Siladen Island Manado : Suitable for Swim, Snorkeling and Diving

Do you want a New Year holiday with an atmosphere of quiet, calm, and free from fatigue and bustle of everyday? Or, New Year Holiday while accompanied by white sand and beautiful coral reefs? Thus, Siladen Island is the answer.

Siladen Island is one of five islands in Bunaken National Park, Manado. The island is just eight miles from the center of Manado and can be reached by motor boat about 45 minutes. You will find a beach with white sand and clean. So, you can spend time with the sun, sand castle play or even just walking around waiting for the sunset.

This beach is suitable for you who want to swim, snorkeling and diving. The coral reefs here are not too many and more dominated by sand, making it suitable for you who want to swim and take off boredom.

Although not many, of coral reefs on the island Siladen colorful and very beautiful. Siladen also rich with marine life such as fish and sea stars that will be your friend while snorkeling. For you lovers of diving, the underwater beauty of the island of Siladen is great for underwater photography. The waves are calm and crystal clear water will support your snorkeling and diving activities.

You can visit to this island by means of public transport boat for about $3 USD. But the itinerary from Manado to the island of Siladen just one trip. Boats depart at 07.00 am and returned at 15:00 pm local time. However, you can hire a speedboat at a price of $70 USD round-trip.

Is quite expensive trip to the island Siladen. But the beauty of the beach and the sea would be an unforgettable experience of your lifetime.

Gili Trawangan : a Beautifull Beach in North Lombok

Have you ever been to Gili Trawangan? A small island in North Lombok is often used as a tourism destination for foreign tourists. Gili Trawangan is a small island famous for her beauty to the world. Gili Trawangan is considered as an icon of Lombok tourism. Towards this island, you can take the route the aircraft from Surabaya to Denpasar, Bali

After arriving at the Bali airport, you can continue the journey to Padang Bai port where the fast boat will lead directly to Gili Trawangan. Super fast, because it only takes one and a half hours to reach the Gili Trawangan, than we must take the ferry from Padang Bai to Lempar that takes six hours.

Sea breeze, the shock waves are very friendly and charming blue sky, making a perfect one and a half hour trip on board a fast boat, plus bonus see dolphin family attractions typical Lombok strait, making this the perfect trip.

Having arrived in Gili Trawangan, you can spend time by swimming in beach, play sand, hunting landscape through the camera shots and of course other outdoor activities such as cycling.

Do not expect to meet with a motor vehicle there. There was only different types of bicycles. Long before the issue of Global Warming enliven the media setting the agenda in the world, the earth rescue packages already implemented by bike. I do not know clearly how the story could be like that. It took approximately two hours to explore the island, the streets are mostly filled with sand and heat of the sun a typical beach. Throughout the trip will be a lot of interesting spots, ranging from a fallen tree, cattle, goats are released freely by the owner, or private luxury resorts.

If you're lazy to cycling around the island on afternoon, its a good time to snorkel, at a cost just $5, you can borrow snorkeling equipment. If fear of swimming in the morning, at low tide you can enjoy with the naked eye marine life like starfish, sea snail family, small fish, and sea shells.

Hawkers snorkel rental is also like a bike rentals are everywhere along the main streets. You just choose your own snorkeling spots, ranging from crowded to deserted.

Stunning White Sand in Ngliyep Beach Malang

Do you want to enjoy the beautiful white sand beach? Dont forget to visit Malang, Indonesia. Prepare your luggage and visit to Ngliyep Beach in Malang. Ngliyep Beach will be presenting something special for you. The beach is located in District Donomulyo Ngliyep, 62 km south of Malang. Location of Ngliyep beach on the edge Indonesian Ocean, make this beach has a panoramic view of outstanding natural beauty.

Stretch of white sand on the beach will pamper you to sunbathe, play sand, or even just spend the time to enjoy the sunset. In addition to the dazzling sand, the waves are roaring and the steep cliffs which are surrounded by protected forests will calm your view. The atmosphere is in stark contrast from the metropolis. 

You can rest on a small island called Mount Kombang. In fact, enjoying the sunset on this small island, will give an unforgettable impression. The beach is rarely visited by the traveler, this beach so clean you can see for yourself. 

Every 14th of every Maulud month in the Javanese calendar, always held Labuhan ceremony. Labuan, which means giving offerings to the sea, has a meaning as an expression of gratitude and prayers to be given welfare memenjatkan. The ceremony was also a session of heads of animals sacrificed goat / cow into the sea as offerings to Kanjeng Queen of South, The Queen of the South Seas. 

Be careful when swimming, famous for its southern shore the waves are strong currents. However, you will not lose money if you just spend time playing on the beach. This place is already equipped with parking facilities, cottages, praying and health posts that will support your convenience. Ngliyep beach vacation destination can be a goal to fill the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Invite your relatives to enjoy the beach that has not been too well known by this other person. Do not forget, to keep clean no matter where your travel destination.

Bantimurung Maros : The Kingdom of Butterflies

Bantimurung National Park, Maros, South Sulawesi, is one of the most popular tourist destination, both domestic and foreign tourists. Sights of South Sulawesi community pride has a lot of uniqueness that made it one tourist destination.

In this tour there is a steep limestone hill valley with tropical vegetation. Here there are waterfalls, caves and butterflies are attracted the attention of visitors.

Garden tour this one is the butterfly world. Just imagine, the number of butterfly species that are here about 140 species. However, not only butterflies, here are some other animals, like monkeys.
 
For different types of butterflies could see at museum of Bantimurung butterfly. There are at least 20 species of butterflies are protected by the government.
 

Some even unique species found only in South Sulawesi, namely Troides Helena Linne, Troides Hypolitus Cramer, Troides Haliphron Boisduval, Papilo Adamantius, and Cethosia Myrana.
 
In 1856-1857, Alfred Russel Wallace spent most of his life in the region to investigate different types Bantimurung butterflies. Wallace states that Bantimurung is The Kingdom of Butterfly. According to the Wallace study, in these locations there are at least, 140 species of butterflies Butterflies are an attraction for tourists. Bantimurung known as a butterfly paradise because of all butterfly species in the region.
 

These tourist sites also own a two caves that can be used as special interest tours. Both caves are the Batu Caves and the Cave of Dreams. Bantimurung Natural Park which is about 30 KM from Makassar,distance from Makassar to Maros about 1 hour. Entrance fee for adults is $12, while for small children 5 cent, and for foreign tourists $3.

This place is perfect for you that interest with butterfly and keen to study it in detail.

The Beauty of Jailolo, North Halmahera

West Halmahera is one of the regency in North Maluku which capital of Jailolo. Sea and land give a challenges and unforgettable memories.

One of the charms of Halmahera hemisphere is Jailolo which is the capital city of West Halmahera, to reach these places you have to travel an hour from Port-Dufa Dufa Ternate with Speed Bout.

Jailolo has a natural beauty that can be enjoyed from the foot of Mount Jailolo and Jailolo port. Jailolo Indigenous Tribes consist of various tribes including Sahu, Ternate, Wayoli, Gorep, Loloda.

Jailolo communities still maintain and run the customs and traditions such as ceremonial eat together at home (traditional house in a language called Sasadu Jailolo), the ceremony is held in May and June with dances and traditional songs. One type of dance is a dance that named Legu Salau who served during traditional ceremonies.

Jailolo beauty is not known by the general public, for that Jailolo Festival held every year. In this festival staged a variety of art typical of the region, followed by several groups. The uniqueness of this festival participants using traditional costumes and musical instruments drums.

Down the beauty Jailolo and community life there, did not complete if not visit the northern Halmahera. North Hamahera there are adherents of indigenous tribal religions or religious Wago wondered who reside in the village of Wago gauge (Wago means the Sun and the Earth guess). Wago population estimate of 200 souls, are consistent with the results of the 2010 census. Wago community thought of wearing clothes woven pandanus leaves, and only used a few days, then thrown in to be replaced again.

The principle of tribal religious life is very unique because they do not care about life outside their communities, according to their better yield than a problem with the world outside them. For example if there are guests visiting or staying will be provided a place separate from their places of work, and they will prepare food raw materials, which must be cooked by the guests themselves.

A time to briefly visit the North Halmahera, you will enjoy the outstanding natural beauty with a stretch of sea which is also so beautiful.

Exotic Baturraden

Baturraden is a tourist destination in Banyumas regency, Central Java, Indonesia. Baturraden located in the northern city of Purwokerto, right on the southern slopes of Mount Slamet. Because Baturraden is situated on the slopes of the mountain makes this place has a cool air and tend to be very cold especially at night. Baturraden is also a tourist area visited by many local tourists, especially on Sundays and national holidays. There is a lot of hotels and villas built there.

Baturraden can be reached by using private or public vehicle. The distance from Purwokerto town about 15 km and can be reached within 15 minutes with traffic that is not too crowded. If you want to use public transport tourists you can ride public transportation from the terminal in Purwokerto and get off to the Baturraden terminal. If you want more practical travelers can use a taxi. If you decide to use a private vehicle, you should be careful because the road is uphill with a slope of about 30 degrees.

Baturraden is the beauty of the slopes of Mount Slamet. Tourist sites is only about 15 km from Purwokerto town, Central Java, not just save the beautiful natural scenery, but also folklore about "Raden Kamandaka" or "Lutung Kasarung" etnic stories in Indonesian society.

In addition to easy access, this tourist area also provides a variety of hotels and lodgings. In addition, for people who lovers of outdoor camping there is provided a comfortable and safe area. And without worrying about the difficulty of obtaining food, since in this area quite a lot of merchants who peddle rabbits satay.

Enjoying Beautiful Sunset on Sundak Beach at Gunungkidul Yogyakarta

Ever heard of Parangtritis in Yogyakarta? I think most people would know that Parangtritis is iconic beach in Yogyakarta, that's the most popular beaches in Yogyakarta, but do you ever heard of Sundak Beach?

The beach is located in the region Sundak Gunungkidul, precisely in the Sidoharjo Village, Tepus District. Being in the ranks of the South coast lined with Kukup Beach, Krakal, Drini, During, and Baron Beach.

Sundak, blend name between Asu (dog) and Landak (hedgehog). Starting from the fight between the asu (dog) and Landak (hedgehog). Fighting who left a trail for residents about the existence of a cave with a source of fresh water in it.

The journey from Yogyakarta takes about 2 until 2.5 hours and do not ever think that the trip would be boring and tiring because the traveling going to enjoy the natural scenery of the white chalk hill in the dry season. Especially if you want to take a break then you can see the sights of Yogyakarta. Just a note that the road to the beach Sundak is now paved and smooth so you do not need to worry.

Once in the park, the first thing that occurred to taste is play in the white sand, blue sea, bright sky, and watched the beauty of the rock hills in the north coast with a height of about 12 meters.

The atmosphere is really pamper our eyes and relax because this beach is relatively unspoiled evident from the many visitors who come there so this beach is perfect for someone looking for a quiet atmosphere to enjoy the beauty of the beach.

We can relax on the beach while enjoying views of the fishermen who return home after sea fishing, lounging on the beach while enjoying the stalls young coconut or capture the moment Sundak sunset at the beach.

If you visit Yogyakarta, dont forget to visit it.

Mount Kelud : Visiting the Attractions and Phenomenal Mount

Travel to Kediri feels incomplete without visiting the attractions of this phenomenal one, namely Mount Kelud. About 30 Km East of Kediri precisely in District Ngancar, Kediri with landline tasty and smooth traveled through plantations and beautiful mountain scenery.

Simply by traveling 1.5 hours by motorcycle and buy a ticket about $ 1 USD you can enjoy the beautiful panorama of the volcano with a variety of amenities.

Kelud is one of the active volcano on the Java Island, which at times can just explode. This mountain has erupted in 1980 ago and eruptions is one of the most devastating moment. Then in 2006 also erupted and people of Indonesia had horrendous but it was only issued eruption and boulders left the lava and sulfur in the middle of the crater that was once filled with water.

The phenomenon of the emergence of the lava dome or also called the Son of Kelud that occurred at Mount Kelud is very rare and unexpected, even very rare in the world. Up to attract the tourists and even the world traveler.

Although now a beautiful crater lake was closed switch with black dome of lava and sulfur smoldering beauty and fame Kelud keep it interesting. To go to the lava dome, there is a connecting tunnel or lava thunel that dark and exotic. Arriving at the lip of the crater, there are also steps up until we can see the scenery around Mount Kelud from above as well as Kediri city from the summit of Mount Kelud which of course was fantastic and the most precise and beautiful place to take pictures. Views of towering cliffs and mountains that phenomenal is certainly an attraction for the photographer to offer photo services directly.

In addition to the exotic scenery of the crater, not far from the lava tunnel there are hot springs are located below that can be achieved with sufficient tread stairs tiring course. But do not worry, you are exhausted will be replaced with a spa bath with hot water sulfur smell very good for treating various skin diseases. So often there is always full of visitors who bathe, from old to young.

Problems with facilities, attractions Kelud is fairly complete and easily accessible. Everything you can enjoy the cheap, and access is good all. If you are hungry and want to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee in the mountains, of course not difficult to find on Mount Kelud. In addition, there is also an interesting arena for outbound families, like flying fox and ATV.

Muaro Jambi Temple : Biggest Temple Area

Muaro Jambi Village Muaro Sebo District is place of Muaro Jambi temple, located 2 km northeast of Jambi, or 20 minutes by car from the Jambi city. This area contained Astano Temple, Tinggi Temple, Gumpung Temple, Kembar Batu Temple, Gedong Temple, Kedato Temple and Koto Mahligai Temple. In pattern of the architect, the building is the Buddhist culture in IV and V Century. One of the statues in the temple Gumpung findings show that many characteristics in common with Prajnaparamita statue of Singosari Age.

Gedong is a unique temple in the complex area Muaro Jambi. Not known exactly when this temple was built. Spacious yard around 500an square meters, consists of the main building and the gate. The shape is very different from the temple generally in Java. The temple was made of natural stone, but of brick. At each of red brick, there are sculptured reliefs. Some of these bricks are stored in museums.

Until the beginning of the 21st century, the temple site to Muaro Jambi has identified approximately 110 buildings of the temple which consists of approximately 39 groups of temples. The temple building is relic Malay kingdom until Sriwijaya Kingdom, a Buddhist Malay cultural backgrounds. It is estimated that the temples location of historical sites Muaro jambi temples began to be built since the fourth century, one among the group of temples is Gumpung Temple.

Extensive temple site Muaro Jambi is 12 square kilometers, an area of ​​Buddhist worship in the days of the kingdom of Srivijaya. First discovered by a British soldier named SC Crooke in 1820, when assigned to map Batanghari River.

In the temple complex found many artifacts are priceless. Now the goods are kept in Jambi museum. For example there are statues of elephants lions, also statues Dwarapala. Dwarapala statue, discovered in the Gedong Temple. Accidentally discovered in 2002 when restoration the gate. The first function as gatekeepers, or security guard in the modern life. One statue is a statue named Prajnaparamita, the goddess of fertility symbol. Unfortunately, some parts of this statue yet discovered such as the hands and head. This is a sacred symbol of Buddhism.

In the museum is also stored pot of bronze weighing 160 kilograms, 60 centimeters tall, with pot holes diameter of about one meter. Pot is suspected as one tool flow Tantrayana Buddhist rituals.

Kerinci Lake has an area of ​​4200 hectares with a depth of 110 mtr and is situated at an altitude of 783 meters above sea level. This makes Kerinci Lake as the largest lake in Kerinci district. The lake holds many species of fish. Semah Fish is the most popular type and is an endemic fish. Lake Kerinci is located on two district namely "Danau Kerinci" District and "Keliling Danau" District.

The specialty of this lake have come from the natural beauty that is captivating. The lake is against the background by the graceful mountain ranges. Tourists can enjoy the view of fishing boats that navigate the surface of the lake and ready to accompany the fishermen to hunt fish.

In the vicinity of Kerinci Lake there are several villages. It is said that in the villages there is a carved stone megaliths of human heritage. The existence of these stones to prove there is life of early man in this location.

When it comes at a time when the right time, you can see the other tourists along Kerinci Lake Festival held every year. In this festival lot of art displayed some typical Jambi attractions. The purpose of this festival is to give treats to tourists.

At this location have found no star hotels, but tourists can stay at the hotel in Sungai Penuh City. Rates offered are also not too expensive, ranging between $ 2 USD to $ 15 USD of course adjusted to the services. About culiner, in this place there are also many places to eat foods that provide typical Kerinci foods.

To reach this location, tourists can travel overland. The trip can be started from the three places. First place, namely from Jambi City to the Sungai Penuh. Between Jambi and Sungai Penuh distance is about 500 km. Second, starting from Padang to Tapan, then proceed to Sungai Penuh. This trip can be gone for 7 hours. And, third trip starts from Padang to Muaralabuh, which continued to Kersik Tuo. All of these trips can be reached using public transportation, car rental, and private cars.

Sea Freshwater Lake and Pantan Terong : a Hidden Paradise from Takengon

Have you ever been to Aceh, a province located on the western of Indonesia. There is one place in Aceh, which becomes a hidden paradise. A suitable place for you if you want to relax with the fresh air and green scenery. Not to be too well known by the traveler, Takengon will be a special place for your vacation.

Takengon is the capital city of Central Aceh District, Aceh Province. This place holds the potential that is not less beautiful travel with other tourist attractions in Aceh. Takengon is a stretch of flat land surrounded by hills, fields, rivers, lakes and the friendliness of communities around Takengon or commonly called Gayo people. The atmosphere is still very natural to give a peace to you.

Spend your time with a walk in the hills around Takengon and you will meet with large cacti, weeds, flowers, and all kinds of butterflies and horses running free in the fields. If tired, you can taste Gayo coffee, specialty coffee from Takengon. This coffee is very popular for Dutch and became one of the suppliers for Starbucks Coffee.

Takengon located at an altitude of 2600 mdpl, therefore it is cool and fresh air will add to your trip more enjoyable. There is one place that becomes an icon City Takengon, namely Sea Freshwater Lake. Surface water in this lake is very quiet, so it can reflect the image that is on it, like a giant flat mirror. The lake is also surrounded by hills and caves, add beauty in the surrounding panorama.

Moreover, if at sunrise, light orange mixed with yellow and red in the sky will surely make you spellbound.

In addition, walk to Pantan Terong, the highest peak in Takengon. Scenery around the lake, hills, fields and woods as if he were in the palm of your hand.

Please make time to visit Takengon your trip. You can travel overland for 8 hours from Banda Aceh. Although far away, but your trip will be replaced with natural beauty and culture that can be beautiful on the outside Takengon.

Exotisme Sukuh Temple : Unique and Erotic

Indonesia is rich country with natural resources, in addition, it is also rich in mystery and myth. One of them is Sukuh Temple that looks similar to the Mayan Temple in Mexico and many erotic reliefs in it.

For those of you with the hobby of archeology, then you add the Sukuh temple in the list of your next journey. The temple is located at an altitude of 1186 mdpl, was built in the 15th century when the collapse of the Majapahit kingdom and is located at the foot of Mount Lawu, Karanganyar regency, Central Java. Quite easy way to get to this place, because once you arrive in Solo a lot of transportation that can be used, such as public buses, or other public transportation. The entrance to the temple which is about 2 kilometers from the entrance, offers a panoramic expanse of green tea gardens that accompany your journey to the temple Sukuh mystery.

In Sukuh you can find other forms of reliefs depicting sexuality, such as male and female genitals. This will not be encountered in any temple in Indonesia. A lot of controversy about the reliefs depicting sexuality, there is the opinion of the temple is sacred buildings and should not have reliefs depicting the forms of sexuality. However, there is also the opinion reliefs depicting the forms of sexuality are a symbol of fertility and can not be separated from humans.

Shortly after you enter the first terrace of the temple, do not be surprised by the relief on the floor depicting male virility and the sanctity of women that come into contact. This symbol, which describe the form of fertility. Besides these reliefs contain meaning, if someone has stepped over the reliefs then he would be clean from all impurities. Therefore, this relief is at the front of the temple, so that anyone who entered the temple is located in a clean condition.

On the second terrace there are many sculptures and statues in a damaged condition. Then on the third terrace of the main temple there with ornaments in the form of reliefs and statues on the left and right. Some of the sculptures and statues depict as "Lingga" a manifestation of male genitalia and "Yoni" as the embodiment of female genitalia.

Visitors can enter the main temple and reached the top of the form of squares with the step-up the high steps. That said, is designed like this because in ancient times used as a means of virginity tests for girls.

The structure of the temple was also against the rule of Hindu pattern. Unlike the temples in Indonesia in general, Sukuh has violated the pattern of Hindu architecture called Wastu Widya, which describes the shape of the temple should be square with the center right in the middle. The middle section is believed to be the most holy place. Deviations that occur because when Sukuh built, the era of the triumph of Hinduism had faded. Indonesia looks so original culture with the culture of prehistoric megalithic era.

Prepare yourself for a visit to Sukuh, and see directly erotic temples and unique from this temple.

Visiting Ijo Temple : The Highest Temple in Yogyakarta

If you are interested in archaeological, then you can make Yogyakarta as a tourist destination for you. Yogyakarta is a city in Indonesia with dozens of temple tours. One is the green temple or usually named "Ijo Temple".

Ijo Temple is the highest temple located in Yogyakarta. The scenery presents a natural charm and culture as well as aircraft that was landing on the Mount Ijo, Sambirejo Village, Prambanan, Sleman, Yogyakarta.

We try to review Ijo Temple for you:

We walked up the road to the southern part of Ratu Boko Palace complex. An exciting journey, though heavy clouds gathered over the sky. Along the way the temple buildings were scattered everywhere. This is because around that location is a temple complex. The road began to climb and damaged. After a long walk, we arrived at the temple that became our destination, the Ijo temple.

Ijo Temple was built around the 9th century, on a hill known as Green Hill or named Gumuk Ijo, the height is 410 m above sea level. Because of its altitude it is not only the temple that can be enjoyed, but also the landscape below such agricultural areas with a steep slope. Although not a fertile area, the natural scenery around the temple is very beautiful to enjoy.

The temple complex consists of 17 building structures are divided into 11 terrace. The first terrace leading to the entrance page is a terrace stretching from west to east. Building on the terrace to form a fence around the 11th, 8 pole phallus, four of the main temple building, and three ancillary temples.

Variety of art forms encountered since the entrance of the building belonging to this Hindu temple. Just above the entrance there is a motive named "kala makara" with double heads and multiple attributes. Motives and attributes that can also be found in Buddhist temples indicate that it is a form of acculturation temple of Hindu and Buddhist culture. Some temples have similar motives "kala makara" among others Ngawen, Plaosan and Sari.

Towards ancillary buildings on the terrace of the temple to-11, there is a place like the tub where the fire sacrifice (Homa). Right at the top of the rear wall of the tub there are air holes or vents shaped parallelograms and triangles.

One work of mystery are two inscriptions in the temple located on the terrace 9. One of the inscriptions that were coded F writing "Guywan" or "Bluyutan" means hermitage. Another inscription is made of stone as high as 14 cm and 9 cm thick containing magic spells that are predicted to be a curse.

Could be, the two inscriptions may relate closely to the occurrence of certain events in Java at the time. Is the event? Has yet to unfold.