TRAVELING INDONESIA

The Ubud Monkey forest is a small nature preserve on the southern outskirts of Ubud. Along with its lush surroundings and a beautiful temple are hundreds of monkeys -- Balinese macaques, to be more specific. They're very tolerant of people, but are famous for stealing food and sunglasses from tourists, so you have to be careful around them.

When walking through this forest (could also be called park), you will see loads of monkeys. If you have anything to eat with you, take care, the monkey will try to steal it :)

Anyway a walk through the park is quite nice. The park is not too big, within one hour you will definitely get through.

At the end of Monkey Forest Road is the Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana, or Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. True to its name, the sanctuary is home to three troupes of long-tailed Balinese Macaques, totaling about 200 monkeys. These forest denizens are always open to handouts of food from visitors, although it is far safer to avoid feeding them, as they can become quite aggressive once they know you have food.

In addition to the monkeys, the forest is home to three temples, dating from around the 14th century. The largest is the Pura Dalem Agung, located on the highest point of the forest. A path through the trunk of a huge tree and across a small creek leads to the Holy Bathing Temple. The third temple, the Pura Prajapati, is a cremation temple and located next to one of the two graveyards in the monkey forest.

Ref: asiaforvisitors.com

One area of Bali that has long been popular with surfers is the Bukit (hill) peninsula at the southern end of the island. This limestone plateau has Uluwatu on the western end and Nusa Dua on the eastern, with not much in the middle.

Outside of Nusa Dua the biggest construction project is GWK (Mandala Garuda Wisnu Kencana), the cultural park carved out of the limestone rock. I have passed by before but never had a look around.

To get to GWK from Kuta I rode to the roundabout at Simpang Siur and headed for Nusa Dua. After 15 minutes I took the right turn to Uluwatu and followed Jl. Uluwatu up the hill, eventually coming to GWK on the left side. Don’t worry you won’t miss it, there is a huge driveway and massive sign.

GWK was conceived to be a cultural center and events park and is privately funded. The bombing has affected the pace of construction which was due to be finished in 2003.

Arriving at the small ticket booth in the parking lot I paid 15,000rp and received my ticket. This entitled me to stroll around and view the statue of Vishnu, the Hindu God who is the protector (part of the Hindu trinity Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer), the statue of half man half bird Garuda and the other points of interest including the art museum, open air stage and amphitheater.

Walking up the hill I checked out the view and it was great. I could see Kuta Beach, the bottleneck of Jimbaran and over to Nusa Dua and Benoa. A little ways further I came to DeMiMiDi restaurant a pretty swish looking place with a great view. The food was international and main courses were running about 60,000-70,000rp

Continuing on I ascended some stairs and saw the head and shoulders of the Vishnu statue which is currently 23 meters high. A Balinese school party from Bangli was also there and the whole place was alive with people. I tried to put it off as best I could but eventualy I ended up doing the ‘ tourist photo’ with the school kids.

The plan for GWK was to have a 146 meter gold plated Wisnu riding his winging chariot Garuda and have the whole thing on top of an 11 storey entertainment complex.

The planners of GWK envisioned arriving airline passengers would view the landmark as a warm greeting to Bali. Unfortunately not everyone is over the moon about it. Religious Balinese sometimes complain that this massive statue will disrupt the natural balance in Bali as it tries to compete with the highest spot Gunung Agung. Also the purely commercial nature does not feel right to some people.

Walking round which took altogether 1 hour including stopping for a drink and viewing art I was impressed at the size of the place and the effort that had been put in to tend the gardens. There is a weird kind of atmosphere with this place, almost like its waiting to be a Disneyland of some kind but hasn’t got it together yet. Walking through the open air stage section I though “Wow, what an awesome place to have a concert.” Across the way I meandered down alleys created by cutting chunks of the limestone away. There’s no limit to what they could build at GWK with the newly exposed areas offering more space.

The art museum is located close to a small shop selling drinks. The museum features local contemporary works of art. I didn’t see anything too special in there and it seemed a bit bare. Entrance is free. There are couple of souvenir shops too.

For evening visitors a kecak dance is performed on Tuesdays and Thursdays admission $5.

I think that in future this place will be a thriving business in years to come after the economy picks up, the location is too good for it no to be. I can see concerts and performances being a regular thing and the growing number of foreigners building houses in Jimbaran and on the Bukit will help support this.

GWK is open daily from 8am - 10pm.

Ref: www.baliblog.com

Lombok is dominated by Mount Rinjani, the Indonesia's second highest volcano (after Mt. Kerinci in Sumatra). Located in the province of Nusa Tenggara Barat (West Nusa Tenggara), it's dense primary rainforest still covers the steep slopes of the mountain complex.
Lombok is home to many natural attractions, including the world famous volcano, Gunung Rinjani, located on the north of the island. Visitors from all around the world come to Lombok every year to climb Gunung Rinjani, either to its awe-inspiring crater lake or to the demanding summit with panoramic views across the waters to Gunung Agung, Bali's famous sister volcano. “Gunung” is Bahasa Indonesia for mountain.

Historically and culturally, Gunung Rinjani has important significance to both Sasak and Balinese, Muslim and Hindu alike, and is considered a “Home of the Gods”. Pilgrimages are made to the mountain, offerings placed, and many people visit the volcano to pray and bathe in the pools and hot springs, which are said to have healing powers. Each year, around the full moon in October or November, a sacred pilgrimage called “Pekelem” takes place, when gold and other gifts are thrown into the lake near the summit as offerings to the Gods.

Rinjani soars 3726m above sea level and is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, attracting thousands of trekkers and climbers annually. The huge caldera near the top is around 4 kms wide and is almost filled by a beautiful crescent-shaped lake, Danau Segara Anak (Child of the Sea). The lake is around 230m deep and contains plentiful fish, as well as being home to birds and other wildlife. A smaller volcanic cone, Gunung Baru Jari, was formed a couple of hundred years ago and juts from the crater's interior at the edge of the lake. It's been estimated that the force needed to create the new cone and the lake would have been equal to around 300 Hiroshima-type atomic bombs. There are a number of caves, small waterfalls and hot springs located around the volcano, most importantly Aik Kalak on the northeast of the crater, where the volcanically heated waters are said to cure illnesses, particularly skin diseases.

The route to Segara Anak throught the southwest slope of Rinjani Mountaints has been used by local people since long time ago. Besides their traditional purposes, some people are eager to track this 8 hours route for fishing. The lake is endeed like a paradise for fshers. And now this traditional route has just been opened for tourists. It offers beauty, uniqueness and a lot of things of Rinjani that unrevealed yet.

Ref: www.dispariwisata.lomboktengahkab.go.id

Location waterfall is located in the area of Rinjani in the name Sendang mad (read gile), who heard the story, about people accidentally find waterfall in the middle of a mad hunt lions make in a disorderly and then fled the village into forest. Location in more tourism in the domestic tourists visit olew has a height of ± 31 meters. This waterfall appears from the top edge and fall to the river below. Basic waterfall relatively flat, so that more people are swimming under the waterfall.

waterfall Sendang lunatic is in the area north of Central Lombok regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province. Senaru in the village, Bayan subdistrict. This village has a distance of ± 60km from the capital city of Mataram. This location is still located in the area of Rinjani mountain to mountain, which is a high-to-3 in Indonesia.

Specialty is there in the waterfall is a waterfall located Sendang mad at a height of 600M above sea level, waterfalls give this relaks and the atmosphere peaceful. Touch of nature that are far from the city atmosphere, beautiful and captivating panoramic views, and the fresh water, you are able to fly to a world full of peace.
The waterfall is about 40m of height, and it have two graded. The water is pure, big flow and never dry. The source outlet of water come from well protected rain forest above, it’s the Gunung Rinjani National Park forest. This waterfall either is alternative attraction if the trekking to Mount Rinjani were closed. And it will have much visitors at weekend, holyday or special events. The waterfall is one location between the two other Senaru great waterfall, the Tiu Kelep and Betara Lenjang waterfall.

Ref: dennisarista.com

This Nature Reserve is located on open grassland and is home to a great variety of flora and fauna. There are black apes, Maleo birds, snakes, wild pigs, hornbill birds and deer. But special interest is given to the Tarsius Monkeys, which sneak out at dawn and dusk. About the size of a Childs fist, these tiny monkeys are the smallest in the world and a delight to see.

Tangkoko Batuangus is an open grassland nature reserve covering the slopes of Mt. Dua Saudara, the park is compossed of impressive green hills and valleys with wondrous scenic views of natural beauty. Black apes, maleo birds, snakes, wild pigs, hornbills and rusa deer live in the 3,196 hectare reserve. There are several cottages and small restaurants nearby. It is only reachable by four-wheel drive jeep from Girian village over a rough road.

Tangkoko Batuangus Reserve offers a suitable protective environment to help prevent these animals from becoming extinct. Tangkoko is located in the northern sector of Bitung, and comprises an area of 3,196 Ha, and takes about 1.5 -2.5 hours to reach from Bitung or Manado, respectively. Please note that the road to Tangkoko is somewhat difficult and visitors are recommended to visit with a local tour operators to ensure a safe journey and to take advantage of an experienced guide who can assist in spotting the wildlife. Losmen (simple guesthouses) are available for overnight stays.

Ref: www.indonesia-tourism.com

The thermal delights of the Ranopaso Hot Springs are a short distance from the resort and surrounded by rice fields. You can enjoy a hot water soak in one of the specially built bathrooms with the thermal water supplied from one of the hot springs in the area. This hot water pool gives beautiful impression for all visitors. There are a lot of bungalows to relax. Located in Koya village, about 3 km from Tondano, and can reached with local transportation.

Ref: www.indonesia-tourism.com

Linow lake is located near Tomohon and is a beautiful but strange lake, which can change color. Sometimes it is red, sometimes green and sometimes blue. A good location for relaxation and resting.
A small lake with high sulfur ingredients, the bubbles in the side of lake transmit hot water vapour. Lake color has change of light and depicts a view. The light shadow is blue, green, turquoise, etc. Jitney rising from Tomohon bus terminal towards intersection to lake, then walk (about 700 m) through in way towards the lake from Lahendong village. The colors in this highly sulphurous lake constantly change depending on the light and viewing perspective. Many species of large and small birds make their home around the lake and the grassed area to one side is a very pleasant spot to take a picnic lunch. Be carefull for bubbling mud holes at the edge of the lake, or you will end up with serious burns.

The Bunaken National Marine Park was formally established in 1991 and is among the first of Indonesia's growing system of marine parks. The park covers a total surface area of 89,065 hectares, 97% of which is overlain by sparkling clear, warm tropical water. The remaining 3% of the park is terrestrial, including the five islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage, Nain and Siladen. Although each of these islands has a special character, it is the aquatic ecosystem that attracts most naturalists.
The waters of Bunaken National Marine Park are extremely deep (1566 m in Manado Bay), clear (up to 35-40 m visibility), refreshing in temperature (27-29 C) and harbor some of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world. Pick any of group of interest - corals, fish, echinoderms or sponges - and the number of families, genera or species is bound to be astonishingly high. For example, 7 of the 8 species of giant clams that occur in the world, occur in Bunaken. The park has around 70 genera of corals; compare this to a mere 10 in Hawaii. Although the exact number of fish species is unknown, it may be slightly higher than in the Philippines, where 2,500 species, or nearly 70% of all fish species known to the Indo-western Pacific, are found.

The park was established because of the marine bio-diversity it supports, because it is a migratory route for protected animals and because it is of high economic value for fisheries and tourism. There are over 20,000 residents in the area who depend on the natural resources of the park. The fear was that if the area was uncontrolled then over-fishing, destructive fishing practices and unchecked pollution would ruin the marine habitat which would be to the detriment of everyone concerned.

In addition to its huge biodiversity Bunaken is also a place where rare and endangered animals can be found such as coelacanths, dugongs, whales, dolphins and turtles.

The park has a unique bathymetry, which is an attraction to tourists diving at Bunaken Island. The absence of a continental shelf in the northern part of North Sulawesi allows the coastal area to drop directly down the continental shelf

* There are at least 58 different genera and sub-genera of corals in the park.
* The number of different fish species is estimated at 2,000.
* The deepest water is around 1,360 metres between Manado Tua and Montehage.
* There are about 25 dive sites in Bunaken

Ref: www.dive-the-world.com

Senggigi was one of the coastal tourist attractions in Lombok that was famous would his beauty. Senggigi was located on the west of the Lombok Island coast. The coast that his location 12 kilometers from the north-west of Mataram lombok this, be unfolded almost along 10 km with the white sand carpet that still was beautiful and his underwater scenery that was beautiful.

The wave of the Senggigi coast was not too big because of being gotten the coral reef that soared in the middle caused the wave of the size to break before reaching the coast, so as tourists could do snorkeling to the full.

All along the Senggigi coast, could be encountered by you the gift shop that sold typical Lombok handicrafts like the painting, pearls jewellery, Lombok woven cloth, the handicraft et cetera. And don't forget to enjoy the beauty of the sun sank in the Senggigi coast. For accommodation, in the Senggigi coast was available various hotels with the varying price, from that was expensive to that was economical.

Senggigi has bays with white sandy beaches and safe swimming spots. The beach area in Senggigi can also provide spectacular sunsets, a look at the life of fishermen and their unusual, brightly coloured sailing boats, souvenirs or just sit back and enjoy sunshine, good food and cold drinks.

Further north from Senggigi are the majority of luxury hotels and boutique resorts situated on a spectacular coastline lined with rugged cliffs, inlets, and protected bays with sparkling blue lagoons. The waters and reefs here are great for swimming, snorkeling and sailing.

Batu Bolong Temple
This temple is on a rocky point which juts into the sea about a km south of Senggigi. The rock it sits on has natural hole in it which gives the temple its name - batu bolong (rock with hole). Being a Balinese temple, it's oriented towards Gunung Agung, Bali's holiest mountain, across Lombok Strait.

Legend says that beautiful virgin were once thrown into the sea from the rock. Fantastic view and good place to watch the sunsets.

Senggigi is the main tourist strip of Lombok, stretched out along nearly 10 kilometers of beachfront just to the north of the capital Mataram.
Senggigi can be broadly divided into three parts: northern Mangsit Beach, central Senggigi and the southern stretch near Batu Bolong, with headlands separating the three. Mangsit has quiet resorts and very little other development, while nightlife and other restaurants are concentrated in Senggigi and the Batu Bolong area.

Ref: http://bestindonesiaislands.com; www.lombok-ecolodge.com; www.lombok-network.com

Gili Air is the nearest Gili to Lombok. It is also the most populated and you will find more trees there than the other Gili's. The local inhabitants are: Sasak, Mandar, Bugis and Makassar. You can find their unique culture that is different from Lombok and wonderful beaches. Many of the older generation still make their living as boatmen, fisherman and farming coconuts.

There are only a few number of luxury upmarket hotels (rooms with air conditioning, swimming pool, TV etc) on Gili Air. Most of places to stay are located in south, west and east side of the island. The island remains quiet and relaxing making it popular with honeymoon couples and travelers seeking a quiet retreat.

Snorkeling and diving are the highlight of the activities. Snorkeling area are located in the south east (opposite-facing the Lombok Golf Kosaido) and along to the north east).

You can just jump into the water to see the colorful fishes and coral reef. In the western part of Gili Air when the moon is high (low tide), you can't swim off the beach. You need to walk to the south or east side.

There are few quality scuba diving operations on all the islands.

There are now 3 PADI Dive Centres - Manta dive (offers SSI training as well), Blue Marlin and Dream Divers. Also offers great dive site, Hahn’s Reef, where strange critters and muck diving are the norm, it is also a superb training site for beginners.

The other great spot for diving and snorkeling is Gili Air Wall where you can see anything from turtles to pygmy sea horses, quite amazing

To get around the isle, the only means of transport are Cidomos, horse drawn carriages. Bicycle rentals are available too. Expect higher prices for most things there since all food and goods must be brought over from the mainland.

Ref: http://www.lombok-network.com

Gili Meno, the middle island, the smallest of the three Gili's and it is the quietest with fewer tourists. A great escape for honeymooners or someone who wants to get away from it all.

Special features of the island is the salt lake and spectacular dive sites such as, Meno Wall, Sea Turtle Point, and Blue Coral Point. The beach on eastern part of the island is very nice and there's snorkeling just offshore and further north.

Gili Meno has a population of about 300 locals. The interior of the island is mostly a palm trees surrounded by grass which is kept neat by cows munching lazily in the shade. There are no cars or motorbikes on the island, all transport is by horse-drawn carts or on foot. The diving was pretty good, with quite a strong current but that incredible swimming-pool visibility that you get on good days off the islands in SE Asia. The relaxed pace of life and the community feeling on the island is really special.

In Gili Meno, where fresh water is shipped from Lombok, eco-friendly practices are not an option. It is a necessity.

There are many options for an enjoyable holiday on the islands. You can rent snorkeling equipment, join a diving course, or just snorkeling off-the-shore to see the magnificent coral reefs and fishes.

There are few quality scuba diving operations on all the islands. The blue coral garden around the north east of gili meno can be reached by snorkeling off-the-beach. Turtle point and meno wall located in the north west of Gili Meno and can be reached only by boat. Join any of the boat dive trips available.

While the island is busiest from May through August, the quieter off-season from January to April provides a better opportunity to enjoy all the islet has to offer. To get around the isle, the only means of transport are Cidomos, horse drawn carriages. Bicycle rentals are available too. Expect higher prices for most things there since all food and goods must be brought over from the mainland.

Ref: http://www.lombok-network.com

Gili Trawangan, the most popular among the three Gili’s. Just kick back and enjoy the sun, nightly beach parties and sea. The main stripe is full of accommodations, restaurants, and dive shops.
If you are seeking a quieter place to stay there are bungalows in the north. This Island is also known as "Party Island", where mostly young European find themselves "Lost In Paradise".

With spectacular sunrises over Lombok's Mount Rinjani volcano and breathtaking sunsets that illuminate Bali's towering Mount Agung volcano, together with warm hospitality of the Gili Trawangan residents, it's not surprising that most visitors end up staying longer than originally plan.

Snorkeling off-the-shore, sunbathing, swimming, or join any dive trips with any dive operators which colored the lines. There are quality dive schools available to cater the needs of tourists, offering complete range of PADI courses, as well as Fun Dives for those already certified.

By night, the waterfront comes to life as various foreign and locally restaurants and bars start to fire up, with fresh snapper, grouper and tuna, cooked over charcoal flames, readily available.

TURTLE HATCHERY
A local initiative was set up to help the turtle population around Gili Trawangan. The poachers are paid for their find and the turtles are re-buried and kept under surveillance. Once they hatch, the baby green and hawksbill turtles are placed in a tank and left to grow until they are approx. 6 months old when they are big enough to fend for themselves, and are released into the sea.

The project still relies purely on donations by locals and tourists and has grown bigger and bigger over the years.

Nightlife
Although the island once had a reputation among the back-packing community as wicked party destination, many establishments which once laid claim to hosting wild dance parties today trade on their reputations.

By a tradition that continuous today, only one establishment per night can play music and host dance party until 4 am. Of the seven weekly venues hosting parties, the one most anticipated by tourists and locals alike are the funk house and hard music parties with local DJ's in spinning disks.

If wild dance parties are not to your liking, many restaurants and bars, including the Tirnanog - Irish bar, provide a range of more sedate and social gathering point for Al fresco dinning and drinking by the water's edge.

Ref: www.lombok-network.com

The Gili Islands are located to the northwest of Lombok, heading towards Bali. It takes about an hour to reach them from Senggigi Beach on Lombok itself. From west to e Gili Trawangan is the biggest of the islands and it has more of a nightlife than Gili Air and Gili Meno, which are quieter in general. Gili Meno is home to a bird park and Gili Air is attempting to protect its local turtle population by using pens to help hatchlings develop.
There are more than 15 dive sites around the islands and more reefs are being explored all of the time. Most sites are suitable for beginners, but there are some that are more challenging for advanced divers. Some of the dive sites are shore dives, others have to be reached by boat. Snorkeling is also good around the three islands.
There are over 3,500 marine species living in the reefs and seas of Indonesia. In comparison to the Great Barrier Reef (1,500 species) and Red Sea (600 species), 25 % of all reefs in the world are in Indonesia.
The drop-offs, plateaus and slopes of the Gili's reflect a good cross-section of what Indonesia has to offer. Dive in and be fascinated by turtles, White-tip Reef Sharks, Cuttlefish, Moray Eels, Angel Fish, Ghost Pipefish and more.
Around the three Gili Island in the north-west of Lombok (Gili Air, Gili Meno, Gili Trawangan), are more then 15 different dive spots and there are new reefs being explored all the time.
ast they are named Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. They are tiny islands surrounded by white sandy beaches that are covered with palm trees. There is no motorised transport on any of the islands – only bicycles and horse and carts are used. Resorts take the form of bungalows overlooking the sea.

Ref: www.lombokinformation.com

This building was called the Lawang Sewu (the one thousand doors) because of having many doors by the bow - the impressive bow the cavity, that met facade this building.
In a complex manner the Lawang Sewu consisted the bag of two main building mass.
That on the side west have the shape of "L" with the meeting foot him appeared before Tugumuda, and that was next east was the linear alongside from the west to the east. All the buildings had two storeys. The corner of the meeting foot "L" was the area of the entrance that was pressed by two towers that in his upper part formed copula octagonal and be covered the turret.

The building Lawang Sewu was drafted by the architect C.Citroen from the J.F. Klinkhamer Firm and B.J. Quendag at the beginning of this age during NIS, the first railway company in Java.
Before independence, this building faced Wilhelmina's Garden that had the playing place of music. In front previously passed by the Semarang rails of the city tram, the Bulu - Jomblang route .

Lawang Sewu was built in 27 August, 1903 in the heart of Semarang City, Central Java, Indonesia.
The place is famous for the Thousand Doors and windows and the fascinating stained glass windows representing the Dutch Symbolism of the places like The Hague and Rotterdam and also the Royal family. The building has numerous long winding corridors which open out to the offices on one side of the office and the other end of the building on the other hand. It is a famous landmark in the region of Semarang and a pride for Java. The place was actually built as the main colonial office for the Dutch and was then taken over by the Japanese government. This place was important because it was the main military hub for the Indonesians and was used for giving shelter to the soldiers and army men here. The place was often considered to be haunted place as many truly and sincerely believed that the place was inhabited by spirits and ghosts and thus many people used to feel scared to visit the place fearing the obvious. However later the place was converted in to a heritage site and many came to visit the place during their holidays or vacations while coming to visit the Semarang. There are other places also which deserve mention but Lawang Sewu stands out among the rest.

Ref: www.travelersfortravelers.com; www.asiarooms.com

Karimunjawa is a newly discovered untouched virgin paradise, said to become the “next Bali”
Boasting beautiful tropical reefs and enormous well preserved national park, this new tourist destination is an experience for both the experienced traveler and the newbie.
The first thing about Karimunjawa is the hassle of getting there. Until recently there has been no information on the internet on how to get there. Asking directly to Indonesian tour agents and hotels also draws a blank. Just recently a new website was launched www.karimunjawa-ticketing.co.id that has up to date schedules and the webmaster says that once the airport is up and running regular flights they will be listed also.

There are a few ways to “tackle” Karimunjawa. Firstly getting there. By far the best way is by using the Kartini 1 express ferry that leaves from the Central Java capital Semarang. This 3.5hr trip is quite fun aboard this modern vessel. Both the VIP and Business sections (there is no economy) are both air-conditioned. The vip section has nice big reclining seats and both sections have movies playing. Its great fun to get out the back of the boat and take in the sights of the massive ships passing by and the hundreds of small local fishing boats. The trip goes by quite fast and you arrive in time for lunch.

The second option is the barge that leave the port of Jepara (about 1.5hr drive from Semarang). This ship is the main pipeline for the local people for getting their goods and vehicles to and from Karimunjawa. The economy section is open air and not really comfortable. The vip section though is air conditioned with nice reclining seats and tray table with movies playing. You can also go upstairs onto the deck and get a sun tan and take in the view. The price is also super cheap but the time it takes to get there does cut into your holiday.

Once on Karimun you have stepped back in time when there were no taxies. Unless you have pre arranged a pick up (almost impossible unless you book via a resort) you will have to negotiate with one of the local pedicab driver to take you to your destination. The few cars that are there will take you but the price is very steep.

Karimunjawa is an island chain stretching in a northwesterly direction 83 km from Jepara. Central Java. This archipelago is a cluster of 27 islands in the java sea. Only seven of the islands are inhabited. The reefs are a mixture of fringing, barrier, and patch with bottom depths ranging from 15 to 40 meters. The name of Karimunjawa is taken from Javanese language 'Kremun kremun saking tanah Jawi' addressed by one of Wali Songo (the Nine Saints who had introduced Islam in Java) to describe how far this mini archipelago from Java, to be exact from Semarang and Jepara. Stands from 27 islands, this mini archipelago became marine national park and it's like a treasure for those who love marine life. Here can be found protected coral reefs (very colorful plateaus and plains in deep and shallow waters), secluded and tranquil white beaches, pelican and hornbill, sea grass and kinds of sea creatures, from crabs, anchovy, starfish, sharks, stingray, jellyfish, red snappers, etc.

Diving
This activity can be done in northern and western part of Karimunjawa island, eastern part Menjangan Besar island, around of Menjangan Kecil island, southern and western part of Geleang, western part of Bengkoang island, western part of Parang island, eastern part Kembar island, around of Katang island, northern and eastern part of Krakal Kecil island , and western part of Kumbang island.

Snorkling
This activity can be done in Menjangan Besar and Menjangan Kecil island, western part of Bengkoang island, around of Kembar island, and northern and eastern part of Krakal Kecil island.

Swimming
Locations used by swimming activity are eastern and southern part of Karimunjawa island, southern and western part of Menjangan Kecil island, western of Tengah island, around of Parang island, Kembar island, and Kumbang island.

Sunbathing
Almost all the coasts in Karimunjawa island have white sands with long coast line. This situation made a lot of Karimunjawa coasts are right places for sunbathing, watching the sunset, or sunrise.

Roaming the Sea
For anyone who can not swim and dive, using glass bottom boat can be a good reason to roam the sea in Karimunjawa. The tourists are able to see the under water scenery. It's really fantastic for whom like fishing, snorkling, and diving.

Watching Under Water Aquarium
Menjangan Besar island have a location where an under water aquarium resides. Here, the tourists can see beauty of aquatic faunas, the life of sharks, and others.

Ref: www.travelersfortravelers.com; www.indonesia-tourism.com

Bedugul Botanical Garden or Kebun Raya Eka Karya is the huge tropical garden located in Bedugul, plateau area in Bali. It is situated in the cool atmosphere with rain forest and hill surrounds it. This botanical garden is opened on 1959 and owns 154,5 ha land located Tabanan regency, northwest part of Bali. It is close to the beautiful lake which is called Beratan Lake and Ulun Danu Temple. It is completed by more than 1187 plant types and multifarious of floras. In this area, there is orchid garden with the collection of 320 orchid types from Bali, Java, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Sulawesi and also Irian Jaya. We can also meet the rose garden with the collection of various rose from rust colored until green chromatic.

Bedugul Botanical Garden or Kebun Raya Eka Karya is also completed by 524 birches which are still in its original forest. In this place we can meet the collection from America, South America, China, Japan, Australia, Africa and also Netherlands. Cyathea Garden is one of the specific gardens owning the various collections of Paku-pakuan (tropical vegetable) which can be eaten as vegetable by Balinese and some of them are used for decoration. The tree from this nail Cyatheas are often exploited as growth media of various orchid types. Cactus collections are consisted of 104 types. This cactus is obtained from Africa, America, Germany, Switzerland and also Indonesia. The crop season at botanical garden is taken 94 types plants that are the collection from the exploitation for Balinese life ceremony, temple ceremony, devoting/offering and others purpose. It also owns the collection of drug crop with 84 types/species.

Beside of the crop collections, Bedugul Botanical Garden or Kebun Raya Eka Karya also owns the traditional Balinese houses and it function as guest house for scientist who is doing observation. It is also opened for public including tourists and to be one of favorite tourist destinations in Bali especially for domestic tourists. The most crowded visitors at this place are on Lebaran Period (Moslem holiday), Balinese Holidays, National Holidays and New Year period. You can visit this place by joining Bedugul Tour with some of optional which you can contact Bali Star island/PT. Bewish International Tour.

Ref: www.balistarisland.com

Crystal clear water and stretches of white sandy beach of Nusa Dua makes Nusa Dua a perfect spot for luxurious resorts to which your exhausted bodies, after a Barong performance at Batubulan and a long climb of the steps of the Mother Temple Besakih, will want to rest. Some of the most sumptuous and luxurious hotels in the world find their home in Nusa Dua Bali. You can relax in the Thalasso spa of the Grand Mirage Resort after a day of surfing or diving. Or you can tee off into the sunset, while watching the gentle waves come from the blue sea and caress the banks surrounding the luscious greens. Tranquil swimming pools under the coconut trees seem to be one with the distant blue sea. Art galleries and numerous shops surround them.

Nusa Dua is a pristine complex of international resort hotels and conference centres. It hosts most of the major 5 star resorts and international restaurants with international price tags to fit. It is however possible to find some budget accommodation.
Ref: www.indo.com

Batur Volcano is located in north east Bali. Batur is one of the most impressive calderas in the world. It is 13.8 km by 10 km in size. Within the caldera is Batur volcano and a lake. The volcano rises 700 m above the surrounding terrain, and consists of a main cone with three summit craters flanked by a small parasitic cone (Butus) on its SW slope.

Batur volcanic field is located 300 km north of the Java trench and 150 km above the north-dipping Benioff zone. The crust beneath Bali is about 20-km thick.

Two catastrophic caldera-forming eruptions have occurred at the volcano. Eruptions began at the volcano 500,000 years ago, with the building of a basaltic to andesitic
stratovolcano (Penulisan volcano) in the northwestern sector of the volcanic field. This was followed by formation of an 800-m high basaltic to dacitic parasitic cone (Abang volcano) also formed on the SE flank of the main field.

The first caldera was formed 29,300 years ago and was associated with eruption of dacitic ignimbrite (Ubud Ignimbrite). An andesitic to dacitic lava–dome complex (Bunbulan lava–dome complex) and a small tuff cone (Payang tuff cone) formed within the caldera after the first caldera forming event. A second caldera-forming eruption occurred 20,150 year ago and was accompanied by eruption of andesitic to dacitic ignimbrite.

Batur is a currently active stratovolcano, which has formed in the smallest and youngest caldera.

Historical activity at the volcano includes 25 mild to moderate strombolian eruptions, with lava flows in 1849, 1888, 1904, 1905, 1921, 1926, 1963, 1968 and 1974.
Ref:www.volcanolive.com

Tanah Lot, one of the most popular places of interest in Bali, is located on the coast of West Bali, at the village of Beraban in the Tabanan Regency. It is also called Tanah Let which means ancient land and also Tanah Lod, which means the land to the south.

The temple Pura Tanah Lot, simple in its construction, is dramatic in its ocean-front location and is one of the main temples in the worship of Balinese gods.

Tanah Lot has a long history in the world of tourism.
The word of Tanah Lot is consisted of two words that are Tanah word interpreted as a reef looking like gili or isle. Lot or Lod word has meaning the sea. So Tanah Lot is meaning the small island floating on the sea. The location is now called as Tanah Lot has been used at a Megalithic period as a place that looked into holy, proven from the existence of menhir. Pursuant to environmental condition, hence the structure of Tanah Lot temple is built at irregular reef plain of its angle which is only consisted of one plain yard as Jeroan.

The temple itself is built on a small promontory which is only accessible at low tide.
During high water the rock takes on the appearance of a large boat at sea, such is its shape.

Tanah Lot Temple is located in coastal side of Beraban countryside, Kediri sub district and Tabanan Regency. It is situated in 30Km in west side of Denpasar town and about 11 Km in south side of Tabanan town. The temple is built on the rock with 3 acre size and reachable in a few minute by walk, because it is just 20 meters from the coastal lip.
Poisonous snakes live in the nearby caves to 'guard' the temple and contribute to the temple's dangerous reputation.

One of the most famous events in Tanah Lot Bali is the beautiful sunset where the sun slows down goes to the earth stomach and look just beside of the temple. As a tourism destination in Bali, Tanah Lot provides the facilities to enjoy the beautiful sunset while seat on the chair. You can enjoy the beautiful romantic moment on the sunset time at Tanah Lot while having a tropical coconut drink which is available to be served on your request.
Ref: www.balistarisland.com; www.indo.com

Near the northern tip of the island of Bali lies a stretch of villages by the Bali Sea. Lovina Beach is the name. Lovina is really a string of coastal villages to the west of Singaraja. Escape from the hustle and bustle of Kuta to Lovina Beach located in north Bali, about 100 kilometers from southern tourist hotspots.It is well known as an excellent site for sunset watching, snorkeling, and diving. Darkly beautiful, Lovina offers quiet and calm, and is popular Asian tourists and those avoiding the hustle and bustle of the southern beaches. A number of coves offer tranquil, protected waters and Lovina is one of them. Although the sand is grey, it is quiet and peaceful, and popular among those who shun the glitzier beach resorts of the south. It is a popular place for dolphin watching; dolphins play in the water off Lovina. Famous for its early morning dolphin-watching boat trips, Lovina also offers good snorkeling and diving, and trekking in the nearby mountains. Diving off Menjangan Island, part of the Bali Barat National Park, is generally regarded as the best in Bali. Boats are readily available to take divers over to the island, where there are no residents or hotels.

The North Bali Lovina area is mainly characterized by its rural nature of fishing, farming, rice fields, plantations, mountains, forests, lakes and waterfalls - a true Bali paradise for culture, nature and meditation lovers, and for photographers it will certainly be a true paradise to take the most wonderful Bali pictures, because the unspoilt nature of the North Bali Lovina area forms an excellent decor for the most beautiful Bali pictures you can think of. Explore our Wonderful Bali pictures section and discover that the north Bali Lovina area has many, unexpected panoramas to offer with spectacular, breathtaking views.

Nightlife activities are also abound, as well as chartered boats to go out into the sea. If we like what Kuta offers but do not like the crowd. With a wonderful variety of hotels, restaurants and bars located on or very near the calm beach, Lovina offers something for everyone. It is also a good base to take day trips to the nearby attractions of north and west Bali.
Ref:www.indonesia-tourism.com

Sukawati area is known for its art market that become 'a must see' place by tourists especially the local ones from Jakarta or other area in Java. Huge number of small stalls occupied the two stories building offer a lot of cheap souvenirs. Almost any kind of Bali's souvenirs can be found in here either painting, woodcarving, clothes, temple umbrellas and other temple accessories, leather puppet, wind chime, jewelries and others. The souvenirs choices are has huge quantity and available in various choices.

Located at Gianyar, not far from Ubud Sukawati Market lies a hive of activity in Bali's fabric and craft center. Always busy, this traditional market contains a wonderful range of products to choose from. Many locals shop here, rummaging through the large variety of woven baskets, Balinese ceremonial items made from colorful gold-painted cloth known as prada, paintings and many handcrafted items. Just remember to bargain to get the best buys!

Two hundred meters toward west from the Sukawati Art Market, on the right side of the road, there is another market called 'Pasar Seni Pagi' or 'the morning Art Market' which only open very early in the morning until around 7 AM. The crowd of souvenirs retailers from other part of Bali will come here to get semi-finished product with a very low price. Many of Bali's most established puppeteers live in Sukawati. In line with this fact, Sukawati is also the center of Shadow puppets production center. The leather puppet, 'wayang kulit' are made either of cow or buffalo hide.

Kuta beach is one of the first favorite beaches discovered by tourist. Coconut trees line the sand beach as far as the eyes can see towards the north stopped by the runway of Denpasar's airport far in the west. The sunset in Kuta is most breathtaking. On the south, the beach is fenced by the airport's runway, which gives the visitors a breathtaking landing experience. Kuta Beach bustles with tourists' vendors and locals. It's the most popular beach in Bali and the island's number one party zone. The beach stretches as far north as the eyes can see. As short walk away north, the waves will invite to surfing. Rapid development and an influx of visitors haven't kept the surfers away and Kuta still remains one of Bali's best surfing beaches and a great place to enjoy a beach lifestyle.

Kuta in addition to being the Sunset Site Number One, with its daily spectacular sunsets, it is also the centre of night life activities in Southern Bali and a shopping mecca, with its lines of shops, boutiques, and galleries. Restaurants line up the streets as well as the Bachfront,Hotels, ranging from a small, inexpensive homestay to a luxurious resort, will ready accomodate you.

Legian Street, situated directly behind the row of hotels that face the beach, is lined with shops of all varieties. We can find any Balinese handicrafts here, from the least expensive to the most exquisite; or unique stores such as the leather store staffed by two young Balinese men that will perfectly sculpt a leather jacket. (They are all extremely talented artists). _At night, Kuta is alive with night life. Western influences create discotheques, dance clubs, and pubs. Gastronomical demands inspire a multitude of restaurants, serving traditional Indonesian and Balinese food to various ethnic meals from Japan, Switzerland, etc. As if these were not enough, various Balinese dance performances are staged in Kuta every night. One of the best Kecak performances is found in Kuta.
Ref:www.indo.com

The villages of Kintamani and Penelokan provide a great view of the still active Mount Batur and its fantastic lake. Seven miles in diameter and sixty feet deep, Batur caldera is simply astounding. From Penelokan, take the road Kedisan on the shores of the lake where boats can be rented to cross over to Trunyan. The spectacular mountainous region around Kintamani with its deep Crater Lake and bubbling hot springs, make this region a must to visit. Batur Lake is the largest lake in Bali and the region offers some of the most spectacular views to be found anywhere on the island. Batur Lake also provides water for an underground network of streams and springs across the southern slopes of the mountain. Kintamani is really great for day trips, trekking or simply for getting away from it all for a few days.

The district is the earliest known kingdom in Bali, dating from the tenth century. The evenings get cool up here but it's well worth the stay overnight to climb the volcano and watch the sunrise. Many cheap cottages are available here.

Kintamani can run through Payangan or from Denpasar through the Sangeh monkey forest, Plaga and Lampu, arriving to the north of Kintamani. Bemos to Kintamani are available from Ubud via Sakah (notable for its huge "Baby" statue). They also run via Tampaksiring and Bangli. From Denpasar bemos leave for Kintamani from the Batubulan terminal until late afternoon.

Tour to Kintamani is a very impressive experience where Kintamani Area have very beautiful panorama located in plateau and also encircled by mountain atmosphere with the windblast from Mount Batur. Carpet of Batur Lake seen far below and also there are local resident house beside of Batur Lake. Beside of that, Mount Batur which to date still be active growing its beautiful for Kintamani Area.
Ref:www.indonesia-tourism.com

Perched high on a cliff over the ocean on Bali's south-western tip is the temple of Ulu Watu. In addition to the fantastic view from the temple, especially at sunset, the temple is famous for its gang of monkeys and perhaps appropriately its Kecak dance performance.

The temple itself is open only to Hindu worshippers. You can visit the rest of the complex every day. The admission cost is 1,000 Rp. The Kecak dance is held every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evening starting around sunset (6 to 7 pm). With the temple and the sun setting in the background, this is easily the best place in Bali to see the Kecak.

Arrive for a performance early so that you'll have time to take in the temple complex and the views from the cliff-top. Be on your guard around the monkeys. They will grab anything they can get ahold of, like baseball caps, handbags, etc.

The Ulu Watu area, especially the beaches just north of the temple, are also world-renowned for their surfing. The Pantai Suluban area is the place to surf on Bali, even though it may involve a hike down a narrow gorge in the cliffs.


Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali's kayangan jagat (directional temples) and guards Bali from evil spirits from the SW, in which dwell major deities, in Uluwatu's case; Bhatara Rudra, God of the elements and of cosmic force majeures.

Uluwatu also boasts one of the oldest temples in Bali, Pura Uluwatu. Most of Bali's regencies have Pura Luhur (literally high temples or ascension temples) which become the focus for massive pilgrimages during three or five day odalan anniversaries. The photogenic Tanah Lot and the Bat Cave temple, Goa Lawah, is also Pura Luhur. Not all Pura Luhur are on the coast, however but all have inspiring locations, overlooking large bodies of water.

Story of Pura Uluwatu
Pura Uluwatu is located on the cliff top close to the famous surf break on the SW of the Bukit peninsula. Empu Kuturan, a Javanese Hindu priest who built the tiered meru, founded the temple in the 10th century and a shrine here as well as at other key locations longs the Balinese coast. In the 15th Century the great pilgrim priest Dhang Hyang Dwijendra, who established the present form of Hindu-Dharma religion, chose Pura Uluwatu as his last earthly abode: history records that Dwijendra achieved moksa (oneness with the godhead, in a flash of blazing light) while meditating at Uluwatu. The temple is regarded, by Brahman's island wide, as his holy 'tomb'. Legend also tells us that Dwijendra was the architect of the beautiful temple, as well as many other major temples on Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa. In the 17th century Niratha also from Java came to Bali and built temples, adding to Uluwatu.

Behind the main pagoda of Pura Uluwatu's small inner sanctum, a limestone statue of a Brahman priest surveys the Indian Ocean-it is said the statue represents the founding priest Dwijendra. Another shrine within the complex represents the boat on which Dwijendra traveled from, then, Hindu Java. According to legend he arrived at Pura Peti Tenget, north of Kuta.
Ref:www.indonesia-tourism.com

In order to commemorate the struggle history of the nation, Yogya Kembali monument was built on 29 June 1985. The placement of the first stone of the 31.8 meter-high monument was done by HB IX after planting buffalo head as traditional ceremony. Four years later, on 6 July 1989, this building was finished. The opening was done by President Soeharto by signing the inscription.

The monument that is located in Jongkang village, Sariharjo Sub-District, Ngaglik District of Sleman Regency is of a mountain shape, symbolizing fertility and preservation of pre-historical ancestor's culture. The location of the monument was based on local culture that is located on imaginary axis connecting Merapi, Tugu, Sultan Palace, Panggung Krapyak, and Parang Tritis. "Macrocosmic Axis or the Great Axis of Life", as Gunadi told YogYES. The imaginary point in the building standing on 5.6 hectare land can be seen on the third floor where the flag pole is standing.

The name Yogya Kembali that means Yogya Returns symbolizes the return of the function of Indonesian Republic Government and historical hallmark of the Dutch troop withdrawal from Yogyakarta as the capital on 29 June 1949 and the return of President Soekarno, Vice President Mohammad Hatta and other officers on 6 July 1949 to Yogyakarta.

Indonesia's Independent
This battle known as Serangan Umum 1 Maret was initial authentication to the international world that Indonesian National Army still had power to fight and to state that the Republic of Indonesia still existed. This was triggered by the capture and the exile of Bung Karno and Bung Hatta to Sumatera setting propaganda that the Republic of Indonesia had not existed.

This news about the six-hour attack was then sent to Wonosari, continued to Bukit Tinggi, then Burma, New Delhi (India), and finally in the main office of the UN in New York. With this news, the United Nations that considered Indonesia to have been independent compelled the execution of KTN (Komisi Tiga Negara / Commission of Three Nations). The meeting held in Des Indes Hotel Jakarta on 14 April 1949, where Indonesia was represented by Moh. Roem and representatives of Netherlands led by Van Royen, resulted in an agreement signed on 7 May 1949. This agreement was later called Roem Royen Statement. In this agreement Netherlands was compelled to withdraw its troop from Indonesia, and to return President and the Vice President, Soekarno-Hatta to Jogja. Finally on 27 December 1949 Netherlands officially handed over the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia.
Ref:www.yogyes.com

Kasongan is a small village about 6.5 km south of Yogyakarta, which has become famous for its many pottery workshops. Visitors can meet and witness the artisans at work. Before each period of harvest, these artisans also work together to build a wagon for traditional ceremonies.
Visiting Kasongan village, the tourist will be welcomed warmly by local in habitants. May have a look the showroom crowded with ceramics handicrafts. If interest to see the ceramic making, we can visit some gallery that produce the special handicrafts at the back side. The processes are material kneading, shaping, drying and that take 2 - 4 days, and then will be burned in 6 - 9 hours, it will be painted to make lovely color at last.

It is now we call this place as Kasongan ; a village in kajen hamlet that is situated in low mountain with limestone soil. It is about 15 – 20 minutes to get here from Yogyakarta. This village has a beautiful rice field surround and it is clean area.

Many kinds of goods are produced, which most are household ones like moneyboxes, vases, animal figures, and many others.

Affandi Museum is laying at Jl. Laksda Adi Sucipto 167, Yogyakarta. This street has a famous name called Solo street because it connects two big cities (that is Yogyakarta and Solo). The museum which is placed at the west of the Gajah Wong river has its wide area for about 3500 are. This area consist of the museum itself and the building used to Affandi's house. The unusual land surface gave an inspiration to Affandi to build unique building on it. The result is, an unique integrated environment planned by him self.
The complex of the museum consists of 3 galleries with gallery I as the ticket box and the starting point of your exploration. Gallery I that was personally opened by Affandi in 1962 and was inaugurated in 1974 contains some of his paintings from the early time of his work to the late time of his life. The paintings most of which are sketches and reproductions are placed in two rows - upper and lower - that fill the curved room.

Still in Gallery I, you can see valuable things belonging to Affandi. At one corner of the room, there is a 1976 Colt Gallant car in greenish yellow color that was modified to form a fish, and an old wind-cycle as his means of transportation. The reproduction of the statue of Affandi and her daughter, Kartika, is shown as well.

Entering Gallery II, you will see paintings by different painters, both junior and senior ones. The gallery that was inaugurated in 1988 consists of two floors with paintings that you can see from different angles. The first floor is full of abstract paintings and the second floor contains realist-style paintings.

Gallery III as the next destination is a unique building of which roof resembles banana leaf. The three-stories floor is a multifunction gallery with the first floor functions as an exhibition room as well as the location of "Gajah Wong Gallery" for children who sharpen their painting ability, the second floor functions as paintings treatment and restoration room, and the room underground is utilized to keep painting collections.

There is a tower close to Gallery III where you can see the scenery of the entire museum, Gajah wong River and the hurly-burly of the main street. Walking to the west, you will come to a house with unique architecture where Affandi and his family used to live.

The house was built with the concept of a stage-house with concrete as the main pillars and other poles are from wood. The roof is shingle roof forming banana leaf and the shape of the building is uniquely curving. The ground floor is used for Kafe Loteng where you can buy foods and drinks and the upper floor is personal room of Affandi's.

At the left side of the house, there is a cart functioning as a place for praying. The cart used to be the resting place for Affandi's wife, Maryati. Initially, Maryati wanted a caravan as the ones used by many Americans as a mobile living place. Affandi agreed to the concept but with more Indonesian style, namely a cart.

In order to visit Affandi Museum, you only have to spend IDR 10,000 for domestic tourists and IDR 20,000 for foreign tourists and additional IDR 10,000 for taking photographs.
Ref:www.affandi.org;www.yogyes.com

Jalan Malioboro is centrally located in downtown Yogyakarta. The street stretches from Tugu Railway Station to the Sultan's Keraton, spanning across some 2 1/2 kilometres in length. Major roads in the city such as Jl Jenderal Sudirman, Jl Mangkubumi, Jl P. Senopati, Jl Sultan Agung, Jl KH A Dahlan and Jl Pasar Kembang will converge at this street.

Enjoying shopping experience, hunting exclusive souvenirs of Jogja, tourists may walk on foot along the arcades of Malioboro Street. There are many vendors selling their merchandises, ranging from such local handicrafts as batik, rattan ornament, leather puppet, bamboo handicrafts (key holder, ornament lamp, and others) as well as blangkon (Javanese / Jogjanese traditional cap) and silver goods to general little things that you may find in other trading places. Along the arcade, tourists will not only enjoy shopping peacefully on sunny or rainy days but they also enjoy bargaining prices. If they are good at bargaining and have good luck, they will end up buying at third quarter or even half of the prices offered.

Do not forget to save energy. There is still one big traditional market tourists must visit. Well known as Pasar Beringharjo, this market provides complete traditional products in addition to similar goods sold along the arcade of Malioboro Street. In addition to local products of Jogja, products from neighboring areas such as Pekalongan batik and Solo batik are available. There are many choices of hand made batik, printed batik, window curtain with unique motifs and batik bed sheet. This place will satisfy the desire of buying unique goods at reasonable price.

Please make sure that you are not cheated by the offered prices. Usually, the vendors will increase the prices for tourists.

During your stroll, you will also ran across traditional modes of transportation that you may be tempted to try. The most ubiquitous one is the trishaw, a three-wheel pedal-powered bicycle cart, locally known as becak or beca. For the hopeful romantics, there is also an exquisite horse carriage, which is locally known as andong or dokar. Normally, you don't have to look for these carts. The operators will definitely offer you a ride. Some get to the point of chasing you. If you are not interested, do politely decline. If you fancy a ride, a short tour along Jl Malioboro on becak should start from Rp10.000 ($1.20) upwards, depending where you want to go. I was toying with the idea of hiring a becak, but during the haggling discussion, I found out that the becak operator was ready to dupe me (he quoted something like Rp50.000 for a trip to the Sultan's Keraton after knowing I was from Malaysia). Walking away, mortified, he chased me and said, "Rp30.000", and then "Rp20.000". I ended up flagging a reliable and honest taxi driver to my destination for a mere Rp10.000.

In short, do exercise caution when dealing with the street vendors - be it gift sellers or becak operators.
Ref: www.yogyes.com; java.uluwatu.org

The famous shopping place Pasar Beringharjo is at Malioboro, north of Vredeburg Fort in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Walk along the famous Malioboro Street and almost at the end of the street, you'll see Pasar Beringharjo. It is right at the heart of Yogyakara and convenient to access from anywhere in the city.

The market that had been renovated several times symbolizes stages of human life that is busily engaged in its economy fulfillment. Furthermore, Beringharjo is also one of the 'four in one' poles (consisting of South Square, Sultan Palace, North Square, and Beringharjo market) symbolizing economy functions.

The area where current Beringharjo market lies used to be forest of banyan trees. Soon after the foundation of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Kingdom, i.e. in 1758, the area was used as a place for economy transaction by the people of Yogayarkta and its vicinities. Only hundreds years later, namely in 1925, the transaction place had a permanent building. The name 'Beringharjo' was given by Hamengku Buwono IX, meaning that the place where banyan tree (bering) used to grow is expected to bring welfare (harjo). Now, tourists define this place as an enjoyable shopping place.

If you want to buy Batik, Beringharjo is the best place because of its complete collections; ranging from batik cloth to batik clothes made of both cotton and silk materials, with the prices ranging from tens thousands to a million. Collection of batik cloth is available in west and north parts of the market, while batik clothes collection is available almost everywhere in the west part of this market. In addition to batik clothes, the west part of the market also offers traditional clothes: surjan, blangkon, and sarong both woven and batik printed ones. Sandals and bags sold at reasonable prices are available around the escalator of the west part of the market.

Batik collection in this market is quite full, both for children, teenagers, and parents, all available in various models, including if you want to buy batik uniforms for the family. Various kinds of batik can be found here, from batik cloth, jarik (batik cloth to subordinate it wearing clothes), and batik clothes to receptions or official events, house dress batik, batik sheets, with accessories to the home of batik.
Batik in Beringharjo market can be purchased in a large number of tourists because of the purchase by by- sufficient batik, this market is the central wholesale batik retail seller in Yogyakarta and outside Yogyakarta. Unfortunately, this market is only open until 5 pm.

Visiting Sonobudoyo Museum is an alternative to see keris and other related items to it from all parts of Indonesia. The museum that keeps around 1,200 keris (most of them were donated by Java Institute) will satisfy your curiosity about keris since the Kingdom of Yogkarta that keeps sacred keris does not allow public to see its keris collection.
Sonobudoyo Museum is within easy reach from Yogyakarta Kingdom; it is located across the North Square of Yogyakarta. To get into it, you only have to pay the entrance ticket as much as IDR 3,000.Meanwhile, in order to see various kinds of keris, you have to go through quite long procedures because you have to get permission from the museum chief officer. This is because many of the keris collection are still kept in the collection room; they are not shown to public.
The first thing you will see that is related to keris is wesi budha (Buddha Iron); it is the main material to make keris that was used in around the year 700s AD, or during the triumphant of Hindu Mataram Kingdom. Wesi Budha can be seen in the middle room that also keeps some collections of the triumphant of Buddhism civilization in Indonesia. In addition to the wesi budha, there are various household furnishings, weapons and handicrafts of the same period.

The victory of Ki Gede Pemanahan over Arya Penangsang who was in opposition to the King of Pajang was the beginning of the foundation of Mataram Islam Kingdom. Thanks to Ki Ageng Pemanahan who helped Pajang, the King of Pajang rewarded him a forest named Mentaok where he built Mataram Islam Kingdom in 1575 with his people called mentawisan.

An Old City as Center of Silver Handicrafts
Located around 10 kilometers at the southeastern part of Yogyakarta city center, the area is now well known as Kotagede as the center of silver handicrafts in Yogyakarta. Keeping around 170 old buildings built in 1700 to 1930, "Kotagede is not only named Silver City but an Old Capital City" as Achmad Charris Zubair, a Kotagede cultural observer, said.
Entering Kotagede from the north through Gedong Kuning, a small street framed with classical buildings along both sides look like an exotic opening for tourists after going through the gate.
Since entering Kotagede area, tourists begin to enjoy various kinds silver handicrafts at various prices sold at the front part of local people's house functioning as the gallery at the same time. Most of the houses are in traditional Javanese architecture called Joglo.
Silver handicraft is a culture descended by the ancestor to the next generations. Initially, handicrafts in Kotagede were made of gold, silver and copper. By the coarse of time, however, silver is most preferred. For the reason, craftsmen make more silver handicrafts until today. This handicraft is exported to foreign countries, mainly to Europe. Order is usually increasing by the year end.
Please drop by at the gallery to see various kinds of handicraft, ranging from jewelry, silver ornament and utensils that are made with artistic touch of Kotagede silversmiths. Warm smile and greeting are pleasant reception to begin the exploration through Kotagede.
Ref:www.yogyes.com

Formerly Tamansari was a recreation garden or a resting house for the Sultan and Family. The other resting houses including Warungboto, Manukberi, Ambarbingun, and Ambarrukmo functioned for the vacation and meditation for the royal family. The other function is used as hiding place for royal family to defend against the enemy assault.
Tamansari is located about 2 km south of Yogyakarta Palace. Built by Portuguese architect in European aquatic construction adorned with Javanese Symbolize ornaments. Tamansari was built in the Sultan Hamengku Buwono I period in the end of XVII Century. Tamansari not only just a recreation, but it's also a compound of bathing pool, canals, rooms and extremerly large swimming pool (if the canals opened).

The Tamansari complex consist of:
1. The Sacred Room
There is the sacred place in the complex showing a separated building, which once functioned as a hermitage place for the Sultan and his family
2. The Bathing Pool
This part was formerly a pleasure place for the royal family. Consists of two bathing pool that are separated with a 2-storey building. From this building the Sultan watched all the women swimming in the outer pool. Then he might ask some of them to accompany him into the inner pool. The water sprouts from a forming animal statue into the pool. The pool is also adorned with some big flowerpot.
3. Kenanga or Cemeti Island
This part compounds of some building such as Kenanga or Cemeti Island (forming Island), Sumur Gemuling and underground tunnels.

This artificial island is a high building used as resting room and reconnoitering place. This will be the only building surfaced when the canals opened and the water over flew this area. From the higher place it like lotus floating in the middle of big pool.
Sumur Gemuling is building constructed in circle such a well (Javanese: sumur) where some rooms formerly used as praying room.
The tunnels in this area were underground passageways to the Sultan palace. The legend says about secret tunnel connecting to the south sea (Indian Ocean) where Nyai Roro Kidul or the Queen of the South has her palace. The supernatural Queen becomes the wife of Yogyakarta Sultan for many generations. This secret tunnels is gateway to the world where the Sultan meeting is supernatural wife. However the building also functioned as a hiding place for the royal family against the enemy attack.
Ref: www.yogyes.com

Keraton is the name of the Sultan's Palace in Yogyakarta. This 200-year-old palace complex is situated right in the heart of Yogyakarta. According to Javanese belief, the ruler is the "naval" of their universe. Hence, the Keraton is regarded as both the capital of Yogyakarta province, as well as the hub of the cosmos.
It lies between Tugu as the north border and Panggung Krapyak as the south border, between Code River in the east and Winongo River in the west; between the Merapi Mountain and the South Sea. In the mind of the Javanese community, kraton is defined as center of the world that is described as center of the universe.

History of the Sultan Palace
After the Giyanti Agreeement, Yogyakarta territory was given to Pangeran Mangkubumi. To run his governance, he built a palace in 1755 in Hutan Beringan area; such a good place flanked by two rivers that protect it from being flooded. The first king of Yogyakarta Palace was Pangeran Mangkubumi with the title Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I (HB I).
Karaton, Keraton or Kraton, originates from the word ke-ratu-an that means the place where the queen/king lives. Simple explanation of its broader meaning is that all structures and buildings in the Kraton area have significant meaning related to essential Javanese philosophy of life, namely Sangkan Paraning Dumadi that means the origin and the destination of human being.


Hit by the earthquake in 1867, the Sultan Palace was severely damaged. During the reign of HB VII in 1889, the building was renovated. The lay out being retained, the shape of the building was changed to the current look.
Tugu monument and Manguntur Tangkil hall or Bangsal Kencana (where the king is seated), are straight in a line. This means that while sitting on his throne and looking toward the Tugu monument, he will always remember his people.
In general, the space arrangement of the current Sultan Palace is similar to the one of Mataram Dynasty. The center of the Palace is the so called Bangsal Kencana that is adjacent to Bangsal Prabayeksa as the place to keep sacred weapons (in this room, there is an oil lamp called Kyai Wiji that is kept lit by the Palace servants). This hall is surrounded by Kedhaton yard so that people must go through layers of the yard that seem like waves in order to reach the center.
This special arrangement of the Palace looks similar to constellation of mountain and Jambu Dwipa land that is considered to be central archipelago of the universe.
From north part to west part of the Palace area, there are North Square, North Siti Hinggil, North Kemandhungan, Srimanganti, Kedhaton, Kemagangan, South Kemandungan, South Siti Hinggil and South Square (the yard that is protected by high walls).
In order to reach all of the places, there are nine gates (called regol) that must be passed through, namely: gerbang, pangurukan, tarub agung, brajanala, srimanganti, kamagangan, gadhung mlati, kemandhungan and gading.
Brongtodiningrat sees the significance of this number, as the highest number to describe excellence. This is related to nine holes in human beings, commonly called babahan hawa sanga.
The sacredness of each Palace building is indicated by the frequency and intensity of Sultan activities in the location.
Sultan only visits the Square, Pagelaran, and Siti Hinggil three times a year, namely during the events of Pisowan Ageng Grebeg Maulud, Sawal and Besar and other very special, incidental events such as coronation of the Sultan and the crown prince or Pangeran Adipati Anom.
Yogyakarta Sultan Palace is an old building that was once damaged and restored. In general, it looks like other Kingdom buildings. When we understand the philosophy of them deeper, however, we will understand the symbolical meaning of life philosophy, human nature, how the nature works and human beings live their lives and various symbols of life existence in them.
ref: www.yogyes.com