Hoteles en España

España idénticamente con Barcelona y Madrid. Unas vacaciones en Barcelona y Madrid le proporcionará emoción, aventura, romance y la historia. Barcelona y Madrid tiene muchas actividades y entretenimiento para los turistas que buscan descansar, relajarse y divertirse un poco.

Al planificar un viaje a Barcelona, para pasar unas vacaciones o un viaje, usted debe hacer reservas de hoteles, plan de actividades y entretenimiento. Porque en Barcelona, usted podrá encontrar un hotel de Barcelona a su altura. De cinco estrellas a la economía, Barcelona es el hogar de todos los hoteles en diferentes rangos de precios. Algunos de los hoteles Grander ofrecerá lo mejor en restaurantes, entretenimiento y servicios. Tome el Hotel Gallery Barcelona un hoteles baratos de Barcelona, por ejemplo. Este increíble hotel ofrece habitaciones de lujo y un creativo diseño arquitectónico. Y si le gustaría descansar su cabeza en un suntuoso cama, este hotel es para usted.

El arte es enorme en Barcelona, y su viaje no sería completa sin visitar algunos de los museos. El Museo Picasso hay que ver, incluso si no son de su fan más grande. Otros museos de arte de retratar el período modernista a través de los períodos románico y gótico. Visitar los museos de Barcelona en su viaje no sólo entretener sino que servirá como una lección de Historia del Arte al mismo tiempo.

Las Ramblas es uno de los lugares de Barcelona que no debe desaprovecharse. Las Ramblas es un refugio para la cultura y las artes. Si es el espectáculos de calle, músicos profesionales, o los conciertos más estructurado tarde en Sant Josep Oriol, Las Ramblas se encuentra gran recurso para los amantes de la música. Allí, se puede visitar el Centre de Cultura Contemporània (Cultura de Cultura Contemporánea), que es el hogar de la restaurada Museu d'Art Contemporani (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo). Con su amplia gama de exposiciones itinerantes y permanentes, el Museu d'Art Contemporani es una obligación para toda persona que desee comprender el patrimonio artístico de Barcelona.

Y, por último, si usted camina en el West Edificio Moll de Barcelona, se encuentra el Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel Barcelona Hoteles baratos de Las Ramblas, el mejor alojamiento en el Área de Las Ramblas con el precio barato. El hotel le hará sentirse cómodo en la parte de atrás para disfrutar de su viaje en Barcelona.

N de vacaciones a España sin visitar Madrid. Madrid es la ciudad moderna que es rica en historia y tradición. Hay muchos lugares para visitar en la ciudad, desde las antiguas murallas árabe a la vanguardia contemporánea rascacielos, edificios de Madrid y monumentos son baluartes de la historia y el arte, incluido el fantástico castillo construido por los árabes en el siglo 9 de cuyos restos todavía están en exhibición. El Palacio Real de Madrid, la residencia del monarca español, es uno de los muchos lugares de Madrid que debe ser visitado.

Como pueden ver, Madrid es un gran destino de vacaciones. Y eso no es completa si no encuentra el hotel. Hay muchos hoteles en Madrid que ofrece varias ventajas. Mira en el Hotel Westin Palace de Madrid un hotel de cinco estrellas con un precio barato, y muchos más hoteles baratos de Madrid se encuentra.

Travel News

Batik As Indonesian Cultural Heritage

The word "batik" is Indonesian in origin, even if the concept was known by Egyptians and Indians. It is known to be more than a millenium old, and there are evidences that cloth decorated through some form of resist technique was in use in the early centuries AD in several West African, Middle-Eastern and Asian communities.

The word Batik is originally an Indonesian-Malay word and derives propbably from 'titik' which means to dot .This art of textile is well spread in the hindu and malay world, but Indonesia is certainly the heart of the Batik.This way of painting and coloring on textile cloth has reached its higher degree of excellence in the Island of Java , in cities like Solo, Yogyakarta, Pekalongan or Cirebon. From Java this 'batik' cloth was exported to other islands of the archipelago and to the Malay peninsula.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has officially recognized batik as an Indonesian cultural treasure. Unesco, would make public its decision to recognize batik as a unique hallmark of the country’s heritage during a meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee of Intangible Heritage, held from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The government has conducted field research since 2008 involving batik-producing communities and experts in 19 provinces across the country in preparation for the nomination of batik as a cultural artifact. “Batik is not only considered part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage, but is also now recognized as a representation of humanity’s culture,” adding that as a traditional cloth, batik was rich in value as well as cultural inheritance.

Meanwhile, Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik said that in 2003, Unesco recognized wayang kulit , or shadow puppets, and a traditional dagger as aspects of the country’s cultural heritage, adding that it would continue to seek Unesco recognition of its cultural artifacts. Batik techniques: painting on cloth.

The art of "batiking" is similar to the one of drawing or painting on a piece of cloth. The main tool, thecanting ('tjanting'), is used in stead of a pencil or a brush, andliquid wax(see paragraph here below)in stead of paint. Finely detailed designs are first drawn freehand with a pencil on the textile. Then hot liquid wax is applied. Here above, a Javanese woman applying wax in the intricately involved patterns with a canting (tjanting), a small copper container with a long slender spout.

From time to time she blows on the tip of the canting to secure an easy flow of the wax. Areas not slated for coloring are filed with the wax. The cloth is then passed through a vat of dye. The wax is removed with hot water, scraped from the portions of the dried material still to be dyed. The parts that were covered by the wax did not absorb the dye and thus remain white (or whatever color the original cloth was previously dyied). Since the wax behave as a resisting medium, this process is called resist-dye process.

Next, other areas are waxed over. this is repeated during each phase of the coloring process, up to four or more times, until the overall pattern and effect are achieved.

THE WAX

A traditional recipe for batik wax is a mix of beeswax and paraffin, about 60%/40%. Beeswax is soft, pliable, and blocks completely: no cracking. Paraffin is more brittle, and lets dye penetrate wherever cracks form. Crackle is a characteristic batik effect, a scatter of thin dark wavy lines, a batik hallmark. Some dyers seek crackle, freezing and crumpling the cloth to make more. Others avoid, if they can, any effect that seems uncontrolled. For more crackle, more paraffin.

Any clean, low-oil paraffin, melting from 130 - 150° F will work. Beeswax should be light yellow or tan and clear of debris. But most batik today is done with synthetic micro-crystalline waxes. They’re more consistent, more often reusable, penetrate better, can be heated (safely) to higher temperatures. They usually fall between beeswax and paraffin in price and in working properties. They can be blended with other waxes for intermediate effects.


Published By :

Travel News Sukabumi

Hundreds Of Thousands Tourists Fill Pelabuhan Ratu

Entrepreneur Association of Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants (PHRI) of Kenya recorded at least 110 thousand tourists crowded the Beach Pelabuhan Ratu, Sukabumi on the sixth day after Lebaran 2009.

Density of tourist attractions in the region has occurred since the entrance to the Beach Pelabuhan Ratu. Long queues of vehicles were seen up to 1 km more. Most tourists who come to use two-wheeled vehicles and pickup vehicles.

Lebaran holiday peak actually occurs at H +3 Lebaran. It records the incoming tourists to Palabuhanratu at H +3 reached 150 thousand people. Most tourists who come from Greater Jakarta.

The number of tourists who come to the Harbor Queen rose to 90 percent of the days normally. Most tourists vacationing in Queen Palabuhan to swim at the beach or shopping trips and fish cuisine. The number of tourists predicted to grow until late into the night, especially when it was Sunday night.

For that it is providing facilities and infrastructure for the tourists who come to Pelabuhan Ratu, like a tent to rest and where culinary and discounts for hotel rates.


Published By :

Travel News Bali

"Songket", Balinese Upper Class

Songket Woven an important part in the daily and ceremonial life of the Balinese. They not only serve as protection against the cold and sun but are also symbols of status and well being of the wearer.Songket cloth is often brocaded (sungkit or nyuntik; decorated with an extra weft) with metallic thread.

This cloth is often worn during weddings and other religious occasions by the royal family and the upper class. Authentic Balinese cloth is specially designed and plays a significant role in religious, ceremonial and community life. A rather unique type of cloth known as kain "gringsing" originates from the village of Tenganan and follows the technique of ikat weaving.

Bali has a number of traditional cloths including batik, ikat and songket. The art of making these is passed down from generation to generation and they are used for daily life and religious ceremonies. is another heritage that has been passed down through generations of Balinese women.

Like many other local art forms, weaving is based on the principals of harmony. This is indicated in the Hindu philosophy Tri Hita Karana, which refers to the balance between man, his environment and God Almighty.

Art based on these values often reflects great beauty. Textiles in Bali are not only used for clothing purposes, but also as accessories in places of worship. Statues, shrines and even trees on the island are often shrouded in pieces of cloth.

The specific characteristi Songket is also handmade in other Indonesian territories and it is often promoted as the ideal cloth for performers as the composition of shiny threads never fails to draw audience attention to the grace and elegance of the dancer’s body.

The glimmer of gold and silver in songket cloth complements the dynamic spirit of traditional Balinese dance. A single piece of songket cloth takes up to three months to produce.

Many women in the village of Sideman in East Bali are quite adept at weaving and it is a skill that is passed down through generations of families from mother to daughter. There are generally three types of patterns that are followed in songket weaving and the cloth is matched to the religious occasion that it will be worn for, which includes dance performances, weddings, tooth filing rituals and cremation ceremonies.


Published By :

Travel News Maluku

TOLIRE LAKE, Maluku: A Walk To Remember

Long time ago, in a small village, a father impregnated his own daughter and causing God fury. God cursed the father and his daughter-the form of big Tolire Lake reflected the fathers figure and the Small Tolire Lake reflected his daughter. Other myth about the lake, local people believe that the lake is the house for many invisible crocodiles.

Tolire lake covered 5 acre and 50 m depth located 10 km from the main city, Ternate and reachable by bus or Ojeg (ojeg: rented bike) depend on the mode of travel (if you manage your travel individually/couple, you better take ojeg, otherwise, for those who wish to travel in a group, hiring bus would be perfect). Tolire lake stated in the deep crater of Mt. Gamalama, the highest mountain in North Maluku with highest peak is 1715 m above sea level.

The relaxing and oozing view of Gamalama mountain, the crystal clear water of the lake, the luscious green view of the forest, the enchanting sounds of chirping birds and the lovely smile of Ternates people, all bounding together make this place glowing with beauties.

Getting There

Lot of eager visitors questioned this simple-easy-issue. Dont worry, all you have to do is prepare your packs and then take flights.

* From Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport flight toward Hasanuddin Airport, Makassar (it takes you 3.45 hours). Dont forget to have SARABA in the airport (SARABA is local beverage)
* Take 30 minutes flight from Hasanuddin Airport to Sultan Baabullah Airport, Ternate.
* You are getting close to Tolire Lake and Gamalama Mountain. Be patient during 10 km trip by hired-bus.
* For individual traveler, use ojeg (rented bike drives by owner).

Where To Stay

You can stay in non-star hotel owned by local people, installed with Television and Air-Conditioning.

Moving Around

You can acces the lake using hired bus if you wish to travel in a group, while "ojeg" will be the perfect choice for individual traveller.

Dining Guide

There are several foods, beverage and fruit to boost-up your taste and surely make your visit unforgettable. Unique and genuine! Thats how the visitors, whether it Indonesian or foreigner express their feeling the moment they give it a try.
* SARABA : made from coconut milk, brown sugar and ginger
* Sagu : local food made from sago palm
* Durian: a very famous fruit in Indonesia with strong aroma. You can buy it along Tolire Lake and it costs you Rp. 5.000,-
* Bagea: traditional cake made from sagu, crispy and a bit salty. And the best way to enjoy it is with sweet black tea
* Makron: made from sagu (sago) mix with almond
* Nasi Jaha: made from submerged rice in coconut milk-put in bamboo stick-grilled in charcoal

Souvenir Tips

You can buy various souvenir in Pasar Gamalama or in the middle of Ternate town, traditional food, local handicrafts and etc. Make sure you know how to bargain the price to get the best price

Other Things to See Or Do

After an extraordinary experience at Gamalama Mountain and Tolire Lake, dont forget to visit other places of interest which located near by the lake. Make sure you dont miss these:

* Small Tolire Lake
* Ngade lake
* Sultan Baabullahs grave
* Old forts as the legacy of Portuguese
* Sulamadaha Beach
* Gamalama market
* If you are not tired enough, found your self in Saturday night pub crawl and count 1-2-3 step for the POCO-POCO (line dancing focused on food-step)


Published By :

Travel News West Papua

Raja Ampat, A Reefy And Fishy Diving Experience

Raja Ampat is a 43.000 km2 island and has more than 610 islands, located at the west-side of Papua, Irian Jaya and its famous for diving. Here you can find more than 540 type of reefs, 1000 type of reef's fish, and 750 types of mollusk. It means, Raja Ampat offer 75% of world's reef. Healthy with unusual reef structure dive spot with the most diverse marine is the best way to express the beauty of Raja Ampat.

Here you'll witness other unique species such us pigmy seahorse, webbegong, manta ray and endemic fish called eviota raja (king eviota). One of the best spot is Chicken Reef; you'll surrounded by thousand of fish, bamboo shark and snappers. There just too many species to be named in Raja Ampat, just come and experience all the glories of Raja Ampat.

One of the most breathtaking diving experiences is the encounter with school of barracuda (an expert assistance will be needed in certain diving spot), reef shark, and tortoise shell. In certain dive spot like Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo you could find Dugong or mermaid. Raja Ampat offers you another cutting edge experiences except the under water habitat, the above water view, beautiful sunset.

The four main island offer you a world class diving spot and reefs :
* Waigeo Island
* Misool Island
* Salawati Island
* Batanta Island

Getting There

• Take 6 hours flight from Jakarta toward Sorong via Menado. Flight serves every day (please check to specify the flight schedules)
• 2 hour flight from Manado to Sorong is by jet, extra luggage is allowed
• To access the dive spot please contact and use the professional diving organizer
• From Sorong, there are 2 type of boat available; Speed Boat (40 minutes - 1 hour boat trip, carry 15 passangers and cost Rp. 2 million/ US$ 208.55); Long Boat (2-3 hours boat trip and could carry 10 passangers-cost Rp. 1,2 million/ US$ 126) - please note that all rates are subject to change without notice
• Domestic flight served by Silk Air, Garuda Indonesia, Pelita Air and Merpati
• To enter Papua you need to have passport photo page, 3 Copies of the passport page with the Indonesian Visa)

Where To Stay

You may choose those alternatives where to stay during your visit to Raja Ampat :

• Hotel (star or budget) in the city
  
  
  
  
• Sorido Bay Resort famous for the house reef
• Kri Eco Resort is a traditional resort built over the water
• Island camp
• Living on Boat (most of diving agent provide this service)

Moving Around

• You may rent small boat if you wish to make a personal escape a long the line of the beaches

Dining Guide

• Dining are prepared by diving organizer, from international menu to local traditional food made fresh by local people
• Try Sup Ikan (fish soup)- Local people called it Sup Ikan Kuning (Yellow Fish Soup)-with local spices
• Sea food

Souvenir Tips

Many divers said that the best souvenir ever after visit Raja Ampat is the stories/experiences to tell, other wise if you wish to have other souvenirs for your own or to be given to your friends, this stuff will be perfect

• Asmat sculptures
• Traditional cloths
• traditional music instruments
• Suling (traditional flute)
• Tambur (traditional drum)

Travel Tips

• Oct/Nov is the best season for diving the area because the sea wave is typically flat and its perfect for photograph
• Bring your under water camera, because you wont let all the under water beauty pass without capture your experiences
• For beginner please take a course first on how to dive and shot picture
• To organize your travel you can arrange it using travel agents services in Indonesia
• Sun block, sunscreen and hat are required
• Bring your own anti-malarial medicine

Published By :

Travel News Gorontalo

Gorontalo, The Pieces Of Paradise On The Equator

Hidden Paradise on the Equator. There are just so many things that make Gorontalo perfect for holiday, the beauty of its nature, the culture and not forget to mention, the friendly people. General information about Gorontalo, stated at North Sulawesi. Mountains, hills, shore line are the main characteristic of Gorontalo and it makes the island perfect for marine tourism.

Most of diving site take you just a few minute from town, Diving in Gorontalo mean diving within the richness of biodiversity, health and unique coral and reef. Lot of beautiful place could be found here, Tomini Bay famous for under water habitat and undefined creatures. There is several number of unsettled small islands. Tomini Bay is a heaven for divers, because the geographic position of Tomini Bay itself, which is crossed by the equator line, has naturally presented various kinds of sea creature inside.

Desa Olele or Olele Village is well known as the wild diving spot among world class diver. Olele beach is a gate to underwater paradise. The amazing beauty of underwater life on this area has been recognize and proofed by the enthusiasm of the divers who come to Olele beach. The divers called Olele as Traffic Jam dive spot.

In Tomini Bay and Olele Beach, you can find some or maybe the most amazing and diver creature such as :

• Lumba-Lumba hidung botol (torsiops trancatus)
• Giant Reef (Petrosia Sp.)
• Angkutan Kota (City Transport " small car)
• School of Gobi Fish (Bryaninops erythrops)
• Salvador Dali reef (Petrosia lignose)
• Kipas Laut Biru (Acanthogorgia Sp.). There are only 3 acanthogorgia Sp. In Gorontalo
• Anemon Koralimorf (Discosoma Sp.)
• Nemo
• Ikan Behang (plectorhinchus chaetodonoides), some people call it cha-cha fish caused they dance and swim around the coral.
• Blenni (Escenius Caeruliventris)
• Cardinal Fish, damsel, platax pinnatus, scorpaenopsis, oxycephala, goropa fish, butterfly fish, pusillus, cockatoo fish, Randal fish, parapterois hetururus, Bothus Sp " half face fish, frog fish, celebes
• Not forget to mention that Gorontalo is the Kingdom of Nudibrancia
• Seahorse and pigmy seahorse

There are just too many creatures to be named in Gorontalo, Just come, wear your suit and experience the Pieces of Paradise on the Equator. In your spare time, go cruise with the fisherman and catch/fishing your own fishes.

Getting There

• Jallaludin airport is the entrance for the visitors who use the airplane service (located approximately 15 km from the town of Gorontalo)
• Flight from Sukarno Hatta Air Port-Jakarta " Jallaludin Air Port, Gorontalo (Filght served every day, please check the exact schedule to your airline services)
• For visitors who use sea service, Gorontalo has 3 harbors, Anggrek Harbor, Kwandang Harbor and Crossing Harbor

Moving Around

• Within the town, Trans Sulawesi is a land acces that connected the province in Sulawesi
• Mini bus
• To access the diving spot you can use rented car/bike, then take a boat toward your spot preferences
• For those who use dive companys services, they'll arrange your activities (transport, meals, lodging) the moment you arrived at Gorontalo
• Take a ride with Bentor, support by motor bike machine, for one or two passenger only. Dont worry with the rain, cause Bentor installed with veil

Dining Guide

* Within the city, its easy to find any kind of food you want to have for your meal, international menu and traditional menu are available. Make your order, and youll find your meal rich in spices.

• Seafood lover will be pleased here
• Perkedel ikan nike (nike fish). Mashed nike fish mix with flour and spices, then fried
• Pepes Ikan Nike. Fresh nike fish mixed with certain spices, wrapped with banana leaf then baked or some prefer it grilled.

Souvenir Tips

• Kerawang: one of Gorontalos traditional cloth materials, which made by hand (man cloth and woman cloth for all ages). Althought Kerawang made by hand but is doesnt look like a hand made at all. Its a Must to buy and make sure its on your list
• Ornaments of intricate carved wood are common in all the district

Other Things To See Or Do

• Wreck of Japanese Cargo, Tjendrawasih Ship
• Sail with the fisherman
• Sentinels: Best of the Best in Diving
• Fishing
• Potanga Pool with natural cool and fresh water-directly comes from the mountain spring
• Otanaha Castle was the protection and defense of the Kings of Gorontalo
• White sand of Leato
• Limboto Lake
• Ayuhulalo Waterfall
• Boalemo Beach
• Bolihutuo Beach
• Bajos Tribe Village

Published By :

Travel News Sukabumi

GUNUNG HALIMUN SALAK NATIONAL PARK : The Land Under The Rainbow

Established in 1992, Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (GHSNP) is the largest remaining primary lowland forest in Java, home to 23 mammal species, at least two of which are endemic and endangered (the Javan gibbon and the grizzled langur). The roughly 113,000 hectares found within its boundaries also cover a wide range of plant and animal species. The park also supports more than 200 bird species, of which 18 are endemic, and over 500 plant species.

Indigenous Kasepuhan and other Sundanese communities live in and around the park and depend heavily on its natural resources. The park protects an important watershed for Java. However, small-holder and plantation agriculture, infrastructure development, small-scale gold mining, and unsustainable fuel wood and non-timber forest product harvesting threaten GHSNP’s resources. Visitors trek here to observe rare primates, birds, and other forest attraction, and to relax in the tranquil setting of towering water falls.

How to Get There

Firstly, fly to Jakarta and continue to the town of Bogor, West Java. From Bogor drive to Kabandungan via Parungkuda in a 1.5 hours drive, or drive to Cisangku located 50 km (1.5. hours drive) away.

Published By :

Travel News Sleman

Yogyakarta Plaza Hotel Achieved Water Efficiency Award

Jogjakarta Plaza Hotel won the award in the program Minimize Waste Water DIY level. Minimize Waste Water (W2M) is a provincial government program DIY business kepadda 32 hotels in Yogyakarta, to determine the level of water use efficiency and minimization of liquid waste.

JPH into the top three who received the award. In addition to environmental cleanliness and beauty of the relevant agencies, the assessment is more emphasis on the utilization of energy and environmental conservation. Similar awards won by JPH in the year 2008 from Sleman regency in Environmental Hygiene Competition held annually.

Environmental conservation with the efficiency of water use and minimization of waste is nothing new in the JPH. One way is to treat wastewater and then used again for other purposes. Simple example, waste water from laundry and kitchen are used to water the plants once processed.

Minimization of waste actually bring many advantages. One of them is economic value. Occurs efficiency and reduced raw material operational costs. Another benefit is that consideration for the implementation of the program W2M, so although the new test is, Province of DIY mene plans tarafnya apply new program in this pilot phase as a whole to all business actors.


Published By :

Travel News Bengkulu

A Trip To Bengkulu ? Sukarno Houses , Monument Parr, Fort Marlborough ...

Bengkulu has 22 historical attractions with distinct historical value. The uniqueness of this tourist object become a mainstay of Bengkulu, to attract tourists and foreign tourists. Tourism objects of this history has its own uniqueness and rarely found in other countries or regions.

In Bengkulu Province have 80 attractions that have specificity. Of that amount, 14 of them in the form of beach, eight tirta (water), 22 historic sites and 36 natural panorama.

Of the 22 historic sites in the province of Bengkulu, including Monument Parr, Fort Marlborough and the residence of the first President of Indonesia, Sukarno. Parr Monument and Fort Marlborough is a British legacy when colonized Bengkulu, before the exchange to the Netherlands to Singapore.

Parr monument located in Jl Ahmad Yani, Kelurahan Kampung China Bengkulu City. This monument was built Raffles Governor-General to commemorate the death of a British governor named Thomas Parr as a brave man who has the attitude "stubborn". Thomas Parr died in Fort Malborough on the night of 27 September 1807 by the national officers tried to disperse Bugis for the employees of the Bugis in the fortress.

Fortress Marlborough (Fort Marlborough), the British colonial government built, located in the Padri Tread Beach, City of Bengkulu. The fort is one of the largest fortresses ever constructed English, in addition to the castle in Madagascar. Fort Marlborough was built in two stages ie in the year 1713-1719, and then continued the Governor General Thomas Raffles of the year 1818-1824.

This fort berdenah square, with four bastions are located at four corners. Inside there is a moat around the castle which is the separator between the main building from the front of the building. Beneath the grass-grown moat fertile enough. On top of that trench built wooden bridge which is connecting the main building to the front.

In front of the building entrance which is curved. The building does not have the room, and just a hallway leading to the bridge. At the top of this building there is a wall around that have cracks triangular gap that serves as a spy.

In Marlborough Castle there are also several buildings, namely between bastions north and east, between the southern and western bastions, and between the south and east bastions.

Soekarno's house located in Jl Soekarno-Hatta, storing historical evidence and the collection of books that had proclaimed the Republic of Indonesia. Long beach is a beach in Bengkulu, Indonesia's longest white sand conditions are good and soft.


Published By :

Travel News Jakarta

Tasa Nugraza Barley

Indonesia and Malaysia Battle Over Batik

Along-standing dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia over the origins of batik seems to flare up every few years. This year there have also been arguments over the ownership of the islands Sipidan and Ligitan, the song “Rasa Sayange,” the treatment of Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia and Bali’s pendet dance, which was featured in a Discovery Channel promotion for a TV show about Malaysia.

During each spat, diplomatic relations between the countries become tense, nationalism rises and nicknames are invented. This year, incensed Indonesians have started calling their neighbor “Maling-sia,” a play on the Indonesian word meaning thief, and an offensive parody of Indonesia’s national anthem was uploaded to a Malaysian Web site. A vigilante group has also formed in Jakarta, claiming that it would invade Malaysia on Thursday and wage war.

But Indonesia can at least claim victory in the batik wars when Unesco today adds Indonesia’s batik to a global list of Intangible Cultural Heritage items. To celebrate that validation, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked all Indonesians to wear batik on Friday. Asmoro Damais, an expert on batik who has consulted with various cultural institutions on the craft and collects historic batik fabric, specifically the Pekalongan style, since 1970, said Indonesians should be proud of the achievement.

The government and supporting institutions had to go through complicated processes to qualify for the cultural body’s recognition, she said. The first approach to Unesco was the idea of Iman Sucipto Umar of the Kadin Indonesia Foundation. Museum head Indra Riawan also expressed his satisfaction at the recognition.

It’s important for the government to set up better strategies to improve the quality of our batik industry to compete in the international market, and also for the welfare of our batik makers. Batik is a technique of designing cloth through wax-dipping and dying which is available in many countries of the world.

Addressing the dispute with Malaysia, Indonesians must see the issue clearly and wisely. We can say that batik is from Indonesia. If it really is from Indonesia then it’s very possible that perhaps some Indonesians took the technique of batik to Malaysia or other countries many years ago. What’s more important is to copyright batik patterns. The government can copyright batik as part of our culture, but there are thousands of batik patterns that can easily be copied by people from other countries.

We hope that Unesco’s recognition of our batik will change people’s perception on batik and other cultural elements,” Asmoro said. “I want that with this recognition, Indonesians and government institutions will appreciate batik better. Not only by wearing batik, but also collecting and studying batik comprehensively.

Indra Riawan said he hoped the Unesco move would also help attract visitors to see the Textile Museum’s collections. He said that although the museum was not well-known and could be difficult to locate, its main problem lay in the fact that people’s interest in batik and other cultural properties is low.

We have this very special program on Oct. 24. We are going to break MURI’s [Museum of Records Indonesia] attendance record by having 1,500 students make batik patterns at the same time. Did you know that in the old times, all batik makers had to fast from eating and drinking before creating a batik pattern ?? Making batik was that sacred.


Published By :

Travel News

Tourism Exhibition Promo Offer

Sales of tourism products such as airplane tickets, hotel vouchers, and tour packages with promo price offered in the community for the exhibition and tourism markets Indonesia Tourism and Travel Fair (th) 2009 held in Jakarta Convention Center on 2-4 October. Direct Penjualang tourism products to further expand the local tourists who visit the various tourist destinations in the country are no less attractive than overseas.

Visitors free of charge. During the exhibition of art and performances presented an interesting race. The event was held Hotels and Restaurants Association of Indonesia (PHRI), Association of Indonesian Travel and Tours, Convention and Congress Association of Indonesia, Association of National Air Carriers Association, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Chief Organizer th 2009, said the event was once held that it was intended to capture the local and foreign tourists are more and more to Indonesia. There were 257 booths in the hall A and B which consists of 80 institutions / associations, tourism industry 35, 95 handicraft companies, and six media partners.

Director General of Marketing Department of Culture and Tourism, expects the implementation of th 2009 will have a significant effect of foreign tourists to visit Indonesia.


Published By :

Travel News Bogor

Swimming With Crocodiles In Safari Water Park

Visitors Taman Safari Indonesia (TSI) Cisarua, Bogor, now felt a new sensation when visiting this place is swimming with alligators. Vehicle that had just opened right on Eid holidays are part of the Safari Water Park. Here, visitors can swim while watching doings of two estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) in the glass cage.

Taman Safari Indonesia PR Cisarua Bogor, Safari Water Park 2 hectares of the theme is environmental friendly vehicles beautiful play. Visitors will be treated to a swimming pool with shades in the foothills.

Besides swimming with alligators, swim with linsang (Aonyx cinerea) and witnessed ornamental fish aquarium is another unique offer while swimming at Safari Water Park. Here, visitors are also free to choose the five swimming pools are available complete with a game in each pond.

In Safari Water Park visitors can also enjoy the facilities pendapa to enjoy the natural atmosphere of the mountains.



Published By :

Travel News Jakarta

Picnic Time Has Come

Ragunan went quiet. Chaos at the zoo had faded, replaced by a rhythmic rustling lidi brooms the janitor collects trash in the corners that taman.Suasana stark contrast to earlier in the day when Ragunan in South Jakarta to be one main destination Jakarta and surrounding residents on the day second Idul Fitri. No fewer than 94,599 visitors thronged the park that day, or more than six times the number of visitors on regular weekends.

One of the cleaner at the Ragunan, confessed, at Lebaran holiday season like this, he and his friends had just finished picking up trash around 21:00. The process of transporting the waste to continue until early morning. With a land area of 147 hectares should be cleaned, garbage in Ragunan during Lebaran holiday is at least able to reach 5 tons.

Density visitors Ragunan on Monday afternoon to make a long traffic jam. Transjakarta bus corridor VI (Ragunan-Hamlet on) can only be stopped even at the bus stop at 57th Street SMK Wildlife Park because of the way to Ragunan already closed. Density also occurred in the two other main attractions, namely Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) in East Jakarta and Ancol Dreamland in North Jakarta.

Along the road in the tourist complex near Ancol or exit and go traffic. Thousands of visitors crowded coastal areas. The number of visitors at the World Fantasy-one spot in the Ancol recreation-up to Monday afternoon had reached 14,378 people, far higher than the day before that only 8170 people.

Similar density occurs in Ancol. Long lines seen at the entrance to some favorite places, such as a cable car rides, bird parks, and flower gardens. In a cable car ride, the queue visitors reached more than 50 meters. The number of visitors at the bird park at Lebaran holiday is estimated at more than 2,500 people per day or more than doubled regular visits on Sunday.

Trip to tourist sites during Lebaran 2009 is a new trend in recent years. Society today no longer make sense Lebaran shopping or just going home. They are now also take advantage of the moment vacation Lebaran with tourist attractions.


Published By :

Travel News Bogor

Bogor Botanical Gardens Conservation Still Full Of Visitors

Although more diverse tourist destination in Bogor, Bogor Botanical Gardens but remains a favorite place to visit during the Lebaran holidays. At least until 15:00 o'clock yesterday, about 15,000 tourists to enjoy the shade of journalists in the shade of large trees there.

In addition to the family group, many teens group with their guitar equipment, revel in the Botanic Garden. There are a lot of cool. Entry tickets are also cheaper, Rp 10,000 per person, says Iwan from Bekasi, who went there with 11 friends.

Couples who were dating were not left behind, they berkasih-love under the tree, so that the children who caught the couples, noisy report to parents what he saw.

From the day of Lebaran until Wednesday (H +3), at least 50 thousand people on holiday in the garden rayanya. Penunjung that there, not only citizens of Bogor, but also from around Bogor, like Depok, Sukabumi, and of course Jakarta.

Entertainment single organ played by Mita as Iwan penyanginya, received applause from the visitors. Colleagues who are also employees kedunya KRB, able to make visitors were directly involved in musical performances. Turns visitors volunteered to sing and other visitors cool on stage dancing to the rhythm of the song.

Other visitors entertained because these amateur singers perform with a sincere and heartfelt, do not forget mempertunjukan rocking onstage.

From the stage at the main entrance hugging Bogor Botanical Gardens are also performed a duet, a duet that did not previously know each other and sing-sediri own. For example duet Goddess of Bogor and Sukabumi Asrul of singing Rhythm of Rome last night. Their friends joined up with the dancing ung pang. It is nice to see the intimacy of these visitors celebrate together, even if they did not previously know each other.

Apart from Bogor Botanical Gardens, The Jungle Park is also invaded by visitors. Even though the entry ticket price increased from Rp 50,000 to Rp 60,000 per person. These price rises to 5 October.

An increase of this ticket for a little while to filter visitors so that visitors tour a pleasant stay here. During these price rises, visitors who came on the second day of Lebaran to 12,000 people.

Other tourist areas in Bogor, namely Jalan Sukasari, also still visited by tourists, although not booming. Tourists sit on the benches plasik, asik menimati-makana typical food sold in pingir road there, like soto bogor, noodle soup, sate Madura, combro, toge goreng, noodles and carrots. The queue to buy salted pool in pretty good too.

The cool tourist visits are also bargaining with fruit merchants in the area that Kedung In. There sold various types of bananas, soursop, guava stone, avocados, strawberries, menteng, gowok, and of course bangkuang and taro, fruit typical souvenirs Bogor.

The atmosphere of the traffic on Bogor City yesterday afternoon relative flow. Only in tourist locations and commercial center just a little choked up because out of the visitor or visitors vehicles. Perhaps because the flow of traffic outside the city of Bogor, as in the Gaza Jalarn Raya Puncak and Bogor Sukabumi, choked, so that the main streets in the city was not crowded with vehicles from out of town travelers.


Published By :

Travel News Bulukumba, Sulawesi Selatan

Giant Pari Fish Surprise Tanjung Bira Tourists

Tourists in Cape Coast Bira, Bulukumba district, South Sulawesi, shocked by the emergence of a giant stingray species Manta Ray (Manta birostris). Fish with two fin-shaped head with long horns reach six meters is estimated to weigh hundreds of kilograms. The presence of these stingrays became the center of attention and object photo of visitors who were enjoying the holidays at the famous beach with beautiful white sand it. Hundreds of domestic and foreign tourists who were on vacation in the area appear alternately capture these rare events.

Stingrays were found trapped in a fisherman's net expected Bulukumba found around Bira Beach tourist area. The Fisherman and his colleagues plan to release it back stingrays to sea, but found the fish were in weak condition and many injuries. Eventually, the fishermen are forced to decide to cut the meat into pieces for sale. According to local fishermen, in the last few years rarely fisherman who caught the huge stingrays around Tanjung Bira Beach.

Tanjung Bira itself is located about 40 kilometers from the center of Bulukumba District, or about 200 km from Makassar City. The journey from the city of Makassar City Bulukumba can be reached by using public transportation in the form Kijang, Panther, or Innova. Tourist area of Tanjung Bira beach is equipped with various facilities, such as restaurants, lodging, villas, bungalows, and hotels.

Published By :

Travel News Bandung

South Line Spoiling Tongue

Culinary tour route around in the main segment of Banjar-Ciamis-Ciawi-Malangbong-Nagreg-Bandung pamper travelers who were driving on backflow Lebaran 2009. Almost all restaurants in the south lane full of visitors. The average restaurant parking lot along the path was filled with travelers who drive the plates B, D, F, and A is moving toward the west.

Along the southern route is the "Culinary Tourism Mudik Line". If the mudik Lebaran 2008 the number of visitors on a culinary tour of restaurants along the route was not too much, the backflow current number of visitors increased significantly. The travelers who want to return to their respective cities, both Bandung, Jakarta, Bekasi and Bogor, many who stop to eat and rest before entering the ramp lanes.

Culinary tour route was lined forth from Gentong Restaurant in the area Gentong Ciawi Rise, then along the path-Ciaro Limbangan-Nageg-Cileunyi. Some restaurants are much visited and provides typical Sundanese cuisine Ciamis region, among others Mergo Sari Restaurant, Cibiuh, Ma Uneh. While from Tasikmalaya, Bandung, among others RM Pananjung and Gentong in Ciawi, Saung Sawah, Sambel Hejo, Sambel Cibiuk, Racik Village, Kartika, Mr. Asep Strawbery, Ma Ecot, Ponyo, and Ampera.

Similarly in the path-Singaparna Tasikmalaya-Garut-Nagreg also has some restaurants that became a resort and culinary tour with enchanting natural scenery. In addition, several small restaurants are also making a profit on Lebaran season this year. Besides culinary, southern route is also where various kinds of handicrafts pejualan local specialty, made by craftsmen Rajapolah Tasikmalaya. As in Complex Masjid Baitul Jamanis Amanah in Tasikmalaya District, dozens of unique craft shops profitable area for quite a lot of travelers are heading back west toward the shopping there.

The number of visitors in restaurants and shops that lead to sales handycraft traffic flow faltered, not even rare to happen a long line of vehicles. Meanwhile, restaurants in southern route, in addition to eating well used to rest and cool the engine before going on the trip across the ramp lane should be solid enough to move to crawl under the normal speed.

Published By :

Travel News

Indonesia Not Only Bali

Bomb blast at Hotel JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, July 17, 2009 affects the image of Indonesian tourism, especially Jakarta. Although there are no restrictions to travel from supplier countries tourists, the tourism image of a torn it'll have healed.

One way is done by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is to conduct roadshows to a number of tourist supplier countries. The goal, to give confidence to the perpetrators of overseas tour that Indonesia, especially Jakarta, remains safe despite the bomb blast that killed dozens of people.

For that purpose, before Lebaran ago, Depbudpar carrying group consisting of 24 people to Auckland in New Zealand and Sydney in Australia. In addition to the dialogue held which was attended by business entrepreneurs travel agency, local officials, and other tourism actors, the delegation led by Director General of Marketing Sapta Nirwandar it also displays of Indonesian culture, including dance and fashion show.

In general, the implementation of actual business dialogue in the form of tourism promotion in Auckland and Sydney were so-so said to succeed. If size is the participants who attended, the two events, each attended no fewer than 100 invitations.

Even if the size of anyone who attended, it did not disappoint. In Auckland, for example, the present Deputy Mayor David Hay and Minister for Ethnic Affairs and Women's Pansy Wong. In Sydney, attended a number of consuls from friendly countries.

No less important is the enthusiasm and active participants in a question and answer session. Any questions the participants, especially in Sydney, quite sharply. They also provide critical inputs for the world and tourism of Indonesia. Not just for Depbudpar, but it's also for other institutions, such as the Immigration and airport management.

Not easy lho invited many people and 'forced' them to survive three or four hours of sitting here. In monitoring Compass, the participants did not move from the room during the event lasted until the end of dinner. Appearance of the dancers who brought Lenggang Nyai, Bird of Paradise, and Bajidor, and modern batik fashion design should be recognized Hedijanto Susi make the participants very impressed. So did singer from Bandung, Ika Widianingsih, which invites the audience to sing good together.

In his presentation, Sapta asked the principals of tourism in both countries did not hesitate to offer Indonesian tourism. Seven or Pitana confirmed that Indonesia is not only Bali. There are many other areas that are not less interesting, or even much more interesting and challenging than Bali and Lombok are already well known by tourists Australia and New Zealand.

Call it the high waves in the Mentawai very challenging to surf, Lake Toba, Bunaken marine park and the Raja Ampat, Bangka Belitung, Wakatobi, Komodo Island, Lake Three Colors in Flores, and many more. For shopping and conference tourism, there are Jakarta-Bandung-Yogyakarta-Surabaya which seems to be explored.

In talks with Compass, Senior General Manager of Garuda Indonesia Australia Poerwoko Soeparyono states, for tourists from Australia is relatively unnecessary stimulated to Bali. What was needed, and this includes Garuda strategy, is to bring them to another part of Indonesia.

For natural attractions Jakarta, we also promote the Old City which is now improved, Thousand Islands, Ancol, and many more, including golf courses are scattered, both in the city of Jakarta and surrounding areas. From Bangkok, tourists are also very easy to find another object, namely to Anyer, Jakarta, and surrounding areas, Pelabuhanratu, or directly to Yogya.

Tourists enjoy guaranteed when visiting Jakarta with hotel facilities, shopping malls, golf courses and various entertainment and culture. Just enjoy jakarta! And the participants were busy-busy yelling Enjoy Jakarta!

No Doubt

What about safety? It turned out the security issues it's not much question. They generally understand that the bomb could explode anywhere, and that matters of life and death were taken to regulate it.

Even when the event was held in Sydney, police were raided a house in Solo which later proved to be used to hide the most wanted terrorist: Noordin M Top. Is this a good sign that the world tourism rebounded Indonesia will? Hopefully!


Published By :