Archive for February, 2007
I Ketut Budiana (55), a versatile painter from Ubud, Bali, will make a one-month visit to Melbourne, Australia, next April. “My visit is at the invitation and sponsorship of Dr Mizes Teven, an anthropologist from LaTrobe University in Melbourne,” Ketut Budiana said here on Sunday.
During his stay in Australia, he will paint animals and every things relating to affection. The paintings were expected to be able to support the research on Hinduism, which had been carried out by Dr. Teven, he said.
“Dr Mizes has conducted researches in various places in Bali concerning the teachings of Siva,” Budiana said.
His works of art, both painted in Bali and which will be painted in Australia, will be displayed in LaTrobe University in Melbourne, Australia.
In addition to painting, he will also give information on the teachings of Siva to the Australian audience.
Budiana, a teacher at a Bali vocational school, participated in an international art festival in India last January.
The festival was participated in by around 500 painters from various countries.
In the festival, he presented two paintings called “Siwa Lingga” and “Spiritual World Eradicates Darkness”, which were nominated in the festival. (*)
Source: ANTARA News
February 19th, 2007
Nusa Barung is a limestone island with spectacular cliffs rising to 325m and some coastal mangrove swamps. The island is about six km from north to south, and 16 km from east to west. Most of the island is hilly; there are several deeply indented bays on the northeast coast which provide sheltered anchorages for visiting fishermen. Because of its limestone substrate, the island is almost completely dry with no rivers and only a few natural ponds where animals may find standing water. Location 8°26′-8°30′S, 113°17′-113°26′E; 5 km off the southeast coast of Java, 45 km southwest of Jember, Jember District, East Java.
Area: 6,100 ha.
Altitude: Sea level to 325m.
Biogeographical Province: 4.22.12.
Wetland type: 03 & 07.
Climatic conditions:
Rather dry tropical climate with an average annual rainfall of 1,600 mm. There is only a short rainy season, and the southern shores are often exposed to strong winds. Average temperatures range from 20-32°C.
Principal vegetation:
Mangrove swamps with Rhizophora sp, Avicennia sp, Sonneratia alba, Lumnitzera sp and lylocarpus sp. Swamp vegetation around the small ponds includes Alsionia spanthulatus, Vatica walichii, Pleiornjum sp and Dillenja sp. The coastal scrub is dominated by Barringtonia sp, Terminalia catappa, Calophyllum inophyllum and Sterculia foetida, and the I lowland forest by Vitex pubescens, Ficus amplas and Tamarindus sp. The northeastern side of the island is covered with Supatorium sp and alang-alang. Botanically, the island is rather poor with Sterculia foetida and other drought resistant species predominating.
Disturbances and threats: The hunting of sea-turtles and collection of their eggs for humu Consumption.
Fauna: Little information is available. Waterbirds known to occur on the island include SuJa leucogaster, Bubulcus ibis, Egretta sacra, E. alba, Esacus magnirostrjs and the kingfishers Pelargopsis capensis and Halcyon chioris. Mammals include Ratufa bicolor, Cervus sp, Macaca sp, Callosciurus notatus, Viverricula malaccensis and Sus sp. Reptiles include the Green Sea Turtle Chelonja mydas, which nests on the beaches, and also Varanus sp, Mabouya sp, Python molurus and P. reliculatus.
Source:
Agustinus W. Taufik (www.arcbc.org.ph)
February 16th, 2007
Selorejo Recreational Park is a reservoir in District of Malang East Java region, which is operated by Perum Jasa Tirta I. The beauty of its reservoir surrounded by hills and Anjasmoro Mountain, Kelud Mountain, and Kawi Mountain adds the freshness of its air that could be felt. FRESH temperature ± 22° Celcius makes people comfortable to stay there. For any of you fans of durian, Ngantang is the place of durian warehouse at particular moons. Fruit durian is famous for its specific taste.
SUSPENSION bridge at Selorejo Recreational Park became the facility to connect between swimming pool and recreational park. For those who have hobbies such walking, the bridge is the way for jogging track along the side of the reservoir. Circling the Selorejo recreational park became a magnitude for tourists who want to enjoy the beautiful panorama of Selorejo reservoir with a small boat or motorboat.
ENJOY the spicy local foods from the café inside the recreational park that mastered in frying the Nila fish, Mujair, and Tombro fish. Probably the spice of fried Nila and Mujair grill is undefeatable by other restaurants.
YOU can enjoy the sunrise and sunshine panorama at the shadow in the water of the lake from your window at the cottage where you stay. AREA of Selorejo Recreational Park can become the arena of mountain biking for those who like challenge and heavy obstacling.
GOLF Course 9 hole located in the edge of the reservoir with fresh air gives private comfort for golf players besides playing so one can enjoy the reservoir of Selorejo Recreational Park. TENNIS court facility with three bans and executive box is completing the range of sport facilities at Selorejo Recreational Park.
BESIDE panorama of the reservoir in Selorejo Recreational Park enjoyed by visitors, the reservoir itself is a capable arena for ski and Jet Ski. SWIMMING pool facility with water from a pure and fresh spring well was supply with the comfortable for water sport. Adult swimming pool with international size is perfect for arena of a swimming contest. Beside adult swimming pool also a children swimming pool can be found.
Source : jasatirta1
February 16th, 2007
Poor tourist facilities at Mt Bromo near Malang, East Java, have caused visitor numbers to drop substantially, an official said Monday.
Joko Prihatno, head of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Agency, which manages the mountain, said that visitor numbers had fallen to 62,666 last year from an annual average of 177,570 in the 1990s. Around 10 percent of visitors were foreigners, he said.
He said he attributed the sharp fall in the number of visitors to the poor quality and lack of innovation in the park’s tourism facilities, which had stayed the same for years.
Management of sanitation, transportation, product diversification and bureaucracy at the park was also very poor, he said.
Source: The Jakarta Post
February 15th, 2007
The Indonesian territory of Kalimantan makes up 2/3 of Borneo island. Well known for its tropical forests, rich natural resources, and exotic flora and fauna, Kalimantan offers a unique, unexplored world of its own. Originally inhabited by the Dayak, it is now home to 10 million inhabitants with a variety of culture. The indigenous Dayaks, or the Orang Gunung (Mountain People), traditionally live in longhouses called Lamin or Umaq Daru that can house as many as 50 people. Once known as headhunters, the tribe consists of many sub-tribes such as Iban, Punan and Banuaq. The arrival of newcomers has given this land a rich cultural mixture of Dayak, Malay, Chinese, Javanese plus religious influence of Islamic teachings and Hinduism.
Rivers plays a very important role in communication and economy of the inhabitants. Most of community life are centered along rivers: houses, activities, etc. For the adventurous, this island offers many options to satisfy that desire: rafting or traveling along some of the world’s most beautiful and challenging rivers, trekking through traditional villages and jungles, or take a safari trip in one of the many national parks.
There are four provinces: East, South, Central and West which have their own governor.
East Kalimantan
Home to the longest river in Kalimantan, the Mahakam river, where freshwater dolphin can be found, East Kalimantan is growing to be an industrially advanced area. This is contributed by its position as a major producer of oil and timber, and as the second largest province in Indonesia. Also home to Kalimantan’s indigenous inhabitant, the Dayaks, in this province we can find many of Dayak cultural materials. 80 percent of this province is covered by forest.
South Kalimantan
This rich, fertile province is divided into two distinct regions by the Meratus mountains. The eastern part is mostly covered with mountains and dense tropical forest, while the southern part has more rivers and lowlands. The abundance of forests with their wide variety of trees has helped make this province one of the largest wood producers in Indonesia. The rich, unique natural resources found on this land can be seen from the exquisite traditional and commercial handicrafts which are completely made from local raw material. Some of the most exciting ways to experience all this is by backpacking over hills and racing down river on bamboo rafts.
Central Kalimantan
Covering an area of 153,800 square kms and consisting mostly of dense jungles, this is the largest province of the island. The terrain includes mountainous area in the northern part, dense tropical forest in the central, and swampy area with many rivers crisscrossing the southern part. Like other parts of the island, it has tropical climate with temperature ranging from 26 C to 30 C in day time and 15 - 20 C on nights, and average humidity of 70 - 90%.
West Kalimantan
The nickname ‘land of the equator’ earned by this province is contributed by the geographic position of its capital, Pontianak, which lies exactly on the equator. Covering an area of 146,807 square km, the province has swampy low plains containing many
rivers, lakes and villages, often linked by bridges. Once an important cultural crossroads, and because of its strategic location in the trade route of neighboring countries, this province is easily accessible from Jakarta and Singa pore. Like other Kalimantan provinces, this land is also rich of unexplored natural resources, such as minerals and precious stones.
The Special Sights
National parks and nature reserves
Kalimantan has a number of nature reserves to protect its unique flora and fauna. Kersik Luway is where the very rare ‘Black Orchid’ (Colongenia Pandurata) grows, located upstreams the Mahakam river, East Kalimantan. Bontang, in the regency of Kutai with an area of about 200,000 ha, has a rare flora and fauna. The Kutai National Park near Bontang is worth visiting to see scenery especially those at Beras Basah. Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan is the oldest conservation site of Kalimantan’s flora and fauna. The park is inhabited by Orang Utans, Owa-owa, Bekantan and other primates. Also found here the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre which is supported by the Would Wildlife Fund (WWF). In West Kalimantan, Gunung Palung National Park located in the Ketapang regency is home to miscellaneous flora and fauna. The Raya Pasi mountain located in the Singkawang regency is also an interesting place to visit to see the Rafflesia or giant flower. Singkawang is also a nature reserve. The forest of Sanggau is worth a visit where hot springs, lakes and caves can be found. The other nature reserves are the forests of Baning and Kelam Hill in the Sintang regency. While in Kapuas Hulu, there is the Bentuang. In South Kalimantan, there is the Kaget island, home to a wide variety of birds and monkeys, Most notably the humorous longnosed proboscis monkeys.
Cultural heritage
In East Kalimantan, Berau and Marine Tourism on Derawan island is where we can see the remains of a kingdom called the Keraton Gunung Tambur and the Keraton Sarnbaliung. Derawan island is approximately 3 hours boating from Tanjung Redep (The Capital of Berau regency). It is also a good place for water sports such as scuba diving, fishing, and swimming. Tenggarong, up the Mahakam river from Samarinda, is the capital of the Kutai regency and was once the seat of the Kutai sultanate. The Sultan’s Palace on the riverside is now a museum where historical objects from the sultanate are kept. Every 24th of September, dance and music performances are given to celebrate the town’s anniversary. Tanjung Isuy, located in East Kalimantan hinterland, has a traditional Dayak long-house which has been turned into lodges for visitors. Visitors are usually greeted by a traditional Benuaq Dayak welcome. The place can be reached through the scenic Mahakam river. At Muara Ancalong - Muara Wahau visitors can watch traditional dances of Kenyah Dayak which are performed at a long-house. In Flower Island, South Kalimantan, we can find many species of monkeys and an old Chinese temple where local Chinese bring offerings of fresh fruit and peanuts to a tribe of aggressive macaquef in hopes of being blessed with even greater prosperity. An original Betang (traditional longhouse) can be seen in Saham village, 158 km from Pontianak, West Kalimantan. The measures of this long-house are: 186 m long, 6 m wide, inhabited by 269 people. A heritage to Kaharingan religion, a sect of Hinduism, can be found in Bukit Rawi, small village of Central Kalimantan.
Trekking and water adventure
A trip along the Mahakam river in East Kalimantan offers unique riverside scenery of rare flora and fauna. Floating markets of all sizes can be found everywhere on Barito River, Banjarmasin South Kalimantan, with the one at the junction of the Kuin and Barito rivers is considered one of the best. Market activities usually end at 9 am. The traditional villages around Loksado, in the mountains east of Kandangan, is a wonderful place to be explored by foot. Amandit river is an excellent place for white water rafting. The first stretch, from Loksado to Muara Hatip, has rapids ranked grades I to 21/2. The second, from Muara Hatip to Batu Laki, includes rapids of grade 3. White-water lovers can also find satisfaction in Gohong Rawai, Central Kalimantan, known for its beautiful and challenging rapids. Many cities in Kalimantan are best explored through rivers, such as Pontianak and Banjarmasin.
Mining
In Teweh and Batu Apu gold mines, located in Rungan district of Central Kalimantan, gold panning is done traditionally by local people. A number of gold mines can also be found in other parts of Central Kalimantan. Traditional diamond digging, mostly with simple equipment, can be observed in Cempaka, 45 minutes from Banjarmasin South Kalimantan. In Martapura, visitors can see how precious stones are cut and polished. Beaches and resorts Kumai Beach, approximately 22.5 km from Pangkalanbun in Central Kalimantan has exotic views and serves as a transit place before Tanjung Puting National Park. Pasir Panjang, 17 km from Singkawang in the Sambas regency, South Kalimantan has a beach resort, ideal for swimming. Comfortable cottages are available equipped with a tennis court. In the vicinity of Singkawang, the Gunung Poteng hill resort with its fresh air is a good place for nature lovers. In East Kalimantan, Tanah Merah Indah - Lempake recreational park has a waterfall, located about 16 km from downtown Samarinda. Kijing and Temajoh island beach resorts near Pontianak, West Kalimantan, is also a good place for diving, fishing and sailing.
The Principal Towns
Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan, is known for its fine sarong cloth. Samarinda has a number of modest but comfortable hotels. Balikpapan has the second busiest airport in Indonesia. The city now serves as the gateway to East Kalimantan with air and sea connections to Jakarta and other major points in Indonesia. It has a number of good hotels, including one of international standard, as well as recreation facilities. Baniarmasin, capital of South Kalimantan is now developing as a tourist city. The nickname ‘river city’ reflects the unique way of life of its local residents found along the numerous rivers crisscrossing the city. Palangkaraya is the center of government, train and education of Central Kalimantan. Worth visiting is the Regional Museum of Palangkaraya that contains historical and cultural interests from all over Central Kalimantan. Pontianak is the capital of West Kalimantan lies exactly on the equator’ Some interesting place to visit are Equator Monument, Kadariah Palace in Kampung Dalam, the State Museum, the Kapuas and Landak Bridges. This city is best explored by boat along the many rivers found in it.
Where to Stay
In the four existing provinces you will find several luxurious hotels and losmens (inns), fine restaurants, exciting nightlife and other facilities for visitors who come to visit this island. National as well as international entertainment and recreation can be found in most of hotels in the capital cities.
Entertainment/Nightlife
In Balikpapan, Banjarmasin, Pontianak, Samarinda and Palangkaraya as big cities, enough entertainment can be found around the city. There are many theatres as well as night clubs in the capital cities.
Tours
The following are typical tours of those available on the island:
* Banjarmasin and Diamond Mines (3 days)
Board a boat on the Kuin river to visit the floating market on Barito river, then on by car to the diamond mines at Cempaka. Here you can see the traditional way of digging for diamonds. Continue to Martapura to see how diamonds are cut and polished. Return to Banjarmasin.
* Mahakam River (5 days)
Experience cruising in a riverboat through the beautiful Mahakam river in East Kalimantan. Highlights include Muara Muntai, a unique wooden village where even the roads are made of wood, visits to Mancong across Jempang Lake and Tanjung Isuy to see the Banuaq Dayak and spend the night at a Dayak longhouse. On the subsequent days you will be taken to Kota Bangun and Semayang Lake to see the fresh water dolphin, visit Tenggarong, the former Kutai Kingdom, then return to Balikpapan.
* Banjarmasin Loksado
Starting from Banjarmasin, this tour includes visit to Loksado village, A Dayak village where you can spend the night. The next day on to Tanuhi village on a bamboo raft down the Amandit river. Back to Banjarmasin by car.
Getting Around
* Air - There are regular flights between Palangkaraya, Banjarmasin, Pontianak and Samarinda, so it is comparatively easy and quick to move from one provincial capital to another.
* Taxis - Big towns only. Meter-taxis are not yet in general use, but there are plenty of vehicles available. Fixed fare for certain routes: e.g airport to centre.
* Becaks - Human-powered tricycle taxis for two passengers. Found in big cities of Kalimantan.
* Motorboats - As the land consist of rivers and jungles, these are available for hire by the hour.
* Water taxis - Small boats as well as ferries. It’s the main means of transportation.
* Klotok - A motorized longboat can be chartered to start the 4- or 5-hour trip up. It is possible to immerse yourself in jungle sounds by sleeping in a boat. There is also ‘Klotok Ambulance’ for the health services in the hinterlands in South Kalimantan and has function of a mobile public health service.
Handicraft
Palangkaraya is very proud of their rattan handicrafts. You can buy for souvenirs the rattan pleated bags, hats and many attractive wall decorations. The trading centre for semi-precious and precious stones is Martapura about 35 km east of Banjarmasin. Jewelery shop and diamond polishers line the road, where diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, topaz, amethysts, jade, turquoise but remember to bargain.
Handy Facts
All visitors to Indonesia must be in possession of passports valid for at least six months with proof of onward passage, either return or through tickets. A visa is not required for tourists visiting Indonesia for a period not more than two months. Visae are required except for all nationals of Australia, Brunei, Canada, Europe, Japan, Malaysia, Malta, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, United States of America not exceeding a stay of two months (60 days) which is not extendable.
Health
International certificates of valid smallpox, cholera and yellow fever vaccinations are required only from travellers coming from infected areas. It is however recommended to contact the local health authorities for further information on vaccinations before entering certain areas in Indonesia.
Customs - You may bring in 200 cigarettes or 100 gm of tobacco. Plus up to 2 litres of liquor for personal consumption.
Money - The Indonesian unit of currency is the rupiah. Banks everywhere accept notes and traveller’s cheques in major world currencies. Leading international credit cards are accepted by most of the major hotels, airline offices and certain stores.
Postal services - The air mail service between Bali and overseas countries is fast and efficient. The charge depends on letter weight. There are also excellent telex, fax and telephone facilities.
Language - The national language is Bahasa Indonesia. English and Dutch are widely understood - and major hotels have staff who speak other languages.
Climate - Warm and delightfully fresh all the year round. The dry season is mid-April to September but the so-called ‘wet season’ is still a time of clear, sunny skies with a few sudden, tropical showers.
Clothes - Informal summer short sleeved attire - but take woollens for cold mountain region trips or latenight dance performances.
Time - There are three time zones in Indonesia. West and Central Kalimantan observes Western Standard Time (GMT+7 hours), East and South Kalimantan observes Central Standard Time (GMT + 8 hours).
Activities - trekking, river trips, caving, eco tourism, cruises & sailing and scuba diving.
Source : www.indonesiapromo.com
February 15th, 2007
Sumba island has a great and unique position respect to the Sunda Banda archipelagoes, it is one of the biggest island on the East Nusa Tenggara region beside Flores and Timor. It represents an isolated sliver of probable continental crust to the south of active volcanic islands (Sumbawa, Flores ) within the forearc basin (Fig.1). It is situated to the north of passage from the Java Trench (subduction front) to the Timor Through (collision front). It does not show still the effects of strong compression in contrast to islands of the outer arc system (Savu, Roti, Timor), while the magmatic units make up a substantial part of the Late Cretaceous to Paleogene stratigraphy.
Sumba island covers an area of 11,150 square km which is now populated by about 350,000 people. Generally the climate similar to other part of Indonesia where a dry season (May to November), and a rainy season (December to April). The island of Sumba is well known of its sandlewood, horses, impressive megalithic tombs, typical hand woven textile (”ikat”), and still untouched beautiful beaches. There are two entering point in to Sumba island from anywhere in the Lesser Waingapu & Waikabubak (Tambolaka). These are the people could enter Sumba for either by flight or boat.
Sumba has a unique culture and their social life. Sumbanese are traditionally divided into three level of social life : (Raja/King) - Maramba, Customary Official - Kabihu, and Slaves - Ata. Sumbanese are living from farming, cattle breeding, rice-field farming and trading. Ones owns cattle will contribute to their social status such as if they had more cattle giving them a higher social status.
Most Sumbanese are Christian (Catholic and Protestant), however, and part of them are still strongly keep their native and original religion called Marapu. Most cultural objects are related to the Marapu religion such as the shape of traditional houses, ceremonies, or kings’ graves and tombs.
The Customary houses designed in high-peaked roof to store the heirlooms and store. It is divided into male and female section, and generally surrounded by impressive megalithic tombs. Their famous ceremony are the wedding and funerals. where they usually sacrificed animals pigs, buffaloes, cattle, and horses.
The Megalithic tombs are made from the hard stone forming the megalithic shape. This covered by rectangle flat stone supported by four pillars about 1,5 meters high. The Megalithic tombs are actually located in the front of their houses
A primitive Sumbanese art objects strongly related with a social functions of Merapu belief. The carved stones and wood statues are representing the death, Merapu, and as medium for their contact. Metal ornaments and jewelry are usually for wedding ceremonies, and are related to the social status
Sumba Island has a unique position with respect to the Sunda-Banda arc as it represents an isolated sliver of probable continental crust to the south of active volcanic islands (Sumbawa, Flores ) within the forearc basin (Fig.1). It is situated to the north of passage from the Java Trench (subduction front) to the Timor Through (collision front). It does not show still the effects of strong compression in contrast to islands of the outer arc system (Savu, Roti, Timor), while the magmatic units make up a substantial part of the Late Cretaceous to Paleogene stratigraphy.
Bathymetrically, Sumba stands out as a ridge that separates the Savu forearc basin (> 3000 m depth) in the east and the Lombok forearc basin (> 4000 m depth) in the west. Seismic refraction studies show (Barber et al., 1981) that it is made up of 24 km thick continental crust (Chamalaun et al., 1981). Based on the results of tectonic studies helped by paleomagnetism and geochemistry, several workers considered Sumba as a microcontinent or a continental fragment (Hamilton, 1979 ; Chamalaun and Sunata, 1982 ; Wensink, 1994, 1997 ; Vroon et al., 1996 ; Soeria-Atmadja et al., 1998 ).
Three main geodynamic models for Sumba have been reviewed by Chamalaun et al. (1982) and Wensink (1994) as follows : (i) Sumba was originally a part of the Australian Continent which was detached afterwards when the Wharton basin was formed, drifted northwards and subsequently trapped behind the eastern Java Trench (Audley-Charles, 1975 ; Otofuji et al., 1981), (ii) Sumba was once part of Sundaland which was drifted southwards during the opening of the Flores Basin (Hamilton,1979, Von der Borch et al., 1983 ; Rangin et al., 1990) and (iii) Sumba was either a microcontinent or part of a larger continent within the Tethys, which later was fragmented (Chamalaun and Sunata, 1982).
Three distinct calc-alkaline magmatic episodes have been recorded during Cretaceous - Paleogene, all of them characterized by nearly similar rock assemblages (i.e pyroclastic rocks, basaltic - andesitic lava flows and granodioritic intrusions). They are respectively (i) the Santonian - Campanian episode (86-77 Ma) represented by volcanic and plutonic rock exposures in the Masu Complex from Eastern Sumba, (ii) the Maastrichtian-Thanetian episode (71-56 Ma) represented by the volcanic and plutonic units of Sendikari Bay, Tengairi Bay and the Tanadaro Complex in Central Sumba and finally (iii) the Lutetian - Rupelian episode (42-31 Ma) of which the products are exposed at Lamboya and Jawila in western part of Sumba. No evidence of Neogene magmatic activity has been recorded so far.
Source : komodotours.com
February 14th, 2007
Flores Island is lying east of Bali in East Nusa Tenggara. It is about 2 hours flight from Denpasar - Bali by Fokker 27 of Merpati Airlines. Flores is the volcanic island and has unique and spectacular attractions. Mount Kelimutu has become a favorite destination, with its three crater lakes of different colors. It is one of the largest island on East Nusa Tenggara province. It stretches between the east longitudes of 118 and 125 , and between the latitudes of 8 and 11 south.
Centuries earlier, Portuguese explores discovered it as the jewels in the neckless of Indonesia Islands and gave the island its lyrical name “Cabo das Flora” means “Cape of Flowers” after the beautiful coral formations that shimmer in her crystal sea.
Flores island promises the unforgettable trip experience with some unusual sites which you can not find anywhere else, offers peaceful place relaxationx on a palm fringed beach, explore the enchanting coral playgrounds. Venture inland to discover the island’s rich cultural heritage, the magnificent of “Kelimutu” - the Three Color Lakes, see the Giant Lizards - Komodo Dragons on their natural habitat, and much more
The island of Flores offers the unlimited uniquenese from prehistoric dragons, wild horses, colored lakes, actives volcanoes, traditional villages, megalithic cultures, NEW found Human Fossils, coral reefs and untouched beaches. There are over 7 acitive volcanoes spread from east to the west of the island makes up the uniquenese of the island like a mystery to discover. Flores island and its surroundings tiny island include Komodo island endless in diversity as it starts from the west lies the home of pre-historic dragon (Komodo National Park with its Komodo dragon “giant lizards”), offers a great and spectacular colorful tropical fishes, coral and reef, step into the main island of Flores the megalithic tombs and their unique lifestyle still exist in the remote traditional villages, hiking into the deep of Manggarai entering the World Shock site LIANG BUA known with its NEW FOUND HUMAN FOSSILS, Ranamese “giant lake”, (Poco Ranaka, Inerie, Gunung Meja, Gunung Ia, Inalika, Gunung Palue, Gunung Egon, and many more active volcanoes), Lake Kelimutu - three colored lakes, hand weaving sarong, traditional houses with its ritual symbols, while the most eastern part of the island and its tiny island surroundings rich in colonial history, but strong on traditional ways of living and beliefs include the WHALE HUNTING tradition.
Mountain and Valleys
The huge mountain and valleys on the island predicted formed, due to a collision between the Australian - Indian Ocean plate and Eurasian plate, large volcanoes erupted about 70 millions years ago. These volcanoes slowly merged together to form the green jewel, Flores.
The cone shaped volcanoes on Flores are still potentially and demonstrably active. The Chapel of Christ in Larantuka was miraculously spared when Mt. Ile Mandiri erupted in the early 1980s. In Ruteng a new volacano “Anak Ranaka” appeared as recently as 1988. And smoke can still be seen rising from Mt. Ebulobo, on traveling the road from Bajawa to Ende.
Flores mountains offer great opportunities for trekking and hiking, where you pass terraced rice fields laying deep in the sloping valleys, or climbing over mountain passes to traditional villages.
The Three Colored Lakes
Konderatu - konderatu, let the clouds part so we may see your glory”. Set high among the mountains in the middle of Flores island is Mt. Kelimtu with its three volcanic craters, each with it’s own colored lake. Most visitor make an early start to reach the summit and see the sunrise, which through its rays reveals the true colors of the lakes.
Local believe the colors are influenced by the kind of spirits that dwell in them. Scientists believe it is due to the high mineral content dissolved in the water, either way it is a spectacular sight.
Prehistoric Dragons
With one large bite the huge dragon, with its flickering forked tongue, ripped into the flesh of its prey and then gulped it down in one piece. The Komodo Dragon Varanus Komodoensis is the largest of all lizards in the world, measuring up to three meters in length and over 150 kilos in weight. These dragons are carnivorous and if hungry will turn on their own.
Official guides work and study on Komodo Island assisting in fieldwork and research. They have the knowledge and experience to show you these spectacular animals. Komodo island and nearby Rica Island are not just “dragons” but also offer a variety of other wildlife such as wild horses, birds, and deer as well as abundant marine life. Komodo dragons are only found among the island of the National Park.
Accommodation is available for those who wish to become aquainted with Varanus Komodoensis.
Traditions and Megaliths
Although the vast majority of Flores is Catholic, many people still follow their old ways, by living in traditional villages and placing food offerings on megalithic stones, to appease their ancestor.
In the mountains, around Bajawa, the Ngada people still follow the law laid down by their ancestors. The Ngadanese are divided into set, clans, that have head chiefs and elders who decide over matters such as land-rights, funerals, marriages and other ceremonies.
The area Lio, Mt. Kelimutu, has a legend about four brothers who migrated from Java and formed the first Lio clans. All clan that live and form the same area, elect lords and chiefs to decide over community matters. Each clan owns a clan house where the bones of important ancestors are kept, and rituals are held. The Lio village is a cluster of houses with large high steep roofs erected around sacred stones, and megalithic.
Weaving
Women throughout Flores still hand-weave their textiles using natural dyes and handspun cotton, known as Ikat weaving. Flores textiles are rustic in color with abstract motifs of chickens, mountains and traditional houses. Some weaving areas are, Pagal around Ruteng, Wolotopo, Nggela in Ende region and Sikka nearby Maumere.
Coral Reefs
Where the world can you dine with pre-historic dragons, then leave them to digest their food, while you explore the unique underwater world.
Flores, the treasure of coral reefs, rich with colorful sea gardens, giant clans, caves, and clear water that teems with more species of fish than can be found in all the rivers and lakes of Europe.
There are three location, Labuan Bajo, Riung, and Maumere that offer facilities for snorkeling and certified divers. Labuan Bajo, the prefect location to explore untouched coral in Komodo National Park.
Maumere also offers the opportunity to explore great marine life, around 40 different dive sites in the Marine Garden of the Bay of Maumere. Dive into the crystal clear water with normal visibility of 60 - 150 yard and the right temperature of 26 - 28 Celcius, where you will see more species of fish than anywhere else and exciting marine life.
Flores Island - a home of the unique culture, nature beauties and more.. It lies between Sumbawa and Timor islands is an abbreviation of Cabo da Flores which was used by Portuguese sailor in the 17th century to identify the cape on the eastern end of the islands because of its underwater gardens
Divided by mountain chains and volcanoes, the island populated by ethnic groups with their own traditions and languages. Predominantly Catholic, the have retained several aspects of the Portuguise culture such as the Easter parade held annually at Larantuka on the eastern part of the island and the Royal Regalia of the former King of Sikka
Sumber : http://www.komodotours.com/
February 13th, 2007
It is the original habitat of the biggest lizard in the earth. Komodo National Park offers its visitors with the beautiful landscape, quite and calm, bring you close with a touch of Nature. Nestled between eastern Sumbawa and western Flores lie three tiny grass-covered islands Komodo, Padar and Rinca, which together form the Komodo National Park, a protected wildlife reserve.
This is the home of the giants lizard known as the “Komodo Dragon” it was thought to be a myth until the turn of the century, when fishermen who were forced by a storm to take shelter on Komodo sight the monsters. Komodo Adventure Tours Option : Lead your children and get the whole family traveling to the untouched nature and the prehistoric wildlife with the expert.
Take them to see in real what the prehistoric life is and step a feet at the original home of the Komodo dragon. An exclusive itineraries are designed to meet your need at various durations available. Komodotours.com well aware of your vacation plan that some travelers are booked their package at home include airfares and the whole accommodation in Bali during the vacation. Komodotours.com offers selected itinerary to give you the choice to plan your travel from home.
Geography
The islands of Komodo National Park are generally young , oceanic volcanic islands which are constantly : rising, eroding, and subsiding in the sea. West Komodo was probably the first to form from volcanic activity in the Jurrasic era about 130 - 134 million years ago. East Komodo, Padar and Rinca are younger and probably emerged in the Eocene era about 49 million years ago.
The many animals in Komodo National Park are an important part of the ecology of Komodo dragons. The Komodo dragon is top predator in its environment and all animals in the park are potential prey of the Komodo dragon. The fauna is a combination of Asia and Australian species including 277 animals species, of which 25 are protected. These include 32 mammal species, 90 bird species and 36 reptile species. Komodo National Park, it is encompasses over 173.300 ha of 40.728 ha land and 132.572 ha sea. Three largest islands dominated the land, are Komodo (33.937 ha) Rinca (19.625 ha) and Padar (2.017 ha). Land topography is rugged with the highest point 735 m at mount Satalibo. There are no active volcanoes in the park although the islands are located in one of the world’s most active volcanic belts, tremors from volcanic belt are common. The closest active volcano last erupted in 1975. Gunung Sangeang Api located northwest of Komodo island last erupted in 1997 and is still smoking from the northern peak.
Climate
Komodo dragons live in one of the driest area in Indonesia, where there are few permanent water sources. Different temperatures during the year in different habitats will influence the Komodo dragon’s range. Rains falls mainly from December to March and less then 800mm per year. The climate is strongly effected by monsoon winds and the amount of moisture they bring in. From April to October , dry southeast trade winds from Australia bring very little moisture to the area.
From January to February, the northwest monsoon comes in from Asia. The wind brings moisture with it, but most of the moisture is dropped over west Indonesia before it reaches the park. The highest annual temperature in the park is 43 degrees Celcius, the minimum is 17 degrees Celcius. November is the hottest month of the year. The hottest part of the day is at noon and just afterwards. Komodo dragons seek shade and rest when the temperature is too warm. The highest humidity is in February at 86%. The lowest humidity is in October at 75%. Komodo dragons are less active in high humidity and in rain. Traveling during the wet season preferable to see the green forest.
Flora on Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park has widely known with the home of the giant lizard Komodo Dragon - which has just declare to be one of the latest heritage of the world. Explore the under water live and its ecosystems which has well known as the best diving site in the world. From beautiful coral, reefs, thousands sort of fishes to the crystal water and beautiful beach are await to visit. Komodo dragons live in one of the driest area in Indonesia, where there are few permanent water sources. The mix vegetation of Komodo National Park provides habitat and shade for different animals of the park. There are 254 plants species from Asian and Australian origin. Komodo dragons are carnivores and do not eat any of the vegetation. However, the main prey of Komodo dragon, such as deer and will boar, feed on various leaves, fruit, flowers, roots and grasses found in the park. Sumber: http://www.komodotours.com/
February 13th, 2007
Flores is part of the East Nusa Tenggara province. The island is split into five regencies (local government districts); from west to east these are: Manggarai, Ngada, Ende, Sikka and Flores Timur. Wawo Muda Volcano, which erupted in 2001Flores has several active and dormant volcanoes, including Egon, Ilimuda, Leroboleng, and Lewotobi.
Flora and Fauna
The west coast of Flores is one of the few places, aside from the island of Komodo itself, where the Komodo dragon can be found in the wild. The Flores Giant Rat is also endemic to the Island.
In September 2003, at Liang Bua Cave in western Flores, paleoanthropologists discovered skeletons of a previously unknown hominid species. Homo floresiensis, affectionately termed hobbits after the small characters in the Lord of the Rings, appear to be miniaturized versions of Homo erectus standing about one metre tall. They may have existed until as recently as 11,000 BC. Local reports of elf-like people, the Ebu Gogo, or the Orang Pendek of Sumatra, have caused speculation that Flores man may have survived into the historical period, or even to the present. The discovery has been published in the October 28, 2004, issue of Nature magazine and the April 2005 issue of the National Geographic Magazine.
However, on August 21, 2006, the National Geographic Newsletter published an article reporting that several scientists now believe that the remains discovered in 2004 were not of a different species but were pygmies. Flores was also a habitat of the extinct Stegodon dwarf elephant until approximately 18,000 years ago. It also was the habitat of species of giant rodents. It is speculated by scientists that limited resources drove the few species that lived upon the island to gigantism and dwarfism.
Culture
A statue of Jesus in Maumere, FloresThere are many languages spoken on the island of Flores, all of them belonging to the Austronesian family. In the centre of the island in the districts of Ngada and Ende there is what is variously called the Central Flores Dialect Chain or the Central Flores Linkage. Within this area there are slight linguistic differences in almost every village. At least six separate languages are identifiable. These are from west to east: Ngadha, Nage, Keo, Ende, Lio and Palu’e, which is spoken on the island with the same name of the north coast of Flores. Locals would probably also add So’a and Bajawa to this list, which anthropologists have labeled dialects of Ngadha.
Portuguese traders and missionaries came to Flores in the 16th century, mainly to Larantuka and Sikka. Their influence is still discernible in Sikka’s language and culture.
Flores is almost entirely Catholic and represents one of the “religious borders” created by the Catholic expansion in the Pacific and the spread of Islam from the west across Indonesia. In other places in Indonesia, such as in the Malukus and Sulawesi, the divide is more rigid and has been the source of bloody sectarian clashes.
Tourism
The most famous tourist attraction in Flores is Kelimutu; three coloured lakes in the district of Ende. These coloured lakes change colours on a regular basis. The latest colours (late 2004) were said to be turquoise, brown and black.
There is good snorkelling and diving on several locations along the north coast of Flores, most notably Maumere and Riung. However, due to the destructive practice of local fishermen using bombs to fish, and locals selling shells to tourists, combined with the after effects of a devastating tsunami in 1992, the reefs have slowly been destroyed.
Labuanbajo (on the western tip of Flores) is a town often used by tourists, from where they can visit Komodo and Rinca. Labuanbajo also attracts scuba divers, as whale sharks inhabit the waters around Labuanbajo.
Tourists can visit Luba and Bena villages to see traditional houses in Flores. Larantuka, on the isle’s eastern end, is known for its Holy Week festivals.
Sumber : http://en.wikipedia.org/
February 12th, 2007
His hair in dissary, rumpled, and dust-ridden, the boy smiles warmly, welcoming his visitor and offering himself to be a photo-model. After being photographed, the boy gets rupiahs or maybe dollars from his visitors. That’s the shaggy boy of Tengger.
Gimbal (shaggy) is nickname for children who have shaggy hair, only certain ones, and so people say they are regarded the descendants of the ‘god’ guarding the area. The hirsute and rumpled hair is not artificial, but genuine since birth. According to the custom that as long as the child is not of age, the shaggy hair may not be combed, shampooed, or even cut. Even through the child looks rumpled and neglected, for the Tengger community, the gimbal child is a favoured child to be respected and to be given all its wishes. If not, child may become ill and even die. To cut the gimbal child’s hair, a special ceremony must be held.
Temples
Between Surabaya and Malang is the town Singosari where remnars of thr esrly 13th century Singosari Kingdom include a tample and two gingantic statues of guardians to what many believed to be the main gateway to the capital of the kingdom. Jago temple dates back to 1268, and is one of the most attractive temples in east Java. Scenes from folktales as well as from the Mahabarata apic decorate the side panels.
Kidal temple, nor far from Jago temple, was completed in 1260 to honour one of the kings, and is a gem of singosari temple art. Located 120 km south west of Malang and 11 km North of Blitar, is Penataran temple in the Singosari - Majapahit temple complex, dating from the mid fourteenth century. Its structures are laid on a large and vast field. The main temple is well preserved.
Source : http://www.indonext.com/
February 12th, 2007
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