Posts Tagged ‘Indonesia’

Indonesia a Smorgasbord Surprise

Comprised of seventeen thousand islands, Indonesia is a sure smorgasbord surprise. Wide-eyed guests could simply marvel at the wondrous beauty before their eyes but have to settle for a few courses in order to enjoy each trip to the largest archipelago of the world.

Here is a sampling of the extensively diverse Indonesian travel menu.

Sumatra

Sitting on the equator, Indonesia’s largest province is covered with tropical rainforests which is home to a rich collection of flora and fauna ecosystem. The island boasts of several reservation areas including Mount Leuser National Park, home of the endangered Sumatra Orang-utan and Berbak Wildlife Reserve which accommodates the largest tiger population in Indonesia.

Bali

Its serene panorama, both on land and underwater, simply fills the senses with the beauty of nature and the wonders it offers to man. Aside from the breathtaking beaches, Bali also takes pride of Bali Barat National park, home of a number of bird species declared as among the rarest and most beautiful in the world.

Borobudur Temple

Located on a hilltop in Central Java, Borobudur Temple is one of the world’s most celebrated Buddhist temples. Dated back to the 9th century A.D., the temple was discovered in 1984 under thick forest foliage. After a successful restoration, the temple showed panels carved in stone that tells of the life of Buddha and the tenets of Buddhism.

Komodo National Park

By the name alone, it obviously is world-famous Komodo dragon’s only home on earth. It is one of the oldest and rarest reptile specie that has survived several earth eras. The largest reptile, growing up to three meters or more, is actually a monitor lizard that hunts and scavenges around the barren lands of Komodo Island.

Bromo-Tengger National Park

Bromo-Tenger was already a buzzling community long before the concept of Indonesia was conceived. It is located in Mount Semeru where thousands of Hindus flock for annual pilgrimage in honor of the god that looks after the mystical place which is composed of volcanoes covered by thick forests. Most of these volcanoes are still active lead by the notorious Semeru volcano that records an eruption every eight minutes.

Bunaken Marine Park

With marine biodiversity comparable to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, Bunaken Marine Park is a heavenly refuge for avid divers and snorkelers. Both amateur and pro underwater explorers will surely be mesmerized by the rich collection of colorful corals and reefs that are homes to an equally rich assembly of fish and marine animal species.

Top 5 Must Visit Places in Indonesia

Indonesia is the world’s biggest archipelago, containing thousands of islands. The country is a collection of many different local places of interest. Tourism in Indonesia is highly developed, including a wide range of tourist destinations, and excellent luxury hotels and hotel packages.

The selection of places to visit is vast, including many fascinating and unique sites and areas of interest. Indonesia is a big place, and the tourist is confronted with infinite possibilities of combinations of places to see and things to do.

This is a selection of five of the best and most dazzling of Indonesia’s tourist paradises:

Java

Java is the main island of Indonesia, in terms of population and development. It’s also one of the most unusual tourist destinations in the world. There are some extraordinary things to see in Java:

Borobodur Temple, the ancient Buddhist Mahayana monument. This is one of the great classics of Buddhist art, with no less than 504 Buddha statues and 2,672 relief panels.

Prambanan Temple, the Hindu Temple near Yogyakarta, a masterpiece of Hindu workmanship 47 metres tall, the equal of its Indian equivalents.

At the western tip of Java is the volcano Anak Krakatau, the “Child of Krakatoa”.

Sumatra

Sumatra is Indonesia’s big western island. It’s a very diverse place with many different environments and a priceless wildlife heritage which trying hard to survive the strain of modern times. Sumatra retains much of its ancient heritage and culture. It’s common to see ancient ways of life and fishing boats next to new four wheel drives and sleek modern power boats.

Bali

Bali, one of the world’s legendary tourist destinations, is the global traveler’s classic must see destination. Bali resorts are famous for their high quality, particularly in the Nusa Dua and Jimbaran areas of the island.

People don’t just “like” Bali, they love it. Each beach and resort has its own admirers, and the regular visitors come back many times. Bali’s reputation is based on a mix of its natural beauty, the fabulous holiday lifestyle, and a personal affinity. Everyone has “their” personal Bali. It’s one of the few places in the world where tourists care as much as locals about preserving the natural charm of the region.

Kalimantan

Kalimantan, formerly known as Borneo, is the big northern island, a wild area famous in colonial times for its wild jungles and their fierce inhabitants, the Dayaks. This is a truly incredible, magical place. You can see orangutans in their natural environment, go on river cruises up wild rivers, trek through one of the world’s great jungles, and see a real traditional longhouse and the famous Dayak dragon.

Sulawesi

Sulawesi is the large, island with four big peninsulas east of Kalimantan. The island is divided into North Sulawesi and South Sulawesi. This island is famous for its diving experiences. Sulawesi has a range of marine environments, including beautiful beaches. Inland, it has fabulous Lake Linow, and an active volcano, Mt. Soputan.

Indonesian holidays combine all the best elements of tourism; Excitement, exotic places, and real luxury.

Indonesia Has Clear Blue Seas

The name Indonesia was derived from indos nesos, meaning islands near India. The country is in fact the largest archipelago in the world with a thousand islands, 17,508 to be precise, spread in an area between the Asian continent and Australia, and between the Pacific and the Indian oceans.

The islands are inhabited by many tribes with diverse culture and languages, although there is a national language spoken throughout the country, namely Bahasa Indonesia. It is thus appropriate, that the countries motto is Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which means Unity in Diversity.

Clear blue seas lap pristine beaches, gentle breezes carry scents of spices and flowers, and divers are entranced by the oceans riches. Inland, dramatic volcanic ranges tower above a green mantle of terraced hillsides and lush rainforest.

Bali offers an image of paradise stunning scenery, gentle sarong clad people and sunsets of legendary glory.

If you think Bali is all about rowdy beach holidays, its time to head to the hills in the beautiful interior of the island, where time moves at an entirely different rhythm to the tourist resorts of the coastline.

In recent years, dozens of spa resorts have opened in and around the inland town of Ubud.

They offer a slower and more sophisticated alternative to the usual beach holiday and are guaranteed to have you feeling fit and fantastic.

Gone are the days when a massage consisted of being prodded by an elderly lady as you lay prone on the Kuta sand.

In Ubud, you recline in the private plunge pool of a hillside villa overlooking the rice paddies. You get massaged by an expert, then drift off in a cocoon wrap that is a heady mix of mango, ginger and ylang ylang.

On peaceful Lombok, life moves at a slower pace, while bustling Jakarta exhibits Indonesians cosmopolitan, modern face.

Komodo Islands have living dinosaurs and the entrancing sea gardens of Suwalesi invite exploration.

Yet modern Indonesia have triggered troubles. The main independence movement, the Indonesian Nationalist Party, emerged in the 1920s under the leadership of Ahmed Sukarno and by 1949, finally claimed the countries sovereignty. Such sovereignty did not get off to a good start previous colonial powers had depleted much of Indonesians wealth while contributing little to its development.

However, from such a devastating tsunami also came a much needed glimmer of hope. A peace agreement with separatist rebels was reached just as 2006 dawned, resulting in the withdrawal of state security forces from the Aceh province. In return, Free Aceh Movement rebels began disarmament and vowed to abolish their armed wing. Such withdrawal effectively ended a 29 year conflict.

Indonesian extensive diversity of cultural heritage and craft products have long been admired, appreciated and studied by world communities.

Tropical climate varying from area to area. The eastern monsoon brings the driest weather June to September, while the western monsoon brings the main rains December to March. Rainstorms occur all year. Higher regions are cooler.

Travel to Indonesia – A Country of Thousands of Beautiful and Exotic Islands

Indonesia, a Country of thousands of beautiful and exotic Islands, that spark off your imagination with thoughts of fine sandy beaches, huge temple complexes, great diving and the giant dragons of Komodo. The islands of Indonesia are spread over a vast expanse of ocean and technically speaking is divided by two Continents.

Some parts of the Country can be as different from each other as black is from white. The hustle and bustle of the modern capital Jakarta is like another planet when compared to the traditional Papuan tribes of the Baliem Valley. Jakarta – Not only is it the largest City in the Country, Jakarta is also the heartbeat. Indonesian’s from all over the archipelago come to the City to try and find their fortune or just to survive. The face of the City is constantly changing due to the construction of new skyscrapers, shopping malls and hotels.

Jakarta is mainly a business and political City and not really a tourist destination, but the older colonial parts of the City are very interesting and the museums have a lot of fascinating exhibits.

Jakarta, like you would expect, is the most expensive place in Indonesia, as well as the most polluted and most congested. It can be very hard to cope with all of the hustle, dirt, crime and cost, but if you can you will find an exciting City with plenty to offer.

Kota – This is the old Town of Batavia, which was the capital of the Dutch East Indies and the best example of the colonial era in Indonesia. Though much of the old town has been destroyed or demolished over the years, some of the old Colonial buildings are still in active use, and the area has a definite Dutch feel to it.

The centre of the old Town is the pebble stone square known as Taman Fatahillah and this is the key to being able to orientate yourself around the sights of the old Town. The canal of Kali Besar is one block to the west of the square and runs alongside the Ciliwung River.

This was a very prosperous area and on the west bank are some of the high class homes that date from the eighteenth Century.

The Chicken market bridge is the last remaining drawbridge from the Dutch era, it is at the north end of the Kali Besar. Buses always come by on their routes and the city train also has a stop here.

Jakarta History Museum – This museum is housed in the old town hall of Batavia, which is on the south side of Taman Fatahillah. It is a well built building, which was originally constructed in 1627 and added to in the early 1700s. It was from here that the Dutch administered their colony, and the cities law courts were also here as well as their main prison compound.

It contains plenty of heavy, carved furniture from the colonial, as well as other memorabilia from the Dutch period. Open, 9am till 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 1,000Rp Wayang Museum – This museum is also on the Taman Fatahillah, and has a great assortment of Wayang puppets. It also has examples of puppets from other Countries like Cambodia, China and India.

This building was formerly the museum of old Batavia and was built in 1912 on the site of the former Dutch church which was demolished in 1808 as the
Dutchman “Daendels” plan to rid the City of its unhealthy areas. In the downstairs courtyard, there are memorials to previous governors who were buried on site. Open, 9am till 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 1,000Rp

Fine Arts Museum – Built in the 1860s, the palace of Justice building is now the Fine arts museum. It has a nice collection of contemporary paintings from prominent artists. They also have some ceramics on show from Chinese items to Majapahit offerings. Open, 9am till 3pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 1,000Rp

Gereja Sion – This church was built in 1695, and is the oldest Church in Jakarta. It is on Jl Pangeran Jayakarta near the Kota train station. The exterior of the Church is actually pretty plain but inside copper chandeliers, the original organ and the baroque pulpit makes it very appealing. Though thousands of people have been buried here there are very few tombs left remaining.

Sunda Kelapa – Just a 10 minute walk from the Taman Fatahillah, the old City port of Sunda Kelapa is full of wonderful Macassar schooners and the brightly coloured sails of these boats make for great viewing. The ships are still a vital means of transporting goods to outlying Islands.

Guides hang around the docks and for a few thousand rupiah will show you around and tell you some insightful stories. You can also take a ride out to the offshore fish market for around 5,000Rp. Admission, 250Rp to the dock area.

Maritime Museum – This is an old VOC warehouse that was built in 1645 and is by the entrance to the Sunda Kelapa. It has examples of Indonesian crafts from around the ages and has photos of the voyages from Europe to Jakarta. The building itself is well worth the visit and the lookout posts are part of the old City wall.

Just before the entrance to the museum proper, is the old watchtower that was built in 1839, it has brilliant views over the harbour. Opening hours are hit and miss, so try to find the caretaker.

National Museum – This museum, constructed in 1862, is considered the paramount museum in Indonesia, and one of the finest in South East Asia. It has a huge ethnic and relief maps of Indonesia on which you can track your travels. The museum has a variety of different cultural displays that show a diverse collection of clothing, instruments, model houses and religious items. In addition the museum has a fine collection of Chinese ceramics that even date back to the Han dynasty of the third Century.

The museum is sometimes known as the Elephant house due to the giant bronze elephant that was a gift from the King of Thailand, and that now stands outside. Open, 8.30am till 2.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission: 750Rp. Guides are around who can conduct tours in various different languages.

National Monument – This 130 metres high monument stands over Merdeka square and is Jakartas chief landmark. The construction was started in 1961 but was not finished until 1975, when it was officially opened by President Soeharto. At the base is the National History Museum which tells the story of the Indonesian struggle for independence. On national holidays and at the weekends the queues can be long. Open, 9am till 5pm, daily. Admission: 600Rp or 3,100Rp which includes a ride to the top.

Lapangan Banteng – Just east of Merdeka square is this nineteenth century colonial square. It has some of the best examples of Dutch colonial architecture in the whole of Jakarta. The Catholic Cathedral was built at the turn of the twentieth Century, and is opposite the principal place of worship for Jakartas Muslim community, the Istiqlal Mosque. To the east of the square is the Supreme Court that was built, along with the Ministry of finance, in 1809 by that man “Daendel” to replace those buildings torn down.

Discount Hotel Booking in Indonesia

One of the best travel destinations of the world, Indonesia in South East Asia is a land of culture diversity and unique topographical features. This impressive place will make your experience memorable this holiday! With about seventeen thousand islands strewn across five thousand miles, Indonesia claims to be the biggest archipelago of the world. The country is home to world-famous volcanoes, lofty mountains, colorful corals, unending beaches, exotic fauna and verdant rainforests. If adventure is all that you are looking for, Indonesia should feature high on your travel plan. Whether you are searching for luxury or comfort, Indonesia hotels will cater to all your needs and requirements. If you want the best amenities at lower rates, you can avail of discount hotel booking in Indonesia.

Amongst the major islands that constitute Indonesia, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Jakarta, Bali, Lombok, Yogyakarta, Irian Jaya, Sulawesi and Java are the major names. If you are planning to embark on tours to these beautiful islands of Indonesia, you can refer to the online hotel booking worldwide. You will not only get information on the best accommodation options worldwide, but also the exact location of your hotel. You will also get to know how many hotels have cut down their rates on their services and amenities. The various discount hotel booking websites offer information about the lowest rates on hotels in Indonesia and other accommodations throughout the world.

You can consult discount hotel booking sites for Indonesia hotels, select your choice of hotel and reserve it right away. Online hotel booking helps you save as much as 70%. You are getting an elaborate list of hotels on one site. You couldn’t have asked anything better. If you are booking online, you can go through a number of websites and compare hotel rates before you arrive at the final decision. You just need to fill up certain fields online to check the availability of rooms and know about the rates. You are required to fill up the check-in and check-out dates and the number of guests traveling with you.

In case you decide to change your destination or cancel your hotel booking, you can do it right here on the hotel booking websites. The best part is that you will be charged nothing for changing or cancelling your hotel booking. You can change or cancel your online hotel through our customer care services. However, some hotels might levy a cancellation charge through the online hotel booking websites.

Almost all hotels on the online hotel booking sites guarantee lowest rates on your accommodation. Online hotel booking sites will give you just the right assistance to help you search for a discount hotel as per your needs and requirements. These sites work with discount hotel service providers to give you the best discount rates online. Various luxury hotel brands work discount hotel booking sites to cater to your requirements at the best rates. You will get the best choice of discount hotels on these sites. If you have any queries with regard to discount hotel booking in Indonesia, hotel reservation, cancellation of your booking and confirmation of your reservation, you can contact customer care of the reputed hotel booking sites.