Senin, April 05, 2010

Yogyakarta

Overview

The Special Region of Yogyakarta(Indonesian):

Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, or DIY), is the smallest province of Indonesia(excluding Jakarta). It is located on the island ofJava. Yogyakarta is the only province in Indonesia that is still governed by that area's precolonial monarchy; The Sultan of Yogyakarta serves as the elected governor of the province. In English it is pronounced /ˌdʒoʊɡdʒəˈkɑrtə/[citation needed] which derives from its Dutch spelling Jogjakarta. In Javanese (and Dutch) it is pronounced [joɡjaˈkartɔ]. It is also referred to more casually as Jogja.

The city of Yogyakarta is the capital of the province.

Geography

Yogyakarta is located in south-central Java. It is surrounded by the province of Central Java (Jawa Tengah) and the Indian Ocean in the south.

The population of DIY in 2003 was approximately 3,000,000. The province of Yogyakarta has a total area of 3,185.80 km2. Yogyakarta has the second-smallest area of the provinces in Indonesia, after the Jakarta Capital Region. However it has, along with adjacent areas in Central Java, some of the highest population densities of Java.

History

The Yogyakarta Sultanate, formally the Sultanate of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, was formed in 1755 when the existing Sultanate of Mataram was divided by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in two under the Treaty of Giyanti. This treaty states that the Sultanate of Mataram was to be divided into the Sultanate of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat with Yogyakarta as the capital and Mangkubumi who became Sultan Hamengkubuwono I as its Sultan and the Sultanate of Surakarta Hadiningrat with Surakarta as the capital andPakubuwono III who was the ruler of the Sultanate of Mataram as its Sultan. The Sultan Hamengkubuwono I spent the next 37 years building the new capital, with the Kraton as the centerpiece and the court at Surakarta as the blueprint model. By the time he died in 1792, his territory exceeded Surakarta's.

The ruler Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX (April 12, 1912 - 1988) held a degree from the Dutch Leiden University, and held for a time the largely ceremonial position of Vice-President of Indonesia, in recognition of his status, as well as Minister of Finance and Minister of Defense.

In support of Indonesia declaring independence from the Dutch and Japanese occupation, in September 5, 1945, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX of Yogya and Sri Paku Alam VIII in Yogya declared their sultanates to be part of the Republic of Indonesia. The declaration is as follows:

"We, Hamengkubuwono IX, Sultan of the Land of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, declared:


  1. That Land of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat function as a monarchy as a Special Territory of the Republic of Indonesia
  2. That we as the Regional Head of Yogyakarta held control and power in the Land of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, and upon that cause in which the situation nowadays all government elements in the Land of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat from this moment is all under our control and with it too all other authorities we take over entirely.
  3. That the connection between the Land of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat and the Central Government of the Republic of Indonesia is direct and we will only bear responsibility upon our Land directly to the President of the Republic of Indonesia.

We ordered that all residents of the Land of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat to heed our mandate.

Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, 28 Puasa, Ehe, 1876" (Javanese Calendar), Gregorian Date: 5 Sept 1945

In return for this support, the declaration of Special Authority over Yogyakarta was then granted fully in 1950.


By this act, Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX was appointed as governor for life. During the
Indonesian National Revolution against the Dutch after World War II (1945-1950), the capital of the newly declaredIndonesian republic was temporarily moved to Yogyakarta when the Dutch reoccupied Jakarta from January 1946 until August 1950.

The current ruler of Yogyakarta is his son, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, who holds a law degree fromUniversitas Gadjah Mada. Upon the elder sultan's death, the position of governor, according to the agreement with Indonesia, was to pass to his heir. However, the central government at that time insisted on an election. In 1998, Sultan Hamengkubuwono X was elected as governor by the provincial house of representatives (DPRD) of Yogyakarta, defying the will of the central government. "I may be a sultan," he has been quoted in Asia Week as saying, "but is it not possible for me to also be a democrat?"

City

Located within the Yogyakarta province, Yogyakarta city is known as a center of classical Javanese fine art and culture such as batik, ballet, drama, music, poetry and puppet shows. It is also famous as a center for Indonesian higher education. At Yogyakarta's center is the kraton, or Sultan's palace. While the city sprawls in all directions from the kraton, the core of the modern city is to the north.

Copy From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yogyakarta

Pulau Seribu

Pulau Seribu

PULAU SERIBU [Thousand Island] AT GLANCE

Pulau seribu or Thousand Island is located around 45 km north of Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia has a value conservation and unique ecosystem. with total Kepulauan Seribu are about 1.180,80 hectares or 11.80 km square. 15.600 populations, consist of 105 islands scattered at 4 districts. The main activities of resident ofKepulauan Seribu are fisherman.

PULAU SERIBU [Thousand Island] OBJECT TOURISM AT JAKARTA

Pulau Seribu is very potential to be developed for tourism destination especially for Jakartans for escape from the busiest Jakarta, Meeting, Recreation and Sea sport such as fishing, recreation, Scuba Diving, Sailing, The location is very near from Indonesia capital and the market its so quite still good enough. because of for sea basis tourims destination in Jakarta not many. Some island at Pulau Seribu is potential to developed and for tourism such as:

This location is easy to reach from Jakarta, especially from Ancol Dreamland. Some residential island today is developed for Conservation Tour such as at Pulau Pramuka, the program conservation was packaging in one unique package and suitable for student and group who will study about conservation; coral reef transplantation, mangrove, turtle etc

Copy From http://pulauseribujakarta.wordpress.com/

Manado

About Manado, North Sulawesi

Manado city is the provincal capital of North Sulawesi. Manado is the starting point for exploration of the Minahasa region's many attractions. Fun-loving and extroverted, the Minahasa people live in neat wood frame houses, with fences and flower gardens, giving Manado a European feel. There is a wide range of hotels and restaurants. Those with an adventurous palate should try the famously hot and spicy Minahasa cuisine. The city's numerous shops and markets are filled with an abundance of consumer goods and agricultural produce, while behind every building are glimpses of emerald hills and azure sea.

Inland from Manado, a trip through the Minahasa Highlands will take you to intriguing prehistoric above-ground burial sites, volcanoes, hot springs, the highland lake Tondano and breathtaking panoramas of lush mountains, coffee and coconut plantations, orchid gardens and terraced hillsides. From Manado, also be sure to visit the Dua Saudara Nature Reserve, home to birds and other wildlife unique to Sulawesi, such as the Tarsier - the smallelst monkey, cus cus, Hornbill etc.

Place to visit at Manado

Japanese Cave ( Kiawa Village )

These caves were built by the Japanese during the World War II mainly used as a storage for supplies. You can visit the caves while driving along the road between Kiawa and Kawangkoan, two scenic countryside villages.

Waruga ( Stone Graves - Airmadidi Village )

Waruga ( Stone graves ) 144 beautiful and interesting ancient "Waruga" stone graves (sarcophagi) of Minahasan ancestors dated the Megalithic age can be found in Sawangan village, close to Airmadidi, 24 km from Manado. The small museum and the local guide explain what has been found in the tombs.

Watu Pinawetengan ( A megalithic stone )

A megalithic stone of the ancestors of Minahasa, its surface is covered with crude, mysterious live drawings and scripts which have never been deciphered. According to Minahasa history, this is the place where the ancestors first divided up the land among the people (Watu Pinabetengan means "The stone of discussion about the division"). The ruling was made in order to ensure a peaceful and harmonious life. Seven divisions were made amongst different areas of Tombulu, Tonsea, Toulour, Tontemboan, Tonsawang, Ponosakan and Pasan Ratahan. This is located in Tompaso, about 45 km from Manado.

Lake Linow Color ( Lahendong Village )

Lake Linow 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.

Tomohon ( The City Of Flowers )

A nice little town and the center of Christian Missionaries lays about 25 km from Manado. Located at 700 meters above sea level and between Mount Lokon and Mahawu and with a temperature of about 20 degrees Celsius it is a place to cool off after the hot air of Manado. The land around the village is covered with flowers.

Volcanoes Lokon and Mahawu ( Rurukan Village )

Mount Lokon (1.580 m) and Mahawu (1.311 m), both have crater lakes of considerable beauty, duck-egg blue and smoking. Lokon is usually considered to be more beautiful of the two, but right now it is to risky to there since there was a warning from local goverment. Mt Mahawu is ok and normally they walk from Rurukan Village. It takes only 1 hour walking from Rurukan Village to the top of Mt. Mahawu. Walking condition is good, you are welcome to do trekking in this mountain.

Tarsius / the smallest monkey - Tangkoko Batuangus

A nature reserve on open grassland covered with a great variety of plants. Located on the slopes of mount "Dua Saudara", the area is composed of impressive green hills and valleys with amazingly scenic views of natural beauty. There are black apes, maleo birds, snakes, wild pigs, hornbills and rusa deer. Located north of Bitung, it covers on area of 3,196 ha. This nature reserve has several cottages and small restaurants nearby. From Manado it takes arround 2 hours and 30 minutes to this place. In the past, the road was so rough you would need a 4WD jeep. But now, newly laid roads allow easy accessibility by passenger cars and vans. You are welcome to visit this area.

Bunaken island ( Liang Beach )

Liang beach is the main beach of Bunaken island, located on the west side. Tt this beach you will find diving resorts - Froggies Divers, Bastianos Diving Resort and Cottages and Sulawesi Dive Quest.

Bunaken island ( Pangalisang Beach )

Another beach on Bunaken island called Pangalisang beach. Only some of the dive resorts have their own beach. The diving resorts in this place are Living Color Diving Resort, Cha Cha Diving Resort, Two Divers and the new dive resort of Mc Dive Bunaken.

Copy From http://www.visit-manado.com/about-manado.html


Bali

Overview
Bali, a magical island known for its spiritual and cultural wealth, natural splendor and hospitable folk, lends a true meaning to paradise. Here, traditional performances enthrall, radiant beaches beckon, watersports abound and the festivities never end.

Recommended Tour

Bali's reputation as a paradise on earth was not earned without merit. The island's wondrous tropical retreat is resplendent with natural attractions, theme parks, nightspots, shopping opportunities, inland adventure and water sports. The fascinating indigenous culture and warm, gracious people make a holiday here all the more interesting and pleasant. The island promises a little something for everyone.

Kuta-Legian

A day spent in Kuta can cover a whole range of activities. Often a major destination for shopping, bargain hunting on summer apparel, ethnic arts and crafts, jewelry and more can be found at Kuta Center. If you seek something more adrenaline-inducing, go head over to A.J. Hackett to experience bungee jumping Balinese style. Afterwards, you may need to calm down, so head for Kuta Beach for some sun and calming ocean views. While you are at the beach, stop in at Wave to enjoy the open air dech, the diner, or the dance floor. An evening of entertainment can be found at The Legian Arcade which features not only plenty of shopping and dining but also offers nightly performances of Balinese dance and local contemporary music.

Bali Bird Park and the Village of Ubud

As home to the rare and beautiful Bali Starling, the Bali Bird Park is most active in t he early morning, when the birds first begin to sing. Next head over to Goa Gajahto see the ancient elephant cave with its serene pools of water and elaborate carvings. From here the village of Ubud is only a ten minute car ride away. Stop in at Ary's Warang with its menu that covers traditional Indonesian dishes yet also supplies home style comfort food for Western travelers. Explore Ubud'sShopping District even if you are not interested in purchasing curios. The art galleries, traditional craft shops and markets are a feast for the eyes, and lead you to Forest Monkey Road and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to the descendents of Hanuman t he Monkey General as well as a temple and several statues and fountains. Next stop in at Cafe Lotus for a refreshing lassi by the lotus pond before finishing your day.

Sanur Beach

Heading down Jalan Puptuan towards the boardwalk and beach, make sure to stop at Indico Wines to sample some of Bali's native grapes. Wine tours can also be arranged at their store here. Next stop is Sanur Beach with its white sands, shops, snack stands, and plenty of water and beach activities. Take a break from the sun in the Inna Grand Beach second floor cafe, or head to Apa Kabar for a more extensive meal. Clothing and fun accessories with a Balinese flavor can be found at nearby Mama & Leon Threadworks. Finally end your day in the sun over a refreshing drink at the Bonsai Cafe.

Puputan Square and Downtown Denpasar

Full of small alleys, markets and color, downtown Denpasar can be explored mostly on foot. Start out at the fresh flower market at Pasar Kembang. Pick up a gardenia to take with you on your journey. Next head two blocks north to Puputan Square, the cultural and historical center of Denpasar. Facing one side of the square is the former Dutch governor's mansion, where events for the Bali Arts Festival are held in June and July. Also facing the square is the Pura Jagatnathatemple complex, recently opened to the public. Next take a short walk over to theMuseum Semarajaya, the museum established in 1932 to preserve and explain traditional Balinese arts. Not far from the museum and Puputan Square is Jalan Sulawesi, a street full of fabric shops and tailors. Whether you are searching out the services of a tailor or an excellent location to snap some photos, the cottons, silks and woven fabircs here are certain to please. Afterwards take a short cab ride to Jalan Teuku Umar Barat, Denpasar's main street, find a warang to refresh yourself with some traditional lo cal snacks, then head northwest along the main street to see what the stores have on offer.

Mount Batur

Some companies combine a morning hike or cycling excursion with afternoon rafting. A trek up Mount Batur takes about three hours and rewards climbers with a panoramic vista of hot springs, lava rocks, farms and Lake Bratan within the caldera. Lying at the rim of this volcano, Kintamani village serves as an excellent vantage point for viewing the crater lake; you can also book nature hikes here.Mount Agung, Bali's highest peak, challenges serious trekkers and cyclists with more arduous routes.

As you venture through exo tic Bali be sure not to miss out on all the art and culture that Bali upholds.

Interesting Places On Belitung

Interesting Places at Belitung Island :
1. Tanjung Pandan

Like Bangka, Belitung is also called a tin island. It is the second biggest tin producer in Indonesia. The capital town of Belitung is Tanjung Pandan. It is about 45 minutes flights from Jakarta. The topography consists of lowland and some small areas of swamp while in the middle part there is highland in groups of 150 - 200 meters above the sea level. Tanjung Pandan is stay at 1070 20’ East longitude and 020 30’ - 030 15 south latitudes. Its wide area is 229.365 Ha and bordered by:

North side: South China Sea
East side: East Belitung Regency
South side: Jawa Sea
West side: Gaspar Strait
In Tanjung Pandan, there is a Geology museum, the omission of PT Timah, which save various historical and cultural collections. Beside that, Tanjung Pandan is also equipped with zoo and Dayanag Seri Pinai swimming pool. The famous beach in Tanjung Pandan is Tanjungpendam beach, which always held ‘Buang Jong’ ceremony every July and August.

2. Manggar

Manggar is the 2nd largest town in Belitung. It's placed in Eastern coast about 90 km from Tanjungpandan. Manggar is also a district with 37.845 Ha area, 12 villages and 27 small islands along Manggar district beach. Its population is about 87,049 men. The regency that border on Karimata strait, is still centered its economics in mining. Manggar was the center of tin mining activity in Belitung starting from 19th century pioneered by Dutch people. There was western standard residential area in a hilly beach in Eastern of town. This place calls as Mount Samak. Mount Samak is still an exclusive place at this time, even more pleasure with Golf Court facility in the beach close to Mount Samak. Now, Mount Samak has no longer exist in the middle 1980s when PT. TIMAH ending their tin mining exploitation in Manggar after up to 100 years in operation. Manggar is not only about tin, people live as normal and there is always economy activity that makes the town life. There are many nice places that can be visited like: Serdang beach, Burung Mandi beach, Malang Lepau beach, Pengepangan beach, Tirta Surya natural swimming pool, Payak Lake, Kwan In Chinese temple. Hundreds hectares of sand is spreads in this regency. It has been known for its glass raw material and its soil as ceramics raw material.

3. Tanjung Tinggi

Belitung is beautiful. One of its beauties is Tanjung Tinggi beach. This beach is located about 30 km of Tanjung Pandan, a beach that has many types of granite and become the superior of Tanjung Tinggi. The visitors can enjoy the beauty of this natural beach by stand on the top of these granites or from the big stone. This natural beach is not far from Tanjung Kelayang beach. It is really natural beach that presents the nature scenery for the tourists who want to visit this beach. Spoiled your self in this warmed of sun and the blue of sea. You will feel that both of the beaches are your own. The visitor can do some activities such as; swimming, sun bathing, surfing, fishing, etc. Beside that, this beach, which is rich of its granites with their various sizes, also has the natural carpet of white sand.

4. Tanjung Kelayang

Tanjung Kelayang is one of Belitung’s beautiful beaches. This beach is also offering white sandy beach with its unique stones that strong stand up in various forms. The name of Tanjung Kelayang is taken from its unique boulder that looks like a bird. The word ‘Tanjung’ means ‘Peninsula’ and ‘Kelayang’ means ‘a kind of bird species’. Tanjung Kelayang is surround by small islands that framed the beautiful sunset. Stay here to enjoy the moon that shines the seawater. The visitors can spend their holiday here by diving, swimming, sun bathing, fishing, etc.
Walk along Tanjung Kelayang, the visitors will see the spread of boulders in the beach. These boulders that almost 5 meters size, are in piles each other uniquely. There is big stone that stick by three small stones. The positions of these small stones are unique. It is very attractive if the visitors walk along those boulders and jump on the top of the boulders. Those boulders are formed rooms and hole, the tourism object that make the visitor always want to take the picture in that boulders.

5. Lengkuas Island

Belitung Island is surrounded by small islands, such as; Nasik island, Lima island, Lengkuas island, Melindung island, Seliu island, Nadu island, Mendanau island, Batu Dinding island and the other small islands. One of them is Lengkuas Island. Lengkuas Island is a small island, placed in North of Tanjung Binga village. This island is surround by several granite rock islands that can reach by just walking cross the seawater that less than 1,2m depth. Those granites are also various unique forms. The water is totally clean, so we can easily see the bottom of sea as well as fishes swimming inside the water. It is a nice place for playing in the water or snorkeling.

This is a small island that unique, because it has a lighthouse and exciting scenery around it that can be enjoy from the top of the lighthouse. The Dutch builds this lighthouse in 19 century. The beach is totally crystal clear water, which has its white sandy. There are some granites island that can reach by swimming or walking through the water, which is less than 1,5 meter. The other islands that interest to visit is Burung Island, Babi Island, Pengadaran Island, Lutung Island, Kera Island dan Jenang Island.

6. Tanjung Binga

Tanjung Binga village is in Sijuk district. If the visitors come to the right season, they will find delicious Durian (kind of fruit). In the side of Tanjung Binga village, you can find Bukit Berahu Cottages that equipped with swimming pool a nine holes golf field. There are about eight uninhabited small islands that become part of Tanjung Binga village and it’s famous with its nature beautiful. This tourism object is also famous with its beautiful beach, and fascinated granites. This island is called Burung Island (Pulau Burung). It is about 12 hectares; has coconut garden, and small hill. The visitors can visit those islands by the fishermen’s canoe.
Tanjung Binga is a fishery village, where the tourists can found many kinds of fishes. Just a few meters of Tanjung Binga, the visitor can see the bevy of fishes that spread around, which most of them is kind of Haring fish family. See those fishes is the interesting moment that we can’t found in other places. Beside that, the visitor can also enjoy the fresh fishes in the restaurants around that offer their special seafood menu.
To continue the journey, the visitor can go to Tanjung Tinggi and Tanjung Kelayang, because their location is not far from Tanjung Binga. Do your wonderful journey in Belitung Island by visiting Tanjung Binga and enjoy the natural beach that will give you unforgettable experience.

7. Punai Beach

Actually, Punai beach has not known yet as tourism object. This beach is kind of natural beach with its white sandy and few of granites. This beach is located about 93 km of Tanjung Pandan or 18 km of Dendang District. It is about 11/2 hour of Tanjung Pandan. Punai Beach is stay at end south side of Belitung Island. This beach is also the place of the fishermen to looking for fresh fish. So, the visitors can enjoy fresh fish from the fishermen. This beautiful beach is suitable for having sport activities, such as swimming, fishing and also snorkeling. Because it’s natural beach, Punai beach can fresh your mind and make you feel comfort in spend your trip here. It is also suitable for the adventurer to get their different adventurous.

Copyfrom : http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/bangka-belitung/

Belitung

GENERAL CONDITION OF BELITUNG ISLAND

Belitung is an Island in South East Asia, a part of Nation archipelago. Belitung is ruled by Indonesia since 1950 and became a district of South Sumatra province. On November 21st, 2000, Belitung and Bangka Island has been approved to become the 31st province of Indonesia separated from South Sumatra. This new province is called ‘Kepulauan Bangka Belitung’ province. This Island is placed at 107o 35' - 108o 18' Latitude and 2o 30' - 3o 15' Longitude.

The length of the diameter from East to West is about 79 km and North to South about 77 km. The total land is 480.060 hectares with 189 small islands surround Belitung. Some of them are quite big with a couple of villages. They are Mendanau Island, Seliu Island, Nadu Island and Batu Dinding Island. Most of Belitung population is come of Melayu ethnic and most of them are Moslem. There are some other ethnics likes Chinese, Javanese, Balinese and some people from Sumatra like Palembang, Minang and Batak. Belitung regency consists of 9 districts and 69 villages. The capital of Belitung is Tanjungpandan, which stay at North West of this Island. The other large towns are Manggar, Gantung, Kelapa Kampit and Sijuk. The main resources, which also become the main product of Belitung Island, are tin mining, kaolin, quartz sands, and granite rock. The plantation are mainly palm oil, pepper, coconut, coffee, natural rubber, and vegetable.

If seen from its tourism sector, Belitung is an island with beautiful beaches, the unique landscape with its purely white sand, and the crystal clear seawater. Belitung is also popular with its granite boulder white stones beach in Tanjung Tinggi, Tanjung Kelayang, Tanjung Binga dan Lengkuas Island. This beautiful nature is also accompanied by hundreds of small islands, which add the beautiful tourism area in Belitung Island. Belitung Island is one of the best and unique beaches own in Indonesia.

Geographically
North coast of the island is South China Sea, Java Sea on the South coast, Kari Mata strait on the East close to Borneo Island and Gaspar strait on the West close to Bangka island. The land is about 4833 square km, 89 km long (East to West) and 69 km wide (North to South) with diversified terrain, hilly areas and extensive tracks of marshland. The climate is tropical, temperature around 27 - 31 C degree during the day and 23 - 25 C degree during the night. There only 2 season a year, rainy season (120mm) from October to April and hot season during April to October. The highest land is Tajam Mountain, only 500m above the sea. The others are just a hill likes Burung Mandi, Kubing, Kik Karak, Peramun, Selumar, Guda, ect.
The land surface is originally tropical forest, but since the development palm oil industry in 1992 more than 40% of the surface are palm oil plantation.