New Zealand, A Destination of Wonders

New Zealand is a majestic country located in southeast of Australia, composed of two main and many smaller islands in the South Pacific Ocean. It offers some most beautiful topography in the world and you could not easily describe it in simple words. In a destination such as New Zealand where visitors meet a new wonder on every turn, it becomes difficult where to start your trip. There are plenty to things to do in New Zealand and you can’t completely explore this country in one trip. The stunning mountain views, the sandy beaches beautiful lakes, rivers, the icy mountain peaks, beautiful and affable people are the major attractions in New Zealand.   

Milford Sound Fjord

Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Nelson, Paihia, Queenstown, Rotorua Tauranga, Te Anau, and Wellington are the most popular cities of New Zealand, offers so much to explore.From golden sandy beaches to attractive waterfalls, beautiful resorts, unseen caves, modern buildings, sky scrapers, museums, the mountains and from green mountains to natural hot pools are to top attractions in this neighbor country of Australia. 

Both cities and towns are able to pull the tourists attention with the plenty of attractions. If you want to be a part of Tribal gathering, here New Zealand again will not disappoint you. You can learn about the native Maori people, who were the first to settle this privileged land, on trip to New Zealand. In the North Island the Tamaki Maori Village is the best place to experience the culture of the Maori people. Here you can not only meet the tribal people but also attend and enjoy the traditional “hangi”, and cultural performances, where a feast is steam cooked in an oven dug in the ground, giving the meats and vegetables a fantastic smoky flavor.   

Tribal People 

New Zealand has some inspiring collection of landscape. Its beaches along the coast always remain alive and packed with people who looking to enjoy all the water related sports and activities. The country also offers many outdoor sports. The Bungee cord jumping is extremely fame in one of them. Fishing is another top attraction which can be done anywhere in all of lakes and rivers. Surfing, skiing, mountain climbing, hiking, mountain biking, whale watching trips, and boating are enough reasons which make the destination on top. New Zealand is a popular destination throughout the year. But should choose the time during summer months, the weather remains warm from September to April, and is the best time to visit.

 The Bungee Jumping

 New Year Celebration

Balikpapan, East Borneo

Balikpapan is the second largest city in East Kalimantan. Located in a small bay in the Makassar Strait, a distance of approximately 115 km from the capital of East Kalimantan, Samarinda. Balikpapan is a major center of oil, mining and timber industries. The city is sometimes called the Main Gate of Borneo. It has one international airport, Sepinggan; several ports, such as Semayang and Somber, and one port of the oil industry and international port in Kariangau. Additionally, Balikpapan, also known as the city rich, clean, and one of the safest cities in Indonesia. Surrounded by bays and straits, the city also has the potential for business, such as trade and tourism. Many diverse people live in the city of Balikpapan, such as: Dayak, Bugis, Javanese, and many other immigrant tribes.

Balikpapan City

Balikpapan City Night View

Balikpapan City View

Balikpapan City View

Some Tourism Spots Around the City
 
MONPERA (Monumen Perjuangan Rakyat)
This monument is located in the city center, exactly at Jl. General Sudirman, in front of Kodam VI Tanjung Pura Headquarters. The monument depicts the struggle and courage of the people in fighting the invaders.

Melawai Beach
This beach is located on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, near the Island Tukung, where the traders sell a variety of delicious dishes and beverages with a relatively cheap price. Visitors can relax, dine on the mat, while enjoying the sound of waves and see the ships sail, and which is anchored in the port of unloading Semayang sea. The beach is open starting at 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m..

Beach Manggar Segarasari
Beach which has an area 13 000 square meters has a crystal clear sea water, small waves and ripples of white sand. A great place for those who want to play, sailing, or playing beach volleyball. This place is open to the public starting at 06:00 to 18:00, can be reached by private or public transport. This beach is located in Manggardan barnacles, with a distance of 9 km from the airport Sepinggan or 22 km from the city center of Balikpapan.

KM.23 Agrotourism
This park, established on December 17, 1997 by former Vice President Tri Sutrisno. By area of 100 hectares, is located on Jl. Soekarno Hatta Km. 23. In this park visitors can enjoy various kinds of tropical fruit, or picnic area with facilities including: "Long Houses" (Lamin), who opened with Dayak ornaments, camping places with natural scenery and Play Ground. This place is open to the public every day and can be visited by using two-wheel vehicles mapun four wheels, there are also the public transportation bus route No. 8 with a tariff of Rp. 2500,-

Lamin (Long House)

Sungai Wain Protected Forest

Sungai Wain Forest is one set by the Government as a protected forests with total area of 10.025 hectares. This forest is split by the 18.300 m long River with clear water, named Wain. on both sides of the river there is a dense mangrove forest. Animal habitats contained in the Sungai Wain Protected Forest are fish, crabs, birds, monkeys, orangutans and many others. This river is also used as a source of clean water for housing and the existing oil refinery at Balikpapan.