The beauty of Komodo Island

By Amril Taufik Gobel

The presence of the Komodo National Park which is one of the popular vote competition nominator "New 7 Wonder" is quite inviting charm. The controversy that accompanied the event certainly had no effect on the intensive efforts to continue to preserve the park established in 1986 by UNESCO as world heritage site.

Komodo National Park is located between the Province of West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara It includes three large islands of Komodo, Rinca, and Padar, and several small islands with a land area covering 603 km ² and the total area is 1817 km ². Administratively, this region lies in the subdistrict of Komodo, West Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. National Parks are designated as forest conservation area by the Minister of Forestry with 132 572 ha area was originally established with the aim of conserving species of giant lizard dragons or a unique and rare.

Komodo dragons are known by the scientific name Varanus komodoensis is the world's largest lizard species that live on the island of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Gili Dasami in Nusa Tenggara. By local people, dragons are often called Ora.
Including family members Varanidae monitor lizards, and Toxicofera klad, dragons are the largest lizards in the world, with an average length of 2-3 m. Large size is associated with symptoms of island gigantism, the tendency for body meraksasanya certain animals that live in small island linked to the absence of mammalian carnivores on the island where dragons live, and the rate of metabolism of small dragons. Because of his body, these lizards occupy the position of a top predator that dominates its place of living ecosystems.
Komodo dragons are found in 1910. Her body is great and terrible reputation makes them popular in zoos. Dragons in the wild habitat has shrunk and therefore IUCN include dragons as a species vulnerable to extinction. These large lizards are protected under Indonesian law and a national park was established to protect them.

Actually the Park attraction not solely by the mere presence of dragons. As I quoted from the official website of the Ministry of Forestry who manages this site Komodo National Park, panoramic underwater views of savanna and attract potential supporters. Eg marine tourism, fishing, snorkeling, diving, canoeing, boating. While on land, natural tourism potential that can be done is to observe wildlife, hiking, and camping. Visiting the Park and enjoy the natural scenery is very charming an experience that will never be forgotten.
Some interesting sites to visit include:
1. Loh Liang: a tourism concession area managed by PT. Putri Naga Komodo (PNK PT.). Activities that can be done among other observations the Komodo dragon, deer, wild boar, bird watching, canoeing, etc..
2. Red Beach: a beautiful beach with shallow coral reefs charming. Activities usually carried out by tourists who visit are snorkelling or sunbathing.
3. Loh Sebita: Loh Sebita a mangrove area and the activity is quite interesting to do is bird watching and trekking.
4. Loh Buaya: a tourism concession areas dielola by PT. Putri Naga Komodo (PNK PT.). Activities that can be done among other observations the Komodo dragon, deer, buffalo, birds, long-tailed monkey, wild horses, birdwatching, canoeing, etc..
5. Bat Island: Activities that can be visited include the observation colony of bats in large numbers. The most interesting observation made during the afternoon where the bats started to come out to look for food.
6. Golo Code: From the top of the hill, known as Code Golo, visitors can see a panorama and a landscape that is fantastic because the representation of various types of ecosystems can be seen from this place.
7. Molo Strait: Strait which has a heavy flow like river water flowing at high tide.
There are 36 dive sites in the area of ​​TN. Komodo. Frequented by foreign tourists for diving and snorkeling are: Tatawa Island, Red Beach, Gililawa Sea, Loh Dasami, Pillar Steen, Batu Bolong and Taka Napier.
To reach this place can be done via the road through land through Bali - Mataram (Lombok Island) - Bima - Sape (Sumbawa P.), followed by a trip using the ferry every day to Labuan Bajo. From Labuan Bajo visitors can visit the Komodo National Park aboard the boat or speedboat. Another alternative is by air, visitors can use air transportation from Bali (Denpasar) to Labuan Bajo every day with the existing penerpangan airlines including; Indonesian Air Transport (IAT), Pigeon, and Trigana Air.
Source reading: Site www.dephut.go.id and Wikipedia Indonesia
Read also blogs Amril

Pasundan Land of Enchantment

By Olenka Priyadarsani

Green Canyon was in Cijulang, West Java, which is about 285 km from Jakarta (31 km from Pangandaran Beach).

This place is a group of caves, with stalactite and stalagmite is hidden behind the green cliffs - perhaps that is why it is called Green Canyon, the pun of the Grand Canyon in the United States. Local people used to call Cukang Taneuh.

To go to the cave, you have the dock and buy tickets. When you go on holiday (let alone a long weekend), we can be sure you have to wait several hours to turn up the boat to the cave.

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Tour boats operated is owned by local people, but arranged by the district. One boat can carry up to five passengers with the rental price of Rp 75,000. If you want to swim in the cave, you can tell the boat crew waited, of course for a fee.
They will ask for Rp 100,000 for a full day, but you certainly will not spend one day there. Tawarlah, maybe you can get in the holiday season Rp 80,000 and Rp 50,000 when it was empty of visitors.
Each boat is always to provide a float for the passengers, so if you are a good swimmer, do not be too worried. The travelers usually also take advantage of cave rocks to jump into the clear water.
This place is still free of pollution, the scenery was beautiful.
If you do not like to swim, you can use the time to enjoy the scenery, also took a picture. Before the entrance of the cave, there is a small pier which is commonly used by boat to wait. There were a few vendors selling drinks and snacks.
One drawback of the Green Canyon is the maintenance that is still not good, probably because this place is a relatively new tourist attraction. Here, there are only three toilets and a small mosque, though at the time of holiday visitors can reach up to hundreds of people.
However, the locals took profits by providing them with small rooms and a prayer that is more feasible, only a rate of Rp 2,000. The parking lot that was across the dock is wide enough, at a cost of Rp 3,000 for a full day.All around the parking area there is a row of stalls which sell rice and grilled fish and coconut. You might also want to enjoy local food such as lotek, Karedok and salad mashed. Besides it's cheap, it is suitable to fill the stomach after a tired play on the cave!

 

 

 

Go Green Canyon

With a private car, from Jakarta you can go through the toll Cipularang to Bandung. Exit motorway at Cileunyi, follow the road towards Ciawi-Nagreg Tasikmalaya. Before RAJAPOLAH, Tasikmalaya, beloklah to the right and take route Ciamis, Banjar. From there you will see signs indicating the direction to Pangandaran. Travel time from Jakarta to Cijulang 6-7 hours.

If you would travel by public transport, from Kampung Rambutan Terminal, PO Budiman provide bus majors Pangandaran. From Grogol and Tangerang also have several buses that serve this route. Arriving in Pangandaran, you have to change bus bound Cijulang. Terminal Cijulang located about 1 km from Green Canyon.

In addition to land routes, there are also flights from Jakarta to Bandung Pangandaran through once a day from the airline Susi Air. You should book tickets in advance.
Other Information

You better prepare enough cash, because the nearest ATM is about 1 km from Green Canyon - in Bank BRI's right across the district office Cijulang. The locals I met said, these machines often run out of cash.

When that happens, you will have to travel about 4 miles to get the next ATM machine. Of course you do not want this to happen is not it?

The visitors also can do body rafting in the vicinity of Bat Cave. This activity is managed by the boat crew in cooperation with the local village youth. Tell the crew boat that you want to do body rafting and they will take you to the place. The time it takes about 3-4 hours and of course an additional cost

There is no accommodation in the vicinity of Green Canyon. The closest hotel is in Riverside Panireman river mouth leading to Batu Karas Beach, about 15 minutes from Green Canyon. Other hotels in the vicinity of Batu Karas Beach, the resorts that will be discussed in subsequent papers.

A Brief Guide to the island of Sumba adventure

Here's a brief guide to adventure on the island of Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara.Towards SumbaSumba Island can be reached by air through two airport. Tambolaka Airports in West Sumba and Umbu Mehang Kunda Airport in East Sumba.
Flights are serviced daily by Merpati, Batavia and TransNusa. From Jakarta, the aircraft will transit in Denpasar, Bali, before traveling to the island. Merpati flight by the end aims to Kupang, with point-Tambolaka Denpasar-Kupang-Waingapu and vice versa. Air travel from Waingapu Tambolaka to take less than 10 minutes, the time to observe Sumba from the air.
The island can also be reached by sea from the port of Sape, Bima, West Nusa Tenggara and Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara.


TransportationDo not forget to bring a map of the island and city maps to estimate the distance and location. Maps can be downloaded from several sites of travel guides.
Condition of main roads linking the main cities in Sumba is relatively good. The streets are still much smaller damage, potholes and muddy when it rains. There are several bridges that are still in repair so that motorists have to cross a river.
Public transport is available on main routes. Transportation between cities by car elves, usually very full until passengers hanging on the door and the roof of the car. Path towards the more remote areas are served by several trucks with erratic schedules.
Two large cities, Waingapu and Waikabubak can be achieved with a travel worth USD 50 thousand and takes about 5 hours. Travel will pick up and deliver passengers to their destination.
Manager of the hotel can usually help find a rented motorcycle or car. Rental rates of the motor complete with a guide USD 200 thousand. The car rental rates start from U.S. $ 400 thousand.
Culinary and souvenirsAlmost no special food sold in Sumba. Plus, there are rarely stalls that sell food. Places to eat only in the center of town. Although most residents are Christian, halal food can be obtained easily. If you want to go away all day to a remote area, it is advisable to bring lunch from the city.
By-the distinctive Sumba is ikat weaving. Several traditional villages are also producing the best woven belt. A time to see the process of weaving and coloring using natural ingredients derived from nature. Woven motifs differ in their respective regions. West Sumba have simpler patterned fabrics from East Sumba.
StayThere are several options to stay cheap price of Rp 100 thousand to $ 500 thousand, mainly in the capital district. Usually, the hotel also provides transportation to and from the airport. There is also the option of staying at a five-star resorts like Nihiwatu in West Sumba.
The best time optionPedestrians who visited during the rainy season will see a green Sumba, wet, and thankful for the rain. Savannas spread like a green carpet as far as the eye could see.
Visiting Sumba during the rainy season means must be prepared through the road that turns into a muddy pond. In general the condition of the main street of Sumba is good enough. But to get to the beach and indigenous villages in the hinterland, the journey must go through a dirt road that will be muddy when it rains.
No that is the situation in the dry season. It was green fields will be replaced by grass drought brown color. Sumba is famous with hot and dry weather. Taufik Ismail in his poem, entitled Give Me tell Sumba Sumba as a "tropical weather, hundreds of dry rainless days."
During summer, transportation to remote places more easily. The sky appears blue with a starry night to allow adventure in the outdoors such as hiking or camping.
Ritual
Besides taking into account the weather, the best time to travel on this island is now a main ceremonies. The ceremony which is Pasola pity to miss, "war" two horsemen by way of the horse javelin throw.
Pasola traditional ceremony was held four times a year at four different places, usually in February and March. Only the traditional leaders who could determine when the exact date Pasola held, because the ceremony is to be done to coincide with the emergence of worms Nyale from the sea.
The ceremony started early days by looking Nyale activities on the beach. Thereafter before the Rato getting on a horse, without saddle. Pasola is a high-risk activities because they involve. Participants Pasola not afraid of blood spilled. Wounds are considered ordinary and death leaves no grudge.
As in October or November are the closing ceremony Wula Podu in Waikabubak, West Sumba. Wula podu month ban is in force in Kampung Tarung, Prai Klembung and Waitabar. In many village residents ban prohibited from engaging in various activities - not even allowed to mourn the deceased family. At the end of Wula Podu indigenous population have a party very festive with animal sacrifices and dances.
A funeral also be interesting attractions for tourists. Embraces the belief Marapu believe that the dead need a provision to go into nature. The body will be wrapped with multiple layers of woven fabric, coupled with the slaughter of the animal sacrifices in large quantities. Dozens of buffalo, dozens of pigs and hundreds of chickens are believed to be packed into the spirit of the deceased occupant Marapu.
All these ceremonies are not held regularly according to the calendar AD. To find out when the ceremonies are held, we suggest you contact a travel agent or hotel before planning a trip.

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Manta Kingdom Derawan Islands

By Famega Syavira
Manta rays are the species most large-sized stingrays in the world. Type the largest can grow up to 7 meters with a weight of more than 2 tons. I visited one of the royal manta in Indonesia which lies in waters around the island of Charitable, Derawan Islands, Berau, East Kalimantan.
Photo: Yahoo! / Famega Syavira
Fish with the Latin name of this birostris Manta will manifest themselves at high tide. Tide brings with plankton, which is his favorite food. The sign, which was originally sea water began to clear blue colored turbid due to plankton.
Charitable Island can be reached within an hour away by motor boat from the island Derawan. Shortly after arriving, we saw manta began to arrive and swim just below the water surface. We plunge into the sea, a few hundred feet from the manta. Speedboat should not be too close because it could frighten the animal tame.
I then swam his best to reach the manta. Not the actual swim, because I simply could not and did not know swimming technique. Exactly, trying to move the agency forward. Luckily, manta swam directly towards me.
Dark and sinister figure who makes me pause while he continued to go at me. His form is very large with a wide mouth reminds me of the sharp-tailed rays that can kill humans. In fact, the manta which is not dangerous.
Shortly before we collided, manta contort his body to the bottom. His movements were so graceful like a dancer. He then swerved back toward his coming again. Manta swim fast and I just stared at the departure of the black manta graceful.

Photo credits - ThinkStock
Not only one manta appears, there are some that swim around. This beast is also known to jump into the water. If lucky, manta can appear clustered in large quantities. This place is also a favorite spot of divers because of its beauty. Unfortunately, I can not dive.
Manta is only one of hundreds of fish that live in these waters. There are at least 872 kinds of reef fish that inhabit this region with six different species of dolphins and three types of whales.
Derawan I visited at the invitation of The Nature Conservancy, the nonprofit that works to preserve the marine ecosystem of this island. Currently Berau Aquatic Conservation Area face many threats, such as destruction of coral reefs, sea turtles illegally catching and environmentally unfriendly fishing with poison and bombs.

Photo: Yahoo! / Famega Syavira
In fact, Derawan islands are areas with coral reefs second richest in the world. Extensive coral reefs no less than 66 thousand hectares. Diversity of coral reefs in this region amounted to more than 507 species, can only be defeated by the diversity in Raja Ampat Islands, Papua.
The islands also became the center of the green turtle nesting Chelonia mydas alias. Almost every night there are green turtles in a dark corner of the beach. There is also a hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata or very rare.
Ancient Lake Kakaban Once satisfied playing with manta, we continued our journey to the waters around Kakaban. The island is special because there is adjoining ancient lakes contain salty water. The lake was originally the lagoon has changed shape due to the removal of millions of mainland last year. Sea water and all its contents are caught in the middle to form a unique ecosystem.

Photo: Yahoo! / Famega Syavira
Kakaban inhabited four types of jellyfish which has lost its sting. Jellyfish sting not only exists at two places in the world. Besides Kakaban they can be found in the Republic of Palau, one of the countries in the Pacific Islands.
Jellyfish meets the lake like cendol. Aurelia aurita wide saucer-shaped nodes. Cassiopeia ornata swim upside down with tentacles on top. Papua Martigias brown with a total at most. We raced to find Tripedalia cystophora, jellyfish tip of a nail the most rarely found.
The lake has its own system to balance the population in the bottom of the lake there is an anemone jellyfish predator. The size of a finger, white, transparent with tendrils. Just try to hold the jellyfish tendrils, he ate jellyfish with smoked it.
To go to the lake we have to go through dense forest to the timber docks. Stairs continued into the woods, climbed the hill. The lake is behind the small hill. After walking a few hundred yards, up the hill efforts paid off already. The sky and sea so blue. The fresh air blowing from the island green.

Photo: Yahoo! / Famega Syavira
We immediately jump in the water, complete with snorkel and fins. Jellyfish numerous and easily captured. It was like holding a jelly. In other places with this much jellyfish, there are people who would never dare to swim because it will sting.
There are only five of us and the island. Just hear a katydid and the wind that makes a small splashing on the surface of the lake. This silence adds mystery lake that still keeps many secrets that have not been revealed.

Labuan Cermin Lake

Deep in the interior of East Kalimantan there, unfurled Labuan Lake Mirror. Clear Lake is special because it has the sea at the bottom. Sea in the bottom of the lake? True, this lake has a flow of salty water that exist only in the bottom of the lake.
Yahoo! / Famega Syavira
Labuan Mirror Big Dipper is located in Sub-Plow, East Kalimantan. When viewed on a map, located right in the back of the nose of Borneo. This place can be gone in three-hour sea journey from Derawan.
The top of Labuan Mirror Lake contains freshwater such as lakes in general. But there are a few feet below the flow of salt water. Strangely, both types of water is not mixed. In plain view can be seen that the sea water and fresh water are separated by a similar layer of clouds.
No one has done research in this area so that the formation of this phenomenon remains a mystery.
White turbid layer was allegedly the result of spoilage organisms harbor the basis of the trapped and unable to go. Two types of water in this lake also provides the organism of both worlds. Freshwater fish living on the surface, while sea water fish can be found at the bottom of the lake.

The Nature Conservancy / Rudyantoi
When I get there, incidentally is a thin layer of fresh water. The crew had to dive and taste the salty water at a depth of about two meters. Apparently, the thickness of freshwater and saltwater can be changed in accordance with tidal sea water.
This tiny lake surrounded by woods and there are towering cliffs on one side. We were treated to music while swimming jungle - the sound of birds and insects. Not surprisingly, the lake is named Labuan Mirror: water clear as a bell until the person can reflect on it. Flows in some places quite strong and easy to drag people who can not swim.

The Nature Conservancy / Rudy
To reach this place we had to ride the canoe fishermen and travel pass for 15 minutes, through the bush and mangrove forests. The forest was still inhabited by various wild animals like monkeys, bekantan, otters and bears.
Because the distance is quite far from the city, rarely or almost no tourists who visit here. This place is only known by local people from around the area. Facilities and infrastructure are still sober. The place we stayed was a Fisherman Information Center (IC) assisted The Nature Conservancy, an environmental activist organization invited me to visit this place.
PIN-shaped house on stilts at the edge of the mouth of a river, only a few hundred meters from the sea. The house has such a small dock where boats tie up. River in front of the PIN brackish water. Keasinannya levels depend on tidal sea water. When the sea receded, the river became very clear that basically can be seen clearly.

The Nature Conservancy / Rudy
From the porch we could see the fish moving around everywhere. Ardi, children of fishermen who like to play in a PIN to explain to us the kinds of fish. There are many prickly fish, there are fish that sting and long flat-bodied fish. Not only visited by the fishermen, the PIN is also a hangout for the children of fishermen who want to watch a film about sea life or read a library's collection.
It was getting dark when some fishermen went to sea. As we spent the night by drinking coffee on the porch and stared at the river water and the moon was almost full. Peaceful atmosphere that can not be found in the city.

Malino and coolness that reconcile

By Emery Taufik Gobel
What comes to mind when you hear the word "Malino"? I am sure your memory will surely drift to the Malino Agreement, a historic meeting was initiated to reconcile the warring parties in the violence in Maluku.
Take place in February 2002, this agreement produces a peace agreement to end fighting that claimed casualties large enough in the Moluccas.
I myself remember the Malino as a beautiful tourist spots and cool with a beautiful mountain atmosphere and shade. While still a student high school and college students, several times I visited the place which is located approximately 90 km from the city of Makassar, South Sulawesi.

Tempo / Zulkarnain
To reach the city of Malino, takes about three hours from the city of Makassar for a drive - down the hill on the slopes of the mountains Bawakaraeng.
A friend had joked that the Malino is equivalent to "peak" of his South. Not surprisingly, because the beauty of this place is really stunning. Malino has become a favorite tourist sites since the Dutch colonial era.
Accompanied by a shady pine forest landscape paintings like nature makes us lulled. Plus the cool mountain air make the mood becomes serene and comfortable. Nothing wrong with the Malino serve as a meeting place to reach a peace agreement among opposing factions. Coolness to reconcile and its natural panoramic really calm.
But not only the beauty of the pine forest that you can enjoy. In the morning, you can walk to Central Market Malino, shopping for vegetables and fresh fruits. After that, a time to stop by a breakfast at the available shops on the edge of pine forest - not far from Central Market. While sipping hot coffee on the sidelines of the cold mountains, you can enjoy the pine-lined and shady line up neatly.
You can even ride a horse with a tariff of Rp 10 thousand all around, or Rp 50 thousand per hour. I still remember very well have fallen several times while trying to mount a horse who will ride because I was nervous and a little scared. Finally after several tries, I so enjoy the first experience of riding a horse though still guided "the handler".
To the north of the pine forests, tea gardens are managed by a private company. To go there, because I had needed a big struggle through difficult terrain. But when it comes, you will be captivated by the scenery unfold. Green tea leaves are blended with the contours of the mountains Bawakaraeng into a charm that leaves a deep impression. There you can enjoy the distinctive aroma of tea Malino.
About 10 km from Malino to the east, you can visit waterfalls Takapala. Twisting road with mountain scenery will accompany your journey to the waterfall about 60 meters altitude.
Takapala addition, there are also waterfalls Lembanna which is 8 km from the town of Malino. Blue Valley bath and horticultural crops in the area Karenpia, and the wealth of flora and fauna can also be your choice in travel in Malino.
Local authorities seem to have set this region as an integrated tourism area with all the facilities it has. Hotels and villas with affordable rates available in the region, as well as restaurants with varied tastes.
Let's enjoy the coolness of the Malino peace!

Heaven The sun chaser

By Olenka Priyadarsani
You are never on vacation to the island of Phuket, Thailand, probably never visited this place. Promthep Cape or Cape Promthep located at the southern tip of the island and is renowned as the perfect place to watch the sunset.
When I visited him in the daytime, this place looks great. Just like a rocky hill, much like substations-viewing post in the tourist area in Indonesia, only bigger. The stalls selling drinks and souvenirs cash Thailand lined along the parking area. Some restaurants became a favorite haven for tourists who do not want to sting the sun.
The view toward the ocean blue, with green hills in the distance, looks beautiful though it is not different from the scenery in Phuket in general. Everyone awaits the moment of sunset.
More and more tourists coming in line with bergulirnya sun to the western horizon. Each people jockeyed for position, looking for the most perfect place watch the sunset. The day was bright blue sky.
After getting the right position, we also set up a camera and tripod. We did not move from that place for fear that the place was taken by someone else, even though the sun was still shining quite hot and the scenery is still not good to capture.
At 18:00, the sun loses heat, causing orange tinge. This is the right time to start taking a picture. Currently, the entire periphery view post has been filled with tourists. Maybe it's because on Sunday, local tourists also very numerous.


Some of the young couple was busy taking photos. Seen many families with small children, as well as groups of veiled women - perhaps as a group recitation that in Indonesia. Tourists of various nationalities, ages, all have the same goal, namely watch the sunset at Cape Promthep, Phuket.
I, who came with her husband and sister, no less incentive to take pictures. Hobby photography husband seems satisfied at this place. Various poses with various angles to capture. Some people smiling glance at our stylish, but we do not care. It's come all the way to Cape Promthep, we want to take pictures.
The orange sun sank, creating an atmosphere that made everyone pause to enjoy. Reflections on the golden color of the sea surface creates a perfect blend with the natural surroundings.
When the sun has completely sunk in the horizon, people were headed home, pocketed tens of photos on their camera.To Cape Promthep from Phuket Town or Patong
Cape Promthep can be reached from the direction of Phuket Town, Wat Chalong through. You can along the main road to Chalong intersection, then take the coast road through Rawai Beach. Very easy to find this place because in Phuket there are quite a lot of directions.
If you depart from the coast, Patong Beach, for example, you live along the coast road through Karon and Kata beaches. Cape Promthep and Patong is about 18 kilometers.
To reach this place, and around Phuket in general, you can use a taxi or rent a Tuktuk. However, the most convenient and cheapest is to rent a motorcycle. In addition to more flexible time, also much easier to enjoy the scenery because it can quit at any time. Although the winding and up and down, the streets in this island are all paved smooth. Rent bike around THB 250-300 per day or USD 75-90 thousand without gasoline.

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