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Sabtu, 28 April 2012

Raja Ampat Islands

Raja Ampat Islands
The Raja Ampat islands are awfully truly fantastic natural phenomenon located off the northwest tip of Bird's Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea, in Indonesia's West Papua Province with enormous biological diversity. The amazing marine landscape means that underwater photography should be on the top your list during your stay.

Raja Ampat or ‘Four Kings’, is the name given to these islands and comes from a local myth. The four major islands found here are Waigeo, Misool (which is home to ancient rock paintings), Salawati, and Batanta.

Underwater enthusiasts flock to this region because it offers the world’s best marine sights. Two days earlier, some of these travelers had been at a deafening corner of a tourist trap in Bali. Once they took their flight to the bird head of the island of Papua everything changed as they embarked on a diving tour of a lifetime. In the Raja Ampat Islands, divers can explore vertical underwater walls. The thrill of drift diving is another great challenge. These are the awesome experiences you will find in Raja Ampat.

Meanwhile, on this tour several divers were well equipped and looked advanced. The territory within the islands of the Four Kings is enormous, covering 9.8 million acres of land and sea, home to 540 types of corals, more than 1,000 types of coral fish and 700 types of mollusks. This makes it the most diverse living library for world’s coral reef and underwater biota. According to a report developed by The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, around 75% of the world’s species live here. When divers first arrive here their excitement is palpable. It’s common to hear people praise God as they take in the remarkable scenery. Others prefer to remain in silence taking in the overwhelming sight of so many islands with crystal clear water that softly brushes over the white sandy beaches.

Blue Ribbon Eel
“Disini bagus!”, says the friendly local guide who had been appointed by the tour operator who runs an eco-lodge in Raja Ampat Islands, indicating that they have arrived at one of the most fantastic diving sites. On other days, this guide is just a simple fisherman. The local fishermen here are accustomed to foreigners and are friendly, especially when offered pinang  (betel nuts) or some sweet candies. These are very popular and offering these sweets is considered polite and a good way to win an instant smile. The fishermen usually eat this snack during Para-para Pinang, or social chatting and exchanging funny stories while chewing Pinang. In many respects, like nature, culture, and history, these fishermen are closer to the Moluccas.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Raja Ampat is to fly to Sorong via Jakarta or Singapore. Domestic travelers can also fly via Makassar or Manado.

From Jakarta or Bali: Merpati, Express Air, Batavia Air and Lion/Wings, Garuda Indonesia, Pelita Air, operate daily flights from Jakarta to Sorong (with stopovers in Ujung Pandang/Makassar and/or Manado)

From Singapore: Silkair operates regular flights from Singapore to Manado. From Manado to Sorong regular flights are offered by Lion Air and Merpati. It is easiest to check with a local Indonesian Travel agent or directly with the airline for the lastest domestic flights available.

Long Boat to Raja Ampat
There are daily ferries available between Sorong and Waisai, capital of the Raja Ampat district on the island of Waigeo. Ferries leave Sorong at 13.00 hrs and the journey takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. The return ferry from Waisai to Sorong leaves around 11.0 am. From Sorong, there are two type of boats available; Speed Boat (40 minutes - 1 hour boat trip, carries 15 passengers and costs Rp2 million/US$208.55); Long Boat (2-3 hour boat trip and could carry 10 passengers for the cost of Rp1,2 million/ US$126). Please note that all rates are subject to change without notice.

Before going to a dive spot, you'll need to obtain a permit from the local Papua police station. You will need to bring your passport and three (3) copies of the passport page with the Indonesian Visa. The diving organizers can help you with these formalities

Red Cendrawasih (Bird of Paradise)
You may rent a small boat if you wish to stop and make personal discoveries along the line of the beaches. As the Raja Ampat Islands have four mountainous main islands and hundreds of small islands in their vicinity, you may want to take this opportunity to explore. In addition, the Karst area is a beautiful and original natural phenomenon, as it has various unique flora and fauna as its attractions e.g., Bird of Paradise (Cenderawasih) Botak, Red Cenderawasih, Maleo Waigeo, Kus-kus, Orchids, Palm etc. You can also trek around the islands to find hidden beauties, like waterfalls and ancient caves.


Entrance Fee

The Raja Ampat Regency Government is proud to announce the introduction of a tourism entrance fee system to help support conservation and community projects within Raja Ampat. All tourists entering Raja Ampat are required to purchase an entrance tag.

The entrance fee for foreign visitors is Rp 500,000/person/calender year (approximately US$55) for which they will receive a waterproof plastic entrance tag featuring a photo from Raja Ampat. All Indonesian visitors from outside Raja Ampat are required to pay Rp 250,000 and will receive an entry card. The annual tags and cards will be valid from January 1st until January 31st of the following year.

The tag system has been adapted from the very successful Bonaire and Bunaken Marine Park systems. The 2008 tag features an endemic pigmy seahorse, one of over 1200 fish species found in Raja Ampat—the most biodiverse marine region in the world recorded to date.  Visitors are required to carry their tags or cards at all times—tags can be easily fixed to guests’ snorkeling or diving gear or to their dive bag. The entrance fee system will be enforced through spot checks conducted by official patrols. The money collected is managed by a multistakeholder management team (Tim Pengelola) and is divided between tourism development, conservation, and community health projecs.
We greatly appreciate your support and cooperation with this fee system. Conservation of Raja Ampat’s spectacular marine habitats and biodiversity requires long term funding. In addition, the local communities who own these reefs need to see direct benefits of tourism through community programs that will improve their quality of life.

Manta Rays
While the landscape may look like a dream, this is not an illusion. As you embark on your dive, the phrase  ‘Attention to detail’ takes on new meaning as pigmy seahorses swim around your fingers. Manta Rays and Wobbegongs will glide right by you. Tuna fish, giant trevallies, snappers, and even barracudas are there to complete your underwater ‘meeting list’. Not to mention the friendly assistant of the dugong, and a busy colleague, the turtle.  Natural and untouched beauty is the main attraction here. With no unnecessary adages, the sky, the lush islands, the sea, and everything above and under it is genuinely saying ‘Welcome to Raja Ampat Islands; your personal Disneyland of diving sites’.

More facts about the Raja Ampat Conservation Area:*

This area is home to 1,511 species of reef fish in the Bird’s Head Seascape;
1,320 species of reef fish in Raja Ampat;
75% of all known coral species in the world;
10 times the number of hard coral species found in the entire Caribbean;
In the Birds Head Seascape there 600 species of hard coral recorded;
5 species of endangered sea turtles;
57 species of Mantis Shrimp;
13 species of Marine Mammals;
And 27 species of endemic reef fish found only in that area
*according to a tour operator 

However with Raja Ampat’s natural conditions, high endemic level of land, sea biodiversity, coastal ecology, and local culture & tradition the islands offer more than just amazing landscapes to photograph.

So you may also consider:

•    Wreck diving
•    Sailing
•    Kayaking
•    Exploring the islands by boat
•    Visiting the Red Bird of Paradise
•    Enjoying the Karst islands around Wayag Island
•    Exploring the bat caves (literally, not the Dark Knight variety)
•    Make your own wood sculpture guided by an Asmat artisan
•    Fishing using traditional Papuan techniques
•    Trekking to discover waterfalls
•    Feeding couscous
•    Snorkeling
•    Watching The Sea Ghost

Suling ( Flute )
On North and West Waigeo, you can see a traditional bamboo flute (suling tambur) performance. This traditional performance usually takes place during religious festival, on Independence Day, (August 17th), and during visits from important officials or leaders. If you are interested in anthropology, this is something to definitely consider in your agenda.

In East Waigeo, particularly in front of Urbinasopen and Yesner villages, there is a very interesting and unique natural phenomenon, which can only be seen every year-end. A light comes out from the ocean and wanders around on its surface for about 10 – 18 minutes. After that, it disappears and can only be seen again at the following years-end. Local inhabitants in both villages call this phenomenon the “Sea Ghost”. This is more than just a sunset view, overlooking from your liveaboard. In Tomolol, you'll be amazed by the caves in the area, where you can see paintings of huge human palms and animals which were painted by ancient cave dwellers.
While on North Waigeo, you can also take in some history with a visit to the World War II caves where the Dutch and the Japanese army built bunkers. The locals will sometimes perform a war dance. There is also the ever-flowing waterfall of Salawati, which is a sight you should not miss.


In addition, there are also exotic locations such as the Ayau islands consisting of small islands on a very large atoll. Many islands in this archipelago have white sands with a large seabed connecting one island to another. But there are also islands with unique sands that the local community calls “zandplaat”, which are a unique habitat for local vegetation. On these islands, mothers and children of local tribes collectively catch sea-worms (insonem).

For diving enthusiasts the favorite destination is usually South Waigeo. But while you are here, why not take the chance to visit Kabui Bay with many karst islands, goa tengkorak (cave of skulls), and the historical sites of Raja Ampat in Kali Raja. You can see a variety of birds in Yenwaupnor and Sawinggrai village, the Salay dance in Saonek, and plaited handicrafts in Arborek. In Arborek, visitors can dive and watch groups of stingrays. In Sawandarek, there's a white sand beach with sea ducks and beautiful corals. In addition, there is a traditional village where you can walk around in and enjoy the unique slow paced atmosphere.

You can also dive in West Waigeo, Batanta, and Kofiau. These potential destinations are great places to visit by houseboats. The Karst islands in Wayag, especially, have very interesting natural attractions to enjoy.

Presently on Saonek Monde, a Tourist Center and harbor are being constructed. In the near future there are plans for three resorts to be built on Nyandebabo, and Batbitiem, Waiwo, and Waigeo Selatan Islands. But in the meantime, you can choose from the alternatives below:  
*Sorido Bay Resort, which is famous for the house reef  
*Kri Eco Resort, a traditional resort built over the water  
*Island camp  
*Boathouse (most diving agents provide this service)
And even though Raja Ampat islands have only few visitors, there are already hotels and homestays on Saonek, Mansuar, and Yenwaupnor islands.

Many divers say that the best souvenir ever after visit Raja Ampat are the stories of your experiences that you will take home to tell. Of course, photographs are the eye-popping pictures to brag about. But to keep your friends or family entertained, try bringing them:
Asmat Sculptures
*Asmat sculptures
*Traditional cloths
*Traditional music instruments
*Suling (traditional flute)
*Tambur (traditional drum)
These are usually available in giftshops in many cities in Papua. This will save you the hassle of bringing too many things from Raja Ampat. Although, you may also consider buying plaited handicrafts in Arborek if you happen to visit the village while in Raja Ampat.

TIPS:
*October or November is the best season for diving in Raja Ampat because the ocean is typically flat and   perfect for photography
*Bring your underwater camera AND underwater photography know-how. Because taking underwater photos is not that easy
*To organize your travel you use travel agents with services in Indonesia. Just contact the agents in any international gateways in Indonesia (Bali, Jakarta, Medan, Batam, etc)
*Sun blocks, sunscreens and hats are required
*Bring anti-mosquito repellants and anti-malarial medicines

Source:  http://www.indonesia.travel
              http://www.diverajaampat.org





Kamis, 19 April 2012

Sangiran Homeland of Java Man

Sangiran awfully fantastic homeland of Java Man located in Central Java Province of Indonesia is one of the key sites for the study of human evolution. Sangiran is a rural area located at the foot of Mount Lawu, precisely in the depression Solo about 17 km to the north of the city of Solo, and is administratively located in the district of Sragen and partly located in Karanganyar district, Central Java Province. Its area is 56 Km2 covering three districts in the Sragen district.
  

Follow the history of Java Man and the story of his discovery at the small Sangiran Museum. At the museum, learn about how prehistoric men might have lived millennia ago. The fossil shells and animal bones which are on display here range between 1.2 million and 500,000 years old. Also on display is an enormous 4-meter tusks from a stegodon which is estimated to have measured a staggering 11 meters from head to tail!
At the Sangiran museum you can see replicas of the original Java man fossils. Learn just how homo erectus was different from modern man. 

The geological stratigraphy of the Sangiran area covers 2 million years, from the late Pliocene to the recent periods. The Lower and Middle Pleistocene Ievels have produced considerable fossil and artefactual material. Fifty early human fossils (Pithecanthropus erectus/Homo erectus ) have been found, representing 50% of all the known hominid fossils in the world, together with numerous animal and floral fossils such as rhinoceros, elephant ivory, buffalo horn, deer horn and many others.


The story of Java Man begins over a century ago. In 1890, a Dutch military physician and paleontologist Eugene Dubois discovered a fossilized primate jawbone at Trinil further east down the Solo river. This jawbone possessed distinctly human characteristics. Dubois was convinced that this was Darwin’s “missing link” in the evolution of man but lacked the evidence to prove his theory.
Nearly 50 years later, Berlin born paleontologist G H R Von Koenigswald, unearthed a fossilized ‘java man’ or homo erectus jawbone in Sangiran. This was a much older fossil, dating back over a million years or more. Dubois was right. Java Man was the proof he had needed that homo erectus existed in Java about as early as in Africa.   
Today, scientists recognize that homo erectus, which inhabited the earth between 1.7 million to 250,000 years ago, are the direct ancestors of homo sapiens (modern human beings).
It’s believed that Java man probably made his home in caves or in open camps and it’s likely that he was the first humanoid that used fire. He also used stone axes and hand-adzes, most of which were discovered by the Baksoka River near Pacitan.

Palaeolithic stone tools (Sangiran flakes) found at Ngebung include flakes, choppers and cleavers in chalcedony and jasper and, more recently, bone tools. The site has also produced Neolithic axes. This evidence indicates that hominids have inhabited the area for at Ieast 1.5 million years. The Palaeolithic tools can be dated to around 800,000 BP, and the sequence of cultural material from this period through to the Neolithic illustrates continuous evolution of man in relation to the ecosystem over a long period.

The geology of the Sangiran Early Man Site is sedimentary in origin, beginning with the late Pliocene. It was deformed into a domed anticline by diaper intrusion. The summit was subsequently eroded by river action, turning it into a recessed, reversed dome. Early hominid fossils occur in successive formations, starting with the Pucangang (0.5-1.5 million years BP), but more particularly in the Kabuh (0.25-0.5 million years BP) and Notopuro (11,000-250,000 years BP). Nowadays, it is an unfertile hill and the region is now entirely devoted to peasant agriculture.
Ever since Von Koenigswald found flake tools in the Ngebung village in 1934, the site has made an immense contribution to the study of evolution over the past million years by illustrating the evolution of Homo erectus. Homo erectus is important to the study of the early history of mankind before the emergence of the modern Homo sapiens . Fossils of Homo erectus have been found from time to time in a site covering 8 km by 7 km since 1936 to the present day.
Not only has the Sangiran site contributed to the understanding of the family tree of mankind, it has also thrown much light the evolution of culture, of animals, and of the ancient environment. Large quantities of human and animal fossils, along with Palaeolithic tools, have been found on the Sangiran site in a geological-stratigraphical series that has been laid down continuously for more than 2 million years.

Around 5 km west of the museum stands a three-storey viewing tower where you can see around the Sangiran valley. While you are here, learn more about Darwin’s theory of evolution through an audio visual presentation.

The highlight of your journey will be a visit to the 48 square km archaeological site. Located by the Bengawan Solo river at the foot of Mt. Lawu, this site is rich in prehistoric fossils, which often lie exposed in the fields after heavy storms. For anyone with an interest in archeology, this is a rare opportunity to see such ancient fossils. 


The Sangiran area is rich in fossils of all types. Along with Indonesia’s temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, Sangiran’s significance means it has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Minggu, 15 April 2012

Prambanan Temple

Prambanan Temple is awfully the largest fantastic Hindu temple in Southeast Asia located on Central Java, Indonesia. It is actually a huge Hindu temple complex about 15 km north-east of Yogyakarta. Dedicated to the three great Hindu divinities, this temple with its decorated reliefs is an outstanding example of Siva art in Indonesia and the region.

It was built in the 9th century and designed as three concentric squares. In all there are 224 temples in the entire complex. The inner square contains 16 temples, the most significant being the 47 m high central Siva temple flanked to the north by the Brahma temple and to the south by the Vishnu temple. These three ancient masterpieces of Hindu architecture are locally referred to as the Prambanan Temple or Lorojonggrang Temple (Slender Maiden); the compound was deserted soon after it was completed, possibly owing to the eruption of nearby Mount Merapi.

Loro Jonggrang                                                   
Prambanan Temple is often called Loro Jonggrang temple after the local name of the Durga statue enshrined in one side of the Shiva temple (Loro Jonggrang means "Slender Virgin"). The substitution of Durga for a more locally-derived god occurred through the fame of an ancient legend. According to legend, the statue of Durga is actually the petrified body of Loro Jonggrang, the daughter of King Ratu Boko. When prince Bandung Bandawasa asked for her hand in marriage, the king answered that he could have her only if he could kill him in battle. In the ensuing fight, the prince killed Ratu Boko. Loro Jonggrang did not wish to marry the murderer of her father, so she asked of him an impossible task: build 1,000 temples in one night. If he fulfilled the task, he could marry her. 

Bandung Bandawasa nearly accomplished the job by securing an army of spirits through the help of his dead father. The supernatural laborers erected temples at lightning speed, and Loro Jonggrang realized that Bandung would finish before daybreak. To stop him, Loro Jonggrang pounded on a rice block, making the cocks in the neighborhood wake up early and call the arrival of dawn. Hearing this, Bandung's army of spirits feared the daylight and rushed away from their work, leaving just a single temple unfinished. In fury, Bandung cursed Loro Jonggrang and had her body turned to stone. Through the intervention of Shiva, the petrified body became the idol that now stands in the north cella of the Siva temple at  Prambanan Temple.
In recent centuries, the fame of Loro Jonggrang spread far and wide, and the original purpose of the temple was forgotten as worshippers flocked to her small cella, leaving offerings of food, money, and gifts. Early foreigners who visited the temple often had trouble reaching the statue with all of the offerings clogging the narrow passage. Of the idol herself, the numerous hands of the worshippers had rubbed the breasts and stomach to a smooth sheen, giving the appearance of shining metal. 

Layout of the Temple
Prambanan Temple has three main temples in the primary yard, namely Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva temples. Those three temples are symbols of Trimurti in Hindu belief. All of them face to the east. Each main temple has accompanying temple facing to the west, namely Nandini for Shiva, Angsa for Brahma, and Garuda for Vishnu. Besides, there are 2 flank temples, 4 kelir temples and 4 corner temples. In the second area, there are 224 temples.

Entering Shiva temple, the highest temple and is located in the middle, you will find four rooms. One main room contains Shiva statue, while the other three rooms contain the statues of Durga (Shiva's wife), Agastya (Shiva's teacher), and Ganesha (Shiva's son). Durga statue is said to be the statue of Roro Jonggrang in the above legend.

In Vishnu temple, to the north of Shiva temple, you will find only one room with Vishnu statue in it. In Brahma temple, to the south of Shiva temple, you find only room as well with Brahma statue in it.
Quite attractive accompanying temple is Garuda temple that is located close to Vishnu temple. This temple keeps a story of half-bird human being named Garuda. Garuda is a mystical bird in Hindu mythology. The figure is of golden body, white face, red wings, with the beak and wings similar to eagle's. It is assumed that the figure is Hindu adaptation of Bennu (means 'rises' or 'shines') that is associated with the god of the Sun or Re in Old Egypt mythology or Phoenix in Old Greek mythology. Garuda succeeded in saving his mother from the curse of Aruna (Garuda's handicapped brother) by stealing Tirta Amerta (the sacred water of the gods).

Its ability to save her mother made many people admire it to the present time and it is used for various purposes. Indonesia uses the bird as the symbol of the country. Other country using the same symbol is Thailand, with the same reason but different form adaptation and appearance. In Thailand, Garuda is known as Krut or Pha Krut.
If you see the relief in detail, you will see many birds on them; they are real birds as we can see on the earth right now. Relief panels of such birds are so natural that biologists can identify their genus. One of them is the relief of the Yellow-Crest Parrot (Cacatua sulphurea) that cites unanswered question. The reason is that the bird only exists in Masakambing Island, an island in the middle of Java Sea. Then, did the bird exist in Yogyakarta? No body has succeeded in revealing the mystery.

Operating hours from 8:00 to 17:00 o'clock pm
Ticket prices:
Distinguish between local and foreign tourists, local travelers are charged to 30,000, - and for international tourists charged at around 10 U.S. dollars.

Access to the site:
You can use the bus or private car or motorcycle.For the Bus, the bus can use the Yogyakarta-Solo majors or major bus terminal Klaten, Prambanan. Bus ride costs approximately 5000-10000. If you use a private vehicle, the direction of Jalan Solo or Klaten. Simply buy a full tank can go back and forth.
 
Accommodation and Travel Facilities:
Very comprehensive, ranging from the hotel / lodging, shopping needs, restaurants / food stalls, souvenir shops, and internet kiosk. As well as a tour guide who is always ready and vigorous, which will guide the tourist trip is complete and detailed.

 Along with Indonesia’s temples of Borobudur and Sangiran Home Land of Java Man, Prambanan Temple significance means it has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site

Rabu, 11 April 2012

Cruising South Sulawesi


Cruising South Sulawesi is awfully fantastic island of Indonesia. Makasar ( formerly Ujung Pandang ) is the capital and most important city in South Sulawesi province thanks to its bustling natural harbor.

Makasar is one of the biggest port towns in Indonesia. Many of the sights around Makassar reflect a past and tradition that are closely linked with the sea. Makassar and its surrounding regions is home to the seafaring Buginese.

Paotere Harbor north of the city is docked by colourful traditional Buginese schooners or phinisiqs waiting for their cargo to be loaded or unloaded.           See the best preserved fort in the country, Benteng Ujung Pandang (formerly Fort Rotterdam), a newly restored 17th century Dutch fortress. In its time, the fort was an important center of trade and the colonial government. The nearby Museum Negeri La Galigo is also worth a visit, exhibiting a good collection of ethnic art crafts, musical instruments and traditional costumes.

Makasar is famous for silk sarongs, silver filigree, and goldworks. Its cuisine features a lot of seafood and barbeques. See a great collection of rare Indonesian orchids and hybrids as well as sea Shells at the Clara Bundt Orchid Garden.

Pare-pare is a municipalities of South Sulawesi Province, 155 km north of Makasar. This second largest port in Sulawesi is more pleasantly than Makassar. The city was once part of Suppa Kingdom, a powerful influence that shaped the local history.

Places of Interest

Sungguminasa
In Sungguminasa, the Balla Lompoa Museum was once the Sultan of Gowa’s residence. It is constructed entirely of wood and built on stilts in the typical Buginese design.



Malino
75 kms east of Makassar is Malino, a cool resort situated about 1,050 meters above sea level. In the past, Malino was the favorite weekend retreat for the Dutch. Today, the town has many graceful colonial buildings still standing. In the outskirts, scenic rice fields borders the town. A visit to a tea plantation just outside Malino shows the entire tea making process, from picking tea leaves to the finished ‘ready to brew’ product.

Bantimurung Waterfall
About 38 kms northeast of the provincial capital is the Batimurung Waterfall measuring 15 meters high and 20 meters wide. The area is famous as the habitat of around 150 species of rare butterflies.





Bantaeng and Bulukumba
Further south is homeland of the seafaring Buginese. Cape Bira in Bulukumba is the center of traditional boatbuilding industry and has a stretch of pristine beach.




Palopo
This traditional port was the old capital of the powerful Luwu people, and is now the capital of the Luwu district. The Sultan’s former palace is now the Batara Guru Museum, which exposes relies of the once royal presence . On the scenie waterfront you will find a Bugis Village as well as numerous  fishing boats. Palopo gives easy access to destination in Tana Toraja.

Sengkang
A Buginese Silk Weavers Village. Leaving Toraja Land for Sengkang via Palopo. Lunch enroute at local restaurant. Arrive in Sengkang for overnight and dinner. And after breakfast at hotel, then visit Lake Tempe of Sengkang to see the way of life of those who live at the lakeside with some of them having their floating houses on it. Visit the traditional silk weaving villagers.


Toraja Highland Tour
Upon arrival at Pare-Pare Harbor transfer to Tana Toraja with 8 hours drive trip (155 kms) takes across Bugis Village with their typical houses built on poles along the magnificent mountainous ranges. Late afternoon arrive in Toraja Land check in at hotel for your accommodation.



After breakfast, visit the stone grave with Tau-Tau installed on a high cliff balcony overlooking the green valley of the Toraja at Lemo, the royal family tombs at Suaya and proceed to Kambira, a giant tree as a burial site for a new born baby who died before teething. Then drive to Kete Kesu, the traditional carving village and proceed to their wealthy status in Toraja community. Then continue on to visit the ancient house grave at Marante.



Source: Cruising Indonesia by Ministry of Culture and Tourism Republic of Indonesia

Selasa, 10 April 2012

Cruising East Nusa Tenggara

Cruising East Nusa Tenggara consists of three major islands (Sumba, Flores, Timor) and hundreds of island around those three islands, that includes Komodo Island, Alor, Sawu and others.

Cruising East Nusa Tenggara is uniquely different from any other region in Indonesia as it is geographically, ethnically, and culturally closer to Australia and Micronesia than mainland Asia. The islands in East Nusa Tenggara were occupied by the Portuguese, the first Europeans to colonize this area. The majority of the people are Christians. It is only recently that this region was opened to the outside world due to its isolation from the major transportation and communication networks in Indonesia.

Sumba is known as Sandalwood Island and famous for its arts, handicrafts (more specifically the Ikat Weaving Textile) and their authentic ancient traditions or rituals.

Flores means flower in Portuguese. It is a long Island with a mountainous landscape which offers scenic beauty, great beaches, natural wonders and unique tradition. The famous three colours crater Lake of Kelimutu is situated on this island, and Larantuka has been port of call for many world class cruises. The Island of Komodo offers visitors an unforgettable opportunity – a chance to see the Komodo Dragon.

Timor Island is divided into two parts, the eastern half has proclaimed their independence and is now separated from Indonesia. Kupang, the provincial capital city of East Nusa Tenggara that is a part of Indonesia territory is situated in the southern tip of the island.

Places of Interest

Komodo Island
Cruise ship have to anchor on the east coast of Komodo Island in the Slawi Bay. The passengers have to disembark by group of about 25 person and be escorted by local rangers when visiting the Komodo National Park.
 A wooden landing stage allows tenders to land passengers at low tide. But authorities have installed a floating pontoon which is fixed at the end of the landing stage so tendering operation are possible at anytime.
The Komodo island is a national park that covers approximately 170.000 ha in total, includes Rinca Island, Padar Island and its surrounding. Komodo ( Varanus Komodoensis ) or people call it as Komodo Dragon is the world’s largest living lizard, this carnivore species can grow to 3 m length and weight over 150 kg. There are rangers who will lead you to the feeding place, visitors normally share the cost of goat to feed the komodo. Komodo has been declared aMan and Biosphere Reserveand a World Heritage Site in 1986.
                                                                                                                                          
Lesser Sunda
This beautiful mountainous island in the Lesser Sunda stretches for over 350 km in the eastern part of the archipelago. The first contact with the outside world was recorded in early 12th century when the Chinese traded sandal wood. One of the towns in the island is Larantuka. Its strategic position has made this town an important port. The Portuguese missionaries exerted great influence especially in Larantuka. Larantuka now remains among the most obviously Christian town on the island.

Mount Kelimutu
Visitor from all over the world come to this holy mountain for its magnificent view of its three coloured crater lakes. The lakes are situated at 1,640 m high and the colours have changed over the years, they are now maroon (almost black), iridescent green and yellow souls.


Wolowaru Village
The small town of Wolowaru is worth visiting as a photo stop for its beautiful scenery and mountain sights. During market day( Monday, Wednesday, Saturday ) there is a range of Ikat on sale. Jopu is another traditional village where visitors can watch the process of making Ikat and even have the opportunity to see the megalithic  culture of the Lio tribe.

Komodo Dragon Walking Tour
Duration : 4 Hrs 
08:30 Disembark
09:00 – 10:00 Welcome greetings, briefing & preparation
10:00 – 12:00 Walking tour to the site
12:30 Rejoin the ship

Larantuka Sightseeing 
Duration : 4 Hrs
09:00 Lamalohot, Departure
10:00 – 11:00 Muda Kaputuk Village
11:15 – 11:45 Traditional market
13:00 Lamalohot, Arrival

Kelimutu Tour
Duration : 11 Hrs 15 Mins 
06:30 Ende, Departure
09:30 – 11:20 Kelimutu
12:10 – 12:40 Jopu Village
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:30 – 15:00 Nduaria
17:45 Ende, Arrival



Source: Cruising Indonesia by Ministry of Culture and Tourism Republic of Indonesia