Showing posts with label journey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label journey. Show all posts
November 20, 2008
TANAH TORAJA
Why do people choose Toraja land as a destination? We have spoken to many travelers, while in Sulawesi (Celebes) and they all seemed to say the same things. They had arrived in Sulawesi (Celebes) and the study of Toraja land, either because they had heard such wonderful things from friends or relatives who had been there or who had previously visited themselves. What people seem to be the best friends were the people, culture and beauty of the virgin in the majority of Sulawesi.
Toraja runs along the coast about 130 kilometers from Makasar or Ujung Pandang. After the entry of Tanah Toraja enter a majestic landscape with giant gray, granites and stones and blue mountains at a distance after passing the market village of Mebali. Will form a sharp contrast with the green living in fertility, rain-fed terraces and read the rusted of tropical laterite soil. This is Tanah Toraja, one of the most beautiful areas of Indonesia.
Tanah Toraja has a specific and unique funeral ceremony is called Rambu Solo. In Tanah Toraja, dead body is not buried, but that is put into Tongkonan several times, maybe even more than ten years until the family has enough money to held the ceremony. After the ceremony, the corpse was carried to the cave or on the wall of the mountain. The skulls show us that the body is not buried but just put on the stone or earth, or put at the funeral hole.The festival season begins when the last rice has been harvested, usually in late June or July and lasts until September.
ourist who wants to stay in the heart of the city has many options as there are large number of hotels available. Or if you had an adventurous soul, you can sleep in villages along the way.
Bemo is the best way to get to know the locals, besides chartered vehicles (jeeps and minibuses), with or without a driver. While in the village you can take a stroll to move.
Take a side trip to Rantepao Kete, a traditional village with excellent handicraft shops. Behind the village on a hill is a mass grave with the monitoring of LifeSize statues oldest coffins
Visit Batu Tumonga Plateu; it means stone that facing to the sky. From here can be seen many volcanic stones comes up in between padi fields. And, several giant stones cave became a graveyard. The points of view is quite impressive. The huge Tanah Toraja [Toraja land] looks so lush and green. Like a mosaic of modulating the tone of the green
Palawan is an excellent visit to a village Tongkonan, or a place of burial pululando even with the celebrations and festivals.
Most times, you can not eat at those places, however, appear more warung and restaurants along the road. You can also bring their own food and drinks.
There is a souvenir shop where you can buy anything specific Tanah Toraja. There are clothes, bags, wallets and other handicrafts.
Visitor are expected to adhere to the customs and dress to keep a current mode, such as cigarettes or coffee when Tongkonan.
1. As the roads are not always paved, it is necessary to use a jeep or walking, even when the weather is good (between May and October).
2. Watch your head every time you go to Tongkonan inside, Toraja The traditional house.
3. Enrekang, Makala and Toraja Higland are surrounded by stunning cliffs of volcanic rock. Do not miss it, and just stop taking the picture for a while and not reg
September 23, 2008
Prambanan Temple is extraordinarily beautiful building built in the tenth century during the reigns of two kings namely Rakai Pikatan and Rakai Balitung. Prambanan is the most beautiful Hindu temple in the world.The foundation of this temple has fulfilled the wish of the founder to show Hindu triumph on the island of Java.
There is a legend that the Javanese people always say about this temple. As tells the story, there was a man called Bandung Bondowoso who loved RoRo Jonggrang. To reject his love, Jonggrang question Bondowoso to his temple with statues of 1000 only in a night-time. The application was almost completed when Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice and set a fire in order to look in the morning as had been broken. Feeling of being cheated, that only Bondowoso completed 999 statues Jonggrang cursed to be the thousandth statue.
Prambanan temple has three main temples in the main courtyard, namely Vishnu, Brahma, Shiva temples. The three temples are symbols of the Trimurti in the Hindu beliefs. All of them face east.
Very attractive accompanying Garuda temple is the temple which is located near the temple of Vishnu. This temple keeps a history of half-bird man named Garuda. Garuda is a mythical bird in Hindu mythology. The figure is golden body, white face, red wings, with the beak and wings of the eagle-like. It is assumed that the figure is the adaptation of Hindu Bennu (meaning 'rising' or 'shining') that is associated with the god of the sun. Garuda managed to save his mother from the curse of Aruna (Garuda's brother disabled) for stealing Tirta Amerta (the sacred water of the gods). Their ability to save her mother made many people admire the present time and is used for various purposes. Indonesia uses the bird as a symbol of the country. Another country using the same symbol is Thailand with the same reason, but another form of adaptation and appearance.
You can discover many more things in Prambanan. If you feel tired to enjoy the relief, you can take a break in the beautiful garden in the complex. Since the September 18, 2006, you can enter the zone 1 zone Prambanan temple. The damage caused by the earthquake on May 27, 2006 is being rebuilt.
Prambanan temple has three main temples in the main courtyard, namely Vishnu, Brahma, Shiva temples. The three temples are symbols of the Trimurti in the Hindu beliefs. All of them face east.
Very attractive accompanying Garuda temple is the temple which is located near the temple of Vishnu. This temple keeps a history of half-bird man named Garuda. Garuda is a mythical bird in Hindu mythology. The figure is golden body, white face, red wings, with the beak and wings of the eagle-like. It is assumed that the figure is the adaptation of Hindu Bennu (meaning 'rising' or 'shining') that is associated with the god of the sun. Garuda managed to save his mother from the curse of Aruna (Garuda's brother disabled) for stealing Tirta Amerta (the sacred water of the gods). Their ability to save her mother made many people admire the present time and is used for various purposes. Indonesia uses the bird as a symbol of the country. Another country using the same symbol is Thailand with the same reason, but another form of adaptation and appearance.
You can discover many more things in Prambanan. If you feel tired to enjoy the relief, you can take a break in the beautiful garden in the complex. Since the September 18, 2006, you can enter the zone 1 zone Prambanan temple. The damage caused by the earthquake on May 27, 2006 is being rebuilt.
Who does not know Borobudur? Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the ninth century . This Buddhist temple has 1460 relief panels and 504 effigies of Buddha in its compound. Millions of people are eager to visit this building as one of the Wonder World Heritage. It is hardly surprising given that architecturally and functionally, as the place for Buddhists to say their prayers, Borobudur is attractive.
Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga, one of the kings of the Old Kingdom Mataram, a descendant of the dynasty Sailendra. The name of Borobudur, as some say, means having a mountain terraces (Budha), while others stated that the media Borobudur monastery in high place.
Borobudur was built as a ten-building terraces. The height, before it was restored to 42 meters and 34.5 meters after the renovation because the lowest level was used as a base of support. The first six terraces are in the form of squares, two terraces above are circular in shape, and the upper terrace of them is the statue of Buddha that faces west. Each terrace symbolizes the stage of human life. In line with the Mahayana Buddha, anyone who intends to reach the level of Buddha must go through each stage of life.
The base of Borobudur, called Kamadhatu symbolizes that human beings are still bound by lust. The top four stories are called for the Rupadhatu symbol that human beings have been set free from lust, but they are still bound to the appearance and form. On this terrace, effigies of the Buddha are placed in open spaces, while the other three upper terraces where effigies of Buddha are confined in domes with sets are called Arupadhatu, which symbolizes that human beings have been free of lust, appearance and form. The upper part is called Arupa symbolizes nirvana, where the Buddha is residing. All groups of relief in the temple of Borobudur reflect the teachings of Buddha. For the reason, this temple serves as a means to educate those who want to learn Buddhism.
Borobudur was built as a ten-building terraces. The height, before it was restored to 42 meters and 34.5 meters after the renovation because the lowest level was used as a base of support. The first six terraces are in the form of squares, two terraces above are circular in shape, and the upper terrace of them is the statue of Buddha that faces west. Each terrace symbolizes the stage of human life. In line with the Mahayana Buddha, anyone who intends to reach the level of Buddha must go through each stage of life.
September 17, 2008
It might be worth speaking a bit of Bahasa. Bahasa means language, and Bahasa Indonesia is the lingua franca of the archipelago, a good lingua franca is clearly necessary… When pronounced or spoken sentences in Bahasa Indonesia (Bahasa) are generally not as lively as English, and like Deutsche (Germany), Bahasa words are pronounced more or less as are written. Compared with European languages, grammar is very simple.
It's good to talk a bit about the language of a country you're visiting or at least understand the term commonly used or greetings - this will allow you to get a better game, with people and culture. It also helps to speak a little of the language when negotiating memories in the tourist areas, as a little knowledge goes a long way to get a better price!
Here are some common expressions be able to use:
Selamat datang ----> welcome
Apa kabar? --------> how are you ?
Selamat pagi -------> good morning
Selamat siang ------> good may
Selamat sore -------> good afternoon
Selamat malam ----> good evening
Selamat makan ----> have a nice meal
Selamat jalan ------> have a nice trip / goodbye (if someone is leaving)
Selamat tinggal ----> goodbye (if you are leaving)
Terima kasih ------> thank you
Sama sama --------> don't mention it
Tidak terimah kasih ---> no, thanks
Berapa harganya? -----> how much does it cost / what's the price?
Mahal! -------------> expensive!
Murah! ------------> cheap
Boleh tawar? ------ > can I bargain
Harga pas ---------> fixed price
Customs
At the entrance to Indonesia, each adult is allowed to carry duty-free up to one liter of alcoholic beverages and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of snuff.
Cameras, video cameras, portable radios, cassette recorders, binoculars and sports equipment are allowed provided they are taken outside the country to exit. They must be declared to Customs. They are prohibited firearms, narcotics, pornography, printing and Chinese medicines, transmitters and cordless phones. The films, pre-recorded video tapes and laser discs should be supervised by the censor board.
There is no restriction on the movement of foreign currency or travellers cheques inside and outside the country. However, the import and export of hard currency Indonesian exceeding Rp. 5 million is prohibited.
Immigration
The Department of Justice and Human Rights has officially determined that from February 1, 2004:
1. The Free Visa Facility (length of stay max. 30 days) will be issued to citizens of the following countries: Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Macao, Morocco, Chile, Peru.
2. The Visa-on-arrival facility (the length of stay max. 30 days) will be issued to citizens of the following countries: Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy , Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, United States.
3. Citizens of countries not mentioned above are required to apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of Indonesia in their country of domicile.
Airport Tax and Transport
Passengers departing on international and domestic flights have to pay Rp. And 50,000 rupees. 11,000 airport taxes, respectively.
Measured taxis are available only at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta. In other major airports in Indonesia, taxis operating with a fixed interest rate.
From the airport in Jakarta, all taxi costs include a surcharge of Rp. 2,300 and a highway toll of at least Rp. 4,000, depending on the destination. The surcharge does not apply to travel to the airport, although the toll motorway ago. In both directions, airport taxis offer a 25 percent discount on the fare toll.
Currency
Exchange facilities of the main foreign currencies are available at authorized banks or moneychangers in major cities throughout Indonesia. Rupiah comes in denominations of 100.000, 50.000, 20.000, 10.000, 5.000 and 1.000 in banknotes, and 1.000, 500, and 100 coins
The Department of Justice and Human Rights has officially determined that from February 1, 2004:
1. The Free Visa Facility (length of stay max. 30 days) will be issued to citizens of the following countries: Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Macao, Morocco, Chile, Peru.
2. The Visa-on-arrival facility (the length of stay max. 30 days) will be issued to citizens of the following countries: Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy , Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, United States.
3. Citizens of countries not mentioned above are required to apply for a visa at the Embassy or Consulate of Indonesia in their country of domicile.
Airport Tax and Transport
Passengers departing on international and domestic flights have to pay Rp. And 50,000 rupees. 11,000 airport taxes, respectively.
Measured taxis are available only at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta. In other major airports in Indonesia, taxis operating with a fixed interest rate.
From the airport in Jakarta, all taxi costs include a surcharge of Rp. 2,300 and a highway toll of at least Rp. 4,000, depending on the destination. The surcharge does not apply to travel to the airport, although the toll motorway ago. In both directions, airport taxis offer a 25 percent discount on the fare toll.
Currency
Exchange facilities of the main foreign currencies are available at authorized banks or moneychangers in major cities throughout Indonesia. Rupiah comes in denominations of 100.000, 50.000, 20.000, 10.000, 5.000 and 1.000 in banknotes, and 1.000, 500, and 100 coins
Indonesia [chapter 1]: a necklace of equatorial emeralds
0 comments Posted by ... at Wednesday, September 17, 2008Indonesia is often referred to as the world's largest archipelago, a name reflecting his aptly 17000, or islands covering over 5000 km (about 3200 miles) east of Sabang, in northern Sumatra to Merauke in Irian Jaya. If you superimpose a map of Indonesia over one of Europe, you will find that stretches from Ireland to Iran; compared with the United States, which covers the area from California to Bermuda.
Bahasa Indonesia is the official language. English is frequently used in trade. The people are predominantly Muslim, minority religious groups are Christians, Hindus and Buddhists.
Lovers of the mountain is much to enjoy in Indonesia. A large chain of volcanoes, the Bukit Barisan, runs the entire length of Sumatra. In the west coast, the mountains fall abruptly to the sea, while the east to ease gradually to the plains in a wide coastal strip of mangroves. Vegetation volcanoes dresses also dramatically increased in the Banda Sea, Ternate and Maki. Many of the volcanoes are still active, constantly latent and sometimes violent eruption, although geological stations continually track assets and give notice if they are not safe to climb. Mount Merapi in Central Java is the favorite for climbers, despite being one of the most active in the archipelago.
Mountain Lakes are also abundant in many dormant craters of volcanoes, the most famous of these objectives is Lake Toba in the mountains north of Sumatra. This mountain lake covers an area four times the size of Singapore. In Kalimantan, the water moves freight and passengers up and down the major rivers: Mahakam, Barito, Kapuas and Kahayan. The mountainous island of Flores is famous for its many colored volcanic lakes, known as Keli Mutu. The three lakes are located in a narrow range of group and dark red to turquoise.
Located between two bio-geographical groups - Asia and Australia - the flora and fauna of the archipelago is also highly idiosyncratic. Species that are found nowhere else on earth have flourished in certain areas, including the famous Komodo dragon on the island of the same name. Also in abundance are rare flowers, including exotic orchids, unusual insects, birds of paradise and many indigenous spices such as cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace and many more.
September 16, 2008
Bali, the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia, has remained almost unreal in the current changing world. The island is divided by a series of impressive volcanoes almost running through the center of the island believe that the local population to be the home of the gods. Bathed in mystery and magic, which extend into the sky and majestic splendor can be seen in almost all parts of the island. The Hindu Bali religion permeates daily life of people. Shrines and temples, as well as the terraced rice fields dominate the landscape.
Water sports also have gained in popularity and in Bali can boast excellent surfing, windsurfing, sailing, diving and rafting.
The island of Lombok, just east of Bali has existed in the shadow of its more famous neighbor, but is becoming a popular destination in its own right. The powerful Rinjani volcano dominates the island and offers magnificent panoramic views of hundreds of miles. Unalterable white pristine beaches are typical in Lombok, where the motto is "you can see Bali in Lombok, but not Lombok in Bali." The island of Sumbawa, east of Lombok is also dominated by a huge volcano, called Tambora, which last erupted in 1815, killing an estimated 92000 people.
Further east, lie the islands of East Nusa Tenggara, formed by the power and strength of a huge chain of mountains and volcanoes which begins in northern Sumatra and lying to the east across Java. The province consists of over 550 islands, but is dominated by three main islands of Flores, Sumba and Timor.
It occupies a unique position across the entire line of Wallace, is one of the most dynamic and exotic marine environments with almost all species of corals and tropical fish represented. In contrast, the arid landscape of eastern and southeastern Nusa Tenggara is the result of hot, dry winds blowing from the Australian continent and indeed in many coastal areas not a drop of rain falls during most of the year.
Yogyakarta, the city with the progressive movement of industry, culture, arts and traditional rituals, located in the southern island of Java. Led by a sultan, the governor and inherited by the Yogyakarta Hadiningrat highborn.
Although Yogyakarta is a small city surrounded by Mountain Merapi volcano, Mount Merbabu, Dieng Javanese and Indian Ocean, there are so many places we visit. You can choose whether they want or go to the beach or find fresh air in Kaliurang. Parangtritis beach is a very famous, known also by things ritual special night. From there, if you want to find another beach, on a trial Baron, Depok, or even farther, Congot. But if you just want to have fun with little things like handicrafts, hand, batik, silver, jewelry, etc. You can easily find in the city centre.
After traveling throughout the city (well, maybe not in a single day, because there are too many beautiful places that would be of interest to you), you might want to try the delicious food and drinks around Yogja. But if you look Yogja specialty, why not treat yourself lesehan (sit on the floor covered with Tikar) and tries lesehan food, perhaps Gudeg (sweet flavor made substance jackfruit) or chicken or perhaps as only a cup of tea poci to relax. Lesehan food is easy to find. It's everything and everything Yogja Malioboro Street at night and is very cheap.
U If you feel that you lose, do not be afraid to ask for help. People in Yogyakarta is very friendly and pleasant. Just do not forget to say terima kasih which means thanks!
Although Yogyakarta is a small city surrounded by Mountain Merapi volcano, Mount Merbabu, Dieng Javanese and Indian Ocean, there are so many places we visit. You can choose whether they want or go to the beach or find fresh air in Kaliurang. Parangtritis beach is a very famous, known also by things ritual special night. From there, if you want to find another beach, on a trial Baron, Depok, or even farther, Congot. But if you just want to have fun with little things like handicrafts, hand, batik, silver, jewelry, etc. You can easily find in the city centre.
U If you feel that you lose, do not be afraid to ask for help. People in Yogyakarta is very friendly and pleasant. Just do not forget to say terima kasih which means thanks!
September 15, 2008
Bandung is the capital of West Java in Indonesia. Bandung is 180 kilometers southeast of Jakarta. Despite having a population of over two million the pace of city life is slower than Jakarta. Today Bandung has a population of 2 million people, Bandung area is estimated that 4 million. Bandung is located on a plateau 768 meters above sea level with a cool climate all year round. Bandung is the most European city of Java. The rainy season starts in Bandung a little earlier, then the rest of Indonesia. Normally, the rainy season in Indonesia is from October to May, the peak of the rainy season is in January. The dry season is from June to August, the temperature is 25-30 degrees Celsius during the day. In the morning, the sun shines nearly every day, but in the afternoon many times it gets cloudy, sun, we must awaken early from 6.30 the sun is already there. On the night when the sun has dropped the temperature drops. The average temperature in Bandung is 22 degrees Celsius, the weather is pleasant throughout the year.
In Bandung, try to see the Wayang Golek wooden puppet show and hear the Angklung bamboo orchestra, as well as the classical Sundanese gamelan and dance.
There are short drives up the mountain and Lembang Observatory Bossche, and above the volcanic crater of Tangkuban Perahu, the only crater in Java accessible by car across the road as far as its edge. This is an impressive sight of sulphur fumes emanating. Decline in all 12 craters of volcanoes is only possible with the help of an experienced guide, due to the presence of Asphyxiating in certain installations.
Only 15 minutes drive from Tangkuban Perahu is a hot spring resort. Here we can swim in hot mineral water pools, good to cure skin problems. The resort offers visitors with a bar, restaurants, tennis courts and country house style hotel overlooking a beautiful mountain range.
In Bandung, try to see the Wayang Golek wooden puppet show and hear the Angklung bamboo orchestra, as well as the classical Sundanese gamelan and dance.
There are short drives up the mountain and Lembang Observatory Bossche, and above the volcanic crater of Tangkuban Perahu, the only crater in Java accessible by car across the road as far as its edge. This is an impressive sight of sulphur fumes emanating. Decline in all 12 craters of volcanoes is only possible with the help of an experienced guide, due to the presence of Asphyxiating in certain installations.
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