Monday, November 22, 2010

This Country for Backpacker









India is one country with the most diverse culture and beautiful in the world - will blend beautiful beaches, vast paddy fields, sacred temples and crowded city. City streets full of color, a soothing natural scenery and stunning architecture to inspire travelers to search for wisdom. 



With cheap food, friendly people and hundreds of hostels in India, not a surprise if the country is obliged to the backpacker destination. But visiting the vast area like this can be pretty inconvenient - if you start to climb the Himalayas, looking for the hippie-style beach holiday or explore the streets of Mumbai crowd? 



Here is a guide to the priority objectives of the backpacker travel list!


Goa. Photo credits - Christopher Chan











Goa - More than Hippie Heaven 





Goa has become a haven for hippies since the 1960s, when the travelers are hedonistic bohemian vacation on sandy beaches along the 105 km. This area is still famous for its backpacker, most of whom left traces comfortable hostel-hostel. 





Most of the visitors after the sun and surf, and nuanced trance beach party under the stars. But Goa still has more potential than that - the former Portuguese colony has historic churches, interesting architecture and its distinctive culinary dishes. 










The Himalayas. Photo credits - FreeBird.







Altitude Explore Himalaya



Views of the mountains of the Himalayas in northern India worth checking out even if you are afraid of heights. In winter, ski enthusiasts flocked to the snow-capped peaks, and in the summer of adrenaline lovers will try trekking, rafting and paragliding. You can use a chairlift (elevator chair) leading to the top provides stunning views from one of the most dramatic landscape in India. 










Mumbai. Photo credits - lecercle.









Solid Mumbai 


Mumbai is a city that is very dense - packed everything seems to meet the growing metropolis, from the slums to skyscrapers and fancy restaurants. But the home of Bollywood that glitters is feasible for your visit, with an ancient bazaar with a barter system, many colonial buildings that still stand up and play cricket at the Oval. 


Maybe you do not want to mingle with the elite of Mumbai in bars and nightclubs elite, but there is always a place for everyone, far from the crowd. Beach lovers can relax on Chowpatty Beach before admiring the statue of Shiva and the temple is carved out of stone on the island of Elephants (Elephant Island). 














Calcutta. Photo credits - RickyDavid










Calcutta Full Color 





Beyond his reputation which is under the poverty line, Calcutta is an amazing city and life to your visit. The house of Mother Theresa, Calcutta has the intellectual and cultural heritage that is rich, and the former center of the United Kingdom, there are relics of the colonial era architecture, the Victoria Memorial to the Palladian Villa. 





Cities in north Calcutta is a Bengali, where you can see the busy street Shambazar and stalls filled with colorful, the oldest church and a very charming is Marble Palace. You can see the style of life of local residents at the Temple of Kali at Kalighat. 









Delhi. Photo credits - Rob & Ale











Delhi, the mixture of the Past and Present 





The capital of this country is an alluring mix of old villages and settlements ultra modern, and you will find some amazing ruins in the vicinity of shopping malls and cinemas in New Delhi. Visit the ruins of the palace from the 13th century along the banks of river Yamuna, Qtab Minar in the south of the city and Huaz to relic that will leave you amazed. 





Delhi is one of the oldest cities in the world and has a very long list will be the location of culture - make sure you visit Sandstone Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Complex Mosque and Tower, a very beautiful park and world heritage recognized by UNESCO. 










The Taj Mahal in Agra. Photo credits - Stuck in Customs









Amazing Taj Mahal in Agra 


This industrial city attracts many tourists because of the stunning Taj Costly, that glory more than the conversation of people. Agra is full of other amazing architectural heritage of Mughal empire, with a castle and stately tomb at the edge of the river, such as Itimad-ud Daula that resembles a miniature version of the Taj Mahal 


If you wish to visit Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal on the same day, you will get discounted ticket prices as much as Rs 50 - great for travel costs erode your culture! 





READ MORE - This Country for Backpacker

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Enggano Island

Enggano lies about 110 miles (177 km) south of Bengkulu city. It is about 22 miles (35 km) long east west and 10 miles (16 km) wide north south. Its average elevation is about 330 feet (100 m). Hills, rising to about 922 feet (281 m), cover most of the area. The island covers an area of 40,260 hectares, which is dominated by dense rainforest with its wild buffaloes. Mainly we can see the culture, or the life manners of traditional society and native's Enggano dances. A pioneer boat at Baai Island Harbour or hiring a small boat at Bintuhan seaport can reach the island. Visitors can see the culture, or the life manners of traditional society and native's Enggano dances. A pioneer bat at pulau Baai harbor or hiring a small boat at Bintuhan seaport can reach the island.

There are 5 clans Isukul spread over the entire island: The Kaharuba, Kaarubi, Kaitora, Kaahoao and the Kauno. A matrilineal society, descent is traced through the female line and daughters usually inherit farmlands. Half call them Christian, the other half call them Mosleem. But actually this society is one of the last truly animist strongholds in Indonesia. Engganese culture is sure now to disappear as a result of assimilation into an indiscriminate Indonesian culture.
READ MORE - Enggano Island

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Ambon City

The name of the island Ambon is believed to come from the word apon, meaning "plantation'. Indeed, Ambon was one of the firsts Moluccan islands to be occupied by the Portuguese and used as a plantation. Ambon City is the Main City and seaport of Ambon Island, and is the capital of Maluku Province. It is one of the largest cities in eastern Indonesia.

Ambon, the provincial capital of Maluku, which is built on a hillside overlooking the bay, has a number of interesting sites of historical and cultural interests. Among them are the remnants of some old forts built by the Dutch East Indies Company during the heydays of the spice trade and the Siwa Lima Museum with its local arts and crafts collection. More ruins of forts are found such as the Dutch one at Lima and those of the Portuguese at Hila, which are almost entirely hidden underneath the contorted roots of a giant Banyan tree.

The ANZAC War Cemetery near Ambon town is the site of services held every year to commemorate the Allied soldiers who died in the region during world War 11. Ambon is at Maluku end of the annual yacht race between Darwin, Australia and Ambon. The race usually takes place in August.

Ambon, as a beautiful city, has a lot of tourism objects that offer the tourist much beautiful scenery. On arrival in AMBON, you will be met at Pattimura airport, transfer to your hotel. After lunch, visit WAISELAKA POND in WAAI, its clear crystal water inhabited by holy eel, The Crazy Bamboo Performance. You can have dinner and overnight at your hotel.
READ MORE - Ambon City

Monday, October 18, 2010

Berastagi North Sumatra



Jakarta has a peak tourism as well as with lembangnya Bandung, Medan has also the peak tourist attractions are no less interesting and beautiful. Namely Brastagi area, traveling from city to field Brastagi take 1.5 to 2 hours using a private vehicle travel. With public transport can be taken within 3 hours, because the distance field trip to Berastagi town about 80km away. along the way we can enjoy beautiful views to the left and right beside the road we could see the scenery of tea plantation and tobacco, and daily activities of society northern Sumatra.
Before entering the Brastagi we will pass Kaban ginger, here a lot of tea plantations and tobacco plantations, many traditional markets around Kaban this ginger. Activities of traders and buyers in the market eligible to be photographed, and the people were very friendly with the arrival of tourists and tourists who see. After that we went on a trip to Berastagi, here the air was getting cool and cold. He wanted to stop by dikedai coffee to enjoy coffee and the view around the mountains.
Berastagi is a very beautiful area, the area which is located in North Sumatra that have a height of 1400 meters above sea level. The air here is very clean and cool, this

because it is surrounded by mountains and forests - forests that are very beautiful. Does not feel the trip as long as 1.5 hours a lot of fun. From the hills we can enjoy views of the green and could see the volcano and Sibayak Sinabung. Sibayak volcano is still active today and has a height of 2000 meters, the location of this Sibayak mountain not far from Berastagi.
Not only that, Brastagi very famous for vegetables and fruit - fruit, fruit that is very famous here is passion fruit. Passionfruit Brastagi very popular until the whole of Indonesia, and many made quintessence syrup. Indeed dibrastagi if we do not enjoy the fruits Brastagi did not complete it's like, let alone cold weather and cool very supportive of us to eat more food.
After that we continued to Tongging attractions, there are a large waterfall that is Sipiso Piso waterfall. Piso name means knife, this waterfall is sharp and in surrounded by a deep ravine in the northern Sumatran tana, the distance to the location of this waterfall that is 24 km from Kabanjahe. and is located around the edge
Northern part of Lake Toba. Disekiling has views of waterfalls and gorges are very beautiful, high-piso waterfall Sipiso approximately 130 meters. I am very interested to get to this waterfall, as the distance from the top down this waterfall is pretty much when on foot. Finally I decided to walk down a path toward Sipiso piso Waterfall, to walk a steep curve and this should be very cautious. Many paths that have been damaged and not infrequently we have to crawl and clinging to the side of the road, it is advisable to use shoes and drinking water to taste. Fortunately in every way a lot of residential houses are made for the rest of the walkers feet, so if you are not strong or sudden rain during the trip we can get enough rest.

Arriving based Sipiso Piso Waterfall, lost our sense of fatigue because of the river and waterfall scenery seen directly is very beautiful. Eve is radiated very cool because debris from the ears of water waterfall wet our face that makes us linger longer live under, after taking some photos we finally continued our journey upward. At the time of behind the new road was tired, because it does not feel way to the waterfall is down. And now we have to climb up and over.

Once above the struggle, we are in the Tour Tongging, tongging situated on the edge of Lake Toba in the north near Sipiso piso waterfall. It was from here is very beautiful view of Lake Toba, toba lake flanked by two mountains of rock along the bottom. We unwind here, after struggling to climb out from under Sipiso piso waterfall. Like tiredness disappeared instantly when we enjoy the beauty of Lake Toba, Berastagi leave a lasting impression for me. One time I definitely will be back again.

READ MORE - Berastagi North Sumatra

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Tabuik Sumatera Barat

Tabuik
Massacre Hussain, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad in Padang Karbala by Yazid ibn Muawiyah troops from Ummayah dynasty, history of deep incised strokes for Muslims in the world. In Pariaman, West Sumatra, this event is celebrated by performing a ceremony, Tabuik.
Derived from the word 'tabut', from Arabic that means parading, Tabuik ceremony is a tradition on the west coast, West Sumatra, which was held very day. The ceremony was held at the Asura day that falls on the 10th of Muharram, the Islamic calendar.


Blonde Sense of Grief

That said, Tabuik taken by adherents of the Shia of the Middle East to Pariaman, as a war memorial Karbala. The ceremony is also a symbol and expression of a deep sense of grief and respect for Muslims in Pariaman against Prophet Muhammad's grandson. Because the excitement and uniqueness in every pagelarannya, local government and even then enter Tabuik ceremony in West Sumatra tourism agenda and held every year.

Two weeks before the parade
aan Tabuik ceremony, residents Pariaman been busy doing a variety of preparations. They made as well as various snacks, pastries and Tabuik typical. In this period, there are also people who run a special ritual, which is fasting.

In addition to the naming ceremony, Tabuik also pinned to the names of objects which become an important component of this ritual. Tabuik amounted to two pieces and made of bamboo and wood. The form of horse-bodied animals, human heads, a sturdy and wings. By race

Islam, this beast called Buraq and is considered a magical beast. On the back Tabuik, made a milestone as high as about 15 m. Tabuik then decorated with red and other colors and will be in the wine later.

On the appointed day, since 0600, a crowd has been felt throughout the City of Pariaman. All participants and completeness of the ceremony getting in the town square. The other residents gathered on the roadside to watch the carnival Tabuik way. Not only ordinary citizens, government officials also attended the ceremony's most colossal implementation in West Sumatra.
Just in time, Tabuik began appointed and carnival began. One Tabuik appointed by the bearers, which accounted for 40 people. Behind Tabuik, the group of people of traditional dress that brings your instrument

a variety of percussion music drums, helped fill the ranks. During the procession took place, all carnival participants chanted, "Hayya Hayya Hussain Hussain ...!" As an expression of respect for the Prophet Muhammad's grandson. Occasionally, the procession stopped and dozens of people who play a typical martial arts into action as she accompanied Minang tetabuhan.

As the sun sets, the procession came to an end. Both Tabuik brought to shore and then floated out to sea. This is done because there is confidence that this Tabuik thrown into the sea, may dispose of bad luck. In addition, this moment is also believed to be the time Buraq fly to the sky, carrying all kinds arakannya.


When compared with Tabuik ceremony that was held ten years ago, the existing Tabuik ceremony was different. At that time, Tabuik made by two groups of citizens from different sides and then pitted against one another. In the process, not infrequently followed by fisticuffs the residents of both camps.

Unique Cultural Attractions
Now, the element of violence that had been found on Tabuik had been removed. The ceremony is more directed to an interesting cultural attractions and can be consumed by the tourists. Besides watching the procession ceremony Tabuik, the tourists can get around in traditional markets and bazaars are held in line with this celebration. Enjoy also salaluk and rakik Maco, typical food peddled Pariaman a lot on the beach. Unfortunately, until now, the ceremony Tabuik have not worked optimally. There are still a number of problems were encountered in its implementation, especially in terms of funding.

Tabuik celebration this year that fell in February for example. This event almost failed to take place. Local government even announced through mass media such cancellation plan. However, thanks to the sincerity of the people Pariaman to hold this event, Tabuik was eventually could be held and can be enjoyed by all visitors.
READ MORE - Tabuik Sumatera Barat

Saturday, October 16, 2010

You will find white sandy beaches at Bira, 178 km from Ujung Pandang to the south. Traditional shipbuilding is also located in this area. Not far from this area visitors can cross to Selayar Island.
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Friday, October 15, 2010

Bantimurung

To the north of Ujung Pandang and driving east along the mountain range, is the Bantimurung waterfall, about 41 km from the capital. A cascade of sparkling water gushes out between rocky cliffs into a stream shaded by tall trees. Here the air is filled with butterflies, which fly from shrub to shrub over the water. These rare brightly colored ornithoid butterflies are considered the most beautiful in the world.
READ MORE - Bantimurung

Thursday, October 14, 2010

♥♥ I lOVE INDONESIA ♥♥



   My country has many islands, culture, ethnicity, language, culinary, and a million beautiful places you can visit. Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia comprises 17,508 islandsabout 6,000 of which are inhabited With a population of around 230 million people, it is the world's fourth most populous country, and has the world's largest population of Muslims. Indonesia is a republic, with an elected legislature and president. The nation's capital city is Jakarta. The country shares land borders with Papua New GuineaEast Timor, and Malaysia. Other neighboring countries include SingaporePhilippinesAustralia, and the Indian territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

       Most people only know a beautiful vacation spot Bali in Indonesia. Though there are many resorts that much more beautiful than Bali. This is little choice tourist beaches on the various islands in Indonesia you can visit.



       So, Would you like to visit my country?














This is Rubiah Island. located on the Weh Island, Sabang, Aceh, western Indonesia. This place is perfect for divers. for no n-divers can also enjoy beauty of marine parks on the island. various types of coral reefs and fish here. with white sand beaches and calm waves. You must visit!! If you will be vacationing on this island, don't forget to bring sun block a lot. Air here isn't so hot, but can burn your skin. Like  when I visited this place, I had been taking a lot of sun block, still, my skin burned and peeling :)











This is Tapak Tuan beach. Located on Batu Hitam Village, Tapak Tuan South Aceh, West Indonesia. This beach can be seen along the edge of the highway Tapak Tuan. On the outskirts of the beach there are many coconut trees.
















This is Lhoknga beach. located in the capital city of Aceh, namely Banda Aceh. You can surf here, because the waves were a bit big.












Mentawai Islands are one of the districts in the province of West Sumatra, Indonesia. This place is in the drill and in the interest of the surfers. Mentawai Islands District is a district located elongated islands in the westernmost part of Sumatra island and surrounded by the Indian Ocean.

Mentawai Islands are part of a series of non-volcanic island, and the cluster of islands that are the peaks of an undersea mountain back. Most of the population of the islands in the Mentawai Islands regency from Siberut Island. Community physically Mentawai tribe has an ancient culture that is somewhat Neolithic era where in this society would not know metal working technology, as well as farming and weaving arts. Residents in this district half were animists, and some are Christian and Islamic.













Pantai Tikus, Pulau Bangka ( Beach Mice ) Bangka Island. This beach is located in the Rebo Village, Sungailiat. The beach is shaped concave. White sand and smooth. Very lure tourists to come visit. beach mice.








READ MORE - ♥♥ I lOVE INDONESIA ♥♥

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Paradise Island

More than 5 million square meters in waters around the Indonesian archipelago. No doubt, Indonesia became a shelter for hundreds or even thousands of species of underwater creatures and coral clusters are beautiful and colorful. Surely this country offers many dive sites which is a dream for most divers.

Due to the often volatile political situation and a warning to tourists who are usually too much, you'll rarely find this country in the list of most tourists travel. Fortunately for tourists who are brave and adventurous, this means fewer tourists and more peace, so you better be able to enjoy the beauty as you like. Here is a list of eight stunning dive sites in Indonesia.






Pulau Bintan, Riau

Maybe this is the island's most easily reached from outside Indonesia, where the diving is only one hour from the noise of Singapore. The island has white sandy beaches stretch along the 18 km with a rich marine life, and a variety of dive sites for you to enjoy.


Not far from the coastline to the north, there are a small canyon as deep as 8 meters with a flat base, ideal for your first time to learn scuba diving. Another unique place is the location of the wreck, you can explore the remains of an old tanker that sank many years ago in the depths of the sea.








Kepulauan Seribu, Jakarta



This unique area made up of hundreds of small islands (hence so exaggerated 'Thousand Islands'), is a must for divers from Jakarta. Of the various islands, some of the famous Big Island kotok, kotok Island Small, Coral



Bangkok, Sepa Island and Island Pantara.

Pulau Seribu is easy to achieve, you just need to hire a speedboat from Marina or boat fishing from one of the ports. Only about one or two hours from Jakarta, you will be able to dive as much. Some of the larger islands



provide better accommodation class resorts and villas, but you need to rent a boat to reach the small islands - where the reefs are beautiful!









Karimun Java, Central Java
Another part of the Java Sea which is also a paradise for divers is an island across the sea from Semarang, Central Java. This place, called Karimun Java, is a series of 27 small island surrounded by sea which is rich in blue coral Acropora group. Divers can explore the remains of Indonour, an ancient merchant ship which sank in 1955. Additional treat here is the variety of sea turtle that hatched in the park of nature protection.







Derawan Island, South Kalimantan
About 50 miles from Tanjung Redeb, capital of Berau Province, an area that includes the small islands. This place is filled with a cluster of spectacular coral and underwater caves for the adventurous traveler. Derawan has more than 17 dive sites, each site has its own unique attractions for you to enjoy. Some places are famous Charitable Island, and Island Kakaban Maratua.


Charitable Island you can find eagle rays, manta rays, tiger sharks and cuttlefish. Every night you can see the giant green turtle eggs hatch on the island. Kakaban main attraction is the salt water lake inhabited by a jellyfish that did not sting and gobies. While on the island Maratua, you'll find plenty of large fish like barracuda, tuna and mackerel. Tourists even had time to see sharks and hammerheads to eight species of whales here.










Komodo Island, FloresThe island is usually known for being a playground for the dragons, giant lizard species. For scuba diving, Komodo Island also has a number of the best dive sites in the country. From Sebayour Small, Small and Middle Island Red Beach offers a variety of underwater attractions as diverse mackerel, cod and grouper.


At Red Beach, not far from the beach, you'll find a 5-meter full derivation of colorful fish. There are more dive sites on the coast such as the western part of Flores Island, Tatawa, Tatawa Small Island, Rinca Island and the island of Nusa Node.







Nusa Penida, Bali

Nusa Penida Island, located in eastern Bali, is a famous location for local and international divers. About an hour from Bali, the island has some very healthy group of coral, which is clearly visible at depths of 15 to 30 meters.


For beginners, trdapat various dive sites in the east coast of this island are suitable to be explored. On the south coast there is Blue Corner, Nusa Lembongan and Gamat, more appropriate for experienced divers who are looking for a challenge. Fish are often seen in the sun while manta birostris Crystal Bay is a common sight at Manta Point.
Bunaken, North Sulawesi

Bunaken, North Sulawesi
This place is famous dive sites that have an international reputation is better than the other, consisting of small islands such as Pulau Sialdoen, Ganga, Mantehage, Nine and an old mountain in the middle of the sea, Manado Tua. Snorkeling and
diving is very popular here with more than sixteen point dive spread across an area of islands. Bunaken has grooves as deep as 30 feet, housing a variety of species of fish and other marine life. Shark sightings are common, so be careful!






Lembeh Strait, North Sulawesi
Still in North Sulawesi, there are other icons of the world diving, Lembeh Strait. This location is renowned internationally as the diversity of marine life that exists only in the place. Here you will be able to find the mimic octopus, pygmy seahorses, cuttlefish, and hairy frogfish. This place is a paradise for underwater photography and is often called the "Qiblah of Macro Photography." After all remain vigilant, the beauty of the Lembeh Strait is for experienced divers.
READ MORE - Paradise Island

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea, a unique country that lies on the Pacific Ocean and its authenticity is maintained thanks to the low level of urban development (only 18% of the population live in urban centers). Besides having a unique name, Papua New Guinea also has 850 native languages, and believed a number of species of plants and animals that have not known!


The country is largely unexplored, even since its independence from Australia in 1975. However, some tourists who made it to the beaches would feel the way they were not in vain.




Papua Market. Photo credits - Paul in Uijeongbu and Kahunapulej.



Shopping Center


Interesting experiences in Papua New Guinea is a walk in the market. Most goods are bought and sold are original and homemade goods. You'll find the original keepsake such as Papua New Guinea: bilum - bags made from plant fibers, baskets Bouganville - regarded as one of the baskets and the best container in the Pacific, or a mask - may not be used, but fun! Be careful when someone offers you "ancient artifacts" - whatever that was made before 1960 are prohibited to be exported in order to maintain the country's cultural heritage.






Underwater beauties. Photo credits - Boogies with Fish

Water Sports


Scuba diving is quite popular in Papua New Guinea and many dive places that have unlimited potential. Geographic structure of sea bottom plate causes a drastic fall from the edge of the beach - but an abundance of debris former World War II, adding features to dive here. To dive in among the rubble, go to Kavieng, Loloata, or Madang. If you want to see the spectacular coral group, go to the Eastern Fields, about 200km from Port Moresby to the coast of Australia.





Kokoda Trail. Photo credits - Solo Roamer

Hiking


Soil structure that does not mean the island of Papua New Guinea makes a perfect place for serious climbers. For a little history and fantastic scenery, go to the Kokoda track, along the 60 mile route through the top of the Owen Stanley Range. History buff will find this site as a battlefield of World War II, Japan and Australia meeting point.


If you are looking for height, go to the top: the top Wilhelm is the highest point on the island, scenic places and quite able to reach, depending on your fitness level. Get up early in the morning for arriving at dawn for a chance
The best view beautiful scenery.


Everywhere you go, beware of going to the weather conditions: the night is cold and humid and hot during the day. There is also a risk of malaria and frequent floods in the lowlands during the rainy season. Come out with equipment and knowledge sufficient.





Beautiful Papua sunset. Photo credits - Boogies with Fish

If You Go There





The most practical way to Papua New Guinea is by air, airlines are Air New Guinea (in cooperation with Qantas) and airline of Papua New Guinea.
Most visitors need a tourist visa; 60-day permit can be obtained at the airport, Port Moresby, on arrival. Same with other Oceania countries, make sure you carry all travel documents to include your return plan.


Some festivals are open to tourists, such as Coffee Festival in May, the National Mask Festival in July and Morale Hiri festival in September.


There are reports of violence and crime in some places in Papua New Guinea. The spread of HIV / AIDS is quite high in some areas. Be alert on the way - I suggest you to seek advice from an experienced travel agent before booking travel. Tourist women are advised not to travel alone.
READ MORE - Papua New Guinea