Explore one of the places hidden from the outside world in the Mentawai Islands

Explore one of the places hidden from the outside world in the Mentawai Islands

Borobudur : A Wonder of Indonesia History

The magnificent temple of Borobudur is the largest monument of the Buddhist world, an ancient site widely regarded as one of the seven wonders of the world. Built in the 9th century, the reign of the dynasty Syailendra the design of the Temple of the architecture reflects the influence Gupta India on the region, however, there are enough scenes of Indians and the elements incorporated to make only Borobudur Indonesia . This imposing monument is truly a marvel. After a visit here will understand why Indonesia's most visited tourist attraction and a famous icon of the cultural heritage of Indonesia.

 Located on the island of Java, the temple sits majestically on a hill overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. It covers a huge area, measuring 123 x 123 meters. The monument is a marvel of design, decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The stone architecture of this temple has no equal. And it was built without using any cement or mortar! The structure is like a huge set of interlocking Lego blocks together without any glue.

The temple has remained strong even through ten centuries of neglect. It was rediscovered in 1815, buried under volcanic ash. In the 1970 the Government of Indonesia and UNESCO worked together to restore Borobudur to His Majesty the former restoration took eight years to complete and now one of Indonesia's Borobudur and the world's most valuable treasures.

The temple is decorated with stone carvings in bas-relief images representing the life of Buddha. Commentators say this is the largest and most complete set reliefs in the world Buddhists alike in artistic merit.

 This monument is both a sanctuary for the Lord Buddha and a Buddhist pilgrimage site. The ten levels of the temple symbolize the three divisions of the cosmic system of religion. When visitors begin their journey at the base of the temple, make their way to the top of the monument through the three levels of Buddhist cosmology, Ka your Madha (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu (the world of the report). When visitors walk to the top of the monument guides the pilgrims the past 1460 narrative relief panels on the wall and balustrade, the.

 All the monument resembles a giant stupa, but seen from above forms a mandala. The great stupa at the top of the temple is 40 meters above the ground. The main dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.

Historians suggest that Borobudur's name comes from the Sanskrit "Vihara Buddha Uhr" or "Buddhist monastery in the mountains

Lake Sentani : Introduction to Spectacular Papua

Travel within Papua can be relaxing when it started with a visit to Lake Sentani, brighter scenic beauty of water located near Jayapura, capital of Papua. The stillness of the water is calmer, evoking a particular wonder whether a lake should actually be in paradise. The Cyclops Mountains covering the north and lush vegetation as a backdrop, safely protecting the twenty-four villages surrounding the lake. People here are friendly and creative carving its reputation among the best boat builders in the land of Guinea.

To best experience the thrill of sailing on the lake, rent a motor boat available in one of the villages. The guide has taken you on the overnight bus from Jayapura will show you where to get one of the canoes. Experience the thrill of being caressed by the warm breeze, while the acceleration in the lake, the picture of the houses on stilts, meet local people and make friends with your guide, and finally, boldly brag about it in travel blogs.

Sentani Lake and the surrounding area was once the field of training for amphibious aircraft landings. It was built by the Japanese and captured by the U.S. Army in 1944. History of the American war, General McArthur said to have been set in the lake and its islands 22, and came with his victory in island-hopping strategy.

Living as farmers, and the location near the capital of the province, are reasons why most of the population around the lake you can visit. stilt houses with pools and landscape networks are commonplace. The lake is home to at least 33 species of fish, of which almost half of them are native. Sawfish (Pristis microdon) was the headquarters of the lake, is now said to have been extinguished. This fish is one of the indigenous motifs found in Sentani woodwork. Hang one of these elements in the wall as a brand that has been dramatically made in the wilderness of Papua.

Jayapura : Gate to Interior Papua and the Sentani Lake Festival Reviews

Facing a quiet bay that was once called "a port better" than Ternate in the Moluccas by the British naturalist Sir Alfred Wallace, is now Jayapura Papua's capital and home to over 100,000 people. The residents of this city come from many parts of Indonesia.

Jayapura, located in eastern Papua, is the starting point for many travelers who want to make adventure travel within Papua. Travelers come here for all kinds of adventures. This is where you can begin your journey in the remote Baliem Valley, or the realization of sustainable research, conservation, crocodile for his thesis, or preparing to capture the magic of Lake Sentani and culture in the chamber.

In a leafy hill stands a communication tower of red and black is the best place to see the city. While this may not be the most exciting activity to do in Papua, which is a good way to orient themselves and find out how big is this region. Jayapura, after all, only a gateway to their remarkable journey in one of the largest islands in the world.

Acting as the hub for travelers looking to explore Papua and other parts of central Indonesia, Jayapura is used for passengers and is always ready to receive visitors. This is the place to come and start your exotic adventure in Papua, taking in the culture and landscape of a world untouched.

Komodo National Park : Into The Heart of The Dragons

Real Dragons lug no fire, no need to fly and cast no magic spells. Yet one aspect of them can do without words. These Komodo dragons in real life, are a sight indeed. Giant lizard-like creatures are meters about two or three long. They can easily weigh about 165 kilograms. Despite its huge size and appearance, are active hunters. What makes them scary is the fact that they are a patient predator. In nature, they stalk a victim, usually a weak or injured. One bite and that's what it usually takes. After following the victim for a time, sometimes until the time of several days, the Komodos devour their prey dying.

The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is an endangered species that can only be found in the Komodo National Park (KNP) in Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Due to the unique and rare nature of this animal, KNP was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.

 The park includes three main islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar, and numerous smaller islands together totaling 603 km2 of land. The total size of Komodo National Park is presently 1,817 km2. Proposed extensions of 25 km2 of land (Banta Island) and 479 km2 of marine waters would bring the total to 2321 at least 2,500 km2.At Komodos live in the area. large dragons are generally three feet long and weigh 90 kg. Its habitat has beautiful views of the savannahs, jungles, white sand beaches, beautiful reefs, and clear blue seas. In this area, you can also find horses, wild buffalo, deer, boars, snakes, monkeys and various birds.

KNP has a Biotica under sea water rich and surprising. Divers say that the waters of Komodo is one of the best dive sites in the world. It has fascinating underwater landscapes. You can find 385 species of beautiful corals, mangroves and seagrass as a home for thousands of species of fish, 70 types of sponges, 10 types of dolphins, 6 types of whales, green turtles and several types of sharks and rays.

Or you can do some diving on the island of Komodo. Go to this link if you want to see more information. 

Bali : Simply the World's Best Island

Bali is magic. As probably the most famous island in Indonesia Bali combines spectacular mountain scenery and beaches, with warm and friendly people, a vibrant culture and out of this world resorts.

Travel & Leisure Magazine has named as World's Best Bali Island in 2009, while the Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2010 in Bali ranked second among the regions in the world.

Also known as the Land of the Gods, Bali resources through its great natural beauty of the threat of volcanoes and lush rice fields that exude peace and serenity. Love Bali with spectacular dances and colorful ceremonies, arts and crafts, to luxury spas and nightlife. On this exotic island has much to offer, spirituality and inspiration to experience restaurants meeting the world class surfing and scuba exciting excursions in nature. And everywhere is carved temples.

In fact, the Balinese, who embrace the Hindu religion, is a most devout people devoted much of his life to the rites and ceremonies designed to maintain harmony in this world. In fact, this relatively small island has many surprises.

This island is a miracle indeed, because after decades of popularity, continues to amaze Bali both local and international visitors alike. Here you can find a variety of visitors from around the world: from those who come to surf the waves of Kuta, Uluwatu and Dreamland, other people who love the scenic beauty of mountains and lakes in Batur, Kintamani, or Berat Lake at Bedugul, who simply love to shop or spend days endless beach.

Besakih Temple: A temple of the Mother in Bali

Located on the western slopes of Gunung Agung, and referred to as the Mother Temple of the Hindus of Bali, Besakih Temple (Pura Besakih) sits in a vast area, offering stunning views of the landscape that surrounds this beautiful temple complex art.

Besakih Temple is located in the village of Besakih, in the eastern part of Bali. Besakih The name comes from the word "Basuki" derives from the word "Wasuki" which means salvation in the classical Sanskrit language. Whereas Samudramanthana mythology, the name "Besuki" actually refers to the Dragon-God Besuki Naga, who lived in Gunung Agung, the main volcano in Bali ..

This great temple complex has been considered a sacred place since ancient times. The first recorded mention of its existence comes from an inscription dating back to 1007 AD. It is known that since the 15th century, Besakih was regarded as the central temple of Hinduism in Bali.
Besakih Temple, also known as Penataran Pura Agung, is the principal place of worship of Bali, a resort set in temples Twenty-two parallel ridges. This complex expresses the fundamental belief of the Balinese known as Tri Hita Kirana, which means that life on earth must be lived and kept in balance and harmony between man and man to God and society and their peers, and the man and his natural environment.
During a full moon, Bali and many pilgrims in the temple. Odal During the festival, the temple is more elaborately decorated. Odal is celebrated every day 210a.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Bali-Simply-the-Worlds-Best-Island?done

Ubud: A place of peace and serenity

If you are looking for peace and tranquility, then Ubud is the place to be. Steeped in culture and enhanced by magnificent views, Ubud offers a respite from the monotony of your busy life. In the past, Ubud was just a small town, but now it has become a thriving cosmopolitan community, but relaxed. Ubud pampers guests in the body and soul. excellent restaurants and spas here will delight the senses and relax. A stroll through the lush rice fields, seeing colorful processions of women gracefully balancing lots of offerings of fruit on their way to the temple, are lasting impressions and simply stunning.

The best way to observe the traditions of Bali and the culture is through mixing with the locals and observe their daily routine. In this city, you can visit the temples and towns that have remained relatively unchanged over the years.

Art galleries are also abundant. Master paintings and sculptures are waiting to be admired and appreciated for who knows which is the perfect painting or statue to grace your own living room?
This region is full of history and culture. Many remnants of the ancient kingdoms of Bali you can find here, and crafts and are waiting to be discovered. Known for its tranquility, Ubud offers a number of natural retreats. The views of lush, green and fresh environment makes a walk in the morning and evening more enjoyable.

It is no surprise that many people come to Ubud for a couple of days and end staing more that goes into the culture and activities offered. Ubud is where the famous Elizabeth Gilbert found peace and love as written in his best selling memoir "Eat, Pray, Love", which is now made into a movie with Julia Roberts. Indonesia ownn Wayan celebrities playing Christine Hakim, the local alternative healer.

Kuta Beach
Once a quiet village with a quiet, beautiful sweep of beach, Kuta today has become a popular seaside destination in its own right, alive with tourists from all over the world, swimming, surfing and sunbathing the beach. Others, dressed casually in shorts, t-shirts and sandals to stroll around the main street, close to shops or enjoy meals in outdoor restaurants. Kuta When you know you're in a resort town, and people here are in a holiday mood.
Back in the 1960's was the only hotel in the Kuta Beach Hotel, but soon, without much planning, Kuta quickly evolved into a haven for surfers and backpackers, while the high-end market preferred to stay in town Sanur quieter on the opposite side of the peninsula.
Over time, the increased popularity of Kuta, and shops, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs - from the simple to the unique - emerged along the main road to Legian Kuta, serving people increasingly Vacation , which includes not only international tourists but also domestic visitors from Jakarta and other big cities.
On the beach, people enjoy paragliding, banana boat rides and swimming women offer traditional Indonesia massage on the beach, others are twisted hair.
Before sunset, the crowds rush to the beach hoping to see legendary sunsets Kuta. Then when darkness falls, the Kuta nightlife begins to beat with music blaring from the bars and restaurants, while shops stay open until late at night. Kuta's main attraction is that everyone can enjoy the city with no prescribed dress code.
Many celebrities and international groups have voluntarily played and sung here encourage fun, dance and music scene in Kuta.
A poignant reminder, however, the tragedy that struck Kuta is a monument next to the current cafeteria Paddy. The monument was erected in memory of those killed during the deadly bomb blasts in October 2002 terrorist. The blasts killed more than 300 people, mostly Australian tourists and Indonesian workers.

Tana Toraja : Land of Heavenly Kings

With security protection beyond the mountains and granite cliffs of the central highlands of the island of Sulawesi, the Toraja are living in valleys that are lush, green rice terraces and fertile coffee plantations.

"Discovered" and open the world of its long isolation from the beginning of the century just past, the Toraja today still adhere to traditional beliefs and rituals and traditions, although many of its people are upgraded or have embraced Christianity.

When one travels in the highlands from Tana Toraja, therefore, expect to be surprised at the spectacular beauty of nature, while experience of how communities are sustained over time beliefs and traditions in splendid isolation to survive this eternal cycle of life and death on earth.

The road from Makassar to Toraja runs along the coast about 130 km and then goes to the mountain. After the entrance to Tana Toraja in the village Mebali market goes into a majestic landscape of giant granite and stone gray and away the blue mountains that form a sharp contrast to the lush green fertility, rainfed terraces and rusty red tropical soils. This is Tana Toraja, one of the most splendid areas in Indonesia.

Here the nobility of Toraja are believed to be descendants of heavenly beings who descended a stairway to heaven on earth live in this beautiful landscape.

And to keep the energy of the earth and its people, the Toraja people believe that they should be sustained through rituals that celebrate the life and death, that bind to the agricultural seasons. Here rituals in relation to life are strictly separated from the rituals of death.

Toraja is best known for his elaborate funeral ceremonies can take days and involve entire villages. These are not just moments of mourning, but then are events to renew family ties and to ensure the continued unity among peoples and communities.

death ceremonies, however, take place only after the last rice crop is in and cleared, usually between July and September, while the celebration of life ceremonies are held in conjunction with the planting season starting in October. These times are possible because the dead are not buried immediately, but remain for months, sometimes years, in the manor until the time and funds allow for a proper funeral.

Tourists from Toraja, therefore, are either attracted by its unique culture and rituals, most of which are mostly around the graves and death ceremonies. While others prefer to avoid the lurid images and hike through the spectacular countryside, almost untouched Toraja visit remote villages, or cheer on rafting the rapids of the river Sa'd.
Capital of Toraja is Makale but visitors usually head to the town of Rantepao, the heart of Tana Toraja - The Land of Toraja.

Toraja social life and ritual cycle

According to legend, the original of the Toraja ancestor came down from heaven through a star-lit stairway to live in this beautiful part of the land. This myth, told from generation to generation continues today, where people of Toraja believe that the star-lit stairway from heaven is a means of communication for people on earth to communicate with Puang Matua (The One True God).

The Toraja name was first given by the Bugis tribe Sidenreng he called the "RIAJ" ("The people who inhabit the top of the mountains"). As the people of Luwu called "Riajang" (or "people living in the West"). Another version says' Toraya "is coined a word A (Tau = meaning people) and stripe (comes from the word Maraya = large). The two words together mean" great people ", or nobility. Finally, the term Toraja became. The word "Tana" means earth. So Tana Toraja Land means the Nobility.

In social life, the Toraja adhere to "ALUK" - elsewhere known as "adat", which are the traditional beliefs, norms and rituals prescribed by the ancestors. Although most Torajans today are either Protestant or Catholic, the rituals and ceremonies ancient traditions are still practiced.

The Torajans make a clear separation between the ceremonies and rituals associated with life and death-related, as these are closely linked to rice planting and harvest farm.

funeral ceremonies can begin only when the last harvest is cleared and stored, usually in July, and brought to an end before planting the new rice seeds for the next harvest, usually starting in September. With the planting season comes the ceremony of his interest in life, health and prosperity. The Toraja call these carbon cycle (Tuka rambu) - related to life, and smoke down (only rambu) associated with death.

The Toraja live in small communities where children are married to leave the family home and start a new community elsewhere. Children belong to the two lines of the mother and father. But all of them attributed to a manor house, known as the "Tongkonan" the father and the mother line. The Tongkonan is the home of Don and the aristocratic family patriarch. As a gift or patriarch his main duty is to maintain unity among families, villages and communities and ensure that the ancient beliefs and traditions are respected.

At his death, therefore, an elaborate funeral ceremony should correspond to the family, which has become the distinguished event marked the Toraja culture. However, as ceremonies of this kind require a large fortune, funerals are not executed immediately, but only a few months or years after the death of the person. Meanwhile, the body is wrapped in swaddling clothes and held in the ancestral home.
Tongkonan itself is a big house with a stunning roof gable roof shaped like the horns of water buffalo - with its horns in the front. This is different to the house Minangkabau in West Sumatra, which has a similar roof-shaped mount, but is placed throughout. The roofs are made of palm leaves and coconut and wooden sides of the house are beautifully decorated with different designs and geometric abstract Toraja rich natural red, black and white. In its front pillar of support are often placed a number of buffalo horns.

The Tongkonan often rebuilt and refurbished, not necessarily because they are in need of repair, but rather to maintain the prestige and influence of the ruling nobility in the area. The reconstruction of the Tongkonan, of course, accompanied by elaborate ceremonies involving whole communities - not unlike the funeral ceremonies, where relatives bring gifts of pigs and buffaloes One requirement is to build a tower, similar to the one for the funeral, but here the bamboo pillars point towards the sky, while for the funeral, pointed bamboos are planted in the ground.

After small ceremonies in homes, rice seeds were taken from the barn, then hit, not by hand, but for this first ceremony, the women loosen their hair and pound the grain with her bare feet. Baskets seeds are then brought to the flooded fields where grown in nurseries. When the rice plants have grown enough, a ceremony called maro is carried out, to beg for a good harvest, but on the other hand, at the request of fertility, health and prosperity of the family and community the village. (Source: Periplus: Sulawesi, Celebes)

Elaborate ceremonies Toraja funeral

When the approximate amounts of funds have been pledged by members of the deceased's family patriarch Don or ensure that a funeral was held a meeting reflected in the people who attended all family members, traditional leaders ALUK and village chiefs to discuss details of the funeral ceremony, the necessary funds, the minimum number of buffalo to be sacrificed - for the guests will reach the thousands - and most importantly, the effective date of the funeral.

We all know that the funeral will take place only after harvest and before the first sowing of rice seeds, which normally falls between July and September.

Toraja funeral rites are not only sad events, but are sometimes whole families gathering around the world, and for residents to participate in community events, renewal of relationships and to reconfirm the beliefs and traditions in the way ancestors.
In preparation for the funeral, villagers and family members to build a tower at the designated site where they perform ceremonial meat from cattle slaughtered distributed during the event. In the center of the land is planted a stake where the buffalo slaughter bound and stabbed. In any large room built temporary shelters forming balconies where people can see the procedures below.

The next day, the coffin of the deceased is moved down from the floor Tongkonan the rice granary of the decorations are made around the coffin.

Before the public ceremony begins, a priest or pastor will celebrate a Catholic mass or Protestant family service.
So begins the public funeral. The previous day, guests from all over Toraja, and relatives and descendants of the deceased come from many parts of Indonesia and even abroad, to collect and care for the most important ceremony.

The first official day is devoted to the seemingly endless procession called Ma'passa formal Tedong where people, families, groups, bringing with them their gifts and contributions ranging from water buffalo to pigs, rice or alcoholic beverages . All gifts are carefully recorded and announced that the donors are their gifts to walk around the ceremonial area. Everybody look what it gives, so the opportunity not only to confirm the status and wealth in society, but also to express the old debts paid or even made new ones. In the afternoon, the coffin is carried by hundreds of people at the ceremonial site - called Rante and placed in the upper house. After the procession, buffalo fighting starts moving, noisy, where a large amount of betting follows.

The next day, the committee agrees all the gifts and the family decides how many buffaloes and pigs will be slaughtered and distributed to customers, and how many given to the charity of the poor neighboring villages. More expensive are precious pied buffalo.

The next day comes the real sacrifice of cattle for meat to be distributed to the food to the thousands who attended the ceremony that lasts more than a week. The slaughter of the buffalo sacrifice is made in public. This happens very fast and safe, where the buffalo is stabbed directly into his heart and collapses immediately. The buffalo is then cut and its meat distributed from here, where each party is assigned to a particular person or group whose name is called out, with prime cuts to the most important in the state.

Foreigners and tourists can also take a cut, which provides that this act of a state universal appeal to people standing at a distance.
Finally, on the day of his funeral, called: Ma'Kaburu 'will carry the coffin in the ceremonial procession of thousands of villagers to the tomb from the green fields of rice to his resting in caves or crypts high in the rocky walls of the hanging tombs. (Source: Periplus: Sulawesi, the Celebes "and other information)

The Island of Flores

Flores is a most fascinating and beautiful island. Long hidden in the shadows of its more famous neighbor Bali, the island of Flores is finally emerging as a unique destination of its own.  So, after visiting the lair of the Komodo dragons, take time to marvel at some of the wonders of Flores.  Here you can swim in pristine lakes and waterfalls, dive at one of the 50 spectacular dive sites, go kayaking among craggy coasts and mangrove shores, explore mysterious caves and be warmly welcomed by the island’s people in their rituals, dances and daily life.

Flores spells adventure, diving, eco-tours, and mountain climbing interspersed with visits to prehistoric heritage sites, traditional villages and cultural events.   

Until recently, many tourists have only been familiar with Labuan Bajo, the small port located on the western-most tip of the island, and  the taking off point for a visit to the last natural habitat of the prehistoric Komodo dragons, the islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar.

Situated in the province of East Nusatenggara, Flores is a long island that contains some of the world’s best kept secrets. A chain of volcanoes stretches the length of this 450 km long and narrow island, creating complicated V-shaped valleys and knife-edged ridges - terrain that was near impenetrable until recently and has separated the island into many distinct ethnic groups.

Administratively the island is divided into 8 districts; West Manggarai, Manggarai, East Manggarai, Nagekeo, Ngada, Ende, Sika and East Flores. Further east are the adjacent islands of Alor and Lembata.

 Here you will find some of the world’s most exotic underwater life.  Diving in the pristine seas of Komodo, divers find themselves swimming along with huge manta rays, dolphins and dugongs, while whales can be seen passing Flores’s east coast during their migration period.

The island itself is surrounded by sparkling white beaches, where one beach even has pink sand.   Mt. Kelimutu, near the town of Maumere, has three different coloured lakes that can change colour from time to time.

Besides Komodo dragons, Flores has been in the world’s limelight with the discovery of the Flores hobbit, or homo floresiensis, a new hitherto unknown prehistoric human species, whose remains were found in the caves of Liang Bua.

This island is indeed ancient, having been untouched for centuries, once inhabited by prehistoric men and still living prehistoric animals, as well as containing remnants of a petrified forest.  

At the easternmost tip of the island, Larantuka is famous for its Easter-week rituals that still continue the old Portuguese traditions brought here some 500 years ago. While at adjacent Lembata , islanders hunt whales manually, harpooning precariously from small boats.  

To find the map on locations of attractions, what to see and do on Flores you can follow this link

For continuous update on developments and attractions on the island of Flores please click:

www.florestourism.com/newsletter.