Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts

Places Of Interest : Medan, Toba lake etc

Medan
Medan was one the site of a battlefield between the Aceh people and the neighbouring Deli Kingdom. Medan is the capital of North Sumatra Province, a trading center and important harbour.

Once Medan was part of the Deli Sultanate. What is his­torically most interesting is the Mesjid Besar (Grand Mosque) and the Palace of the Sultan of Deli which has been restored to rivive its past grandeur.

Medan’s harbour town is called Belawan, which is the sea link to Penang Malaysia. Medan, Indonesia’s western in­ternational gateway maintains regular flight to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Amsterdam and Vienna. Addition­ally, there are several air connections between Medan and Jakarta, and other destinations in Sumatra.

Lake Toba – Parapat
The town of Parapat is the main tourist resort and lies oil the very shore of famous Lake Toba. This lake is about 50 miles long and 16 miles across, with a depth about 1.400 feet.
In Parapat live Batak Toba and Batak Simalungun tribes, and are happy and easy going people. They are known for their lively and senti­mental love songs. Recreational sports in Parapat are among other swimming water skiing, motor boating, canoeing, fishing, and golf at Sally golf course (19 holes) about 5 km from Parapat.
Parapat is 176 from Medan and can be reached in 4 hours by bus. The climate in Parapat is cool, and dry, making Parapat an ideal place to relax. Many hotels, bungalows, villas, resthouses welcome visitors. Small shops selling sou­venirs such as “Ulos” (local woven cloths) and specific fruits locally grown.

Samosir Island
The island of Samosir is right in the middle of Lake Toba, covering area of 329 square miles. This island is the origi­nal home of the fiercest hut kind hearted Toba Bataks. It can be reached in half an hour by boat from Parapat. Vis­iting, the village of Tomok, Tuk‑tuk, Siallagan, Ambarita are recommended for traditional Batak Toba houses, and lo­cal dances. This island has many hotels, bungalows, and rest houses.

Great Bukit Barisan
Located at Tongkoh village, in the district of the Karo high­lands, approximatelly 59 km from Medan. Formerly Tahura Bukit Barisan since 1916, known for its location called “Arboretum Tongkoh-Berastagi”, however since 1989 renovated and renamed Great Bukit Barisan Forest Park. Found there is the zoological mu­seum and a gazebo with Karo or­naments designed on the top of the roof, painted with various writings of typical welcome greetings in Tapanuli, which is “Horas”.

Crocodile Farm
Medan has the largest crocodile farm in Indonesia. Here one can see how the crocodile eggs are hatched, and then reared somewhere else. This farm is located at Asam Kumbang, 5 km from the heart of the city, and has nearly 2000 crocodiles of different kinds.

See also Bali, the famoust place in Indonesia

Posted in: , , , , on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at at 8:11 PM 0 comments  

North Sumatra Object Tourism

North Sumatra

North Sumatra is a large province stretching from the Indian Ocean in the west to the Straits of Malaka in the East and from Aceh in the north to West Sumatra in the south. It is thick with virgin forests, lush vegetation and jungle covered hills, terraced ricefields, cool mountain streams, strong rivers, beautiful waterfalls, peaceful white sandy beaches and large ancient lakes.

The people of the region are hospitable and warm and can he divided into five main ethnic groups; the Coastal Malays living along the Melaka Straits; the Bataks consisting of the sub‑tribes of Toba, Simalungun, Pak Pak (Dairi) and Karon of the highlands around Lake Toba and Samosir Island; the Pesisirs of Central Tapanuli along the Indian Ocean coastline; the Mandailings and Angkolas from southern Tapanuli and Nias Islanders off lie western coast of the province. These groups each have their own dialects, religious beliefs and traditional arts, customs and culture. There are also several ethnic groups who live in Medan and other towns of North Sumatra, the largest of these being Chinese and Indian. Other parts of the archipelago are represented, but non more strongly than the Acehnese, Minangkabau and Javanese who now live in many Parts of the area. As a result the area is often regarded as constituting a natural museum of Indonesia’s proto-Malay heritage in which ancient cuslonis and traditions have been preserved.

The divefersity of arts and cultures literally make this region a Garden of Eden for social scientists and culture seekers. It is a treasure chest of culture and tradition waiting to be explored, with ancient graves of Batak kings, unique dances and ceremonies, and beautiful arts and crafts. North Sumatra is also one, of the richest provinces in Indonesia for flora and fauna with a wealth of birds, butterflies, buffalo and deer. The Province proudly boats of its Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center in the Gunung Leuser National Park which is bordered by the fast flowing Bohorok River and some delightful countryside and of course lake Toba, legendary birthplace of the mountain‑dwelling Bataks and the largest inland lake in Southeast Asia.
The region also produces more than 30% of Indonesia’s export commodities and handles about 60% of them, making it a vital cog, in the Indonesian economy. Tobacco, palm oil, tea and rubber are produced in large quantities, particularly around Medan in the north of the province.
----------See : Museum Cut Nyak Dhien, Aceh, Bali

Posted in: , , , on at at 8:05 PM 0 comments  

Goa Lawah & Besakih

, Bali

Goa Lawah

Nine kilometer from Klungkung is “Goa Lawah” or Bath cave. The roof is covered with thousands of bats and its entrance is guarded by a temple believed to be founded by a Sage nine centuries ago.

Besakih

Known as the “Mother Temple of Bali, the sanctuary of Besakih on the slopes of Mt. Agung is the biggest and holiest of all Balinese temples. Over a thousand years old, steps ascend through split gates to the main courtyard where the trinity shrines are wrapped in cloth and decorated with flower offerings. Around the three main templates dedicated to the Trinity Shiva, Brahma and Wisnu are separate sanctuaries belonging to different regencies and caste groups

To the Balinese; a visit to the sanctuaries is a special pilgrimage. Each has its own anniversary celebration or “Odalan”. The sight of the temple against the back ground of the mountain is impressive and during festivals, colored banners add a touch of gaiety.

Posted in: , , , , on Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at at 5:04 PM 0 comments  

Kintamani, Bangli and Klungkung

Bali Hyatt



Kintamani
The villages of Kintamani and Penolakan give a view of the active Mount Batur and Lake. The caldera of Batur is impressive: 7 miles in diameter and 60 feet deep. From Penolakan, a road leads to Kedisan on the shores of the lake where boats can be hired to cross over to Trunyan. This ancient village is in habited by people who call themselves “Bali Aga” or original Balinese who have maintained many of their old ways. The Puser Jagad temple has an unusual architecture and stands under a massive Banyan tree.

Bangli
Pura Kehen is situated in Bangli, Bali’s second largest temple. Three terraced courtyards are connected by steps, and their balustrades are decorated with carvings and statues. A large Banyan tree with a tower shades the lowest and second courtyard, while in the third courtyard several shrines for the gods and ancestors are found.


Klungkung
The former seat of the Javanese Hindu Kingdom in Bali from where Balinese royalty draws its blood line, Klungkung is the oldest kingdom on the island and its “Raja” the most exalted. The Kerta Gosa or Royal Court of Justice built in the 18th century, I specially known for its ceiling murals painted in the traditional wayang style pert raying punishment in hell and reward s in heaven and other aspects of moralities. The floating pavilion, garden and lotus ponds in this walled-in complex, located on the main intersection of town area a reminder of the former glory of this kingdom.

Posted in: , , , , , on Monday, December 22, 2008 at at 10:15 PM 0 comments  

Goa Gajah and Tampak Siring




Goa Gajah


Goa Gajah dates back to the 11th century and is believed to have been built as a monastery. Carvings on the wall show a demon head over the entrance, flanked by two statues. The cave contains a statue of Ganesha. Excavations have uncovered a bathing place with six statues of nymphs holding water-spouts.


Tampak Siring


The temple of Pura Tirta Empul is built around the sacred spring at Tampak Siring. Over 1000 years old, the temple and its two bathing places have been used by the people for good health and prosperity because of the spring water’s curative powers. Regular ceremonies are held for purification. Specialties of the area are bone and ivory carvings and seashell ornament.

Posted in: , , , , on Monday, December 1, 2008 at at 6:50 PM 0 comments  

Ubud and Peliatan

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Ubud


The cetre of Balinese painting, Ubud’s Museum “Puri Lukisan” has a permanent collection of modern works of Balinese art dating from the turn of the century. There are also several art galleries and homes of famous artists here, including that of Dutchborn Hans Snel and American Antonio Blanco. The “Young Artist” style now popular in Balinese painting was introduced by the Dutch painter Arie Smith. In the past other foreign painters inspired Balinese artist to adopt western techniques but traditional Balinese painting are still made and sold another museum called “Neka Museum” has a wide collection of paintings of both by Indonesian as well as foreign artists who used to live in Bali
Ubud has several small hotels. Located on a higher altitude with a pleasant climate.


Peliatan


Peliatan is located between Ubud and Mas. It has been known as the centre of traditional music, and dances. The fine art of local wood carvers started a new style of wood carving producing such things as fruits, flowers and trees in their real shapes and colorings.

Posted in: , , , , on at at 6:43 PM 0 comments  

Nusa Dua, Batu Bulan, Batuan, Celuk, and Mas

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Nusa Dua
The Nusa Dua tourist resort is part of the Bukit Peninsula in Southern Bali. Some of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels are found here. The resort is known for its clean white beaches and clear waters. The surf is gentle along the northern side of the peninsula, bigger along the south. The most convenience form of transportation to and from Nusa Dua is by Taxi.

Batu Bulan
Driving Norteast from Denpasar, stone figures on the road side mark the village of Batu Bulan. Divinities and demons are carved from sandstone for ornaments of houses and temples. Workshops can be visited to watch artist work.

Batuan
An old and famous centre of the arts, it is now known for its dancing, wood panel carving and paintings.

Celuk
Northeast of Denpasar, the village of Celuk is noted for its silver and gold works of jewelry in many styles.

Mas
The village of wood carvers, many of Bali’s old masters still lives here. Art galleries exhibit some of their best works. Visitors can wonder through the Balinese style houses to view the carved wooden pillars and the artists at work or instructing apprentices who work in groups.

Posted in: , , , , , , , on Thursday, November 27, 2008 at at 10:02 PM 0 comments  

Sanur and Kuta




Sanur

Sanur beach has long been a popular recreation site for people from Denpasar and elsewhere. The palm lined beach curves from the Bali Beach Hotel toward the south, facing the Indian Ocean toward the east. Sanur offers many good hotels, restaurants, shops, and other tourist facilities. It is only a short distance from Denpasar. Public transportation to and from the city are easily available until well into night. Offshore reefs protect the beach against the waves and make it popular for windsurfing, boating and other water sports

Kuta

Once lonely village on the road from Denpasar toward the Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is now a thriving tourist resort, popular mainly among the young. It is a popular beach for surfing although currents make it less suitable for swimming. Coast guards, however, are on constant duty during the day. Kuta faces toward the west offering beautiful sunsets.

Accommodation ranges from international hotels to home stays. The village abounds with restaurants, shops, discotheques and other tourist facilities. It is easier to find regular performances of Balinese music and dance in Kuta, staged specially for tourists, than anywhere else in Bali. Some performances are staged nightly. The village is ideal for meeting and mixing with other people, locals as well as visitors from abroad.

Posted in: , , , , on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at at 4:18 PM 0 comments  

PLACES OF INTEREST




PLACES OF INTEREST

Denpasar
The capital city of Bali, Denpasar has many community temples called “Pura”. Ones is the museum called Pura Jagatnatha which is dedicated to the supreme God. Sang Hyang Widi Wasa. The statue of a turtle and two dragons (prevalent in all temples) signify the foundation of the word.

The museum offers a fine variety of prehistoric and modern art, whereas its architectural design resembles that of a place.

The government supervised “Sangraha Kriya Hasta” has a wide variety of handicraft and work of art. The “Werdy Budaya” presents a yearly art festival between June and July, with performances, exhibitions, art contests and so on.

Posted in: , , , on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at at 4:48 PM 0 comments  

Bali is the most Arts



The ancient kingdoms of the (rajas) and princes of Bali were dismantled by colonial governments in the early part of this century, but many of their royal descendants still own traditional palaces and are very much respected as patrons of the arts. Art and culture are strongly bonded to Bali’s unique form of Hinduism called “Hindu Darma”. Classical dance dramas for example, are based on the old Hindu epics of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, but contain an element of local folklore, peculiar to the island. The very soul of Bali is rooted in religion and is expressed in art forms that have been passionately preserved over the centuries

It seems that almost every person is an artist, spending free time applying skills and images which have been passed down from generation to generation and grasped from a very young age. Whether expressed through beautiful and intricate paintings and dances. Extraordinary carvings superb weaving or even in decorations made for myriad shrines which can be found in public areas, on road, in paddy fields or in homes; the island is alive with art.

The Balinese have been more exposed to international tourists and generally speak more English than people in order parts of the Indonesian archipelago. They have managed to preserve their culture despite overwhelming foreign influences brought to the region by an ever increasing number of tourists. Bali’s international airline and charters, Ngurah Rai, is in the south of the island and is served by numerous international airlines and charters. In order to keep up with growing number of visitors and the need for their comfort, more hotels have been built, ranging from small bungalow type for budget travelers to the luxurious Nusa Dua tourist resort area, near the airport, on the southern tip of the island. Water sports have naturally gained in popularity and Bali offers superb surfing, windsurfing, sailing, scuba diving, and white water rafting.

Posted in: , , , on at at 4:41 PM 0 comments  

Bali is Indonesia's Paradise




Bali

Indonesia’s paradise
A friendly and remarkably artistic people, living amid breathing panoramas, have created a dynamic society with unique art and ceremonies, making Bali an Island almost unreal in today’s hectic and changing world. Terraced rice fields dominate the landscape with rivers and small irrigation streams dissecting a luscious green landscape, filling the air with the enchanting sounds of running water.

Bali is divided by a string of impressive and authoritative volcanoes running almost through the center of the island. Mountain and particularly volcanoes are believed to be the home of the gods. Shrouded in mystery and magic, they stretch skywards in majestic splendors. Bali’s main volcano is the still active and sometime explosive Gunung Agung, which is considered sacred among local people as it is believed to be the center of the universe. Not just views visitors leave the same believe.

Posted in: , , , on at at 12:59 AM 0 comments  

TRAVEL PLANNER IN BALI, THE INDONESIA’S FAMOUS OBJECT TOURISM




TRAVEL PLANNER IN BALI, THE INDONESIA’S FAMOUS OBJECT TOURISM

Where is your travel destination today…
- Would you like to go to Bali? Read more information here


INTRODUCTION

Indonesia is a vast and beautifully diverse country stretching for more than 5.000 km across the equator. It would simply be impossible to see everything that this, the world‘s largest archipelago, has to over in a short length of time. This Travel Planner therefore, offers essential information by dealing only with major tourist attractions which are easily accessibly by air, sea and land.

In the past most popular destination for visitors to Indonesia has undoubtedly been Bali. In recent years however, other areas are also becoming popular and 24 Top priority areas has been selected by the Directorate General of Tourism to provide visitors with the quintessential soul of Indonesia. These are Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, East Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, South Sumatra, Riau, Bengkulu, Lampung, South Sulawesi, East Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, Maluku and Irian Jaya.

Variety is the spice life and nowhere is this truer than in Indonesia. No two places are like in unspoiled beauty, art, culture and people. The towering mountains and primitive cultures of Irian Jaya contrast sharply with the terraced hills, and highly sophisticated societies of Bali and Java and the animistic beliefs which still have a major influence on the way of life in South Sulawesi. “Unity in Diversity”, which is the country’s motto, accurately describe these diverse cultures and extraordinary people brought together to create one nation with one national language, Bahasa Indonesia. For the traveler Indonesia offers a fine blend scenic beauty, fauna and flora, culture, marine park and a wide collection of modern accommodation

International gateways providing easy access for traveler in Indonesia are: Jakarta, Denpasar (Bali), and Medan (North Sumatra). Other ports of entry and exit has been targeted as International gateways but are currently in the development stages

This Travel Planner presents each destination area separately, describing its sights, tours, hotel accommodation (where available) and shopping opportunities. Additional information on special interest tours, the arts, cultural history and other aspects of country’s development sector which might be of interest to visitors is also included. Other sections focus on travel agents, transportation and requirements for travel to and within Indonesia.

An extensive network of air services connects the gateways with destination areas. Fares for domestic travel are offered in local Indonesian Rupiah, while other rates are quoted in US Dollars.

Posted in: , , on Monday, November 24, 2008 at at 4:36 PM 0 comments  

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