Love Island Travel

Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) is one of 34 provinces of Indonesia. Wedged between Bali and the small island of Komodo, he tries to carve out a place on the tourist map of Indonesia. Bali, in the west, is, of course, the main and the most famous tourist destination, so that overseas the island is often regarded as a separate country. Komodo Island - part of Nusa Tenggara Timur Province - east, is a strong draw for those wishing to see more "dragon" of the world.

Despite official government efforts to promote NTB as a tourist destination, the province remains overshadowed by its western neighbor, although the beaches are wonderful sandy dreams and wooded interior offers a range of attractions for eco-tourists and those who love the hard way.

the main tourist centers are Senggigi, with starred-hotels and resorts on the west coast, and the three Gilis, three small islands north of there, frequented mainly by backpackers.

the second largest island of the province, Sumbawa, probably has more to offer in terms of isolated white sand beaches, nature and natural landscapes. The main drawback, however, is rather painful process of getting there. The main town of the island is Bima that in most tourist guides usually gets a little less than favorable press. Most visitors, guides say, will leave at the first opportunity for the surf beach in Dompu, or Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park. The scarcity of tourist facilities is another reason that the island does not visit much by non-surfing tourists, which is rather unfortunate that parts of the island are beautiful.

The most striking feature of the island is Mount Tambora. There are just over 0 years ago, April 10, 1815, the volcano erupted in what was the largest volcanic explosion in history. The blast changed the global climate for years after and directly caused the death of over 70,000 people. Hundreds of thousands have died as a result because of disease and starvation.

The debris produced by the eruption measured about 175 cubic kilometers, or enough to cover Jakarta 280 meters of ash and volcanic rock particles. The plume of ash rose 33 kilometers, reaching into the stratosphere, and the winds quickly moved the ashes across the world, causing dynamic sunsets.

The explosions were heard as far away as Sumatra. The memory of Sir Stamford Raffles, then Java, contains this passage:

The first explosions were heard on this island in the evening of April 5, they noticed every quarter, and continued at intervals until the next day. The noise was, first, almost universally attributed to distant cannon; so that a detachment of troops departed Djocjocarta, in the belief that a neighbor station was attacked, and boats along the coast were in both cases sent in search of a supposed ship in distress.

The ash plume has also caused a global cooling that led to crop failures and widespread famine. In Europe, for example, in 1816 became known as the "year without a summer"

Mount Rinjani on Lombok, at 3,726 meters. - The second highest volcano in Indonesia - is the equivalent of a Tambora. massive eruption in the mid-13th century, is believed to have triggered global cooling, crop failure and famine, too. Its caldera contains a crater lake at 00 meters above sea level. the mountain and the lake are considered sacred by both the Sasak, the people of Lombok and Balinese Hindus on Lombok.

the presence of a fairly large group of Balinese Hindus began in the early 17th century and 1750 Balinese took control of the island. internal rivalry resulted, however, the island is divided into four Balinese kingdoms, and in 1838, the kingdom of Mataram finally took overall control. the relationship between the Balinese and local Sasak, however, were rather tense, especially in the eastern part of the island. And during one of the many peasant rebellions, the Sasak asked the Netherlands to Bali to help. The Dutch Governor General has responded to this demand in 1894 by sending an army to Lombok and after heavy fighting, and the virtual destruction of Mataram, the Dutch took control of the island in 1895.

According to Encyclopaedia van Nederlandsch-Indië 1917, the Dutch are remembered as the "liberators" of Lombok, but that, of course, is a rather biased statement.

the Sasak is the largest ethnic group on Lombok and the majority adheres to Islam, but two versions of Islam are professed- Waktu Lima and Wetu Telu . The former, Waktu Lima (five times), refers to the five daily prayers Muslims are required to perform. Wetu Telu (three symbols) in the Sasak language is also based on the Islamic religion, and according to its supporters, they were the first to convert to Islam by Wali Songo (nine holy preachers) who came from Java in the 17th century. They set foot on the island in the village of Bayan and built the first mosque.

Wetu Telu is essentially a simplified version of Islam combined with ancestor worship and a strong belief in spirits. Interpretation of what the three symbols represent varies widely. For some, it's ancestors, God and human life; for others, it could mean the birth, life and death; sun, moon and stars; or heaven, earth and water. Wetu Telu Muslims pray three times a day, and the month of Ramadan fasting is reduced to nine days of fasting only. They also hunt with enthusiasm and consume wild pigs, washed down with strong rice wine they brew.

Today, very few Sasak openly confess they are Wetu Telu Muslims as religious intolerance has increased. During the past decade, there have been regular outbreaks of violence against Ahmadi Muslims, followers of the Ahmadiyya sect. Under the banner of Destroy the Ahmadis who bring shame to Islam ... they were expelled from their villages and had their homes destroyed. They ended up in temporary shelters ill-equipped when they found it almost impossible to survive on the support provided by the system of government social services. The only way out of the shelters seems to convert to the classic version of Islam. No wonder the Wetu Telu Muslims nowadays proclaim they are "modern" Waktu Lima Muslims.

But deep in the forest on Mount Rinjani some sanctuaries remained. Ceremonies were held there some nights to ensure that the spirits are appeased and no harm will come to the villages. And the villagers could say the stone trekkers processed because they did not respect the spirits and were discourteous to nature. But that's another story that trekkers should perhaps pay attention

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Lot Size :. Lombok 4,700 km2; Sumbawa 15,400 km2

the highest altitude: Mt. Rinjani 3,726 meters

Population 2013: Lombok 3,257,0; Sumbawa 1373100

Where to stay in Sumbawa for surfing and white sandy beaches
Amangati Hotel
JL. Raya Lakey Hu'u Nangadoro
Huu, Dompu, NTB 84271
0821-4618-7583
amangatihotel.com

Lombok Airlines flying to Jakarta: Garuda, Lion / Wings Air, Batik Air

Bima Airlines flying to Jakarta: Garuda, Lion / Wings Air

What to bring: swimsuit, shoes, umbrella, sun hat, sunscreen

Aceh is a beautiful place to explore and a trip to the mountains of Aceh Gayo Central delights with pine-studded mountains, the life of the remote village and a beautiful little town called Takengon nestled at the edge of a lake.

Lake Tawar | Photo by David Metcalf

I made my way to the Tawar lake just outside of Takengon and met a charming man, Pak Syamsudin, who told me about his ancestral home. "I'm the fifth generation descendant of Raja Beluntara, the original king of the district. This old house is more than 150 years, "he said mused." The government has made an agreement with me a few years ago. They wanted my historic home and offered to move me to a beautiful, new modern house on the road for free if I would give them this original house, so I said why not? "

as I sat with him, I looked up the wooden beams large size, which occurred simultaneously with five poles and five positions. "The Dutch were there a long time," he said. "They have built schools and provided education. Take a look at this painting by Raja Beluntara. The painting was actually made from a photo found in a museum in Amsterdam." Pak Syamsudin proudly standing next paint with his son and three grandchildren to join him for a photo opportunity.

Syamsudin Pak is the guardian of the old house. It receives funds from the government every three months for maintenance. He said: "No government ever comes to visit. The house is empty, but I'm fine with that, "His look was one of reflection as he looked on vertical panels. a design feature of the house of a king. "But I do miss living here," he added.

He told me about the good relationship of his village had with the Dutch. He then explained that in the early 19 years ^e century the Dutch made an agreement to honor the kingdom. part of the agreement was to provide education for the local population, which, to date, they maintained . Many Gayo people are poets and enjoy participating in verbal challenges, which are held regularly in the form of competition in the villages and the cities.

I was fortunate to attend a these competition-word poetry slinging a late night. It was a poetry recital and part of the celebration of the ceremony of circumcision of a local boy. I was told that the boy's family were wealthy, then in As part of the ceremony, he had to be a Didong a poetry contest

a word-game challenge that continues through the night, a Didong. involves two rival villages and ends when the sun rises. They tell jokes and mentally challenging, and this is reinforced by applause when questions are answered correctly, and even more loud applause when the answer involves an intelligent answer.

I arrived at 22:00 and left at midnight. I was told that would Didong without interruption until 2am. From 2:00 to 6:00, verbal challenge would go to a new level and involve dancing combined with teasing and ridicule. Now and again, a village elder would have to come to the rescue with a response if the candidate was uncertain. With this rescue technique, both public and participants engage in a deeper understanding of their history and culture. The elders, who the judges declare a winner based on two factors :. Knowledge and wisdom

The dance of a thousand hands

I was lucky enough to be invited to a rehearsal Saman overnight in a small alley in Blangkejren Village. I met Ali Muddin, a dance teacher whose Saman dance troupe had toured the world and has participated in festivals in Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne, Berlin, Sydney and Thailand.

I went to sit on a beautiful green hand-woven and matt white Gayo, as a line of thirteen lively adolescent boys mixed in the small two-room house. Saman dancers sitting in a long row, excited to practice their age-old dance before a foreign guest. It was a normal practice Monday night, but the room was packed family members. The boys practiced three times a week and must synchronize their moves at a very fast pace, not missing a beat.

The dancing was absolutely fascinating from beginning to end. It involves slapping the body and dragging the head left to right, as the dance was growing. Matching the beat of the music, the dancers moved their bodies in quick succession, hand coordination, arms, neck and upper body in time to music while singing. The dance has reached a dramatic conclusion where everyone burst into applause.

The origins of this dance comes from the ethnic group Gayo. It is performed only in this part of the province of Aceh. Ali told me that once a father taught his son dance, he plays more. "They all want to learn to dance," Ali said, "because the Saman dance is one of the most popular dances in Indonesia. Many boys are attracted by the opportunity to travel to Jakarta and other places, and perhaps like me, go abroad. "Ali continued," Every year, a large dance competition held in Jakarta. We continue to win the competition, and now they have forbidden us to compete. can -you believe "

traditional dance performance? | Photo by David Metcalf

Many major festival events take place in the Gayo region. You can check with the tourism department and time your visit to coincide with one of them. At times, up to 5,000 dancers can perform the Saman dance.

I went to Aceh with a desire to travel to Banda Aceh in the north of Gunung Leuser National Park in the South. I spent a week through the countryside, largely wrapped in coffee plantations, the large river systems, stunning scenery and moving encounters with the local culture.

From sitting in the house of an old king to discover the tradition of the Saman dance in the small village of Blangkejren, Aceh was a journey of discovery, every day revealing a new wonder. Traveling to places less known in Indonesia with just a rough plan and an open mind will always bring surprises and fun track

In summary :. Aceh Gayo

province Aceh

Region: 58.376 km²

population 4,732,000 (2014)

Directions: Banda Aceh Takengon, the central area of ​​the high Aceh Highlands is 314 km. It is a slow and bumpy ride
. The roads are in wretched condition and takes 6.5 hours

Tour guide and driver :. Miss Ferzya www.getaceh.com

Accommodation: Family Linda - lindahomestay@yahoo.com

Few visitors move beyond the popular neighboring islands of Lombok and Bali, but travel a bit to the east and the island of Sumbawa offers a peaceful escape from the tourist areas developed. Lesser known Sumbawa West reveals hidden coves, deserted beaches and remote traditional villages with people living close to the earth. Hilltop traditional villages in the mountains offer great views to enjoy spectacular sunsets and the beautiful coastline. Sumbawa is a sprawling island with vast expanses of rugged peninsulas, volcanic mountains and idyllic, powdery white beaches, perfect for swimming.

The spectacular views of Gunung Tambora in North Sumbawa

Culture

Sumbawa is like two islands, divided by geography and language Sumbawa in the (ethnic group Samawah West) and Bima (Mbojo ethnic group) in the East. The island has historic ties with Makassarese people of South Sulawesi and the Chinese who traded in these waters for hundreds of years.

About 85 percent of the land of Sumbawa is mountainous. The plains produce successful crops and excellent returns to farmers who have long enjoyed the benefits of the fertile volcanic soil, enriched by the spectacular eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815. The Guinness Book of World Records described this event as "the most largest volcanic eruption in modern history. "the third summit of the mountain was blown off and more than 150 cubic kilometers of rock and ash has been filled through the valley.

Mount Tambora, North Sumbawa

Tambora belongs to two regencies; Bima and Dompu the best way to get there is flying to Bima airport, then drive to the village of Pancasila or Calabai village in Dompu Regency. . You then have the night in Calabai or village Pancasila, and start your trekking to Mount Tambora. There are three route options. It is necessary to plan all aspects of the hike in advance, and allow two days and one night of Pancasila or Calabai village.

The walk is only for experienced climbers and challenges. You must be physically fit and prepared for some discomfort and dangers. You slash your way through the virgin forest, the trail is well worn, and in fact, in 09 only three groups have climbed the mountain. As the records were kept (04), only 50 people per year have made the journey to the top. The most powerful volcanic eruption of all time reduced the height of the mountain 4,0 meters to 2,800 meters, and the sound of the explosion reached as far away as Jakarta. This is a climbing adventure for the brave at heart.

Jelenga Beach (Scar Reef)

Surfers from all over the world come here to surf the infamous turn left, which can be surfed on a wave. Sumbawa travel around can be a bit on the fly, as many small hotels do not have reliable telephone or an Internet connection. Traveling with a guide who has reliable contacts and local knowledge makes independent travel much easier.

We found a nice little villa right on Jelenga Beach (located approximately 1.5 hours from Poto Tano). Scar Reef Beachfront Hotel has a beautiful tropical garden that flows to a serene beach of white sand. The rooms are spacious and well appointed.

There was not another soul on the beach when we arrived, and it has not changed for three days. I instantly found a hammock strung on a beach ball and installed within days of swimming in the pristine warm waters. The only other remaining persons were surfers, who went very early every morning, and we do not see until late in the afternoon. The calm was simply divine.

Jelenga Township is challenged Internet, so you have to be inventive if requiring communication with the outside world. This jump involved on the back of one of the staff bikes after dinner and heading to a nearby hill to get 3G reception, where even the local doctor was chatting to his girlfriend on the phone. You know you are away from tourism when you have experiences like this.

Beaches in West Sumbawa

Sekongkang Beach Place is the best-known surfing, and nearby, Yoyo surf break attracts surfers from Australia to Hawaii. These beaches are located on the southwestern part of West Sumbawa Regency and is 35 minutes drive from the point of Maluk, or 1.5 hours from the nearest Taliwang.

For non-surfers, make sure to check Maluk, a beautiful beach located one hour drive from Taliwang. He has the purest sand and calm white waters. Do not be surprised if you're the only one here. Exploring this Sumbawa West Coast is definitely worth a few days.

There are many examples of resort style accommodation in small discreet and low impact tourism. Rantung Beach Hotel has 12 rooms with bathroom. The cafe on the seafront serves Indonesian and Western food costs. With a fresh juice or cold beer in hand, this is the perfect place to watch the sunset. Guided spearfishing and scuba diving are available here and a great way to end the day is to throw your catch of the day on the BBQ and watch the stars appear above you. Room rates here start at just US $ 15 per night.

Moyo Island

Moyo Island is located in the north of Sumbawa. The travel distance of Sumbawa Harbour is about 1.5 hours (by wooden boat) or 40 minutes by speedboat, or you can go to Bali. A beautiful mountainous island Moyo is mainly covered with protected forests. The dense forest is home to a plethora of wildlife, including deer, wild boar, wild animals, monkeys, and various types of birds.

The island of Moyo claims to have some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Indonesia, made famous by a visit of the late Lady Diana.

Insider

I met a local Pak Hadi Al Zamzuri Mahsyat, Tourism and Creative Economy Department of West Sumbawa Regency, me given a local idea in this region. "I love Totang Rasa restaurant. An excellent choice for lunch or dinner," he said when asked about his favorite place to eat. "Another favorite is Tanamira Restaurant, and if you like sweets and snacks challenge Amat Loka in the afternoon for a traditional snack called Palopo."

Pak Hadi said there is no museum or gallery, and what attracts most people to Taliwang are buffalo and local horse racing. Held once every two weeks except during Ramadan, people like to congregate and enjoy these races. Races take place in different neighborhoods, and this organization appears after planning. "Just check with me to the tourism office and I can find for you, or your local guide can advise you."

local horse racing attract visitors from Taliwang, Sumbawa

In short: West Sumbawa, Indonesia

Contacts:

Sumbawa turn Guide and Driver - Pak Takwa

Email: takwasajidin@yahoo.com

phone: +62 812 384 39828

West Sumbawa Regency Tourism - Pak Hadi

www.disparekraf.sumbawabaratkab.go.id

Email: agabergaz@yahoo.com

get?

By boat: Ferry and public Lombok Sumbawa daily departure from Labuan Kayangan (East Lombok) in Poto Tano (West Sumbawa). Travel time is two hours

places of interest

Poto Tano: .. The port city port for ferries to and from Lombok

Seran Village: 10 km from Poto Tano this is the location of a cemetery 1,000 years

Mantar Village: .. Accessible by 4WD - 1 hour Poto Tano

Mantar Paragliding with Pak Haris Effendy. Email: effendy_haris@yahoo.com or by phone: 081331728311

Jelenga Beach

Scar Reef Hotel: snorkelling equipment, fishing, hiking and surfing. www.scarreefhotel.com

As part of an effort to reduce dependence of the nation on the export of raw, President Jokowi has chosen tourism as a key sector to strengthen economic policy.

2016 has so far been a busy year for the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia. The administration has begun to develop and launch new initiatives that we hope to strengthen the nation's travel sector. As part of an effort to reduce dependence on raw materials, President Jokowi has chosen tourism as one of five key areas to strengthen economic policy. Because Indonesia is rich in resources that are not used for incoming messages - both cultural and natural -. Experts and stakeholders see the president's decision as a logical

Although Indonesia has abundant resources and potential to be a tourism center in Southeast Asia, the archipelago remains lagging behind neighboring countries in terms of number of foreign visitors annually. Regarding the number of inbound tourists abroad, Malaysia and Thailand are ahead of Indonesia for almost tripled. In 2015, Malaysia has managed to attract 25.7 million foreign visitors, while Thailand pulled in 28.8 million. Indonesia, on the other hand, being only 9.7 million foreign tourists. Singapore defeated Indonesia also reach 15.2 million foreign arrivals.

It is interesting to note that the national Indonesia population of about 250 million accounts for the lion's share of people living in Southeast Asia. Many of the foreigners arrived in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia in 2015 were citizens without any doubt Indonesian. This inevitably makes the number of foreign arrivals in Indonesia smaller, as the same figure for domestic tourism could paint a different picture of the archipelago. But even with that in mind, the tourism industry in Indonesia, with all its potential inert, contributed only four percent of the overall GDP of the country last year.

One reason policy makers can be attracted to a tourism push is that the travel sector of the nation seems to be less influenced by the global economy than other sectors. Experts say that tourism in Indonesia has been growing in recent years, in contrast to the demand for raw materials such as crude oil, coal and iron ore, which tend to fluctuate international business.

Teuku Riefky Harsya, head of the House of Representatives Commission X, recently told the press, "the data of the last three years shows that almost all other local industries contribute to revenue changes downward. Meanwhile, it is only the tourism sector which actually shows a significant increase. "Harsya argued that tourism can give the biggest boost to foreign exchange revenues of the nation, while providing a large number of jobs in the domestic labor in Indonesia.

CEO MARKPLUS Hermawan Kartajaya agreement, calling intelligent Jokowi plan. He recently told the media, "President Jokowi is very intelligent. He knows that tourism is important in the current economic situation. The past two years, the president has chosen tourism as a strategic sector. It is an intelligent decision of a national leader, because before that, tourism was seen as a strategic sector of the country. "

With ambitious goals, the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia claims it seeks to ramp up the number of the nation of foreign arrivals to 20 million by 2019.

by then, the government hopes tourism can represent eight percent of the overall GDP of the nation, generate Rp.240 trillion (US $ 18 billion) in foreign exchange revenues and employ 13 million people. In late 2016, the government expects 12 million international visitor arrivals with an income of Rp.172 trillion (US $ 13 billion) of foreign exchange. He expects tourism to account for five percent of the nation's GDP and employ a total of 11.7 million.

To achieve such an ambitious goal, the government aims to replicate the success of the Bali tourism in other parts of the country. Officials say Indonesia is working to develop ten new destinations for international tourists. These places include Borobudur in Central Java, Mandalika on Lombok island, Labuan Bajo Flores, Bromo-Tengger-Semeru in East Java, Pulau Seribu in North Jakarta, Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Wakatobi in Sulawesi southeast, Tanjung Lesung in West Java, Morotai in the northern region of Halmahera in Maluku islands, Tanjung Kelayang in Belitung.

The project covers several aspects of development. It includes necessary infrastructure projects such as transport, public institutions, information and computer technology (ICT) preparation, access to electricity, and more. It also includes the strengthening of the safety, health, hygiene and environmental sustainability of existing businesses in these places. The government says it will form a national authority that will handle the ten priority areas, and implementing a centralized destination management system. Tourism Minister Arief Yahya is optimistic that projects will increase the number of foreign tourist arrivals in Indonesia.

"With the accelerated development of ten priority destinations above, we expect 8.5 million additional international tourists," said the Minister in a report. To support the effort, the government recently implemented a travel without a visa policy that covers inbound travelers from 0 countries. the list is to cover 174 countries in total by the end of 2016.

the government eliminated the approval of 'permission to enter Indonesian territory for yachts. It also liberalized cabotage policy for foreign cruise ships. this allows passengers to board and leave the ship in five different ports throughout Indonesia, it making it easier for international tourists to enter the country by boat.

in addition, the department conducts an international marketing campaign called Wonderful Indonesia. in an interview with Indonesia Expat Deputy assistant marketing Department Eddy Susilo said: "wonderful Indonesia campaign led by Minister Arief Yahya worked well. According to the World Economic Forum 2015, the country ranks 47 in the world, which is better than those of Thailand and Malaysia, who are ranked 83 and 96 respectively this year. "

Susilo said the promotion specifically targets 12 focus markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, China, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States. The national version campaign, Pesona Indonesia, is also running simultaneously to generate interest of local tourism.

in addition to the development of physical infrastructure, the issuance of new policies and implementation of promotions the government also plans to take the tourism sector country to a new level by going digital. the Ministry plans to launch an electronic market called Travel X-Change Indonesia in August. with a concept of "look, book and pay ' the online platform will allow users to browse and book travel packages from local travel agents. users will be able to process payments via the platform. the Ministry claims it is trying to get agents local travel to register on the platform early so he can be ready to use by consumers within a period of two months.

To create sustainable human resources for tourism thrust Indonesia, the Ministry has also developed four colleges and academies based tourism. He says that these institutions now see 20 percent more, on average, enrollments in 2016 than last year. This year, there are about 9,800 potential students who claim to be interested in tourism as a career in Indonesia.

A views of Puncak where the riding comes

As the Crow Flies Puncak is only 80 kilometers southeast of Jakarta. In the hills of Puncak Puncak Pass is where rustic institution for asylum thrill perches on the picturesque tea fields. Now for anyone who has undertaken a road adventure Taman Safari between the traffic you may have come kitted with bikers maximum self protection. The first time I saw this, I scratched my head wondering. Later, I would appreciate the enjoyment one can experience with a bike, a dirt track, not a car, truck, or ojek pedestrian in sight.

It is clear that for most, the early hour of 5:00 is extreme in itself, and for someone who has not seen this time of day, other than by the smoke beer and glassy eyes, the roads are surprisingly free. So we got up, hooked the bike and put in our way. In this adventure, you have been warned; it is not for night owl or a light heart.

After a little over an hour from Jakarta (normally up to three if you left after 7 hours) we arrived at the Safari Hotel Royal Garden where we were greeted by Pak Mahendra, not your biker generally built I could say, but a real character and founder of the division Puncak Explorer MTB Indonesia, the guru of mountain biking in the area did. Another 20 minutes through 'angkot' in the hills of Puncak and you reach the home base of ATV Indonesia. Now, do not be seduced into downing a plate of nasi goreng that the process of digestion and 0metre climb to the starting point will not mix my companion attest.

thick vegetation makes Jalur NuRa not for the faint of heart.

Feeling more than a little exaggerated for protective clothing, I am confident that I would be in free fall on the handlebars before in minutes. Puncak Explorer offer trails for beginners to experts and guided tours up to ten hours. We had pre-arranged to meet during Jalur Nura, rated intermediate, and estimated to take two hours. After reaching the starting point above Pucak passes excitement grows, not the kind of excitement you encounter on the back of your favorite ojek mind you, it is the rush to clean air and the promise of a pumping getaway from the heart through the Bogor outback that gets the blood going. It is as eco tourism meeting the memories of carefree days riding your first bike with a little skin off match.

The course is a handle and no doubt you will 'how did I get myself into this "rush through your mind at some point. Fortunately Pak Mahendra track down and risk to us "would be" intermediate bikers are carefully navigated to avoid being stuck in Bogor forest with a broken bone, or more importantly, the ego. Having said all members of the group, including our guide, made close acquaintance with the forest floor at least once. It is now, you will understand why the helmet, knee and elbow pads are strongly recommended.

Your guide is well equipped, spare tubes and a virtual bike shop in the backpack, you are covered for almost any unplanned outage. Bring a medical kit, prevention is better than cure, and the inhabitants of Bogor will make you well hydrated and nourished with make shift pit stops along the way. Take a bike clean local children to Rp5,000 or so if you are so inclined.

After three hours we saw our way through forests, thick tea fields and what I would call real life in Indonesia. We also managed a detour on a guaranteed path to get your heart pumping "TW3" take care of this one team. Wrap the route you back to your car without too many problems. Ask security access to a shower, although the Indonesian style, and with a new set of clothes you are on your way.

You can find more details about MTB Indonesia and Puncak Explorer to www.mtb -indonesia.com or call 0878786596. crew on a guide for a maximum of five people will cost you Rp.250,000, a course costs Rp.10,000 and a hotel tower at the base of house will cost 50,000 / person. Sure, you can have your driver to drop you and meet you on arrival. For anyone without a bike, you can rent one for Rp.350,000 (small / medium size only) and it is highly recommended that you have your own helmet.

The next trip to Indonesia ATV will enjoy a simpler track really take in the sights and sounds, there are 15 or so available. So a self confessed jungle city to another, make the call and take it all, you will not be disappointed.

Zheng He is now recognized as a great explorer, honored by Chinese and Muslims throughout Southeast Asia. But while his name be known, the details of his exploits are less. In the early 15th century, when Europe is slowly emerging from the Dark Ages and the Indians were contaminated by the applicants to their "New World", Zheng He, supported by the power of the Ming dynasty, left China on seven powerful journeys spanned Asia, the Indian ocean, the sub-continent, the Middle east and the east coast of Africa.

These trips would count some 300 ships, with the largest more than four times the size of the vessel Magellan used to circumnavigate the globe decades later, and were inhabited by something like 30,000 crewmembers .

Starting from Nanjing, Zheng He treasure fleets were designed to project Chinese power in the world and ensure loyalty to the throne in Beijing. The fleet made the Chinese emperor of the gifts to show his munificence when they returned laden with the exoticism of leaders who wish to show their respect for the ultimate power. These vessels are not built to destroy, but to impress.

Such a powerful fleet called for greater head of life and Zheng He, a eunuch, was certainly that. Standing seven feet tall, he was born in Yunnan province in the southwest of the country in 1368, far from any maritime influence. As China's Muslim community member, Zheng He was born Ma He.

Nearly two centuries before the Europeans arrived to claim their souls on spices and regions, Zheng He and the Chinese were intimately familiar with the waters around what would become the Indonesian archipelago. It would make frequent stops in commercial ports established as Gresik (who had a thousand Chinese families living there and was ruled by a Chinese Guandong province), Semarang, Cirebon, Palembang and Aceh at a time before Wali Songo (nine Islamic holy widely accepted as having brought Islam to Java) began to spread Islam.

Maulana Malik Ibrahim, the first of the Wali Songo, arrived in Java in 1404, the year before the first voyage of Zheng He and spent most of his time in East Java, including Gresik where he was eventually buried in 1419. it is tempting to think that the great explorer and propagator of the faith met, but there is no known record of them having done.

Interestingly the treasure fleet adopted by Palembang on their first trip in 1404. The fall of the empire Sriwijaya in the late 13th century had left a vacuum that the Siamese in the north and the Majapahit southeast rushed to fill, effectively bypassing Palembang. A few years before Zheng He sailed the Malacca Strait for the first time, Java was installed a puppet on the throne in Palembang, transforming the seat once an empire in a vassel. The people are not too bright and expelled the usurper and the chaos that followed a Chinese pirate named Chen Zuyi resumed, making the treacherous waters for vessels that use them. The treasure fleet would wait for the return trip before taking and defeat the pirates in battle.

Ma Huan accompanied Zheng He on one of his trips and much of what we know today has its chronic. He described the Javanese population as being divided into three groups :. The natives who clung to their beliefs Javanese Hindus, Muslims and Chinese, many of which he described as being Muslim

Although the exchange with the local population, Zheng He and his crew proved astute observers of local customs. It was noted that the wayang performance was similar to the traditions of history, they were used for the house.

Other local customs seemed unfamiliar. One dead in battle drew their attention. Advancing and retracting the rhythm of drums, two armed fighters lances attempt to conquer their enemy and to receive, as a reward, the new widow or slaves of the deceased man.

A stop saw Zheng He put in at Semarang when his vice commander, Wang Jing Hong, fell ill. After more than a week, Wang had still not fully recovered so Zheng He continued his journey leaving his second in command behind, waiting for him to catch up later. According to legend, Wang has never followed his leader. Semarang He loved so much that he decided to stay.

Semarang largely figures in the history of Zheng He. Another tale says he stayed for some time in a cave near the city. His legacy lives with a temple on the outskirts of town, Sam Po Kong (or Gedung Batu) dedicated to his memory. Just one of many of these places throughout Southeast Asia that recall the trips of the eunuch.

After the death of Zheng He, the leaders of the Chinese community in Semarang begged their people "Javanise" themselves by adopting Javanese names and following a Javanese lifestyle. Many Chinese have become very influential and married in the local ruling families, including one who was married to a ruler of Majapahit Empire.

today Zheng He's legacy much larger than some temples scattered in the region. He was a Muslim explorer working for a Chinese emperor shows that the 15th century, Asia was a much more cosmopolitan place than we give him credit and the fact it is so highly revered by both the Chinese communities and Muslims of Southeast Asia show that it is a character that transcends petty politics and nationalistic point of notation often scours the relations between the countries.

Zheng He should be a model for integration and tolerance. Instead, he became a sideshow in history, little understood by the Chinese diaspora and all but ignored for his role in the spread of Islam throughout the islands. Maybe he needs a Hollywood movie to finally give this giant of a man the respect and honor he fully deserves.

“It appears every Balinese native, from cradle to grave is creative, "rhymed Noel Coward in his irreverent 1932 ditty Charlie Chaplin, now cemented between Western notions of Bali as a community of artists.

Indonesian art critics, however, decry that Bali is trapped in fossilized rigid traditions. There is no significant development in Balinese art. But wait. What are we talking about? What is art, anyway? Let me illustrate by sharing stories behind two of the most-seen works of art from Bali. Children growing up in Bali before the 190s, have encountered stories such as the final battle of the war in Gatotkaca Kuru Setra, ancient epic Mahabharata through puppet shadow shows. Before the introduction of television shows to puppet shadows were cinemas in Bali, Java and beyond. Shadow-puppet masters wove imagination of the people, mixing embedded moral codes in ancient epic comic relief with episodes where the characters of the epic discuss life from day to day town, gossip, and above all, disseminate information to the public.

visitors arriving at Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali are offered a scene of this story at first traffic en route to the Ngurah Rai Bypass. The sculpture represents Gatotkaca discovering his chest defiantly, standing on the horses pulling the chariot of Karna. Horses, chariots and warriors are larger than life, all displaying the frenetic vitality and movement.

This modern concrete sculpture by I Wayan Winten of tected, Peliatan, Ubud, is a crucial point in the war between the two branches of Bharata clan. After ignoring the provocation after provocation of their cousins ​​Korawa ogre-like, five brothers virtuous Pandawa declare war reluctantly. During the battle, the warrior Karna, to serve the Korawa duty, wanted to settle a personal account against Arjuna, the third brother Pandawa who was captain of their army. Karna had an invincible weapon he received as a boon to Surya, the sun god. The Pandawa knew that if he had the opportunity to use against Arjuna Arjuna's death would break their spirit for battle.

Krishna advised the Pandawa sacrifice Gatotkaca, son of the goddess with Arimbi Bima, the second eldest of Pandawa. With its rapid flight of powers, Gatotkaca could taunt and disturb Karna, avoiding the classic sword and spear and arrow Karna fleeing into the clouds. It is a very frustrated that Karna fixed loose his ultimate weapon, killing Gatotkaca. And so Arjuna Gatotkaca saves his uncle, who retaliates by

During the era of the New Order of Suharto, wayang puppet shadow masters were "encouraged" to focus on telling the last chapter of Mahabharata. After the war was over, when the king was right, and people lived in harmony, all content and prosperous. It was through cultural tools that Soeharto maintained its iron grip on Indonesia from 1965 to 1998. However, Bali has always had a poetic license following the directives of Jakarta, and was with an interpretive leap that this statue was commissioned in 1994.

Although the story is an incredible story of filial obedience (Gatotkaca obeyed the request of his father Bima), officially this sculpture is a tribute to the sacrifices that we did for his nation, or "king and country" if you like. Balinese philosophy, parents, teachers, government and God are all respected as Catur Guru or four teachers. Ostensibly, they know better, and we must respect and obey.

A sculpture by the same artist in the place known as "Dewa Ruci roundabout", commissioned in 1996, represents Bima slaying a sea serpent. This story is not from the Indian Mahabharata, but from an old Javanese text that spans it. It tells the odyssey of Bima in search of the elixir of life, at the request of his teacher Drona.

On a superficial reading, the story exemplifies the virtue of obedience of a good student to his teacher. Bima is powerful, honest naive warrior with strong determination. It can not be bought. It holds firmly to its values.

The wicked Drona is actually trying to find ways to kill Bima. favorite students of Drona, the Korawa, want to go to war with the Pandawa brothers, but they fear the mighty warrior Bima. Before they openly show their animosity against the Pandawa, they ask Drona to find ways to eliminate Bima equation. Drona Bima said that to attain perfection and liberation, he must obtain the elixir of life.

misguided Drona Bima to mountain tops, deep in the forests and caves, and finally, at the bottom of the South Seas. In the tradition of quests, Bima faces many powerful monsters at each location where it is headed. Bima power prevails. Not only does it defeat the monsters, also beating Bima breaks the curses reveal them as divine beings again, make allies of them.

At the bottom of the South Seas, Bima defeats a powerful dragon. It is this stage which is shown in sculpture. Entering the field of Dewa Ruci, however, Bima is rendered powerless and redemptions. He readily accepts his fate, his impending end, knowing he has done his best. Dewa Ruci appears and speaks to the warrior, giving him advice. "Do not set if you're not clear why you go. Do not participate in the food you have not yet tasted. Do not dress in familiar outfit when you do not know their meaning. You can learn from ask questions ... "

later Bima attained enlightenment by entering Dewa Ruci's ear. The details of the story are full of symbolism. Officially, this sculpture is still a monument to filial piety, duty and obedience.

The next time your eyes rest on these sculptures, as long as you are not driving of course, reflect on these stories. Perhaps you too will discover new meanings.