Love Island Travel

Leaving his village at the age of nine years and are in the streets of Jalan Diponegoro, the main street in Denpasar, alone and homeless, this is the story of Dana.

Dana pressed the good heartedness of others and one meal a day for a while until his entrepreneurial skills kicked in and he started to sell flowers to survive. About a year later, he got a job on a construction site Rp.45,000 winner a month. Surveying the street scenes on scaffolding above showed him another side of life. Dana could see a world of tourists and visitors from other countries and that tourism is booming all around him, so was his curiosity.

Realizing that he needed to learn and speak English, while progressing, he enrolled in an international English College. Tuition fees were Rp.30,000 a month and living on only Rp.15,000 a month has proven difficult. He knew at that time, the sacrifice would be worth it, and seven months later he graduated.

Dana then got a job as an office boy in a travel agency where he worked for five years to learn more about tourism and what was needed to be a tour guide. This led him to start his own business at age 17 and with the help of financial support from his friends, he was now his own boss and his way of being a business owner.

The year 05 was a pivotal year for Dana as he had a chance encounter with a businessman from Australia who has been running courses at one of the hotels five stars in Ubud. Rex Australia proved to be a major influence in Dana's life and his advice was to "keep planting the garden and butterflies come." This year, he also met the love of her life and married.

Shortly after this period, he started a tour company, and in 07, another chance encounter took place with some travel agents from Australia who took Dana in their world and helped him acquire some people well connected in the industry. Dana now has five vans and a very busy and successful business, so the butterflies have really happened.

a lot of experience Dana, and a very difficult life survive in the streets of Bali, he learned, but he will never forget the kindness he received from many people along the way and now wants to give back, training and education for young children through its "Chicken Little" curriculum of English in his local village. It also supports an orphanage in Tabanan and a determination to help other Balinese people to start their gardens more attractive in their world.

The amazing thing about this man is his attitude and wonderful sense of humor. It is an example of how tourism encourages the positive aspects of progress and growth in Bali.

Dana is always looking for English teaching volunteers to help with its small school of Chicken, a home school town on Sunday morning. Please contact him if you want to help and if someone needs a reliable guide, happy tour Dana can be reached at 0813387047 or dana@takeiteasybali.com

David is a Bali expatriate residents and organizes photography tours throughout Indonesia, specializing in Bali. www.davidmetcalfphotography.com

The title for this piece is perhaps somewhat ambiguous because it will revolve around the orangutans of Borneo Gibbons instead Proboscis monkeys or that region. The orangutan is, of course, a giant monkey and in many ways than one step removed (evolutionary speaking) of the human species.

Who can resist an orangutan? Well, a lot actually.

To start, try the companies producing palm oil or illegal loggers who are decimating magnificent forests of Borneo. The result of this is that the habitat of the orangutan is shrinking fast, and the habitats of all other living species trees like the roar of chainsaws and forests fall.

My particular theory is that the more people who make the trip to visit these critically endangered species, the more attention will be given to them.

There are two ways to see the orangutans, those in nature, or those in the many "rehabilitation" centers scattered throughout Sarawak and Kalimantan. Rehabilitation centers are the easiest, although I found it rather like circus antics with the almost scripted moment for worshiping tourists that flock to these power sanctuaries.

One of the easiest access is the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre a few miles outside the capital, Kuching. Here are 29 orangutans live in just 650 acres of preserved rainforest. Unfortunately for a company of this size, the area is far too small. They are nomads and usually pretty solitary creatures. Males rarely tolerate other males in their jungle land and in this particular center, aggression in older alpha male is increasingly common.

Rehabilitation is a wonderful concept, but it has not yet proven. Those in "captivity" have a contact with humans and naturally pick up unknown strains of bacteria for orangutans in the wild. Once released, it was found that wild orangutans succumb too easily to human diseases which they have no immunity.

That said, if you ever had the experience of seeing an orangutan, the center not disappointed; they are simply adorable to look at, very intelligent with the use of basic tools and their ability to reason. I read a recent report from Zoo Atlanta, where two female orangutan now play competitive video games! It was noted that in this particular sanctuary alpha males will actually plan their day in advance, working on various times to move and scout various locations where they will spend the night.

For the more adventurous and eager to see orangutans in the wild, it is best to venture to the wonders of Kalimantan. The Gamung National Park just across the border in West Kalimantan Sarawak is the least visited national park in Indonesia. The density of wildlife is amazing and if you are lucky you can spot the rare brown langur and incredibly shy

There are about 2,000 -. 2,500 orangutans living in the park, so you are sure not to be disappointed. If you decide to go, head to Ketapang, which is the main entry and obtain a permit to visit the wildlife center. Kutai National Park in East Kalimantan is another gem where about 700 orangutans live, although palm oil plantations and logging are slowly but surely creeping ever closer. Access is easy via the city of Samarinda, but make sure you get your license in the small town of Batang near the main door.

Tourism, in the case of orangutans, is a good thing, as more people who visit will certainly bring more pressure to their fate. More people notice, most people make noise, simple.

Borneo is one of the most incredible places on earth them. third largest island and home of the world for species that mankind has not yet discovered. The profit resumed here that oil palm plantations now cover vast tracts of land where ancient forests once flourished. These easy to grow are actually a scourge, as when their life cycle ended not much can be grown; the tree will suck all the nutrients of the soil.

short-term thinking for a quick return, while the acrobatic gibbons, proboscis monkeys shy and majestic orangutan will one day be no more with us.

Malaysia (Sarawak) is much visited Kalimantan. Its attractions are promoted and developed for tourism. If Kalimantan visit, it is a good idea to learn some basic Indonesian phrases, as English is not widely spoken. Better yet get a guide for the duration of your stay. The culture of Kalimantan is rich, deep forests and so much more friendly people. Check with local government offices in the four provinces as they will be delighted to help.

So if you do go, you'll never know.

Y

The simplest and most effective way to get to Sarawak or Kalimantan is stealing.

Air Malaysia KL via daily flights to Kuching, the capital of the region.

Kalimantan for the best option is to search for Jakarta offers. Air Asia now runs a weekly flight from Denpasar 3 X -. Kota Kinabalu

BY SEA

For the more adventurous, ferries to and from Borneo can be boarded several places in Indonesia. Trawl the web for the best routes for you.

NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE CENTER

Semenggoh WILDLIFE CENTRE SARAWAK

If the path a whistle, this is the fastest and most easy to see the orangutans. If you use public transportation, take bus No. 6 on cooperation Sarawak Transport. at the main gate and walk the rest of the way (about 20 minutes). Easier yet, take a taxi for 30 minutes drive from the center of Kuching.

GAMUNG Palung NATIONAL PARK, Kalimantan

Strongly recommended. For the simplest is to get there Contact:

Nasalis Tour & Travel, a nonprofit organization owned and operated by the National Park
Phone :. +62 534 7722701
Email: nasalis_tour_travel@yahoo.com or info@borneotourgigant.com

FLEET NATIONAL Kutai, Kalimantan EAST

the park is adjacent to the main city of Samarinda.

To arrange access and visits Pak Supiani just give a call on +62 (0) 8134638803

WHERE TO SLEEP AND EAT

Well well you can not take my word for it. Do what I do and visit the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree section and take advice from other travelers. You can also see that Trip Advisor has to say.

lush hills and steep cliffs overlooking the lively villages and azure shores adorn the winding roads of Flores from one corner to the other. So I went to my share of Indonesian islands that I called beautiful, I must say that there is something special about Flores.

Despite the growing popularity of Flores as a tourist destination, it still offers many off-the beaten track encounter. The peoples of Flores enjoy life as it is; refrain from defects in excess, to celebrate the values ​​of life through creative expressions, and generously welcome visitors from afar. In addition, Flores is perhaps the Indonesian island where I felt safer as a solo hiker.

Our first stop was Roë Flores, the village where the first Taman Pelangi Bacaan Nila Tanzil (Jakarta Expat number 99) has been found. It was a rainy Wednesday afternoon, but about 50 children ages eight to 12 braved the time to meet us at school that manages the library.

The children seemed enthusiastic visitors from Jakarta. Most of them have never traveled outside Flores. They seemed to find a treat to be able to look at pictures of Java, Papua and Sulawesi to the screen of my laptop, and we asked many questions about our families and our jobs. It was fun to see my travel companion Tino try to explain what a computer programmer did.

We also heard that the children tell us about life in Roe. Many of them help their parents run the family farm or plantation, but going to school with an enthusiastic spirit of learning. A number of them are talented singers and poets too. Later that evening, our hosts slaughtered a chicken for us and Manggarai cook traditional dishes.

Our next stop was Wae Rebo, a village famous for its small mountain conical straw houses. Be frugal, we took a oto kayu (a modified truck that looks like an open-air bus with wooden seats) to Dintor. With speakers booming with Indonesian ballads Eastern sappy, the four-hour drive through the narrow winding roads, mountain jungles and villages of the valley, made for an adventure in itself.

Dintor, a fishing village on the south coast of Flores, is where guests Wae Rebo (or their alter ego semi-modern) live. We spent the afternoon walking through the rice fields and sitting on the banks of the white sand beach of rock overlooking Pulau Mules. Our arrival coincided with a special ceremony officiant for the renovation of a rumah adat Wae Rebo in the morning, so we left Dintor at 3:30 to get to Wae Rebo walk after 8am .

sacred aura of Wae Rebo, I believe, has nothing to do with the traditional own fashion, architecture, or music. It has more to do with respect to this contemporary community pays their land and values ​​of their ancestors taught them, and affirmed expectations that visitors do the same.

Our next stop was Ruteng, where we visited Liang Bua cave where ancient hominids lived. Homo floresiensis , also known as "Flores hobbit 'was a kind of short human beings were thought to be fast and speakers capable runners. We spent time with a local man who claims to be a descendant of the hobbit.

Tino and I went back to Labuan Bajo and parted as he caught a flight back to Jakarta. After spending the afternoon quiet Danau Sano Nggoang with friendly locals, I tried my luck the next day walking around cheap Komodo National Park. I found myself in a boat to Rinca with a middle-aged couple Riau.

The trip to Rinca was gliding on marine landscapes of emerald, with a myriad of green islands in sight. There we spotted a band of the famous Komodo dragon, looked nests, and went for a short hike - that I was too short but Mrs. found exhausting. We then went to snorkel in Pulau Kelor, which unfortunately has a miserable underwater to bleached coral death.

I finally headed east again and visited Bena, a village near Bajawa which is also famous for rumah adat distinctive. Legend has it that the ancestors of Bena from Java, and they prayed to their ancestors by spreading offerings on the megalithic altars, hence the name of Ba-Jawa -. Java plate

The local architecture is embedded with the philosophies of life, procreation and the struggle to survive. . The landscape is surrounded by green mountains overlooking the coast

My next stop was Ende - a beautiful coastal city laced with black sand beaches and mountain views, where Sukarno spent some time in exile. Unfortunately, every historic site, it appeared to be closed for stupid reasons -. The house keeper Sukarno did not want to work, and the theater where the former president had written pieces of wild plants growing on it

When the road to Ende Kelimutu collapsed on next day, I wish I had gone to Riung on the north coast instead. To get to Maumere I had to make a detour via mbay north - the one hour drive to Riung - but could not visit the famous white sand beach as the bus leaving for Maumere the north coastal road hell left at dawn

in Nita, a village south of Maumere, I spent a night at Sentra Tenun Ikat Lepo Lorun. There, I was greeted by the ladies who were busy doing bolo plagar - rice flour biscuits produced in the form of textile patterns Maumere, mother to daughter taught to do one day for the man who asks their hand in marriage.

Alfonsa Horeng internationally renowned leader STILL, took me on a personal tour through the gardens, showing me the plants from which the fibers and colors of its textiles come. One of his weavers demonstrated the fermentation of indigo and cotton spinning son. We had a lively conversation about the role of tenun ikat Textile keeping life in community values, and compared with the value of the economy based on traditional agriculture to the economy of Flores oriented money-modern.

My visit tricolor Kelimutu lakes the next day has not been very encouraging that the thick fog descended on the view. But maybe this just a sign that I should come back here one day. After all, the colors of the lakes change like the coat of a chameleon -. They will not be the same lakes on my next visit

I ended my trip to Maumere with a mass on Christmas Eve in Katedral St. Yoseph and a white Christmas morning. No, it was not snowing - just terrible rain that covered this coastal town with bad fog

an alternate universe where the ancient and the modern coexist, the dragon's lair, hobbits in a cave, commoners . wearing woven dresses fit for royalty with embedded secret messages, and mysterious lakes that change color - they might as well have been written in an exotic oriental fairytale. But in the enchanted island of Flores, I've seen these tales than real life. . And share some of them with another adventurer who stole my heart that multiplies the joy of travel collectors

Country: Indonesia
Province: Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT)
House: 14,300 km2
highest Lift Elevation: Inerie (near Bena Bajawa) 2245 m AMSL
The largest city: Maumere
population 1,500,000 (06 estimate)

How to get

• daily flights to Labuan Bajo Jakarta and Bali (Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air)
• daily flights to Maumere from Bali and Kupang (Sky Aviation TransNusa, Wings Air)

What to bring
Sunscreen, hat gear, snorkeling and scuba diving, hiking shoes.

A Satirical Guide to Indonesian politicians - Photo: www.azies-site.blogspot.com

One time I was watching this TV program called Metro Kick Andy and there was this woman poor who kept changing her name when she was younger because she was still suffering from poor health. Unsurprisingly, she can not do better. But after changing its name for the umpteenth time, guess what? She actually stopped getting sick! Wonders of all wonders! Apparently, she had finally found the "good" name and was now destined to live a long and healthy life -. And until his death, of course

Anyway, what with the forthcoming general elections in Indonesia, it made me wonder; that the politicians of the country? They are blessed with the 'right' name or not? No, we do not have to worry about what politicians actually believe or what policies they intend to implement. What really matters are their names!

But how do we interpret them?

Well actually it is not so difficult because there 'anagrammaticography', a popular tool that is noted for its amazing ability to draw accurately meaningful conclusions about political figures and their points views on a host of issues. Used since the Middle Ages, anagrammaticography really came to the fore in the 17th century, when it was noted that the anagram of "William Shakespeare" revealed the phrase "I am a weakish speller" (Shakespeare, of course, was noted for signing her name in at least seven different ways).

Although criticized by religious types like "the devil's work," the power of anagrammaticography policy can not be overlooked. An anagram of "Sarah Palin" reveals rather disturbing "plan Sharia" (I always suspected that the American religious right had a (sic) unholy alliance with the jihadists, then God thank you Barack Obama won the US presidential elections) incidentally, an anagram of Barack Obama arrives with 'Aback a Rambo.! - which strongly suggests that it is not quite the limp-wristed liberal that many believe it is

But how Indonesian politicians form !? well, here's a lowdown on some -uns of the biggest names from the political scene of Indonesia:

Megawati Sukarnoputri (PDIP) Although not noted for his intellectual acumen, Megawati is at least a housewife Adorable with a famous father
Verdict :. Wreak utopias maturation

Yusuf Kalla (Golkar / PKB) :. This pillar Golkar Party is the second child of 17. Although nationalist tendencies, it also supports the efforts of foreigners to do well in Indonesian society: "If janda [divorcees] get modest houses, although foreign tourists to leave later, then it is OK. the children of these relationships will have good genes.. There will be more of television actors and actresses of those pretty boys and girls "Strangely he was appointed by PKB their choice of a possible candidate for president in 2014 vice presidential
.: Verdict. Flaky usual

Aburizal Bakrie (Golkar) : One of the richest men in Indonesia (worth up to US $ 3-5 billion according to who you believe) and the protectorate of the poor, Aburizal has a less-than-enviable reputation in business and it is about as popular in east Java as an anorexic at a weight loss Convention
Verdict :. I bulky. Bazaar

Hatta Rajasa (PAN) : Solid minister with a good track record who married his daughter (Siti Ruby Aliya Rajasa) the youngest son of SBY Ibas.
Verdict :. This pot as

Gita Wirjawan (Democrat) :. men of very successful business and aspiring jazz musician
Verdict: Jaw grain wait

Surya Paloh (Nasdem) . media mogul who owns Metro TV, a national television station, which is noted for its tendency to employ warm and attractive newsreaders
Verdict :. hourly sap

Joko Widodo (PDIP) : the common man (! hurray) - but without the revolutionary zeal of a Hugo Chavez - Joko the favorite to win the presidency in a series of opinion polls.
Verdict :. wood OK Jodi

Dahlan Iskan (Democrat) : global automakers such as Toyota and Ford to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on testing to ensure their cars are roadworthy and safe to drive on public roads. These concerns do not bother Dahlan Iskan, however, and he drove around his flashy-looking electric car 'Ferrari' with wild abandon - before the brakes failed and the car crashed. Fortunately, nobody was injured, although the man self-made former Post and PLN Java remains a long shot for the presidency
Verdict :. Ha! nasal Kind

Rhoma Irama (PKB) :. Noted womanizer who is not ashamed to play the religious card, the prospect of this legendary dangdut singer become president sends shivers down my spine
Verdict :. Or I'm haram

Hary [ Tanoesoedibjo (Hanura) :. Lacking charisma, Hary was unable to produce a strong public image despite owning a number of television stations
Verdict: Oh dear! obeisant joy

Mohammad Mahfud (PKB) :. solid references, but lacks charisma
Verdict :. Hmm! Aha! Mad Mud

Yusril Ihza Mahendra (PBB) : .. leader of a party with no seats in parliament, the chances are slim Yusril at least
Verdict :. I'm crazy, lush diarrhea

now, for three ex noted generals

Wiranto (Hanura) crooner amateur with matinee good looks idol . Just do not mention East Timor or the May 1998 riots
Verdict:.! Rat Wino

Sutiyoso : Selfless and tireless worker for the people, the crowning of Jakarta Sutiyoso turned into a city of great cultural interest such as by establishing Asia South of "Venice of the East" (subject to sufficient rainfall)
Verdict :. so it's you

Prabowo Subianto (Gerindra) : UK-educated former head of Special Operations dreaded Indonesia, Kopassus. Now a socialist, apparently. The long-term plans to lead the country, and its financial resources which would have bet against him
Verdict:. Now absorb utopia (Now I wonder if it ever has to come true ...)

Conclusion

The anagrammaticography is fairly coarse, excludes many contenders - most of the time, including Wiranto, Rhoma Irama, Surya Paloh Bakrie and Gita Wirjawan. The leading candidate Joko Widodo has given a vote of confidence warm, but surprisingly, the analysis clearly suggests that Prabowo (now absorbed utopia!) Go win the presidential election with Sutiyoso (So it's you!) As his right arm ! The army to stay in power? Some things never change.

Dolphins Lovina by Francesco Ricciardi

wildlife tourism, especially dolphins and whales, has doubled worldwide in the last decade. Since the 1980s, Lovina (North Bali) local fishermen bring tourists to see dolphins in the wild. But with over 180 boats today and mismanagement of interactions with animals, there is a possibility of increasing that this activity will become unsustainable and a decrease in the number of animals already observed.

Lovina is a coastal area in northern Bali belonging to the Buleleng Regency. Once a fishing village, popular for those seeking a relaxed pace and a different way of life, he recently suffered from unregulated tourism development that changed the atmosphere to feeling more "artificial". Many people think that the development of the new international airport, outside the city a few kilometers, will further increase the rate of the area to a new North Kuta transformation.

One of the main attractions of Lovina is the possibility of having a meeting with the dolphins swimming freely directly in their habitat and not in captivity, because these animals are particularly abundant in the coastal waters of this region. The most common is the Spinner dolphin encounter, but it is also possible to identify other cetaceans such as dolphins Grisso, dolphins and even rarer species such as pilot whale and Bryde.

Back in the late 1980s, local fishermen cooperatives formed self-regulation to bring tourists to see dolphins. Now up to 180 dedicated operators use small fishing boats? To transport passengers to watch dolphins close to shore. Most tourists come from Western countries, although the industry also attracts Asian visitors. A dolphin tour normally starts early in the morning during the high season (May to October) and lasts about two hours, for a price ranging from Rp.50,000 to Rp.65,000 per passenger. Typically boats are local jukung bring up to four passengers. The village of Kalibukbuk has three ports of departure for tours of dolphins, Banyualit, Kalibukbuk Aneka and while Kaliasem one, and each departure port has its own boat cooperative, which releases the dolphin license. Each association has a different fixed price per trip. Two associations (Aneka and Kaliasem) use file systems to determine the boatmen take tourists on a particular day. The industry is also regulated

A recent study by some Indonesian and Australian researchers (P. Mustika et al The human dimensions of wildlife tourism in developing countries .. watch dolphins in Lovina, Bali, Indonesia. Journal of sustainable tourism, 2013) that the degree of satisfaction of tourists (Westerners and Asians) ranged from low to medium, where the main concern was the mismanagement boaters during their interaction with animals which are easily stressed if the boat is approaching them too fast or too close. In a typical day, about 40 ships go for the dolphins, and more than 180 boats, it is clear that the industry is already saturated.

The dolphins at sea by Francesco Ricciardi

When a group of dolphins is spotted, each boat driver tries to get as close as possible to anticipate other boats and to ensure a better experience for its customers. Of course, the animals are stressed very easily from boat motors are very noisy and they have to change their behavior, remaining under water longer to avoid contact with humans. Being mammals, dolphins have to go regularly to the surface to breathe and this kind of approach can be very stressful for them and for their very sensitive hearing (dolphins use sounds and "echolocation" to detect their prey). Propellers also pose a great danger to the animals that can be easily injured if the boats are approaching too fast or too close.

The same study also showed that the waste in the sea and on the beach is disappointing for guests coming to Lovina. The issue of garbage still does not seem to be regarded by many local boatmen who let their beaches filled plastic, as in many other parts of Bali and unfortunately all of Indonesia.

Since a normal trip takes less than two hours, it would be a good idea to periodically clean the beach, perhaps involving tourists are normally happy to contribute to these eco-activities. Importantly, these cooperatives should regulate the conduct of their subsidiaries if they want to keep their sustainable and profitable business even in the future.

In many parts of the world, self-regulation of whale watching operators is very effective to ensure proper interaction with animals and ensure they do not go away from the area if it is too harassed. For example, a minimum distance of the animal should be imposed, and a maximum speed of approach and maximum number of vessels surrounding the dolphin pods. In the same study, it was reported that in many cases the number of boats in a meeting normally exceeds the number of dolphins.

Proper management is necessary for the good of the two local boatmen who will be able to keep their jobs, animals that remain safely and for tourists who enjoy a more responsible management of this experience .

No national regulations on whale watching was even issued for Indonesia. In addition, developing countries have limited capacity to provide effective compliance, self-regulation directly from the dolphin boat association is really necessary, in the same way the southern Bali diving centers are trying to regulate mola mola and manta rays meeting in Nusa Lembongan. If the situation remains the same, it has the potential to cause significant disruption to the local whale population and with at least 60% of overnight visitors to Lovina join the dolphin tours, a decrease of tourist satisfaction that could undermine the existing tourism industry.

Travel Tips

province North Bali

How to make Lovina is located on the north side of the island. You'll need about 3 hours by car to get there. Expect to pay about Rp.500,000 for a one-way transit, including car and driver. Since the Dolphin trips start early in the morning to plan at least one night in Lovina

Where to sleep: .. Lovina offers numerous housing, basic homestays to high-end resorts

What to bring :. Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat, seasickness pills, a camera with a good zoom and maybe a tight lid with water

The Business profile this is Vinod Kannan, CEO of Singapore Airlines Indonesia. Mr. Kannan was with the world-renowned airline since 01 and is a passionate player in the aviation industry.

Vinod Kannan

Singapore Airlines has been around a long time and is still a favorite of many Asian travelers. Could you give us please a brief history of the airline?
Singapore Airlines' (SIA) history dating back to May 1, 1947, when Malayan Airways (LTA) Airspeed Consul took off from Singapore Kallang Airport on the first of three regular weekly flights to Kuala Lumpur , Ipoh and Penang. The airline also began service in 1947 in Jakarta, Palembang and Medan. SIA has come a long way since then, the evolution of a regional airline to one of the most respected travel brands around the world. SIA flies one of the youngest fleets of aircraft in the world to 62 destinations on six continents, the daughter of Singapore as its internationally recognized icon providing high standards of care and service that customers have come to expect. SIA has become accustomed to lead the way, and along the way developed a reputation as an industry pioneer. The growing list of leading innovations include the first to offer free headsets, a choice of meals and free drinks in Economy Class in the 1970s, and the first to fly the A380 from Singapore to Sydney on October 25, 07 .

What's your story behind become CEO of Singapore Airlines Indonesia?
I just Bangalore in India but moved to my home in Singapore in 1996 to study. After my bachelor's degree in engineering in Singapore and a computer control of Singapore and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, I joined Singapore Airlines in 01. After working in marketing, route planning and sales, I have moved to Calcutta, India as director of the East India. This was followed by visits to Saudi Arabia and Italy. I moved to Jakarta in December 2013, as general manager and Indonesia enjoy and learn new things every day!

How many flights a day makes Singapore Airlines from Indonesia to Singapore?
SIA currently operates nine daily flights Jakarta, Denpasar and four daily flights from July 26, SIA has taken over one of the two daily flights Surabaya, which was operated by the regional subsidiary SilkAir.

What new routes did you open and you open this year in and out of Indonesia?
Last year, Indonesia, SIA introduced a ninth daily service to Jakarta, and simultaneously added its fourth daily service to Denpasar (Bali), while SilkAir (MI) a subsidiary of SIA, began services in Semarang, Makassar and Yogyakarta extending the scope of the group to 14 destinations in Indonesia. Northern Summer 2014 season, MI will work to Kalibo Philippines, Mandalay in Myanmar and Hangzhou in China this year.

SIA will make adjustments to certain markets through the network during the summer season North. A third daily flight to Tokyo's Haneda airport was added, increasing the number of daily services to Tokyo to five. A380 will serve Mumbai and New Delhi every day from 30 May 2014, taking over from two daily flights that currently serve every city with smaller aircraft. the A380 service to Shanghai from five times a week to daily, while the frequency in Istanbul will increase by one flight per week to six times a week. To meet the summer peak demand, SIA resume Athens twice weekly between June 9, 2014 and October 9, 2014, while capacity in some markets in Europe and Japan will be increased.

Is it difficult to find the manpower to support your growing company in Indonesia?
finding the right people is the key to any organization in a market. Singapore Airlines offers an attractive remuneration for carpenters in grass and I'm happy to say that we have a dedicated, talented and consistent here in Indonesia.

Why do you think that Singapore Airlines is the preferred airline for short-haul travel, particularly to Singapore, many Indonesians and expatriates in Jakarta?
We believe that the overall travel experience is one of the main motivating factors for choosing Singapore Airlines. Since its establishment, Singapore Airlines has earned a reputation as an innovative market leader, combining quality products with excellent service. Excellence in customer service has been integral to the success of Singapore Airlines. exceptional service in flight is the cornerstone of its reputation for customer service and hospitality.

With so many low-cost carriers in operation now this affect your business?
As the airline industry becomes difficult with airlines offering aggressive pricing amid capacity increasing and fuel prices remain high by historical standards, it will be natural that we face competition in the industry. While we will react and adapt to immediate challenges and short-term; we also plan well in advance and keep an eye on the opportunities and challenges that may emerge in the long term.

Does SIA have a low-cost airline that?
Yes, it is a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, called Scoot (www.FlyScoot.com). Scoot operates medium to long-haul, the low-cost flights between Singapore and Australia, China and others. Scoot operates independently and has its own management team. Another subsidiary is Tigerair for short-haul flights.

How SIA works to be the preferred airline in the region?
Singapore Airlines is focusing on its premium positioning and the core values ​​that drive our success. Key elements of security, a zealous attention to our customers, product innovation and leadership, as well as network connectivity, are the basis of our competitive offering and will be continuously strengthened. Our products will continue to evolve, with attention to comfort, design and appearance, experience in flight, in-flight entertainment experience, and the service element, which wraps the entire package.

How many passengers do you hover over a year?
In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014, SIA carried 18.6 million passengers, an increase of 2.3% compared to last year. passenger transport (in revenue passenger kilometers) rose 1.4% on the back of 1.9% growth in capacity (in available seat kilometers).

How many aircraft does Singapore Airlines have worldwide?
in May 2014, SIA has 104 passenger aircraft in its fleet.

What was your annual sales in 2013? What are your projections this year?
In the 2013-14 fiscal year, the operating performance of SIA improved by $ 69 million (+ 36.9%) as an increase of $ 93 million in revenue exceeded an increase of 24 million $ expenditures.

Since the tragic disappearance of flight Malaysia Airlines MH370, do you have security measures for your airline?
Being in the airline industry, SIA will examine all incidents related to the operation of airlines. SIA scrutiny that would require us to work with other parties; aircraft manufacturers, authorities, etc. Rest assured that these things are taken very seriously. We have devoted resources to look at what we can learn and share with our friends in other airlines.

And finally, what do you believe is the key to success in your business life?
based on my experience, the key to the performance of a team is the way they can interact and gel together. People make any organization or successful business, more than anything else. The secret is to ensure that people in the business are motivated, committed and always achieve their potential. The other important aspect for personal success is the family. In my case, my wife and three year old daughter are the support mechanism that keep me grounded when things get a little crazy!

Thanks, Vinod. If you want to contact, please email vinod.kannan@gmail.com.

Gold Panning with mercury

The volcano's western foothills look rather sorry, composed largely of dry shrubland with a few stunted trees. During the wet season upland rice is grown, but the soils are eroded and poor. The few villages exude poverty, although many of their inhabitants are involved in small-scale gold mining. The mines are illegal that proof has been obtained that approval of a single environmental assessment management plan. fortune trees are dug by hand to transport the alluvial mud and the lack of appropriate reinforcements makes them extremely dangerous. The mercury is then used to merge the grains and nuggets of gold in the mud.

The miners are poorly paid for their efforts, a very familiar model in small-scale mining, such as gold most of the profits usually go to the organizers, investors, traders and suppliers of tools and other inputs. A problem in the classical world. During the gold rush in California (1848-1855) for example, the San Francisco businessman Levi Strauss benefited greatly from the sale of the canvas for tents and denim overalls to minors; it is probably here that he developed ideas for blue jeans from the popular Levi.

I came to the region by accident during a Sunday release, when I had stupidly lost my way and had stumbled on a mine shaft. An old friendly man showed the way to return to the main road. But before I went on my way, I asked if he worked in the mine. "Sometimes," he replied, "In the past, every day. Now I'm too old. It is very hot and uncomfortable there, and dangerous. Only last week the mine of my collapsed nearby, killing two inside. "
" But is it worth it? is there gold in these hills? "
" Oh yes, there are gold, enough to keep us busy. but its price has not increased for a long time. the merchant always a reason to pay more for transport and for chemicals we need. There is not much we can do here, so we must accept it. "and then he told me to wait as he wanted to show me a gold coin he had found. It was a little nugget shaped like a small crown cap. If there's gold in those hills, it should also be a bit in the river!

The following week, with two friends we went to try our luck at gold panning. After two hours and no gold, just like we wanted to give up and enjoy some fried bananas made by his wife, a little boy appeared with a wok beat-up. After some turmoil, he shouted: "Grandpa, is this gold" We all went on to have a look, and yes, there it was, a little nugget shaped like a small crown cap? someone must have taught the old man how to raise interest and promote the operation, or perhaps it was his own idea.

When I returned with my friends we got lost again and never made the tree. so I've never heard that my brilliant advice was implemented. Obviously, I can not direct you to the place, as I can not even find myself. it is west of Bogor district, north of Mt. Salak National Park Halimun Who knows, if you manage somehow to get there, the following simple instructions will help you with panoramic.

1. First, fill your pot nearly full of sand and gravel. Remove the larger stones of the pan.
2. Place the pan under water and make sure that all equipment is wet. You may have to mix the contents of the pan with your hands.
3. quickly move the pan from side to side, either under water or while it is full of water, and rotate the contents of the pan (but not spill the contents) . This action gives gold particles a chance to settle to the bottom.
4. While continuing the side to side motion, gently tilt the pan away from you. material lighter and bigger pieces that come up moves to the front of the pan. These can be skimmed or scraped over the edge of the pan with the thumb or hand.
5. Continue the movement described in steps 3 and 4, allowing water to wash lighter materials on the edge until only a small amount of material left in the pan. You will need to add water to the pan.
6. The remaining heavy material is concentrated. If you have not yet seen the gold in your pan, pour the excess water until enough is left to barely cover the concentrate. Shake the pan contents "string" or "feather" the concentrate. lighter particles are washed away as the heavier particles, leaving the gold (because it is heavier) in the "tail" of the concentrate.
7. Continue swirling water in the pan to clean more concentrated, being careful not to lose the gold. Recovery of gold by panning takes practice!

Quite a complicated process and takes time!

minors "professional" thus tend to accelerate the process using mercury to amalgamate gold grains. Rather than picking up the mud banks, they dig trees decompose or alluvial deposits with high pressure water jets. This has certainly increased their productivity, but at a high environmental cost - downstream of mining water from the river is brown silt and highly toxic mercury

mine Grasberg

This is not only the problem faced by individuals on the micro-scale of a few dollars a day, but also on a mega-scale by large mining companies such as Freeport Grasberg in Papua province, which is the largest gold mine in the world and the third largest copper mine. It consists of a large open pit mine and an underground mine. The first is visible from space as the surface its crater is more than a mile wide. And despite the costs-the very high investment mine is located between 2,500 and 4,000 meters above sea level, which requires complex technological problems to solve-the mine is a low-cost operation.

And as with small-scale mining [illegal], the environmental effects are considerable. Some 230,000 tonnes of tailings are generated each wash day in the river Aikwa affecting areas-not surprisingly plain that fish have nearly disappeared from the river. But Freeport says its emissions meet regulatory requirements. Those in favor of the transaction exit point that the Grasberg mine has 19,500 employees and is the largest taxpayer in Indonesia ($ 1.4 billion in 09).

It is interesting to note that the production of about 60 tonnes Grasberg is lower than the estimated 65 100 tonnes produced in 2013 by 1,000,000 illegal miners in Indonesia some 850 mining areas spread of Aceh in west Papua in the east.

these production volumes and revenues derived justify the environmental and social costs will depend on a view. But it is clear that those who do the hard and dangerous work are compensated the least.