THOUSAND WATERFALLS

About Thousand Waterfalls

Thousand Waterfalls

Grojogan Sewu, or also called the Thousand Waterfalls, are a group of waterfalls located in Karanganyar regency, Central Java. At an height of about 1000 meters above sea level and located in a beautiful forest, Grojogan Sewu has cool temperatures and lots of shade due to the many trees.

While visiting Grojogan Sewu you can not only enjoy the beauty of the waterfalls, but you can also buy typical fruits grown at the site. Near the entrance you can get on a horse and go around the site, for about Rp. 15,000 for one round.

Grojogan Sewu does mean Thousand Waterfalls but it does not literally mean in this area are a thousand waterfalls. There are several though. The highest waterfall is about 80 meters, while there is also a waterfall that is not very high but where the water comes down in several branches.

Besides enjoying the cool temperature and sight of the main waterfalls, you can walk around the forest. With an area of about 20 hectares, this area has a swimming pool and stalls that sell food at affordable prices. Try the local specialty rabbit satay.

Getting to Thousand Waterfalls 

Getting to the Thousand Waterfalls is quite easy although the road can be steep with lots of sharp bends. With public transportation you need to go to Tawangmangu by bus and from the terminal terminal Tawangmangu get on a bemo towards to waterfalls for only about 800 meters. 

The distance between the entrance and the main road is only about 200 meters. Admission fee is Rp 6.000. 

There are two entrances to the Thousand Waterfalls. The first entrance is located at the top, you have to descend the stairs. There is a gazebo at some point where you can rest for a while, while looking at the long-tailed monkeys that live in this area. The second entrance is on the slope of the hill below.

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BALI SAFARI AND MARINE PARK

About Bali Safari and Marine Park

Bali Safari and Marine Park is a top tourist destination with a variety of animals from around the world put in an environment resembling as closely as possible their original habitat. The park is a national attraction that was built on an area of 40 hectares.

Bali Safari Marine Park

At the Park are over 400 animals of 80 species mainly originating from three regions, namely Indonesia, India, and Africa. The Bali Safari Marine Park is complete with a variety of other attractions like a roller coaster and twister. Several performances can be seen on the Bali Safari park, among others:

• Animal Education show at the Hannuman Stage providing knowledge about endangered species.
• Elephant Conservation & Education Show in Kampung Gajah. In this area you can find an elephant museum, elephant riding, elephant souvenirs, and elephant stalls.
• Elephant Bathing in Ganesha. In the Ganesha Park is a statue of Ganesha as high as 9 m which is the entrance to the Balinese Theater. In the Ganesha Park you can interact closely with the elephants that are bathing.
• Balinese Holy Water Procession at Tirta Sulasih. Sulasih Tirta is a sacred bathing place with Balinese cultural nuances. You can watch the daily activities of Balinese with its unique culture. You can also get a variety of crafts and souvenirs here.
• Balinese Bamboo Music in Bali Terminal.
• Balinese Dancing Class at Bale Banjar.
• Tigers of Ranthambore, this is a replica of an ancient fort in India. The fort is a inhabited with very rare white tigers.

Next to the animals Bali Safari Park is equipped with several other attractions like the Fun Zone which is available for children aged up to 10 years. There are a variety of rides for only Rp. 10,000 per ride like, Mery Go Round, Clumbing Car and Go Go Bouncer. You can also ride a pony or camel (Rp. 20,000 per person), while going around on a 30-minute elephant ride would cost a hefty Rp. 100 thousand. As available in other safari parks you can take pictures with some of the animals but it would cost you Rp20.000.

Entrance fee

Entrance fee is expensive too: for Indonesians it is Rp. 135.000 but for foreigners entrance fee to the Bali Safari and Marine Park is US $35.

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NUSA LEMBONGAN BALI

About Nusa Lembongan

 Lembongan Nusa, a charming little island

When in Bali, ever thought there is maybe a more charming place than Kuta, Sanur and Tanah Lot? Try Nusa Lembongan.

Nusa Lembongan is one of the three islands located in the southeast of Bali: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Of these three the island Nusa Lembongan is the best.

NUSA LEMBONGAN BALI

The surroundings are still natural and beautiful, ready to pamper you. Discover and feel the sensation while on the island of Nusa Lembongan. If you love water sports, especially diving or snorkeling, you should think making Nusa Lembongan your next destination. There are numerous dive spots around these three islands to enoy the beauty of the underwater world: the coral reefs and colorful fish around the island of Nusa Lembongan are unbelievable. Diving and snorkeling supplies and equipment can be rented at one of the several dive shops on the beach.

Many of the inhabitants of Nusa Lembongan are seaweed farmers and seaweed cultivation is done at the few villages on the island. When at Nusa Lembongan you will see a lot of seaweed that is hang out for drying before it is sold.

While on the island you can rent a motorcycle or bicycle and go around the island.

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MOUNT SEMERU MALANG

About Mount Semeru

Semeru Mountain is the highest mountain on the island of Java, with peak Mahameru at 3.676 meters. The crater of the mountain is called Joggring Saloko. The mountain also has a forest area like the Peak Trikora in Jayawijaya Mountain range.

It takes approximately four days for a round-trip climb of this mountain. You start

At the last village at the foot of Mount Semeru namely Ranu Pani, we have to get permission to climb and pay the entrance fee of Rp 6,000 (Rp 2,000 for the ticket into the park, and Rp 2,000 for insurance). A group can be maximum 10 people.

Climbers who brought the tent will be charged Rp 20,000 and Rp 5,000 for if you carry a camera.

Mount Semeru Malang

In Ranu Pani you will find some basic lodging and cafes. Here you can find a guide, often a local resident, who helps to show direction or good climbing routes and carries stuff for cooking.

From Ranu Pani there are also two lakes you can visit: Lake Ranu Pani and Lake Ranu Regulo are both situated at an altitude of 2.200 meters.

Arriving at the Welcome Gate will have two alternate routes for climbers, in addition to the usual route through the climbers but there is also a shortcut on this path is very steep and steep nets are very dangerous for the beginner. After walking about 5 km you will be treated to beautiful views with flower beds edelwais besides many pine and fir trees make the air here is much of the pollution is still very natural, fresh and cool. To reach Ranu Kumbolo still have to walk 4.5 km, here are the post lodging for hikers or it could also set up his own tent, there Kumbolo In Ranu lake water is very clear. The best scenery here can enjoy the morning because I could see the sunrise from the sidelines of hill.

The mountain is included in the area of ??Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, National Park consists of Pegunugan and Valley area of ??50273.3 hectares. There are several Mountain and Lake in the Tengger caldera namely:

• Mount Bromo with a height of 2392 meters
• Mount Batok with a height of 2470 meters
• Mount Seat with 2.581 meters height
• Mount Watangan with a height of 2.662 meters
• Mount Wididaren with a height of 2.650 meters
• Lake Ranu Pani
• Lake Ranu Kumbolo
• Danuau Regulo and
• Lake Darungan

In because of the extent of this National Park area and still very natural, here also can be found a variety of flora and fauna, among others: Casuarina, Acacia, Pinus, Type Jamuju, Kirinyuh, Alang-alang, Harendong, Orchid Endemic and of course Edelwais. For its own fauna, among others: Tiger beetles, leaf monkey, civet, deer, hare, grouse, etc..

To that although the path of craggy and steep, certainly will pay off with the natural beauty around

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Jatim Park2 Malang Indonesia

About Jatim Park 2

Jatim Park 2

Jatim Park 2 stands on an area of 14 hectares, located in the village of Oro-oro Onbo, District of Batu, Malang. Built adjacent to the Jatim Park 1 that has a ethnic collection containing a variety of traditional costumes of the archipelago, a miniature temple, park study, a 3D cinema, swimming pool and many other exciting attractions, Jatim Park 2 is also adjacent to the tourist area of BNS.

The main building of Jatim Park 2 resembles the State Palace. The park area of contains a zoo and a museum. The zoo, with the name of the Batu Secret Zoo, is certainly more interesting and more complete than most zoos

The Museum of Jatim Park is the largest and most comprehensive wildlife museum with a collection of hundreds dioramas of insects, rhinos, White Lion, Tiger, African deer, various birds and beautiful reptiles. The animals in the museum collection are from various parts of the world: Europe, Africa, America, Antarctica and China.

Jatim Park 2 has educational tours, attractions and is a good time to spend with family and children, with 21 special children's area and more than 50 educative rides. There are 80 dioramas of animals from within and outside Indonesia, giving a real look on the animal life in their habitat.

The Jatim Park insektarium contains 5000 species of insects originating from various countries such as Peru, Papua New Guinea, Colombia, Malaysia, even from the island of Madagascar on the east coast of Africa and of course insects from forests in Indonesia. To get an idea of underwater life, there are also many fish diorama. Here you will be presented with life in freshwater such as rivers, lakes, swamps, and in sea water with different depths.

When you first enter the Jatim Park, you are welcomed by giant bird cage in which are ornaments like flowers and bird sculptures that is deliberately served as an object to be photographed. Jatim Park 2 is an outstanding work of art, combining paintings and wildlife in a contemporary international concept and is comparable to Genting and the Sentosa Island in Singapore.
 

Sometimes we are lazy to go to a museum, because we see a museum as a place with a collection of boring ancient objects, but Jatim Park differs in a good way and makes it fun to learn and know more about the wildlife. In Jatim Park 2 you can see the animals that became extinct by the many dioramas in the museum, you can also see various kinds of animals that are of course still alive in the Batu Secret Zoo, where the animals are kept as much in their natural habitat giving you a good view of their lives and makes it more fun to watch.

You can even combine it with a dinner, by eating in the company of animals at Jungle Fast Food inside the Park.

The Park is open hours from 10:00 to 18:00, park admission is Rp 40,000 Monday till Thursday and Rp 50.000 from Friday till Sunday. You can find hotels and souvenir kiosks in the area.

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Balekambang Beach

About Balekambang beach

Balekambang beach is located in the Village Srigonco, Batur district, approximately 65 km south of Malang. Balekambang beach is quite beautiful and worth visiting.

For those who like camping, you are allowed to camp at the beach, so you can not only enjoy Balekambang during the day, but also at night with camping outdoors with your family. There are ample facilities at Balekambang beach: souvenir stalls, restaurants, tourist office and even a swimming pool to name a few.

Balekambang beach is quite sloping, with sea coral that stretches for 2 km with a width of 200 meters towards the sea. If you're lucky, at low tide, you can find a variety of tropical fish on the sidelines of the reefs. Also visible is a row of three islands, namely: Ismoyo Island, where annually the ritual ceremony Jalanidhipuja ceremonies for both Hindus and Javanese New Year is held, Anoman Island and Island Wisanggeni.

The admission fee for the beach is just Rp.5200 per person.

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Bromo Semeru National Park

About Bromo Semeru National Park

Bromo-Semeru National Park is one of the most impressive national parks in Indonesia covering 5250 hectares made largely of volcanic ash. The Bromo-Semeru Mountains are still active and a famous tourist attraction in East Java.

At the top Mount Bromo you will have an amazing view at the huge stretch of sand which is the bottom of the old crater. To get to the peak of Mount Bromo you can not use vehicles but there are horses that you can rent for Rp.70.000. You can walk too but the high altitude and the sulfur in the air makes it quite tiresome. The horses will take you to the foot of the crater where you can continue by climbing the stairs, (only 250 steps). Besides the wide view you have here on the old crater you can also see a temple and the grandeur of the Semeru mountain peak looming through the clouds. Best to get here just after the sun has risen since then the sun will shine at the fog which is formed at night ensuring picture perfect moments.

The best place to watch the sunrise is at Mount Pananjakan, the highest mountain in the region. At the top is a viewpoint (where in this awfully quiet area amazingly suddenly a hundred tourists may gather) where you will have a magnificent view of the sun rising up in the east illuminating new amazing sights on Mt Bromo and mountains further away. If you are lucky it is a little bit clouded and the red, orange sky above a mysterious almost outer-terrestrial landscape will amaze you.

If you did not bring your own motorbike or car you will need to get a jeep in the village or hotel you stay to take you here (be also aware you will need to get up at 4am). The road is on the crater floor which resembles pretty much a desert, and then a narrow road twists and climbs so that after a bumpy ride you have reached the top. It can be quite cold, especially before the sun has risen (just above zero degrees) but there are some food stalls that provide hot tea or coffee.

After the sun has risen most people go back to the jeep and have them taken to the Mt Bromo drop point where the before mentioned horses are waiting to take you to the top of the crater.

In the region of Mount Bromo-Semeru also in a traditional ceremony held every full moon which usually falls on the 14th or 15th in the tenth month.

This ceremony is carried out by the local community and begins at midnight till early morning. The ceremony is called Kesodo ceremony and is used to ensure an abundant harvest and the healing of the sick by throwing offerings into the crater of Mount Bromo.

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Kolbano Beach Kupang Indonesia

Kalbano Beach

 About Kolbano Beach

Bit bored with beautiful beaches with white sand? Try this one, the beach of Kolbano. It is very unique because it is not made of white sand but of colorful stones.

The beach is located in the Village Kolbano, Kolbano District, South Central Timor (TTS), East Nusa Tenggara province with total area of ??17 km2. Kolbano Beach is famous for its colored stones and the stones have been mined and traded by the local population since 1971. These stones are usually used as decorative stone in gardens.

This beach has various forms of rocks and a variety of colors like red, green, yellow, black, patterned stones and even those have three colors (red, black and beige).

Getting to Kolbano Beach

This beach can be reached by using Mandala Airlines, Sriwijaya Airlines, Merpati Airlines or Batavia Airlines to get in Kupang.

On arrival in Kupang you can continue your journey by city bus to Kolbano (Rp.60.000), it takes about 6 hours. Because the bus takes 6 hours for a one-way trip it is better to stay the night in Kupang and get on the 6:00 am bus to Kolbano.

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NATIONAL MONUMENT (MONAS), JAKARTA, WEST JAVA, INDONESIA

MONUMEN NASIONAL (MONAS)

About National Monument (Monas)

The National Monument Monas (Monumen Nasional) is a 132 meter high tower in Jakarta standing in the middle of Medan Merdeka (Merdeka Square). The monument symbolizes the Indonesian independence struggle.

President Sukarno directed the construction of Monas which began in 1961. It was opened to the public only 14 years later at 12 July 1975 due to construction problems. The monument consists of two parts. The first part is the base platform called the goblet, at a height of 17 meters. Above this is the 117.7 meter tall obelisk made of Italian marble. The goblet represent the Yoni, which resembles a lesung rice mortar (grinder cup) and symbolizes the female organs while the obelisk resembles Lingga, an alu rice pestle (the grinder) symbolizing the male organs.

At the top of the monument is a golden flame called the Flame of Independence. The flame 14 meters heigh and is made of 14.5 ton bronze coated by 50kg of gold.

At a height of 115 meter is a 11x11 meter viewing platform which can be reached by an elevator at the south side of the structure. Binoculars are provided to fully enjoy the Jakarta skyline. A ticket to the Monas viewing platform is Rp. 7,500.

Inside the goblet is the Hall of Independence (Ruang Kemerdekaan) containing various symbols of the Indonesian independence like the original text of the Proclamation of Independence, a map of the archipelago coated in gold and the Indonesian coat of arms.

A level below, inside the base of Monas is the Indonesian National History Museum. Inside are 51 diorama's (three dimensional models) telling the history of Indonesia from the prehistory to recent times.

Around the monument is a big park where you can hide for a minute from the Jakarta traffic.

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TAMAN MINI INDONESIA INDAH

About Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

About Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah or often shortened as TMII is a cultural themed Indonesian tourist area located in East Jakarta.

TMII is basically a summary of various aspects of the life's of the Indonesian people who are spread over 26 provinces (in 1975). In the middle of the park there is a miniature lake depicting the Indonesian archipelago. TMII was opened in 1991 by Mrs. Tien Soeharto.

As for the parts of TMII namely:

• Pavillion area
  This is the area that includes a variety of buildings in the traditional architecture of almost every ethnic group in Indonesia.
• Religious Buildings
  Representing a variety of buildings or places of worship which are famous in Indonesia, it also illustrates the harmony and inter-religious harmony in Indonesia. The buildings include:
  1. Diponegoro Mosque
  2. Catholic Church of Santa Cantharina
  3. the Hallelujah Protestant Church
  4. Pura Penataraan Agung Kertabumi
  5. Wihara Arya Dwipa Arama
  6. Sasana Adirasa Pangaeran Samber Nyawa
  7. Confucian Temple
• Recreation Facilities
  There are a number of recreational facilities that makes TMII a good place to go to with children. In addition to the natural surroundings, cleanliness and the many rides for children, TMII can increase the knowledge about Indonesia and about its cultural diversity. The recreation facilities of TMII include:
  1. Indonesian Children's Palace
  2. Hanging Train
  3. Swan Boat Arsipel Indonesia
  4. Park Among Putro
  5. Park Ria Atmaja
  6. Village Tourism
  7. Swimming pool Snow Bay (Rp 25,000 per person)
• Theatre and Cinema
  Buildings which are specifically used as a place of art performances and movies, among others:
  1. IMAX Teater Keong Mas, in this IMAX theater are a variety of environmental-themed films played.
  2. Teater My Homeland
  3. Teater 4D A normal 3D theater but with the addition of smell.
• Parks
  Built specifically to show the beauty of the flora and fauna in Indonesia there are ten parks in the TMII area, namely:
  1. Orchid Garden (Taman Anggrek)
  2. Garden of the Pharmacy of Life (Taman Apotek Hidup)
  3. Cactus Garden (Taman Kaktus)
  4. Jasmin Garden (Taman Melati)
  5. Taman Bunga Keong Mas
  6. Freshwater Fish Aquarium (Akuarium Ikan Air Tawar)
  7. Bekisar Park
  8. Bird Park
  9. Ria Atma Park, with a stage for musical performances
  10. Indonesian Chinese Cultural Park
• Museums
  The museums store and display a variety of historical, technological and cultural objects, as well as specimens from the flora and fauna in Indonesia. For a price of Rp 2000 you can visit no less than 14 museums who are all located in this area. Among others:
  1. Museum Indonesia
  2. Museum Purna Bakti Pertiwi
  3. Soldiers Museum (Museum Keprajuritan)
  4. Stamp Museum (Museum Prangko)
  5. Heritage Museum (Museum Pusaka)
  6. Transport Museum (Museum Transportasi)
  7. Museum of Electricity and New Energy (Museum Listrik dan Energi Bar)
  8. Telecommunications museum (Museum Telekomunikasi)
  9. Information Museum (Museum Penerangan)
  10. Sports Museum (Museum Olahraga)
  11. Asmat Museum
  12. Indonesia Wildlife Museum and Reptile Park (Museum Satwa Indonesia Komodo dan Reptil)
  13. Insect Museum ((Museum Serangga)
  14. Central Museum of Science and Technology Demonstration ((Museum Pusat Peragaan Ilmu Pengetahuan dan Teknologi)
  15. Oil and Gas Museum (Museum Minyak dan Gas Bumi)
  16. Museum of East Timor (Museum Timor Leste)

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RAGUNAN ZOO

RAGUNAN ZOO

About Ragunan Zoo

Jakarta's Ragunan Zoo is located in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta. It is the home for over 4000 animals and 260 species, most of these are endangered and threatened throughout Indonesia and the world. It has a good collection of Indonesian wildlife, including Komodo Dragons, orangutans and tigers.

The Ragunan Zoo was established in 1864 by the Vereneging Planten en Dierentuin, a Dutch East Indies organization for flora and fauna lovers. At first it was in Central Jakarta at the Cikini area, it moved to its current location in 1966. It is set in a lush tropical surrounding.

The Zoo includes the Schmutzer Primate Center, named after Pauline Schmutzer who donated her estate to the center. The purpose of the center is to provide primates such as gorillas, orangutans and chimpanzees a natural habitat as possible. For instance, at the orangutan area thick dark glass prevents the orangutans for seeing the visitors while they can see the animals.

The zoo is ideal for children as it includes a Childrens Zoo, elephant and boat rides, a pony cart and playgrounds.

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ANCOL BAY CITY

Ancol Bay City

 About Ancol Bay City

Ancol Bay City or also known as Ancol Dreamland is the largest and most attractive recreation park in the Jakarta area. It consists amongst others of a golf course, a theme park, hotels, nightclubs and swimming pools. It is located at the north of Jakarta on reclaimed land at the Bay of Jakarta.

Ancol Bay City

Entertainment at Ancol Dreamland:

• Fantasy World (Dunia fantasi). Jakarta's theme park with over 40 rides and attractions including the Halilintar twisted roller coaster and shows. Ticket price for entrance to Fantasy World is Rp 135,000 per person on weekdays.
• Atlantis Water adventure. A five hectare large water park themed on the mythological city of Atlantis with a wave pool, waterfall pool, slides, children's pools, continues flowing river pool and restaurants. Entrance is Rp 90,000 on weekdays
• Sea world. One of the largest oceanarium in South East Asia featuring pools for alligators and sharks, and a few general pools as the Sea friends pool and the Main pool
• Pasar Seni: An art market which in the course of it's 25 years history has become a center for handicrafts and other art products as well as a center for artists to directly create and sell their products.
• Executive Golf Fun, Ancol's 18 holes international beach golf course.
• Beaches. Within the resort you can find the Carnival beach and the Festival beach.

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Ujung Genteng Beach

About Ujung Genteng Beach

The Pantai Ujung Genteng (Ujung Genteng Beach) is located on the south coast of Java, at the Indian Ocean in the Ciracap District, West Java. The sea is fairly quiet here with relatively small waves due to the rocks on the sides of the beach. The sea water is very clear which makes it possible to see the coral and fish with the naked eye without snorkeling. This is also a favorite place to watch the sunset.


In this area are many things to see and do amongst others:

• Aquarium Cibuaya. This is a natural aquarium where the fish are kept in holes on the beach. Located at Cibuaya Beach.
• Pengumbuhan Beach, a favorite place for surfers and the Green Turtle, but then for laying their eggs.
• Tebing Amanda Ratu (Amanda Ratu Cliff). Here you will feel as you were at the Tanah Lot (Bali) because of the huge rock in the sea where the waves hit upon as at Tanah Lot.
• Curung Cikasa (Cikasa Waterfall). Not far from the Ujung Genteng Beach is this waterfall where you can see three waterfalls at the same time.
• Sugar Making, in this area sugar is made by collecting fluids from the coconut tree which is then processed to make sugar.

Getting to Ujung Genteng Beach

From the Indonesian capital Jakarta the beach is about 220km away, from Bandung 230km. It would take about 6 to 7 hours by car as the road is quite good.

With bus it will take about 10 hours since you need to transfer a few times. From Jakarta take a bus to Sukabumi, transfer there to a bus or minivan then to Lembursitu. At Lembursitu take a public minivan to Surade. At the Surade terminal walk out to the main road to get an angkot to Ujung Genteng.

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Tangkuban Perahu, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

Tangkuban Perahu, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

About Tangkuban Perahu


Gunung (Mountain) Tangkuban Perahu is located about 30 kilometers north of the city of Bandung, more precisely in the area of Lembang, about 30 minutes with a car or motorbike. Tangkuban Perahu has a cold air and hot springs at the foot of the mountain at an altitude of 2084 meters. Cool air, tea plantations, valleys and tall pine trees will accompany you on your journey towards the entree of Tangkuban Perahu, where the tickets at Rp. 13,000 per person are sold (and the cost of parking your vehicle). Here you can already enjoy the beauty and coolness of Tangkuban Perahu.

Tangkuban Perahu is the largest mountain in the Parahyangan mountain range. The mountain is named this way because the shape resembles that of a boat overturned. Tangkuban Perahu is famous for its craters. There are two paths to go to the craters. The first street or road is more difficult and takes a longer time and is usually closed after rain because it is considered too dangerous. The second path is a new paved path that allows you to get to the craters also after rain, on the side of a curvy path are many trumpet flowers and trees. There are three famous craters in the Tangkuban Perahu region worth a visit, namely:

• Kawah Ratu (Queen's Crater):
  This is the largest crater of the three. There is a special bus parking area before Queen's Crater, if you come by bus here you need to get off and continue with the use of ELF. But if you use a private vehicle, you can simply park it on the other side of this crater. You can see the Queen's crater from above, barrier fence at the edges of the crater protect you from getting to close. You can also see the whole crater by climbing to higher grounds. The ground around the crater is generally white with yellow sulfur stones. There are shops in this area that offer a variety of souvenirs and accessories, some serve food and hot drinks like bandrek and you also can ride a horse here.
•  Kawah Upas (Upas Crater)
  Located next to the Queen Crater, this crater is more shallow and flat. Be careful because the path to the Upas Crater is quite dangerous.
• Kawah Domas (Domas Crater)
  This one is located below the Queen�s crater. if you come through the new path you will find the gate to Domas Crater before the one to Queen�s Crater. In Domas Crater you can get a closer look of a crater. You can even try to boil eggs in the crater�s water. If you want to see Domas Crater after 16:00 hour, you must hire a guide (for your own protection since it will be dark soon).

The legend of Tangkuban Perahu Mountain
Tangkuban Perahu has a legend, the core of the story Tangkuban Perahu is the presence of a young man named Sangkuriang who fell in love and wants to marry a woman named Dayang Sumbi. They fall for each other, but Dayang Sumbi realizes later that Sangkuriang is her biological child who went away long ago because she was very angry after Sangkuriang killed his pet dog when they failed to hunt deer. He did not know but that pet dog was his biological father.

Now, knowing Sangkuriang is her biological child she will not marry him, but he does not believe her and still insists. Finally she agrees if he can make a lake and a boat in one night. Aided by genies and spirits Sangkuriang began to make the lake and the boat. Seeing Sangkuriang nearly completed the boat Dayang Sumbi plans to trick him.She set fires in the east so the chickens start crowing and the genies that had helped Sangkuriang left because they thought it was already morning. Without their help Sangkuriang can not finish on time. Sangkuriang was furious and kicked the boat, the boat fell upside down and there was Tangkuban Perahu Mountain.

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Situ Patenggang

Situ Patenggang

About Situ Patenggang

Lake Patenggang or also known as Situ Patenggang (which means lake in the Sundanese language) is situated about 1600 meters above sea level. The lake is located in Ciwidey Patenggang about 47 kilometers south of the city of Bandung, West Java, about a 2 hours drive. The journey to Situ is still very natural with lots of green of the trees on the side of the road which provide a shade on the road and numerous tea plantations and strawberry farms. Besides the fresh air and the natural surroundings the many curves in the road makes the journey to Sity Patenggang also a joy to ride.

Arriving in Situ, you will be greeted with an impressive lake, with mountains towering around it. On the edge of the lake there are numerous beautiful boats with bright colors, ready to take you around the lake for Rp. 15,000 per person. Or if you do not want to get around too far away you can also rent a water bicycle and go by yourself. You can also just sit by the lake and enjoy the serenity of this place and its natural beauty.

Batu Cinta (Rock of love)
Situ patengan not only offers the charm of nature, it also contains the famous and historic island of Asmara (Pulau Asmara) and the Batu Cinta. Pulau Asmara and Batu Cinta is located in the middle of the lake with a large stone. The stone is called Batu Cinta (Rock of love) and has a legendary story. This story stems from a love story of two lovers Ki Santang and Dewi Rengganis separated and eventually reunited in this place. Local people believe the water that fills the lake is a tear of the Ki Santang and Dewi Rengganis, which is why some people call this lake Situ Penganten (bride). Usually the tourists who visit Situ will also visit the Rock of Love. It is said that for anyone who arrive with a partner to the Rock of Love and have gone around the island, then the relationship will be durable and lasting.

Besides the beautiful nature, around the lake are shops that offer a variety of souvenirs or fresh fruits which of course you can take home as souvenirs for relatives. If you want to stay longer there are also several hotels and bungalows with adequate facilities.

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White Crater Lake, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

White Crater (Kawah Putih)

About White Crater Lake

White crater (Kawah Putih) is a crater lake of Gunung Patuha, not far from Situ Patenggang (5km), and is located approximately 46 kilometers south of Bandung 35 kilometers from Soreang and takes about 2.5 hours drive from Bandung. Temperatures here are between 8-22 degrees. There are two craters, the Saat Crater (Saat in Sundanese language means subside) is in the west and the White crater underneath it at an altitude of 2194 meters. Both craters are formed by an eruption that occurred around the tenth or eleventh century
Long ago before the White crater opened to the public, local communities believe that the White Crater was haunted because of the many birds that die while traversing the White Crater, but in 1837 a scientist from Germany, Dr. Franz Wilhelm Junghun arrived. He then did research and found that many birds die when crossing the area is only caused by sulfur due to lava bursts.

Because the sulfur content is very high in the White crater the Dutch had built a sulfur factory in named Zwavel Ontgining Kawah Putih which later during the Japanese occupations had its name changed to Kawah Putih Kenzanka Gokoya Ciwidey.
Then in 1987 PT. Perhutani unit III West Java, Banten began to develop the White Crater area as a tourist attraction, since the White Crater lake was absolutely stunning. The White Crater Lake has the unique characteristic of water that can change color: like apple green, bluish when exposed to the light reflection of the sun, sometimes looks like chocolate milk, but the water is most commonly seen as white with a thick fog on it. This area is often used for pre-wedding photos because of the exotic views.
The White Crater Lake is open for tourists from 07:00 until 17.00 hours, every day. The facilities available are adequate with a parking lot, transportion, information center and food stalls. Admission rates for White crater is fairly expensive: for cars up to Rp. 150,000 to get on top of the White Crater region, Rp.35.000 for motorcycles and Rp. 15,000 per person.

Getting to White Crater Lake

From Jakarta: take the toll road Cipularang and get off at the toll exit Kopo, then head to Soreang south of the city Ciwidey. From Ciwidey it is about 20 to 30 minutes to the entrance of the White Crater. Visitors are advised to use the car to get to the White crater due to its distance from the entrance (about 5.6 Kilometers) and quite steep.
If you use a private vehicle and you can go straight to the parking area not far from the White crater.
You can also use public transportion from Terminal Kebun Kelapa as well as Leuwi Panjang in Bandung, heading first to Ciwidey. Then proceed using local transportation heading for Situ Patenggan.

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West Bali National Park

West Bali National Park

About West Bali National Park

Set at the western tip of Bali, close to Java, the West Bali National Park (Taman Nasional Bali Barat, or TNBB) covers an area of 19.003 hectare of which 3200 hectares of coastal waters and coral reefs. Unlike most of the other National Parks in Indonesia the vegetation is not tropical rainforest but, due to lack of rain in this area, coastal savannah. The southern side receives more rain and here the vegetation is more tropical, also the coastal lands are made up of mangrove forests. In the sea are several coral islands. The land area is characterized by the remains of four Pleistocene volcanic mountains with Gunung Patas the highest at 1412 meters.

There are about 200 species of plants in the West Bali National Park, 300 species of birds and many other forms of wildlife including several species of monkeys (leaf monkeys, macaques and black monkeys), deers, pigs, iguanas and several species of snakes.

The entrance and Park headquarters are at Cekik where you can arrange guides and permits. There is also a visitors' centre at Labuhan Lalang. If you want to go trekking in the park a certified guide is mandatory and expensive. A guide for a day can cost up to Rp 400,000 depending on the size of the group and the length of the trek.
There are set trails in the Park but you will see the most wildlife and enjoy the nature more fully if you go off the trail. Here you will be surrounded by quietness only interrupted by rustling trees and the sound of the overly abundant birds.

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LOVINA BEACH, DENPASAR BALI

About Lovina Beach

Lovina Beach is located on the north coast of Bali, approximately 10 km west of Singaraja in Kalibukbuk Village, Buleleng Regency, Bali. Lovina Beach is famous for its dolphin attraction, because of this a dolphin-shaped statue as high as +/- 5 meters was built near the entrance to the tourist area. You can see dolphins in the middle of the ocean waters in front of Lovina, about one kilometers into the sea. The waves at Lovina beach are relatively quiet so you can safely go on the ocean with a fisherman boat.

Loviana beach area is unique and famous because you can see firsthand hundreds of wild dolphins, and they are very cute and friendly. This will be a fun and exciting holiday experience. But to be able to see those hundreds of dolphins you have to leave in the morning before the sun will rise, since the dolphins in the Lovina area are usually only visible at about 6 to 8 am. You can rent a small fishing boat which can carry up to four people.

If you are not lucky to directly see the dolphins, don�t worry, you can still enjoy the beach which is one of the best in Bali. Lovina is also good for diving or snorkeling. You can find a variety of tropical fish that are quite friendly and easily approached by divers. Lovina beach is popular too because of the many lodging facilities for quite affordable rates, ranging from a budget accommodation to your own cottage. There are also hotels that provide a trained dolphin attraction and some even have a miniature zoo.

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TANAH LOT, DENPASAR BALI

About Tanah Lot

The Tanah Lot temple (Pura Tanah Lot) is located in the village of Beraban, Tabanan District, about 13 km west of Tabanan, Bali.

Tanah Lot is famous for being a beautiful place to watch the sunset. Pura Tanah Lot was built by a priest from East Java named Dang Hyang Nirartha who was traveling east to spread the Hindu religion. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast.

Pura Tanah Lot has was build according to the concept of Triangga (depictions of the human body from head to toes), similar with 2 other sacred places in Tabanan, Pura Luhur Batukaru (head) and Tasik Puser Pura (middle) with the Pura Tanah Lot as the toes.

In the north temple, precisely in the cave under the cliffs, there are sacred, black yellow and poisonous snakes. It is said that snakes where a scarf for Dang Hyang Nirartha when she was imprisoned and became a guardian of the temple. In this place there is also a fresh water source named Tirta Pabersihan commonly used as a means of pleading for purity.

In the vicinity of Tanah Lot, are many art shops and a variety of expensive resorts such as Le Meredien with golf field facilities. Near the parking area are many native Balinese souvenir sellers.

Just north of Tanah Lot Temple is a temple (Batu Bolong) situated on a cliff that juts into the sea. This cliff temple connects with the land and is shaped like a bridge.

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