of fertile vegetation.

  You see the unchanged countryside and sleepy beauty villages along the road, a chance to see a side of Indonesia that is rarely seen commonly. It’s opportunity to meet locals, chatting with farmers and enjoy lunch in the picturesque of village.

• Horseback Riding

  See the hidden beauty of Indonesia in a way you’ve never seen before. Take horse-riding treks that will take you through the lush rice terraces or surf along the beautiful hill. With a choice of trained horses and riding safety equipment, we are proud to offer you an experience to enjoy the outdoors and the sport of riding to remember.

• Watersport (Parasailing, Jet Ski, Water Ski, Banana Boat, Canoeing)

  Get attached onto a parachute and be powered by the motorboat with a towrope that carries you into the air. Hang on and open your bird eye to overview amazing view from the sky. Activity of Parasailing will bring you the beautiful scenery of the seawater and unforgettable memory in life.

  Ride a motor sea vehicle on the blue water and blast with the waves. Jet Ski will bring you to get different experience and the fresh sea breeze that swirl your hair. It’s time where you can surf waves like a surfer.

  Take a challenge wearing a ski that is pulled behind a motorboat. Try standing upright while holding the towrope. That is Wakeboarding that developed through a combination of water skiing, snowboarding and surfing techniques. Jump and launch into the air. The larger the board, the better it floats and edges.

  Gathering banana boat ride is the most enjoyable experience. Sit astride a large inflatable tube and wait to be pulled by powerful speedboat. It will allow you to experience some of the thrill of gliding fast on the water.

  With traditional wooden canoe, paddle and explore the wilderness of the lake or sea. This would be an amazing experience to relive the adventure and unforgettable memories.

Green Nature

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• Beaches and Waves

  Indonesia beaches form the second largest shoreline in the world as home for wide species of marine animals. There are some parts famous for swimming in the blue sea or for visiting the beautiful coral reefs for diving excursions. Beaches in Indonesia are perfect places for basking in the sun or doing water sport recreation. The beaches by the coast of the Indian Ocean are popular for surfing.

  In Sumatra, you can find Air Manis Beach, which is closely related to the legend of Malin Kundang. Based on the story, Malin Kundang was cursed by his mother for his refusal to acknowledge her as his mother after traveling to another region and becoming rich. Malin Kundang was fabled to have been turned to stone together with his ship after periods of disobedience to his mother.  Air Manis beach has low waves and beautiful views of Mount Padang. Other beaches you can also explore in Sumatra are Sikuai Beach in Sikuai Island and Sorake Beach in Nias.

  Across to Bangka Belitung Province, you can swim, sun bathe and relax at Parai Tenggiri Beach that is located in Sungailiat district which has unique formation of boulders. 77 km from Sungailiat, you will find Bukit Ketok Village with 4 km long Romodong Beach that offer you beautiful sunset as the beach face to the west side. Last but not least, visit Penyusuk Beach in Penyusuk Village that isn’t far from Romodong Beach. It’s decorated with colorful stones that compact stand with its bigger wave.

  In Java province, you will explore many beaches. Starting from West Java, you can find Pangandaran Beach in Ciamis and Pelabuhan Ratu. There is a local belief that wearing any green garment in these beach will anger Loro Kidul the the Goddess of the Southern Sea and bring misfortune. In East Java itself, it has many beaches such Progo Beach Trenggalek, Balekambang Beach Malang, Alaspurwo Beach Banyuwangi, Watu Ulu Beach Jember, Wisata Bahari Beach Lamongan, and Pasir Putih Beach Situbondo.

  Crossing to Bali Island, you will able to find magnificent beaches. Sanur Beach on the Southeastern side, Jimbaran Beach that is directly south of the airport, Nusa Dua Beach that spots a luxurious resort, Soka Beach further northwest from Denpasar, and Lovina Beach near the Northern part of Bali.

  There are too many wonderful beaches across Indonesia to mention here that offer scenic beauty of beaches with plenty of activities. It’s so popular to local and foreign tourist for the beautiful rocky cliffs with some of them surrounded by sprawling coconut trees. You can come to enjoy the idyllic weather of the blue sea and the wonderful waves.

• Lakes

  Indonesia is the home of active volcanoes as it is located between the Plateau of Australia and Asia. Some of them contain beautiful crater lakes. Accumulation of rain and ground water that fills in a volcanic crater creates a crater lake.

  In North Sumatra, you can find Lake Toba located 900 meters above sea level, which was formed around 70,000 years ago following a major eruption. This 1,000 square kilometers lake is the largest volcanic lake in the world. Continue to West Sumatra, you can find Lake Maninjau located 16 km from Bukitinggi, which was formed around 52,000 years ago, and Lake Singkarak located between Padang Panjang and Solok that has an area of 107.8 square kilometers.

  Across to Java Island, we start from West Java where you can find Lake Kawah Putih (white crater lake) located within Patuha volcano, an active volcano. The water is highly acidic as a result of high magmatic activity. Sulfur sediments on the bottom on the lake were mined during the first half of the 20th century. Continue to Central Java, you can find Lake Telaga Warna (colored lake) within Dieng volcano complex that had been known for its frequent release of carbon dioxide, which sometimes results in fatalities. Local people called some area of the volcano as the “death valleys”. And continuing to East Java, Lake Ijen as the biggest crater lake in Java Island is located within Ijen Volcano. It contains 36 millions cubic meters of acid water covered with sulfur cloud. The lake is very beautiful with a green turquoise color but very poisonous. Lake Ijen probably is one of the most toxic lakes in the world. Ijen crater is also a location of sulfur mining operation. Each miner can carry 70-100kg sulfur on his basket per day.

  Cross to Bali, Lake Batur is the largest Crater Lake on the island. It was formed around 28,000 years ago. Another lake called Bratan Lake located within Mount Bratan in Tabanan area covers four square kilometers of area but it is a sacred place for the Balinese. Pura Ulun Danu, one of Balinese’s important temples dedicated to the goddess of Lake Bratan stood beautifully on the edge of the lake.

  Lake Segara Anak (Child of the Sea) in Lombok Island is the largest hot volcanic lake in the world. Curiously, there are many fishes living in the lake. The hot spring water flows from the lake often used for skin treatment. In the middle of the lake, a new active volcano named Mount Barujari had recently risen and it is growing bigger over time.

• Mountains

  Indonesia is a nation of volcanoes with more than 877 mountains which some of them are active. Mountains ranging between 3,000 – 3,800 meters above sea level and can be found on the islands of Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, Sulawesi, and Papua.

  Mount Kerinci that located in Jambi, Sumatra is the highest peak in western Indonesia (3,809 m) which surrounded by the lush forest of Kerinci Seblat National Park, a home to endangered species of Sumatran Tiger and Rhinoceros. It’s also known as the 6th highest mountain in South East Asia.

  In 1883 Mount Krakatau in Sunda Strait, between Java and Sumatra, erupted and some 36,000 West Javans died from the resulting tidal wave. The sound of the explosion was reportedly heard from as far away as Turkey and Japan. For almost a century following that eruption, Krakatau was quiet until the late 1970s, when it erupted twice. Mount Krakatau disappeared beneath the sea after the eruption, leaving a smaller but very active volcanic island, Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau)

  Mountain Bromo (2200 m) located in Tengger Caldera is one of the most popular tourist attractions in East Java. It is an active volcano standing 2329 meters above sea level and is part of the Tengger massif. Surrounding it are sand and lush vegetations; every few years cinder and ash are poured forth in eruptions to carpet the countryside with nutrient-rich deposit sand.

  Mount Agung (3142 m) in Bali is the highest stratovolcano on the island and tenth highest mountain in South East Asia that Balinese believe as a replica of Mount Meru the central axis of the universe. The most important temple on Bali, Pura Besakih is located high on the slopes of Gunung Agung.

  Hike the Mount Rinjani (3726 m) in Lombok that offers great beauty and the enormous crater filled with bright emerald green water. It is an active volcano in Indonesia that stands as the third highest in Indonesia and 7th highest in South East Asia. The eruptions of 1994, 1995, and 1996 have formed a small cone, Gunung Baru (New Mountain) approximately 2300m above sea level and been renamed Mount Barujari (New Finger).

  The highest mountain with 5030 meters above sea level is Puncak Jaya (Mountain of Victorious) located in province of Papua, the island of New Guinea. It is the only snowy area in Indonesia, the second highest in South East Asia, the highest island of New Guinea, the highest in Oceania, the highest on Australia – New Guinea Continent, the highest point between Himalayas and Andes, and the highest island peak in the world.

• Rivers

  Because of tropical climate, Indonesia’s population lives near water, either on the coast or by rivers and lakes. Most of rivers even produce hydroelectricity for the industries.

  In Sumatra, you can find at least 4 rivers such Aceh River, Asahan River, Musi River and Batang Hari River. The Asahan River formerly linked trade between the Batak people who live inland and the Malay people who live along the coast. It now has a dam that produces hydroelectricity for the industries of North Sumatra.

  In Java, Mas River (Golden River) is a distributary of the Brantas River that flowing towards strait of Madura and forms part of the border between Sidoarjo and Gresik regencies.

  In Central Kalimantan you can find Kahayan River where Dayaks are the main inhabitants who practice slash and burn rice cultivation. West Kalimantan has Kapuas River with approximately 1143 km long as the longest river in Indonesia. East Kalimantan has Mahakam River that flows 980 km from district of Long Apari to its mouth at Makassar Strait.  Whereas in South Kalimantan has Barito River with 890 km long that flow to Java Sea. Most of the rivers originate in the island’s central massif (mountain mass) and meander through extensive swamps as they approach the coast.

  In Papua, more than 30 rivers drain to the north and south from the Maoke Mountains. You can find Maro River that has a complex system of swamps that are important for birds and reptiles, Baliem River and Van Daalen River. One of the most significant is the 400-km Baliem River, which rises in the Jayawijaya Mountains and drains into the Arafura Sea. Many tribal groups, including the Dani and the Asmat, live along the river and its tributaries.

• Forests

  Indonesia possesses many forests, houses and the most extensive rainforest cover in all of Asia. Just below the equator on the island of Kalimantan, a tropical rain forest is rising out of a logged, charred wasteland. UNESCO even listed the tropical rainforest Sumatra as a world heritage.

  Today Indonesia’s forests are some of the most threatened on the planet. They are being degraded and destroyed by logging, mining operations, large-scale agricultural plantations, and subsistence activities like shifting agriculture.

  Indonesia’s forests face a discouragingly grim future. Nevertheless, come participate in having the unique “Leave No Trace experience”. Let’s experience tremendous eco-tourism with focus on the nature to prevent forest from loss of widespread, soil erosion, and pollution of chlorine bleach used in pulp bleaching. See the dawn mists cling to the leaves of ginger and a white-bellied sea eagle soars silently above. By doing forest clearing and mangrove development, you will help to save populations of several conspicuous species including the endangered Orangutan, Extinct Bali and Javan Tigers, and also the Javan and Sumatran Rhinos that are on the brink of extinction.

• Flora and Fauna

  Indonesia’s 17,000 islands form an archipelago that spans two bio-geographic realms, the Indomalayan and Australasian, and support tremendous diversity and endemism of species. The nation is home to at least 29,375 species of vascular plants that are 59.6 % endemic and 3,305 species of amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles that are 31.1 % are endemic and 9.9 % are threatened.Indonesia Flora consists of many unique varieties of tropical plants that reflect an intermingling of Asian, Australian and native species. Having the second longest shoreline in the world, Indonesia also has many regions of swamps and coastal vegetation which when we combined will give rise to a huge vegetation biodiversity. 2500 different kinds of orchids, 6000 traditional medical plants, 122 species of bamboo, 350 species of rattan and 400 species of ebony, teakwood and sandalwood. One exceptional species known as Rafflesia Arnoldi, a parasitic plant that has a large flower, does not produce leaves and grow on a certain rain forest floor.

  The bridge between Asia and Australia formed by the archipelago is reflected in the biodiversity of animal life. Fauna in Indonesia divides into two ecological regions; western part is more influenced by Asian fauna, and the east part is more influenced by Australasian. The orangutan is found in Sumatra and Kalimantan but not in Java. The siamang, elephant and tapir are found in Sumatra. The proboscis monkey is found in Kalimantan. The wild ox is found in Java and Kalimantan. The bandicoot and marsupial is found in Timor.

  You can visit Wildlife Safari to get an opportunity exploring the wildlife of Indonesia Fauna such deer, civets, wild ox, anoa or dwarf buffalo and even rare Flora of Indonesia. It will set your heart pumping while riding the jeep safari to nature walks for wildlife photography.

• National Parks

  Indonesia surely is a place you have to visit for the Wildlife Sanctuary exploration and get upfront with the wild to add new dimensions to your adventure where it has 249 Strict Nature Reserves, 127 Nature Recreation Parks, 79 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 50 National Parks, 21 Grand Forest Parks and 14 Games Hunting Parks. Of the National Parks, 6 are World Heritage Sites and 3 are Wetlands of International Importance under Ramsar Convention.

  When touring Indonesia’s western island of Sumatra, start from Gunung Leuser National Park that contains the Bohorok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre. It is Estimated 5,000 wild orangutans live in the park were you can find excellent and inexpensive accommodations near the park along the banks of the Bohorok River. Experience wild monkeys stealing fruit from the verandas at your losmen (guest houses) and see a guide lead you on a short walk to a feeding site for the orangutans.

  Java Island itself has 5 provinces that contain 13 National Parks. In West Java, you can visit Bogor Botanical Gardens, Cibodas Mountain Garden, Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park, Gunung Halimun National Park, Kepulauan Seribu National Park and Ujung Kulon National Park which to be home for One-horned Rhinoceros. Central Java has Karimun Jawa National Park, Gunung Merbabu National Park and Gunung Merapi National Park. Whereas East Java has Alas Purwo National Park, Baluran National Park, Bromo Tengger National Park and Meru Betiri National Park.

  In Kalimantan, at least 8 National Parks found as Betung Kerihun National Park, Bukit Baka ukit Raya National Park, Danau Sentarum National Park, Gunung Palung National Park, Kayan Mentarang National Park, Kutai National Park, Sebangau National Park and Tanjung Putting National Park.

  Sulawesi has Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park, Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, Bunaken National Park, Lore Lindu National Park, rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park, Taka Bone Rate National Park, Kepulauan Togean National Park, and Kepulauan Wakatobi National Park.

Heritage

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• Arts Performance

  Most of the performing arts in Indonesia are believed to have its beginning in religious worship. Every movement of legs, elbow, hand and fingers expressed the complexity and vibrant of life. Performing arts and festivals in Indonesia are not only based on folklore, but most of them have developed in the courts of former kingdoms and part of religious ceremonies. Even today, many dances are considered sacred and traced back to their early spiritual associations. For example, popular folk dances still display strong magic associations, as for instance the Kuda Lumping (Horse Dance).

  Indonesia is home to many traditional dance styles. We invite you to study and enjoy the range of types and styles of the dances that reflects the soul and traditions of the various ethnic groups. The classical dance traditions of Java and Bali have attracted worldwide attention.

  In Java, classical forms blend native traditions with stories and dance techniques from India. The most significant of the Javanese court dances are the Bedaja and the Serimpi. Slow and restrained, women dancers move solemnly to the accompaniment of the gamelan and choral singing. In Sumatra, Maluku and most of other islands are characterized by their gracefulness and charms, which are entirely different from the non-gamelan musical accompaniment.

  Shadow Puppets have been at the core of Javanese theater for more than 1,000 years and are still the most popular form of Shadow Theater. In Shadow Theatre, the Puppeteer manipulates leather figures so that their shadows dance across a white screen. Performances typically begin in the late evening and end at sunrise.

  Bali has a rich tradition of dances that are part of religious rituals. Dances are held in temple courtyards and coincide with religious feasts. Women dance the sacred rejang to evoke beauty. The legong is Bali’s best-known dance where two or three young girls perform the dance, which tells fragments of stories from the life of Prince Panji.

• Historical Place

  Indonesia covered a total area of 1,919,440 sq km that offers wonderful places of interests including few extraordinary heritage of Indonesia. The historical places of Indonesia on the whole give an idea and insight of the cities past, its culture and the lifestyle of the people of another era. The famous landmarks and the popular historical places of Indonesia create a mood of the place and the period.

  Hindu temples of Prambanan and the Dieng Plateau, the Palace of Sultan in Surakarta and Yogyakarta, the Maimun Palace of the Sultanate of Deli in Medan, the Hall of Justice in Bali, ruins of ancient fortresses and museums, mosques and churches are steeped in folklore.

  You have to believe that almost every city in all regions throughout Indonesia have historical place to tell. The World Heritage UNESCO even listed few places in Indonesia such Borobudur Temple Compounds, Prambanan Temple Compounds, and Sangiran Early Man Site.

  Sangiran in Central Java is 48 km2 archaeological excavation site where on 1934 Gustav Heinrich Ralph von Koenigswald the anthropologist examine the area. He found Pithecanthropus erectus (Java man) as part of the species Homo erectus.

  40 kilometers northwest of Yogyakarta, you can find Borobudur Temple that located in elevated area between two twin volcanoes, Sundoro-Sumbing and Merbabu-Merapi, and two rivers, the Progo and the Elo. To the local myth, the area known as Kedu Plain (Javanese ’sacred’ place) due to high agricultural fertility. Beside Borobudur, there are other temples in the area, the Prambanan Temple, Pawon Temple and Mendut Temple, lined in one straight line position. It might be accidental, but the temples’ alignment is in conjunction with a native folk tale that a long time ago, there was a brick-paved road from Borobudur to Mendut with walls on both sides.

Romantica

Posted in: Destination, Love Tripper by admin on March 21, 2010 | No Comments

• Pre-Wedding Photo Trip

  Could you imagine capturing your precious wedding moment with your love one in the vast expanse and wonderful sceneries in Indonesia? Create your fairytale wedding dream here. With the aid of proven professional photographers and the fabulous attractions in picturesque Indonesia, we are excited to bring you unforgettable and precious moments together.

• Honeymoon Trip

  Once your wedding is over and guest has left, it’s time for honeymoon. How long would you spend for this romance time ever with your love one? Spend your quality time together in exotic Indonesia. It can come in many shapes and sizes from beach vacation, scuba diving trip, safari adventure, or snowcapped mountains.

  We want to pamper newlyweds in celebrate new life together through enchanting honeymoon destinations. Spend a day away for gourmet dining, stunning garden or a first class spa.