Visit and Enjoy Natural Wonders in Belitung, Bangka Belitung Islands Province.

Belitung is an island in Bangka Belitung Province which recently has become a popular destination of tourism in Indonesia. Belitung is naturally endowed with beaches characterized by white sands and clear water dotted with big and small granite stones. The natural beauty of  of Belitung Island is alluring tourists to visit the island, also known as Negeri Laskar Pelangi, literally means the country of Rainbow Troopers. The name is taken from a popularity novel called Laskar Pelangi by a Belitung born writer, Andre Hirata. It makes Belitung Island increasingly more appealing to tourists at home and abroad to visit. 

You can reach beautiful beaches and remote islands in Belitung by air and land transportation. By air transportation, Belitung is accessible mainly from Jakarta by any air planes of most well known aero plane companies with a travel time of around 50 minutes. From Sumatera Island, Malaysia and Singapore, Belitung Island is accessible from Batam City as  the hub. By land transportation, You can hire rental cars, by rule of thumbs in Indonesia, in the air port of any cities visited, and also in the hotel you stay by asking hotel staffs to find you rental cars, to guarantee more of your safety. Here are tourist destinations in Belitung Islands :

Pantai Tanjung Tinggi

Pantai tanjung Tinggi is one of tourist spots on the island of Belitung. It is located not far from Pantai Tanjung Kelayang and is approximately 31 km from the town of Tanjung Pandan. This beach has an area of 80 hectares, white sand, and there are hundreds of large granite boulders scattered in both the peninsula and also in the sea on the beach front. 

Pantai Tanjung Kelayang

Pantai Tanjung Kelayang  is located in KecamatanSijuk, around 27 km from Tanjungpandan,  or 20 minutes by motor vehicle. Tanjung Kelayang Kelayang has a a beach with approximately 1.5 km long and  approximately 7 m wide. This beach has an area of about 60 hectares. In addition to enjoying the beauty of stunning beaches, you can also go kayaking and snorkeling at this beach.Pantai Tanjung Kelayang is famous for its white sand gently sloping beach stretches so beautifully. On this beach, you can see small islands with decorative granite.

Pulau  Lengkuas

Pulau  Lengkuas atau Lengkuas Island is accessible from Pantai Tanjung Kelayang using rented fishing boats  with a travel time of about 30 minutes. Once you set foot in this island, you will notice here that the seascape is full of beautiful array of granite stones scattered surrounding the Island. In addition, you can enjoy a stunning beauty of this island by climbing Menara Mercusuar, or a sea traffic light tower of around 12 meter above sea level. From the top you have a panoramic view of 360 degrees over the island. 

The Sea view of Lengkuas Island with  Tanjung Kelayang at the background.

No wonder that the alumni of  Bandung Institute of technology (ITB, Bandung) has initiated to nominate Belitung to have the status of World site of Geopark by conducting Belitong Geopark Festival held between December 9 to 11, 2016 in cooperation with local administration and a number of state owned companies. Indeed, Lengkuas Island is the most best site of attraction of all in Belitung. So, just come and enjoy the natural beauty of Belitung Island. Visit http://geoparks.id  for more.

Visit Mount Bromo, East Java.

Mount Bromo is a volcano with an altitude of 2,329 meters above sea level in East Java, located in four regencies, namely Probolinggo, Pasuruan, Lumajang and Malang. Mount Bromo is famous as a major tourist attraction in East Java. As a tourist attraction, Bromo becomes attractive because of its status as the volcano is still active and part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

Mount Bromo is famous for the beauty of the sunrise but there is another uniqueness of this mountain is the sea of sand shaped by wide caldera on the top of the ancient mountain.

 

In addition to seeing the beauty of the sunrise from the summit of Bromo,Penanjakan,and the Bromo crater that emit famous white sulfur fumes, the other interesting attractions and you can enjoy are Padang savannah Bromo, Mount Teletubbies, a sea of sand Bromo, traditional ceremony of Kasada, Niagara Madakaripura etc.

Because it is located in four regencies, so Bromo is very easy to access from various towns in East Java. The following lanes and routes to get to Mount Bromo.

From Probolinggo regency, you can take either through :

1. Tongas - Lumbang - Sukapura - Ngadisari- Cemoro Lawang - Mount Bromo, or

2. Ketapang - Patalan - Sukapura - Ngadisari- Cemoro Lawang - Mount Bromo

From Malang regency :
1. Tumpang – Gubuk Klakah – Jemplang -Penanjakan – Mount Bromo

From Pasuruan regency :

1. Wonorejo – Warungdowo –  Tosari – Wonokitri – Pananjakan –Mount Bromo

From Lumajang regency:

1. Senduro – Bumo – Ranu Pane –Mount Bromo

The Seven Highest Mountains in Indonesia, How Many Mountains Have You Climbed Up?

Mount Kerinci, Jambi Province.

If you notice that,geographically, Indonesia is situated on the archipelago where most of its islands, big and small, are dotted with active and dormant volcanoes. In a popular way, it is suffice classify Volcanoes into the frequency of their eruption. Volcanoes erupt regularly called active, while those that have erupted in historical times but are now quiet called dormant or inactive.

The volcanoes in Indonesia are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. The Ring of Fire is a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. In a 40,000 km (25,000 mi) horseshoe shape, it is associated with a nearly continuous series of oceanic trenches, volcanic arcs, and volcanic belts and/or plate movements. It has 452 volcanoes (more than 75% of the world's active and dormant volcanoes).The Ring of Fire is sometimes called the circum-Pacific belt.

In Indonesia, the active ones raise across Sumatra Island, Java Island, Kalimantan Island, Lesser Sunda Islands, Sulawesi Island, Maluku Islands, and Papua Island. The highest Volcano in each g group of Island or Islands is :

• Mount Kerinci, 3,805 m, in Jambi Province, Sumatra Island;
• Mount Semeru, 3,676 m, in East Java Province, Java Island;
• Mount Rinjani, 3,726 m, in West Nusa Tenggara Provice, Lesser Sunda Islands;
• Mount Bukit Raya, 2,278 m, in West Kalimantan Province, Kalimantan Island;
• Mount Latimojong, 3,430 m, in South Sulawesi Province, Sulawesi Island;
• Mount Binaiya,3,027 m, in Maluku Province, Maluku Islands,
• Mount Carstenza Pyramid, 4,884 m, in Papua Province, Papua Island.

Which Mountain have you climbed? Come to Indonesia and climb up to the summits of these mountains. Isn't it a challenging adventure?

Source: www.wikipedia.com

North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Panoramic View of  the beach in Gili Trawangan.

As dominated by the majesty of Mount Rijani and the surrounding mountains, the north of Lombok Island offers stunning landscapes and long curves of deserted beaches, jungle and rainforest, with towering plantations of mahony, teak and other native trees provided opportunities for trekking and ecotourism.

North Lombok is a fairly new regency and was officially established on July 21,2008. the regency has five districts, including the Gili Islands, 33 villages and 332 hamlets, with a total population around 246,283 people. 

North Lombok is reached by two main roads, both in good condition providing different scenic routes. The coastal that runs from Ampenan all the way up west coast to the north provides stunning views of the many beautiful bays and beaches that line the west coast, as well as vistas over the Gili Islands and Bali to the west. 

The Pusuk Pass, a winding mountain roas that start at Gunung Sari dan runs through the mountains island terminate in Pamenang in the north. The drive upon the pass povides wonderful views of valleys and gorges, with rivers running through the tropical forests and small villages and dotted amongs the trees. Families of grey monkeys live in the jungle and come down to the road to beg for food from passing motorists.

In North Lombok, visitors can visit a number of tourist destinations as follows :

The History of Islam at Bayan Beleq Mosque

The civilization developed in Lombok Island is Islam as almost 90 per cent of the people are Moslem. Wander about the history as well the remnants of it, just come and visit Bayan Beleq Mosque, the oldest mosque in Lombok Island.

Hand Weaving and Handycraft at Bayan Village
People Bayan  mostly make hand woven fabrics for use in ceremonies, either in relation to religious tradition as well as a person's life cycle. Traditional religious ceremonies, such as the birthday of the Prophet, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. While the ceremonies associated life cycle, for example: marriage, pregnancy, birth, ngurisang (haircut baby), circumcision, also death. Besides, Bayan People are also skillful at making handy craft made of bamboos.

Traditional Village Segentar, Senaru, and Gumantar
Lombok Island is famous for its Sasak Tribe. There are al least three traditional village with traditional Sasak housing in North Lombok : the traditional village of Segentar, Senaru, and Gumantar. These villages are alternative tourist destinations to visit.

Sindang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfal.
At the foot of Mount Rinjani, there are some waterfalls that have been known as tourist attraction. Sindang Gile and Tiu Kelep are two of them. Both waterfalls make up the ladder of water in a single flow. The blowing fog that surrounds the valley will taste so fresh.  

Mandala Community Forest Tour
The Mandala community forest is a tourist destination in North Lombok which is managed entirely by the local people and won the first prize in the competition of spring protection in West Nusa Tenggara Province.

The Gili Tramena (Trawangan, Meno, and Air)
Lomobok Island is a small island in Indonesia, but this island itself is surrounded by other smaller islands called Gili. In North Lombok, there is a cluster of three small islands, Gili, also called Tramena. Among the most ineteresting is Gili Trawangan. 

Malimbu Hill
There are many places that you can visit to see the beauty of sunset. Malibu hill is the best place as at clear sky, you enjoy the sunset and the view of Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan at the same time.  

Sire Beach
The beach is situated in the North West of Lombok Island, presenting beautiful landscapes including the view of Mount Rinjani, on the eastern side. The beach stretches 3.8 km with the curved shoreline and has white and and a mix of black and white sand.  

Stick Fighting
Presean or Stick Fighting is a courage symbol of the youth of Sasak Tribe. The fighting art of two men using rattan stick ( Panjalin) and shield (Ende) is a fighting art of high philosophical values.  The value in the stick fighting is how a young man capable of maintaining his pride because stick fighting is the place for the youth of Sasak tribe who have toughness, agility and courage which is so high in front of the crowd.


Source: Pesona Gumi Tioq Tata Tunaq, Guide Book by the Regency of North Lombok, NTB.
 

  

Mount Rinjani and Segara Anak Lake, West Nusa Tenggara.

Mount Rinjani or Gunung Rinjani is one of  around 129  active volcanoes in Indonesia located on the island of Lombok. Administratively, the mountain lies in the Regency of North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. It rises to 3,726 metres (12,224 ft), making it the second highest volcano in Indonesia (wikipedia).

Mount Rinjani with Segara Anak Lake int the foreground.

Climbing Mount Rinjani is among the attractions of Mount Rinjani National Park. The summit of Mount Rinjani is the most visited destination by most climbers as reaching the peak is the pride of visiting this area. Most climbing activities take place between July and August with the majority of them are students to commemorate the independence day of Indonesia on August 17 on the peak of Mount Rinjani and Segara Anak Lake.

Segara Anak Lake is a crater lake with the shape of crescent moon totaling an area  of 1,100 Ha on the elevation of around 2,010 m above sea level and with the depth of around 230 m. The area surrounding the lake is flat and large enough for camping ground. Visitors can also do fishing as well as soaking in the hot water with sulfur content. 

There are two main trekking routes available to reach the top of Mount Rinjani and Segara Anak Lake : Trekking route Senaru and Sembalun.  The trekking route of Sembalun as follows :

• Mataram - Aikmel - Sembalu, 4 to 5 hours using public transports with hotmix road;
• Sembalun Lawang - Plawangan Sembalun, 6 to 7 hours;
• Plawangan Sembalun - the top of Mount Rinjani, 3 to 4 hours;
• Plawangan Sembalun - Segara Anak lake, 2 to 3 hours.

The trekking route of Senaru :

•  Mataram - Bayan - Senaru, 3 to 4 hours using public transports with hotmix road;
•  Senaru - Plawangan Senaru, 7 to 8 hours;
• Plawangan Snaru - Segara Anak Lake, 2 to 3 hours;
• Segara Anak lake - Plawangan Sembalun, 3 to 4 hours.

ource: Balai Taman Nasional Gunung Rijani, Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan.

Liveaboard Leisure Trip in Indonesia.

Marina in Nongsa Beach,Batam Island.

Indonesia is known as the largest archipelago country in the World. In fact, Indonesia is a make up of over 17,000 islands, big and small, stretching around 5000 km from Sabang Island in the northernmost of Sumatra Island on the west to Merauke in West Papua on the east. Superimposing, Indonesian territory over Europe, you will find that it stretches from Ireland to Iran; and from California to Bermuda over the United States of America. No wander that Indonesia is also called as a necklace of equatorial emeralds.  

Leisure Trips with Liveaboard in Padar Island, Komodo National Park.

To marine enthusiasts, the best way of enjoying the nature of Indonesia is leisurely traveling among the scattered islands by boats, yachts, or cruise ships specially designed to live aboard. Imagined, while living in a 'floating hotel' equipped with bedrooms and toilets as well as meals three times a day, you would be cruising to  enjoy a beautiful seascape surrounding the Komodo National Park,then stopped in many diving and snorkeling spots like those in Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua or Anambas Island in Riau Islands, then back to the 'hotel' before another stops another outdoor activities like strolling along white sandy beach in Gili Trawangan West Nuta Tenggara with sunset and sunrise in the same island.

All experiences of exploring the natural wonder would be yours, especially when on liveaboard leisure trip. In Indonesia, currently, liveaboard leisure trip has gained popularity among foreign tourists including domestic visitors. The are quite many tour operators in Indonesia offering marine lovers with such an interest .You could travel as long as you like on the liveaboard style to tourist destinations from the closest like Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands) in Jakarta, Anambas Islands in Riau Islands Province, Karimunjawa National In Central Java, Komodo National Park, Wakatobi, or Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua Province Park as the farthest destination. Surely, it is all worth  a value for money trip that you will never forget.

Visit Old Jakarta : Gedung Arsip Nasional

As we know that the National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia (ANRI) has lots of important archives of this country. Initially, the building ANRI located in Jl. Gajah Mada, Kota Tua or Old City, West Jakarta. In 1992 the building was moved to Jl ANRI. Ampera, Cilandak, South Jakarta.

The award of Excellence Plaque.

The Interior of the Museum.

The old building ANRI was saved from being a complete overhaul. Thanks to the Yayasan Hadiah Indonesia which is managed by a group of Dutch businessmen, the building was successfully renovated and used as a Museum of National Archives on the time of the golden anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.

Collection of the Museum.

Now, the museum is no longer store the national archives, but still has a good collection letters from various kingdoms in Indonesia; photograph mosques and churches from various provinces in Indonesia; replica sailing ship; Officers sword; Dutch period furniture; and a unique map that is framed very nicely. 

The Collection of Old Mosques.

The Photograph Collection of Church and Chines Temple.

Old Letters from Sultans of Indonesia.

In this museum there are also cannons and bells slavery placed in the courtyard garden behind the museum. The existence of the garden behind the museum attracts many prewedding parties to organize photos and wedding receptions.

Cannon and Bells.

General facilities available are a parking lot, information center, toilets, prayer room, cafe (cafeteria), and a souvenir shop. Unfortunately, the museum is not yet equipped with the presence of CCTV cameras. For visitors who want to perpetuate the museum's collection and museum park hired for a particular event, it must get a license deal with all requests to the Office of Marketing National Archives Museum is located to the left of the museum.

A Wedding Event in the Museum at the backyard.