BUNAKEN NATIONAL PARK

 

     Ever fancy yourself being a mermaid? Being able to swim along with other creatures of the sea , moving to the rhythm of the waves? In the Bunaken Marine Park, you will encounter a real “mermaid”, and you can also get a glimpse of sea life here.

     Bunaken is an 8.08 km² island in the Bay of Manado, situated in the north of the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Bunaken forms part of the administrative city of Manado , capital of North Sulawesi. The marine Park around Bunaken is part of the  National Park that also includes the ocean around the island of  Manado Tua – or Old Manado, Siladen and Mantehage. 


     Within the Bunaken Marine Park, visitors can see various strange and colourful marine life along its sea bed. To reach this park, you can take a motorboat. The journey from Manado takes around 40 minutes.  Entrance fee is 25,000 rupiahs per person per visit.


     The translucent waters of the Bunaken seas enable people to clearly view numerous sea biota. There are 13 species of coral reefs in this park, dominated by edge ridges and block ridges of rocks. The most attractive view is the steep vertical sloppy coral reef that plunges down as deep as 25-50 meters.

Feast your eyes on 91 types of fish found in the Bunaken National Park, amongst which are the locally known gusimi horse fish (Hippocampus), the white oci (Seriola rivoliana), yellow-tailed lolosi (Lutjanus kasmira), goropa (Ephinephelus spilotoceps and Pseudanthias hypselosoma), ila gasi (Scolopsis bilineatus) and others.


     Divers may also meet mollusk like the giant kima (Tridacna gigas), goat head (Cassis cornuta), nautilus (Nautilus pompillius) and tunikates/ascidian.


     For those who enjoy scuba diving, this is a great place to be. With about 20 dive spots to choose from, divers will have the chance to swim below the sea, and frolic joyfully while admiring the sea creatures.


     Make sure to visit Bunaken during its best season between May to August. That way you can explore the Park  to its fullest.

     To observe some of the fascinating images of Bunaken Marine Park, you can visit our photo essay: Bunaken&Derawan Underwater Paradise

Similarly stunning are the sceneries of Kalasey seas,at the outskirt of Manado in:The Deep Water Paradise of Kalasey Seas off Manado

source : Bunaken National Park , Indonesia Travel


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PRAMBANAN TEMPLE

 

     Prambanan temple is extraordinarily beautiful building constructed in the tenth century during the reigns of two kings namely Rakai Pikatan and Rakai Balitung. Soaring up to 47 meters (5 meters higher than Borobudur temple), the foundation of this temple has fulfilled the desire of the founder to show Hindu triumph in Java Island. This temple is located 17 kilometers from the city center, among an area that now functions as beautiful park.

     There is a legend that Javanese people always tell about this temple. As the story tells, there was a man named Bandung Bondowoso who loved Roro Jonggrang. To refuse his love, Jonggrang asked Bondowoso to make her a temple with 1,000 statues only in one-night time. The request was nearly fulfilled when Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice and to set a fire in order to look like morning had broken. Feeling to be cheated, Bondowoso who only completed 999 statues cursed Jonggrang to be the thousandth statue.

     Prambanan temple has three main temples in the primary yard, namely Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva temples. Those three temples are symbols of Trimurti in Hindu belief. All of them face to the east. Each main temple has accompanying temple facing to the west, namely Nandini for Shiva, Angsa for Brahma, and Garuda for Vishnu. Besides, there are 2 flank temples, 4 kelir temples and 4 corner temples. In the second area, there are 224 temples.

     Entering Shiva temple, the highest temple and is located in the middle, you will find four rooms. One main room contains Shiva statue, while the other three rooms contain the statues of Durga (Shiva's wife), Agastya (Shiva's teacher), and Ganesha (Shiva's son). Durga statue is said to be the statue of Roro Jonggrang in the above legend.

     In Vishnu temple, to the north of Shiva temple, you will find only one room with Vishnu statue in it. In Brahma temple, to the south of Shiva temple, you find only room as well with Brahma statue in it.

     Quite attractive accompanying temple is Garuda temple that is located close to Vishnu temple. This temple keeps a story of half-bird human being named Garuda. Garuda is a mystical bird in Hindu mythology. The figure is of golden body, white face, red wings, with the beak and wings similar to eagle's. It is assumed that the figure is Hindu adaptation of Bennu (means 'rises' or 'shines') that is associated with the god of the Sun or Re in Old Egypt mythology or Phoenix in Old Greek mythology. Garuda succeeded in saving his mother from the curse of Aruna (Garuda's handicapped brother) by stealing Tirta Amerta (the sacred water of the gods).

     Its ability to save her mother made many people admire it to the present time and it is used for various purposes. Indonesia uses the bird as the symbol of the country. Other country using the same symbol is Thailand, with the same reason but different form adaptation and appearance. In Thailand, Garuda is known asKrut or Pha Krut.

     Prambanan also has panels of relief describing the story of Ramayana. Experts say that the relief is similar to the story of Ramayana that is told orally from generation to generation. Another interesting relief is Kalpataru tree that - in Hindu - the tree is considered tree of life, eternity and environment harmony. In Prambanan, relief of Kalpataru tree is described as flanking a lion. The presence of this tree makes experts consider that Javanese society in the ninth century had wisdom to manage its environment.

     Just like Garuda, Kalpataru tree is also used for various purposes. In Indonesia, Kalpataru is used as the logo of Indonesian Environment Institution. Some intellectuals in Bali even develop "Tri Hita Karana" concept for environment conservation by seeing Kalpataru relief in this temple. This tree of life is also seen in the gunungan (the puppet used as an opening of traditional puppet show or wayang kulit). This proves that relief panels in Prambanan have been widely known throughout the world.

     If you see the relief in detail, you will see many birds on them; they are real birds as we can see on the earth right now. Relief panels of such birds are so natural that biologists can identify their genus. One of them is the relief of the Yellow-Crest Parrot (Cacatua sulphurea) that cites unanswered question. The reason is that the bird only exists in Masakambing Island, an island in the middle of Java Sea. Then, did the bird exist in Yogyakarta? No body has succeeded in revealing the mystery.

     You can discover many more things in Prambanan. You can see relief of Wiracarita Ramayana based on oral tradition. If you feel tired of enjoying the relief, you can take a rest in the beautiful garden in the complex. Since 18 September 2006, you can enter zone 1 area of Prambanan temple. The damage caused by the earthquake on 27 May 2006 is being reconstructed. Please come and enjoy Prambanan temple.

source : Prambanan Temple , Yogyakarta Tourism


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PANGANDARAN BEACH

     Small mainland peninsula with a national park with beaches and stunning scenery to rival the beaches of Bali on the south coast of Java. Pangandaran is one of Java's best-kept secrets as far as international tourists are concerned, but has been extremely popular with locals for along, long time. A small fishing town, it possesses one of Java's finest beaches and Pangandaran Nature Reserve teems with wild buffalo, barking deer and monkeys. The people are very friendly, this combined with the idealize surroundings make this a great place to spend a few days relaxing island-style. Pangandaran is halfway between Bandung and Yogya, about 5 hours by bus from Bandung and 8 hours from Jakarta.

source : Pangandaran Beach , Indonesia Tourism


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PELABUHAN RATU BEACH

     Pelabuhan Ratu is a lovely holiday resort, visited by holidaymakers from Jakarta and Bandung. The site is only three-hour drive from either city through cool mountain villages with picturesque sceneries. Pelabuhan Ratu - Cisolok is a 15 km stretch of breathtaking beauty with hills, mountains and very wide sandy beaches everywhere around, set against the deep blue Indian Ocean. Right next to stretches of white beaches, visitors will find thick tropical forests on rolling hills. Taking walks uphill enables the visitor to look down on the horseshoe shape of the bay's coastline, whereas at night hundreds of fishermen's boat-lamps are seemingly competing with the star-studded sky above, which is both enchanting and romantic. There is one four-star hotel, Samudera Beach, about 6 km from Pelabuhan Ratu, but several other smaller hotel and cottages are available at moderate rates.

     At this virgin stage, this area represents unspoiled beauty in a typically tropical setting with hospitable inhabitants. Because of its proximity to Jakarta, more tourists visit this area from the capital than those from Bandung. Moreover, the highways to and from Pelabuhan Ratu have recently been greatly improved to assure the visitor of a smooth ride to enjoy the sceneries that pass even well. Good for taste, swimming, sun bathing and surfing.

source : Pelabuhan Ratu , Indonesia Tourism


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TANGKUBAN PERAHU MOUNTAIN

     The Tangkuban Perahu Mountain was one of the nature tourist attractions in the Javanese land. The Tangkuban Perahu Mountain was one of the mountains that was located in the West Javanese province, around 20 km in north the Bandung city, Indonesia.

The Tangkuban Perahu Mountain had the height 2.084 meter with the bushy pine tree and the carpet of the tea garden around it. The form of this mountain like the shield and erupted around 400 years ago. The stone kind that was dismissed by the eruption of this mountain that often was lava and sulphur, whereas the mineral that was issued was sulphur sulphur. When this mountain was inactive, the mineral that was issued was sulphur vapour. This Tangkuban Parahu Mountain had the Dipterokarp Bukit Forest region, Top Dipterokarp Forest and the Ericaceous Forest. The temperature in general in this mountain region was 17°C during the day and 2°C tonight.

     The Tangkuban Parahu Mountain including the volcano that still was active. Several of his craters were still showing the sign of the active sign of this mountain that is the emergence and sources of hot water of sulphur gas in foot the mountain that was in the Ciater region, Subang.

     The Tangkuban Parahu Mountain origin was always connected with the Sangkuriang legend. Sangkuriang was the name of a man who was narrated fell in love to his mother personally that was named Dayang Sumbi. To thwart the Sangkuriang intention of marrying her, Dayang Sumbi put forward the condition to Sangkuriang to make the boat in time overnight. When the boat that was made by Sangkuriang that was helped by the invisible creature almost was finished, with various Dayang Sumbi methods of succeeding in making the atmosphere to like the morning and Sangkuriang efforts then failed. Saw his efforts to fail, Sangkuriang angry and kicked the boat and landed in the situation was inside out. This boat that afterwards formed the Tangkuban Parahu Mountain.

     The existence of this Tangkuban Perahu Mountain as well as the form of the topography of the Bandung City that took the form of the basin with the hill and the mountain in each one of his sides strengthened the theory of the existence of a big crater that currently is the Bandung city region. The geologists are sure that the Bandung plateau region that had the height around 709 m. on sea level was the rest of the eruptions of the antique volcano that was known as the Sundanese Mountain and the Mountain of Tangkuban Parahu to be the rest of the Sundanese Mountains ancient that still was active.

     The biggest crater that was in the peak of this mountain was named Queen's Crater.The nature panorama around this crater was very astonishing so as to attract the interest of the person in enjoying, so as was the Tangkuban Perahu Mountain with beauty of his nature as the aim of the tour of many people.

source : Tangkuban Perahu Mountain , bestindonesiaislands


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TOBA LAKE

     World famous is the crater Toba Lake in the Batak highlands; approximately five hours drive from Medan. Toba Lake is the largest lake in South East Asia and also one of the most spectacular, surrounded by tall mountains and with the large island of Samosir in the middle. If we descend from the mountain we see the lake glittering in all its beauty. The Dutch writer Rudy Kousbroek even called Toba Lake, 'the most beautiful place on earth'. Most visitors stay on the peninsula of Tuk Tuk on Samosir, named after the linguist Herman Neubronner van der Tuuk. In general people stay several days on Samosir to discover the island, to visit traditional Batak villages, to swim in the lake and go to the hot springs in Pangururan.

     The centerpiece of North Sumatra, Lake Toba's bracing climate and magnificent panoramas clear the mind and soothe the soul. For decades a magnet from regional and foreign visitors alike, Toba has developed into a full-featured highland resort while retaining the rustic charm and relaxed ambiance that define Toba's attraction. Formed by a stupendous prehistoric volcanic explosion, the 100 km long lake is the largest in Southeast Asia and one of the deepest and the highest in the world. The drama of that cataclysmic birth persist in 500 meter cliffs dropping into the blue-green waters, surrounded by steep, pine covered sloped, the climate is fresh and pleasant, with just enough rain to support the lush vegetation.

     Toba Lake is a 100kms x 30kms volcanic lake in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Toba Lake has become one of the main tourist attractions for a long time in North Sumatra apart from Bukit Lawang and Nias, visited by both domestic and foreign tourist.

  
source : Toba Lake , Indonesia Tourism


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WATERFALL TWO COLORS SIBOLANGIT

     Two Color Sibolangit Waterfall located in the village of Durin Sirugun, foot of Mount Sibayak, North Sumatra. Can be reached through land route, across the Sibolangit Campgrounds. Mileage from Medan-Sibolangit around 75km, and from the Main Door of Sibolangit Campgrounds takes about 2-3 hours to arrive at Waterfall Two Colors.

The roads into the Waterfall Two Colors, you can come back fresh as mountain scenery and fresh air. Unspoiled state that can be used for refreshing the body of any fatigue. However, on weekends, tourist Waterfall Two Colors Sibolangit in this very crowded with local tourists. It is advisable to come on weekdays, if you will the roads to get there.

When entering the camp in the village Sibolangit in Bandar Baru village, you can along the forest by hiking or walking leisurely for 3 hours, and to avoid getting lost, you’ll want to be assisted by local guides. Sign up at the guard post and will report to the Waterfall Two Colors.

Waterfall Two Colors altitude of 100 meters, sourced from Mount Sibayak, and water streams down from above will be collected into a small lake. The color of this waterfall of light blue and grayish-white, because the content of phosphorus and sulfur that would generate blue color. Because it contains sulfur, you are forbidden to drink water from Waterfall Two Colors.

Preparations to be carried over to the Waterfall Two Colors also have you think. Shoes for hiking, drinking water and a change of clothes if you want to take a bath during the Waterfall Two Colors. Do not wear normal shoes, especially high-heeled yes! Two Color Waterfall also known as Blue Lake Sibolangit.

Location:
     located in the village of Durin Sirugun, foot of Mount Sibayak, North Sumatra. Mileage from Medan-Sibolangit around 75km, and from the Main Door of Sibolangit Campgrounds takes about 2-3 hours

source : Waterfall Two Colors Sibolangit , allindonesiatourism


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RAGUNAN ZOO

     Ragunan Zoo is a zoo located in the area Ragunan, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, Indonesia. An area of 140 hectare zoo was founded in 1864. In it, there are various collection consisting of 295 species and 4040 specimens. Ragunan was closed for about three weeks since 19 September 2005 because of the animals in it are infected with bird flu, but reopened on October 11.

     Ragunan Zoo was the first zoo in Indonesia. The zoo was founded in 1864 under the name Planten En Dierentuin which means "Plants and the Zoo." Located on 10 hectares of land in the area Cikini, Central Jakarta which is the provision of a famous Indonesian painter Raden Saleh. At that time, Planten En Dierentuin managed by the Association of Flora and Fauna Merciful Batavia joined in Culturule Vereniging en Planten Dierentuin at Batavia.

In 1949, the name was changed to Planten En Dierentuin Cikini Zoo and in 1969 moved to the area Ragunan, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta in 1964. The Jakarta administration donated 30 hectares of land that is home to the zoo. Jakarta governor Ali Sadikin Ragunan Wildlife Park inaugurated on June 22, 1966.

source : Ragunan Zoo , Best Tourism Indonesia

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BROMO MOUNTAIN

     Mount Bromo is a convenient stop for travellers between Bali and Surabaya, and the most popular of all of East Java's travel destinations, this active 2,392-metre- (7,85 foot-) high volcano lies 112 kilometres (70 miles), about three hours, southeast of Surabaya. Enclosed by perpendicular walls 350 metres (1,150 feet) high, Bromo's awesome 2,200-metre- (7,220-foot-) high 'sand sea' caldera has three mountains within it, craters within one huge crater, the Bromo Semeru Massif. There are also three small crater lakes inside the larger crater, with waterfowl and excellent hiking. The ideal time to visit is in the dry season (April-November) when you have a better chance of seeing a blood-red sunrise in the wet season, you might as well sleep late and stroll across the sand sea during the warmer part of the day, after the heavy fog has blown away. The temperature on top of Bromo is around 5 degree (40 degree); in July, it could drop to 0 degree (32 degree), so dress warmly. Three times a year, the site is overrun by tourists in February when an annual festival takes place, over Christmas, and during July and August. So plan your visit for another time if you don't like crowds. From Bromo's peak are stunning views of active Gunung Semeru, Java's highest mountain. 

source : Bromo Mountain


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KOMODO ISLAND

     Komodo National Park includes three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands creating a total surface area (marine and land) of 1817km (proposed extensions would bring the total surface area up to 2,321km²). As well as being home to the Komodo dragon, the Park provides refuge for many other  notable terrestrial species such as the orange-footed scrub fowl, an endemic rat, and the Timor deer. Moreover, the Park includes one of the richest marine environments including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts, and semi-enclosed bays. These habitats harbor more than 1,000 species of fish, some 260 species of reef-building coral, and 70 species of sponges. Dugong, sharks, manta rays, at least 14 species of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles also make Komodo National Park their home.

   Threats to terrestrial biodiversity include the increasing pressure on forest cover and water resources as the local human population has increased 800% over the past 60 years. In addition, the Timor deer population, the preferred prey source for the endangered Komodo dragon, is still being poached. Destructive fishing practices such as dynamite-, cyanide, and compressor fishing severely threaten the Park's marine resources by destroying both the habitat (coral reefs) and the resource itself (fish and invertebrate stocks). The present situation in the Park is characterized by reduced but continuing destructive fishing practices primarily by immigrant fishers, and high pressure on demersal stocks like lobsters, shellfish, groupers and napoleon wrasse. Pollution inputs, ranging from raw sewage to chemicals, are increasing and may pose a major threat in the future.

   Today, the PKA Balai Taman Nasional Komodo and PT. Putri Naga Komodo are working together to protect the Park's vast resources. Our goals are to protect the Park's biodiversity (both marine and terrestrial) and the breeding stocks of commercial fishes for replenishment of surrounding fishing grounds. The main challenge is to reduce both threats to the resources and conflicts between incompatible activities. Both parties have a long term commitment to protecting the marine biodiversity of Komodo National Park.

source : Komodo National Park


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