Enjoy Water Recreation in Lake Beratan

When being saturated with the urban atmosphere, try to enjoy a water recreation to Ulun Danu Beratan. This tourist attraction offers you various kinds of very interesting water recreations. They are ranging from mild to challenging ones. Taking a water attraction within the setting of exotic nature will create an unforgettable memory.Ulun Danu Beratan situated at Bedugul is a must destination to be seen when making a visit to the Island of the Gods. It is about 50 kilometers north of Denpasar, or approximately 1.5 hour’s drive. This tourist attraction is very crowded with domestic and foreign tourists. Aside from the existing challenging attractions, visitors can also take pleasure in the beauty and coolness of the favorite tourist attraction.

An intriguing tourist attraction here is the traditional wooden boat. By paying for IDR 55,000 per boat with a capacity of four to five people, you can explore the beauty of the lake for 30 minutes. Then, you can look around by paddling down the lake alone. Amidst the lake, you can immortalize your family activities in the boat while playing with the gurgling waters of the lake or just angling from the boat.

Besides, the paddle boat is equally interesting. By paying for IDR 40,000, together with your children, you can enjoy the natural atmosphere and beautiful panorama of the lake for 30 minutes. “During a holiday season, there are many enthusiasts of paddle boat. They are mostly domestic tourists from Surabaya and Jakarta,” said Komang Arta, an attendant of the duck paddle boat.

You can also enjoy the sensation of speed boat at IDR 102,000 for four people, boat roof at IDR 127,000 which can accommodate five people, “Such a rate has included an accident insurance. We are truly concerned about the safety of tourists by providing maximum services,” said Operation Manager of Beratan Indah Recreation, I Made Lingga.

If you just want to relax and enjoy the beauty of the lake, you can try fishing from the lake shore. While sitting on a bamboo deck, you can try your good luck in fishing or just having a joke for laughter with friends or family. (BTN/015)

source : http://www.bali-travelnews.com/Tourist-Object/enjoy-water-recreation-in-lake-beratan.html

Beautiful Maldives

Maldives

Maldives is a country of South Asia, situated in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest of India. It consists of approximately 1,190 coral islands grouped in a double chain of 26 atolls, spread over roughly 90,000 square kilometers, making this one of the most disparate countries in the world. Composed of live coral reefs and sand bars, the atolls are situated atop a submarine ridge 960 kilometers long that rises abruptly from the depths of the Indian Ocean and runs from north to south. Only near the southern end of this natural coral barricade do two open passages permit safe ship navigation from one side of the Indian Ocean to the other through the territorial waters of Maldives. For administrative purposes the Maldives government organized these atolls into nineteen administrative divisions. The largest island of Maldives is Gan, which belongs to Laamu Atoll or Hahdhummathi Maldives. In Addu Atoll the westernmost islands are connected by roads over the reef and the total length of the road is 14 km.

Journey To South Africa

South Africa is a multi ethnic nation. It is an incredible destination and provides a distinctive expertise. It has numerous attractions to allure the tourists. The fascinating nation is also described as a ‘rainbow country.’ This term is coined as a tribute to the multiculturalism of the individuals.

Guests travel to South Africa to appreciate its culture, attractions and wildlife. A variety of travel businesses provide flight offers to this destination. Greatest flight offers are provided along with sightseeing tours and hotel bookings. Tourists ought to offer considerable believed prior to deciding on a travel agent.

The nation delivers a variety of attractions to the curious traveler. A go to to the historical Robben Island Prison Museum enriches the experience of tourists. Numerous apartheid era leaders such as the great Nelson Mandela had been imprisoned right here. The island is a symbol of the triumph of human spirit against slavery and racism. It has been awarded Globe Heritage status. Varied sort of fauna and flora also exist in the island. Almost 132 bird species have been observed right here.

The Wild Coast is an untamed region of the nation which has great beaches, rugged coastline, hills and valleys. The location is rich in wildlife and nature lovers will completely get pleasure from it. It really is also dubbed as a bird watcher’s paradise. One must take pleasure in activities including snorkeling and diving in the lovely ocean.

South Africa

Check out the Kruger National Park for a fascinating wildlife encounter. Remarkable array of wild animals and birds can be observed in the park. The most significant attractions of the park are the buffaloes, elephants, leopards, lions, cheetahs and rhinoceros. The bird species incorporate the ground hornbill, Martial eagle, Pel’s fishing owl and saddle- bill stork. The park is also property to the fascinating Iron Age internet sites of Masorini and Thulamela.

Johannesburg is one of the most dynamic areas in South Africa. Flights to Johannesburg are readily available from all over the Planet. It has a fascinating gold-mining heritage and is also named the ‘City of Gold’. Parks and gardens abound in the city. Malls and street markets are favored areas for buying.

For the duration of a vacation in Johannesburg, one really should never ever miss out on adventure. Pay a visit to the Lion Park to see some ferocious predators. Different carnivores which includes wild dog, striped hyena, cheetahs and lions are observed right here. Herbivores which includes black wildebeest and giraffe are some other attractions of the park. A guided game drive is very advised for tourists.

Croc City Crocodile Farm homes over 800 crocodiles. Crocodiles of a variety of sizes and shapes are supply right here. One can watch the skeletons and eggs of the crocs also. A video presentation is carried out to provide far more expertise about these wonderful creatures.

This wonderful nation has established itself as an great tourist destination. Therefore, one must not miss out on a likelihood to check out this destination.

Mount Rinjani, Indonesia

Mount Rinjani

The mighty Rinjani mountain of Gunung Rinjani is a massive volcano which towers over the island of Lombok. A climb to the top is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have in Indonesia. At 3,726 meters tall, Gunung Rinjani is the second highest mountain in Indonesia. The climb to the top may not be easy but it’s worth it, and is widely regarded as one of the best views in the country. 

Part of the famous ‘ring of fire’ this mountain also holds spiritual significance for the local people. It’s thought that the name Rinjani comes from an old Javanese term for ‘God’. Around the slopes of Rinjani there are lush forests sprinkled with waterfalls and surrounded by stunning scenery. 

Within the mountain is a crescent shaped lake, the breathtaking Segara Anak which is about 6km across at its widest point. This lake of sulfur is located 600 meters below the crater rim. Rising from the waters of this lake is a new volcano, Mt. Baru, which is a result of a series of eruptions during the 1990’s. Segara Anak is a spiritual place. The Balinese come here each year and perform a ceremony called pekelan where jewelry is placed in the lake as an offering to the mountain spirit.  The Wetu Telu people also regard the lake as holy and come here to pray on full moon nights. 

Mt Rinjani lies within the Gunung Rinjani National Park. The park covers 41,330 hectares and sits inside a major bio-geographical transition zone (Wallacea). This is where the tropical flora and fauna of South East Asia meets that of Australasia. This National Park was established in 1997 and is one of over 40 throughout Indonesia.

For visitors, the three-day Rinjani trek route from Senaru to the crater rim, down to the Crater Lake then on to Sembalun Lawang, is considered one of the best treks in South East Asia. More adventurous trekkers may want to head all the way to the summit of the volcano.  This is best reached from Sembalun Lawang and takes four days, finishing up in Senaru. 

To ensure that local communities benefit from tourism revenue, the Rinjani Trek is managed by a partnership of National Park officials, the public and private sectors of the Lombok tourism industry and community representatives. Community run cooperatives coordinate the Trek at the Rinjani Trek Center (RTC) in Senaru and the Rinjani Information Center (RIC) in Sembalun Lawang. 

Revenue from tourism activities and entry fees is used for conservation, management and assisting the National Park with maintenance of the Rinjani Trek, thus ensuring its sustainability. This management model is unique in Indonesia and considered an example of best practice of ecotourism in Indonesia.

Surfer Paradise : Suluban Beach

Suluban Beach, Bali

World-class thrilling waves meet jaw-dropping scenery at the secluded surfers’ paradise of Suluban Beach. Located not too far from the picturesque Uluwatu Temple, this beach is the actual site of the famous Uluwatu surf break. This beach extends right up and joins the Uluwatu Beach. Together they are the Mecca for wave chasing junkees who come to Bali.

Located at the Pecatu Village, in the South Kuta sub-district, Badung Regency, Suluban is among renowned surfing beaches along the Bukit Peninsula at the southern end of Bali that include the Uluwatu Beach, Bingin Beach, Padang-padang Beach, Dreamland Beach, Impossible Beach and Balangan Beach.

The beach is blessed with a breathtaking view on the Indian Ocean which offers a serene atmosphere and spectacular sunsets in the late afternoons, creating that most romantic aura. Approaching the area, visitors will be greeted by afascinating scenery of white rock cliffs that stretch as far as the eyes can see. Descending some 50 meters down to the shore, a vast white sandy beach kissed by turquoise blue waters await, while the pounding waves play the true resounding sounds of nature: the perfect setting for a thrilling surfing adventure.

The character of waves at Suluban Beach is similar to those at Uluwatu Beach that come in with that  great, powerful, long swell and  consistent barrels that have always fascinated surfers who came to this point. Here waves can reach to between 3 and 12 feet with the average wave size being 3 to 5 feet, perfect for advanced and professional surfers. The best season for surfing at Suluban Beach is during the dry session (April to August) when the wind blows from east to west creating the perfect waves for surfing.

The word Suluban comes from the Balinese language “mesulub” which translated means: to bow down. It is suggested that the name was adopted since visitors must first crouch or bow down when they pass the crevice between boulders that resembles a cave, before reaching the beach below the rocky cliff. The Beach is also known by many people as the Blue Point Beach since it is closely associated with the Blue Point Bay Villa located on the top of the cliff which shade Suluban Beach.

Be it for a surfing holiday or a romantic getaway, the waves together with the spectacular scenery at Suluban Beach are indeed a true gem that make Bali sparkle.

source : www.indonesia.travel

Bunaken: Indonesia Diving Spot

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

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

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

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

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

Divers may also meet mollusk like the giant kima (Tridacna gigas), goat head (Cassis cornuta), nautilus (Nautilus pompillius) and tunikates/ascidian.  
For those who enjoy scuba diving, this is a great place to be. With about 20 dive spots to choose from, divers will have the chance to swim below the sea, and frolic joyfully while admiring the sea creatures.

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

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

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

Lombok Island

With divine beaches, the majestic Mt Rinjani and spectacular marine life to discover, the island of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara has no shortage of attractions both in and out of the water. It’s little wonder then that Lombok is the most popular destination in West Nusa Tenggara.

Come here to surf the massive breaks on the south coast. Challenge yourself with a trek up steep volcanic peaks. Hire a bike and cycle through lush evergreen rice paddies. Whichever way you choose to spend your time you won’t be disappointed with the spectacular natural beauty on offer here.

Best known resort area on the island is Senggigi, a township positioned on a sweeping bay that provides magnificent views of a blood red sunset over neighboring Bali. The view of this spectacular sunset is best enjoyed relaxing with a drink at one of the seafront restaurants or on a hill overlooking the bay.

Other visitors to Lombok choose to spend their time on one of the three Gili islands, - Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air - secluded tropical islands of stunning beaches, a short 20 minutes boat ride from Senggigi.

Located immediately east of Bali, the island of Lombok is separated by a deep trench that divides the Asian continental shelf from the Australian shelf. Biologist Alfred Wallace was the first to notice in the 19^th century that Lombok’s flora and fauna differed from those on the western islands of the Indonesian archipelago. Since then the Wallace Line was drawn from the Lombok Straits northwards up the Makassar Straits – separating Kalimantan from Sulawesi - , and on to the South China Sea.  

Capital of Lombok and the West Nusa Tenggara province is the city of Mataram, which, in fact merges the towns of Ampenan, Mataram, Cakranegara and Bertais, that were once individual  kingdoms and townships.  As from 1^st. October 2011, the new Lombok International Airport has started operations located in the south of Lombok, 40 km. south-east of Mataram, replacing the former Selaparang airport at Ampenan.

In the 16^th century Lombok came to be ruled by the kingdom of Karangasem of east Bali and the town of Cakranegara became the home of the crown prince of Karangasem. Because of the Balinese conquest over the indigenous Sasak people, a large part of Lombok has marked Balinese historic and cultural heritage, especially around the city of Mataram.  

But, even before the arrival of the Balinese, an Islamic priest from Java, known as Sunan Giri had already proselyted a large part of the local Sasak population to Islam, and who until now adhere to what is called  the Wektu Telu – or the three times for daily prayers, differing from the 5 times obligatory prayers in Islam. Wektu Telu is a religion unique to the Sasak on Lombok that blends Islam with old traditions and beliefs.

Today Lombok is also home to a minority of Hindu Balinese, as well as smaller numbers of Chinese, Javanese, Bugis and Arabs.

Lombok is also known for its magnificent South Sea cultured pearls grown in pristine waters around the island. Lombok’s woven cloths are second to none as are its pottery. Visit the village of Banyumulek where some of the best pottery is produced, and the village of Sukarare for kain ikat or hand-woven textiles. For seafood lovers, enjoy succulent grilled fish and crabs freshly caught from the sea

On the 20th day of the 10th month on the traditional Sasak Calendar, the Sasak people celebrate the traditional ceremony of Bau Nyale.  Bau in the Lombok language means “to-catch” and Nyale is a type of sea worm that surfaces only around this time of the year. Therefore, Bau Nyale is a unique festive ceremony when large crowds catch the Nyale along a number of Lombok’s finest beaches.

Other religious festivals take place at the beginning of the rainy season (October to December) or at harvest time (April to May) with celebrations in villages all over the island.

For more detailed information please check the following:

www.visitlomboksumbawa.net

source: www.indonesia.travel

Bob Marley Style at Seven Mile Beach, Jamaica

Jamaica - Reggae music legend Bob Marley was not only inspired many people, but also to Seven Mile Beach in Jamaica. The beach is intentionally designed so that visitors can feel the style like Bob Marley. Do not worry, be happy!

There is always a way to make tourists come to visit a destination. This is done by the manager of Seven Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica. The atmosphere beach filled with reggae music, but with an exclusive design.

Seven Mile Beach, Jamaica

Seven Mile is a beach with two different sides. On one side of Seven Mile Beach is a gently sloping sandy beach with magnificent views. The beach is equipped with palm trees that enrich the landscape. Sparkling white sand beaches are beautiful when swept away by the waves of the sea which is also very clear.

However, on the other side there is also a very high rock, about 30 meters. From here, you can see the wonderful views of the waves hitting the rocks from above. If you want something more relaxed, just come to Rick's Cafe.

More perfect sight when seen while sitting in Rick's Cafe is filled with ornaments of red, yellow, and green. According to The Sun when viewed on Monday (08/06/2012), this is one of 1,000 things you should do before you die. Typical reggae music of Bob Marley has always been a mainstay in this cafe. Not infrequently a group of musicians were invited to show their skill while providing entertainment for visitors.

As the center of Reggae music, Jamaica would have so much homage to the music group of beach boy style. It is not something that is rare if in some places are often held reggae band festival, including the Seven Mile Beach. From morning till night, which only sounded by some sweet Reggae music.

Therefore also the Seven Mile Beach is always visited by many visitors. Not only lovers of reggae music, but all people are fascinated by the beauty of this beach. Most of them are just wants to spend their holiday, only for sunbathing and playing with water. Because, the beach is quiet and tends to be less suitable as a place to surf. Relax on the beach while enjoying the scenery seems to be an appropriate activity.

So, if you want to enjoy the beach atmosphere that can make the mind calm style of Bob Marley, just come to Seven Mile Beach!

16 Priority Destination for Holiday In Indonesia

Among Indonesia’s hundreds of attractions, the government has identified 16 priority destinations to be developed in the coming years, said Minister for Tourism and the Creative Economy, Mari Elka Pangestu recently.

 

The 16 destinations include   Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Pangandaran in West Java, the Borobudur –Prambanan areas in Central Java and Yogya-Sleman in Yogyakarta, the Bromo- Tengger – Semeru area in East Java, Lombok and the  Rinjani volcano, Flores in East Nusatenggara, Wakatobi in South East Sulawesi,  Toraja in South Sulawesi,  Derawan islands in East Kalimantan, besides Pulau Weh in Aceh,  the Togean islands in Central Sulawesi, the Thousand Islands and Old Batavia, both in Jakarta., and Bali’s southern and northern coasts, as well as around Mount Batur. 

 

“As a short-term plan, we have picked 16 out of 80 locations as pilot projects on how to manage the tourism sector comprehensively and coordinate with other sectors such as the Public Works Ministry, Transportation Ministry and local governments. The biggest challenge is collaboration with local government. The most extreme case is Lake Toba in North Sumatra because 10 regencies and cities are involved. 

 

In Flores, eight regencies have to team up to develop the island, including Komodo. Improving tourist locations is very difficult if there is no collaboration with locals. This is the real challenge. 

 

Our target is not only to increase the number of tourists visiting our country, but to inspire good quality tourism and make them stay here longer. 

 

Moreover, we need to relate the development of tourist attractions to special interest tourism such as cruise ships, and MICE [meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions].

 

Source: the Jakarta Post

Wakatobi National Marine Park confirmed UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve

The 24th Meeting of the International Coordinating Council (ICC) of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme held in Paris on 11-13 July, has confirmed the Wakatobi National Marine Park in South East Sulawesi as World’s Biosphere Reserve, among 20 newly so recognized reserves in the world.

This brings to eight, the number of UNESCO recognized Biosphere Reserves in Indonesia, that include: the Cibodas Park in West Java, Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan, the Lore Lindu National Park in Central Sulawesi, the Komodo National Park in East Nusatenggara, Gunung Leuser National Park in Aceh and North Sumatra, Siberut area in West Sumatra and the Giam Siak Kecil in Riau, reports Indopos. 

 

Wakatobi Island

Located in the heart of the Asia-Pacific Coral Triangle, Wakatobi covers an area of 1.4 million hectares of islands and sea.  Its seas contain 942 fish species and 750 coral species among a total of 850 coral species in the world. This compares to 50 coral species in the Caribbean and 300 in Egypt’s renowned Red Sea dive sites. 

 

Wakatobi is in fact an acronym of the 4 main islands in the Wakatobi archipelago, which are: Wangi-Wangi (Wa), Kaledupa (Ka), Tomia (To) and Binongko (Bi). Its pristine waters are bordered by the deep Banda Sea to the north and east, and the Flores Sea to the south.

The main purpose of UNESCO’s World Biosphere Reserve program is to ensure harmonized balance between man, nature and the environment by ensuring available sustainable resources, build the economy of local societies,  while protecting the diversity of nature and culture, explained spokesperson for the Ministry of Forestry, Sumarto,  to the press, as reported by Indopos. 

 

The successful implementation of the program needs a closely knit partnership among all stakeholders, continued Sumarto, including from research and educational institutions at national and regional level as well as community leaders.

 

While UNESCO explains that the main characteristics of biosphere reserves are, among others:

 

• Achieving the three interconnected functions: conservation, development and logistic support;

 

• Focus on a multi-stakeholder approach with particular emphasis on the involvement of local communities in management;

 

• Foster dialogue for conflict resolution of natural resource use;

 

• Integrate cultural and biological diversity, especially the role of traditional knowledge in ecosystem management;

 

• Demonstrate sound sustainable development practices and policies based on research and monitoring;

 

• Act as sites of excellence for education and training;

 

For details on the UNESCO Biosphere Programne, click:

 

http://www.unesco.org

 

For more information on Wakatobi, click: www.wakatobi.info

source: www.indonesia.travel