RMA: Nagas, Hidden Hill Tribes

The Rubin Museum of Art in New York City's Chelsea area has just announced a new photographic exhibit: Nagas: Hidden Hill People of India by Pablo Bartholomew running from March 13 to September 21, 2009.

The accompanying blurb reads:

Residing in the low Himalayan hills of northeastern India and Myanmar (Burma), the Nagas are a people faced with both tradition and transition. This very diverse community is divided into a number of tribes and sub-tribes and speaks as many as 30 different languages. In Nagas: Hidden Hill People of India photographer Pablo Bartholomew offers a visual anthropology of these historical headhunters, particularly the preservation of their traditional culture and their interaction with and adoption of Western religion and influence.

This is certainly an event I won't miss. Nagaland and the so-called Seven Sisters in north east India is one of the last remaining area of the subcontinent that I haven't visited.

I will report on the exhibition soon.

Holi: The Festival of Colors

Photo ©REUTERS/K.K. Arora-All Rights Reserved
I've been waiting for the Boston Globe's The Big Picture to feature its choices of large format images of Holi, and I didn't have to wait long.

Holi, which usually falls in the later part of February or March, is a traditional festival celebrated in India and elsewhere such as Nepal and Bangladesh. The main day is observed by people throwing colored powder and colored water at each other, and bonfires are lit the day before to commemorate a religious event.

In the above photograph, women tear off the clothes of men as they play huranga in Dauji temple near the northern Indian town of Mathura during this year's Holi festivities. Huranga is a game played between men and women a day after the Holi festival during which men drench women with liquid colors and women tear off the clothes of the men.

It does look like fun, doesn't it? Potentially damaging to one's camera gear, but certainly fun.

Nusa Dua - Bali on Picture

Bandung Government Building (Gedung Sate)

Gedung Sate Bandung is the first building that uses concrete bony construction, is also building institutions of governance Dutch Colonial Center. Called Gedung Sate, the roof-shaped ornaments thrust sate. Now, this building became the center pemerintahah Governor of West Java. Designed and built in 1920, by architect J. Gerber.

Building on the north, there is a field Gasibu and People's Struggle Monument. Area Gasibu People's Struggle Monument and will look very busy on Sunday, because in the two locations near this always be a place for sport in the morning. In addition to use as sports facilities, both locations are often used as places of music, art and culture and other activities.

The beauty of South Coast of West Java

You will not feel tired because the pampered along the way with the beautiful scenery from the mountain slopes with dense forest and natural hills and plantations such as rubber, tea, and cocoa trees (cocoa).
Scenic waterfalls Neglasari you will find beauty when you break on the way. Located at the top of the mountain, and we can enjoy them from the tea garden areas extend Neglasari knowledgeable in the area. Truly stunning scenery.


Sesampainya there are some beaches you can visit one at the beach, among Santolo, Heulang Unfortunately, Cijeruk Indah Beach, Rancabuaya, and Paintai Pameungpeuk.
santolo coast or Coastal cilaunteureun the most visited tourist Santolo the beach that is located about 7 km from the small town, Pameungpeuk. This beach is the gathering place of the traditional fishermen as the main search-eyed fish in the Ocean Hindia.Anda can also rent a boat for the surrounding ocean, so you can enjoy the beautiful beach panorama from the sea.


Green sea Pameungpeuk Garut average despite the natural enggak so we need to worry with the facilities that you need because there we can find a wide range of food, cendramata from clothing accessories to the beach, accommodation is also available if we want to spend the night there.

That is not less important where we can find the location of eight satellites (the National Institute Antarariksa) was launched, because near the coast is a research center launch eight satellites. Still more that needs to be known about the natural wealth of Garut Pameungpeuk not touchable by foreign and local tourists. IndofamilyTravel.

Mount Burangrang

This mountain, 2064 meters high above sea level. Located in North Bandung Area (units), separated by a large valley with Mount Tangkubanparahu. Burangrang including parasites old volcano, so that has valleys and in the slice with a steep slope. In Sangkuriang legend, the mountain was of branches (rangrang) Sangkuriang tree used to make boats. Will be angry at the failure, Sangkuriang kick the boat up to reincarnate as Mount Tangkubanparahu, while the tree branches and blossom as the Mount Burangrang.


Climbing to the mountain this can be done from the Bandung and Purwakarta. If the climb from Bandung, we can select multiple channels, including through the Yellow Sands, Legok Haji Lawang Wind or path. Path-the path that consists of paths that split up in the forest and common finish in two to three hours travel. Be careful, a lot of dangerous terrain and thick fog can appear hinder your view.

Burangrang peak marked with a monument (a point of height). From the peak, if the weather is not sunny and hazy, you can see the stunning scenery to the Situ Lembang only visible as a small pool in the middle of the basin is surrounded mountains. Basin is not used to the point of bursting a very broad (kaldera) from the ancient volcano called Gunung Sunda. So, mountain fortify Situ Lembang crater wall is generated by a tremendous explosion. You have to enjoy them because what you see is a rare scene that is not visible to everyone. Enjoy while you breathe in fresh oxygen mountains.

Mount Cikurai

Cikuray identical with a giant cone is one of the mountain, located in the southern city of Garut in West Java. Mount is included in this group of young mountain mountains that are categorized as non-active. Although the mountain is beautiful, but rarely include didaki and dijamah must recognize the popularity and other mountains like Mount Gede and Mount Pangrango CIREMAY. To reach the location of climbing, climber can start from Cilawu, next to the plantation Dayeuh Manggung, before starting to climb this mountain peak. From the area climber can find a tower high enough (TVRI) that later can be a way (guidelines) in a trip to the summit.


As the characteristics of the mountains that form memilikik like this, the water flow will be found difficult or even not at all in the journey to the top of the mountain, and springs in the mountains this is only found in the bottom (or Cilawu Dayeuh Manggung ). Therefore, the climber should bring an adequate supply of water.


To achieve a high mountain peak reaches 2821 meters above sea level, the need of the time for 7 to 12 hours for normal time and at a certain time should diasarankan climber to rest in order to maintain the condition and energy. Because the climbing routes that are still rarely included dijamah people, then we will of the forest are a natural and beautiful, but needs to be remembered by every climber in that during the journey to the top we will find some way of branching, because the instructions to the mountain peak is not clearly as well as Mount Gede who have to use the arrow to reach the peak, the gang leader should always extra careful in taking path climbing because the climber does not a little misguided because in determining the correct path that will be passed in the ascent.

Forest is there in the mountains this is one of the forest which is perfect, because in some parts of the valley slope or almost never dijamah by humans, as evidenced when the author was trying to open a new path, the author does not find ex-ex-exploitation of human beings, and even search kayupun never reach the location.

It was evident from the absence of any trace in the form of a discount department paths, both the top and down the peak. And the situation is different with most of the mountain in Central Java. Mountains in Central Java than Mount Slamet (3428 M) has experienced large-scale exploitation of the forest so as buffer areas around water sources and clean for people to be disturbed even in some places almost found the water flow.

Each climber will feel happy after reaching the peak, as in climbing to the top of Mount Cikurai this. Climber satisfied after reaching the peak. Especially cikurai peak, climber will be the scene are probably different from the top of the mountain scenery on the other, because if we stand at the top of the mountain is more or less the extent of "football field", the view is very clear we will see the surrounding mountains, as there is no any trees or buildings that obstruct our view. Therefore, the climber should culminate in the early days when the sunrise, the landscape probably will never be forgotten.

After climbing the peak is complete, the climber is given the option to decline path. Climber can descend down to the Cikajang or skip lines when the climber early start climbing.

To achieve Cikuray can be increased with the vehicle from the public or from Tasikmalaya Bandung toward terminal Guntur. From the city terminal, we can ride the city transportation department number 06 Garut - Cilawu and down in the portal nusantara tea plantation (PTPN) VIII or Dayeuh Manggung. From here, proceed with the journey on foot around 10 km to the station several television stations as a starting point climb. If you want fast, we can rent motorcycles at Rp.30 ribu per person.
Or 2 can use another path climbing commonplace use (Cikajang & Bayongbong). The three lines offer a very interesting field with characteristics of each. Channel bayongbong path is the most precipitous, but it can quickly reach the peak.

Mount Cermai

Mount Ceremai have a distinctive feature when compared to other mountains on the island of Java. This mountain is located far apart from the high mountains and other side is the Java Sea.
Travel to G. Ceremai can be started from the terminal Cirebon, Kuningan ride the bus and go down in Cilimus. From Cilimus we connect with Colt vehicle or motorcycles to the village Linggarjati.

Linggarjati in the village, we can stay in the Hotel Linggarjati. From the hotel Linggarjati we travel forward through the manuscript to the building until around West Central Village Linggarjati. Here we find a former climber or precisely interpreter lock, which is called a pack of Ahmad, who because of age, he is now experiencing vision disturbances.

From here walk straight and we'll find pine forests, then we will arrive at the fork, called Cibunar. In this place we can build a tent because the available water. Travel resumed by selecting the way to the left toward the mountain peak Ciremai. 5 hours later we will find a large stone, the location made the rest POS called Watu Lingga.
Lingga from the top (crater) adopted in the 2-3 hour drive through the forest and rocklike cadas. From the peak to the right we go to the crater sulfur takes about 1 hour trip. To take a peak around 2 ½ hours, we can see the interesting Majalengka towards the city, Bandung, Java Sea and the other. Down from the peak to the village Linggarjati be in 3-4 jam.Jalur climbing

As the highest mountain in West Java, Mount Ciremai is one of the main climb and the young generation of nature lovers and the average visits per year is estimated to reach 15,000 people. There are three climbing routes, namely route Linggarjati and Palutungan in Kab. Brass and Apuy path in Kab. Majalengka.

Nature Tourism

Panorama Mountain natural Ciremai variatif and quite unique and have a high value such as Estetika Pesona Ciremai dipuncak sunrise, the beautiful natural forests, the beauty of Water Terjun in the valley, bathing and natural hot springs. Nature of tourism in the region in the Kuningan area, among other

1. Valley Cilengkrang, Curug sawer, Curug belt (Pajambon)
2. Pond mussel and swift water Paniis (Pasawahan)
3. Curug daughter (Cigugur)

While in the region Majalengka among others:

1. Curug Sawer (Argapura)
2. Curug Tonjong and panoramic natural Sadarehe (Rajagaluh)

Culture Tourism

For the pilgrims / cultural tourists, the area TNGC many places that have high historical value and dikeramatkan by the local community are: there Sangiang (Banjaran), Mt shoots (Argapura), Sumur Seven (Cibulan), Sumur Cikayan (Pasawahan), and there Ayu Latitude (Mandirancan).

Tourism Education

For the pilgrims / cultural tourists, the area TNGC many places that have high historical value and dikeramatkan by the local community are: there Sangiang (Banjaran), Mt shoots (Argapura), Sumur Seven (Cibulan), Sumur Cikayan (Pasawahan), and there Ayu Latitude (Mandirancan).

The Art of Travel Writing

I'm not sure of the connection between getting an online graduate degree, and the superb list of resources for prospective travel writers listed below, but somebody did a helluva job collecting links to all kids of useful sites. Great job, Kelly!

If the idea of travel writing leaves you with visions of luxurious vacations in exotic locations completely free of charge and all you have to do is write down your experiences in return, then you need to read the information below. Travel writing is a highly competitive profession, one that doesn’t pay especially well unless you make it to the top, and free travel is usually reserved for the very best writers. However, if you love to travel as much as you love to write and are sure you have something to offer to readers, then you will find the following information incredibly helpful as you pursue a career in travel writing. Below, you will find advice from professionals, tips, opportunities to get to know other travel writers, organizations for travel writers, places to find writing jobs, and resources for traveling.

Graduate Degree Blog

Robert van Koesveld: Thaipusam in Penang

Photo ©Robert van Koesveld.-All Rights Reserved
Robert van Koesveld's biography tells us he has set aside “at least the next 2 years” from his career as a psychotherapist to focus on his crafts of photography, making and traveling.

Considering himself an image-maker rather than a picture-taker, Robert has worked with alternative processes and darkroom printmaking and considers that the digital ‘lightroom’ is an extension of that practice. He returned to photography about ten years ago, and has always been an enthusiastic traveler, traveling with his wife to Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, India, Malaysia and Bhutan. They also travelled to Mali for the Festival au Desert in Timbuktu and explored the Silk Road in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kashgar. They are returning to Bhutan soon where they will travel the West-East traverse to deepen their connection to this country. Together, they are working on photographic essays and articles arising from their shared travels.

Robert's submission to The Travel Photographer blog is a well put together SoundSlides of Thaipusam, with many "in your face" imagery and accompanying soundtrack. Some 800,000 Hindu Tamil and Chinese devotees of Muruga (also called Subramaniam), the Hindu God of War, gathered in Penang (Malaysia) to celebrate Thaipusam, where Robert was at the time.

Apart from his travel website, Robert maintains a fine art photography website well worth one's while to browse around.

Borobudur Temple

The Borobodur Temple complex is one of the greatest monuments in the world. It is of uncertain age, but thought to have been built between the end of the seventh and beginning of the eighth century A.D. For about a century and a half it was the spiritual centre of Buddhism in Java, then it was lost until its rediscovery in the eighteenth century.

The structure, composed of 55,000 square meters of lava-rock is erected on a hill in the form of a stepped-pyramid of six rectangular storeys, three circular terraces and a central stupa forming the summit. The whole structure is in the form of a lotus, the sacred flower of Buddha.

One of the ninety-two Dhyani Buddha statues enclosed in stupas

For each direction there are ninety-two Dhyani Buddha statues and 1,460 relief scenes. The lowest level has 160 reliefs depicting cause and effect; the middle level contains various stories of the Buddha's life from the Jataka Tales; the highest level has no reliefs or decorations whatsoever but has a balcony, square in shape with round walls: a circle without beginning or end. Here is the place of the ninety-two Vajrasattvas or Dhyani Buddhas tucked into small stupas. Each of these statues has a mudra (hand gesture) indicating one of the five directions: east, with the mudra of calling the earth to witness; south, with the hand position of blessing; west, with the gesture of meditation; north, the mudra of fearlessness; and the centre with the gesture of teaching.

Devotional practice of circumambulate around the galleries and terraces
Besides being the highest symbol of Buddhism, the Borobodur stupa is also a replica of the universe. It symbolises the micro-cosmos, which is divided into three levels, in which man's world of desire is influenced by negative impulses; the middle level, the world in which man has control of his negative impulses and uses his positive impulses; the highest level, in which the world of man is no longer bounded by physical and worldly ancient desire.

It is devotional practice to circumambulate around the galleries and terraces always turning to the left and keeping the edifice to the right while either chanting or meditating. In total, Borobodur represents the ten levels of a Bodhisattva's life which he or she must develop to become a Buddha or an awakened one.

Kawah Putih (white Crater)

Patuha mountain, located about 2300 meter above sea level, south of Bandung city, save a mystery in the past. Mount Patuha community considers the area that is haunted, they are considered the peak of Mount Patuha former meeting place of the ancestors and gains. However, the mystery that has become hereditary extinct after the start was by a Dutch half German scientists, Dr. Franz Wilhelm Junghun, who is also a Dutch planter who loves nature preservation in the year 1837. Mountain valley Patuha conditions at that time still a dense forest, tree-lined type of local wood, such as Rasamala, Saninten, hurly, samida, and so forth.

Because it's taste and ketidakpercayaannya, Junghun continue to penetrate lebatnya Patuha forest of Mt. And finally he found a crater lake that looks very exotic, and very beautiful. Although discovered in 1837, but this area into a new object after the tour in 1987 developed by Perhutani PT (Persero) Unit III West Java and Banten.

After entering the crater area is white, not the fear that you will be natural, but you will be glued and terpana so watch yourself and see how menakjubkannya water is white with a puff of smoke above. Water color in the crater lake and white are not always white, white is the color of craters found at the most visited, sometimes the water is green apple and bluish, when the fierce sun and fine weather, sometimes the color of milk chocolate.

The less fun in this area is the smell of sulfur that can cause some people cough-cough because the smell baunya, even not far from the tourist areas there is a cauldron of white artificial cave deep as 5 meters that he had first made as sulfur mine. When you go through the cave you will smell the sulfur smell is sting. Because the sulfur contents are very high that, in the relic was built factory with the name of sulfur Zwavel Ontgining White crater.

White craters caused the eruption of Mount Patuha centuries to occur around 10 s / d 12 th century. In addition to craters there are also white crater in the crater, known by the name now.

There are stalls that sell a variety of souvenir that can be made as by-by. In addition, many vendors who sell fruit typical Ciwidey of Strawberry.

Very be pitied if you travel to Ciwidey does not descend to the crater White, you will miss the place that gives a very natural feel incredible. Especially on holidays, there you will see many people who visit the area this tour to enjoy the beautiful paintings of how the creator. Ditampakkan beauty that will make you continue to remember it over time.

How to Achieve Regions Tourism crater White

Tourism White crater that is located approximately 46 km from the city could be using a private vehicle or public vehicle. If you use a public vehicle you need not worry, there are transportation that will take you to the area tour crater White. Or you can also use the berkonvoi motorcycle with friends - your friend.

Mount Galunggung

Mount Galunggung a volcano with a height of 2.167m above sea level, located about 17km from the center of Tasikmalaya. There are several tourist attraction offered between tourism and other attractions in the area wanawisata of approximately 120 hectares under management Perum Perhutani. The other object of approximately 3 hectares a hot water bathing (Cipanas) complete with swimming pool, bathroom and hot water tanks.
Eruption of Mount Galunggung
Mount Galunggung erupt once recorded in the year 1882 (VEI = 5). Marks the beginning of the eruption in July 1822, in which water Cikunir become turbid and muddy. Examination results indicate that the crater is hot water cloudy and sometimes appear in the column of smoke from the crater. Then on 8 October s.d. October 12, the rain burst reddish sand which is very hot, smooth gray, clouds, heat, and lava. Lava flow moving toward the southeast to follow the flow of the river-flow. This explosion killed 4011 lives and destroyed 114 villages, with the damage area to the east and south as far as 40km from the mountain top.
Next eruption occurred in 1894. Between the date of 7-9 October, the explosion occurred which resulted in a summer cloud. Then, on 27 and 30 October, the lava flows occurred on the same river that flows with lava in the eruption that produced in 1822. This eruption destroyed 50 villages, part of the house collapse due to rain are a gray.

Galunggung 1982 eruption, accompanied by lightning
In the year 1918, early in the month of July, the next eruption occurs, the earthquake begins. Explosion on 6 July this rainy gray setebal the 2-5mm in the limited crater and southern slopes. And on July 9, recorded eruption lava dome in the crater lake at 85m with the size of which was then called 560x440m mountain So.

The last eruption occurred on 5 May 1982 (VEI = 4) accompanied by the sound boom, fire, heating, and kilatan lightning. Activities during the eruption lasted 9 hours and ended on 8 January 1983. During this eruption, about 18 people died, most due to the indirect (traffic accident, old age, cold and lack of food). Estimated losses of Rp 1 billion and 22 left without the village. Eruption during this period has also been changing the map of the region around 20 km radius of the crater Galunggung, which includes Indihiang District, District Sukaratu and District Leuwisari.

Change the map of this region more dissolution caused by the road network and the flow of the river and the area as a result of the cold lava flow melimpahnya material form of rock-pebble-sand. In the post-eruption period (ie around 1984-1990) is the rehabilitation of disaster areas, with the restructure the road network is lost, the dredging mud / sand in the river and irrigation (especially Cikunten I), and check dams dibangunnya (bag cold lava) Sinagar in the region as a 'fortress' melimpahnya the cold lava flood to the area of Tasikmalaya. At this period also made the exploitation of sand galunggung which is considered high quality materials for building materials and road construction. In the later years, to the sand dredging business galunggung is growing, even in the beginning of its development (approximately 1984-1985) built a road network from the Train Station near Indihiang KA (Kp. Cibungkul-Parakanhonje) to check sinagar dam as the special to carry sand from galungung to Jakarta.

Pangandaran Beach

Pangandaran Beach area is one of the tour objects are Ciamis regency and West Java Province. In fact, the area that are in the South Coast of Java is included in the agenda tour visits India in 2008. Therefore, the local government through the Office for Tourism and Culture, it continues membenahi complete range of facilities and supporting the tour Pangandaran Beach. Tourism object is located in the Village Pananjung. Pananjung words taken from the term of Pangandaran beach which is a peninsula or more sederhananya a land that stick to sea. With the form of land that stick to sea, the beach in Pangandaran these tourists can enjoy the two become an excellent beach that is the beauty of sunrise and sunset (sunrise and sunset), as have two sides, namely the coast to the west coast and east coast with the distance so close.

Speed sloping beach with crystal clear water and the distance between the ebb tide and a long time, so that allows us to be able to swim safely. Sand beach that is dipangandaran black, but there are some parts of the white sand beach, making it possible for us to play more cool sand in there.

There is a Nature Park with a variety of animals that are in it will add to the interesting experiences during your visit Pangandaran beach.

Visitors can enjoy the natural panorama of beautiful Pangandaran Beach and paving sloping beach of white sand memesona. Two hills that flank Pangandaran Beach exhale slowly to create wind and waves ripple marine relatively small, so that your visitors comfortable doing various activities, such as the ban swimming, boating circumnavigate the peninsula, fishing, relaxing on the beach, or simply from the natural beauty mencerap cottages guide there are many in the area. In addition, visitors can see the sun rise and down from that sama.Bagi visitors who want to dive in this area there is a garden with a variety of sea fauna and marine flora is beautiful.

Roads in the vicinity of this beach is asphalt smooth, making it easier for visitors who want to encircle the area with a motor vehicle or bicycle. When night arrived, the visitor will still feel comfortable in Pangandaran Beach, the area has been equipped with adequate lighting the lamp.

Every weekend, usually held the traditional performing arts in West Java. In addition, in the month held a different event, such as intent Speed sea fishing in the month of March, nyiar lumar in June, kite festival, international (Pangandaran International Kite Festival) in July, the boat carnival conditioning in August, competitions fishing in September, tourism and cross off the road in October, and the new year party in December.

WHNPA's Picture Story Award

I've just learned that The Washington Post photographer Andrea Bruce was named 2009 Photographer of the Year by the White House News Photographers Association for her recently published feature on female circumcision in Iraqi Kurdistan.

I already expressed my shock at The Washington Post's decision to publish Bruce's photographs showing the face of the young girl being circumcised. I wrote this:

"On the other hand, I'm shocked that The Washington Post editors decided not to preserve Sheelan's privacy and dignity. Here's a 7 year old whose mutilation, a terribly humiliating and painful experience, is now seen on the internet. Would the editors be so cavalier in invading the privacy of a 7 year old in New York City for instance?...or is it because Sheelan and her mother are impoverished Kurds that they ignored their basic rights??"

I wholeheartedly support any effort to eradicate this barbaric tradition, but showing Sheelan's face in Bruce's photographs is what outrages me. By all means, publish the feature to enlist support against the practice, but grant this young girl the same dignity as we would to someone in the United States or Europe. Or is it just cheap sensationalism at the expense of Kurds who don't know any better?

Perhaps some will argue that the White House News Photographers Association chose well, and I certainly have no quarrel with Bruce's talent, but I wonder if its members would have voted the same way had these photographs been of their own daughters? But we'll never know, will we?

In the meantime, we remain tone deaf and naively wonder why we are disliked by so many.

Mount Tangguban Perahu

Tangkuban Perahu, is one of the volcanoes that are in the West, precisely in Lembang, about 30 km north of Bandung with a height of 2084 meter above sea level. To go there take approximately 30 minutes by motor vehicle. Boat Name Tangkuban very sticky with a legend of the Sunda land is very popular, namely Sangkuriang. Tangkuban Perahu mountain from a distance that looks like the boat upside down, perhaps caused by kesaktian Sangkuriang meyelesaikan failed in its duty to make the boat in time for the night to marry Dayang Sumbi not the other is the mother kandungnya own. Because so kesalnya can not finish making the boat, the boat finally Sangkuriang kick that is not so. Legend diataslah become a close relationship in the naming Tangkuban Perahu mountain.

Mountain, the last burst in the year 1910, has 9 crater that is still active until now. A large explosion which occurred in 1.5 centuries terakhirlah that cause many craters - craters on the mountain Tangkuban boat. Craters-craters are craters Queen, upas, Domas, New, Jurig, Badak, Jurian, invisible and Pangguyungan Badak. Between craters-craters, the crater is the Queen of the largest craters, craters with dikuti upas the crater is located adjacent to the Queen. Some of the craters remove sulfur smell smoke, there is even a crater to dituruni prohibited, because the smell smoke contains poisons.

Tangkuban Perahu mountain charm is so adorable, even when the weather's sunny, the land on the indentation crater walls can be seen clearly, not only that, the basic craters can we enjoy the beauty that is amazing. Natural beauty is what makes the Tangkuban boat into one of the natural attractions are West Java, especially Jakarta. Every weekend, the boat is always Tangkuban plateau by visitors who want to see the beautiful panoramic mountain Tangkuban boat. In fact, in the long holiday atmosphere, pangunjung came to the location of this tour to reach thousands each day.

Mount Salak

Gunung Salak is a volcano located on the island of Java, Indonesia. This has some mountain peak, of which Peak Salak Salak I and II. Geography of the mountain is at 6 ° 43 'LS and 106 ° 44' BT. Highest peak I Salak Salak 2211 m and 2180 m dpl II. There is one more peak called Peak Sumbul with a height of 1926 m dpl.

Administratively, G. Salak area included in Sukabumi and Bogor Regency, West Java. Management of the forest area is under the Perum Perhutani KPH Bogor, but since 2003 a regional expansion Halimun Mountain National Park, now called National Park Mount Halimun Salak.Gunung-Salak volcano is a strato type A. Since the year 1600 recorded an explosion occurred a few times, including a series of eruption between 1668-1699, 1780, 1902-1903, and 1935. The last eruption occurred in 1938, in the form erupsi freatik that occurred in the crater Cikuluwung Putri.

According to Hartman (1938) G. Salak I was part of the oldest mountains. Followed by G. Salak II, and later appeared G. Sumbul. Meanwhile, Queen of craters estimated from the final product is a G. Salak. Putri Cikuluwung craters and craters Hirup is still a part of the crater can Ratu.Gunung Salak didaki of several climbing routes. Peak of the peak is often didaki II and I. The most crowded routes is through Curug Nangka, on the north side of the mountain. Through this path, people will reach the peak of Salak II.

I usually peak Salak didaki from the east, near the Cimelati Cicurug. Salak I can also be achieved from the Salak II, and with much difficulty, from Sukamantri, Ciapus.

Other path is the 'back roads' through Cidahu, Sukabumi, or from a crater near the Queen G. Bunder.

In addition, Mount Salak more popular as a place where education clubs for lovers of nature, especially once the punggungan Salak II. This is because terrain and the forest that the meeting also rare climber who visit this mountain. Also has a path that is quite difficult for the beginner climber because cross path that we rarely find the backup of water in the post unless I upgrade path Ratu crater, lucky in the peak of Mount (2211 Mdpl) found wallow air.Gunung eyes Salak mountain, even if classified as a low, but both have their unique characteristics of forests and forest-medannya.Hutan in Gunung Salak consists of mountainous forest down (submontane forest) and forest on the mountain (montane forest).

The lower part of the forest, the forest is planted production Perum Perhutani. Some types of trees planted here are tusam (Pinus merkusii) and Rasamala (Altingia excelsa). Then, as usually in the bottom of the mountain forest, and there is also the kind of flower trees (Schima wallichii), Saninten (Castanopsis sp.), Post (Lithocarpus sp.) And various types of hurly (tribe Lauraceae).

In this forest, in some locations, especially in the direction Cidahu, Sukabumi, also found a rare plant species raflesia (Rafflesia rochussenii) that limited the spread of Mount Gede and Mount Pangrango nearby.

In the border areas with the forest, or near-near the river, people to plant species kaliandra red (Calliandra calothyrsus), dadap cangkring (Erythrina variegata), african wood (Maesopsis eminii), jeunjing (Paraserianthes falcataria) and various bamboo . Aneka wildlife found in the environment of G. Salak, from the frog and toad, reptiles, birds and mammals.

Results of research D.M. Nasir (2003) from the Department of the Faculty of Forestry IPB ksh, get 11 frog and toad species in the S. Ciapus Leutik, Tamansari Village, Kab. Bogor. Species is Bufo asper, B. melanostictus, Leptobrachium hasseltii, Fejervarya limnocharis, Huia masonii, Limnonectes kuhlii, L. macrodon, L. microdiscus, Rana chalconota, R. erythraea and R. hosii. This result is not yet include the types of tree frogs, and the types of frogs are still other mountains may be found. In Cidahu also recorded the type of horned bangkong (Megophrys montana) and the flying frog (Rhacophorus reinwardtii).

Various species of reptiles, especially snakes and lizard, are located in this mountain. Some of the examples is Bronchocela vacillator jubata and B. cristatella, garden lizard Mabuya multifasciata and rivers biawak Varanus salvator. Types of snakes in G. Salak is not yet much known, but some were recorded from the snake rod (Calamaria sp.) Constrained small, snail snake (Pareas carinatus) to breed python (Python reticulatus) as long as several meters.

G. Salak has been known long before as a bird-rich areas, as noted by Vorderman (1885). Hoogerwerf (1948) have not less than 232 birds in the mountains this (Java total: 494 species, 368 types of settler). Some of the important mountain is bred eagle (Spizaetus bartelsi) and several other types of eagle, forest red-chicken (Gallus gallus), Cuculus micropterus, Phaenicophaeus javanicus and P. curvirostris, Sasia Abnormis, Dicrurus remifer, Cissa thalassina, Crypsirina temia, bird horse Garrulax rufifrons, Hypothymis azurea, Aethopyga eximia and A. mystacalis, and Lophozosterops javanica.

As well as frogs and reptiles, mammals note on G. Salak is not too much. However, in the mountains is clearly found some kind of important, such as spotted tiger (Panthera pardus), owa jawa (Hylobates moloch), lutung surili (Presbytis comata) and anteater (Manis javanica).

Bogor Botanical Garden

Regions with an area 87 hectares has been established since year 1817 on the initiative of Sir Stamford Raffles, a British national who served as governor of Java. Trees in this area was already hundreds of years. So no wonder if all the trees here have a big trunk and reach tens of meters high. On each tree, placed a label containing the name of the tree and when trees are planted start. Thus, in addition to travel, we can also identify the trees that we may not know before.

Many types of plants here. Tour while introducing the types of plants to the child - children. It's a beautiful flower garden, complete with water fountains. There are suspension bridge, there is a beautiful cactus garden. Nah place - this place was never my previous visit, if only walking. Inside the park there are also museums Zoology, with a ticket to pay Rp 1,000 / person we can enter this museum. In it there is a replica of a giant whale bone, a variety of butterfly and other animals preserved. Also there is the orchid house collect many orchid plants (ticket price Rp 2,000). Still in the City, we can also find the Bogor Palace. However, to be able to see the palace in Bogor, we must participate in the group of booking and must be previously.

Still in the park there is also a cafe called Cafe De Daunan. This cafe has a quite beautiful scenery, and visited quite a lot, even by the foreign tourists. However, the price of food and drink is quite expensive, like a cafe in general.
A large tree in the City is making the air cool and rich in oxygen. There are more than 17,000 species including the type of the rare orchid flowers. Trees that are here not only from domestic bersal but many of them came from abroad. Which is always interesting to see is the dead time of the flower (Rafflesia Arnoldi). This flower is unique because of the large size and flowering will be issued when the stench so called carrion flower.

Here we can see the green area of the calm that we rarely find in big cities. Birds singing voice that can also listen to us. To add beauty, there is also a swimming-pool water with a shower, so that we can hear the sound gemericik water. For you to bring the children, this place is perfect because there are many parks so that the wide daughter your son can play freely. For example, park near the lotus pond is a favorite place for families to play with their children. There are also roads that resemble long corridor with large trees on the left and right. Chairs on the tree has become a comfortable place after the go around the region.

Traditional Village (Kampung Naga)

Kampung Naga is a village with a traditional area of approximately 4 ha. Location Kampung Naga tourism segment is located on the main road that connects Tasikmalaya - Bandung Garut through, that is more or less on the 30 kilometers to the city to the West Tasikmalaya. Administratively, including Kampung Naga village Legok Dage Village Neglasari District Salawu Kabupaten Tasikmalaya. Tourism attractions in Kampung Naga is situated on the unique life of the community that is located in Kampung Naga is.
Their lives can berbaur with the modern community, is Islam, but still strong memlihara Customs leluhurnya. Like many traditional ceremony, the ceremony day besr Islamic ritual, for example months or Alif Mulud with implementing Pedaran (reading History fathers) The process begins with a bath in the river and Ciwulan Travelers can follow the event with the requirements must be abiding in the rule there. Building in the village of Naga good home, mosque, patemon (meeting hall) and rice. Its roof made from sago palm leaves, coconut leaves, or injuk pillars as cover. Wall of the house and other buildings, made of plaited bamboo (chamber). Meanwhile the door of the building and all the fiber rattan building facing North or South. In addition, piles of stones arranged neatly with the layout and is a natural characteristic of the architecture and ornament honorable Naga village. Tourism is one of cultural tourism in Tasikmlaya Travelers usually have a special interest and want to know that is proving a real situation tesebut. Development of tourism in the village of Naga jangkuan including the development of short-term.

Garden Strawberry

That is that you will feel when entering the strawberry plantation. Not only taste the fruit strawberry, strawberry picking, but directly from the garden will make a sensation itself.

Strawberry garden that you can see this on the plateau appear very enthralling. The leaves turn color and red fruit that beg you to make the bottom of the bear memetiknya.
The most appropriate time for strawberry picking in the morning is because if the day is the strawberry already be out guest the other.


To have your own strawberry garden quotation request the IDR. 2,000-Rp. 5000 for a ticket to enter the strawberry that you own quotation cost Rp. 35,000-Rp. 50,000 / kg.

Place strawberry picking in Bandung is located in the top as Ciwidey, Lembang, Cihanjuang and Cihideung.

Manuel Librodo: Faces of Rajasthan

Photo ©Manuel Libres Librodo, Jr.-All Rights Reserved
Manuel "Manny" Libres Librodo, Jr. is a photographer from the Philippines, who teaches Psychology and History to high school students in Bangkok, Thailand. He professes to "shooting from the heart" and self-describes his work as lyrical. Passionate about travel, he started photography about six years ago as a way to document his travels. He prefers naturally-lit portraiture, and has established himself as a portrait photographer as well.

Manny's photographs are exhibited and published internationally, most recently as a UNICEF's 2008 desk diary and as cover of its 2009 wall calendar. Recent awards include 1st Place in Dusk to Dawn Category for the Digital Camera Magazine (UK) Photographer of the Year Competition 2008, Special Mention in Life Category as well as finalist in Joy of Travel Category for 2008 Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY).

Here's Manny's wonderful Faces of Rajasthan, and his Bhutan gallery. Explore his other galleries on his website...you'll be amazed by his talent.

Bob Krist: Shooting Locally

Photo ©Bob Krist-All Rights Reserved

Do we hang up our cameras and wait out the recession? Take up another passion till the economy turns the corner ? No, that would be like an athlete giving up practices in the off season… You’re going to get so far out of “shape” that you’ll find your photographic chops will get really rusty. No, the answer is to keep shooting travel, but for a while at least, we’re going to have to shoot it in our own backyard.

-Bob Krist

Not only does Bob Krist, the acclaimed photographer, author, educator and writer, appear on Scott Kelby's blog as guest blogger with a post titled Think Globally: Shoot Locally, but he also authors a brand new blog called Photo Traveler.

So visit what promises to be an interesting and educational blog, and bookmark it for future reference. Bob has already shared his lighting techniques for a photo shoot on Easter Island.

Typical Food in Bandung (Peuyeum)

Bandung is known as the tour kulinernya have a lot of food typical of the trail by the tourists when visiting this city. What is the food associated with Bandung?

Peuyeum tape or cassava is a food typical of West Java have a sweet taste, a little bit of acid and alcohol. Food is made from cassava through the fermentation process.
Food is similar to the tape but peuyeum dry form compared with the tape a little bit wet.
This is due to the production and storage peuyeum the swing.
Peuyeum the quality is good and smell fragrant, tasty, sweet, sweet, not sour. To produce a good peuyeum required yeast is good also. Sour taste in peuyeum often happens, this is due to the ongoing process of fermentation will sour.

British Museum: Shah 'Abbas Exhibition

Being in London for over a week provided ample opportunity to take a well deserved break from photo expeditions, and imbibe as much culture as possible. The British Museum's splendid exhibition Shah 'Abbas: The Remaking of Iran was truly the week's cultural highlight, and a highly recommended event if you're in London.

The exhibition examines the achievements and the legacy of Shah Abbas, a Safavid ruler of Iran who lived 400 years ago, and who established Iran as a formidable competitor to the powers of the Ottoman Turks and the Mughals in India. The exhibition is beautifully set in the Museum's old Reading Room, whose interior dome I initially took to have been specially erected to match Shah Abbas' contemporary architecture but is its actual structure. I was fascinated to learn of the interconnections between Safavid Iran, Ottoman Turkey, Mughal India and Elizabethan England through this exhibition, and how Iran's political, religious and commercial influences spread to its neighbors, such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

I left the Museum with two thoughts. If only the Bush administration had read the history of Shah 'Abbas, perhaps the Iraq fiasco would've been averted...I know, a silly thought. The other thought was whether the New York's Metropolitan Museum would have the courage of mounting a similar exhibition extolling Iran's past glory...I guess that's another silly thought.

Panajam Pasir Utara

Deer Breeding is located in Waru District, Penajam Paser Utara regency, according to SK East Kalimantan No14/BPN-16/UM-05/111-1990 is reserved farm with 1000 Ha width for breeding area, but finite has just exploited and have been fenced with 50Ha width. It is build in 1996 last year. The location is side of joint streets Tanah Grogot Penajam (about 103 km from Tanah Grogot). Beside as place of tourism object, this place also applied as place of breeding and conservation various deer population types till now (July 2002) about 109 tails, deer types being breed is Sambar deer (Cervus Unicolor Brokei) and Timor deer (Cervus Timorensis), with detail adult 30 tails, female 35 tails, child and each female child 22 tails. Now have been done cooperation with The Institute of Indonesia Science (LIPI) in 'Potensi Ternak Rusa' sector.

Balikpapan

Balikpapan is recognized also with title oil town. If You resided in plane that is soon land in Balikpapan, hence from the air will seen a lot of oil conveyor ships reside in the beach whereas a number of oil bridges seen to stand up steady in the beach. Refinery Balikpapan located in edge of 'Teluk Balikpapan' cover area with 2,5 km width. This factory processed crude oil functioned to become ready products in marketing that is 'BBM' and 'Non BBM' for requirement of east Indonesia area. Because this oil, Balikpapan has developed become going forward town with various and modern town facilities. Sepinggan International Airlines and Hajji Embarkation becomes indicator for Balikpapan as very onward town in Kalimantan. Various star hotels five and restaurants international class made available in this town. As a modern town, Balikpapan also crowded with activity of entertainment amusement. Balikpapan City is commercial area where various hotels, restaurant and shop resided. Balikpapan Shopping Centre is residing in street between Sudirman Street and Ahmad Yani Street that is have become one of city symbol.

Melawai Beach
Melawai Beach, which is located dealt with this Jend Sudirman Street, is place of where the merchant's sell has assorted the delicious food and beverage with cheap price. Visitors can sit on the mat and enjoy the wave splashing and see the ships, which is sailing, yoke and also being reduce charge in Semayang port.

Crocodile Tertip Breeding
Crocodile Teritip Breeding is residing in east of the airport, 27 Km from downtown, there is place of crocodile breeding. Visitor can feed to crocodile with a chicken that bought in that place, seems become entertainment amusement for some people. The numbers of crocodiles in breeding with 5 Ha widths are about 3000 tails that consisted of three types that is Muara Crocodile, Supit Crocodile and Swamp Crocodile. This location can reach by joining with others city transport No 7.

Japan Canon
About 8 Km from the downtown in Kampung Baru Ilir countrysides, Asrama Hill area there is an omission cannon of Japan army. The position of this cannon indicates that Balikpapan is strategic defense place. From a place of 2500 m2 width we can see Balikpapan City, refinery and Balikpapan bay. This location can reach using city transport No 5 and No 6.

Wanawisata Garden
This Wanawisata Garden located in Km 10, Soekarno Hatta Street, 15 minutes join with others common vehicle from Balikpapan downtown. In garden, which built by PT Inhutani I, there is various birches and fruits rareness, there is also pounced deer breeding (servus unicolor). This place equipped with trek or special line for having athletics to jog and camping area in open nature with fresh area.

Bapakai Garden
Bakapai Garden Jend Sudirman Street, in front of PLN office there is Bakapai Garden. In the middle of garden there is monument made from stainless steel material depicting the exit of oil blast from earth stomach. At night, from the inside of this monument, there is water fountain that exit being allied with light, so it beautiful forms. This location suited for relaxing with the family.

Manggar Segarasari Beach
Manggar Segarasari Beach is broadly 13000 m2 has clear seawater, small waves and white sand. This beach is balmy place for they, who wish to play, sail and also volley beach. Place that opened start at six mornings so at six evenings is reachable with personal vehicle and also public vehicle number 7. The Beach location is resided in Manggar and Teritip sub-district with distance 9 Km from Sepinggan Airlines or 22 Km from Balikpapan downtown.

Agro Tourism Garden
Agro Tourism Garden had declared in 17 Decembers 1997 have 100 hectares width area. In this garden, the visitor can enjoy tropical crop types. This garden is also equipped with picnic place and resting place with some facilities, such as: long house (wedding-bed decorative) with Dayak ornaments, camping place (camping ground) and children play arena (play ground). Agro Tourism Garden is located in Soekarno Hatta Street Km 23 and reachable with route city transport No 8.

Sangata

Around Sangata, which is the capital of Kutai Timur regency there are a number of interesting tourism objects to be visited for example Lombok Bay Beach and Perancis Bay. Both of this locations are located not far from Sangata city and reachable using line earned, fringe the beach about 15 Km from the city. Birah-birahan Island is located in Sangkulirang District. This island is reachable using motor ship quickly from Sangata or Benua Baru, Sangkulirang. Besides have its sea panoramic scenery, this island also, has beauty of under sea like Marine Park with variety of beautiful sea rock and decorative fish multifarious. Pangadan Cave located in Pangandaan village, about Sangkulirang - Muara Wahau roadway, its about 20 Km from Sangata city and can be gone through with vehicle. The fascination of his tourism object is cave hole that is long enough and in it there is stalactite and stalagmite that formed from nature process during hundreds of year. Some form of stalactite - stalagmite for example is in lemonade straw form, mug, crystal glowed, transparent plate and chicken spur form. Besides, in this location there is also source of temperature wellspring. 'Long Segar' and 'Long Noran' is two rich villages fascination of art would be cultural and crafting like weapon Mandau, traditional statue and house is decorative wedding-bed. Both of this neighbor villages have admission in Muara Wahau district and located in Wahau riverbank. To visit this place is reachable with river ship from Samarinda fringe Wahau River.

Tarakan

Tarakan is island town, which located near with Sabah, Malaysia frontier. According to history, Tarakan have ever become location of venomous encounter at Second World War between Japan armies and Australian army. 235 Australian armies died at the encounter. Some houses in Tarakan still having stripper cannon rest of world war that put down in house yard as supply of garden and lawn. In Tarakan there is Australian army cenotaph in location, which is become a military complex. This cenotaph is built in memory of coping to die Australian army to free Tarakan from Japan occupying. In other location there is Japan grave residing in ex Japan bunker in hilly area. This tourism object in Tarakan for example Amal Beach is a parting 11 Km from the downtown. This beach has coconut panorama to wave with beautiful panorama. About 4 Km from the downtown, in Masjid Markoni Street Gang III there is 'Tugu Perabuan Jepang' that built in 1933. This monument is square equipped with article Kanji and is place of obsequies the dying Japanese corpse

Nunukan

Nunukan Regency is the capital of Nunukan Regency. This area about Neighboring with Malaysia State that is Tawau city. Nunukan city is a real strategic town as the gateway of East Kalimantan upstate, so that the facilities and basic facilities for foreign tourist need improving although in Nunukan city there is Hotel, Restaurant and hotspot. Tourism object such as; Batu Lumapu tourism, resides in Sebatik island where there is extent of wide coast when low tide and it is said there is a stone arising called Batu Lumapu. This location is against Nunukan Island.

Nyamuk River
In this area, the resident cultivate peppercorn and chocolate. So this area yields chocolate fruits and peppercorn. For tourists who want to visit this area can earn directly from Tarakan or through Nunukan then continue the journey to Nyamuk Island.

Long Bawa Kayan
Long Bawan in mountain area that abutting on Sabah has dwelt by Lundaye tribe The Lundaye tribe culture art typical is Traditionaly Ceremony Nyumpai Semarang Mei Ulung, Parisanan Dance and Baritubang. In this area there is pioneer airfield with plane from Tarakan. Kayan district is famous with population of buffalo livestock and as a symbol for paddy, paddy producer and nature salt producer.

Data Dian

Data Dian is the capital city of Kayan Hilir district and this area also close to frontier Malaysia State. The original society of Data Dian is Aborigin. They are the first resident who inhabiting in backwoods of Kayan River, so that the longest River in Malinau regency have estuary to Bulungan Regency is Kayan River. Kayan River area is very famous with rafting that is one rafting activities.
Long Ampung is located in Long Ampung village Long Ampung is stepped aside Kayan River. There is airfield Perintis that in recognize as Lapter Long Ampung in Apo Kayan Area village. In this village dwelt by Dayak Kenyah Lepo Jalau tribes and they very diligent grew crops. And they also have 'Lamin custom' so that its culture is in this area. For tourist who will visit this village can apply plane DAS from Samarinda - Long Ampung.

Malinau

Long Mungan is reside in Pujungan river is: Jeram Beluwe, Cow, Luu, Noa, Entaa Liang, Bearau, Pangin, Baliu, Mading, Lung, Lesung, Alo, Badeng, Telasu, Buet, Enta Talang, Monkey, Wung, Abye, Luhung, Geng Batu Baya, Enta Lunuk, Loang Pande, Kaa Miung, Kerabang, Long Beluah, Long Uan, Tako, Kaa Besun, Kaa Kaleng, Bekai Paying, Bulo Latung, Anye Bung, Mop, Long Mejan, Dayak Kenyah Tribe who live in Pujungan district that is: Urna Lasan, Amaryllis, Pua, Lepo Ke, Lepo Maut, Uma Lung, Punan Benalui, Uma Alim, Badeng, Leppo Ngibun and Lepo Entang. The varieties generate variety of culture art. If you wished to visit this location, it can apply longboat from Selor Bay Long Peso - Long Pujungan.

Long Nawang resides in riparian Kayan River and abuts on Serawak. Long Nawang is the capital Kayan Hulu district that is ahead recognized as Apo Kayan. Here central both of Dayak Kenyah tribe center artistry culture is not custom in. The distance from Long Serawak with Long Lawang is about 570 km. This area has the history evidence of colonization epoch with ex country doorstep and Dutch army grave. Sambudurut village located of crossed of Malinau city and in this countrified dwelt by Dayak Punan tribe. Besides alongside Tubo river also there is a tribe Dayak Punan village. Where this Punan tribe people is recognized as agility to hunt and expert to make clipper and clipper poison and cane mat. For tourist who wish to visit this Dayak Punan tribe area through Tarakan towards to Malinau and after get rent Longboat to Dayak Punan tribe location with Guide by the local guide Malinau.

Pasir Regency

Palm Plantation is located about 120 km from Tanah Grogot. Nature panorama with extent of coconut garden, which is wide with fresh air, is place of agro tourism object that interesting to be visited.

Tengkorak Cave
This place is located in Jemparing village with approximately distance 55 km from Tanah Grogot. In this cave there is skulls fossil. For towards this location can be gone through supporting facilities for transportation of wheel 4 and wheel 2vehicle.

Doyan Turu Waterfall
Doyam Turu Waterfall is located in Lempesu village, 27 km from Tanah Grogot. Be favorite tourism object and have recreation, enjoying beautiful nature glamour and cold atmosphere. In this place are available booths for visitor.

Tenggarong

Tenggarong which is located 39 Km in northwest Samarinda during then is capital of Sultanate Kutai. The town is residing in Mahakam riverbank with people about 50 thousand mans; there is ex Kutai Empire, which now functioning as museum. This palace built by Dutch in year 1930 replaces wood building stripper palace that falling to pieces combustible. The Museum has collection of objects from Sultanate Kutai period and Dayak Tribes culture objects. The museum collection is impressing property of stripper ceramics jar of Chinese from dynasty Yuan, Ming and Qing period and now Sultanate Kutai is animated. Every year in September in Tenggarong is performed a Erau Festival that taking place during one finite two weeks. Dayak public who come from various areas in Kalimantan follows this event. At this event is performed custom ceremony and various dances that show by the Dayak dressy custom dancers. Kumala Island is newest tourism object in Kutai with solidarity between traditional and modern with complete facilities.

Melak

Melak is the biggest city upriver of Mahakam River, this famous town with 'Cagar Nam Anggrek Kersik Luwai' where about 72 different orchid species has grew in this place include a real rareness orchid 'Cologenia Pandurata'. Nicest time to see orchid in this place is in January and February. The location of orchid garden is about 16 Km from Melak, which is reachable with renting vehicle of jeep or motorcycle. Various event of interesting customs is frequently performed in Melak like marriage ceremony, healing, death, buffalo cut ceremony and others. Healing ceremony, which is often performed usually in each March, April and June. The regional around Melak, in west side of Mahakam River, be plateau area (plateau) where in adjoining there is Barong Tongkok village, which is reachable by joining with others motorcycle or minibus public transport. This public vehicle would continuously finite to Eheng. In Barong Tongkok is available booth and Putri Tanjung Hotel. In Eheng there is an original long house, property of local public. It is told original, because this customhouse being built in 1960 still be dwelt by 32 Dayak Banuaq families. The possibilities of this long house become the last Dayak ash customhouse that built without subsidy from government.

Between Barong Tongkok and Eheng that is in Mencimai there is a museum agriculture of Dayak public that built by agricultural economy student from Japan who interesting with the public culture. In this museum is explained for example way of Dayak publics hunt animal (pig and monkey) in forest, way of collecting made, and way of making clothes from bark. This Museum also has collection of weapon mandau and tool from cane.

LONG IRAM
Long Iram is a calm village and peace. Here there are a number of omission buildings in colonial period. This village usually becomes perambulation end point Mahakam River. The journey farther upstream from this Long Iram has been difficult to be done by the river condition that is not enables to be passed by speedboat. But if the condition is enable farther upstream journey able to be done. Not far from Long Iram (3 Km) there is Gap Lake where you can explore the lake that become monkey habitat by rent some ships, which available. From Gap Lake journey can be continued to Tering - ama where there is a real impressing church.



DATAH BILANG
If the condition has enable you can continue the farther upstream journey, hence the interesting place, which can be visited after Long Iram is Datah Bilang. This area is Dayak Kenyah tribe public region who believing in Protestant Christian moving to this area in 1970 from their area before in Apokayan. The Dayak Kenyah woman in this place have long ear because decorate by a decoration as ballast.

Kutai National Park

In national park area about 200 thousand hectares width is safe fauna and floral properties include animal and rareness plant that protected like orang-utan, bekantan and various forest orchids. In this area also there is the widest forest ulin in Indonesia. To reach the location of national park is through roadway line Samarinda - Bontang or about 125 Km from Samarinda towards Bontang and continue journey using speed boat towards Kaba Bay that need time 2 hours.

Bontang City

Bontang City is one of town that resides in coastal area in East Kalimantan. One of tourism object in Bontang is Beras Basah Island, which located in offshore of Bontang city, abbout 7 sea miles or 25-35 minutes using speedboat. This island have beautiful panorama, the white sand that outspread along the beach with the beautiful wave, hardly suited for water sport activity like jet propulsion sky and as fluent as wind. Oturism object of Gosong Island is located in north side of Bontang city and is compatible place for they who like to fishing. This island is about 7 sea miles in north side of Bontang, can be gone through using speedboat during 20 minutes. Rent boat to this island can be met in Loktuan, Tanjung Limau and Bontang Kuala port. Resident in Bontang Kuala builds their house above seas. Here there are a number of booths presenting sea dish especially burning fish. Bontang Kuala is place that is good for tourists, who wish to eat fish and enjoy sea panorama.

Tourism Indonesia - Derawan Island

Tourism Indonesia - Derawan Island



Derawan Island is preserve area that went out to sea, part of Sangalaki island, which is located not far from offshore Batu foreland, between Berau and Tarakan. This island has beautiful panorama with clean white coast with adjoining coconut palm forest, and a number of small villages encircle island. This place has known as sea tourism location especially for dive and snorkeling activities. Although situation of outlying, but the popularity of Derawan Island and islands in vicinity increasingly as location sea tourism. The marines around Derawan Island is rich with fish especially a kind of fish that always forage on the surface of water whereas birds fly above it to pounce adrift food on the sea. Green tortoise, which is scarce laid eggs along the Derwan Island beach, is not far from diving Derwan Dive Resort location. You will not meet car or motor in this island while electrics only live a few nocturnal clocks..

Meru Betiri National Park

Meru Betiri National Park represents mangrove forest, swamp forest, and lowland rain forest ecosystems.

This Park is a natural habitat of the rafflesia flower (Rafflesia zollingeriana), and various other plants such as mangrove (Rhizophora sp.), api-api (Avicennia sp.), waru (Hibiscus tiliaceus), nyamplung (Calophyllum inophyllum), rengas (Gluta renghas), bungur (Lagerstroemia speciosa), pulai (Alstonia scholaris), bendo (Artocarpus elasticus), and several medicinal plants.

This Park is also home to several protected animals, including 29 species of mammal and 180 species of bird. Among them are the banteng (Bos javanicus javanicus), panther (Panthera pardus), wild pig (Sus scrofa), long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis), Asian wild dog (Cuon alpinus javanicus), red-tailed flying squirrel (Iomys horsfieldii), leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis javanensis), barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak muntjak), Timor deer (Cervus timorensis russa), green peafowl (Pavo muticus), leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), common green turtle (Chelonia mydas), and Pacific ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea).

Meru Betiri National Park is known as the last habitat of the Javan tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica) which is now a highly endangered and protected species. However, no traces of this tiger have been found for many years and it is feared to be extinct.

Meru Betiri does have other distinct characteristics. Sukamade Beach is a habitat of the leatherback turtle, the hawksbill turtle, the common green turtle, and the Pacific ridley turtle. Several simple breeding facilities have been constructed at this beach to ensure that the turtles, too, do not become extinct.

Interesting locations/attractions:

Rajegwesi Beach: marine tours, swimming, animal/plant observation and cultural visits (traditional fishing communities).

Sumbersari: a grazing area (192 hectares), where visitors can watch animal like the sambar deer and barking deer. There is also a nature laboratory for research.

Sukamade Beach: turtles can be seen laying their eggs. Camping, wind surfing, plant and animal observation are also available here.

Hijau Bay: exploring the forest, marine tours and swimming.

Best time of year to visit: February to July.

How to reach the Park: Surabaya-Jember-Ambulu, about 5 hours by car (225 km); Ambulu-Curahnongko-Bandealit, about 3 hours, or Surabaya-Banyuwangi-Jajag, 6 hours (342 km); Jajag-Sarongan-Sukamade, 3 hours (60 km).