Yogyakarta

It stretches from the slopes of mighty Mount Merapi in the north to the wave-swept beaches of the powerful Indian Ocean to the south. It was the mighty Javanese Empire of Mataram, Ngayogyakarto Hadiningrat. Yog¬ya¬karta (Yogya) came into being in 1755, when a land dispute split the power of Mataram into the Sultanates of Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo). Prince Mangkubumi built Kraton of Yogyakarta and created one of the most powerful Javanese states ever. The Kraton is still the hub of Yogyakarta’s traditional life and despite the advances of the 20th century; it still radiates the spirit of refinement which has been the hallmark of its art and people for centures. Yogyakarta is one of the supreme cultural centers of Java. Gamelan orchestras keep alive the rhythms the past, classical Javanese dances entrance with visions of beauty and poise, shadows come to life in the stories of the wayang kulit and a myriad of traditional visual art forms keep locals and visitors alike spellbound. It stretches from the slopes of mighty Mount Merapi in the north to the wave-swept beaches of the powerful Indian Ocean to the south.

Tourist Office:

Tourism Board Jl. Malioboro No.14,
Yogyakarta 55213, Phone. (0274) 582628, 587486 Fax. (0274) 565437
Provincial Culture and Tourism Office :
Jl. Cendana 11 Phone : (0274) 562 628, 589 350 www.tasteofjogja.com


Getting there:

Domestic and International flights service Yogyakarta. Tugu train station close to Malioboro Street has several inexpensive express trains from and to java overland everyday. Good express service from Jakarta and Surabaya. Buses also ope¬rate regularly to Borobudur and Prambanan Temples. Bicycles and motorcycles can be hired cheaply.

Tourism Events=]

• The Ramayana Ballet is a very popular show. It performed at open air theatre in Prambanan Temple every full-moon evening from May to October from 7.30 pm.
• Jathilan Kuda Lumping (Bamboo Horse Dan¬ce) at Bugisan Village near Prambanan Temple.

Places of Interest

Kaliurang.
Kaliurang. A popular mountain resort 24 km from Yogyakarta and lies on the slopes of Mt. Merapi is surrounded by enchanting countryside. Mt. Merapi active volcano 2,968 m above sea leree. It takes 10 hours to reach the top.

Taman Sari.

Taman Sari. Just west of the kraton, are the ruins, pools, arches and underground passages of the former pleasure gardens, the Taman Sari (Water Castle). Literally “fragrant garden” Built in 1758 by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I, the Sultan and his harem would relax here and from the tower over looking the female bathing pools. It is located in the old part of the city within walking distance from the Bird Market. Open everyday from 8 am to 2 pm.

Imogiri

Imogiri, the official cemetery of the royal descendents from Yogyakarta and Surakarta, is about 17 kms southeast of Yogyakarta and easily accessible by the bus or car. The tombs lie within three main courtyards perched on a hilltop. Entry into the smaller courtyards housing the tombs of the prin¬ces is allowed only by visitors wearing traditional Javanese dress. Open on Monday 09.00 am to 12.00 pm and Friday 13.00 pm to 16.00 pm The cemetery is closed during the Moslem month of Ramadhan.

"Beringharjo” Traditional Market.

“Beringharjo” Traditional Market. This traditional market sells many things from batiks to traditional cuisines in the north of the kraton. You can see

Jalan Malioboro

Jalan Malioboro. Food stalls replace souvenir stands on Jalan Malioboro and serve the Yogya’s specific menu “gudeg” rice with young jackfruit cooked in coconut milk. Enjoy the food in “lesehan” (seat on the woven mats) foodstall along the pavement and enjoy the Yogya’s specific menu “gudeg” rice with young jackfruit cooked in coconut milk.

Sonobudoyo Museum.

Sonobudoyo Museum. Jalan Malioboro This museum founded in November 1935 and designed by the Dutch architect Kersten, in the traditional Javanese style of architecture. On exhibit are weapons, wayang kulit (leather puppets), masks, original eight century statues and bronze articles from temple in Central Java, ceramic from Neolithic age, textiles, curios and old Javanese gamelan instruments. The museum is situated on the northern side of the city’s alun-alun (Main Square) in front of the Sultan’s Palace. Open on Tuesday - Thusday at 8 am - 1 pm and 8 pm - 12 pm on Friday - Saturday.

“Ngasem” Bird Market

“Ngasem” Bird Market. All kinds of birds and other animal are sold in this “Javanese Styles” market open everyday. Located at the South of Taman Sari, this is pleasure place to visit.

Batik Research Center.

Batik Research Center. Situated on the eastern outskirts of the city, the Batik Research Center has an interesting permanent exhibition of batiks in classic and modern designs. Both the hand-drawn and hand stamped batik processes can be seen here.

Affandi Museum.

Affandi Museum. Set in a lush garden off the main road between the airport and the city stands the Affandi Museum on the bank of the Gajah Wong River. Affandi was Indonesia’s foremost impressionist painter who built a private museum for his own painting¬s. Open Monday - Friday from 9 am-4 pm and on Saturday from 9 am-1 pm.

Kalasan Temple.

Kalasan Temple. This unique Buddhist temple is located some 16 km eastern side of Yog¬yakarta, on the south side of the main road between Yogyakarta and Solo. It was built in honor of the marriage bet¬ween king Pancapana of the Sanjaya Dynasty and a Princess of the Cailendra Dynasty, Dyah Pramudya Wardhani. It is elaborately ornate, with finely carved reliefs preserved with “vajralepa”, from the sap of a local tree.

Kotagede

Kotagede, a picturesque town about five kilometres southeast of Yogyakarta, was once the seat of the mighty Mataram Empire. Since the 1930s Kotagede has become famous as the center of the Yogya silverwork industry. Kotagede is easily reached by four wheeled horsedrawn cart, taxi, bus, or car.

Sewu Hills

Sewu Hills Karst area formed by rock dissolubility. Covers about 13,000 km2 with unique geomorphology, indicated by conical limestone, domes, valleys (doline and poltje) and caves with stalactites and stalagmites inside, and also underground ri¬vers. Based on its unique scientific values and also social phenomenon, the International Union of Speleology proposed that the Sewu hills area in Gunung Kidul regency, to be World Natural Heritage. Enjoy rock climbing at Siung Beach (Seropan and Watu Grupit). Caving (Cerme, Seropan, Bri¬bin, Grubug, Jomblang and Kalisuci Cave), Historical and Religious Tourism (Rancang Kencono, Braholo and Maria Tritis Cave).

Parang Tritis Beach

Parang Tritis Beach. A popular seaside resort 28 kms south of Yogyakarta on the Indian Ocean, Parang Tritis combines rocky hills, dunes, and a white sandy beach. It is famous in Javanese mytho¬logy as the home of the Goddess of the South Seas, who was married to Panembahan Senopati, founder of the Mataram Kingdom. Every year the sultans of Yogyakarta make special offerings to her in a beachside ceremony called “Labuhan”.

Kasongan

Kasongan famous for its artistic export quality pottery. It is located some 7 km from Yogyakarta.

Parangkusumo Sand Dunes

Parangkusumo Sand Dunes are a world heritage site, a lump of a sand that is 20 m2 above sea level.

Agrotourism Salak Pondoh

Agrotourism Salak Pondoh, is located some 5 km, east of Temple District in Sleman regency.

Taru Martani cigar

Taru Martani cigar was founded in1918, created to satisfy the craves of cigar lovers. Until now the company produces 14 types of cigars which are well known worldwide : Cigarillos, Extra Cigarillos, Senioritas, Panatella, Slim Panatella, Half Corona, Corona, Super Corona/Grand Corona, Boheme, Ro¬yal Perfecto, Rothschild, Churchill.

Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace The Kraton (palace)

Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace The Kraton (palace) court with its grand and elegant Javanese architecture lies in the center of the city bet¬ween the Winongo and Code Rivers. The palace grounds, courtyards and buildings stretch from north to south, in line with Mount Merapi. Until now, the Kraton still serves as the Sultan’s open everyday 8 am - 1 pm, except Friday close at 12 pm.

Prambanan Temple

Prambanan Temple This magnificent Hindu temple derives it name from the village where it is located, seventeen kilometres east of Yogyakarta. Locally known as the Roro Jongrang Temple, or the Temple of the Slender Virgin, it is the most magnificent and beautiful Hindu temple in Indonesia. Located some 17 km from Yogyakarta it opens everyday from 06.00 am to 05.00 pm.

RIAU ARCHIPELAGO

Its waters are the backyard of native seafaring nomads who fish and trade for a living. Their traditional wooden sailing craft, called 'pinisi' still do the forested channels of these islands, along with other indigenous craft, fishing vessels and cargo ships which call at the archipelago's main town and Tanjung Pinang port. Tanjung Pinang lies on the largest island of Bintan archipelago. Once known as Riau, it was the heart of an ancient Malay kingdom. Today, Bintan is the latest hot spot of development in Indonesia's surging economy.

A master plan is underway to turn it into a major tourist destination. Barely an hour away from Singapore by ferry, tourist accommodation has begun to appear to take advantage of its gateway from it all appeal. It consists of Riau Archipelago, Natuna Islands and Anambas Archipelago. Originally part of Riau Province, Riau Archipelago was split off as a separate Province in July 2004 with Tanjung Pinang as its capital. Anambas Archipelago, located between mainland Malaysia and Borneo were attached to the new province. By population, the most important Riau islands are Bintan, Batam and Karimun. Size wise, however, the sparsely populated Natuna Islands are larger.

Riau Archipelago with its thousands of island has plenty of scenic beaches and diving spots, among them Trikora on Bintan and Pasir Panjang on Rupat Island. The first is about 50 kilometers south of Tanjung Pinang on the eastern side of the island. Pasir Panjang, on the northern side of Rupat facing to Malacca Strait, is stretched out natural beaches are also found on Terkulai and Soreh islands, about an hour's distance by boat from Tanjung Pinang. One of the most popular beaches is Nongsa on Batam Island. From here one can see the Singapore skyline.

Source : http://www.indonesia-tourism.com

LAMPUNG, UNIQUE HERITAGE and CULTURE

Lampung province is located at the extreme of south of Sumatra is overlooked, over flown by most tourists. In the past it was well known for its marvelous 'tapi' fabrics, some using real gold thread, and for its pepper. But today, it is the location from ambitious transmigration projects, resettling farmers from over-populated Java. It boasts volcanoes, wildlife reserve, megalithic remain and a superb coastline of deep-cut bays and wonderful beaches. Its capital is Bandar Lampung, is made up of twin cities that is Teluk Betung and Tanjung Karang. Way Kambas Nature Reserve is a 130,000 ha area of swamp and lowland forest with wild elephant, tapir and many other animals.

The name of Lampung province was taken from origin Lampungnese. Before Indonesia became independent country, a resident led Lampung region and the status was as residency area (Residentie lampungche districten) with many afdeling (afdeling Teloek betoeng, afdeling metroand afdeling kotabumi). The villages/old town with traditional living characteristic could be found like sukadana, menggala, kenali, liwa, blambangan umpu etc. A part of these town bacame the capital of district. In the first of 2000 was 7 millions the population of Lampung Province. Among 10 district / town, the most population was in central Lampung with 1.901.630 and the density population was in Bandar Lampung city, 3.763 soul/km2.


Geographically
Lampung province is located between 3o 45' and 6o 45' South Latitude and between 103o 40' and 105o 50' East Longitude. This province is bordered by:
North side: South Sumatra Province
South Side: Sunda Strait
West side: Bengkulu Province
East side: Java Sea

Wide Area
The wide area of Lampung province is 33,307 sq km,
Administrativelly
Lampung Province is divided among 4 regencies, 1 municipality and 1 administrative town with Bandar Lampung as its capital city.

Temperature
The humidity of this province is various between 50% and 86%, and the rainfall is ranges between 2,000 and 4,000 mm per year. The temperature ranges between 20o C and 34o C.

Demography
The migration flow to Lampung province is supported by the existence of heavy plantation, fishery and industry. In 1994, the total population of this province was 6,200,306 people, with its average density of 196.8 people per Km2. Compared to the average national population growth amounted to 2.144% per year, this province was on the lower level with 2.12% per year during the 1990-1994 period. The projection and composition in 1997 can be seen on the following table.

Population
Lampung society consists of two main groups, respectively has special traditional law. They are Peminggir traditional society and Pepadun traditional society. Peminggir societies, such as, Krui, Ranau, Komering, and Kayu Agung society, live along the coast And, Pepadun society, who customarily conservative, such as, Abung (Abung Siwo Migo), Pubian (Pubian Telu Suku), Tulang Bawang (Migo Pak), Buai Lima (Way Kanan), and Sungkay Bunga Mayang, live in the inland.

Source : http://www.indonesia-tourism.com

Papua, the Untamed Beauty

Papua is the western half of New Guinea and is Indonesia's largest and most eastern province. It is a land of beautiful scenic beaches, vast stretches of marshlands, cool grassy meadows and rivers cutting gorges, dense forests. Snow-covered peaks tower over glacier lakes and deep highland valleys. For years, Papua's rugged landscape has isolated tribes from outside influences and it was only in the early 20th century that the world discovered its hidden treasures.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

The cool highland and mountain of Papua are invite trekkers to explore largely untouched territories. Visit Dani honays or huts that are bulit close together in traditional village compound in the Baliem Valley. The two highest peaks in the Jayawijaya mountain range are Puncak Jaya (5050 m) and Puncak Mandala (4700m). Jayawijaya is one of the world's few snow capped mountains that are located on the equator. The Asmat region is the swamps of the soth coast. Take a boat ride on Lake Sentani in Jayapura. Situated 73 m above sea-level, the lake is dotted with hilly islands. Fishing and weaving villages on stilts exist around its shores.

Irian is an exotic experience offering a rich variety of dives and amazing fish and marine species. See WWi fighter ship and plane in their watery graves in the shallow water of Cendrawasih Bay and in the islands off New Guinea's western tip. In Sorong, the Wai Island Base Camp is surrounded by reefs that are natural environtment for sharks, rays, whales, dolphins, turtles and giant clams to school of snapper, parrot fish, surgeon fish, and many more. Raja Ampat has a variety of diving sites; shallow bays, lagoon channels bordered by rainforest, rock islands and offshore reefs that contain some of the richest species of marine animals and corals in the world.

Maluku, the Spice of Life

Over 1,000 islands from th eprovince of Maluku, most of which are still uninhabited. The islands lie on one of the world's most active volcanic belt. Given its geographic location, the Maluku archipelago displays a transition between Asian and Australian fauna and flora.

Once the famed Spice Islands, ruins of forts scattered throughout the islands are witness of its colorful past as a busy trading post. Today the region is an important producer of cocoa, coffe, fruits, and ironwood.

Blessed with fabulous sea gardens, idylic, tropical beaches and spectacular landscapes rich with an enormous variety of endemic plant and animal species, Maluku focused on developing its tourism potential.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Some of Southeast Asia's most beautiful powder-white beaches are in the Kai Islands, in northern Halmahera, like Hanimua Beach, and the islands in the Bay of Tobelo. The beaches on Ternate and Tidore are mostly of black volcanic sand. Visit Pulau Pombo and Pulau Kasa Marine Reserves and Banda Island Marine Reserve for diving and snorkeling. Another island attraction is climbing volcanoes; the dormant, 650 m Gunung Api which rises from the Banda Sea and 1721 m Mount Gamalama on Ternate.

Sulawesi, Gateway to the East

Sulawesi is a land of contrast. Mountains and volcanoes dominate the landscape, lush valleys ancient burial sites and megalithic remains and colorful dance ceremonies celebrate the afterlife. Magnificent coral gardens hold a multitude of tropical marine life that protects coastlines of virgin-white beaches. It that's not enough of a temptation, Sulawesi's wildlife is like no other you've seen before, for example the anoa (dwarf bufallo) and babirusa.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Coastlines that protect virgin white beaches are perfect for fishing, sailing and surfing, diving and snorkeling. Some of the wolrd's most beautiful underwater environments are located in Sulawesi. There's the Bunaken Marine Reserve with white sandy beaches, a dense population of fish, coral and deep underwater gullies and valleys; Lembeh Straits and its WW I shipwrecks and unusual black sand bottoms; the Tigean Islands which host all major reef formations (fringing, barrier, patch and atoll); Wakatobi in the Tukang Besi Archipelago and its fascinating fossil reef formations and a myriad of marine species, such as sperm and pilot whales, spinner, bottle-nose dolphins and dugongs; the sea gardens of Takabonerate National Park, southwest of Selayar Island, which is the third largest coral atoll in the world as well as the Banggai Archipleago, the Makassar Straits, Kapoposang and Selayar islands. See traditional boat building techniques at Cape Bira, Bulukumba, the center of the Bugis shipbuilding industry.

Kalimantan, Land of a Thousand Rivers

The world's third largest island, Kalimantan occupies two-third of Borneo. It shares boundarieswith the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam and the Malaysian States of Sarawak and Sabah. Rich in resources, the island is a major contributor to the country's economy. Most notably known as land of the Dayaks, the island is vibrant with colorful and distinctive traditional arts and cultures which can be seen in the people's way of life, art, dance, music, ancestral dress, games and ceremonies.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Visitors are lured by the chance to venture into the vast, wild and mysterious mangrove rainforest and swamps where exotic indigenous species of flora and fauna live. Thousands of rivers that meander through the jungles and crisscros the island also create white water rapids that promise a hair-raising experience. Along the the eastern coast, several regions, such as Bontang, offer fabulous scenery, perfect waves for Jet ski, wind surfing and fishing.

North of the eastern province is rapidly becoming an important diving site. The waters Derawan and Sangalaki islands hold an amazing marine environtment, including fabulous coral formations, canary crabs, green turtles and pearls. In Penajam, Gua Jurong is the starting point for an exploration of 13 caves that are linked together. The caves have beautiful stalactite formations.

Nature Reserves

Muara Muantai near Kota Bangun is famed as the habitat of hornbills, bekentans (Proboscis monkeys) and fresh water Mahakam dolphins. In the upper reaches of the Mahakam River, a 5,000 acre orchid reservation close to the village of Kersik Luwai has around 72 different species of orchid including the very rare black orchid, Cologenia pandurata. The 200 thousand hectares Kutai National Park is also worth a visit to see local wildlife, including the orangutan. Tanjung Puting is one of he most important of Central Kalimantan's reserves. Apart from protecting over 305.000 hectares of tropical rain forest, mangrove forests and swamps, the reserve also holds the Tanjung Harapan and Camp Leakey Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.

Nusa Tenggara, of Dragons and Volcanoes

The island of Lombok is how Bali was like before the world discovered its charms. The mighty volcano of Rinjani dominates the island and provides magnificent panoramas for hundred of miles. The low land are characterized by two distinct types. Lush and fertile lands become more arid further south. Along the coast, undisturbed white virgin beaches are typical in Lombok. To the east of Lombok is the island of Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, also dominated by a massive volcano, called Tambora, which last erupted in 1815 killing an estimated 92,000 people. Further east, lay the islands of East Nusa Tenggara, part of the Ring of Fire. The province consists of over 550 islands, but is dominated by the three main islands of Flores, Sumba and Timor.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Looking for sun, sea and sand without the usual holiday crowd? Senggigi is located around 6 km north of Mataram. It is Lombok's most developed tourist region and many first-class resorts have mushroomed around the secluded bays and tranquil beaches. Tanjung Aan is probably Lombok's finest beach. Northwest of the island, are the emerald-like islands of Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan. Boasting powder white beaches, crystal-clear waters and an amazing underwater world, these islands are perfect for diving and snorkeling. North of the island and covered by dense vegetation, Mount Rinjani (3726 m) is the third highest mountain in Indonesia. Its two crater lakes are popular camping sites before reaching the top.

East Nusa Tenggara's Flores is crowded with volcanoes and mountains including Mount Kelimutu and its three colored crater lakes. At Lewoleba on the island of Lembata in the Solor Archipelago, follow pearl dives out to sea and watch them harvest pearls.

Sekotong, Bangko-Bangko and Gerupuk in Lombok as well as Lakey beach in Sumbawa are the world famous Desert Points surf locations. But Roti Island is where the best surfing is to be had in Nusa Tenggara. Snorkeling on the coral reefs fantastic coral formations and an amazing variety of fish. For Such an experience, explore Moyo and Satonda islands.

Nature Reserves

The Komodo National Park on Komodo Island is home to the world's only pre-historic "Dragon" or giant lizards. An adult can measure more than 3 meters and weigh over 130 kg.

Lets Go To Visit Indonesia !

Sights and Sounds of Bali

Over the years, Bali has been described in many a superlative terms. Endowed with great natural beauty and rich culture, it is by far the most popular tourists destination in Indonesia. It is a land of soaring majestic volcanoes, of emerald rice fields clinging on hillsides and sculpted in tiers, of idylic beaches and modern resorts.

Despite overwhelming foreign influences, the Balinese have managed to reach harmonious balance between preserving their culture, their natural environment and accomodating today's changing world. The Hindu Bali religion pervades all aspects of Balinese society and shrines and temples dominate the landscape. Ceremonies, festivals, age-old dances and the arts are also an inseparable part of their life and culture.


Adventure & Outdoor Activites

Bali is also gaining recognition as a fabulous destination for water sports. Apart from the island's top beach resorts, the island boast superb windsurfing, sailing, diving and snorkeling and surfing. Hardy travelers may try white water rafting down Bali's longest river, the Ayung. While divers will find Tulamben and its World War II week is a popular diving spot with coral reefs and colorful collection of fish. Bali has numerous world-class golf courses. ranging from tropical-design to ocean-front courses. One is even situated 1.200 m above sea-level in a volcanic crater.

Nature Reserves

The Bali Barat National Park contains mountainous, densely forested and wild areas of west Bali. The waters around Menjangan Island has Bali's best diving and is also the habitat of the beautiful black-palm cockatoo and the Jalak Bali.

Mystical and Marvelous Java

Java is by the far the most populated of Indonesia's islands. It is a land of enormous diversity ranging from unspoiled tropical beaches and colorful marine gardens to virgin jungles and active volcanoes. Ancient monuments reveal a rich and colorful history strongly influenced by Hindu-Javanese culture that flourished between the 8th and 10th centuries, and Mahayana Buddhism. Visit Borobudur, the world's biggest Buddhist monument and one of the eight wonders of the world.

Adventure & Outdooor Activities

The coastline from Anyer to Labuhan in Banten, the island's westernmost province, is very popular as a seaside resort. Inland, Java's magnificent mountain scenery is spectacular. The Volcanoes Gede Pangrango, Papandayan in West Java are covered in lush forests, " sulphur mountain " of Welirang and the rugged Ijen Plateau in East Java boast magnificent stark landscape. Take a hike Telaga Warna, a pretty colored lake, or to Kawah Sikidang in Central Java, with steaming vents and bubbling mud pools. The limestone and quartz landscape of Gunung Kidul have created caves that beg to be explored. There's also a vertical wall that is often frequented by climbers. java is also increasingly known as a surfing destination thanks to the numerous locations that have high waves perfect for surfing, such as Plengkung-Grajagan in East Java, better known as G-Land.

Nearby Meru Betiri and Alas Purwo National Park offer superb trekking. Yearning for an adrenalin rush? Climbing volcanic Mount Semeru or challenge the rapids in the Padegolan and Progo rivers in Central Java. The lush and fertile land offers inimitable opportunities for agro tourism. Various regions in Central Java offer tea, coffee, rubber, cloves and cocoa plantations tours. Other invite you to experience life in a traditional Javanese village, such as working in the rice fields, making traditional snacks and jamu, the all-curing herbal concoction.

Nature Reserves

With awesome Krakatau looming in the distance, explore the undisturbed wildlife reserve Ujung Kulon on the southwestern tip of Java, home of the Javan one-horned rhinoceros. Watch thousands of migrating birds arrive at Pulau Dua Bird Sanctuary off the coast of Banten between the months of March till July.

Sheltering hundreds of tropical plant species of the world, the world renowned Bogor Botanical Gardens next to the Presidential Palace is a treat to visit. Almost every plant species in Indonesia exist here and some of the trees are centuries old. Where else can one view seven volcanoes from one spot? At the Ketep View Point mid way between Solo and Borobudur, seven mountains form a spectacular background for the paddy fields. On tranquil Sukamade beach, East Java, take a peek at the giant turtles that often come ashore to lay their eggs in the sand.

Treasures of Sumatera

The Fifth largest islands in the world and the second largest in Indonesia, Sumatera spans more than 1700 km. Rich in natural resources, it is home to several distinct ethnic groups, such as the devout Acehnese in the north, the Christian Batak tribes around Tapanuli and Lake Toba, and the Minangkabau in Bukittinggi and Padang in the west. In a spectacular setting, different customs and traditions create a fascinating cultural tapestry.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

From the north to the southern tip, the islands offers vast attractions to see and do. Sumatera's many mountains, volcanoes and forests are trekkers' paradise, such as in Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the largest parks in Asia. Covering more than 7750 km2, it protects more than 100 different mammals. There's also Mount Sibayak, Mount Sinabung, Mount Kerinci and Mount Merapi. Rising from the Sunda Strait, the child of Krakatau, Anak Krakatau, continues to smolder and grow.

It is possible to climb until the ridge in its semi dormant phases. Avid climbers are sure to find the 100 meter vertical cliff wall at Harau Canyon a challenge. There's also the unforgettable experience of mountain biking on Karimun Island west of Batam, which is mostly hilly and wooded. Along the coast, catch a whiff of fragrant cloves drying in the sun.

Whether seasoned or amateur, golfers are sure to find golfing in Bangka-Belitung and Batam memorable thanks to the imaginative courses and spectacular tropical setting by the sea. For an unforgettable experience, swim and fish the world's deepest lake, Toba, at 450 m. Or in the unspoiled and peaceful Lake Maninjau, a beautiful crater lake. Equally unforgettable is the journey from Bukittinggi to the lake which passes 44 hairpin bends.

For aquatic activities, Sumatera's coastlines are bordered by pristine beaches and clear waters, abundant with an amazing variety of marine life. There are a number fabulous diving and snorkeling spots that are fast becoming first-class surfing destinations, such as the Banyak Islands and Simeleu Islands near Aceh, a small coconut and clove producing island, located some 150 m off the shores of Tapaktuan, South Aceh. Sorake Beach on the island of Nias, is an ideal surfing spot. It stretches along a perfect horse shoe shape bay, Teluk Lagundri. Other locations to challenge the waves are around the islands of Mentawai, where waves reach a height of 3-4 meters. River rafting on Alas and Wampu Rivers is an exhilarating experience that offers the rare chance to see local wildlife.

Nature Reserves

Sumatera is also famous for its tigers and elephants. The largest concentration of elephants, today, is at Lebong Hitam and Sebokor, South Sumatera where, on the 75.000 hectares reserve, 200 and more of these species are protected. On January and February every year, Bengkaru Island in the province of Aceh is visited by a certain species a giant turtles, while grees turtles can be sighted year round.

Get up close to young and mature orangutans at the Bohorok Orangutan Rehabilitation Station near the village of Bukit Lawang in Medan. These orangutans have been rescued from illegal trade activities and are taught survival skills before being released back into the wild. The world famous giant flower, Rafflesia arnoldi, can be seen at Tebing Binjai, Bengkulu or at Pelupuh Village, 16 km north of Bukittinggi, West Sumatera. Its blooming period is between August and November. The biggest ever recorded had diameter of 120 cm.

The wealthy biodiversity and rich natural resources of Jambi are represented in four national parks contained in the province, of which one is the Kerinci-Seblat National Park, one of the most important wildlife parks in Southeast Asia and the beautiful Lake Kerinci.

The Many Faces of Jakarta

Located on the shores of the Java Sea, Jakarta is a bustling metropolis and the country's capital offering all kinds of attractions, from museums, food and a wide variety of cultural activities.

Jakarta also has prime attraction from the Indonesia's past. The National Museum holds a vast collection of historical, pre-historic, archeological and ethnographic artifacts and relics of the various ethnic groups in Indonesia.

The Jakarta Historical Museum is housed in the former 17th-18th century Dutch East Indies Company's Town Hall. A collection of over 327 kinds of textiles from all over the country, hand-woven cotton, silk and batik cloths, both of the ancient and contemporary productions are housed in the Textile Museum. A small workshop shows the process of batik making. The Wayang Museum holds a collection of wayang puppets from parts of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Shortened performanceof the wayang kulit (leather puppets) are given every Sunday morning.

In the old town area and Chinatown in North Jakarta, warehouse of the Ducth East Indies Company and period buildings still stand. And within minutes, reach Sunda Kelapa, a fishermen's wharf and an inter island port that provides a safe harbor for tall-masted Bugis schooners.

The culture and traditions of Jakarta's indigineous habitants, the Betawi people, are preservedat several of the city's Betawi cultural reserves, such as Situ Babakan in South Jakarta. See their traditional designed house, and you may just stumble on a traditional performance, such as the tanjidor orchestra, the Topeng Blantek dance and Betawi wayang performance.

Despite its bustling and noisy nature, Jakarta has its share of places that promise tranquility and relaxation. Spas offer professional pampering service with floral baths, body scrubs, aromatic oils, massages and meditations, rituals and treatments that use spices and aromatic herbs to promote physical and mental wellness.

Jakarta's lush tropical landscapes and challenging greens come as a surprise. Over 30 world-class golf courses are found in and around the city, designed by some of the world renowned golf course architects and by great players.

A recreation and entertainment venue for the whole family, the Jaya Ancol Dreamland is a fantasy theme park boasting different fun rides, Sea World, swimming pools, fishing, boating, an art market, nightclubs, restaurants and first class hotels.

Lying just off the Bay of Jakarta, the Thousand Islands or Pulau Seribu is cluster of islands offering an array of activities, sunbathing, vigorous water sports, camping or enjoying first-class accomodations. Clear waters and pretty coral reefs also make fabulous diving sites that take only about two hours to reach from the Ancol Marina.

Indonesia Overview

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. It Consits of five major islands, Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua and about 30 small group of islands, a total more than 17.508 islands.

Stretching 3.200 miles (5.120 km) from east to west, it straddles the equator between the Australia and Asia Continents. The fourth largest population in the world, Indonesians number 220 milion and are basically of Malay and Polynesian stock comprising of 480 ethnic groups and subgroups having their own traditions. Early immigrants from the Indian sub-continent China, the Arab peninsula and Persia have left their mark on culture and religion followed by influences of Portuguesem Spanish, English and Dutch trades and invanders.

The Indonesian constitution allows freedom of religion in a predominantly Moslem Country and the state's "Unity in Diversity" is a symbol of the coexistence of the many cultures unified in one nation. Those diverse cultures have given Indonesia a rich heritage of traditions and art resulting in festivies throughout the year in different parts of the country, which are also closely related to religion, particularly om the island of Bali.

Indonesian, using romanised script, is the national language and English is spoken in the main cities and tourist areas. Indonesia has two seasons, the dry season from June to October and the rainy season from November to March. There are occasional showers during the transitional periods and the general maximum temperature is 33 C (62 F) and the general minimum 21C (41 F). Humidity is high at all times. As some events are based on cosmology or traditional beliefs, dates may vary, although every effort is made to provide correct information.

Events in open air also influenced by weather conditions. Therefore, reconfirmation before is recommended.

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" The Most Varied Destination Anywhere"