Love Island Travel

Sharks are often painted as monsters, while the vast majority are shy and peaceful animals of fundamental importance for the health of the ocean. And the likelihood of being bitten by a shark while swimming or surfing is incredibly low.

Back in 1975, "Jaws" the Steven Spielberg film became one of the most successful films of all time. Leverage the ancestral fear of the people of large predators, one of the main results of this film is to keep millions of people out of the water mark on the public mind the idea that sharks are killers cold blood and kill a shark is not such a bad idea.

This popular sentiment, coupled with the growing demand for shark fin Chinese market for fin soup, have led many shark populations close to extinction.

have a close look at the actual numbers of shark attacks and related injuries, the reality is very different from that perceived. According to the latest International Shark File attack report (ISAF), in 2012 there were 80 unprovoked shark attacks on humans. "Without provocation" are defined as incidents where an attack on a living human occurs in the natural habitat without human provocation of the shark of the animal. So go fishing, shark jumpers and these types of interactions are not included in the "unprovoked"

Most of these episodes occurred in North American waters (42), followed Australia (14), South Africa (4) and Réunion (3). One incident was reported in the Canary Islands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Tonga and Indonesia. Among these attacks, only seven resulted in a fatality (3 in South Africa, two in Australia, one in California and one in Réunion), following the trend of about 7% of deaths since data began to be recorded (about first decade of 100, over 100 years).

Apparently most shark bites are made by mistake, as both a "tasting" of young people, or adult sharks have misidentified a surfer on his board of administration to the surface as a seal or sea lion turtle, some of their favorite dishes. Surfers and other sport boat participants were most affected in 2012, with 48 incidents. Swimmers and divers were also involved, but in a very low ratio. The so-called "Big Three" - Great White, Tiger and Bull Sharks - accounted for about 0% of all deaths

Although these figures seem worrying first glance, we will investigate a little. more in detail. I would not explain how dangerous to drive a car in all countries or, worse still, driving a motorcycle in Bali or Jakarta. Remain in the natural world for these examples. In the United States alone, over the past 50 years, about 2,000 people died from a lightning strike, compared to only 26 shark attack deaths. In southern United States, in the same period, 18 people were killed by an alligator attack, and nine only shark bite. In Florida, 125 people died from tornadoes results, compared with six deaths from shark attacks.

If you still think that sharks are terrible killers, you might be interested to know that in the last 10 years in the US, 263 people were killed by a dog attack, and sharks killed only 10 . and only New York, about 8,000 people are bitten by another man (!) and some of them even die.

Have a look at all the data, it is clear that the diffuse "shark fear" is a society of fear induced by the media that a real risk. Some very low level films as "Sharknado" (a shark tornado hit Los Angeles), "Sand Sharks" (sharks swimming under the sand to eat people on the beach) or even "Shark Avalanche" (shark attack skiers swimming below the snow) were produced in the hope to raise these ancestral fears (with little success, I must admit. - watch the trailer on YouTube)

annual risk of death during the life of one. Source: International Shark Attack File

Millions of sharks are killed each year for their fins and meat. Several international scientists have already noted that this deletion "predators" of the oceans can cause irreversible damage to these fragile ecosystems, already endangered by many other factors, including waste disposal and climate change chemical plastic pollution, and overfishing, just to name a few.

In Bali in particular, to find a shark during a dive or a boat has become a very rare experience. Indonesia is one of the main fisheries of sharks and rays in the world, especially in the surrounding waters of Lombok and Bali. Some attempts at creating social awareness about the disappearance of sharks are already working very well. Apparently, the demand for shark fins has declined in recent months, and some organizations in Singapore and Hong Kong to provide strong campaigns against shark fin tradition of soup.

Something is moving in Indonesia too. Some of the most important diving destinations such as Komodo and Raja Ampat, are declaring their waters "Shark Refuge" where fishing of these animals is strictly prohibited. Of course, poachers are always on the lookout, but it is increasingly difficult for them to operate as before.

Organizations such as Bali Sharks (www.balisharks.com) and Gili Shark Foundation (facebook.com/ gilisharkfoundation) sensitize tourists and locals on the importance of keeping alive the Indonesian sharks. The UK based Charity-Thai, Shark Guardian (www.sharkguardian.org) has just completed a two-week tour to visit schools and diving centers / resorts in Sanur, the Gili Islands and Nusa Lembongan. The Directors, Brendon Sing and his wife Liz have been educating more than 17,000 people since February this year they are committed to their full-time projects. They visited Hong Kong, Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia at the moment, as well as locations throughout Thailand. Through presentations and educational workshops about sharks and marine life they aim to inspire change and get people involved in shark conservation. shark guards visited Bali Dyatmika International schools and talk to students. They also presented more than 30 women Wise Bali in Nusa Dua, demonstrating how sharks are important to maintaining the benefits of long-term tourism in Bali. Divers and tourists have been targeted by local islands and in total about 500 people saw Brendon and Liz in action during their time in Indonesia.

With the participation and support of all, we can stop the fear of "Jaws" and ensure a better future for our oceans.

Siti Dayak Dancer - photo by David Metcalf

Siti is extraordinarily beautiful and determined young woman. His story is one of courage and determination and a desire to represent their culture through the spirit of dance. And she has a dream.

This talented dancer was born there twenty-five years in a small village, Mungku Baru, about a boat trip of two hours of Palangkaraya in Central Kalimantan where she lives now. His father is Javanese and moved to Palangkaraya under the transmigration program. Siti's mother is Ngaju Language. His village is very traditional and has shared some of his beliefs with me, "My village is full of many minds, some good, some bad. The Shaman in my village hunting evil spirits and we feel safe in our traditional beliefs. "

Siti started dancing when she was just five years and never really stopped. In 2012, after leaving college, she decided to make a career of teaching of traditional dance and Dayak in January this year, opened his own dance studio called Darung Tingang This means big bird.

A typical day starts at 6:30 am and Siti often teaches or practices until 7.00 in the evening, sometimes sleeping in his studio, which is a reflection of how determined she is to make the studio a success. Most of his students are children aged four to 12 years and it does teach some older children in the school. Siti said, "I believe that every child who wants to dance Dayak should be allowed this opportunity, if they come from poor families and can not afford Rp.0,000 per month, then I'll teach them for free."

This woman's heart sometimes to survive Rp.500,000 a month, but is determined to make a success Darung Tingang. She is able to supplement his income by performing at weddings and functions of government and occasionally for tour groups, although few foreigners visiting Palangkaraya, but Siti has a dream.

"I want to play in other places in Indonesia and abroad. When I dance I try and evokes the spirits of the past and I feel strongly connected to my culture. However, I want to learn other cultures too. It seems that there are other people like us, like the American Indians and I would like to dance with them one day. My mother is afraid that our culture is losing its way and we are increasingly disconnected from the earth like most Dayaks leave the forests and rivers and move to the cities, as I did. Dance is a very important way to teach the younger generation to value our history and ancient beliefs, "Siti said.

Watch Siti dance, it is clear that this beautiful young woman like that it did. There is such an expression in her dance that embraces joy and happiness. It is obvious to me that she was born to dance and it would be a great shame if the public around the world do not see . this beauty and grace with a traditional Dayak dance, culture is beautifully illustrated and must be shared both locally and abroad

FOOTNOTE:.?

Voulez- Siti help realize his dream

Contact David Metcalf supporting dance academy Siti. the dance school is in need of traditional musical instruments and financial support to achieve in other countries.

David arranged for Siti and her group to go to Jakarta to perform at his book launch at the National Museum, which took place on March 6. The book hidden from the Indonesian Heritage - Cultural tours of Discovery is a showcase of Indonesian culture. Siti and her band are featured in the book and it seems that his dream began to be realized.

Mackenzie (In Blue) with friends and family in Madura, the location for the library project.

inspired adults looking to make a difference in their communities are there. Inspirational teenagers, however, are not as easy to find, and a special 14 years in Jakarta has created a project that would make any proud parent, regardless of age. This young woman is doing everything possible to bring books to the island of Madura for children who would otherwise have no access to reading material. The name of the Girl Scout Winton is Mackenzie and Girl Scout, she is, through and through.

When you hear the term Girl Scout, you often think of girls selling cookies for charity, but it is much more than that. Girl Scout mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place and the Girl Scouts have been in Indonesia for 50 years. For 10 years, Mackenzie was passionately girl scouting, meet other scouts from all over the world - is being practiced this tradition in the United States, Nigeria and now in Jakarta. After seeing first hand the lack of educational resources in these countries, this student of the school Jakarta International began working on his Scout Gold Award Girl, the highest honor available in the US Scouting, which involves a process in seven steps leading to solving a community problem and make a lasting and sustainable change.

Mackenzie's behavior is quiet yet collected full enthusiasm. "I know I want to be a teacher when I grow since the age of three years," Mackenzie told me we chat after the end of school. "Before choosing Girl Scout Gold Award, I participated in service trips to remote communities - Sumatra, Kalimantan and Laos - and assisted Global Issues Network (GIN) Conferences I realized I wanted to make a difference. a remote community in Indonesia. "

boxes of donated books

And make a difference, it is. Mackenzie was running for book readers through his school, and with the help of other schools has so far collected 3,700 books, 1,000 are in Indonesia . Nearly 100 Girl Scouts participated in read-thons, bake sales and coin collections to further support the library project. Its purpose is to collect many more books in Bahasa for children Lombang the community, near the town of Sumenep on the east side of Madura. Mackenzie wants to fill its interesting library and educational bed for the children of the village and its surroundings, to give them a window on the world and a chance at a better future. Currently, all the books are cataloged in the home of Mackenzie - a huge task in itself -. Before storage and the opening of the library, which is scheduled for early June this year

The Madura Library project is run in conjunction with, and supported by, Leksmono Santoso remote locations, a company travel specializes in showing guests the remotest parts of Indonesia. Mackenzie also had massive support from his mentor, Linda Hahn Santoso, Ed.D of Destiny Learning, an initiative that helps children's educational needs. Funds were raised to build the library through monetary donations from individuals and families and Mackenzie was overwhelmed by the response and the generosity of its supporters.

Mackenzie traveled to Madura to meet the families of the villagers where the library now stands. Surabaya, the drive to the village in Madura takes six hours and Mackenzie and some of his friends and family were able to meet the children and symbolize the start of construction by laying the first stone of the new library. "The kids were really excited when we visited -. I do not think they had seen a white person before he was really nice to see their enthusiasm" Since their visit, the structure grew, new bricks laid and a roof now complete the finished building.

The most recent photo of Mackenzie library Madura

When asked what his future plans were, Mackenzie responded with, "I would build more libraries, which would be incredible!" was the root of Madura Library project is Mackenzie's passion in life, education, she feels extremely fortunate to have had in his education and wants to share with others who are less fortunate. It aims for its library to be a place for students and the community in Madura to discover something new and different. "reading opens a different possibility," Mackenzie adds, and I agree.

for those wishing to donate books, please send an email Mackenzie Winton on 32173@jisedu.or.id. Mackenzie is mainly looking for children's books in Bahasa, but all the books will be graciously accepted.

Airline Trends 2014

Voyage of the airline could be about to experience a transformation of the passengers on board. Although it looks like progress in a sense, certain global realities continue to foster a sense of anxiety for the traveling public. In this edition of Indonesia Expat , we take a look at how the airline industry is constantly changing -. And cope with the climate of the fragile global aviation

Customization and empowerment crew
Recently, the major airlines have begun to realize the value to customize the passenger experience. The likes of Delta, Emirates, British Airways, Iberia, KLM and Alaska have already reinforced their cabin crew with tablets and other portable devices so that they are informed preferences of passengers and equipped to push the sales assistant . Mobile transforms the way companies face their passengers. Expect to see a number of other airlines are adopting tablets to empower staff and offer a more personal service to their customers over the next 12 months.

WEI spread short- and medium-haul flights

Traditionally, in-flight entertainment (IFE) was the field of long-haul travel, but with the growth of wireless connectivity wire and flight mobile infotainment laid the foundation for a revolution in this space. Some airlines already offer wireless IFE; Qantas offers on its 767s iPads travelers, Lufthansa will adopt a new IFE solution this summer Finnair plans to introduce Samsung Tab 3 tablets loaded with content to rent, and Southwest has added an iPad library service on shorter flights. Expect to see more airlines to evaluate and capitalize on this evolvingtrend.

better broadband edge
With JetBlue providing satellite connectivity to broadband service for free until June 2014, this could be a catalyst for improvement the industry in connectivity.The industry on board knows to flight Wi-Fia proposal viable in the long term, we must invest in increasing both the speed and capacity of the service. JetBlue says its service is eight times faster than any competition and healthy numbers of positive comments on social media this confirmation. During the last months of 2013, significant progress has taken place. One such milestone was Inmarsat successfully launched the first of its Global Xpress satellite in December, with the company claiming that it is an important milestone in the delivery of the first available in the world, broadband service mobile high speed world . With complete global coverage planned to be achieved by the end of 2014, and setting the benchmark JetBlue, the airline offering the best connectivity in flight is sure to be a significant point of purchase for passengers in search of more, better quality broadband flight this year.

slimline seats

the airplane seat slimline is a relatively new phenomenon, but a number of airlines, particularly the US, have already decided to install on their new plane. While airlines say the slight reduction in seat height will not make a difference to the comfort of passengers (due to space savings made elsewhere, such as small plates), the directors of the passenger experience should pay particular attention to what passengers actually say the changes, because if they do notice a difference, they may show their displeasure by taking their business elsewhere.

do-it-yourself luggage tags
Being able to print and attach labels to your own bags at home, eliminating another step in the airport is now available, and the international trade group of airlines (IATA) argues for the widespread acceptance. Already being experimented with a number of airlines, there are still concerns in the United States on the security of baggage.

Self check-in continues to grow
The installation of check-in auto express airports is proving very popular. Security checks are still needed and the service is still considered a work in progress, but it is part of the flying experience that helps both the passenger and the airline through fewer lines of waiting and simplified processing of passengers.

We pay more fees
The costs will continue to grow in 2014, especially as airlines will roll over other products that consumers might be willing to to pay for. But airlines could hit a wall with increases in outright prices. More competition from low-cost airlines is likely to help put the brakes on excessive prices

An opportunity to put the passenger first

The challenges of the airline industry faces -. Struggling to make a real profit - are well documented and, of course, to find a cure for this is among the boardroom priorities. However, continuing to increase revenue and seeking ways to get more pedantic at the expense of the passenger could turn against; $ 5.00 to rent a pillow to send the message to the airline is firmly squeezing the passenger. If the industry puts passengers first and not to look at every conceivable way to siphon money from the wallet, the public will undoubtedly cast a more favorable opinion on the industry.

Street Children

When Fanta, a four year old girl who lives with her family in the toll road in West Jakarta was molested, Jakarta police wanted to help find the perpetrator and bring him in justice; they could not do it.

It sounds crazy, but Fanta simply does not exist, at least not on paper and certainly not in the eyes of the law. It has no birth certificate or any real form of identification. This means that when volunteers Sahabat Anak, a local organization set up to help protect children from the street, took her to the police station to file a complaint, the investigation came to a crashing halt when authorities discovered Fanta technically did not exist.

"his parents did not have the means to go through all the steps necessary to obtain a certificate of birth," explained Frisca Hutagalung. "His family lived in the village, but her father all the world in Jakarta and he tried to find work. In addition, there was a penalty that you had to pay to get a birth certificate if the child was over 60 days. But the old sanction was lifted. Not everyone knows. We need to spread the word. "

To date, she has not a birth certificate. It does not yet exist.

" You need five pieces of ID to start the process obtaining a birth certificate, "says Frisca, who sits on the board of Sahabat Anak. "Many parents of these children do not have marriage certificates or identity card (KTP), so it is impossible to obtain a birth certificate."

These children are punish deny a fundamental right to human something they can not control.

the numbers are staggering. one study found that nearly 60 percent of Indonesian children aged under five has no a birth certificate, perhaps as much as two million children. without a birth certificate, these children have difficulty obtaining medical treatment, enrollment in school, not to mention possibly get a decent job. no children's birth certificate are not eligible for free public school, unable to obtain a KTP or even apply for a job.

If the figures are accurate, this fundamental human right was denied to Indonesia some 50 million across the country. This means that the actual population is somewhere around 298 million. To put things in perspective, there are 50 million people living in South Korea, the entire population of Spain is still about 46 million.

"It is actually very complicated. We have to go to this office, and that office to take the process forward," says Frisca. "There must be a one stop shop for parents to obtain certificates birth to their children. And the government needs to equip the public with the policy. We must learn the new rules. Nobody knows politics. We would like to have a dialogue with the government so that we can learn politics and spread the word. "

More generally, the lack of a birth certificate is equivalent to a life sentence to be stuck in the cycle of poverty. Parents who do not have birth certificates are three times more likely having children who do not have birth certificates, showing that the lack of legal identity is passed from generation to generation A mixture of circumstances make it impossible for most of these families to provide these documents -.. the lack of resources and awareness for the documents in the first place and documents lost due to no access to secure place to store documents

This is when Scott Hanna and Mustika Harpsono decided to rally their friends and come up with a great way to raise awareness on the issue of birth certificates. Hanna owns and operates CrossFit Bengkel, home to some of the most driven and focused gym rats in Jakarta. Scott called fitness enthusiasts across Jakarta to sweat for a good cause come June 14.

Meanwhile, Mustika, a passionate volunteer and university graduate convinced Hanna and CrossFit team to hold an event parallel on the same day for people who are not exactly inclined to join a workout. Mustika was smart enough to jump to the other side of the spectrum when it came to his campaign, #BakeADifference, held in the basement Bengkel the same day as the tribute workout.

"Why #BakeADifference? Why treats birthday? "Mustika request, which recruited more than 20 birthday cake and amateur cup." I want people to think of the 50 million young people without birth certificates are denied their identity, their fundamental rights. many of us forget how "lucky" we are not to be born in poverty. what these children done to deserve such inequality? They were just born. "

with Local food writer, chef and author of "Papaya Flower," Petty Elliot opens the door, renowned institutions such Turkuaz, Astrid Suryatenggara, Passionee Bread & Pastry, 5sis Bakes and Twelve Cupcakes have stepped up and offered to make product donation bakery to be sold to Bengkel the day of the workout.

Everything culminates Saturday, June 14 to raise funds and awareness to help these children obtain birth certificates. There will be two activities that day to raise funds: a charity workout fundraising and baking bazaar. Whether you are looking for the best cupcake in town or to get rid of your muffin tops, the day has something for everyone and for a good cause.

"We know that we will not solve this problem in a day," said Scott Hanna, one of the organizers of the event. "But we want to build momentum to spread awareness and generate resources to support the process of moving toward a solution. These children deserve a chance to go to school and work for a better life. "

As explained Frisca, the key now is to convince the public by giving money to street children and convince parents to go to their local Dinas Kependudukan dan Catatan Sipil (office population and Vital) and get birth certificates for their children. the funds raised at June 14 events will be used to educate parents and provide birth certificates for children in emergency situations .

the event begins at 14 am on Saturday 14 June ^e to Bengkel Crossfit, the Fairgrounds building, SCBD Lot 14, Jendral Sudirman Kav 52-53, Jakarta, Indonesia 1210. Sponsors and partners are still being sought, please email: scott.hanna@gmail.com if you are interested in participating

for more information, help spread the word and keep updated, visit these links:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/702081479849979/

"Dylan" Tribute Workout: angkat to help Anaks Indonesia
https: //www.facebook .com / events / 646158595467130 /? ref = br_tf

First light as seen from the top of Gunung Tambora - photo by Daniel Quinn

With about 127 active volcanoes spread across the country, it can be difficult to know where to start if you have not climbed before. Many major Indonesian volcanoes are actually not too far from main stations or provincial airports of Java and southern Sumatra, and can be explored in one weekend. The remotest mountains, especially Maluku, Sulawesi and Nusa Tenggara are generally better liked than the strengths of a route a week through a remote area. Individually, the following five hikes represent different volcanically active regions of Indonesia. In all cases, it is important to return the same way you ascended unless other options are specified.

Although the behavior of these gunung-gunung api (fire mountains) can be predicted a reasonable level, it is essential to check with the Volcanological Survey website Indonesia ( http://www.vsi.esdm.go.id/) for updated status and also to reflect what local people in the nearest town of volcanoes tell you. When East Java Gunung Kelud erupted in February this year, local people knew it was imminent that local animals started fleeing the forest 48 hours in advance. If you follow the advice and in general, it is more dangerous to cross a road in Jakarta than climbing a volcano.

Gunung Kaba, Sumatra (1,952m)

Known to many locals as "Bukit Kaba" (Kaba Hill), despite being nearly 00 meters tall, this attraction volcano is one of the most accessible of Sumatra. As is the case with highs in most parts of the archipelago, the best time to enjoy the view and take photos from the edge of the crater is the first light. From the front door, you can either spend two hours of walking up to the rim or cheat by taking ojek (motorcycle taxi)! The volcano is actually made up of several craters, active and inactive. A circuit of the largest craters takes approximately two and a half hours and is technically difficult. One of Eastern craters is probably something of Star Wars - a deep belching smoke pit with a blue-green lake at the bottom of it. Plant lovers should be sure to ask local on issues Rafflesia blooming in the area because they can be found wild very close to the main road in the region increasingly

Getting there :. Either fly in Bengkulu and take place in a "Voyage" (car sharing) to Lubuklinggau or make your way up the Night Lubuklinggau Palembang train before boarding a bus (or "Trip") from to Curup. Ask for 'Simpang Bukit Kaba' (junction) or Villa Hijau, which is one of the closest hotels on the main road

Papandayan Mountain -. Photo by Daniel Quinn

Gunung Papandayan, Java (2,675m)

despite the bumpy road to the crater Papandayan made for a better days throughout Java. If you live in Bandung, you can do it as a day trip. There is a car park, a guide post and several warungs (small shops) next to the main active crater and the parking area is a bit oddly known as Camp David locally! The place can be quite busy during the weekend. How you explore the range is entirely up to you. You could take the family there for the one-hour walk around the main crater with many fumaroles and hot bubbling mud, or make a day or weekend of it continuing to Pondok Salada and many mysterious Edelweiss meadows covered above. For the more adventurous hikers can follow the wide paved trail on the saddle between the main beach and the outskirts of Gunung Puntang, before the remains of the Ghober Hut (no more standing on my last visit) right the way on the beach . and down the other side towards the vast and remote tea plantations near Cileuleuy

Getting there: Jakarta, Bandung and head to continue until the end of the toll road, follow signs to Garut. The best place to stay is Cipanas ( "hot water", not to be confused with the city of the same name in the Puncak area) just outside Garut itself and about 45 minutes from the parking crater above Cisurupan.

Gunung Tambora, West Nusa Tenggara (2,722m)

This world class volcano is a challenging proposition, both in terms of the hike itself and Directions to starting point on the island of Sumbawa. The crater is Indonesia's largest about 7 km in diameter and several hundred meters deep, and was formed in April 1815 to 0 cubic kilometers of material was ejected into the atmosphere. This disrupted global temperatures and caused the failure of the major crops of the Year Without a Summer "of 1816 in the northern hemisphere. The eruption of Tambora was much more devastating both locally and globally as the most famous Krakatau (Krakatoa) eruption that came later the same century in 1883.

Fortunately, not in Tambora now poses a serious threat, and interest hike to the rim is increasingly in the period before the bicentennial next year. You need at least one night of camping on the mountain, although most would be more comfortable to spend two nights there. All walkers must register near the trail in the village of Pancasila which guides and local porters can be found. It's a long eight or nine hours to the edge of the crater, which could be better divided in two stages. Camping on the rim is a spectacular experience, but not easy because of the volcanic black sand, which is difficult to keep the stakes attached to. The view from the top is among the best of Indonesia, with the vast "volcanic canyon" below you on one side and a sunset on Lombok Rinjani on the other

How get there:. Fly to Denpasar via Bima, then spend the better part of a day to get to Pancasila on the peninsula of Tambora. Alternatively, major groups could fly in Sumbawa Besar and rent a boat from the port of Badas to Calabai

The view of Gunung Lewotolo -. Photo by Daniel Quinn

Gunung Lewotolo, East Nusa Tenggara (1,449m)

Also known as Ile Api 'by locals, this smoking volcano still sitting on its own peninsula on the island of Lembata. It is best to make a strenuous hike Lama day Desa Desa Jontana above, you should try to find a guide like Desa Lama is often deserted. If you visit in October, you can attend the pre-Christian Bean special festival in Desa Lama and the surrounding villages, which honors the local bean that has played an important role as a source of protein in local cuisine while on many centuries.

The climb is a steep climb of about four hours until a vague trail and unsignposted and is undertaken only a handful of times a year. Suddenly, as the rise seems to be too steep for comfort, you are looking over the other side into the shallow crater, which is easily one of the most photogenic places in east Indonesia. From the top of the north, especially on a clear day, you should be able to see Ile Boleng on the island of Adonara, and remote control, smoking Batu Tara volcano island in the ocean. The south peak is more gassy, ​​smoky if it would be very unwise to try to climb to the top

Getting there :. There is a daily direct flight Lewoleba to Kupang, West Timor. Alternatively, take a boat to Lewoleba Larantuka on the eastern tip of Flores. The foot of the volcano is about an hour from the town of Lewoleba where there are several basic hotels.

Gunung Gamkonora, North Maluku (1,571m)

Gamkonora is the highest peak of the island of Halmahera, and is something of a hidden gem being much less famous - and also less dangerous - than its neighbor to fire Gunung Gamalama on Ternate island. Very few tourists are here. It can be mounted as a long day hike if you are able to start climbing early in the morning, which is especially important to enjoy the view. Ask nearby Desa Baru for a guide or two

The trail begins near sea level -. So you will need several bottles of drinking water - and leads through coconut plantations, nutmeg and cloves. A small collection of coins in an area of ​​the long cane grass that marks the point where the mountain is sacred to the villagers, so that your guide may wish to briefly stop and say a prayer here. Shortly after this, you will be above the vegetation line, wandering over small rocks and admire the breathtaking view of the U-shaped crater

Getting there: . Fly to Ternate Jailolo take a boat bound from Dufa-Dufa ferry terminal. The cars can be rented at the shop next to Camar Hall Jailolo for the two-hour journey on the path, which is on the main road in front of Volcanology station.

The mention of Krakatau, located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, raises a variety of feelings gut to a variety of people. Ask an expatriate what they think and they react with crazy comments like "Oh, I went there, beautiful," and "been there, done that." Ask an Indonesian and you can get some heart wrenching comments that border on fear, ancestral spirits and a devout wound fed natural event around a sense of just let it be. Nobody wants to remember the tragic event in 1883 that 36,000 people died, triggering a tsunami of 50 meters and spewing enough ash into the atmosphere to around the world three times.

Krakatau certainly has its mystique. Just getting there is a journey of mental patience and kidney dysfunction. In recent years, I have done this trip three times; All oaths be the last. So be it, just last weekend, I carried my wife, two children and one of Canada unsuspecting coworker at the place I swore was now history. We stayed at some bungalows Anyer Beach, which are still the same today as in 1992. The beach is a beautiful form of cupid with a good boogie boarding and body surfing. Evenings can be so peaceful with a starlight consolation and gentle sea breezes. I did not think of not banyak AC bed bugs, fly broken windows, lack of hot water and dead geckos in the bedrooms. We could forget the loneliness that night due to the karaoke 100db local hotspot and firecrackers some friendly neighbors who were leaving at 2am. Then came the mosque at 4am.

As you can imagine, my crew woke up pretty grumpy the next morning as I had still planned to meet the boat at 7am. The morning was true to form our boat pickup location was different from the one agreed to the night before. After transporting 80 kg of material through the winding kampung path with no sign of a boat, I made a call to find the boat (and crew) we expected a marina six kilometers. The captain quickly realized his mistake and soon arrived on a motorcycle as the boat met us at the beach.

The trip to Krakatau was uneventful, although very stoic. My youngest son wore a perpetual scowl look on his face as he was second in space for 10 bottles of scuba floor high filling pressure. My eldest son was smarter by rightly bow to absorb radiation. The sea was relatively quiet with large cumulus clouds swelled on the horizon. The trip seemed to turn into eternity for the 40 km. Finally, we became close enough to see the volcano was shrouded in dark clouds of rain-looking sinister.

All I could think was Jurassic Park. The seas have become even oppress and humidity. Anak Krakatau throbbed pyroclastic steam and small toxic, acting as my home percolator on a bad morning. It was then the captain told us to "foreign tax" local climbing Anak Krakatau is now 4 million Rupiah! This is a new form of corruption at its best and was designed by local chiefdoms, as Krakatoa is actually a national park! Whatever. We did not want to set foot on this baby blowing anyway. I wanted to get as quickly as possible with water.

The two dives were nice, but seriously lacked the appropriate number of reef fish. Cascading house size boulders littered the seabed slope down to at least 40 meters. Gorgonians gargantuan monster inhabited depth and appropriately large green moray. After the first dive, I was too scared to retrieve my SLR camera from its housing underwater to change in the wide-angle lens because of our "uncontrolled conditions." This proved to be a critical stupid gesture because the second dive against an outcrop in the sea was spectacular big country landscape.

twelve o'clock came and we pulled into a small sandy cove on the east side of Pulau Verlaten. We are not only the crew started a fire to cook our gourmet meal. One, two, then three very curious, large monitor lizards came for the picking. Before I realized it, our Canadian friend was back on the boat. I have not had the courage to tell him that they are avid swimmers. Lunch was amazing and beautifully prepared, since the only utensils were a spoon, a dull knife, a broken burner and a house fire. Saying goodbye with a stick to fend off pesky our monitors, we head to sea for a short dive in a jacuzzi submarine near the coast at Anak Krakatau and the power port. Return by Cilegon was an understatement to four lanes on a two-lane road. Only in Indonesia!

What I always liked about Krakatau is its landscape and activity in progress. In more than a dozen visits, dating from 1992, it never ceases to amaze me about the greatness and power it has accumulated volcano. There are years I was there for a tragedy involving a number of teachers in which a young woman died. It is not easy to forget such things in life and it certainly gave me a healthy respect for the volcano from that point.

Geologically, most of the original three volcanoes are currently submerged, as the last eruption blew apart the entire complex, the formation of a massive series of calderas. Thereafter, the caldera still submerged due to shrinkage of the crust during the cooling phase. Only part of one of the pre-1883 volcanoes remain (Pulau Rakata) of this latest explosion. What most people do not realize is that the other two islands, Pulau Vertalen and Pulau Lang are collapsed ancestral Krakatau of remains dating from 416 AD! Krakatau emerged in 1927 and has since continued to grow

In summary :.

Location (province): is Carita in Banten Province. Krakatau complex is located in Kabupaten Serang

Getting there by car :. Drive West Jakarta on Jl. Toll Tangerang-Merak to Ciligong output. Take Jl. Selatan Lingkar in the western coastal road (Jl. Brigadir Jeneral Katamso). . Travel south for about 47 km from Carita Beach

Where to sleep : On Carita Beach: Sambolo Beach Bungalows www.sambolo.co.id/ From here you can take excursions a day Krakatau. You can also rent a liveaboard as Cecilia Ann and sail around the Sunda Strait. Diving facilities available: http://javaseacharters.com

Things to do: Visit the lighthouse at Anyer Cikoneng. This lighthouse was built in 1885, two years after the original has been deleted by the 1883 tsunami Other fun activities include mountain biking through rice fields and countryside (bring your bikes), beach activities with massages and banana boat rides. Fantastic sunsets facing west Krakatau threat in the Sunda Strait defines the end of a perfect day.

Pariaman is a small town on the west coast of West Sumatra of only 73.36 square kilometers. Since the early 20th century, the city saw no ship more merchants to the absence of appropriate port. With its port and trading now only a nostalgic history, the city administration has focused on tourism.

One of the strengths of the tourism festival is the city Parimana Tabuik the central event of the tourist calendar of West Sumatra, which celebrates the Muslim Asyura 10 Muharram (first month of the Islamic calendar), and held annually since 1831. this year, it began on November 1. Although the Pariaman people do not follow the Shiite school of Islam, this celebration commemorates the death of the hero Shiite Hasan and Hussain, descendants of the prophet Muhammad. Despite its origin, a Tabuik rite is not only a religious ceremony, but also the main tourist attraction in Pariaman.

A Tabuik is a statue of a burak , or a horse with broad wings and a human head, with the heads of the girls smiling, wings and large tail . It is made from bamboo, rattan and paper. On the back of the coffins with beautiful decorations and umbrellas on top. On both sides, the statues are decorated with eight paper flowers.

In the days before the festival, scores of fraud and some tasa drums are collected from shops outside the city and made to two houses of Tabuik to be adjusted and repaired if necessary. Meanwhile, materials and tools to make Daraga (funeral sanctuary) and the funeral bier burak developed and high will be brought to a shed outside the houses of Tabuik. For each of the ten days of the festival, a series of ritual requirements must be satisfied. Any departure from the rules could spell disaster.

The first day, the men build the first stage of Daraga on a clay mold in a neighboring yard and build a bamboo fence around it. Women's groups in each house Tabuik begin to decorate umbrellas with white paper flowers for scores to be placed on the Daraga and to decorate the high burak is the tenth day. The afternoon of the first day, two villages in charge of organizing the festival Tabuik hold their first main procession: maambiak tanah (take a dirt cloud), which symbolizes the body of Hasan dan Husain, dust to dust.

the second to fourth days are to be silent days for "the calm before the storm", while changes craftsmen working around the clock to complete the construction and decoration of two burak. The main ritual must take place on the fifth day. Turun panja (outspread hand returns) ritual will take place. Panja , also known as jari-jari (fingers), is made of gold, silver or zinc, symbolizing the dismembered hand of Hasan. It came down to this ritual every fifth of Muharram and considering its annual washing purification in the lemon water. Late in the afternoon, the ceremony called batang pisang mamancang (cut the stem of bananas) will be conducted simultaneously in the two villages.

The intensely emotional experiences of the fifth day will be followed by light entertainment on the next. In the afternoon of the sixth day, the Tabuik Lenong (small Tabuik) procession takes place around the city. A tower decorated about a meter and a half high will reach above the head of one participant from each side and will be swung from side to side as the swing of the great Tabuik the tenth day. At noon on the seventh day maarak jari-jari (procession of hands) takes place and the returns of the passionate atmosphere. In the mournful processions around the streets on either side scrolls its panja and sings phrases like " Hasan, Husain, Kasihan Hasan Kasihan Husain" (Hasan, Husain, Poor Hasan, Husain Poor). in the evening, the tragic sense of excitement reached its climax, and beruji and mandara simulated war scenes begin, symbolizing perang jihad (holy war) in Karbala.

the eighth night, maarak saroban (turban procession) is held to celebrate the heroism of Husain, with turban models Husain and severed hand carried by the members of each side to commemorate the beheading of Husain by the soldiers of Yazid, who are said to have shouted.! "We won Behold the head (turban) of Husain" Tabuik of families stay up all night on the ninth night to finish making the Cenotaph Tabuik.

The morning of the tenth day, about sixteen men on each side mounting cenotaphs Tabuik high on their shoulders and paraded through the streets. The buildings will be shaken- dihoyak -in elegant movement to symbolize the battle of Karbala. The crowds that come are supposed to scream phrases like mahoyak Husain (Long Live Husain) and other antagonists cries against the other side. Both Tabuik go to the parade and came to opposite ends of the main street and start to move on their last trip to the sea. The two Tabuik giant move silently across the beach, where an exciting perang Pasir (battle beach) occurs. A Maghrib (prayer just after sunset), the Tabuik will be thrown into the sea, symbolizing the ascent to heaven Hasan and Husain

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daily flights from Jakarta to Padang are available with Garuda Indonesia, Sriwijaya Air and Lion. Pariaman City can also be reached by taxi or bus from the airport Minangkabau

Where to sleep

Hotels :.

Hotel Nan Tongga on Jl. Tugu Perjuangan no.45

Homestays:

Cindua Mato on Jl Diponegoro no.16

Atami on Jl no.6 A.Yani

Puti Bungsu on Jl. Pahlawan No.57

The sweet clove scent of toasting in the sun hung in the air as my ojek sailed over the green hills of Minahasa Tenggara. Road outlook trapeze plunging hill in a mangrove creek laced, bright with shades of blue and green. From a distance I could see patches of light and dark colors in the water, suggesting the presence of live reef below.

This is my first site Ratatotok. The first stories I heard of this coastal village associated with the tragedy Buyat, a highly publicized 04-07 cases alleging the involvement of a multinational gold mine polluting Buyat Bay to the point of death of a small girl.

That said, friends from North Sulawesi were excited Ratatotok beaches and diving scenes. "Better than Bunaken," many have said.

Today, years after the mine closed, its legacy is still omnipresent in Ratatotok-Buyat, as are persistent feelings among residents.

58 year-old fisherman seasoned Rusdin does not usually take the tourists, but we took a few mangroves growing on the high reefs. He turned off the engine as we floated on the shallow clear waters full of marine life.

I snorkelled in a realm of purple corals table, brain coral pink, round, yellow Acropora cervicornis and schools of small colorful fish. It seemed natural and virgin for me, more so than I snorkelled in Togian. But I felt that what I saw was not the whole story.

"Looks like your coral reefs are recovering well after the mine ceased operations," I said. "Is one of these artificial reefs planted by the company for post-mining rehabilitation?"

"We are at the wrong track," Rusdin replied. "These reefs are natural. But the pollution persists because even after the great mine closure, there are still many local artisanal miners. But then they have been around longer than the large mine. And there many damaged reefs in Buyat whose recovery, I have not seen. "

Before the multinational company began operations, Rusdin could hope to catch a fish Rp.300,000 value on a bad night. Today, he considers it a good night if he can Rp.0,000. He said local fishermen and artisanal miners are on good terms despite their opposing interests. "They are simple people trying to make a living, just like us," said Rusdin. But different standards applicable to the company, even if it adheres to the strictest environmental regulations.

According Syafrudin Wangko, president of the Coordination of communities Mining-INVOLVED (BKMKT), part of resentment towards society is because government regulations tend to favor large companies rather than humble locals, and that these companies tend to contribute to the government rather than the communities themselves.

Wangko said the damage in Buyat Bay was expanded and caused the risk to public health. Hence the tourism promotion were concentrated in Ratatotok where aesthetic pollution impacts are barely visible.

"We do not know what happened to artificial coral reefs. They would probably buried under the mud thick now, and pollution continues generated by the current artisanal miners would be difficult for the natural coral to recover, "said Wangko. In Ratatotok, the company could conveniently images present dynamic coral reefs and take credit for post-mining environmental remediation before stakeholders who know nothing avant-on marine ecosystems.

that said, Wangko gives credit to the company for the socio-economic development in all Ratatotok throughout its operations and beyond. $ 30 million for community development company funds provided very popular schools, places of worship, infrastructure, a well-equipped hospital, and aid for local fishermen and small businesses.

Wangko also said that more current priority is educating artisanal miners to practice safer and responsible mining, or enable illegal to migrate other professions entirely. "Being humble local trying to earn a living is no excuse for harming the environment at the expense of everyone and the next generation."

Wangko does not buy into the idea that tourism is a reliable and sustainable alternative livelihoods. tourism is seasonal and requires capital, skills and experience that people not currently Ratatotok.

Muhammad "Pudin" Saifuddin, the group's founder volunteers Ecotourism based Ratatotok disagree. Since 2012, it has been his mission outreach to environmental and conservation issues in Ratatotok-Buyat and identify economic opportunities for residents through the tourism industry. the group was created by concern for disunity among the pro-mining and anti-mining residents of Ratatotok, and as an attempt to engage the grassroots community in sustainable solutions.

"I can not say if the environment is damaged . I'm not a scientist. But we identify ecotourism opportunities to empower the local population despite the limitations, "said Pudin. That said, recognize the conclusions of high mercury levels in the estuary of the river Totok of Minamata Institute because of the presence of artisanal miners from returning before the big mine. He added that, during the days of mining, tourism Ratatotok-Buyat actually better developed because it has funded small businesses in Lakban beach cleaning neighboring islands.

"regarding the fishermen when the fish population is depleted, the sea is polluted. But anglers often forget that they sometimes contribute to the problem. They catch fish in coral reefs and damage with their anchors. And in the past, neighboring villages bombed for fish, "said Pudin, adding that Ratatotok was no bomb and potassium for a dozen years.

The group's activities include stores of organization of beach Lakban, the establishment of awareness billboards to the environment in the islands, which makes floating coral-friendly anchors for fishermen, and organize tours for visitors .

to attract international support and educate local fishermen and tourism micro-enterprises, the group invites travel bloggers and tourists to document the marine and terrestrial beauty Ratatotok- Buyat and satellite islands.

Ratatotok-Buyat identified 24 dive sites. A commercial diving operator Lembeh organized diving trips, but stopped because of logistical difficulties and lack of stations. A typical itinerary includes diving, a Bentor (pedicab) Visit the smoking tuna, trekking in the mangroves, visits from a hill and the course of the day in a cafe Lakban. Pudin offers room for visitors in his home in humble family and guide for free, but asks each visitor to plant a mangrove tree in return.

Pudin be contacted on 081244582923 and on Facebook as "Cak Pudin."

North Lombok combines a stunning coastline, beautiful rice terraces in the shadow of Mount Rinjani and a traditional culture that holds strong to its values. Only 35 km east of Bali, there is a charm in North Lombok; a destination that few tourists dare thus awaits your discovery.

north of Senggigi

The northbound on Senggigi hugs the ocean and the road winds around the coast road, offering high cliff views at regular points. Dotted along the coast are beautiful, idyllic white beaches and coves that lend themselves to a standstill. You will not find smaller warung offering local dishes, as very few tourists visit this beautiful region. There are no large tourist developments along this part of the coast; However there is a small oasis in Sire Beach.

Discreetly tucked away in its own little world Tugu Lombok. It's worth a stop for lunch and a swim. This boutique hotel is a showcase of Indonesian heritage, beautifully furnished with antiques and paintings of a bygone era; you can spend a lot of time here. There are beautiful old statues in the gardens and a restaurant in the huge barn shaped rice decorated with classical art works and relics of the past.

If you have time, a bit of pampering at the Buddhist temple Borobudur spa style is simply out of this world. After a delicious lunch, I took a walk along the white sandy beaches perfect for Sire Beach. From the beach you have a view of the Lombok Strait to the Gili Islands, a group of three small paradise islands, which are accessible from Tugu by boat.

Senaru Magic Waterfall

The awesome power of Kelap Tiu Waterfall near Senaru. Photo by David Metcalf

picturesque villages and fishing villages distributed at intervals along the coastal road cliff linked, and our detour inland to Senaru was the next highlight. At the foot of majestic Mount Rinjani, this charming little town is alive with climbers and avid hikers. They are preparing to take on the seriousness of two days trek to the summit of Rinjani, the second highest mountain in Indonesia, which is 3.726 meters (12.222 feet) above the level of the sea. You must be in good physical condition to attempt the difficult climb and the necessary preparations for the trek as tents, porters and a guide.

For those not so inclined to reach such heights, including myself, Senaru offers beautiful nature walks.

It is worthwhile to take a day or two to soak up the atmosphere, cool temperatures and enjoy the forest trails for walks and highlights of this region of beautiful mountain .

approaching Senaru you wind your way up the hill and the temperature drops significantly. A small hotel with picturesque cottages is a great stopping point, and I found it quite difficult to motivate yourself to leave this idyllic place. The Pondok Senaru Cottages and restaurants have placed room tables, perched on the edge of two very spectacular views. Sipping coffee perched your position you take first in the forests that adhere to the mountain and to the eyes, you look through one of the highest waterfalls on the mountain. The fall is 40 meters, but from this place there is only silence and nature between you and the water thundering mass that prompts you through the valley. When you drag your perspective away from this spectacle of power and beauty, you look to the ocean through a series of cascading rice terraces in the valley. Perhaps some of the most beautiful you will ever see; Local guides will gladly take you on walks through the beautiful landscape.

Porters trek across the savannah before beginning their steep climb into the clouds that surround Mt. Rinjani. Photo by Angela Richardson

The highlight of Senaru is the path of well-maintained forest that leads to the two massive waterfalls, very close (only 20 minutes) and the other a hour later. As I entered the forest, I heard crashing over me in the trees and looked up to see a family of monkeys swinging from branch to branch, on a serious search for jungle food. The first waterfall, known as Air Terjun Sending Gila is quite impressive with a long fall of 40 meters. The trail takes you right under the spray of the waterfall natural beauty. If this is all you can manage, it is worth, however, with a little extra effort, the next waterfall offers a bit more.

I was eager to see the next waterfall and my guide took me an alternative way by an old tunnel, head flashlight. We had company on the way bats as docile hung above us. The knee-deep water fast flowing kept me alert and moving at a brisk pace. We went out into the sunlight for about 10 minutes and continued, accompanied by a variety of bird songs, and we arrived about 30 minutes later to Air Terjun Tiu Kelap.

I heard the thunder of this massive waterfall long before I saw him. This waterfall was bigger and worth the extra hour hike. The waterfall volume on the black volcanic rock wall left me speechless (and deaf). A perfect, natural pool beckoned me, and I took the plunge and braved the cold, clean pure ice water and soaked in the exhilarating power of the thunder of falling. Rejuvenating experiences deliciously.

Sembalun Valley

The rich fertile volcanic soil of the beautiful Sembalun valley stretches from the eastern slopes of Mount Rinjani and turns a verdant green in the rainy season. Agritourism is growing in this area, and I stopped at a newly opened complex of villas. Sembalun Agro Villa and Restaurant, which is located in a strawberry field and gave me the chance to savor something that was a first for me, the juice of fresh strawberries. The fruit was picked in the fields around the villa - what a delight! A wide array of colorful fields spreads across the valley floor and carefully planted rows of cabbages, potatoes and garlic greets you in all directions. It is a scenic wonder of the top of the hill above the city of Sembalun Lawang.

Country Sembalun Lawang is another point to start hiking at Mount Rinjani access and outside Sembalun Agro Villas, there are several, clean affordable homestays and other low budget options on offer. The Rinjani Information Centre worth a stop with their vast information display explaining the Mt. Rinjani trekking routes and short walking options. The center can also provide tents, local hiking guides and supplies. Outside the hike to the top, there is one to four hours guided walks village and a wonderful walk with wild flowers, which can be easily disposed of the information center.

North Lombok is an adventure. Under the shadow of Mount Rinjani you a world of beauty and wonder of nature, with very few tourists sharing space with you, making it one of the best kept secrets in the vast Indonesian archipelago.

Mount Rinjani

Mount Rinjani crater lake with a new volcano growing in the center. Photo by Angela Richardson

Mount Rinjani is sacred to Hindus and Sasak, and offerings are made to the gods at certain times of the year. These pilgrimages involving many people, including Balinese, offering gold and jewelry in the lake Pekelan ceremony before their final ascent to the summit. Cobalt blue, lake crescent, Danau Segara Anak, is 0 meters below the crater rim and extends over six kilometers.

The mountain now has a baby active volcano. This cone has emerged there are only a few hundred years. The summit is 3,726 meters (12.222 feet), but it used to be more than 4,000 meters (13.123 feet) before the rash breaks out in 1257. The peak at intervals and during the last decade has sent ash and smoke over the whole Rinjani caldera. The healing properties of natural hot springs are well known to local people and visit a lot to soak in mineral water.

Trekking season is April to October. Check first with the Rinjani Information Centre. Because of landslides, the trail is closed during the rainy season from November to March

Rinjani Information Centre (RIC), Sembalun Lawang :. 0878 6334-4119 (6:00 to 6:00 p.m.)