Paradise for Diving Lovers : Raja Ampat Islands Indonesia

Raja Ampat Islands waters according to various sources, is one of the 10 best waters for diving sites around the world. In fact, it may also be recognized as number one for the completeness of underwater flora and fauna at this time.

There are several areas of coral reefs that are still very good condition with the percentage of live coral cover to 90%, namely in the Dampier Strait (the strait between Waigeo island and Batanta Island), Kofiau Islands, South East Misool Islands and Wayag Islands. Types of coral reefs in Raja Ampat is generally fringing reef with gentle slope to steep contour. But it was also found atoll type and type of burns or taka. In some places like the village Saondarek, when the lowest tides, coral reefs can be seen without a dive and with his own adaptation, the corals can still be alive despite being in the open air and direct sunlight.

Located off the northwest tip of Bird's Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea, in Indonesia's West Papua province, 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, and the smaller island of Kofiau. Raja Ampat is new regency which separated from Sorong regency at 2004. It encompasses more than 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. The islands are the most northern pieces of land in the Australian continent.
According to Conservation International, marine surveys suggest that the marine life diversity in the Raja Ampat area is the highest recorded on Earth. Diversity is considerably greater than any other area sampled in the Coral Triangle composed of Indonesia, Philippines and Papua New Guinea. The Coral Triangle is the heart of the world's coral reef biodiversity, making Raja Ampat quite possibly the richest coral reef ecosystems in the world.

The area's massive coral colonies along with relatively high sea surface temperatures, also suggest that its reefs may be relatively resistant to threats like coral bleaching and coral disease, which now jeopardize the survival of other coral ecosystems around the world. The Raja Ampat islands are remote and relatively undisturbed by humans.

The high marine diversity in Raja Ampat is strongly influenced by its position between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, as coral and fish larvae are more easily shared between the two oceans. Raja Ampat's coral diversity, resilience, and role as a source for larval dispersal make it a global priority for marine protection.

1,309 fish species, 537 coral species (a remarkable 96% of all scleractinia recorded from Indonesia are likely to occur in these islands), and 699 mollusk species, the variety of marine life is staggering. Some areas boast enormous schools of fish and regular sightings of sharks, such as wobbegongs.






LOCATION ON THE MAP

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Komodo Island, Past Life are Preserved

For those of you who like to travel, you definitely do not want to spend an impressive tourist attraction all over the archipelago. Adventure to the exotic islands, dive into the azure, and bathed in sunshine will make your holiday unforgettable. Imagine, you have a chance to see traces of past life are preserved, whose role and maintain its sustainability. You and your family feel at home not only to enjoy its natural attractions, but also proud to be part of the diverse beauty of Indonesia. And here, on Komodo Island National Park, East Nusa Tenggara, you will get everything.
Komodo is one of the 17,508 islands that make up the Republic of Indonesia. The island has a surface area of 390 km² and over 2000 inhabitants. The inhabitants of the island are descendants of former convicts who were exiled to the island and who have mixed themselves with the Bugis from Sulawesi. The population are primarily adherents of Islam but there are also Christian and Hindu minorities.
Komodo is part of the Lesser Sunda chain of islands and forms part of the Komodo National Park. Particularly notable here is the native Komodo dragon. In addition, the island is a popular destination for diving. Administratively, it is part of the East Nusa Tenggara province.

Location and history
Komodo Island is located at the westernmost tip of East Nusa Tenggara Province, which borders West Nusa Tenggara Province. Exactly at Komodo district, West Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Since 1980, an area of 1817 km2 National Park was made by the Government of Indonesia, which is then recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1986. Together with two other large islands, namely Pulau Rinca and Padar, Komodo Island and several small islands around it continued to be maintained as natural habitat reptile called "Komodo Dragon".

Bearing the Latin name Varanus komodoensis and local name "Ora", giant lizards, according to a story first published in 1912 in a national daily the Dutch East Indies. Peter A. Ouwens, director of the Zoological Museum in Bogor is one who has introduced his paper about Komodo to the world through it. Since then, expeditions and research on endangered species continue to be done, even reportedly inspired the film Kingkong in 1933. Recognizing the need for protection against the Komodo dragon in the center of human activity in its habitat that, in 1915 the Dutch government issued a ban on hunting and killing Komodo dragons.
Fauna
The island is famous not only for its heritage of convicts but also for the unique fauna which roam it. The Komodo dragon, the world's largest living lizard, takes its name from the island. A type of monitor lizard, it inhabits Komodo and some of the smaller surrounding islands.

Enjoy a Tour
Enjoy a tour of Komodo Island National Park to observe the life of Komodo dragon up close may not be enough for you. For those of you who like to water sports, you can try to dive in the waters north and south islands. The waters north of the warm waters of the current meeting of the Banda Sea and Flores. In contrast, the southern waters offer the cold waters of the Indonesian Ocean currents. The combination of these two different characters these waters produce a rich underwater ecosystem. Various types of coral reefs and fertile life into a place to live so many species of fish and provider of marine aquatic life support systems. Many divers have witnessed life under the sea waters of the charming island of Komodo, which saves millions of potential biodiversity.

As one of the attractions are Indonesia, Komodo Island hostels provide accommodation ranging from established local communities to international standard resorts. For domestic tourists, you are charged entrance fee of Rp. 75,000, while foreign tourists amounted to U.S. $ 15. To reach the island of Komodo, you can route a plane from Kupang (capital of East Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara) to the town of Ende on Flores Island. Next trip continued with a minibus to Labuhanbajo which takes 10 hours. From Labuhanbajo, speedboat will take you to Komodo Island after a ferry for 2 hours. Several other routes you can travel with a flight from Bali as the airlines that serve the purpose to NTT. Various tour packages offered by travel agents it's quite interesting to try for the first time you visit this island of Komodo.

Komodo Island on MAP

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Mount Rinjani, mountain adventure

Mount Rinjani or Gunung Rinjani is an active volcano in Indonesia on the island of Lombok. Administratively the mountain is in the Regency of North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (Indonesian: Nusa Tenggara Barat, NTB). It rises to 3,726 metres (12,224 ft), making it the second highest volcano in Indonesia.
On the top of the volcano is a 6 km by 8.5 km caldera, which is filled partially by the crater lake known as Segara Anak (Child of the Sea). This lake is approximately 2000 metres above sea level and estimated at being around 200 metres deep; the caldera also contains hot springs.



CHARACTERISTICS OF MOUNTAIN RINJANI

Forests in Gunung Rinjani including heterogeneous and homogeneous forest types in certain regions. At an altitude of 1000 - 2000 masl we can find types of plants such as Beringin (Ficus superb), Garu (Dysoxylum sp), Bayur, and farm residents who planted vegetables like cabbage, peppers, onions, and potatoes. At an altitude of 2000 - 3000 masl, the dominant vegetation is the mountain pine (Casuarina junghuniana). At an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level upwards there are only a kind of grasses and perennial flowers (edelweiss). One of the exotic Mount Rinjani is the Segara Anak Lake is formed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Rinjani. The lake is situated at an altitude of 2800 meters above sea level, rich in fish and other flora and fauna. The wealth of the lake is often exploited by local residents to take fish. But one point to note here is the existence of indigenous local population so that exploitation is not to cause environmental damage. The fish are numerous in this lake are goldfish, tilapia and fish Harper. In February 2005 the team of climbers from Astacala successfully speared goldfish weighing 3.5 kg. Segara Anak Lake is trusted by the people around have a dagger that can cure the disease, also to get a cult object - a sacred object. Near the Lake Segara Anak there is a small mountain called the Baru Mountain. Rarely one can to the top of the Baru Mount even though according to the information already there is a path to get there. Could be this is because the Baru Mount is still active and out of gas. Mount Rinjani can be said to be safe from the threat of wild animals. Birds, monkeys hanging on the woods and chickens that are often encountered in the forest. After traveling about 7 hours, arrived at Pelawangan (mountain ridge) Sembalun Lawang. Location is overgrown with mountain pine (Casuarina junghuniana) This is the last station climb before heading to the summit. Pelawangan Sembalun Lawang is located right on the slopes of Segara Anakan Lake. While resting, climbers can watch as much the excotic giant lake formed by volcanic eruption of Mount Rinjani. Unfortunately the weather at this altitude is very easy to change. The attack can come suddenly mist cold weather replace heat. Quite often wind storm capable of ripping even fly tent. However, the charm of sunrise and sunset into an unforgettable moment of a lifetime.

Geography

Lombok is one of the Lesser Sunda Islands, a small archipelago which, from west to east, consists of Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and the Timor islands; all are located at the edge of the Australian continental shelf. Volcanoes in the area are formed due to the action of oceanic crusts and the movement of the shelf itself. Rinjani is one of at least 129 active volcanoes in Indonesia, four of which belong to the volcanoes of the Sunda Arc trench system forming part of the Pacific Ring of Fire – a section of fault lines stretching from the Western Hemisphere through Japan and South East Asia. The islands of Lombok and Sumbawa lie in the central portion of the Sunda Arc. The Sunda Arc is home to some of the world's most dangerous and explosive volcanoes. The eruption of nearby Mount Tambora on Sumbawa is known for the most violent eruption in recorded history on 15 April 1815, with a scale 7 on the VEI.
The highlands are forest clad and mostly undeveloped. The lowlands are highly cultivated. Rice, soybeans, coffee, tobacco, cotton, cinnamon, cacao, cloves, cassava, corn, coconuts, copra, bananas and vanilla are the major crops grown in the fertile soils of the island. The slopes are populated by the indigenous Sasak population. There are also some basic tourist related activities established on Rinjani primarily in or about the village of Senaru.
Rinjani volcano on the island of Lombok rises to 3,726 metres (12,224 ft), second in height among Indonesian volcanoes only to Sumatra's Kerinci volcano. Rinjani has a steep-sided conical profile when viewed from the east, but the western side of the compound volcano is truncated by the 6 x 8.5 km, oval-shaped Segara Anak caldera. The western half of the caldera contains a 230 metre-deep lake whose crescentic form results from growth of the post-caldera cone Barujari at the eastern end of the caldera.

Rinjani National Park

The volcano and the caldera are protected by the Gunung Rinjani National Park established in 1997. Tourism is increasingly popular with trekkers able to visit the rim, make their way into the caldera or even to make the more arduous climb to the highest point; fatalities, however, are not uncommon. In July 2009 the summit route was closed due to volcanic activity at that time and subsequently reopened when the activity decreased. During early 2010 up to and including May 2010 access to Rinjani was at times again restricted due to volcanic activity.
The park is popular for mountain climbs and trekking and represents an important nature reserve and water catchement area. The park is officially 41,330 hectares within the park boundaries and includes a further 66,000 hectares of protected forest outside. The mountain and its satellites form the Mount Rinjani National Park (Taman Nasional Gunung Rinjani) - officially 41,000 hectares within the park boundaries and a further 66,000 hectares of protected forest outside. In 2008, the Indonesian government proposed to UNESCO that Mount Rinjani be one of the world's official geoparks. If this was approved by UNESCO, Mount Rinjani would become the first such geological park in Indonesia.
It has been claimed that the preliminary documentation required for UNESCO registration has not received sufficient support from the Nusa Teggara Barat government offices. Among the requirements to become a geo-park sufficient information must be supplied to show that the location has sufficient and appropriate management, information services, access to educational instruction to facilitate "knowledge-based geotourism", the implementation of a sustainable regional economy, biodiversity conservation, and to have established public access to the park area.
Mount Rinjani has obtained the World Legacy Award from Conservation International and Traveller (2004), and was a finalist for Tourism for Tomorrow Awards (2005 dan 2008) from the World Travel Tourism Council (WTTC).
In December 2010, a photo of eruption of Rinjani won 2010 National Geographic Photography Contest. The photo, taken by Singaporean photographer Aaron Lim Boon Teck won the contest, and described by the judge as "best represented the craft of photography. Not only is the light subtle and beautiful, and not only is it a lovely scene, but there's a volcanic eruption going on in the background.

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Exotic Natural Attractions: Green Canyon Pangandaran Indonesia

Green Canyon is one of tourist objects in West Java which is located in the Village District Kertayasa Cijulang, Ciamis Regency ± 31 km from Pangandaran. This tourist attraction is the Cijulang river flow through the cave with stunning stalactites and stalaknit and flanked by two hills with rocks and trees present a unique natural attractions and challenging.

At the mouth of the cave there are waterfalls Palatar so the atmosphere at this tourist attraction was so cool. Activities that can be taken include cliff climbing, swimming, boating while fishing. To reach this location travelers can use a lot of boats are available at Pier Ciseureuh, both outboard boats and paddle boats. This tourist attraction adjacent to the tourist attraction as well Batukaras Nusawiru Airport.

Cijulang river

The goal is tunnel-like cave which is under the land bridge, known as Green Canyon Cave. To reach the cave, you must use a boat down the Cijulang river known as Ketinting. The boat was only able to be boarded by 5 passengers. Price rent a boat or Ketinting IDR 75,000 per boat. The time required to travel that starts from the Ciseureuh pier to the caves approximately 30 minutes.

On the side of the Cijulang river flow you can enjoy climbing the hill is overgrown with lush green trees and rocks that decorate it. The trip will not be boring because of the beautiful scenery and relaxed enjoying the river flow. Ride ketinting also can create its own uniqueness, especially for kids who love the water.

When almost there, the path will be narrowed so that the boat had to take turns to enter this path. There is also a regulator that provides direction for the driver to drive the boat for an orderly. Near the mouth of the cave, ketinting no longer be able to deliver you and your entourage because the path can not be traversed.


Green Canyon Cave

Beautiful views await you after getting off the boat. You can enjoy a solid side cave with stalactite and stalagmite see who was still dripping water. Water continuously issued in the cliff so that this area is called the eternal rain elapsed areas. You can also swim in the cave by using the buoy. You will feel the water was cold and refreshing. More beautiful scenery while watching the Palatar waterfall contained in the Green Canyon Cave. Swimming in cold water while enjoying the high cliffs and see stalactite and stalagmite must have been a special experience that is not forgotten.

Green Canyon or Cukang Taneuh is indeed a beautiful tourist attractions in the area of Pangandaran. But if you intend to visit this place should be visited in the dry season because this season, the Cijulang river water is green tosca. While in the rainy season, when high rainfall, river water will be brown. Also during the rainy season there may be water flow of river is too heavy, so the place was closed to the public for the safety of visitors.

Green Canyon on MAP

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Explore The Natural Wonders: GONG CAVE

When approached Gong Cave, which is visible on the right side of the road is the karst hills are barren. Precisely because these Conditions, gives a different feel, because no one suspected in the karst mountains are stored a pearl of beauty that is created through the stalactite and stalagmite for hundreds of years.

You might never thought that behind the view of barren mountains in Pacitan regency, laid many dazzling nature potentials that you cannot find in any other. One of those potentials is the Gong Cave, One of so many small caves concealed between the mountains and hills in Pacitan. The length of this horizontal cave is about 256 meters. There are stalactites, which are formed by the process of calcium sedimentation, shaping cones hanging on the cave’s ceiling, and stalagmites, also formed by the same process, shaping cones on the cave’s floor. According to some researchers and tourists from foreign. countries, the stalactites and stalagmites in Gong Cave are the most beautiful ones In South East Asia.

The name Gong it self comes from the story spread about the cave. According to the- people living surround, they often hear the sound of gong from, inside, the cave. The Gong Cave was discovered unintentionally. Once upon a time a long dry season caused a drought in Pule Village. Water became rare. People in the village could not cultivate their land or even drink. Two people from the village, Mbah Noyo Seminto and Mbah Joyo, initiated to seek for water to the caves in the Area. They traced every vein in the caves with the help of torchlight. After seven torches, finally they discovered several springs in a cave and bathing there. It. happened in the 1930s.

The cave was ignored for 65 years later until March 5, 1995, in the day of Minggu Pon in Javanese calendar, when the exploration upon the cave began. To shorten the story, there were eight people discovered and traced the lines in the cave. it is their effort now; we can enjoy the beauty of the charming Gong Cave.

Distinctive Features

You can enjoy the beauty of Gong Cave right from your very first: step in the area. The suite of limestone hills and the greenness of thick wood trees, which you can even smell the aroma from the parking area, are too beautiful to miss.

Your first step in the caves nozzle would be welcome by a magnificent view of straw like-ornament, forming such stack of hoses racing each other to fill up the cave's ceiling. The further you step into the cave, the. more beautiful stalactites and stalagmites will spoil your eyes, each of which fulfill every lane in the cave and decoratively stand in every meter of the stairways. In some spots, the stalactites and stalagmites- meet each other forming such huge column looking 'like pillars in gothic buildings.. Those ornaments are estimated attaining the age of hundreds years' old. The beauty of the ornaments is even More dazzling with the colorful lights from the lamps installed-surround.

Another fabulous ornament is a collection of giant drapery fulfilled by fluorescent spots as thousands of fireflies gather to mesmerize every single person looking at them: In the dimness of the cave, the fascinating shimmering spots will be able to make you stand for hours to enjoy its beauty. The names given to those ornaments represent their beauty, such as Selo Cengger Bumi, Selo Gerbang Giri, Selo Citro Cipto Agung, Selo Pakuan Bomo, Selo Adi Citro Buwono, Selo Bantaran Angin, and Selo Susuh Angin.

In addition to the charm of its stalactites and stalagmites, Gong Cave also has five springs, which have magical power for those who believe. Those springs are Sendang Jampi Rogo, Sendang Panguripan, Sendang Relung Jiwo, Sendang Kamulyan, and Sendang Relung Nisto, which are believed for their power of healing.
There are some chambers in Gong Cave. The first one is the chamber of Sandang Bidadari, which has a small spring known for its clean and fresh water. Next to the spring is the bidadari chamber. According to the story about the place, glances of shadowy beautiful woman often emerge in the chamber. The third and the fourth chambers are the chambers of crystal and marble. In those chambers laid crystal and marble stones with almost perfect quality. The fifth chamber is the largest one. The chamber was once used as the concert hail of four countries (Indonesia, Switzerland, England, and France), in order to promote the Gang Cave abroad. The next is the chamber of asceticism, while the last chamber is the chamber of Batu Gong (Gong stones). In the chamber, you can find the stones, each of which will produce the sound of a set of gamelan when hit.

Location
The Gong Cave is located in Bomo Vilages, sub district of Punung, Pacitan Regency, East Java, Indonesia




Access Transportation
The Gong Cave is 30 kilometers away from the city of Pacitan. Smooth road and direction will ease. your trip to the cave. You can choose one of two ways to reach the cave. The first way, you can choose to go through Pracimantoro, Wonosari Gunung Kidul. Another way, you can start from the city of Pacitan. The easiest way to reach the city of Pacitan. is through Solo, because there are many buses to Pacitan from Solo. If you are from Surabaya, the first bus you should take is the bus to Madiun. From Madiun, take the bus to Ponorogo, and then change your bus to those going on direction of Pacitan.
You do not need to spend a lot of money to enjoy the beauty of Gong Cave. The price of the ticket is very cheap, it is only IDR 4,000. If you want to use flash light, you can rent it only with IDR 3,000.

Accommodation and other Facilities

The Gong Gave is already facilitated with souvenir counter, restaurants, parking area, restroom, and mosque. To know more about the cave, you can use the service of tour-guides you can meet in the cave area. However, you can also get the detail information by buying the book contains everything about the cave. If you want to spend several days in this area, you can stay in the hotels or lodges in Pacitan.

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Natural Hot Bathing Pool : Guci Central Java Indonesia

GUCI is one of the villages under the sub Bumijawa, Tegal regency, Central Java province, Indonesia.

Tourist attraction
It is a tourist attraction waterfalls, hot spring, park at the foot of Mount Slamet. ± 27 km to the south Slawi precisely in the Bumijawa District. There are also strawberries garden can be picked directly, the inn also began popping up since the last 5 years with natural hot water bathroom facilities.

Feature

Along the way to Guci tourism hot water bath, visitors will be treated to beautiful scenery: a paddy field and vegetable plantations and red onion which dominates the right and left along the road. About five miles before the location, it appears the villas and accommodation lined up neatly at the curb for lease to accommodate the visitors who want to spend the night.
Privileges hot water bathing its water Guci is a hot and clear, odorless, and colorless. Guci has 25 shower hot water with different temperatures. The visitors believe that hot water shower Guci can cure all diseases. In general the so-called shower bath 13, is about a mile above it, there are waterfalls with cold water Jedor named Waterfall. Named so because of first place in the vicinity of 35 meter high waterfall is owned by an old man named “Lurah Jedor”.

Every night before Kliwon Friday (Javanese calendar), held ritual bath together, followed by visitors from different regions. According to local legend, these attractions are guarded by a dragon who occupies a cave on the slopes of Mount Slamet. Dragon That's what gives the efficacy of the shower hot water bathing “Guci”.

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Visit Borobudur and the Surrounding Temples

A beautiful tropical scenery is decorated with hundreds of archaeological temples, including two UNESCO world heritage site, Borobudur and Prambanan, is a tourist destination that makes you spellbound. Grandeur and the complexity of the temples is a separate matter to be visited.

At a time when Europe was still in the dark continent, "The Glory" in Java, have built the pillars of religion with art and culture, which is now believed to be a work of art's oldest and highest in Southeast Asia.

The value of spirituality and art Java always side by side and still exist in everyday life today.

Borobudur, or Barabudur, is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist monument near Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. The monument comprises six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. A main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.

The monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The journey for pilgrims begins at the base of the monument and follows a path circumambulating the monument while ascending to the top through the three levels of Buddhist cosmology, namely Kāmadhātu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness). During the journey the monument guides the pilgrims through a system of stairways and corridors with 1,460 narrative relief panels on the wall and the balustrades.

Evidence suggests Borobudur was abandoned following the 14th-century decline of Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms in Java, and the Javanese conversion to Islam. Worldwide knowledge of its existence was sparked in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, then the British ruler of Java, who was advised of its location by native Indonesians. Borobudur has since been preserved through several restorations. The largest restoration project was undertaken between 1975 and 1982 by the Indonesian government and UNESCO, following which the monument was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Borobudur is still used for pilgrimage; once a year Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument, and Borobudur is Indonesia's single most visited tourist attraction.

Location

Approximately 40 kilometers (25 mi) northwest of Yogyakarta, Borobudur is located in an elevated area between two twin volcanoes, Sundoro-Sumbing and Merbabu-Merapi, and two rivers, the Progo and the Elo. According to local myth, the area known as Kedu Plain is a Javanese 'sacred' place and has been dubbed 'the garden of Java' due to its high agricultural fertility. Besides Borobudur, there are other Buddhist and Hindu temples in the area, including the Prambanan temples compound. During the restoration in the early 20th century, it was discovered that three Buddhist temples in the region, Borobudur, Pawon and Mendut, are lined in one straight line position. It might be accidental, but the temples' alignment is in conjunction with a native folk tale that a long time ago, there was a brick-paved road from Borobudur to Mendut with walls on both sides. The three temples (Borobudur–Pawon–Mendut) have similar architecture and ornamentation derived from the same time period, which suggests that ritual relationship between the three temples, in order to have formed a sacred unity, must have existed, although exact ritual process is yet unknown.

Unlike other temples, which were built on a flat surface, Borobudur was built on a bedrock hill, 265 m (869 ft) above sea level and 15 m (49 ft) above the floor of the dried-out paleolake. The lake's existence was the subject of intense discussion among archaeologists in the 20th century; Borobudur was thought to have been built on a lake shore or even floated on a lake. In 1931, a Dutch artist and a scholar of Hindu and Buddhist architecture, W.O.J. Nieuwenkamp, developed a theory that Kedu Plain was once a lake and Borobudur initially represented a lotus flower floating on the lake. Lotus flowers are found in almost every Buddhist work of art, often serving as a throne for buddhas and base for stupas. The architecture of Borobudur itself suggests a lotus depiction, in which Buddha postures in Borobudur symbolize the Lotus Sutra, mostly found in many Mahayana Buddhism (a school of Buddhism widely spread in the east Asia region) texts. Three circular platforms on the top are also thought to represent a lotus leaf. Nieuwenkamp's theory, however, was contested by many archaeologists because the natural environment surrounding the monument is a dry land.

Geologists, on the other hand, support Nieuwenkamp's view, pointing out clay sediments found near the site. A study of stratigraphy, sediment and pollen samples conducted in 2000 supports the existence of a paleolake environment near Borobudur, which tends to confirm Nieuwenkamp's theory. The lake area fluctuated with time and the study also proves that Borobudur was near the lake shore c. 13th and 14th centuries. River flows and volcanic activities shape the surrounding landscape, including the lake. One of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, Mount Merapi, is in the direct vicinity of Borobudur and has been very active since the Pleistocene.

Recent record: Merapi erupted in 2010, up to now (April 2011) occurred a cold lava flow in several areas.

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Natural Attractions: Baturaden Central Java Indonesia

The interesting place to see is Baturaden, located 15 km north of Purwokerto. Baturaden is a classical highland country in the foot of Gunung Slamet volcano. Central Java's outstanding resort is approximately 14 km north of Purwokerto. It occupies a fine site on the slope of Mount Slamet, at an elevation of 650 m above sea level. It has remarkable weather with a cool mountain breeze. The temperature ranges from 18 degree C to 25 degree C. The resort area is surrounded by nice gardens, hot springs, ponds and bungalow-style hotels. Other features include 200 ha of pine forest, a nearby market and marvelous views. Some European groups are known to spend a day trekking through its Splendid Natural Forest and Villages. Always green, the area is blessed with an abundance of natural water resources spouting out in numerous waterfalls and rivers, which flow between the huge boulders of hardened lava. The huge boulders also points out to Ravines and river bank and form some kind of path, apparently having rolled down from Mount Slamet during a eruption many centuries ago.
Baturaden is renowned for local tourism; with attraction of hot spring, trekking and camping. The main attraction for tourist is the Loka Wisata Baturaden, a recreational Park with a swimming pool, water slide, lake; children's play ground with an Old Dutch Merry-go-round, Hot water mineral spring and Botanical Gardens. We can come to spend the whole day, picnicking on the grassy lawn or along the river or bathing in the mineral waters, which contain sulfur. There are two natural hot spring in Baturaden, namely Pancuran Telu and Pancuran Pitu. The park connects with "Pancuran Tujuh" (Seven Fountains) of warm sulfuric spring water about 2,5 Km's away. The camping ground is called Wana Wisata. There are 76 hotels ranging from the star grade to the modest one for overnight stay. We can go perum berkoh there are one elite house in this city.

Tourist sites
* Pancuran Pitu Baturraden

Hot water bath that contains sulfur. Believed to cure various skin diseases. Located next to the upper shower Telu.









* Pancuran Telu

Hot water bath that contains sulfur. Believed to cure various skin diseases. Located next to the shower Pitu.

* Campgrounds

It is a camping ground which is often used by nature lovers and connoisseurs out bond activity. Once used mainly as a venue for the National Jamboree Boy Scout Movement in Indonesia in 2001.

* Kaloka Widya Mandala

Taman Widya Mandala Kaloka Baturraden or Educational Tours is Wanasuka Baturraden zoo educational tours as well as a place which was inaugurated by the Head of Level II Regent Banyumas H. Djoko Sudantoko on 17 May 1995. This place is already getting achievement as "Visit Indonesia Decade 1991-2000 in Coronation Tourism Award Central Java and Yogyakarta Special Region in Semarang on August 23, 1996.

In the Garden of Kaloka Widya Mandala Baturraden there are various kinds of animals that come from within and from abroad as from Australia, Asia and the Netherlands. The collection includes: Cow foot-five, three-leg Goats, elephant, monkey (Buing), New Guinea Crocodile, Python, Kaswari, Monkey, Hedgehogs, Iguana, Bird of Paradise, Bats, Kate Chicken, Chicken Pearl, Orang Utan, Bondol Eagle, Deer. In this place there are also Museums Endangered Wildlife, such as Sumatran tigers, Malayan Sun Bear, and Dahan Tiger.

* hot water bathing
* Curug Ceheng
* tourist rides Valley Combong
* Combong Valley Paint Ball and War Games
* Silent Lake
* Baturraden Forest Adventure

LOCATION on the MAP

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Fish Therapy for relaxation

There is again an alternative to off fatigue. Even his presence has become an overlooked, especially for the city.
Various relaxation bid that is around us offers a comfortable, relaxed, and relaxed. Like the spa, reflexology, and the latter popular, fish spa. The presence of fish spa itself easily found, because many found in several places including malls or shopping centers.

Fish spa is a relaxation facilities using small fish. Usually known as fish spa fish therapy (fish, red). Sensation that we can get the time to use it, is the time to sit and feet go in a container for a moment and then be attacked hundreds of fish. Fish here as a medium for the body therapy.

It was also quite unique due to being bitten by fish. So unique, it is not wrong if the fish therapy can be used as a selection of stress relievers, as well as for the health of your body.

Doctor fish is the name given to two species of fish: Garra rufa and Cyprinion macrostomus. Other nicknames include nibble fish, kangal fish, and doctorfishen; in non-medical contexts, Garra rufa is called the reddish log sucker. They live and breed in the outdoor pools of some Turkish spas, where they feed on the skin of patients with psoriasis. The fish are like combfishes in that they only consume the affected and dead areas of the skin, leaving the healthy skin to grow, with the outdoor location of the treatment bringing beneficial effects. The spas are not meant as a curative treatment option, only as a temporary alleviation of symptoms, and patients usually revisit the spas every few months. Some patients have experienced complete cure of psoriasis after repeated treatments, but due to the unpredictable nature of the disease, which is strongly influenced by endogenous factors, this may simply be regression toward the mean.
Garra rufa occurs in the river basins of the Northern and Central Middle East, mainly in Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran. It is legally protected from commercial exploitation in Turkey due to concerns of overharvesting for export. Garra rufa can be kept in an aquarium at home; while not strictly a "beginner's fish", it is quite hardy. For treatment of skin diseases, aquarium specimens are not well suited as the skin-feeding behavior fully manifests only under conditions where the food supply is somewhat scarce and unpredictable.
In 2006, doctor fish spa resorts opened in Hakone, Japan, and in Umag, Croatia, where the fish are used to clean the bathers at the spa. There are also spas in resorts in China, Belgium, the Netherlands, South Korea, Singapore, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Hungary, Slovakia, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia], Philippines, Hong Kong, Bucharest (Romania), Barcelona (Spain) and France. In 2008, the first widely known doctor fish pedicure service was opened in the United States in Alexandria, Virginia, and later in Woodbridge, Virginia. In 2010 the first UK spa opened in Sheffield. They are used to help treat patients suffering from various skin disorders, including psoriasis and eczema, since the fish will eat and remove any dead skin.

Fish Foot Therapy

The major focus of fish foot therapy is skin exfoliation. The concept is that you soak your feet in a warm pool teemed with tiny hungry ‘doctor fishes’. Doctor fishes are scientifically known as Garra rufa and are natives of Turkish towns, Sivas and Kangal. The warm temperature of the water ensures that nutrients do not survive. This means the ravenous doctor fishes eats away dead and scaly skins softened by the warm water, revealing soft, pink, smooth and healthy skin underneath.

Fish Therapy for Eczema
Doctor fishes have long been associated with healing of psoriasis. It is suggested that when the doctor fishes nibbles on dry skin through their gummy mouth, the nibbling action triggers release of an enzyme known as Dithranol. This can help in treating the skin condition called eczema.
Besides eczema, fish therapy can help in treating other itchy skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, etc. So, if you want to be treated by the doctor fishes, be prepared to soak yourself in a warm pool for 8 hours a day up to 21 days before taking breakfast. During the twenty one day period, you may have to drink at least three glasses of water on an empty stomach. You may be abstained from taking medications during the entire tenure of treatment.

Benefits of Fish Therapy
Skin Enhancement
•In order to look after you skin, doctor fish is one of the most effective way.
•The benefits of doctor fish are easily visible. People who have dry, damaged or rough skin, fish naturally removes the damaged or dead skin leaving behind healthy skin in order to grow.
•Nibbling can be a pleasant experience for those people who get used to the initial sensations.
•The fish pedicure removes all the dirt and provides a deep cleansing treatment to the skin, thus helps in regenerating the new skin.
•The skin will feel smooth, healthy and revitalised after the treatment.
•The natural glow of the skin will come back after the treatment is done.
•Fish therapy also promotes blood circulation, protects skin and makes the skin of the face look more healthier and smoother.


Relaxing Process
•Fish therapy is one of the best way to relax your skin.
•This process removes the dead skin naturally and this treatment is therapeutic as well as enjoyable.
•The fish massage causes sensation which later on stimulates the nerve system in a similar way to acupuncture treatment.
•It also helps in relieving the tiredness from the body and provides a form of relaxation.
•Fish therapy provides therapeutic benefits to the skin. Moreover, there is a symbolic relationship between natural environment and human being and that relationship is harmony.



reference :
http://naturecure.ygoy.com/2009/05/26/fish-therapy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_fish

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Shopping Batik on Pekalongan, Indonesian Batik City

Batik (Javanese pronunciation: [ˈbateʔ]; Indonesian: [ˈbatɪʔ]; English: /ˈbætɪk/ or /bəˈtiːk/) is a cloth that traditionally uses a manual wax-resist dyeing technique.
Javanese traditional batik, especially from Yogyakarta and Surakarta, has notable meanings rooted to the Javanese conceptualization of the universe. Traditional colours include indigo, dark brown, and white, which represent the three major Hindu Gods (Brahmā, Visnu, and Śiva). This is related to the fact that natural dyes are most commonly available in indigo and brown. Certain patterns can only be worn by nobility; traditionally, wider stripes or wavy lines of greater width indicated higher rank. Consequently, during Javanese ceremonies, one could determine the royal lineage of a person by the cloth he or she was wearing.
Other regions of Indonesia have their own unique patterns that normally take themes from everyday lives, incorporating patterns such as flowers, nature, animals, folklore or people. The colours of pesisir batik, from the coastal cities of northern Java, is especially vibrant, and it absorbs influence from the Javanese, Arab, Chinese and Dutch cultures. In the colonial times pesisir batik was a favourite of the Peranakan Chinese, Dutch and Eurasians.
UNESCO designated Indonesian batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on October 2, 2009. As part of the acknowledgment, UNESCO insisted that Indonesia preserve their heritage.
Batik or fabrics with the traditional batik patterns are also found in several countries such as Malaysia, Japan, China, Azerbaijan, India, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and Singapore. Malaysian batik often displays plants and flowers to avoid the interpretation of human and animal images as idolatry, in accordance with local Islamic doctrine.

Shopping Batik on the largest batik market, “PASAR GROSIR SETONO” PEKALONGAN

Pekalongan, Indonesian Batik City
Pekalongan batik is batik made by people who mostly live Pekalongan north coast of Java island. Although no official records began to be known when the batik in Pekalongan, but according to estimates existing in Pekalongan batik around the year 1800. Even according to data recorded at the Ministry, batik was made 1802, like a small tree motif in the form of clothes.

But significant progress is expected to occur after a major war in 1825-1830 in the kingdom of Mataram which is often referred to as Diponegoro war or Java war. With the onset of this battle royal family and urged his followers were many who left the kingdom. They then spread towards the East and West. Later in the area - a new area that the family and followers develop batik.

To the east of Solo and Yogyakarta Batik, batik patterns that have been perfected in Mojokerto and Tulungagung to spread to Gresik, Surabaya and Madura. Other way westward batik developed in Banyumas, Kebumen, Tegal, Cirebon and Pekalongan. With this migration, the batik Pekalongan that have been there before growing.

Over time, Batik Pekalongan experiencing rapid development compared to other regions. In this region batik evolved around the coastal areas, namely in Pekalongan city and regional areas Buaran, Pekajangan and Wonopringgo.

Pekalongan public encounter with the various nations such as China, Dutch, Arabic, Indian, Malay and Japanese in ancient times has colored the dynamics of color motifs and batik art.

In connection with the several types of batik motif result of the influence of various countries came to be known as the identity of Pekalongan batik. As for motive, among others Jlamprang inspired batik from India and Arabia, and batik Encim Klengenan, influenced by the Peranakan Chinese, batik Morning Afternoon by the Dutch, and batik Hokokai, grown rapidly since the Japanese occupation.

The development of print culture techniques using dye motifs cover the night (candles) on the fabric which is then called batik, is inseparable from the influence of those countries. This shows the context of the flexibility of batik from time to time.

Pekalongan batik is very unique because it relies entirely on hundreds of small entrepreneurs, rather than on a handful of large employers have capital. Since many decades ago until now, most of Pekalongan batik production process is done in homes. As a result, closely united with batik Pekalongan Pekalongan community life that is now divided into two administrative regions, namely Pekalongan Municipality and Regency of Pekalongan.

Pekalongan batik tidal development, showing Pekalongan eligible to become an icon for the development of batik in Indonesia. Icon for works of art that never gave up with the times and always dynamic. Now, batik has become a breath of everyday life Pekalongan residents and is one superior product. This is because many industries which produce batik. Because the product is known for his batik, known as the City of Pekalongan Batik. The nickname came from a long tradition rooted in Pekalongan. During that long period, various properties, the variety of uses, type design, as well as batik quality is determined by the climate and the presence of fibers of local, historical factors, trade and community readiness to accept and understand new ideas.

Batik is an art culture that admired the world, among the traditional varieties produced with dye technology hurdles, none of which can be present as beautiful and as smooth as batik Pekalongan.

Visit “PASAR GROSIR SETONO” on Pekalongan Batik City, Central Java Indonesia.
Enjoy Shopping, it can improve your Health

Galery Batik Motif

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