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Lokking at Fantastic Lake in Kintamani




















































L
ocation

The villages of Kintamani and Penelokan provide a great view of the still active Mount Batur and its fantastic lake. Seven miles in diameter and sixty feet deep, Batur caldera is simply astounding. From Penelokan, take the road Kedisan on the shores of the lake where boats can be rented to cross over to Trunyan. The spectacular mountainous region around Kintamani with its deep Crater Lake and bubbling hot springs, make this region a must to visit. Batur Lake is the largest lake in Bali and the region offers some of the most spectacular views to be found anywhere on the island. Batur Lake also provides water for an underground network of streams and springs across the southern slopes of the mountain. Kintamani is really great for day trips, trekking or simply for getting away from it all for a few days.



The district is the earliest known kingdom in Bali, dating from the tenth century. The evenings get cool up here but it's well worth the stay overnight to climb the volcano and watch the sunrise. Many cheap cottages are available here.

Kintamani can run through Payangan or from Denpasar through the Sangeh monkey forest, Plaga and Lampu, arriving to the north of Kintamani. Bemos to Kintamani are available from Ubud via Sakah (notable for its huge "Baby" statue). They also run via Tampaksiring and Bangli. From Denpasar bemos leave for Kintamani from the Batubulan terminal until late afternoon.

Tour to Kintamani is a very impressive experience where Kintamani Area have very beautiful panorama located in plateau and also encircled by mountain atmosphere with the windblast from Mount Batur. Carpet of Batur Lake seen far below and also there are local resident house beside of Batur Lake. Beside of that, Mount Batur which to date still be active growing its beautiful for Kintamani Area.

Kintamani Tour

After watching the 'Barong Dance', we will stop at Tohpati, the center of Balinese hand weaving and hand made Batik process.Then visit Celuk, with a center of gold and silver work. Original designs in delicate filigree make Balinese jewelry one of the most unusual styles in Asia. Although individual pieces are elaborate, they have simple origins in their making. Artisans use a tree stump with a protruding iron spike as a pounding base, a bamboo stem to catch the fillings, and a manually operated gas pump for heat. As the most of the Balinese crafts, gold and silver work is a hereditary trade. Apprentices begin young, by the time the boys are twelve, they are already producing fine ornaments from the precious metals. and then Mas Village, according to mythology, Pedanda Sakti Bahu Rauh, the first Hindu priest who come to Bali, settled in this village. Many of the Brahmans concentrated in Mas claim descent from this famous priest. In the 13th century, the founders of the village built a large temple to please the ancestors.

The Brahman class became so influential that the whole community came to share in the festivities of the temple, as they are still do today in Pura Taman Pule built up on the same site. In the olden days, the fine arts of woodcarving and painting were reserved exclusively for the royal and religious purposes. Nowadays, they are also produced for fun and commerce. Men of every caste are artisans and the particularly talented live in Mas. Don't be surprised when you visit an art shop to find a core of wood carvers busy making statues, a carver select his seasoned block of timber, then shapes the rough from with an axe. With mallet and dozens of small chisels, the carving is incised with ornaments, and finally smoothed. The sculptors begin young. The most expressive carving is often done by boys of twelve years. As a craftsman says: "young boys have no worries in life, they just carve". Afterwards ,we will visit Bedulu,(elephant Cave), was once the capital of a great kingdom with a semi-mythical pig-headed king, Dalem Beda-Hulu. The legend relates how Beda-Hulu possessed magical powers. He used to sit and meditate, removing his head to reach the beyond. On one such occasion, an unnatural disturbance occurred and the king was forced to get a new head quickly. A pig happened by and its head was taken to place on then neck of the king. Thereafter the king was forced to sit on a high throne and forbade his subjects to look up at him. Beda-Hulu means " he who changed head". PURA SAMUAN TIGA: temple of the meeting of the three. The name is possibly a reference to the Hindu trinity, or it may refer to the meetings held here in the early 11th century.

Kintamani Village

Not far away from Bedulu there are the Yeh Pulu reliefs and Goa Gajah.

GOA GAJAH: the famous "Elephant Cave". It overlooks the Petanu River and consists of a Siwaitic rock-cut cave, a bathing place, a monks' chamber, a number of Buddhist rock-cut stuppas and statues, and several foundations. It is known as the 11th century Buddhist hermitage.

YEH PULU RELIEFS: chipped away from the sheer rock face, the 25-meter-long series of Yeh Pulu carvings are said to date back to the 14th century. The reliefs are in naturalistic style. Legend has it that the great giant architect-general, Kebo Iwa carved out the enchanting picture-shape of village life and animals, which are interspersed with Balinese Hindu gods, with his fingernails.You will also visit Kintamani consisting almost entirely concrete buildings with rusty corrugated iron roofs, it isn't particularly appealing and it is too far north from the rim of the crater for the best views of the lake Batur. It is famous for its breed of furry dogs and the huge outdoor market held every three days.and have lunch there to enjoy the view.

On the return journey to hotel, you will be taken through Tegallalang, where rice terraces are naturally arranged in a geometric, magnificent settings.

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Ubud Town, One of Bali's major arts and culture centres






































Location


Ubud is a town on the Indonesian island of Bali in Ubud District, located amongst rice paddies and steep ravines in the central foothills of the Gianyar regency. One of Bali's major arts and culture centres, it has developed a large tourism industry.

Ubud has a population of about 8,000 people, but it is becoming difficult to distinguish the town itself from the villages that once surrounded it.

Town Orientation And Accomodation

The main street is Jalan Raya Ubud (Jl. Raya means main road), which runs east-west through the center of town. Two long roads, Jalan Monkey Forest and Jalan Hanoman, extend south from Jl. Raya Ubud. Puri Saren Agung is a large palace located at the intersection of Monkey Forest and Raya Ubud roads. The home of Tjokorda Gede Agung Sukawati (1910-1978), the last "king" of Ubud, it is now occupied by his descendants and dance performances are held in its courtyard. It was also one of Ubud's first hotels, dating back to the 1930s.

The Ubud Monkey Forest is a sacred nature reserve located near the southern end of Jalan Monkey Forest. It houses a temple and over 200 long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys.

Tourism to Ubud has a focus on culture, yoga and nature. In contrast to the main tourist area in southern Bali, the Ubud area has forests, rivers, cooler temperatures and less congestion although traffic has increased dramatically in the 21st century. A number of smaller "boutique"-style hotels are located in and around Ubud, which commonly offer spa treatments by the foothills or treks up Ubud's mountains.

The Moon of Pejeng, in nearby Pejeng, is the largest single-cast bronze kettle drum in the world, dating from circa 300BC. It is a popular
destination for tourists interested in local culture, as is the Goa Gajah, or 'Elephant Cave', complex.

The town of Ubud has few sights within walking distance, and you'll need some form of transport to get to the temples in the vicinity. The easiest option is to join a tour, or just charter a taxi/bemo for a few hours.

* Botanic Garden, Kutuh Kaja, +62 361 970 951, [1]. The recently opened Botanic Garden is a wonderful way to spend a few hours walking around and exploring the valley that it fills. It is best to go in the morning and avoid the afternoon heat.

* Monkey Forest, south end of Jl. Monkey Forest; [2]. A forest full of ravenous monkeys, so don't bring any food or risk bites and rabies injections. Stroll through to find Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, a Temple of the Dead.

* Museum Puri Lukisan (Museum of Fine Arts), Jl. Raya Ubud (spot the sign and cross the bridge to enter), [3]. Three buildings showcasing traditional and modern Balinese art. The displays are musty and English labeling is a little spotty, but some of the works, particularly the carvings, are quite amazing. Entrance Rp 20,000.

* Museum Rudana, Jl. Cok Rai Pudak 44, Peliatan, Ubud, [4]. Ph : Tel: +62 361 975779, Fax : +62 361 975091. E-mail: rudana@senatorrudana.com. Run by its owner and sole artist Nyoman Rudana.

* Seniwati Gallery of Art by Women, Jalan Sriwedari 2B, +62 361 975485, Banjar Taman, Ubud, [5]. The Seniwati Gallery features art by women; "Seni" is Indonesian for "art" and "Wati" means "women".

All of the following temples cost Rp. 6000/3000 adults/children, and can be reached by taking bemos towards Tampaksiring. Everybody must wear a sash, available at the entrance for a Rp. 1000 donation, and either long pants or a sarong (from Rp. 5000 from hawkers).
Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah)
Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah)

* Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), 3 km east from Ubud. A popular little excursion from Ubud, the centerpiece here is a cave, whose entrance is an ornately carved demon's mouth. Inside are some fragmentary lingam and yoni (phallus and vagina) statues, as well as a statue of Ganesha. Statues stand guard around pools near the entrance and a little path leads to a waterfall, rice fields and some Buddhist stupa fragments.

* Gunung Kawi (Poet Mountain), Tampaksiring, 18 km northeast from Ubud. Entrance fee is Rp. 6000, sarong is rented for free. Dating from the 11th century, this is presumed to be the burial complex of King Anak Wungsu and his many wives. Reached by climbing down 371 steps, the location at the bottom of a steep valley lined with paddy fields is stunning. The smaller complex on the south side of the river is presumed to be for the king's wives, while the larger complex is thought to be for the King himself and perhaps his concubines. You must take off your shoes before entering into the central pura complex. About one km downstream there are further tomb cloisters. On the way back up, take a break at Cafe Kawi, which has cold drinks (Rp. 10,000 & up) and fresh breezes (free).

* Tirta Empul, Tampaksiring, 20 km northeast from Ubud. One of the holiest temples on Bali, built around hot springs that now bubble eerily in the central courtyard. Balinese themselves come here to bathe and purify themselves physically and spiritually, and during Galungan the sacred barong masks are bathed here. The complex dates to 960, but the present buildings are all modern reconstructions.

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Land in the Middle of the sea, Tanah Lot
































































Location


Tanah Lot is a rock formation off the Indonesian island of Bali. It is home of a pilgrimage temple, the Pura Tanah Lot and a popular motif for tourists photography.

Tanah Lot means "Land in the Middle of the sea" in Balinese language[citation needed]. Located in Tabanan, about 20 km from Denpasar, the temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide.

Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of the 15th century priest Nirartha. During his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts. Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods.[citation needed]

The Tanah Lot temple was built and has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. Each of the sea temples were established within eyesight of the next to form a chain along the south-western coast.

At the base of the rocky island, poisonous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. As well as one giant snake which also protects the temple, which was created from Nirartha’s scarf when he established the island.

The area leading to Tanah Lot is highly commercialised and people are required to pay to enter the area. To reach the temple, visitors must walk through a carefully planned set of Balinese market-format souvenir shops which cover each side of the path down to the sea. On the mainland cliff tops, restaurants have also been provided for tourists.

See

Tanah Lot is one of the most famous temples on Bali. This is a temple complex on a cliff. Plenty of tourists come there, especially at the sunset, there are also a great amount of venders of different types offering everything possible. Entrance fee is 10 000 IDR, parking fee is 5000 IDR. At the moment (July 2006) the temple is being renovated, entrance is prohibited, but the complex itself is worth visiting: very beautiful pictures can be done from two cliffs above the ocean. It is also possible to come to the temple walking in the water in order to receive the ministrations of priests, who stand there, sprinkle people with Holy water and put them (like real Hindus) some rice on the forehead, what means "good thinking".

Accomodation

* Le Meridien Nirwana Golf and Spa Resort [1] You can see Tanah Lot temple from the lobby and its an amazing view with the waves pounding the ground. The resort is surrounded by huge gold course and paddy field. For golf lovers, this is an heaven because of the view of nature, ocean, Tanah Lot during the game. At night the resort is quiet and you can view the moon light from the sunset bar lounge. Many honeymooners choose this resort due to its location that's secluded from the hustle and bustle of Kuta city. The rooms pretty big, consist of shower & bath tub and balcony for all rooms. They have limited Villas with plunge pool, Bali begong and outdoor shower. For those wanting to experience ubud and kuta can use the shuttle service that's free.

* Semarapura Villa - Semarapura Private Villa

Took its first booking in Christmas 2008, this 5 bedroom Villa is an expansive luxury beachfront villa, located about 10 mins south of Tanah Lot, 40 minutes from Seminyak on Bali’s southwest coast. This private Bali rental villa is comprised of a series of pavilions, swimming pool and ornamental ponds, leisurely spread throughout an expansive 5000 square metres (one acre and a quarter) of rolling lawns. Fully staffed and ideal for events.

*Villa les Rizieres - Luxury and Private villa in Tanah Lot Bali

Villa les Rizieres offers a unique way to experience all of the island's charms at your own pace. 6 luxury bedrooms villa + one extra bedroom. Villa les Rizieres can luxury accommodate 14 persons. This is a unique property - 1.5 hectare land- for whom seeking a classy living in Bali. The villa benefits from the ideal situation in Tanah Lot, next to Nirvana Golf course awarded the best Golf course in Asia for the last 5 years, and designed by Greg Norman.

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Jimbaran,fishing village and tourist resort in Bali





























Jimbaran is a fishing village and tourist resort in Bali, Indonesia. Located just at the south of Ngurah Rai International Airport, the beach is cluttered with seafood restaurants and some of the finest luxury hotels in the world. Tourism in Jimbaran has increased rapidly that has boosted local economy, but it suffered by the 2005 Bali bombings where the bomb exploded in one of the restaurants in Jimbaran.

Jimbaran lies on the 'neck' of the southern peninsula in Bali and is widely known for the fresh seafood kiosks that are scattered along the beach. Diners select the live seafood that they wish to eat, and it is immediately prepared, generally grilled over a fire of coconut husks rather than charcoal.

Sit back and simply think of one thing; the most beautiful painting of a sunset dinner-on-the-beach complete with boats slowly gliding along and musicians playing from their souls. Now jump into the painting, you have just arrived at Jimbaran Beach, Bali, Indonesia.


South of the international airport, Jimbaran Beach is safely nestled in between that and Kedonganan Beach to the south. Jimbaran Beach is an extremely tranquil beach and perfectly white. Walking or just sitting and waiting for the sunset are two of the most popular activities to do on this beach. The popularity of Jimbaran Beach has arisen significantly with the appearance of more and more luxury and five-star hotels beachside. Now everyone seems to know about this little once forgotten beach.

The dining spots in Jimbaran Beach are famous for serving delicious sea food with local recipes. Western cuisine is also available in the restaurants. A must is a sunset dinner along one of the many delicious cafes offering the freshest seafood around, lining Jimbaran beach. The breeze from the ocean and the sound of the waves are enhance your total dining experience.

Along the beach there are many opportunities to dine out. Many of the local peoples have opened up various cafes for passersby and tourists. This is very popular because of the enormous selection of seafood that they offer. This, coupled with their special seafood recipes, or even Indonesian recipes mixed with western culture, make for an exquisite dining experience. The fish are supplied by local fishermen who sell their fish pretty much all day long.

With the sunset coming up on Jimbaran Beach you may start to see the sky change beautiful shades of orange, yellow, and red. This is usually when the cafes start to put out their dinner chairs onto the sand overlooking the beach, and all of the action on the beach starts to subside while everything else begins to focus on the cafes.

The locals like to set a romantic mood for the evening so the whip out some fancy candles and musicians begin to play soothing music. It is quite a sight to see. Once the jukungs begin to fill up the coast line is when things start getting really beautiful and picturesque here in Indonesia.

The calmness of the waters makes Jimbaran a perfect place for swimming. Gentle tides, dramatic sunsets, fine seafood restaurants. No water sports available on the beach although some may be arranged with the hotels that provide equipment and boats for snorkeling trips and sea canoe excursions.

Jimbaran Beach –Bali- BEACH INDEX:

• Sand – Soft white sand
• Facilities – Plenty around the hotels and cafes.
• Shade - Several palm trees
• Sports – No water sports available unless arranged by hotels.
• Notes –

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Lovina Beach,Lng stretch of black sand beach















The coastal villages of Anturan, Tukad Mungga, Kalibukbuk, Kaliasem and Temukus are along an 8 kilometer stretch of tranquil black sand beach.

Located only four kilometers west of Singaraja, the capital of North Bali, and a ninety-kilometer drive from Denpasar. This resort currently has many restaurants especially those offering seafood, some star hotels, and many good and truly relaxing accommodations

Go to the Location

 

Perama offers transportation all around Bali to all mayor tourist destinations. They use small mini buses without air conditioning and the prices are reasonable. Prices and timetables can be found on their website. 

Bemo’s are the public transport buses. They are extremely cheap, however you need have some patience and Bemo’s can be crowded. They are a challenge for the experienced traveler.

You can hire a car and drive up from the South. Far better, given the relative costs and the roads/driving in Bali, hire a driver and car. You can travel from Kuta in less than 3hrs and from the airport or Sanur in about 2.30hrs. You will travel through (Pura Ulun Danau) Bedugul and could go the pretty way through Munduk if you are not in a hurry. So you could stop to take in the temple, lakes and rice paddies on your trip and make a day of it.


Location



Air Panas/ Banjar Hot Springs — Located west of Lovina, Air Panas is an enchanting hot springs with stone carved mouths gushing water among a lush garden setting. A nominal entrance fee is charged.
Expect to be offered dolphin sighting trips every other minute. These trips leave each morning and have very mixed reviews as the boats tend to outnumber the dolphins, but it can still be an enjoyable ride. Prices are fixed by a dolphin cartel, they are around 50.000 (4 euro)
Snorkeling and scuba diving trips leave from Kalibukbuk for Deer Island and other north shore dive spots. There are several dive operators based out of Lovina that operate daily dive trips to Menjanan Island, Tulamben and Amed, as well as night dives from the local shore. Spice Diversare based out of Lovina and offer day trips to all of the dive spots on the northern shore. Guides are available in a variety of languages and multi-day discounts are available.
Cockfights are held around lovina. You will see around Lovina many older people training the cocks, just ask them to bring you to a fight.

Spa

Lovina is lucky to have several spa facilities. While a little more low key than the spas to the south, the service is excellent and the prices, being much less than the opulent spas in the south, are an excellent value and well worth it.
Agung's Spa. Offers body scrubs, facials, massage, etc. It is also the nicest spa facility in Lovina, though by Balinese standards it is much smaller and basic than what you would find elsewhere on the island.
Bali Samadhi Spa (Tel. 081 338 558 260) — in Lovina offers a variety of massages. One is called Rebalancing Massage a very nice mixture between therapeutic and well-being massage. Mandi Lulur scrubs are available including the yogurt mask.

Diving

Lovina Dive, Jalan Raya Banyualit, ☎ +628123842415 (info@lovinadive.com), . averages. US$55-$75 per day. edit

For those without diving licenses, one may get liscensed in a matter of a few days of courses in Lovina. The diving enthusiast will probably want to move on to Menjangan Island, Bali's most famous diving site. It is an hour's drive from Lovina where one would then take a 30-minute boat ride onto the island. As part of Bali Barat National Park, Menjangan Island is well known for it's clearest water in the Indonesian archipelago, where you can go diving or snorkeling amongst the coral reefs and fish in the sparkling clear water. Another popular attraction is the dolphin watching. A small traditional boat called, jukung, may be hired form the villagers in the morning to bring us off shore to meet these smart and cute creatures.

Other interesting sites nearby include the Buddhist Vihara in Banjar village, hot springs, and Singsing waterfalls.

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One of the most beautiful beaches on Bali's islands,Dreamland Beach







































Dreamland Beach is a beach located on the Bukit peninsula, on the island of Bali, Indonesia.

The beach provides basic accommodation and cafes for surfers and day trippers. One of the most beautiful beaches on the island, it is also renowned for its dangerous shorebreak.

It is the site of the failed Pecatu Graha development, planned by Tommy Suharto, the corrupt youngest son of the former president Suharto.

As of 2008 this is an active building site with all the previous Warongs having been levelled for a hotel complex.

Dreamland is on the south side of Bali, about 30 to 40 minutes from Kuta. There are 2 alternative ways to go to Dreamland. You can either go through the Jimbaran Bay area or pass through the Dwipayana University (a well-known public university in Bali); both ways are easy to follow. If you do get lost, ask for directions to Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK). It’s a famous cultural park located in Bukit Unggasan, Jimbaran. Here you can find a 75 meter-high and 60-meter wide figure of god Visnu, one of the Trimurti symbols in Hinduism. The status is made by I Nyoman Nuarta, and is now still unfinished. When it is done, it will be taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York!

About 15 minutes from GWK, you will find a big statue of Garuda (the symbol of Indonesia), on the right side of the road. That means you’re just a stone throw’s away from Dreamland Beach. Dreamland Beach is located on a big-deserted property, a failed Pecatu Graha development. You will probably have to pay about Rp 5000 for the entry. When you get to the end of the road, you will be on top of a cliff, with the big blue ocean’s sky in front of you. Look down! That’s Dreamland Beach


You have to walk a little then down a path of stairs to reach the beach.. Once on the sand, you will find rented umbrellas and beach benches facing the beach. You can also order food and drinks from the local traditional cafés available all around the beach. The cafes might seem common and usual, but many of them actually serve European dishes which is out of the ordinary for this setting. Planning to spend the night? Some of the local cafes offer humble accommodations at a reasonable price (ranged between Rp 50,000 to Rp 200,000 per night). In the evening, enjoy the sunset whilst several tourists build a campfire on the beach, or just play a light game of beach ball. As for me, I prefer swimming offshore and enjoy the sunset from there.

There are not many activities to be done here at night. The electricity is turned off after 10 pm and thus candles are lit to chase away the deep darkness of the night. After having dinner, the best thing you can do is to read a book or have a draft of cold beer. Otherwise, you can go upstairs to where most of the rooms are and enjoy the scenery. The moon’s reflection dancing in a flurry of lights on the ocean’s surface is simply breathtaking. During the peak season (July and December), some of the rooms on this floor will be more packed so at least you are not alone and will have company to chat with along with your own group of friends. It is always interesting meeting other travelers and sharing experiences. When you finally feel like sleeping, go back to your room and snuggle under the blanket. The lullaby of tides breaking on the shore is such a peaceful sound to sleep to. Being in Dreamland is like being in a dream you wish you will never wake up from.

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Dive resort and national park, Bunaken island



































Bunaken is one of Indonesia's most famous dive/snorkeling areas, and it draws scuba divers & snorkelers from all over the world. In addition to Bunaken itself, a rather featureless banana-shaped island, the National Park includes the neighboring islands of Manado Tua, a distinctive cone-shaped extinct volcano, Siladen, Montehagen, Nain, and Nain Kecil.

Location

Bunaken is about 45-60 minutes by boat from Manado. Most resorts will arrange transfers from the airport for their guests. Alternatively, a public boat leaves daily except Sunday at 2-3PM from the canal on the north side of the market. The cost is 25,000Rp for tourists (7,000Rp for locals). It returns to Manado from the jetty in Bunaken village around 8-8:30AM every morning except Sunday. You can also charter a boat both ways at anytime.

As of September 2008, entry to the park costs either Rp 50,000/day or Rp 150,000/Calendar year. Even though the fee does not seem to be automatically levied upon entrance to the island, it is the responsibility of all visitors to the Park to have one, and most reputable dive shops will supply them. As proof of payment, you will receive a plastic tag that must be carried at all times — it's waterproof and can be attached to your diving gear.

Diving Location

The thing to do in Bunaken is dive, dive and dive! However, the steep walls and occasionally strong, rapidly changing currents mean that many sites cater more to the intermediate/advanced diver, although there are beginner-friendly sites too and all dive shops can arrange intro dives and Open Water Diver courses. The North Sulawesi Watersports Association offers oodles of detail on diving in the park. The park also offers outstanding snorkeling!

All dive shops in the park are affiliated with resorts, so see Sleep below for listings.

The snorkeling is fantastic just in front of many of the resorts that surround the island, with an incredible amount of marine life living in the shallows and also on the outer walls. Remember not to snorkel without fins as the currents can sometimes be strong, and change quickly even when they are not. Pick a reference point on the island and do not stray too far unless you are a confident swimmer.

Tourism on Bunaken has been very much geared towards divers over the years, but the trend seems to be changing and more and more snorkelers are visiting the area as too are those who wish to just relax immersed in nature...away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Possible activities for landlubbers include:

* Beach-combing, especially at low tide when the reef top is accessible
* Hiking to some of the secluded coves on the Eastern and Northern part of the island, but trails are poorly marked
* Fishing, but only outside of the park boundaries: hire a boat or join one of the local fishing boats.
* Dolphin & Whale watching, either while on diving or snorkeling boat trips or by hiring a boat.

The thing to do in Bunaken is dive, dive and dive! However, the steep walls and occasionally strong, rapidly changing currents mean that many sites cater more to the intermediate/advanced diver, although there are beginner-friendly sites too and all dive shops can arrange intro dives and Open Water Diver courses. The North Sulawesi Watersports Association offers oodles of detail on diving in the park. The park also offers outstanding snorkeling!

All dive shops in the park are affiliated with resorts, so see Sleep below for listings.

The snorkeling is fantastic just in front of many of the resorts that surround the island, with an incredible amount of marine life living in the shallows and also on the outer walls. Remember not to snorkel without fins as the currents can sometimes be strong, and change quickly even when they are not. Pick a reference point on the island and do not stray too far unless you are a confident swimmer.

Accomodation

Most people choose to sleep at their dive resorts, almost all of which offer full board and attractive package offers. Those on the south and west sides of Bunaken have a strip of beach (coarse yellow sand), while the east side has a mixture of mangroves and small beaches with better reefs.
[edit] Lodging

* Bastianos Dive Resorts. Will pick up from Manado hotels.

* Bunaken Cha Cha Nature Resort, tel. +62 813 56930370 (Skype: bunakenchacha). On the eastern side of Bunaken; 10 cottages all with en-suite bathrooms (hot water showers), large balconies, all Superior Cottages are equipped with A/C. Private white sand beach, "House Reef" with floating pontoon for snorkelers, Massage treatments available. Restaurant above the beach, Wifi in bar/restaurant, PADI Dive Center. Packages start from US$60 per person/per night ; Accommodation & Dive Packages from US$145 per person/per night.

* Bunaken Village Resort. Located along the Pangalisang beach on the east coast of Bunaken. 8 cottages, restaurant, dive shop, beach bar, and swimming pool around a nicely landscaped small garden. Rooms 20-25€, 2 boat dives 40€. Next door just south of Two Fish Divers.

* Froggies Divers, [www.divefroggies.com]. A high quality dive operator with comfortable bungalows and excellent food.

* Living Colours, tel. +62-812-4306063. Diver-oriented resort run by the shop of the same name, the bungalows are spacious and clean. Rooms 35€/person, including three excellent meals. Lately chosen as " Best resort all around Bunaken" by Lonely Planet Indonesia.

* Lorenso's Bungalows. 5 min down the coast from Living Colours, offering cheaper but more basic bungalows at 125,000- 250,000 Rp. per person, per night

* M.C. Dive Bunaken. Located near the Bunaken Village Has a very nice beach just next to the village and offers relaxed diving. Also offering Padi Dive Courses and Specialty's, Basic cottages 14€, more "luxurious" bungalows: 20€, including all meals, coffee, tea and water. 2 dives 40€, third dive 15€

* Siladen Resort & Spa, tel. +62-431-856820. Small exclusive international resort on Siladen Island across from Bunaken. Multilingual PADI dive center, gourmet restaurant, lounge bar, Spa, large salt water pool. Located on the secluded western side of Siladen on a 300 meter stretch of white coral beach facing Manadotua Vulcano. Only 15 villas. PADI courses and full packages available.

* Two Fish Divers, tel. +62-811-432805. Small and friendly PADI Gold Palm IDC Resort based on Bunaken Island. Cottages are basic but comfortable, and are right in front of the mangroves. The food is reliable, if monotonous. Vegetarians are usually offered fresh grilled fish in place of meat dishes. Offers fun dives for experienced and inexperienced divers, with small groups of 2-4 divers per dive guide. Also offers a full range of PADI dive courses from Open Water Course through to Instructor. Rooms start at 12 Euros per person to 25 Euros per person.

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Bali's most famous diving area, Tulamben















































Tulamben is a small town on the north-east coast of Bali. It is a popular dive site in Bali, especially around the wreck of the Liberty Glo, a US Army Transport ship torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942. It is a very easy wreck dive and may by done by divers of all certificatin levels. It is accessed directly from the shoreline and located about 25 meters from shore. At it deepest point, it is about 30 meters from the surface and it tops out at about 5 meters from the surface.

DESCRIPTION OF TULAMBEN'S DIVE SITES:

Elegant Squat Lobster, Tulamben, Coral Garden Tulamben has become Bali's most famous diving area and therefore where you are most likely to meet internationally recognised underwater photographers and writers. Tulamben Bay, like the rest of Bali, is situated in the richest marine biogeographic zone in the world. Being on the north-east coast, the bay receives very plankton-rich waters from the major ocean current that moves from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean. This, coupled with the fact that the three main dive sites provide totally different physical environments, mean that Tulamben contains a stunningly diverse underwater ecosystem.

The beach is fist-sized black volcanic rocks that become sand in the shallows. This black sand does not provide the reflective properties of white limestone sand and, combined with the amount of plankton in the water, accounts for the relatively low visibility (12-25M). It does however provide a dramatic contrast, which brings out the colours of the corals, gorgonians, fish and other marinelife. The 100s of macro-species that live here both blend and contrast beautifully with the sand.

Tulamben is a wonderful place to learn to dive and to learn about underwater life. There are occasional sightings of Mola-Mola (Sunfish), Manta Rays, Whale Shark, tuna and other pelagics but it is the permanent population of Tulamben that brings people here for the 1st and 100th time.


The Coral Garden

Running along the middle section of Tulamben beach is a shallow reef (averaging 8-12m so also excellent for snorkelling) of mainly table and fire corals interspersed with anemones as well as barrel and other sponges. The fishlife, as with the Drop-off and the Wreck, is very diverse. It is here that you can see a surprising number of Blue Ribbon Eels (the juveniles are black) and octopus, the variety of shrimp is surprising too along with the different anemonefish. The bigger fish seen here are Bumphead Parrotfish and Black Tip reef shark.

The depth and location make the Coral Garden a very good, and popular, Night Dive on which you may see Spanish Dancers and flashlight fish.

In fact the diving actually extends much deeper than 12M, if you carry on down the sand slope, you'll find barrel sponges with many surprises: juvenile Emperor Angelfish, Two-spot Lionfish, maybe a school of juvenile catfish; cleaning stations with shrimp and wrasse, a shoal of Razorfish swaying in their hiding place. If you continue along the slope, towards the start of the Drop-off, you'll come to a dry river bed, scooped out into a bowl-shape, marked by ridges radiating outwards. These ridges are often the best places in Tulamben to find unexpected specimens. Although it is certainly not an area for divers looking for a profusion of marinelife!

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Surfing in 7 excellent surf spots at Panaitan Island




























Indonesia only has 2 World Heritage Listed National Parks. One is Ujung Kulon (of which Panaitan Island is a part) and the other is Komodo. Accommodations are currently available on Peucang Island and it is the current and ideal location for the Ranger Station as more than 85% of the National Park of Ujung Kulon is on the mainland of West Java and Peucang is a 5 minute boat ride across the small 100% wave protected channel from the bulk of the park. Speedboats, transfer boats, canoes, and a beautiful sand volleyball court are all there for guest use.


Location

Situated just off the coast of West Java, Panaitan Island hosts 7 excellent surf spots including the legendary One Palm Point and Apocalypse.

Panaitan is rich of wildlife and now you can surf its world class waves in warm, clear blue water away from crowds.

Panaitan is part of Ujung Kulon national park, which is a United Nations World Heritage site. Our boats have the required government permits to take you to these great waves.

There has been controversy in the surfing community about surfing at Panaitan, particularly about a landbased surfcamp on the island. We offer two types of stay: on a boat or on the nearby island of Peucang which is in use by park rangers. Therefore, we leave Panaitan and the park as we found it.

Want to come along and get the wave of your life?

Trips on offer by us are supported by: Ujung Kulon National park, Javan Rhino Eco Tour and the Panaitan Surfing Club

The Surf

* ONE PALM POINT a shallow reef break open relentless barreling left

* ROC ’ N ROLL along hollow winding left that break into the deep water

* NIGHT PALMS a smoking left

* PUSSY CAT an easy left fun workable walls breaking into deep water

* APOCALYPSE that has been compared to Back Door Pipe

* DAVES Place another Left

* And other unnamed Point break / spot on main land Java Ujung Kulon

The Waves

All Panaitan's waves are within one bay so there’s less time cruising between breaks, more time surfing.

- One Palm Point - long hollow left point that spins out freight train barrels over a shallow reef. This wave has been ridden for up to 800 meters (not a misprint) and has been described as the undisputed best and longest barrel in Indo.

- Napalms - perfect barrelly left unloading over an inner-bay reef. Top-to-bottom pit perfection.

- Pussys - easy left with workable walls breaking in deep water.

- Illusions - epic right reef with workable walls and barrel sections.

- Indicators - wally right breaks on smaller swells.

- Apocalypse - top-to-bottom righthand barrel that’s been compared with Backdoor Pipe. Other secrets...

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Exploring to ' The Four Kings' Island, Raja Ampat Island





































Location


Located off the northwest tip of Bird's Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea, Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo. It encompasses more than 9.8 million acres (40,000 km²) of land and sea, which also contains Cenderawasih Bay, the largest marine national park in Indonesia. It is a part of the newly named West Papua (province) of Indonesia which was formerly Irian Jaya.

According to the Conservation International Rapid Assessment Bulletin the marine life diversity is considerably greater than all other areas sampled in the Coral Triangle of Indonesia, Philippines and Papua New Guinea. The Coral Triangle is the heart of the world's coral reef biodiversity, the seas around Raja Ampat are possibly the richest in the world. The area's massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resistant to threats like coral bleaching and disease - threats that now jeopardise the survival of corals around the world, though the area is remote and relatively untouched by humans. In addition, Raja Ampat's strong ocean currents sweep coral larvae across the Indian and Pacific Oceans to replenish other reef ecosystems. Raja Ampat's coral diversity, resilience, and ability to replenish reefs make it a global priority for marine protection, as human activity here has the potential to be catastrophic.

Over 1,070 fish species, 537 coral species (a remarkable 96% of all scleratinia recorded from Indonesia are likely to occur in these islands), and 699 mollusc species, the variety of marine life is staggering.Some areas boast enormous schools of fish and regular sightings of sharks, such as wobbegongs.

To address these issues, the Conservancy launched a new project to protect Raja Ampat, working in close partnership with the government and communities to:

1. contribute to a comprehensive conservation action plan to protect Raja Ampat's reefs and forests;
2. help incorporate marine protected area management into long-term planning and policy; and,
3. establish a network of marine protected areas for Raja Ampat.

The Conservancy's ultimate goal is to protect Raja Ampat's magnificent reefs while sustaining the livelihoods of local people.

For further information, please contact:

The Nature Conservancy
Coral Triangle Centre
Jalan Pengembak No. 2
Sanur, Bali, 80228
Indonesia
tel +62.361.287.272
fax +62.361.270.737
email info@coraltrianglecenter.org | www.coraltrianglecenter.org | www.nature.org

The Nature Conservancy is a private, international, non-profit organization that preserves plants, animals and natural communities representing the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. To date, the Conservancy and its more than one million members have been responsible for the protection of more than 14 million acres in the United States and have helped preserve more than 80 million acres in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific. On the web at www.nature.org.

Diving Season

Raja Ampat diving is superb just about all year round. The term High Season is of little meaning here since there is such an expanse of sea visited by only a few liveaboards that "diver soup" is not really a danger. May to September is light rainy season, and Mid-July to mid-September sees some small surface swells, but not usually serious enough to interfere with your enjoyment.

Sorido bay Resort

The new "Sorido Bay Resort" offers western comforts in traditional Papuan setting. It is a combination of modern and traditional building methods to create a balanced and comfortable resort. This resort is built for the more demanding diver and specially the UW photographer.

The resort has all comforts but is completely integrated in nature and has one of the worlds richest dive sites as its house reef. The boats used for dining are silent (Honda 4 stroke engines) and all diving is tailor made and personalized.

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Welcome to Sunrise Beach, Sanur Beach-Bali








Right on the beach of Sanur, Bali's most popular area. Just 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), 25 minutes to Kuta, 40 minutes to Nusa Dua, and 20 minutes to the capital-Denpasar.

Location

Address:
Jalan Danau Tamblingan, Sanur.
P.O. BOX 3279 Denpasar 80032 Bali Indonesia.
Telephone: [62]-(361) 288011, Telefax: [62]-(361) 287566.

Many scheduled international airlines fly direct to Bali (DPS). Some airlines may terminate at Jakarta (CGK) which requires
a transit to a domestic carrier. Garuda Indonesia operates wide body aircraft service on the 1.5 hours Jakarta-Bali route. Garuda Indonesia flies direct to Bali from Japan and Australia/New Zealand. Cruise ships dock at the port of Padang Bai which is a two hour drive from the hotel.

Accomodation

This five-star hotel is located in the most strategic area of Sanur beach and is the ideal choice for tourists as well as business people. It is located only 25 minutes from Ngurah Rai airport or 15 minutes from Denpasar. The beach surround the hotel is quite wide and free from coral reef, so guests can freely relax at the beach.

For those who enjoy water sports, there are two choices of water sport facilities, motorboat and jet ski at Matahari Sport on the western part of the beach, and other water sports such as sail boating, surfing and wind surfing at the Blue Oasis on the eastern beach.

The hotel located at Jl. Danau Tamblingan and in operation since July 29, 1974 is located in a very natural setting with large shady trees and rows of waving coconut trees.

Facilities of Hotel Sanur Beach are the most complete in the Sanur region. Its rooms are large and very comfortable, with interior dominated by wooden material, which gives an impression of warmth, friendliness and naturalness.

For business people, there is also the Business Center complete with facilities such as Internet, typing/secretarial services, scanning facilities, etc. For banquets and big meetings, there is the Wantilan Conference Center, whereas for small meetings you can use the Garuda Room, and for boardroom meetings there is the Jauk Room.

Guests are also pampered with a variety in choices of food presented with friendly and attentive service. The Basilico, an open-air restaurant near the beach, serves Italian food with a refined touch of the Mediterranean – complete with selected wine. Meanwhile at the Tirta Poolside Restaurant, you can enjoy various Indonesian as well as international cuisines. In addition there is the Peppers Latino Grill and Bar, which serves unique Latin American food presented in a Mediterranean atmosphere.

To maintain your health and fitness, there is a spa and fitness center managed by the Grand Odiseus chain that has international reputation. There are also two swimming pools and a children's pool not far from the children's playground. Then you have the jogging track that runs around the park near the Wisnu Wing, where you can find the oldest trees in the Sanur area and a beach volleyball court in front of the Bamboo Bar. If you are bicycling lover, you can enjoy a cycling tour to the villages accompanied by an experienced tourist guide from Sanur Beach Hotel.


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Padang Bai, friendly fishing village on the east coast


Map of Padang Bai






Traveling to Padang Bai location


Asia : Southeast Asia : Indonesia : Bali : Padang Bai
Padang Bai (also Padangbai) is a small port in east Bali.Padang Bai is 54km east from Denpasar.

Perama, JL Legian 39, Kuta, Tel: 0361-751 551. They will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to your destination. Reserve one day in advance.

There are slow boats from Lembar (Lombok) every hour. The trip takes four hours (Rp 32,000).Ferry staff often offer their private room to tourist for Rp 50,000. Room is clean with 3 beds. Ferry service available 24 hours a day. Fast ferry recently stopped service.Perama Tour also runs daily cruises from Padang Bai directly to Senggigi (Lombok) for Rp200,000.

The Gili Cat and Perama Express operate from Padang Bai to the Gili Islands, see that article for details.

Location

Padang Bai is a beautiful, small, friendly fishing village on the east coast. Not all but, sadly, a lot of people don't stop to enjoy the life of Padang Bai. Padang Bai is also the main ferry port for heading east to the island of Lombok. Most people on a limited time rush through on their way to the Gilli islands off the coast of Lombok and beyond.

The main beach is generally awash with colorful outrigger fishing boats built in the shape of marlin. The front of the boat shaped with the point of its mouth open wide and large eyes looking to the heavens to its curved bow ending in its upright tail.

Either side of the main beach are two other coves. To reach the secluded Bias Tegul Beach, back out of the the main beach cross the ferry carpark and turn up the road next to the police station. Keep walking up the hill until you see the sign to the beach on the right. Be careful on this hillside track. Before you head down into the cove turn around. Weather permitting you should be able to see the largest of volcanoes on Bali, Gunung Agung. It's a powerful sight. This village is noted for its diving and Gekko Dive (english) and Water Worx Dive Center (german/english) are the friendliest and right on the beach with their own bars for after-diving refreshments.

Shopping & Accommodation

Bamboo Cafe is a lovely place to eat great and healthy food - they use bottled Aqua water for shakes etc. The cafe has been newly built mostly from bamboo and you can enjoy surprisingly good live rock and native music played by the very friendly and fun staff. It has also 3 nice aircon rooms. From the Police station keep walking up the hill in the direction to the Bias Tugal beach and after 100 m find the Cafe on the left side of

There are plenty of bars and small cafes to choose from along the beach in the village. On entering Padang Bai, head over to the left of the Bay, keeping the ferry jetty to your right. The road here runs along the beach and is full of activity, dive shops, bars and small home stays (nice and cheap) In the evening there are a few bars actually on the beach - notably "The Reggae Bar" livens up about 10PM. They have great music and flame wielding bar staff. After a while you forget the plastic chairs that wobble in the sand as the setting is just unique.

* Puri Rai Hotel, . A Melati accommodation with 1 star hotel services, located on Jl. Silayukti Padangbai, the eastern part of Bali. Has a swimming pool.

* Mustika Sari Beach Hotel, +62.361.8528521,

Jl.Raya Silakyukti. Offering a sea view, this 1-star hotel caters to the budget travelers with an array of modern facilities, Balinese architecture and sculpture, and a turquoise lagoon. Traditional paintings, wall hangings and Balinese handicrafts in the rooms lend further ambianc

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One Destination Island Tour In Indonesia : Flores Island Tour Package


The Komodo Dragon in Flores Indonesia

Danau Kelimutu, Three Colors Lake


Danau Kelimutu, Three Colors Lake



Danau Kelimutu



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.

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 an forgettable vacation for those who want to relax 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 .....

Flores Island is a dazzling kaleidoscope of prehistoric dragons and wild horses colored lakes and actives volcanoes, traditional villages and megalithic cultures, coral reefs and untouched beaches

The Flores archipelago itself is endless in diversity. Starting in the west lies the KOMODO ISLAND, where the biggest lizard in the world (the Komodo Dragons), can be seen. The sea around these island also offers excellent coral reefs to explore.

East of Komodo island is the main island of Flores. Unique to this island is the world famous Mt. Kelimutu with its three colored lakes.

Flores also offer traditional villages with megalithic cultures set in an untamed volcanic landscape, sunny beaches, coral reefs and beautifully hand made textiles.

Wildlife includes species of lizards, monkeys and parrots. There is also abundant marine life with reef sharks, sperm whale dolphins and tropical fish.

East of the island lies the Outer Island. Rich in colonial history, but still strong in traditional ways of living and beliefs. In the sea around these island one can also see whales and enjoy game fishing.


Mountain and Valleys in Flores Island

About 70 millions years ago, due to a collision between the Australian - Indian Ocean plate and Eurasian plate, large volcanoes erupted. 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 of Flores Tours



"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 in Komodo Island

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 in the Flores Island

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.

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Overlook at Lake Maninjau, a notable tourist destination






















































Lake Maninjau (Indonesian: Danau Maninjau, Meninjau means Overlook or Observation ) is a caldera lake in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located 16 km to the west of Bukittinggi, at [show location on an interactive map] 0°19′S 100°12′E / 0.317°S 100.2°E / -0.317; 100.2.

The Maninjau caldera was formed by a volcanic eruption estimated to have occurred around 52,000 years ago.[1] Deposits from the eruption have been found in a radial distribution around Maninjau extending up to 50 km to the east, 75 km to the southeast, and west to the present coastline. The deposits are estimated to be distributed over 8500 km² and have a volume of 220–250 km³. The caldera has a length of 20 km and a width of 8 km.

The lake

Lake Maninjau has an area of 99.5 km², being approximately 16 km long and 7 km wide. The average depth is 105 m, with a maximum depth of 165 m. The natural outlet for excess water is the Antokan river, located on the west side of the lake. It is the only lake in Sumatra which has a natural outlet to the west coast. Since 1983 this water has been used to generate hydroelectric power for West Sumatra.

Most of the people who live around Lake Maninjau are ethnically Minangkabau. Villages on the shores of the lake include Maninjau and Bayur.

Maninjau is a notable tourist destination in the region due to its scenic beauty and mild climate. It is also used as a site for paragliding.

Tourist destination

Maninjau is a notable tourist destination in the region due to its scenic beauty and mild climate. It is also used as a site for paragliding. On the uphill close to the lake, there is a 5 star hotel to lodge in. To reach maninjau, you can rent a car from Bukittinggi, which is located 35 kilometer from the site. Or you can also travel by public transport.

There are so many restaurants at maninjau. However, you must be careful because local cooking is highly seasoned and spiced. This is the specific charasteristic of West Sumatra foods. So you must be clever to choose.

If you want to buy souvenir, you can buy songket, a cloth embroidered with bits of gold or silver thread. Or you can choose any products made of songket, such as sandal, shoes, bag, coin box, etc. Other specific characteristic food that you can buy is kripik singkong pedas, a spiced crispy chip made from cassava.

Besides enjoying the beauty of the scene, you also can enjoy any other receation means there. However, due to the local custom, you are not allowed swimming at the lake using swimming cloth. If you want to do swimming, please do it at many resorts and hotels around the lake. At Maninjau resort, you can visit fitness center and jogging track.

The hotel price at maninjau is not expensive. For standard room, which has private bathroom, you only pay as cheap as 30000 rupiahs. Or bungalow, with the price of 50000 rupiahs. The hotel is very clean, and you can have beer and many choices of food, at very reasonable price. Some hotels are surrounded by rice fields, such as Beach Inn. So if we want to reach them, we have to pass the green-yelowish fields and enjoy its beauty.

Hill around the lake and villages of Maninjau are decorated by forestlike tree gardens before it reaches real forest on the upper hill. You can see there fruit trees such as rambutan, langsat, and durian.

The best-time to visit Maninjau lake is April - September. Because if you come there on September to April, you will get rainy season, where you will rarely see beautiful sunset.


Local agriculture

The lake is used for aquaculture, using karamba floating net cages. The technique was introduced in 1992, and by 1997 there were over 2,000 cage units with over 600 households engaged. Each cage may have 3-4 production cycles each year. There is evidence of pollution around some karamba area.

On the edge of the lake, the landuse includes rice fields in the swamps and the lower slopes. The villages are bordered uphill by a large belt of forestlike tree gardens, which dissolves into the upper montane forest on the steepest parts of the slopes up to the ridge of the caldera.

The tree gardens include three typical components:

* Fruit trees including durian, jack fruit, cempedak, rambutan, langsat, golden berries and water apples.
* Timber species including Toona sinensis and Pterospermum javanicum.
* Spice trees including cinnamon, coffee, nutmeg and cardamum.

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