Kelimutu : Mount with 3 Different-Colored Crater Lakes

The land of islands in Indonesia serves the travelers with the best of the landscapes to choose forms its vast menu. The land is blessed with numerous natural wonders ranging from the stretch of sandy beaches to the snow capped mountains. The land is blessed with some of the views of volcanic craters and the active volcanoes. Kelimutu Volcano is one of those which attract thousands of visitors to enjoy the impeccable beauty of the crater. Mount Kelimutu is a natural wonder and one of most mysterious and dramatic sights that can be found on top of this mountain. It has a unique and spectacular view on its three crater lakes with their respective colors. These colored lakes change colors on a regular basis. The latest colors (late 2004) were said to be turquoise, brown and black. The Lake on the western direction is called Tiwu Ata Mbupu (Lake of Old People) is commonly blue in color, the other two which share a common crater wall are Tiwu Nua Muri Kooh Tai (Lake of Young Men and Maidens) and Tiwu Ata Polo (Bewitched, or Enchanted Lake) commonly displays the green and red colors, respectively, although lake colors vary periodically.

Three crater lakes are located on the eastern summit of Kelimutu which is at an altitude of 1.631 meters. Each of the lakes has a distinctive physical structure, a unique geochemical and hydrothermal regime, and a particular historical sequence of color changes controlled by changes in physico-chemical conditions. The details of the lakes are:

Crater I : Tiwu Ata Mbupu (Lake of old people); 300 m x 280 m diameter; Depth 67 m; Blue color.
Tiwu Ata Mbupu, is the western-most lake. This crater is structurally different from the other two in that the pit crater it is in is itself located in the center of a larger crater. Small landslides constantly add to the steep rubble slopes along the lake's shore, and large boulders periodically drop into the lake. Shoreline of this crater is coated with a film colored in different shades of red, orange, and yellow depending on how thick it is. Gypsum crystals grow in the cracks of the crater wall in the first few meters above the prosent water surface.

Crater II : Tiwu Nua Muri Kooh Tai (Lake of young men and maiden); 430 m x 300 m diameter; Depth 127 m; Green color.
Tiwu Nua Muri Kooh Tai, is adjacent to Tiwu Ata Polo and is the deepest lake. Subaerial fumarolic or hydrothermal activity is implied by a large thermal plume in the center of the lake which slowly convects the water. A fresh supply of yellow froth (probably the same type of elemental sulfur found in the "cool acid-brine" crater lake at Kawa Ijen) is brought up by the plume and pushed out toward the crater wall. A particularly large cover of this froth has accumulated at the base of the north wall. During rainstorms the froth is scattered by inflowing water and landslides, though some of it may be disappearing altogether.

Crater III : Tiwu Ata Polo (Bewitched lake); 380 m x 280 m diameter; Depth 64 m; Red color.
Tiwu Ata Polo, lies on the southeastern side of the volcanic peak. A thermal plume in the northwest part of the lake indicates underlying subaerial fumarolic or hydrothermal activity. A white froth is present on the lake's surface around the plume when the convective activity momentarily increases. Rock debris is often carried into this crater during rainstorms by water draining the volcano summit around the lake. Two peaks abutting the crater rim help stabilize the east and northeast crater wall, while further around to the southeast a dip suggests a possible one-time overflow outlet. Such an outlet would have fed the river Ria Mbuli, whose upland source is in that area.

The visitors can enjoy the sight of active disturbance in the two eastern lakes mainly because of the sub aqueous fumaroles. These visitors in the past have even been enthralled by the minor eruptions from the volcano. Stationed on a 1639-meters-high Kelimutu volcano and a compound summit of 2 kilometers the Kelimutu Volcano is a beautiful treat to the eyes.

Types of fauna living around Kelimutu are deer (Cervus timorensis), pig forest (Sus sp.), red jungle fowl (gallus gallus) and hawk (Elanus sp.). Moreover, kinds of flora that can be found around Kelimutu are ‘Kesambi’ (Schleichera oleosa), casuarinas tree (Casuarina equisetifoia), and Edelweiss.

Location of Destination
Kelimutu is located 66 kilometers from Ende, Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province (Lesser Sunda Islands), Republic of Indonesia.
(It is located on 8.75 S, 121.83 E to the equator).

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta). Then by domestic flight about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) – via Juanda Airport (Surabaya) – to El Tari Airport (Kupang, the capital of East Nusa Tenggara Province).
Then taking air transportation from El Tari Airport (Kupang), to Ende District approximately 40 minutes.
Then by public transportations to Kaonara Village, about 93 km away or 3 hours. Then by walk to the location for around 2,5 km.

Best Time to Visit
April to August

Accommodation for Traveller
Some lodgements are supporting facilities around the location. The surrounding village are also good places serving as bases for visits to Kelimutu, particularly those who wish to have a more leisurely pace and enjoy the views along the road between Ende and Maumere, or spend more time in Kelimutu.

Others
The villages around Mount Kelimutu are also known for their excellent weaving-all hand-made, still using natural dyes.

Ngaben : Traditional Cremation Ceremony

Ngaben or the Traditional Cremation Ceremony in Bali is the ritual performed to send the dead through the transition to his next life. Ngaben, the Balinese word for cremation, is an important event in the tradition of the Balinese people. Ngaben is a purification rite which frees the spirit from its temporary earthly house and facilitates its journey to its next existence. To the people of Bali, death is not an event to be mourned, and is seen as a passage of the soul to a better world, where it starts to prepare for re-incarnation and a newer life. It is a custom and part of a tradition in Bali when someone dies, the whole villager (where one was lives) will help with the preparation for the cremation. The entire villager (but especially for family and relatives) will participate on the day of the cremation ceremony.

Ngaben in Bali is not one that has any sorrow or tears in it. In fact, it is celebrated with great pomp and fervor. The people make it a point to laugh, sing and dance, and celebrate the death of a loved one during the Cremation Ceremony. The most important occasion among the Bali Events and Festivals, the Cremation Ceremony in Bali is a truly colorful and spectacular event that is celebrated with so much fanfare and enjoyment, that one would be amazed to know it was a cremation ceremony.

The Cremation Ceremony in Bali consists of two kinds of ceremonies, the Ngaben, or the cremation ceremony, and the Nyekah or Ngasti, a ceremony performed after cremation. At the Cremation Ceremony in Bali, the body of the deceased is placed at Bale Delod, as if he were sleeping. No tears are shed, for he is only gone temporarily and he will reincarnate into the family.

The Priest consults the Dewasa to determine the proper day for the ceremony. The night before the cremation, holy water will be collected from some main temple and used in preparation of the body and during the cremation. On the day of the ceremony, the body of the deceased is placed inside a coffin which is then placed inside a sarcophagus in the form of a buffalo (called Lembu) or a temple structure called Wadah made of paper and light wood. The Wadah will be carried to the village cremation site in a procession.

The climax of Ngaben is the burning of the Wadah, using fire originating from a holy source. The deceased is sent to his afterlife, to be reincarnated in the future. Another priest performs the last rites and carries the ashes to be disposed off. It is the final separation of the soul from the body.

Location of Destination
Bali Island, Republic of Indonesia.

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta). Then by domestic flight about 1 hours and 50 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island). Or by international direct flight to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island).

Best Time to Visit
Anytime cremation ceremony is held

Accommodation for Traveller
There are many hotels, villas, guest houses near any place that celebrate the cremation ceremony (Ngaben) in Bali.

Nusa Dua Beach : Prestigious and Luxurious Resort

Nusa Dua is the most prestigious resort area, where the tourists will find international world, class luxury hotels elegantly lining beautiful white sands in Bali Island. It is quiet and exclusive with superb facilities. Crystal clear water and stretches of white sandy beach of Nusa Dua makes Nusa Dua a perfect spot for luxurious resorts, after a Barong performance at Batubulan and a long climb of the steps of the Temple Besakih. Some of the most sumptuous and luxurious hotels in the world find their home in Nusa Dua, Bali. Visitors can tee off into the sunset, while watching the gentle waves come from the blue sea and caress the banks surrounding the luscious greens. Tranquil swimming pools under the coconut trees seem to be one with the distant blue sea. Art galleries and numerous shops surround them.

Nusa Dua is really about taking it easy and relaxing in total luxury. As most of the hotels are 5 stars, every comfort is at our disposal as well as a gorgeous white sand beach. Nusa Dua was designed for the luxury conscious with a heavy concentration of big name hotels lining the beautiful white sand beach. Some of the resorts have private beaches but most areas are accessible.

Nusa Dua provides a venue for traditional entertainment including arts festivals like the Nusa Dua Arts and Culture Festival. Stroll to the northern end of Nusa Dua for parasailing, jet skis, snorkeling/diving trips or better still, head for Tanjung Benoa.

Some other popular places around Nusa Dua are Dreamland Beach and Turtle Island (Pulau Penyu). Dreamland is a beautiful beach with excellent surfing conditions, especially for intermediate surfers, and on big days when other breaks are too big to surf. Turtle Island is a turtle conservation area. The local people keep the turtle eggs in each traditional conservation houses individually owned them until the baby turtles born, and they will release the turtles when they are grown. Besides turtle, they also have birds, snakes, bats, etc. By Penyu Island visitors can get on glass boats where they can see the under water view from the boat.

Location of Destination
Nusa Dua is located in the southern Bali approximately 10 km from Denpasar City, Bali Island, Republic of Indonesia.

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta). Then by domestic flight about 1 hours and 50 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island). Or by international direct flight to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island).
Then by taxi approximately 10 minutes from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar) to Nusa Dua.

Best Time to Visit
Anytime

Accommodation for Traveller
Ayodya Resort Bali, Nusa Dua Beach, Karma Kandara, Novotel Nusa Dua, Ocean Blue Bali, Swiss-Belhotel Bay View, Park View Heights, Melia Benoa, Bali Desa.

Others
The Bali Golf and Country Club, an immaculately landscaped 18 holes ocean view course. The Bali International Lawn Tennis & Lawn Bowls Club next to the Galleria Nusa Dua, a spacious shopping mall with boutiques and up market restaurants.

Kuta Beach : Surfing, Sunset, Night Life

Kuta is the center and the largest tourist resort on the island of Bali. It is the most popular beach and the number one party zone in Bali. The 5-km long arcing white sand stretch of Kuta is the best beach in Bali. Kuta beach is also known as one of the first favorite beaches for tourists from all over the world. Coconut trees line the sand beach as far as the eyes can see. As short walk away north, the waves will invite to surfing. Surfing in Kuta is a very well known destination among surfing enthusiasts. The beach is overrun with touts and most serious surfers have headed elsewhere. Rapid development and an influx of visitors haven't kept the surfers away and Kuta still remains one of Bali's best surfing beaches and a great place to enjoy a beach lifestyle. More advanced surfers can choose from over 30 other surfing breaks within 30 minutes drive from Kuta. This place is also often become the arena of surfing competition at the national level and the level of world. Nevertheless, Kuta Beach is also suitable for beginners to learn surfing. A long sandy beach with a lack of dangerous rocks or coral makes the area an attraction for beginners.

When it towards dusk, plenty of people come to the Kuta beach or seaside cafes to watch the wonderful sunset . For domestic and foreign tourists, have not fully enjoy the twilight time on the island of Bali, if not watching the sunset at Kuta Beach. Kuta Beach has a different attraction with the Sanur Beach, a more desirable because of the beauty of the sunrise.

In addition of surfing and enjoying the sunset, it's the shopping, nightlife and party vibes that attracts thousands of visitors. There's a huge choice of accommodation, restaurants and entertainment. The accommodation in Kuta range from a modest home stay for a few dollars a night to luxurious, five star, international hotels costing several hundred to several thousand dollars a night. On the street behind the row of hotels that face the beach, is lined with shops of all varieties. It also can be found any Balinese handicrafts here, from the least expensive to the most exquisite; or unique stores. At night, Kuta is alive with night life. Western influences create discotheques, dance clubs, and pubs for people from all over the world in Kuta. Various Balinese dance performances are staged in Kuta every night. One of the best Kecak performances is found in Kuta.

Location of Destination
Kuta Beach is located 11 km southwest City of Denpasar, Bali Island, Republic of Indonesia.

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta). Then by domestic flight about 1 hours and 50 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island). Or by international direct flight to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island).
Then by taxi approximately 10 minutes from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar) to Kuta Beach.

Best Time to Visit
Anytime

Accommodation for Traveller
Grand Balisani Suites, Bakung Sari Hotel, Dreamland Villa, Villa Air Bali, The Bidadari Luxury Villas & Spa, Villa De Daun, The Alam Villa, Hard Rock Hotel, Bali Mandira & Spa, Resort Tunjung Bali

Others
Kuta Beach has a training center to surf and places that rent equipment for surfing and the guides at once. If the tourists just want to relax, there are professional massage services on the outskirts of Kuta Beach. There are also services to beautify the appearance of tourists, such as the temporary tatto, nail color, and hair style.

Sanur Beach : Surfing, Sunrise, Art

Sanur is one of biggest traditional village located in the southeastern side of Bali, but it's also one of the most established tourist areas in Bali Island. Sanur still retains its Balinese character and old style village ambiance. In contrast with Kuta Beach, which presents the beauty of the sunset, Sanur is an excellent place to see the sunrise in the morning.

While enjoying the sunrise in the morning, tourists can see the group of beautiful islands of Nusa Penida in the southeast, and good view of the south coast of Bali. The curved beach topography, with its spread of white sand, forming a lovely beach cluster around Sanur

Sanur is also popular for various beach activities including surfing, swimming, sailing, snorkeling, canoeing, jet-skiing, windsurfing or hang gliding that entice visitors to visit Sanur again and again. For those less active can hire a Banana Boat and hit the calm waters. It is one of the first areas where one can find good hotels, restaurants, shops, and other tourist facilities. One day at any of spas in Sanur is exactly what anyone would expect during staying in Bali, full service treatment steeped in Balinese tradition. The cost of spa here is cheap enough than in the western countries.

It's also the place for some of Bali chic fashion shops, hot hotels and well-known restaurants. A number of hotels in Sanur have arranged excellent accommodation for all types of travelers. It is a good location to explore the rest of Bali. Fine hotels, restaurants and modern entertainment venues complement traditional village activities like drama and dance, so it's a good place to enjoy the delights of a tropical island and gain a real appreciation of Balinese culture and local life.

Location of Destination
Sanur is located about 6 km southeast city of Denpasar, Bali Island, Republic of Indonesia

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta). Then by domestic flight about 1 hours and 50 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island). Or by international direct flight to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island).
Then by taxi approximately 20 minutes from I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar) to Sanur.

Best Time to Visit
Anytime

Accommodation for Traveller
Parigata Resort and Spa, Swastika Bungalows, Pavilions, Paradise Plaza Suites, Masari Resort & Spa, Bali Handara Kosaido Country Club, Respati Sanur Beach, Sanur Paradise Plaza

Others
In the Sanur Beach area of tourism can be found many stores that sell various items of art and typical beach souvenir.

Komodo : Pre Historic Dragon

The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is a species of lizard with its roots going all the way back to the dinosaurs, inhabits the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Gili Dasami, in the center of the Indonesian archipelago. A member of the monitor lizard family (Varanidae), it is the largest living species of lizard, growing to an average length of 2 to 3 metres (6.6 to 9.8 ft) and weighing around 70 kilograms (150 lb). An adult Komodo dragon usually weighs around 70 kilograms (150 lb), although captive specimens often weigh more. The largest verified wild specimen was 3.13 metres (10.3 ft) long and weighed 166 kilograms (370 lb), including undigested food. The Komodo dragon has a tail as long as its body, as well as about 60 frequently-replaced serrated teeth that can measure up to 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) in length. Its saliva is frequently blood-tinged, because its teeth are almost completely covered by gingival tissue that is naturally lacerated during feeding. This creates an ideal culture for the virulent bacteria that live in its mouth. It also has a long, yellow, deeply-forked tongue. Their unusual size is attributed to island gigantism, since there are no other carnivorous animals to fill the niche on the islands where they live, and also to the Komodo dragon's low metabolic rate. As a result of their size, these lizards, along with symbiotic bacteria, dominate the ecosystems in which they live. Komodo dragons are carnivores, carrion-feeders, and cannibals. Although Komodo dragons eat mostly carrion, they will also hunt and ambush prey including invertebrates, birds, and mammals.

Komodo dragon was the driving factor for an expedition to Komodo Island by W. Douglas Burden in 1926. After returning with 12 preserved specimens and 2 live ones, this expedition provided the inspiration for the 1933 movie King Kong.

It is neither permitted nor advisable to do any tours without local guides. The Komodo Dragons are dangerous when they attack. Komodos are extremely dangerous if close enough. They can run faster than humans, so best not approach if necessary. Jumping into water doesn't help either, as they can swim faster than humans, can dive, and can also swim against strong currents. In fact, sometimes Komodos are found on neighboring islands, suspected of swimming there. Their saliva is poisonous and will require immediate medical treatment, and their jaws can mean instant death. It may also charge at its victims. It's tail is equally deadly and may be swung dangerously, knocking victims off their feet. That’s the challenge in Komodo Island.

Location of Destination
Komodo National Park is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, at a distance of 200 nautical miles to the east of Bali (Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sunda Islands), Province of Nusa Tenggara Timur, Republic of Indonesia).

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta). Then by domestic flight about 1 hours and 50 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island). Or by international direct flight to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island).
Then by regular flights from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo (in Flores Island) about 2 hours, then by inter-island ferry to Komodo Island approximately 4 hours.
Or by plane from Denpasar to Bima (in Sumbawa Island) about 90 minutes, then travel overland from Bima to Sape approximately 3 hours, then by inter-island ferry from Sape to Komodo Island approximately 4 hours.
Or travel overland and ferry from Denpasar to Komodo Island approximately 2 days.

Most visitors enter Komodo National Park through the gateway cities of Labuan Bajo (In the west of Flores Island) or Bima (In eastern Sumbawa Island)

Best Time to Visit
March to May, after the rainy season

Accommodation for Traveller
In Labuan Bajo : The Golo Hilltop Hotel, The Eco Lodge
Best way to stay overnight at the park is to rent a local excursion boat and sleep on deck. Anchored just off shore from the park.

Others
Rangers’ house, restaurant and information centers are located on both Komodo and Rinca Island.

Bunaken National Marine Park

Bunaken National Marine Park is one of the most spectacular marine park in the world. It attracts scuba divers from all over the world to visit. The park covers a total surface area of 890.65 km squares, 97 per cent of which is overlain by sparkling clear, warm tropical water. The remaining 3 per cent of the park is terrestrial, including the five islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Montehage, Nain and Siladen.

The waters of Bunaken National Marine Park are clear (up to 35-40 m visibility in summer dry season), refreshing in temperature (27 to 29 °C). The area supports some of the world's highest levels of bio-diversity. Pick any of group of interest - corals, fish, echinoderms or sponges - and the number of families, genera or species is bound to be astonishingly high. Seven of the eight species of giant clams that occur in the world, occur in Bunaken. The park has around 70 genera of corals. Nearly 70 per cent of all fish species known to the Indo-western Pacific, are found

A snorkeler or diver in the vicinity of Lekuan or Fukui may spot over 33 species of butterfly fish and numerous types of groupers, damsels, wrasses and gobies. The gobies, smallish fish with bulging eyes and modified fins that allow them to attach to hard surfaces, are the most diverse but least known group of fish in the park.

Activity for visitor in Bunaken National Marine Park include swimming, snorkeling, diving (most diving takes place near Bunaken and Manado Tua, because of their many excellent sites), beach-combing (especially at low tide when the reef top is accessible), or fishing (only outside off the park boundaries).

Location of Destination
Bunaken National Marine Park is located about 15 km north off beach of Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi Province, Sulawesi Island, Republic of Indonesia.

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta).
Then by domestic flight about 2 hours from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to Hasanuddin Airport (Makassar).
Then by domestic flight about 75 minutes from Hasanuddin Airport (Makassar) to Sam Ratulangi Airport (Manado).
Then by boat about 30 minutes from port of Marina Nusantara Diving Centre (Manado) to Bunaken National Marine Park.

Best Time to Visit
May to August

Accommodation for Traveller
Within Bunaken Nation Marine Park : Siladen Resort & Spa, Lorenso's Homestay, M.C. Dive Bunaken, and Bunaken Village Resort.

Others
There are some dive shops can arrange intro dives and Open Water Diver courses. All dive shops in the park are affiliated with resorts.
The park also offers outstanding snorkeling.

Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park was established to conserve the unique Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) and its habitat. However, over the years, the goals for the Park have expanded to protecting its entire biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine. Komodo National Park had been declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, both indications of the Park's biological importance.

Komodo National Park includes three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands creating a total surface area (marine and land) of 1817 km squares (603 km squares of it land). The islands of the national park are of volcanic origin. As well as being habitat of the largest known lizard, the world famous Komodo Dragon, Komodo National Park provides refuge for many other notable terrestrial species such as the orange-footed scrub fowl, an endemic rat, Sunda deer (Cervus timorensis), wild buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), wild boar ((Sus scrofa), the macaque monkey (Macaca fascicularis), and wild horse (Equus qaballus). Moreover, the Park includes one of the richest marine environments including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts, and semi-enclosed bays. It consists of forams, cnidaria (includes over 260 species of reef building coral), sponges (70 species), ascidians, marine worms, mollusks, echinoderms, crustaceans, cartilaginous and bony fishes (over 1,000 species), sea turtles, and marine mammals (dolphins, whales, and dugongs). Some notable species with high commercial value include sea cucumbers (Holothuria), Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), and groupers.

Most of the Park is dry, rugged and hilly, a combination of ancient volcanic eruptions and more recent tectonic uplift of sedimentary seabeds. The irregular coastline is indented with rocky headlands and sandy bays, many framed by soaring volcanic cliffs. Komodo island alone is 35km long and 15km wide, and is mountainous on a north to south axis, with an average altitude of 500-600m. The highest peak is Satalibo (735m) in the north. Most of the island is lontar palm savannah with remnates of rainforest and bamboo forest at higher elevations. On Rinca the land rises gradually from the north coast to a plateau that ends at Mount Dora (667m) in the south. The rugged south coast is very sheer as a result of volcanic activity in the distant past, as evidenced by the crater bay in which Nusa Kode nestles.

The under water live and its ecosystems have been well known as the best diving site in the world. The water of Komodo National Park is very ideal place for many kinds of sea activites. It's just like the missing paradise for the underwater world lover. It has many excellent dive spots. It's vibrant color and exotic life will enchant divers and snorkelers.

Location of Destination
Komodo National Park is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, at a distance of 200 nautical miles to the east of Bali (Nusa Tenggara Islands (Lesser Sunda Islands), Province of Nusa Tenggara Timur), Republic of Indonesia.

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta). Then by domestic flight about 1 hours and 50 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island). Or by international direct flight to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar, Bali Island).
Then by regular flights from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo (in Flores Island) about 2 hours, then by inter-island ferry to Komodo Island approximately 4 hours.
Or by plane from Denpasar to Bima (in Sumbawa Island) about 90 minutes, then travel overland from Bima to Sape approximately 3 hours, then by inter-island ferry from Sape to Komodo Island approximately 4 hours.
Or travel overland and ferry from Denpasar to Komodo Island approximately 2 days.

Most visitors enter Komodo National Park through the gateway cities of Labuan Bajo (In the west of Flores Island) or Bima (In eastern Sumbawa Island)

Best Time to Visit
March to May, after the rainy season

Accommodation for Traveller
In Labuan Bajo : The Golo Hilltop Hotel, The Eco Lodge
Best way to stay overnight at the park is to rent a local excursion boat and sleep on deck. Anchored just off shore from the park.

Others
Rangers’ house, restaurant and information centers are located on both Komodo and Rinca Island.

Tanjung Puting National Park

The Tanjung Puting National Park is a conservation area that protects a large variety of plants, animals and their associated ecosystems. The Park has several ecosystem types such as lowland tropical rain forest, dryland forest, freshwater swamp forest, mangrove forest, coastal forest, and secondary forest. It is the largest and the only protected area in South East Asia that provide breeding grounds for a wide population of waterfowl.

The Tanjung Puting National Park was established primarily for the protection of the Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus). The orangutan of Kalimantan has dark reddish fur and no tail. As they get older, the adult males cheeks flesh out, resembling cushions. The older they get, the bigger these cheek flanges grow, giving them a fierce look. When this area become a national park, Tanjung Harapan moved to the other side of the Sekonyer River (across the original area). The original width of the park was 3,000.4 km². In its new location, it increased to 4,150.4 km².

Tanjung Puting occupies most of the peninsula between Teluk Kumai and the Seruyan River. The peninsula is low lying and swampy with a spine of dry ground which rises a few feet above the omnipresent swamp and consists of varied habitats. The Park is drained by several black water rivers that flow from the northern and eastern regions into the Java Sea. At the mouth of these rivers and along the sea coast are found Nipa/mangrove swamps. Mangroves teem with animal life. Tanjung Puting also includes tall dry ground tropical rain forest, primarily tropical heath forest, with a canopy of 40 meters with emergents exceeding 50 meters in height, seasonally inundated peat swamp forest with peat in layers two meters deep, open depression lakes formed by fire, and open areas of abandoned dry rice fields now covered with elephant grass and ferns. The tropical heath forest which is called kerangas in parts of Borneo , is only found on very poor, typically white-sandy soils and is characterized by medium-sized trees.

Tanjung Puting National Park is divided into four areas, each highlighting a different set of natural resources.
First, Camp Leakey. Camp Leakey area is devoted to the research and rehabilitation of adult orangutans. It is suitable for witnessing pre-wild or wild orangutan rehabilitation. Other species that can be seen in this area include the Owa-owa, White-head eagle, Sesep Madu bird, and – the bird of paradise - rhinoceros hornbill bird (Enggang and Rangkong).
Second, Tanjung Harapan. Tanjung Harapan area was developed for ecotourism, and hosts the information center, guest house, watch tower and camping ground. By traveling along the edge of the river, visitor can see the nipah formation, screw pine and bog forest. Hiking and bird watching are so attractive here.
Third, Pantai Sungai Cabang. Pantai Sungai Cabang area is located alongside a white sand beach. The working and maintenance huts are located here, along with guest houses, an information center, shelter, watch tower, camp ground, dock and various other tourist activities.
Fourth, Pondok Tanggui. Pondok Tanggui area is home to pre-wild and adolescent orangutans. It hosts various kinds of animals like deer, pig, the rangkong bird, Raja Udang bird and Sesep Madu bird. During journeys from Tanjung Harapan to Pondok Tanggui, one passes through the habitats of the bekantan monkey and the estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus dan Tomistoma schlegelli).

The types of plants that can be found in Tanjung Putting National Park is ulin (Eusideroxylon zwageri), jelutung (Dyera costulata), meranti (Shorea sp.), ramin (Gonystylus bancanus), gaharu, kayu lanan, keruing (Dipterocarpus sp), tengkawang (Dracomentelas sp.), Pandanus, Castonopsis, Dacrydium, Imperata cylindrica, Lithocarpus, Schiima, Hopea, Melaleuca, Dyospyros, Beckia, Licuala, Vatica, Tetramerista, Palaquium, Campnosperma, Casuarina, Ganoa, Mesua, Dactylocladus, Astonia, Durio, Eugenia, Calophyllum, Crinum sp., Sonneratia, Rhizophora, Barringtonia, Nipah (Nypa fruticans), Podocarpus, and Scaevola. While the bottom layer to plant forests consist of the types of rotan and anakan trees.

In addition to various species of reptile and bird that is unique, Tanjung Putting National Park is inhabited by various species of mammals. Among them is the best known species that makes the National Park best known, orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), bekantan (Nasalis larvatus) - a large monkey which is found only in Borneo, long tail macaque (Macaca fascicularis), maroon leaf monkey (presbistis rubicunda), Agile gibbon (Hylobates agilis), grey gibbon (Hylobates mulleri), and Malayan sun bear (Helarctus malayanus). The types of large mammals such as kijang sambar, deer (Muntiacus muntjak), kancil (Tragulus javanicus), and wild lige (Sus barbatus) can be found in this area. In fact, several species of mammals such as water cow (Dugong dugong) and dolphins (the locals call it as Pesut) seen in the waters around the Park area.

Furthermore, the living fauna can be found in the Park is fortune-bringing and highly endangered dragon fish known as the Arwana (bony-tongue).

Location of Destination
Tanjung Puting National Park is geographically located between 2°35’–3°20’ LS dan 111°50’-112°15’ BT.
The Park is located in Kotawaringin Region, Province of Central Kalimantan, Borneo Island, Republic of Indonesia

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta). Then by regular domestic flight about 40 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to Ahmad Yani Airport (Semarang, Central Java). Then by domestic flight about 1 hour from Ahmad Yani Airport (Semarang) to Iskandar Airport (Pangkalanbun, Central Kalimantan), or by ship approximately 20 hours from Semarang to Pangkalanbun.
Then by car from Pangkalanbun to Kumai approximately 3 hours. Then by motor boat from Kumai to Tanjung Harapan approximately 1 hour, from Kumai to Camp Leakey approximately 2 hours.

Best Time to Visit
April to November

Accommodation for Traveller
There are saveral good hotel in Pangkalan Bun and many of them over inexpensive price if you want spend a night at Pangkalan Bun.

Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple is a Mahayana Buddhist temple which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the greatest architectural monuments in Asia. The base of Borobudur is 123 x 123 meter squares in size. The highest point of Borobudur is about 35 m from ground level. The temple structure forms a sacred flower of Buddha, Lotus Flower. It is made up of three main structures. The lowest part of the temple structures is made up of six rectangular stories. This part is known as Kamadhatu. The walls of Kamadhatu are decorated with relief panels about story of Buddha. The middle part of the temple structures is three circular terraces, known as Rupadhatu. Around Rupadhatu are 72 openworks bell-shaped stupa, each of which contains a statue of Buddha. And third part is a great central stupa on the top of the temple, known as Arupadhatu.

Borobudur Temple was built at about eighth century and completed in 825 AD, during the reign of King Samaratungga of the Syailendra Dynasty, one of powerful kingdoms in Java Island on the period. Borobudur Temple resemble a microcosm of the universe and provide a visual image of the teachings of Buddha. It also shows the steps through the life that each person must follow to achieve enlightenment.

Every year Buddhists from some countries in South East Asia observe their Sacred Day of Waisak in Borobudur Temple. Waisak Festival at Borobudur basically celebrates the birth, enlightenment and the death of Lord Buddha. This religious festival is held on the evening of the full moon day in the month of May.

The Waisak Festival at Borobudur at Indonesia consists of a pilgrimage to this holy place. The monks dressed in saffron robes walk for five miles from Mendut to Borobudur. They carry candles and orange flowers as offerings with them. The procession starts in the evening. As soon as the soft white light of the moon illuminates the exterior of the temple, the monks light the candle and start chanting holy chants. They also pray and meditate at the same time. This holy ceremony is marked by its spirituality and tranquility. The true essence of the Buddhist religion can be easily understood from this Buddhist festival.

Location of Destination
Borobudur Temple is located in Magelang region, approximately 40 km northwest City of Yogyakarta, the capital of Yogyakarta Province in Java Island, Republic of Indonesia.

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta).
Then by domestic flight about 45 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to Adisucipto Airport (Yogyakarta), or by train about 10 hours from Gambir Station (Jakarta) to Tugu Station (Yogyakarta).
Then by car or bus approximately 1 hours from Bus Station (Yogyakarta) to the location of Borobudur Temple.

Best Time to Visit
April to October

Accommodation for Traveller
Near Borobudur : Manohara Hotel, Saraswati Borobudur Hotel, and Amanjiwo Resort.
In Yogyakarta City : Sheraton Mustika Hotel, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Inna Garuda Hotel, Novotel Hotel, Grand Mercure Hotel, Ibis Hotel, and Santika Hotel.

Others
There are some banks around city of Yogyakarta. Government-owned Bank such as Bank BNI 46 and Bank Mandiri. Non-Government-owned Bank such as Bank BCA.
There are also some book stores in Yogyakarta city that sell tourism information books, such as Gramedia Book Store.