Love Island Travel

Pack your pool equipment we head to the beach to swim, slide, surfing, parasailing, jet skiing or diving. Make your choice! For children living in Bali, many can swim well by five and some are participating in international swimming competitions and diving - and win - ten or eleven. What other kids want to do in one of the best resorts in the world? Spend time in the water, of course. Here we take a quick trip around Bali with some of the highlights of the water sports in the north, east and west of the island

Bali has several water parks, three located Kuta. the fabulous Bali Waterbom, the aquatic circus Park and New Kuta Green Park, the last two catering mainly for locals.

KUTA'S Waterparks

Waterbom

Waterbom is close to Discovery Shopping Mall in the center of Jl Kuta. Kartika Plaza. It has a multitude of functions and activities, with 20 water slides, swimming pools, kiddie pools and a lazy river where you float along inside your tube into a large circular meandering stream. The 3.5 hectare park is well laid out with many features, such as gazebos, hidden behind bushes, making them more private. There is a good selection of food stalls in the food court serving a wide range of dishes and snacks - fish, chicken, fruits - at realistic prices (unlike most adventure parks). It is very busy at lunch time, but if you have a gazebo meals will be delivered to you.

New to the park in 2010 were three additional slide characteristics, AQUALOOP, better known as "Climax", the Boomerang and Superbowl. Boomerang sees riders shoot down the slide and up to a nearly vertical wall before sliding to the finish. Superbowl sees you in your inflatable slide down a chute, up a circular wall, and you drag in the middle, then pull you through a tunnel and get out riding the left slide to the right as you go down fast.

The most exciting slide is undoubtedly Climax! Climax begins with a single rider penetrate inside a plexiglass tube. The door closes, the door opens and you fall in mid-air at high speed, slide down the loop before coming to a halt by creating your own big wave. You get out of this literally shaking with the feeling of being in free fall if only for a moment. It is fun scary but so much. Climax is also affectionately known as the blade of the bowl because of the feeling of being emptied.

Waterbom entertainment is a great day for all ages. It is relatively cheap by Western standards and if you are in Bali long enough, buy a pass for two days that the extra day is cheaper still. A pass two days is valid for seven days. Towels, lockers and gazebos are available for rent and there are plenty of chairs to give your feet a rest.

Instead of using the money, you get a cash credit that has a group on it and straps to your wrist, so no need to carry a bag. Any additional credit is given back to you at the end of the day.

It is best to arrive early (open 9:00 to 6:00 p.m. daily), so you can install and go on the popular rides before the queues become fat around noon. Even if, however busy, you do not have to wait too long

For those who enjoy a little relaxation, you can get a body massage -. Or feet cleaned of dead skin delivered to you by the fish nibble at your feet.

Jl Kartika Plaza
Tel. +62 361 755 676
Fax: +62 361 753 517
E-mail: info@waterbom-bali.com
Price (2013 ):
US $ 31 ($ 50 for two days) adult
US $ 19 ($ 31 for both days) child (2-11 years)

circus Waterpark

water Park circus opened in 2010 and has water slides, pools, water bucket, boat Phinisi and restaurant area.

Book early to info@circuswaterpark.com
Jl Raya Kediri, Kuta
Tel. +62 361 764003.
Prices are for US adults $ 11 (concession 7.20 $) and $ 6 ($ 4) for children, with family package 2 + 2 $ 33 ($ 27)

New Kuta Green park

New Kuta Green park, which opened in 2012, is in a five-hectare park with a wave pool, slides, flow rides, flying fox and trampoline bungi.

Jl Raya Uluwatu, Pecatu, South Kuta
Tel. +62 361 8484777
The three sites have price concession for families and large groups and there is plenty of free parking
Price :. Foreigner Rp.112,000 and Rp 72,000 for domestic use. -. so bring your KTP, Kitas or Indonesian drivers license to prove that you live here

WATERSPORTS'S EAST COAST

Nusa Dua Water Sports

Nusa Dua / Tanjung Benoa has become the place in Bali southern associated with parasailing and jet skiing. When the winds are light, jet skis are out. When the winds are stronger, energy parasailers come into force. Surprisingly few water skiers take to these waters, perhaps because of the cost. Try a banana boat or flying fish for some aquatic fun

A recent and popular feature is the "Walk on the seabed," No swimming ability required, you just need. be brave enough to put a divers helmet with full mask and air hose on the surface and place a shallow half hour (max five meters) enchanted by the wonders of the reef, protected sharks barracuda and a safety net. It is an experience of a lifetime for children (nine years and over) who have never seen the delights of the underwater world to the close and very personal. They come to the surface with questions and answers for each diver: "You saw so-and-so ... really great!"

Seawalker Bali is located in Bali Hyatt Resort, Jl. Danau Tamblingan, Sanur, Denpasar. Prices start from US $ 46 for children.

The diversity of North Bali

Whether diving at Menjangan island in the West or take a bath in the spring pool fees air Sanih in the east, the district north of Bali Buleleng offers a wide range of activities both on and off the water.

Located 10 km west of Singaraja, the former capital of Bali and only major city in the north, is Lovina "tourism of this Central neighborhood."

Sports Water Lovina

Lovina has any type of housing, large hotels to budget losmen, a multitude of restaurants, bars, dive shops, supermarkets, banks and transportation to suit your needs and your pocket. It is particularly favored by young tourists who want to get out of teeming southern Bali.

Lovina itself has many attractions, its chromatic black sand beach with outrigger canoes colorful fishermen hundreds of dolphins are seen almost daily one kilometer offshore. one of the favorite trips to Lovina will observe dolphins. Fifty to eighty outrigger boats head every morning around 6am in search of dolphin schools. Hundreds of dolphins can be seen in an hour or two at that time of the morning - a real sight to see. Lovina beach draws crowds again around 18 hours to watch the sunset.

Hot Springs water Buddhist monastery in Banjar

The Hot Water Springs, located about 2 km inside the main road in Banjar, is a natural source of hot water that is open daily 7:00 to 6:00 p.m.. Its water is rich in iron and sulfur and is believed to have healing properties. There is a large pool kept warm by continuous hot water flowing in it and 3.5 meters high waterfall triple mini which grinds the meat line, which makes the body feel relaxed and fresh.

Brahma Vihara Arama, built in neighboring hamlet Tegehe 1970 is popular with Buddhist visitors from across Asia who come here to pray and meditate. It has several unique Balinese Hindu features including colorful dragons guarding the entrance and a tower of wooden drum to call the monks to prayer. Its location on the north side of the mountain offers a beautiful view of the north coast. Tel: 0362 92954.

A three week trip with two kids in tow from Bali to Flores by ferry, bus, on foot, by bike and shared taxi, while supporting lumpy beds, stained sheets, small dark rooms, dripping faucets and freezing mandi can not be the idea of ​​everybody of a holiday, but it is the school holidays and the opportunity was too good to pass up. As a former star of aging soccer race a train to the crossing, I also wanted to see if that old hippy could still do the thing the backpack.

An unforgettable experience awaits the hardy traveler Nusa Tenggara, the islands of southeastern Indonesia. The region is home to hundreds of ethnic groups, speaking scores of different languages, practicing in the animist beliefs prevalent, combat arts, tribal dances mass and the unique religious festivals. Astounding natural wonders include three meters long Komodo dragons, virgins reserves Rinca game, volcanic lakes color from another world Kelimutu volcano on Flores, and one of the premier surfing world Meccas Hu u in southern Sumbawa.

We started our adventure on the same day the price of fuel and hike early in the summer holiday break, so we had to deal with artificially inflated prices as soon as we left Ubung Bus Terminal Bali. We got into a semi-express bus Padangbai where we met the ferry to East Lombok and the beginning of our journey, leaving the year long season rains Bali behind us.

The time has brought gargantuan changes since my last visit in 1989, one year I remember very well because it was the fall of the Berlin Wall. The signs of modernity in Nusa Tenggara are increasing the number of English speakers, the appearance of laptops and baby carrier, the much wider use of jilbab headgear and the phenomenal expansion and improvement of the interisland ferry system in Indonesia. Passages from six to seven hours on these ferries subsidized by the government were an incredible bargain

Still very much in evidence are the old dilapidated bus -. 1960 ancient remains that will never die! Traveling these broken gear was like being thrown inside a cement mixer surrounded bickering babies, captive goats, chickens in bamboo cages, bags of rice and cassava, boxes of ramen noodles, Baskets bulging with fruit and vegetables while passengers are smoking cigarettes clove stinging alongside plastic jugs of gasoline. They do not leave until the greatest possible number of people are packed inside.

We quickly discovered that the further east we traveled, the more prices rose for everyday products. The hotel rooms have got more basic, the more inside, we went, but the rates remain the same. The flight is also becoming less common, with more flight reports occurring on Lombok where it is believed that pickpockets Sasak cast spells on their victims.

The facial features and body type are becoming increasingly Melanesian. The hair becomes curlier, the darker the skin, softer hand grips, looks fearless and the most melodious languages. The food also becomes more basic, the more frequent power failure and the poorly equipped infrastructure to manage the increasing development of the region.

A Chinese Mandiri bank employee, a surfer longhaired of San Bernardino, a talkative Australian couple from Adelaide, a textile trader Nggela, a grandmotherly Catholic sister of Sumba and a delicious 33 Lebanese Christian woman travel the world were some of the characters we encountered during our three week trip. These new friends, we would like to again share the most intimate confidences in hotel lobbies and all day bus rides, parties would instantly with the blare of a horn bus or ferry and a wave and a smile . Ask their names seemed unnecessary civility.

Startling changes had taken place in tourism, technology and living standards. In the 1980s everything you want to hear is the wind but now in the hands of people around the world were flashing, ringing and chiming electronics. Even in these distant islands, the conversations could not wait. Smartphones quickened trade. Drivers, bus drivers and agents perpetually used them to fill the bus, passengers or meet for dinner. Hotels touts and used them to fill rooms. On the upside, my daughter Aysah was able to send and receive emails when his Blackberry has a signal. The entire kingdom is Wallacea wired! No Wi-Fi required!

Many ancient places I went was gone to seed, only now concrete slabs, turf and broken walls or been reborn as another or transformed into a Alfamart. Homestays, who were "known for good service" in the guides, now had terrible service. The rooms were often without outlets or power mirrors with broken showers and toilet seats, no blankets and served the coffee undrinkable.

But all the things that has not changed since my last visit 23 years ago delighted me. Every city we visited had retained some of her innocence, had not noisy hellholes congested with bumper to bumper traffic, as happened to many urban centers in Bali and Java. I was thrilled to discover that an old hotel that I stayed in was still there and meet someone who still remembers the old days.

The superb snorkelling on islands off the coast, the splendidly isolated beaches Lunyuk and four meters waves crashing on the reef -High were still there. The most important lesson I learned to travel with children is to go slower and spend more time on beaches. Our goal was to reach Kelimutu and return to Bali in three weeks we had before classes start again, but the travel pace was just too hard for them.

When it came time to go home, get on a huge bus long distance conditioning management is another luxury that was not around back in the day. Gliding over the clear sea on the half empty ferry Lombok-Bali with large flat screen televisions, electrical outlets and vendors selling ice cream and fresh pineapple on a stick, we reclaimed civilization.

I thought back to those strange and beautiful remote islands of the East - the great adventure of a novel by Joseph Conrad, the crew members wearing Kris in their belts, the bottle of rice wine and a shared thread with a fellow traveler and vessels that leads us through the night as the North star. I wanted this trip never to end.

It was a beautiful day in Benteng, Selayar. The long island 100 kilometers off the south coast of Bira, South Sulawesi, is known to some as peaceful and marine biodiversity hotspot with a dip, but a different way of Bali, Lombok, or Raja Ampat.

The streets of Selayar parade elevated rustic wooden houses on stilts, painted in bright colors. The air is warm most of the time with the sun, but cool and windy as the sea Landscapes display views unpretentious boats fishing serene beaches and friendly community hubs. wet markets, warungs , multifunctional soccer and diving centers.

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting Kampung Desa Penyu in Barugaiya, Bontomanai. Kampung Penyu, which covers about one kilometer from the west coast of Dusun Tulang, is dotted with mangroves and wetlands that lead to the black sand beach with coconut groves and the blue waters of the Flores Sea.

In the sand is this fenced area with blue labels on it. These are the grounds on which the turtle eggs are incubated, labeled with the date of hatching, the number of eggs, and the name of the person who adopted them.

Sharben Scuba divers Sileya is one of the initiators of Kampung Penyu. "It is our mission to educate residents of Kampung Penyu to keep the homeland of our ancestors and wildlife that made at home," he said.

My fellow travelers and local children instantly lightened as Sharben brought a bucket filled with chicks in water. As we gathered on the shore, Sharben showed us how to free these young turtles to the sea. "Put them on the floor with his back to the sea, and let them turn around instinctively find their way into water "instructed Sharben

My friends -. Divers Bandung and Jakarta - turned the ritual into a game by lining newborns and racing waters on the obstacles to the hand and ditches. But the stupid humans could not deceive the poor creatures, who showed smart and powerful enough to paddle their way to the sea in minutes.

"Only 10% of these chicks would adulthood and produce offspring of their own," said Sharben. 0% would be prey to natural predators such as sharks and gulls, or die because of human threats such as bombs and chemicals.

In Kampung Penyu there are three species of turtles, including hawksbill turtles ( Eretmochelys imbricata ), green turtle ( Chelonia mydas ) and sea turtle olive Ridley ( Lepidochelys olivacea ). Despite all the cosmopolitan species are found in tropical waters around the world, their conservation status are vulnerable to critically endangered.

The idea of ​​Kampung Penyu was conceived in July 2012 when Sharben returned to Dusun Tulang Barugaiya in caring for the land of his family. He stayed with Datu, a relative leader and close community. Together they started a conversation about the turtle eggs, which Sharben grandfather used to consume on a daily basis when they were young.

In August 2012, Sharben, Datu and two friends Sileya Benteng Divers inspected the Tulang coast for remains of turtle nests. That was the past breeding season. Instead, the men found that beaches were strewn with marine debris by western monsoon, creating a dangerous environment for nesting sea turtles.

Since then, divers Sileya members meet regularly in Benteng to start a campaign against the sale of turtle eggs. They invited community members and banners installed on local markets in order to familiarize them with laws protecting endangered species.

In order to obtain the support of the community in the eradication of the sale of turtle eggs, Sileya divers Rp.1,000 offset by poachers egg - well above the price of Rp.800 per egg market. From February 2013, inspections were held in local markets to save turtle eggs. 85 eggs were then rescued with redemption compensations given by the Takabonerate National Park. At the end of March, three of the eggs hatch. The rest were damaged have been flushed with fresh water on the market.

After the sad incident, Sileya invited local divers in Tulang to build nesting areas protected good for turtle eggs. beach cleanups were organized to ensure that mothers turtles have safe places to lay their eggs. April 22, 2013, while celebrating Earth Day with the local government and a Makassar travel community, the project was named as "Kampung Penyu"

in early May, 102 of the 104 eggs nestled in Kampung hatched Penyu. Newborns were released into the sea the next day.

Today, Kampung Penyu is a self-funded project members Sileya divers and donors. There is currently one ongoing donor, but many opportunities for off donations through its eggs or turtle adoption program of visits in Kampung Penyu.

Kampung Penyu intends to adopt the remuneration model practiced in Derawan in 05, where the turtle eggs offsets are progressively eliminated former poachers are starting to make a living from alternative livelihood programs sustainable. In Selayar, Sileya divers are training former poachers on the farm of mangrove crabs.

"I would not have started and continued to support the project if it did not benefit the local community," said Sharben. He said he hoped that Kampung Penyu will ensure that future generations in Selayar will still get to see the turtles that call the island home.

In a quiet and relatively isolated island where local life is a love affair with the sea, it is easy to think that Selayar is now free of environmental threats to wildlife. The truth is, even the Selayar marine conservation challenges are still numerous.

The conservation of sea turtles are never only save one or a few species. Rather, it must orchestrating the protection of the entire ecosystem in which they live. With many factors beyond the control of the community - irresponsible net, fish bombing, chemical fishing, coral bleaching, marine debris from other places - there is so much more to save the turtles that hatch in safely eggs

Although Selayar. is a preserved paradise, there is still a lot of beauty in its blissful scenery and marine life zestful. And the fact that the young people of the country do something to preserve it offers hope that beauty will stay a little longer

To visit or make a donation to Kampung Penyu, Contact :.
Mobile +62 (0) 852-5525-8910
Twitter: @SSD_Selayar
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sileyascubadivers. Selayar
BIS account Selayar nr. Scuba Divers 0257-01-006731-53-1 Sileya

In understanding of Balinese literature, we must start with a religion and mythology based in India there are more than 3,500 years. The Ramayana and Mahabharata epics have played a huge role in the Balinese art, theater and literature. The Mahabharata , with 100,000 couplets is the longest poem in the world, telling the story of a huge battle 18-day between two groups of the family in the legendary status of Bharat during Vedic Age of India (1500- 500 BC). Translated into the language of Kawi high Middle Ages, the rich classical literature of Bali is largely based on the Indian masterpiece.

The Ramayana , containing 18 books and 24,000 verses divided into 500 songs, is about Aryan hero Rama (Vishnu reincarnated) who defeated the villain Rawana king of Ceylon who stole his wife and is generally disturbing the world. The Ramayana provides inspiration for Balinese dance dramas like Kecak and Legong . There has written over 2,000 years this epic is as old as Homer's Iliad. The poem also includes the same legend; removal of great beauty followed by a terrible war to rescue her.

One of the greatest works and influential Indonesian literature is Sutasoma , which tells the life of a prince born as one of the incarnations of Buddha, a Bodhisattva. Throughout Buddhist Asia there are many variations on the story of how this divine being submitted consumes everything Purusada demon. Sutasoma is comparable to both the complexity and the magnitude of that of Ramayana . Episodes of the poem are often alluded to in Balinese literature, regularly recited and studied Balinese wayang contemporary theater and often seen Balinese sculpture of the temple.

Another more sustainable standard of Bali is drawn from the history of Calonarang . Acted in a powerful dance drama is the struggle of King Airlangga to save his kingdom from destruction by the witch Rangda widow. This famous literary work continues to exert a strong influence in modern Balinese culture. The character of Calonarang demonizes mystical powers of seers women that occurred in patriarchal cultures throughout history. Anthropologists and theater historians see Rangda central character of the drama originally as a mother figure, the personification of the witch quintessential , the wise old crone and eternal. Historians say it was the legendary queen Mahendratta a 11th century East Javanese kingdom.

Some of the earliest "books" Bali are sacred Lontar palm leaf manuscripts produced from the 16th century forward. The library Gedong Kirtya Singaraja houses a collection of 4,000-odd Lontar books that record the literature, mythology, calendars, horoscopes, folklore, rituals, black magic white, medical science, genealogies and stories of Bali. There are also books on law and ethical codes, holy incantations, village regulations, how to care for horses, singing doves and fighting cocks. The most valuable are kept in a special air-conditioned room.

novels of the modern era

A dozen so modern books are essential reading in understanding the extraordinary changes that have taken place in Bali beginning in the early 20th century. Several books deal with the initial clash of civilizations which resulted first European incursions in Bali. First published in 1937, A Tale of Bali by Vicki Baum is a fictionalized account of the horrible ritual suicide, which took place in colonial southern Bali in 106, when the Dutch soldiers killed Badung royal family and their followers.

After hearing a recording of Balinese gamelan in the late 1920s, a young Canadian born composer living in New York dreamed of a day to visit the source. Among the first ethnomusicologists the world, Colin McPhee came in 1931 at a time when Bali was the subject of a prolific explosion of the arts. He lived in Bali for eight years, until the eve of World War II. His book A House in Bali was the first account of the island by a classical musician. The book is called frequently in academic monographs as a classic, not only of literature but of musicology and ethnography as well.

The experiences of the American traveler to Bali in the late 1920s, covering the daily life, customs of the village and temple festivals, are masterfully told in timeless classic Last Paradise Hickman Powell . Island demons Nigel Barley is a fascinating historical novel Walter Spies - famous ethnographer, choreographer, filmmaker and painter - in Campuan in the 1930s Our hotel in Bali is the story two Americans who arrived in Bali in 1936 and opened a hotel on Kuta beach, the first hotel Bali style at a time when tourists were just starting to arrive on the island.

other important work covering the period of nation building after the war. Dance Bali , published in 1954, tells the story of a young Englishman, John Coast, which has just been released from a Japanese prison camp. In 1952, he and his wife made a Javanese dance troupe and Balinese gamelan in Britain and the US to great success. His book is a remarkable personal journey that would be of interest not only to Balinists, but also to all readers.

K'tut Tantri in his book Revolt in Paradise tells the gripping story of the artist and adventurer British-born Muriel Pearson, known in Java and Bali Surabaya Sue K 'tut Tantri. The most exciting chapters recount his experiences during the early years of the tourism industry in Bali and Indonesia's struggle for independence.

The Night of Purnama by Anna Mathews is an evocative description of village life in Iseh in eastern Bali at the time of the catastrophic eruption of Gunung Agung in 1963 over the following six months, he spread the ash, lava and volcanic bombs, burying entire villages, destroying rice fields, killing nearly 2,000 people, and bringing terror and famine to hundreds and thousands others. More recently, in his book William Ingram A Little Bit One O'clock wrote a heart-warming and insightful account of an American expatriate living with a Balinese family in the 190s

as for children's literature, a club of small men Colin McPhee is the true story of men and boys aged six to 60 who created a group of gamelan in the village of Sayan in Also the 1930 is worth picking up Favourite Stories'S Balinese children , which contains 12 tales for children aged four to eight, some based on Aesop, others are authentically Balinese, with paintings illustrating the stories. The complaint Gecko is a tale about fireflies with pen and ink drawings colored and charming by Sukanada. Sadri return to Bali depicts the 10-day Galungan festival through the eyes of a former child actor, a joyous time where the gods descend to earth to visit and play.

Nausus Entering Mollo

sunrays Fine embrace the pine-covered hills and lush meadows that our motorcycles swept rural roads. There is a sparkling pond on my right and a beautiful brown horse herd grazing on my left. In the distance, I noticed two large rocks scattered in the bushes. I put my eyes on the first sites to Mollo.

I first learned about Mollo, an area in the highlands of Timor Tengah Selatan, during a cultural exhibition in Jakarta several years ago. Color displays tenun ikat products they had reminded me somewhere in my native country of NTT. In the background there was a cartoon about the history behind the textiles, how "Mama" Aleta Baun bravely stopped the marble mines plundering sacred rock towers of his country.

Growing up in a compound of mining, I think mines have an interesting relationship to indigenous land where they operate. On the one hand, it would be almost impossible to find property in our modern urban civilization whose production has not involved mining products. On the other hand, mining is not without serious impact on the land where they operate and those traditionally dependent on the land for their livelihood. So despite my awareness of my own dependence on the mining industry, I have come to respect the communities that stand against it to protect their country.

marble extraction began in 04. Mollo sites include Nausus, Naetapan and Fatulik. "Our seniors do not know what that meant mining. They thought the company was there to carve a work on the rocks, "said Aleta. When they realized what was really happening, native of Mollo formed the Pokja OATS indigenous organization to fight against mining in their homeland.

Grazing Horses with Fatu Nausus background

According to a village elder, the first mine approached the tribes rajas local to negotiate permission to operate in Mollo, but did not really involve other important community leaders. the mine has promised to build houses, power plants, schools and health centers the people. But it did not take long for people to notice the damage and suffer its consequences.

long before people Mollo studied science, their ancestors had recognized Nausus like a Fatu important regulator of the hydrology of their homeland.

"The marble towers are porous and there is vegetation on their surfaces. When it rains, the water runs off the pores and follows the roots of the vegetation, forming Wellsprings at the base of the rock" explained Aleta. Nausus the source, as well as those found at the bottom of the other rocks in Mollo, become the source of four major rivers in Timor water. "Mollo is the heart of Timor," said Aleta, comparing the source rocks of Mollo at heart to pump blood to all of the island.

The Timorese believe that the rocks are bones of land, water is the blood and the land and forests of his flesh. Being an agrarian society, based on the land for their livelihood, the Timorese believe that disturbances in one of these elements cause the land to lose its power to sustain life.

therefore, the Timorese believe that the ancestors entrusted to look after the land and make sure that it remains capable of providing good livelihoods for future. Timorese names generations are traditionally derived from local sacred rocks, forests or water-carrying the family name, one himself or herself professes as guardian of the nature element, after which the clan is named.

the soil is sandy clay Mollo, so when the rocks are removed, erosion occurs easily. "An entire village that lived under rocks had to move," said Aleta. "The water flow in the Wellsprings decreased, and many have disappeared altogether, because the mine stripped our forests. We get flooding in the rain, but drinking water is difficult. "

Mama Aleta

The mines also caused a loss of habitat for monkeys, cuscus, civets, birds and snakes.

"According to tradition, the base of the rock is pasture for livestock. Tradition forbids us to disturb the rocks, "said Aleta." Even the WWF and the government attributes the place as a conservation reserve and foreigners are not supposed to access. But sometimes that country can be funny. "

Aleta attributed the closure of the mine to the prayers and rituals consistent people. The Timorese are known for their sacrament of trees. The sacred trees become a place for the bees to build a hive and produce honey. However, this ritual is sometimes used to declare war, as happened between Mollo indigenous who support the mine and those against. Perhaps, this family feud was the greatest of all disasters that led the closure of the mine.

Some community members also retaliated by destroying the company vehicles. However, seeing that violence does not solve the problem, the community decided to stand up for their rights in peace.

marble extraction Mollo was stopped in 2010. "the mines were closed by the power of the people," said Aleta. At the time, the community organized a peaceful blockade of the mine site. Even if the police and army were backing the mine, the outnumbered their community.

"we refrained from committing lawlessness, so the police thought twice about stopping, lest we press charges. No verbal abuse each side . We just made sure that their machines do not affect our rock. "

Today, four years after mining in Mollo, the natives actively participate in Pokja OATS to perform food safety, community leadership in the protection of natural resources, animal husbandry, women's empowerment, advocacy for justice, and cooperative enterprises. Aleta said she hopes that these activities also serve as a way to make peace in the community and mending family ties that were severed by the mining conflict.

In 2013 Mama Aleta received the Goldman Prize for local environmental activism.

"Yes, we need development. But what we really need are the earth, water, rocks, and forests. There is no need of destruction," said Aleta said. "people tend to think of NTT poor. But we do not need charity. We do not deny that we are behind in terms of electricity, infrastructure development and all the amenities. But n does not need to live in excess. This will only make us forget who we are, forget the unit, and forget our community. We prefer to live in shame "

Timor Tengah Selatan
Country :. Indonesia
Province: Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT)
House: 3,947.1 km ² (TTS) / 30777 km ² (Timor island)
highest Lift Elevation: Mutis (near Fatumnasi, TTS) 2,427m AMSL
the largest city: Soe
population 441,155 (2010 estimate)

For a Walkable Jakarta

Imagine walking from your office or home to the nearest ATM or minimart on the streets of Jakarta; it is not only an unattractive image, it is also a heartbreaking disconcertingly. As you dodge a motorcycle on your right, you are faced with a bunch of smelly garbage truck or a street vendor on your left. In extreme cases, you might even brushing against another motorcycle on the left side. The sidewalks of Jakarta are a nuisance because it is - be so small compared to the massive amount of activities and people on them - despite its structural damages that are dangerous for even the most careful of pedestrians. Such a simple task to walk from one place to another should not bear a huge amount of risk and boredom.

Many do not realize, be long-time residents of Jakarta and used to his ways, but the sidewalks of the Big Durian are infrastructures that are no longer used the way it was supposed to when the construction of them started. What used to be a smooth area designed for pedestrian walk has been transformed into an inconvenient and dangerous bridge with unauthorized vehicles, street vendors and an ornament of potholes. Jakartans are slowly but surely becoming accepting sorry conditions of the sidewalks. Most of us lack the resources or determination to speak on the issue. Enter Safe Steps.

Safe Steps is a campaign by a group of people who are just as tired as some of us regarding the usability of sidewalks in Jakarta. They speak up on the issue and demand a tangible change. Safe Steps is the fruit of Count Me In, a voluntary initiative run by the Jakarta Globe. Launched recently, in March 2013, Safe Steps planned a yearlong campaign demanding an improvement on the streets of Jakarta and the overall life of pedestrians. The good people at Safe Steps believe this is a cause worth fighting because it is beneficial to all citizens layers. "It is a question that many people complain about, but never do anything," said Divya Pridhnani of Count Me In. "And one of the most important reasons is the lack of mass appeal. As a media company, we believe it is beneficial to start a public outcry with our great resources and reach. "Other initiatives have paved the way to triumph on this issue, as Koalisi Pejalan Khaki (the Coalition of pedestrians) who also started the movement Carfree Day in Jakarta, are now associated with safe steps.

to what is good and life healthy pedestrians, the rules are very clear. The settlement of the city on Article 275-1 09 UU No.22 stipulates that violators of the functionality of pedestrian facilities are subject to a fine of Rp.250,000. The following clause continues to discuss a huge fine should Rp.50million public property, such as sidewalks, be damaged and unfit for purpose.

The serious conditions of the sidewalks are the result of many factors, namely non -Regulations horse vehicles on the structure of natural causes such as rain or maintenance issues, etc. Accessibility Some sidewalks are also disturbed by dirt piles, usually next to a hole passes as part of road works in progress. As a result of this damage, the curb accidents, and deaths are increasingly a problem - give local reading newspapers and see the number of reported incidents. Such a simple and universal structure, when treated badly and not repaired, are grounds for a lawsuit or worse, accidental loss.

In the conquest of the question, Safe Steps came up with some ideas that are both realistic and impactful if necessary. Starting with damage control, renovation and patching up the sidewalks could be just what the doctors ordered. The repair would not only reduce the risk of pedestrians falling on potholes or jumping over gaping pits, but also improve the quality of life - the citizens of Jakarta walked over to get places. This scenario is a two-birds-with-one stone as more people willing to walk leads to less number of vehicles in the streets. If given the opportunity to walk safely and comfortably on the streets of our city, there could be a significant decrease in the use of cars, ojeks or taxis; at least for short trips. We could be making the first steps on better traffic conditions - and less pollution - by performing a makeover on broken sidewalks. This is a Safe Steps call made to city officials.

A petition was launched by Safe Steps to join the Governor Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo, Deputy Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama and Mayor of South Jakarta on the issue. Their demand is for city officials to fix and transform the pavements in the streets of Kemang for the better. Kemang is an excellent example of an animated busy street that reflects the productivity of Jakarta; smooth new sidewalks will benefit pedestrians in the area. It will be a representation of what could be if the whole city is undertaking a massive renovation project to its sidewalks.

Many streets even more important to Jakarta simply do not have this problem because they are not even equipped with sidewalks! Maybe one was never built, or an existing one is more visible because of changes allowed / not allowed (ie the road widening, making the aisles that eliminate adjacent sidewalks in total, etc. .). Therefore, Safe Steps stressed that the construction of new sidewalks is something interesting to delve into. At present, there are a total of 00 kilometers along the sidewalks around Jakarta. This covers too little of the length of 70 kilometers of streets of Jakarta total

To produce an effective and productive sidewalk renovation and construction of new structures are not the only company to undertake. the cooperation of the population is also a key ingredient. If the fine is to be executed, many think twice before using their bikes on the sidewalks or the size of the structure with the carts of the vendors. Sidewalks were and always will be for pedestrians.

"The Streets of Senayan, Senayan Plaza and around Senayan City shopping malls are fine representations of a well designed street with large sidewalks. There is a visible way and people can walk comfortably there, "Divya said.

Safe Steps invites citizens of Jakarta to create enough 'roar' inspiring initiation of new petitions for other areas. Their renovation curb demand in the Kemang area is a Kickstart movement but hope that snowball effect will start. Safe Steps organize various events throughout the year, such as a sidewalk fashion show (25 May) during the car-free day on Thamrin, a live petition signing the same day, making documentaries and videos on the fate of the sidewalks and many more.

Jakarta is a city with huge potential which could become more feasible than walkability increases. Safe Steps implore you to keep a sense of entitlement on the sidewalks of the street; they are ours, and keeping it tidy will only benefit us. Join Safe Steps to express their outrage, to take the necessary measures to a walkable Jakarta

To sign the petition, go to :.

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/safesteps/petition?doing_wp_cron=1397619855.1851840019226074218750

www.safesteps.org

Sekolah Kami

As we approached the school to volunteer our time, girls swept with brooms and advanced boys put away. They are used to collect garbage; many are children Pemulung (scavengers). But their actions are more than that. This is Sekolah Kami, or our school in Indonesia, and the children have a sense of pride in their school than other students might take for granted.

Sekolah Kami is located in Bekasi and serves Bintara families and surrounding areas. There are gardens, and the school is equipped, a gathering place for shelter, a playground, and of course many outdoor classrooms. They are functional and noisy, but dry.

A wall surrounds the school, creating an oasis, just beyond the gates, there is extreme poverty. Ramshackle sheds serve as homes for many of these children. Down the dusty road, came four girls dressed in bright football jerseys. They are looking forward to school when they pass through the door

More than 0 students attend. first year in high school. Children like Sekolah Kami but also work alongside their parents after school and on weekends. They help their parents pick in the discharge side of their house and sort the rubbish to sell to a middleman.

Stephanie Stallings and I help class four and five today. Young people are friendly and curious practice their greetings in English. "Hi how are you? I'm fine. Where are you from?" Their average age is 10 years. Some are quick in their courses and some are slow. Some can not sit still and some know all the answers. They are like children everywhere, busy, busy, busy. Busy singing mouths busy hands gripping a pencil, mind busy learning English and heart busy helping each other.

Stallings teaches children English words for parts of the body and class elements. They curl up on spreadsheets and check their work before singing "Head, shoulders, knees and toes". This shake their sillies out. Later, the students craft sentences with new words, using prepositions like "in", "above" and "behind". There is a bingo game to practice what they learned, and a cry of "Bingo!" Their is some candy.

Children playing

There are lots of smiles and cries that the children run outside to play. The boys have a ball, and that's all they need, and the girls did a jump rope knotted rubber bands. They dance back, flying over the elastic rope in practiced steps.

Sekolah Kami was founded by Irina Amongpradja in 09 to its current location. Ibu Irina originally started in 01 a school for children of transmigrants, but because of property issues, she took his education in the streets before setting the dedicated website for Sekolah Kami.

Ibu Irina graduated from medical school in 1984 and worked in East Timor before marrying her husband. They started a family and a life in Jakarta. She worked for the government hospitals and a university, but wanted something more. With grown children and parties, Ibu Irina looked for a new way to reach out to people. "Sekolah Kami is an attempt to break the cycle of a life spent collecting empty plastic cups in the street," she said. Education is not only to learn, but recognizing that it may be more to life. "Sekolah Kami can be their springboard. It provides each student a childhood childhood they deserve. "Tears start rolling down the cheeks of Ibu Irina as she talks." These children have become like mine, it is simple matter of the heart for me to give you a chance for a better future for them. " Although students can not continue their education, it is pleased to have provided the good memories of friendships in a beautiful safe place.

Amy Shaw visited Sekolah Kami there 18 months ago and quickly became a consistent help. She has no work experience, but that did not stop him to volunteer to teach English to students each week. Shaw is also a dynamo as far as fundraising. A recent event recorded Rp.80 million, enough to build a classroom, repair an existing roof structure and finance a food program. Students usually no breakfast at home, and before they had only a glass of milk for breakfast. Now, children can receive rice, meat and vegetables on a typical day. But there is an ongoing need. Shaw loves the students and said, "They learn functional skills such as sewing, paper and soap making from recycled products in the trash, as well as subjects such as Bahasa, English, mathematics, music and even French courses for older children by a French volunteer lady. "

Students Sekolah Kami

Ibu Irina suggests to come to Sekolah Kami and meet the children." Give them some love, "says -she smiled. "Mingle, sing with them, offer their time and comfort. Do what you can follow your heart."

When asked why she give up her career to run Sekolah Kami, creating this oasis for poor children, Ibu Irina said, "something more than me is charging. "

Visit the website for more information: www.sekolahkami.web.id

Ibu contact Irina: sekolah.kami@yahoo.com

Fluro Friday Bali water shooting

Onewave is a nonprofit surfing community, founded by two young Australians in February 2013, to give people hope in order to beat 'Funks' such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. These Funks affect so many people, but are spoken by so few. Onewave lets people know they are not alone and encourage them to get in the ocean. They use a simple recipe :. Salt water, surfing and good friends

Grant Trebilco and Onewave community designed to share the stoke and the peace of mind of the ocean, if you are surfing, body boarding, body surfing, stand up paddle board, the machine does not matter. It is all about salt with your companions. Friday 2 ^e May Onewave organized two "Fluro Friday" in Bali. I caught up with Grant and the crew during the morning session at Old Man, Canggu.

"It was an incredible participation with 20 people catch the waves of fluro party in the 2-3ft surf. At the end of the surf we had recruited 10 people who wanted to be part of the crew . Passers-by stopped and asked what everyone was fluro, pending a dollar for part or something. once we told them that it is on raising awareness of mental health, their faces lit and they wanted to be part of it. Finally, it was normal to talk about mental health. "

Trebilco had visited Bali five times on surf trips before he was diagnosed with a bipolar disorder. But this time, he wanted to raise awareness about mental health through surfing. Since launching Onewave Sam Schumacher, every Friday is 'Fluro Friday'. fluorescence-surfing rallies costumed 6:30 start on the beaches of Bondi and Manly, Sydney, with events also being held in Byron Bay, Newcastle, Snapper Rocks, Tathra, Victoria and Wanda. The brightest fluorescent / neon outfits are known to make people smile and bringing it encourages people to ask questions that generally avoid the topic of mental health.

"Before we surfed the 'Fluro Friday' in Bali, I shared my story with everyone about how I had a manic episode at the Australian Open of Surfing because I'm on the wrong medication. I took a paddleboard surf club and paddled around the semifinal of women, thinking that I was raising money for Surf Aid. I was then handcuffed, taken to the hospital and that's how I find that I bipolar had. I'm like everyone else, I have my ups and downs, but I can experience more ups and downs lower. and what me out balance is surfing. "

Grant had suffered anxiety and depression for years, but did not tell anyone. When he ended up in hospital and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he agreed that there was a mental health issue. He moved to New Zealand with his parents and surf every day with his father (who also has bipolar disorder) who shot Grant the lowest low. A good wave would produce a smile and a real hope that things could get better for him. When Grant told his companions in the waves he had been correctly diagnosed, it was a great relief, because he could speak freely of life.

Shot Bali Fluro Friday Group

"We noticed that people have talked about mental health openly to the" Fluro Friday "events in Bali . It is important to remember that just because you live in a place that seems like paradise, this does not mean you're safe to go through a serious funk. from the outside, the people who live Bali may seem to have dreams in life, but in reality they may be hurt inside. "

Getting the right diagnosis is paramount, and according to Indonesian Psychiatrist Robert Reverger, MD, there was an improvement in the nation's mental health care in recent years. In December 2013 President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono launched the new health insurance system of government, the first step toward its goal of covering all Indonesians in 2019. The President said the government has a "moral obligation" to help the poor get access to health services, which he supported BPJS Kesehatan provide.

This is important news for Bali, where the practice of pasung (chaining people with schizophrenia) still exists. Although mental health problems may be considered "God's punishment" in the poorest communities, people can search for professionals.

"There are 26 practicing psychiatrists in Bali for people to get a proper diagnosis. Bangli Hospital (40 minutes north of Denpasar) specializes in mental health, the hospital admits Sanglah acute cases in ER and Siloam Hospital sees private patients. the basic level of insurance BPJS allows its members to access free drugs, including injectables that would otherwise cost rp.1 million. "

When communities avoid discussing mental health issues, people decide it's not normal therefore suffer from issues such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. 45% of Australians will experience a mental health problem during their life, so we need to start finding ways to fight stigma. Onewave the surfing community has a positive impact on people's lives . If anyone wants to talk funk they are in, they will find people to accept Onewave ready to listen and have fun.

"It would be unreal if Fluro Friday kept going to Bali. If people do not know how to surf we can teach them or take them for a swim. If they do not want to enter the water, they can hang out on the beach watching the surf and take pictures. "

Bali is so fortunate to have a community of legends such as Tai Graham and Nathan Johnson who are as passionate kicking the stigma of mental health as they are about the preservation of the ocean and surfing epic waves. At the end of the day, everyone was either in a funk or knows someone who has. We can show our support by letting people know "It's okay not to be okay." Onewave is all it takes

For more information please visit the website: www.onewaveisallittakes.com

Contact Grant grant@onewaveisallittakes.com

King Balun Palace

South Solok, located along mountain ranges of Sumatra, has a cool climate. While taking a trip to Padang city in this region, travelers can enjoy the beautiful hilltop villages with a wide range of plants of the rainforest. Things become more interesting because they also pass through the rivers margin.

South Solok regency entry, travelers will be greeted by a beautiful king Balun Palace, which is one of the palace of the Kings of four ( Raja Empat nan ) in Surambi Alam, Sungai Pagi subdistrict, Daulat Tuanku yang Dipertuan Bagindo Rajo Adat Raja Alam Surambi Sungai Pagu. He had the power to manage aboriginal affairs and economic and excelled in Tambo (historical). In the palace, visitors can not only find heritage objects relating to the origin of those Sungai Pagu, but they can also see elephant skeletons believed to have originated in ancient times.

The lineage house ( rumah gadang ) turns 0 years and was burned in the Dutch period. During the Japanese occupation, his rangkiangs (small hut to store the harvested rice) has never been burned. The house still has many ancient texts and well maintained equipment for the coronation of the king. Equally interesting, it has 24 pillars representing his clan names, Kampai Nan Duo Puluah Ampek (Kampai of Twenty Four). Four of which are still original, wrapped in a yellow cloth.

Going further, visitors will arrive at Rumah Gadang Nagari 1000 (One Thousand Village Rumah Gadang). It is a traditional village located in the village of Koto Baru, Sungai Pagu Subdistrict, Solok Selatan regency, 141 km from the city of Padang. Almost the whole premise of the housing in the region lineage houses. The natural beauty of the village was once used as film set of Tenggelamnya Kapal Van der Wijck (The Sinking of Van der Wijck), an adaptation of a late 1930s Indonesian novel of the same title written by Haji Abdul Malik Karim Amrullah, who is better known as Hamka.

Nagari 1000 Rumah Gadang

The village name "Mille Rumah Gadang 'is given by Meutia Hatta, women's empowerment minister in the first Cabinet Yudhoyono from 04 to 09, during his trip to the village. The name behind the village suggests various types of lineage houses based on clan names in the village such as Gajah Maharam, Bodi Chaniago, koto and Piliang Surambi Aceh. While their original buildings remain to this day, the houses have their own unique character with or without stunning sculptures on the walls. Regular maintenance is entrusted to the younger children of each clan to stay in the village.

Most houses of the lineage in the village are estimated to have been 0 years and still work well for a variety of cultural festivities. It is important to note that all customs-related activities must be performed rumah gadang . Consequently, the home of the line plays a vital role in strengthening the clan members links involving mamak (brothers' mothers), nephews, and Urang Sumando (husbands by marrying). Some houses in the area are used as guest houses for tourists, so they can enjoy the thrill of sleeping inside houses. Given its distinctive character, the government of West Sumatra province proposes that the 1000 Nagari Koto Baru Rumah Gadang to be a cultural heritage in the World Heritage of UNESCO. In 2013, thanks to Tour de Singkarak (SDT) in West Sumatra, the local government of South Solok allocated as Rp.4.8 billion to renovate traditional houses. The budget, for example, was used to reorganize the toilet that can be adapted to the habits of foreign tourists.

In particular Solok South and West Sumatra in general rumah gadang remains in existence to this day, but more as a symbol of tradition. Very few live in Minangkabau rumah gadang. Men have developed the tradition of merantau (move) to support their mothers, sisters and wives away from the scarcity of land in their hometowns. Many Minangkabau women do the same for similar reasons, or simply because there are more opportunities in other provinces. They exceeded the modesty and simplicity of the big house.

Traveling southward, visitors will pass through Sangir subdistrict Padang Aro as its capital. Visitors will see tea gardens Mitra Kerinci the foot of Mount Kerinci three kilometers before Padang Aro. Looking to the west side of the tea garden, they see how Mt. Kerinci stands firmly that the highest mountain in Sumatra. In addition, the South Solok is also blessed with several waterfalls, as Ampek Tansi and Timbulun and attractive river Air Malanca.

tea garden with Mount Kerinci in the background

another interesting tourist attraction in South Solok, counted as a historic site, is the Office of emergency Government of the Republic of Indonesia (IRDP) in Bidar Alam. There are some historic sites yet to be identified and listed and are subject to future development. As for natural attractions, South Solok has potential for tourism should be seriously handled, including Lake Bontak the foot of Mount Kerinci, hot springs in various places, including Sapan hot spring near Pangkuo river, caves or caves, rafting and camping in Batang Sangir river, river Batang Bangko and many others.

the tourism potential of South Solok can become an important sector in improving the community's economy and increasing local government revenue (PAD). The development of the region calls for essential participation of all parties in government, Perantau (wanderers), investors and the private sector as tours and travel agencies.

The local government of South Solok is right behind promoting Nagari 1000 Rumah Gadang. Tourists can get there by renting a car at Padang airport and there are several hotels in the regions of South Solok.

Y
Jakarta to Padang Daily flights are available with Garuda. Indonesia, Sriwijaya Air and Lion

Where to sleep

Hotels
Zamzam and Sulit Indah. Both are in Jl Kampung Parak No. 66

Homestays .
Hilmalaya in Jl Imam Bonjol No.34 A. Panjang
Wisma Zambians. zam Desa Melati in Pasar Muara Sungai Pagu Labuh
Irwan Desa Jaya Aro Kec CEO. Sangir
Wisma Umi Kalsum in Jl. Bt. Laweh No. 21 Muara Labuh