Lombok Island

Lombok Island in Indonesia - Though less developed than Bali, in recent years Lombok has given Bali a run for its money in the realm of tourism. Lombok has wonderful beaches, volcano and varied landscape. It is an ideal place for those looking for a private holiday away from the hustle and bustle of a normal tourist spot.

History of Lombok
The earliest recorded society on Lombok was the relatively small kingdom of the Sasak. The Sasak people were agriculturalists and animists who practised ancestor and spirit worship. The original Sasak are believed to have come overland from northwestern India or Myanmar (Burma) in waves of migration that predated most Indonesian ethnic groups. Not much is known about Lombok before the 17th century, at which time it was split into four regions; Pagasangan, Pagutan, Mataram and Cakranegara, each ruled by a Sasak king. This disunity was exploited by the neighboring Balinese. Balinese princes ruled Lombok from the mid-18th century until the 1890s, when the Dutch sided with the Sasaks and defeated the Balinese in bloody battles. Under Dutch rule, the eastern islands of Indonesia were grouped together as the Lesser Sunda Islands, administered from Singaraja, Bali. When Sukarno proclaimed Indonesia's independence on 17 August 1945, the Lesser Sunda Islands were formed into the single province of Nusa Tenggara. In 1958, the province was divided into three separate regions - Bali, West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara.

Climate of Lombok
Lombok has tropical climate with average temperature ranging between 28°C and 34°C. There are two main seasons: wet (from October to April) and dry (from May to September). Humidity is high throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit Lombok
The best time to visit Lombok is surprisingly during the rainy season (October - April) when humidity decreases and the landscape is lush and green. The dry season (May-September) can be particularly hot and dusty.

Lombok Tourist Attractions

Gili Islands: These small coral-fringed islands are famous for their white sandy beaches and are an ideal place for those interested in sun and sand. The place also offer wonderful opportunities for snorkeling. The absence of automobiles and hawkers add to the pleasure.

Kuta: Kuta is an upcoming beach resort of Lombok. The place offers quiet and laidback atmosphere to the tourists.

Museum Negeri Nusa Tenggara Barat: This modern museum has exhibits on the geology, history and culture of Lombok and Sumbawa, and is worth visiting. If you intend to buy any antiques or handicrafts, have a look at the daggers, silver or gold-threaded cloth, basket ware and masks.

Pura Lingsar: Located 6 km east of Mataram-the capital of Lombok-this large temple complex, built in 1714, is the holiest place on Lombok. The temple combines the Balinese Hindu and Wektu Telu religions in one complex. The Hindu temple in the northern section is higher than the Wektu Telu temple in the southern section. It's an especially fascinating place for those interested in Wektu Telu, Lombok's indigenous religion.

Taman Narmada: Laid out as a miniature replica of the summit of Gunung Rinjani and its crater lake, Taman Narmada derives its name from the sacred Indian river, Narmada. Its temple, Pura Kalasa, is still used and the Balinese Pujawali celebration is held here annually.

Rinjani: Rinjani, the highest mountain in Lombok at 3,726m, is an active volcano. The volcano is a popular destination for hikers and treks to the caldera are common. The hot springs located on the northeastern side of the caldera are thought to have amazing healing powers.

Senggigi: Senggigi is the most developed tourist spot on Lombok. It has beautiful beaches and good snorkeling facilities.

Shopping in Lombok
Intricate palm-leaf wedding trunks and armoires with mother-of-pearl inlays is one of the favorite shopping items in Lombok. Bone, wood, and bamboo are good buys, along with ikat and songket, a fabric with silver and gold thread running through it that was traditionally used for sarongs worn by royalty.

How to Reach Lombok
Mataram is the capital city of Lombok, and is served by an International airport. It is also possible to reach Lombok by ferry from neighbouring Bali.

 

source : http://www.indonesiapoint.com/tourist-attractions/lombok.html

SANUR, BALI

Sanur Beach

Sanur Beach is a beautiful white sandy beach with calm and warm seawater located in east part of Denpasar Town. The beach location in eastside and south part of Sanur Village is an edge of Indonesia Ocean. This place has famous since long time, especially when the happening of the Puputan Badung war on 20 September 1906, where that moment the Dutch colonist land its army in this coast. There is a stone monument found in this place as an inscription of Sri Kesari Warmadewa King with the palace in Singhadwala year 917, whereabouts now there are in Blanjong, southern part of Sanur Beach.

Sanur Beach, a Tourist Place in Bali

Sanur Beach is first time introduced by Belgium artist called A.J. Le Mayeur and his wife named Ni Polok which remains in Sanur since year 1937. He has performed his own masterpiece painting exhibition and start introduces Sanur as a tourist place in Bali. In south-east side, we can see the bunch of Nusa Penida Island and eastside we can see beautiful panorama of Bali strait with its Agung Mount as a backdrop. The tropical atmosphere sweep entire of Sanur Beach that makes it as an ideal place for relaxation. It is also blessed by the breathtaking view of sunrise that one is the fascination for tourist to visit and stay in this place.

Beautiful Beach Resorts in Bali

Sanur Beach is located only 4 km from downtown of Denpasar and it can be easily reached by car or motorcycle. It is many visited by foreign and local tourists especially on the weekend and holiday season. At the night of full moon, many people come to this place for relaxation, swimming or enjoy the beauty of coast. The Le Mayeur Museum is one of the art museums in Sanur also a lot of drawing the tourist enthusiasm to visit this place. As a tourist place in Bali, Sanur Beach is one of the alternative place to perform the event from local, national and also international. For example events are held in this place like Kite and Jukung Race. Other tourists facilities can be found in this place are the existence of hotels with international standard like The Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Bali Hyatt Resort, Sanur Beach Hotel and more. The various of this tourism facilities are mixed with other facilities for local resident are making the good combination tourist area which is different like Nusa Dua that is a closed area. The art shop, accommodation from cheaper hotels until five star hotels, bar and restaurant are quite a lot available in this place.

PUBLIC FACILITIES

• Parking Area
• Police Station
• Food Stall
• Bar
• Supermarket
• Bank
• Villa

• Souvenir Shops
• Public Telephone
• Restaurant
• Guest House
• Money Changer
• School
• Patrol Station

• Drinks Stall
• Rent Car
• Market
• Post office
• Motorbike Rental
• Hotel

 

Pantai Sanur

pantai Sanur adalah pantai berpasir putih yang indah dengan tenang dan air laut hangat yang terletak di bagian timur Kota Denpasar. Lokasi pantai di sebelah timur dan bagian selatan Sanur Village merupakan tepi Samudra Indonesia. Tempat ini memiliki terkenal sejak lama, terutama ketika terjadinya perang Puputan Badung pada tanggal 20 September 1906, di mana saat itu penjajah Belanda tanah tentara di pantai ini. Ada sebuah monumen batu yang ditemukan di tempat ini sebagai sebuah prasasti Sri Kesari Warmadewa King dengan istana di Singhadwala tahun 917, keberadaan sekarang ada di Blanjong, bagian selatan dari Pantai Sanur.

Pantai Sanur, Turis Tempat di Bali

Sanur Beach adalah pertama kalinya diperkenalkan oleh Belgia artis disebut AJ Le Mayeur dan istrinya yang bernama Ni Polok yang tetap di Sanur sejak tahun 1937. Dia telah melakukan sendiri karya lukisan pameran dan mulai memperkenalkan Sanur sebagai tempat wisata di Bali. Di sisi selatan-timur, kita bisa melihat sekelompok Nusa Penida dan Eastside kita bisa melihat keindahan panorama selat Bali dengan Gunung Agung nya sebagai latar belakang. Tropis suasana menyapu seluruh Pantai Sanur yang membuatnya sebagai tempat yang ideal untuk relaksasi. Hal ini juga diberkati oleh pemandangan matahari terbit yang satu adalah daya tarik bagi wisatawan untuk mengunjungi dan tinggal di tempat ini.

beautiful resort

Pantai Sanur terletak hanya 4 km dari pusat kota Denpasar dan dapat dengan mudah dicapai dengan mobil atau sepeda motor. Hal ini banyak dikunjungi wisatawan asing dan lokal terutama pada akhir pekan dan musim liburan. Pada malam bulan purnama, banyak orang datang ke tempat ini untuk relaksasi, berenang atau menikmati keindahan pantai. The Le Mayeur Museum adalah salah satu museum seni di Sanur juga banyak menarik antusiasme wisatawan untuk mengunjungi tempat ini. Sebagai tempat wisata di Bali , Sanur Beach adalah salah satu tempat alternatif untuk melakukan acara dari lokal, nasional maupun internasional. Misalnya acara yang diadakan di tempat ini seperti Kite dan Jukung Race. Wisatawan lain fasilitas dapat ditemukan di tempat ini adalah keberadaan hotel dengan standar internasional seperti The Grand Bali Beach Hotel, Bali Hyatt Resort, Sanur Beach Hotel dan banyak lagi. Berbagai fasilitas pariwisata ini dicampur dengan fasilitas lain bagi penduduk lokal membuat kombinasi kawasan wisata yang baik yang berbeda seperti Nusa Dua yang merupakan daerah tertutup. The art shop, akomodasi dari hotel murah sampai hotel bintang lima, bar dan restoran yang cukup banyak tersedia di tempat ini.

FASILITAS PUBLIK

• Area Parkir
• Kantor Polisi
• Stall Makanan
• Bar
• Supermarket
• Bank
• Vila

• Toko Souvenir
• Telepon Umum
• Restoran
• Guest House
• Money Changer
• Sekolah
• Patrol Station

• Minuman Stall
• Rent Car
• Pasar
• Kantor pos
• Rental Motor
• Hotel 

 sumber : http://www.balistarisland.com/Bali-Interesting-Place/Sanur.htm

BUNAKEN ISLAND, NORTH SULAWESI

One of the top diving sites in Indonesia, Bunaken Island (Pulau Bunaken) is unsurprisingly very popular for divers around the world.The Bunaken Marine Park is not only rich with marine lives, it is also mesmerizing for its water so clear it is truly transparent. It includes the islands of Manado Tua, Siladen, Mantehage, Nain and Nain Kecil.

Where is it

It is located in Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Map of Bunaken Island in Indonesia

Why go

Come visit here for diving and snorkeling, as it boasts a rich marine life in its Marine National Park. It has an amazing diverse marine life such as 70 different corals, five species of sea turtles, many fish species and even white tip and black tip reef sharks, the almost extinct dugongs, barracuda and even saltwater crocodiles!

Turtle in diving at Bunaken Island in Indonesia

When is the best time to go

Indonesia being a tropical climate of only two seasons, dry and wet, it is best to visit during the dry season to maximize your marine visibility. Dry season is from May to September. Bear in mind though this would be peak with crowd and it might get really hot in the day.

Reefs and fishes in diving at Bunaken Island in Indonesia

What to do

The main thing to do here is to dive! Here you have 20 dive sites to choose from where you can expect to enjoy many hard to find marine lives. Beware that some walls are steeps and current may be strong and sudden in change.
Snorkel at many of the sites above if diving is not your thing, you’ll be pleasantly delighted that there are many marine lives as well in shallow area.
Hiking to some of the secluded areas is possible but trails are not well marked, so please check with the locals.
Dolphin and whale watching can be arranged along with dive trips or else you may hire a boat privately for this.

How to get there

Fly into Manado and then take a boat for to Bunaken, which takes around 45-60 minutes. You may arrange the boat with your resorts or else there is a public boat that leaves everyday (except Sunday) at around 2-3pm from Manado to Bunaken. Catch the public boat at the north side of the Manado market. It costs 25,000 Rp one way for foreign travelers while 10,000 Rp for local travelers. You may return with boat as well via the Bunaken village jetty at around 8-8.30 am.
Just chill at the beach and enjoy the beautiful sun, seas and wind.

Village at Bunaken Island in Indonesia

Where to go nearby

Get back to Manado for your city fix and as springboard to elsewhere in Sulawesi or Indonesia.

Travel Tips

Take note that there is a Marine Park fees of 50,000 Rp per day (or 150,000 Rp per year if needed). Please pay at dive resorts, dive shops or resorts wherever applicable and get your pass that would be checked from time to time.

Sunset at Bunaken Island in Indonesia

source : http://allindonesiatravel.com/pulau-bunaken-island-north-sulawesi/

TOP 10 PLACE IN YOGYAKARTA

Yogyakarta is the capital city of the Yogyakarta Special Region in Central Java, Indonesia and also can be known interchangeably as Jogjakarta or Jogja. If someone asked me where is one place to go in Java I would say it is here as there are many things to do and also to see here.
Wedged strategically between two powerhouse of ancient temples – Prambanan the magnificent Hindu temple and Borobudur the renown Buddhist temple, this place holds more wonders than just that. You can explore the main streets and narrow alleys for hidden treasures of bygone days, taste the best Javanese food and soak yourself in history, art and culture.
Unsurprisingly, it is one of the major tourist hub in Indonesia, due to its uniqueness and all the tourist attractions, sightseeing places and many things to do all packed into one.
Here are our top 10 things to do in Yogyakarta:

Prambanan at Yogyakarta

Be awed by the magnificent Prambanan Temple
Candi Prambanan (temple) or also known as Candi Rara Jonggrang, is a well known ancient Hindu Temple in Indonesia. It is built during the 9th century for Trimurti as an expression that God is the Creator (Brahma), Preserver (Vishnu) and also the Destroyer (Shiva). The temple compound lies just 18km east of Yogyakarta and can be easily reached with the Transjogja public bus, which is by far the cheapest and best option to visit Prambanan. It is one of the Indonesia UNESCO World Heritage Site, being one of the largest Hindu temple architecture in Southeast Asia.

Candi Sewu (temple) at Yogyakarta

Unearth the secrets of Sewu Temple
Located just 10-15 minutes walk from Prambanan temple, is definitely worth a visit if you want to be greeted with temple ruins that are eerily captivating. The place, a good respite from the crowds in Prambanan, seems to hold many secrets in its many hidden and dark corners. The name Sewu means thousand, despite that it only has 249 temples, due to the legend of Loro Jonggrang. Partially restored, it seems more authentic and self exploration allows your imagination to run while you do your own interpretation of the place, its structures and carvings.

Candi Sambisari (temple) at Yogyakarta

Admire the reconstructed puzzle of Sambisari Temple (candi)
By no means in anyway stand out from the shadows of the above temple, it is still a good stopover when you are making your way to Prambanan. Sambisari temple use to be buried five metres underground for hundred of years until the first slab of stone was discovered in 1966. This temple that took more than 20 years to excavate and reconstructs seems to stand as a bold testament of many archeologists best effort in restoring the glory of the past.

Jalan Malioboro at Yogyakarta

Shop at Jalan Malioboro and Pasar Beringharjo
Yogyakarta is almost a shopping haven too after the likes of Bandung, with a lot of cheap things to buy. At the streets of Malioboro and at the Beringharjo market you will find lots of stalls line up selling anything you can think of from clothes to bags to rattan products and silver jewelries, food and anything you thought you might find in Indonesia.
Try one of the best Indonesian food – Gudeg
Gudeg is the most famous dish in Yogyakarta, even making it a moniker City of Gudeg. This unique Indonesian dish is a stew made from young jackfruit (nangka) with palm sugar, coconut milk, meat, garlic and spices. The special taste came from the slow melding of flavours and textures to the right perfection. Get a taste of gudeg at the longest standing establishment – Gudeg Yu Djum.

Gudeg Yu Djum, Yogyakarta

Hike the ruins to Mount Merapi (Volcano)
Even if you are not a serious hiker or climber, you should try the short hike towards Mount Merapi and find yourself amidst the leftovers of houses and such after the recent volcano eruption in 2010. You will find yourself humbled by the immensity of nature’s wrath and how people respond to it bravely. If you reach the place of Mbah Maridjan, you will learn how a keeper of spirits stood by his duty even when the volcano erupted.

Ruin houses at Mount Merapi, Yogyakarta

Sneak into Water Castle (Taman Sari)
Use a back way from the other side of the castle and try to sneak your way in through rundown defense walls and scattered village houses. Once you got in, you will find yourself in mazes of underground water holes, secret chambers and gardens and pools. This castle is a huge complex that use to be a former royal garden of Sultanate of Yogyakarta used for various functions including bathing place. You heard me right, bathing place, which personally I find the most intriguing, with a calm blue pool surrounded starkingly by pink buildings.

Bathing pool at Taman Sari, Yogyakarta

Enjoy the sights and stories at Kraton Yogyakarta
A well maintained palace from the days of Sultans of Yogyakarta, you will find unique architecture and heirlooms of the days of glory here. All travelers will be accompanied by a local guide who amazingly can speak all kinds of language, and though you may wary of a guide idea, you will definitely find it enjoyable as you listen to myths, rituals, stories and even humor as you go along the palace grounds. Indeed a must visit to understand the deep rich history and culture of Jogja.

Reading at Kraton Palace, Yogyakarta

Join the local myth and try your luck crossing between two trees
After Kraton, walk further south to the Southern Park (alun-alun) where you will find two huge banyan trees side by side in the middle of the square. Local myth has it that if you manage to walk between the trees while blindfolded, you will get what you wish for. There are many entrepreneurial Indonesians hanging around here to sell you this service by lending you a black cloth to blindfold, then they will proceed to ‘help you’ to walk from the end of the park to cross between the trees by shouting “left! right!” But even with their help or not, you will find it almost impossible to walk straight in between the trees and many had failed. Therefore the myth persists and continues to draw many people to come and try their luck!

Crossing between the Banyan Tree Myth at Yogyakarta

Chill out at a cafe

Cafes at Jalan Prawirotaman, Yogyakarta

At the end of a long day walking and exploring Yogyakarta, you can have your evening chilling out at one of the many cafes, there are many to choose from at Jalan Prawirotaman (road) . Here you will find good atmosphere to just sit for a long time and probably catch up on that email or with friends. Food choices among the cafes are a mix of local and international of main meals and snacks. Drinks may range from local sweet drinks to lassi and of course coffee. Get to one of the cafes here to mingle with people or just sit at a corner all tuck in by yourself. Bonus number 11:
Venture out to the serene Borobudur
Technically not in Yogyakarta but many will definitely do this day trip (only 1 hour drive from Yogyakarta to Borobudur) or few days trip out of Jogja just for a visit to Borobudur (better choice if you have the time). Yes it is worth the trip and it is even better if you can stay the night nearby and catch the temple at the dawn of light (if you pay for the sunrise tour) or at least be the first to go in when it opens at 8am. This is how to best enjoy it, when it is at its most quiet, with just a trickle of travelers like you who appreciate the silence and marvels at the beauty with respect. This 9th century temple is an Indonesia UNESCO Heritage site and one of the largest Buddhist temple in the world, consisting of six square platforms with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha status. Thousands of Buddhists does their pilgrimage here in Borobudur during Waisak day.

Borobudur at Central Java

source : http://allindonesiatravel.com/top-10-things-to-do-in-yogyakarta/

TOP 10 BEST BALI BEACHES

Bali, the most well known travel place in Indonesia, do not need much introduction. Many come to Bali maybe for the culture, the arts, the temples, diving, surfing or even the food, but one thing for sure it is for the beach. Travelers come to Bali for its long stretches of white sand beach, crystal clear sea for swimming, strong waves for surfing and volcanic black sands for sunbathing.
There are many types of beach in Bali, from those with big rocks created by corals or lava to those covered wholly with white or black sand. So depending what you look to do at the beach, there are a number of beaches for you to choose from. Whether you are a swimmer or not and if you are with kids, you may well choose from these beautiful beaches below. Look out for the high tide when swimming.
Here is a list of best Bali beaches for you:

Nusa Dua Beach, Bali

Nusa Dua Beach

This beach has many luxury hotels built around it. There are a variety of flowers and plants that grows around here. Imagine tall palm trees, wild mangroves, fragrant trees and orchids amidst clear blue ocean and rolling golden sand. Yes we are almost describing paradise. Swimming here is great as the currents and waves are low. The water is crystal clear for snorkeling. For surfers, head on to the south or north ends for higher waves.

Kuta Beach, Bali

Kuta Beach

Further down the line from the city Kuta is the Kuta beach. The waves are higher here and the currents are strong making it a perfect haven for surfers. But of course it means not so much for swimming. The beach is always crowded with locals or tourist, mostly for the vibe and energy that circles around here. At night you can find the Kuta beach parties among the beach clubs that are guaranteed to entertain. The local Hard Rock Cafe Bali is situated here so you can eat, drink and party whole day and night.

Sanur Beach, Bali

Sanur Beach

This beach is located at the coast of village Sanur, west of Bali. It stretches several kilometers long with golden sand and small corals. There are many shells here for the avid collectors. The waves here are milder and best for swimming. The sea here crystal clear where you can even spot sea creatures like starfish when walking at the beach. If you find a starfish please help throw it back into the sea to save them!

Balangan Beach, Bali

Balangan Beach

This is well on top of the list in best beaches for Bali, located across from the greens of Uluwatu. To get there you will pass local villages with cattle grazing the fields with local people going about their daily chores. This is a small and quiet beach, best for those looking for a secret hideaway. The ocean currents are strong and the waves high, therefore not recommended for swimming. When It is low tide, it would be a perfect beach for strolling along enjoying the sun while the waves lap on your feet.

Geger Beach, Bali

Geger Beach

Located from the highway heading to Nusa Dua, Geger beach is a beautiful white sand beach glistening in the sun. The sea is calmer here in comparison to Kuta or Balangan beach, though sometimes it may get a bit rough by the evening so please beware. Local seaweed farmers do their work here sometimes so if you are lucky you can enjoy watching them going about their livelihood. There are many cafes dotted along this beach making it famous for Sunday brunch or just for drinks and there is a temple at the end.

Bias Tugal (Tugel) Beach

Also known as Pantai Kecil (little beach) to the locals or white sand beach to the travelers, this deserted beach is one of the best kept secret. Tucked away near Padang Bai and west of the harbour is somewhat hidden and only accessible after a 500m trek down a rocky path. After the trek you will be greeted with stretches of white sand beach and sparkling blue sea with swaying coconut trees. Current may be strong here and not for beginner swimmers, but you can always just soak up the sun in solitude by the sand.

Padang-padang Beach, Bali

Padang-Padang Beach

Located close to the Uluwatu temple, this beautiful beach is surrounded by big rocks and overgrown plants and monkeys. You would need to get pass the narrow passage and steep steps to this hidden paradise. The beach is covered with huge rocks and small caves for exploration and when the tide is high, it is also good for swimming. Just beware of sharp corals and sea urchins. Recently after Eat, Pray, Love fame, this beach had been more crowded than usual but for now still have most of its beauty and charm.

Sunset at Lovina Beach, Bali

Lovina Beach

This less famous beach is located in the North of Bali. Lovina beach is covered in black sands that are originally from the Mt Agung volcano cooled lava. This is almost a swimmer’s paradise with calm sea and low waves. The area is also generally quiet without the usual swarm of tourists. Further down you will find fisherman’s village with friendly local people and also thermal hot springs from the volcanic water. Most travelers only come here to catch the dolphins at sunrise.

Bali Hotel Deals

Nyang Nyang Beach

Another secret beach of Bali, this beach require going uphill and downhill a winding street and then through a small forest to get to. The effort is well worth it to find a hidden beach at Nusa Dua, with white sandy beach and crystal clear blue sea. There are not many tourists here while you would see local people harvesting seaweed. The downside here is that you have to climb down slippery 550 moss-filled steps to get to the water, therefore not recommended for children. Also beware of lots of mosquitoes hidden in the greens, repellant is a must. Swim only when the tide is low.

Dream Beach at Nusa Lembongan, Bali

Dream beach in Nusa Lembongan

Lembongan is a small island about 7km out of sea from Bali. Dream beach in Nusa Lembongan is known for serene sea lapping on long sandy bays. It is an island with big rocks and small vegetaion with spots of sandy bays. Most people stay longer at this island to explore all the beauty of it. This island is still largely undeveloped unlike the rest of Bali and let one feel the sense of going back in time, just enjoying the natural beach.
As you can see Bali is filled with beautiful beaches from people filled and full of energy beach to quiet, secluded or hidden beaches. You will also find beaches from white to black sands and sea serene for swimming to strong waves for surfing. Check out the above best beaches of Bali as recommended by many travelers or do you know a good beach that we did not mention? Which is your personal favourite beach in Bali?

source : http://allindonesiatravel.com/best-bali-beaches/