Live Music AT Puncak Pass Hotel Cipanas

for reservations please go to this link : CLICK!!

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help us by voting for the island of Komodo type: send to 9818

Komodo National Park is located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. Established in 1980, initially the main purpose of the Park was to conserve the unique Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) and its habitat. However, over the years, the goals for the Park have expanded to protecting its entire biodiversity, both terrestrial and marine. In 1986, the Park was declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, both indications of the Park's biological importance.

Komodo National Park includes three major islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar, as well as numerous smaller islands creating a total surface area (marine and land) of 1817km (proposed extensions would bring the total surface area up to 2,321km2). As well as being home to the Komodo dragon, the Park provides refuge for many other notable terrestrial species such as the orange-footed scrub fowl, an endemic rat, and the Timor deer. Moreover, the Park includes one of the richest marine environments including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts, and semi-enclosed bays. These habitats harbor more than 1,000 species of fish, some 260 species of reef-building coral, and 70 species of sponges. Dugong, sharks, manta rays, at least 14 species of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles also make Komodo National Park their home.


Threats to terrestrial biodiversity include the increasing pressure on forest cover and water resources as the local human population has increased 800% over the past 60 years. In addition, the Timor deer population, the preferred prey source for the endangered Komodo dragon, is still being poached. Destructive fishing practices such as dynamite-, cyanide, and compressor fishing severely threaten the Park's marine resources by destroying both the habitat (coral reefs) and the resource itself (fish and invertebrate stocks). The present situation in the Park is characterized by reduced but continuing destructive fishing practices primarily by immigrant fishers, and high pressure on demersal stocks like lobsters, shellfish, groupers and napoleon wrasse. Pollution inputs, ranging from raw sewage to chemicals, are increasing and may pose a major threat in the future.

Today, the PKA Balai Taman Nasional Komodo and PT. Putri Naga Komodo are working together to protect the Park's vast resources. Our goals are to protect the Park's biodiversity (both marine and terrestrial) and the breeding stocks of commercial fishes for replenishment of surrounding fishing grounds. The main challenge is to reduce both threats to the resources and conflicts between incompatible activities. Both parties have a long term commitment to protecting the marine biodiversity of Komodo National Park.

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Bayon, Kuil Seratus Wajah Sang Raja

“It’s good to be King!”

Mungkin begitulah seruan sang Raja Jayavarman VII saat membangun Kuil Bayon.

Dari kejauhan, kuil ini hanya tampak seperti kuil biasa dengan menara-menara yang menjulang di puncaknya. Tapi begitu kita mengamati lebih dekat, maka tampaklah sejumlah 216 patung wajah sang raja berukuran raksasa menghiasi puncak-puncak kuil ini, seakan-akan sang raja ingin meneriakkan eksistensi dirinya kepada dunia. Ya, kapan lagi dapat membangun ratusan patung wajah kita dengan ukuran raksasa kalau bukan seorang raja.

Empat sisi bagian puncak kuil yang dihiasi pahatan wajah Raja Jayavarman VII.
Foto (c) Herajeng Gustiayu, 2011

Namun apakah ratusan pahatan wajah tersebut benar-benar merupakan representasi wajah sang raja?

Banyak yang berteori bahwa 216 patung wajah raksasa itu sebenarnya merupakan representasi dari wajah Avalokiteśvara, Bodhisattva yang mewujudkan belas kasih dari semua Buddha. Ada pula teori yang menyatakan bahwa Jayavarman VII sebagai Buddhist mengidentifikasi dirinya dengan Buddha dan Bodhisattva tersebut. Mana yang benar, hanya sang Raja lah yang tahu.

Kuil Bayon dari kejauhan.
Foto (c) Herajeng Gustiayu, 2011

Patung wajah Raja Jayavarman VII di puncak-puncak kuil.
Foto (c) Herajeng Gustiayu, 2011

Patung wajah Raja Jayavarman VII di puncak-puncak kuil.
Foto (c) Herajeng Gustiayu, 2011

Sejarah Singkat Kuil Bayon
Kuil Bayon adalah salah satu kuil Buddha yang terdapat pada Angkor Archeological Park di Siem Reap, Kamboja. Kuil ini terletak di pusat ibukota Jayavarman, Angkor Thom, dan dibangun sekitar akhir abad ke-12 dan awal abad ke-13. Sebagai bagian dari kekayaan arsitektur Kerajaan Khmer, Kuil Bayon merupakan kuil pemerintahan terakhir yang didedikasikan kepada Sang Buddha, yang dibangun pada masa kejayaan Angkor. Kuil ini telah mengalami perubahan serta penambahan pada beberapa bagiannya, yang disesuaikan dengan ajaran agama yang dianut masing-masing raja penerusnya.

Angkor Archeological Park
Selain Kuil Bayon, beberapa kuil lainnya yang populer dan patut dikunjungi selama mengeksplorasi Angkor Archeological Park adalah Angkor Wat (tentu saja!), Ta Phrom, Banteay Srei, Banteay Kdei, dan Teras Gajah. 

Angkor Archeological Park merupakan taman arkeologi yang cukup luas untuk dieksplorasi sehingga diberikan tiga pilihan tiket: 1-day pass seharga $20; 3-day pass seharga $40; dan 1-week pass seharga $60. Saya sendiri dan teman saya memilih yang 1-day pass. Setelah berpose sejenak untuk mengambil foto diri di depan loket, kami diberikan sebuah tiket yang lengkap dengan foto kami. Tiket ini nanti akan diperiksa oleh petugas jaga di tiap-tiap kuil yang kita kunjungi.

Disarankan untuk berkeliling Angkor Archeological Park dengan Tuk-Tuk, kendaraan umum khas Kamboja serupa bemo. Apabila ingin mengunjungi beberapa kuil terpopuler, Anda akan dikenakan biaya $12/tuk-tuk, namun apabila Anda juga ingin sekaligus mengunjungi Banteay Srey yang terletak sekitar 45 menit dari taman arkeologi ini, Anda akan dikenakan biaya $20/tuk-tuk. []

Sejarah Kuil Bayon yang lebih lengkap dapat dibaca di sini: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayon

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Bunaken ferry

On a ferry from Manado, Sulawesi, to the famous Bunaken Island. Our boat had a glass-bottom insert which we used to view the coral and aquatic life through the remarkably clear water.
Video Rating: 0 / 5


Bunaken Diving experience
Video Rating: 4 / 5

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Diving in Bunaken - Nicolekiss

Went diving in Bunaken Island, off Manado in Indonesia with a bunch of friends. Beautiful south pacific ocean. visit nicolekiss.blogspot.com nicolekiss.blogspot.com



Bunaken Marine Park
Video Rating: 5 / 5

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A Solitary Beach in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

by Bohari Adventures

Ketapang, an Indonesian hidden gem, is located just south of Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan. I was personally delighted to visit Ketapang last Christmas and my visit brought back many sweet memories. As you may not know, I was born in Ketapang but my family moved to Jakarta when I was just 1 year old. So, to be able to visit the place where I was born was a fantastic experience. And I can tell you for sure that Ketapang is worth the visit.
There are two ways to get to Ketapang: by air or by sea. Supadio airport in Pontianak serves weekly flights to Ketapang. Or, if you prefer, you can also take an express boat, which is considerably a longer trip. One thing that I first noticed when I arrived in Ketapang was that there were many swallow birds flying freely. Harvesting Swallow's nest (a Chinese cuisine delicacy) is a very popular business here.
So, if you are an aggressive businessman who likes to seize every opportunity, visiting Ketapang can be worthwhile.
The highlight of my trip was "Pagatimun," a hidden beach that offers tranquility & solitude. The beach is approximately 1.2 hours drive from Ketapang. It goes deep to an area that is hardly touched by tourists or travelers, even the locals themselves. The sound of the waves breaking was as calming as the sound of stars above. Pagatimun offers serenity that you may not find anywhere in the world.
On my way back from Ketapang, I decided to stay for a couple of days in Pontianak. Pontianak, "Kota Khatulistiwa" or Equator City, is the place to visit to experience wonderful culinary creations. It is called "Kota Khatulistiwa" because the city is located precisely on the equator line.
Many travelers transit here before their long journey deep into jungles of Kalimantan via the Kapuas River. There are, however, many other attractions here that you may want to explore. Places to visit and attractions in Pontianak are coming soon as we launch our informativesite.
Interesting fact
The name "Pontianak" comes from a folklore. It is said that Pontianak means "pregnant with child" and she was the ghost that haunted the first group who arrived in the uninhabited area of Pontianak.

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Bali Travel Packages From India -The Rough Guide to Bali and Lombok

by eGuide Travel

Frommer’s Bali and Lombok

 “Frommer’s Bali and Lombok” includes information on plan an adventurous vacation, whether you’re hiking, practicing yoga, sailing, scuba diving, or surfing your way around Bali and Lombok; explore ancient seaside and cliff-top temples, strolling through rice terraces, learning traditional music and dance, and discovering hidden beaches; find everything from rich Balinese textiles, to classic handcrafts, and unique paintings; book alternative accommodations and seeking out the islands’ local side, including staying in family homes and finding the best Balinese cuisine in warungs; Plus, enjoy a discussion on the history and culture of both islands, a Balinese and Indonesian language guide, and more!

Hungry wave seekers can find breaks in Bali and Lombok’s waters every day of the year: Detailed maps throughout; Exact prices, directions, opening hours, and other practical information; Candid reviews of hotels and restaurants, plus sights, shopping, and nightlife; Itineraries, walking tours, and trip-planning ideas; also many insider tips from local expert authors.

Bali: A Travel Adventure

The tropical Indonesian paradise of Bali has extraordinarily vivid beauty.

Terraced rice paddies seemingly rise up to the sky, while silhouetted palms, still active volcanoes and volcanic lakes contrast with lovely beaches and lagoons. Bali’s temples, carved statues, and colorful art are evidence of a thriving culture that maintains its freshness and simplicity in a modern age. Bali: A Travel Adventure is an unforgettable visual record of the island and its people.

Periplus Guide to Bali: The Island of the Gods

“Periplus Guide to Bali: The Island of the Gods” is a good quality guide book for those who travel to Bali not just to lie on a beach or surf, but also for its amazingcultural and historical heritage, where every village and temple have their own story.

You will not see “places to shop” or “places to stay” in this book. “Periplus Guide to Bali: The Island of the Gods” is a book for people who want to feel in a new place not like stupid foreigners but rather informed observers, understanding the Bali’s performances, rituals, and the lifestyle. The book gives you the background you need to decide what you want to see and where you want to go in Bali. The writing is clear, informed, highly opinionated in a “been there done that” in a sort of way.

The Rough Guide to Bali and Lombok

 Make the most of the cultural and natural richness of Bali & Lombok with this comprehensive and up-to-date guide. The full-colour introduction takes a stunning look at many of the islands’ highlights, from the dramatic cliff top temples to the sparkling white-sand beaches. “The Rough Guide to Bali & Lombok” also give you information about Balinese pop music, volcanic landscapes, traditional and modern performing arts and coverage of the islands’ chic side with fashionable spas, designer boutique hotels and exceptional shopping, plus family-friendly destinations and activities. Whatever kind of traveller you are, from beach comber to eco-tourist, on a budget or money’s-no-object, you’ll find the accommodation, restaurants and experiences that are right for you. Extras include advice on where to dive, how to arrange treks up the island’s volcanoes and the top surf breaks. The Rough Guide to Bali & Lombok gives you all the practical advice you’ll need for a great adventure.

I discuss the two types of massages available in Bali. It is important for men in particular to be aware of this so as not to lead to misunderstanding. There is a traditional massage which one can usually get in beauty salons, and there is the complete massage, which usually finishes with a happy ending! These complete massages are usually offered by women not working in beauty salons, but just working the street, renting a small room. The cost of a traditional massage is very reasonable, about -5 AUD for an hour. The cost for a happy ending massage you will have to investigate yourself!
Video Rating: 5 / 5

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