Beautiful Valley in Ranah Minang

A beautiful valley which is located in Mount Singgalang become an icon of tourism mainstay of West Sumatra Province. Sianok canyon, the name of this beautiful valley at the border town of Bukittinggi, District IV Koto, Agam regency, West Sumatra. Magnificent stretch of steep valley extending up to 15 kilometers. Width with a depth of 200 meters to 100 meters cliff.

Because flowed "Trunk Sianok" which means crystal clear river, canyon or valley called Canyon Sianok. Sianok rod can now be forded by using the canoe and kayak yg disaranai by a water sports organization "Qurays". The route taken is from village to village Sitingkai Lambah Stem Palupuh for approximately 3.5 hours

Photo credits - F Dewi Ria Utari

Sianok canyon elongated and meandering as the southern border town of Canyon Koto Gadang reached the canyon Sianok Six Tribe, and ends at Palupuh, is part of the fault which divides the two island of Sumatra. Fault Fault famous by the name Semangko (shaped like a watermelon cut open) is to form a steep wall, even perpendicular and form a green valley - the result of decreased movement of earth crust (sinklinal) - which fed the water is crystal clear Sianok Trunk. In the Dutch colonial era, this gap also called buffalo sanget, because of the many free-living wild buffalo in the bottom of the canyon.

Sianok canyon is also often referred to as the "Dream Land of Sumatra 'has a fascinating natural scenery and the air is so cool. Like a velvet blanket of green surrounded by beautiful hills, this is the appearance of this beautiful valley when viewed from above. On the hills in the canyon Sianok grow rare plants such as Rafflesia or carrion flowers, medicinal plants, and so forth. At the bottom of the gorge you can stroll leisurely, greet the locals who live in settlements in the surrounding area. You also can find a variety of fauna in the canyon Sianok like long-tailed monkey, siaman, hoop, deer, wild boar, leopard, and tapirs.

Photo credits - F Dewi Ria Utari

If you enjoyed from Panorama Park is deliberately constructed by local governments in the area of Bukit Tinggi, the beauty of the canyon Sianok looks incredible. From the Panorama Park is also a lot of local and foreign tourists enjoying the sun rises and sets on the canyon Sianok. Its beauty is so striking and is a good target for professional and amateur photographers and painters to mengabadikannya nature.

When the sun rose the heavens parted and emerged from the crevices of canyon slopes with blinding light, or when "the king's day" was getting dusk fell, leaving traces of orange on the side of the canyon walls, is the beautiful scenery that is very dear to miss.

If you want to enjoy the beauty of the canyon from Panorama Park, just pay a levy of $0,4 a person. In Panorama Park, visitors can also enjoy the tourist sites in underground holes Japan Sianok canyon area. Only need to pay more guides about $2,1. The location of this Japanese hole about 40 feet below ground. The hole was founded in 1942-1945 by local populations on the orders of Japanese soldiers forced. In the underground passage, there were 21 small alley. Among them was the ammunition storage hall, kitchen, jail, courtroom, torture chamber, where reconnaissance, where the ambush, and escape door.

Photo credits - F Dewi Ria Utari

To reach the canyon Sianok Panorama Park which is about 1 km from the center of Bukittinggi (Clock Tower area and Upper Market) can be done by using a vehicle or on foot while enjoying the cool air of Bukittinggi. Stunning canyon scenery can be enjoyed from there as he saw agility canyon monkeys that live freely in the Park area.

A number of airlines providing scheduled flight from Jakarta to Minangkabau International Airport, Padang. From Padang, Bukittinggi, a distance to 90 km can be reached by using a rental car or minibus.

Sunset on the beach losari

Author: Emery Taufik Gobel
Translation: Fadlie

Photo credits - Ayu Ambong

The beauty of the beach which is located west of Makassar is indeed quite fascinating, especially when the sun goes down at dusk. The joke, a friend of mine once said, "Sunset on the beach Losari will never stop smiling. Anyway, always smiling greet anyone who witnessed it. "

Orange red tinge of the sun that would fall at the foot of the skyline reflects off the ocean beach in front of Sejong, bringing nuance and charm for those who witnessed it. Some small fishing boats visible in the distance, the more enriched the whole evening there. And the gentle waves that hit coastal embankments like music that brings serene atmosphere feels more sentimental accompaniment of a gentle breeze blowing from the sea. Many photographers who capture these events to save the memories of its beauty, will smile Losari dusk.

Photo credits - Ayu Ambong

The beach is also a landmark of Makassar is indeed offer a very exotic beauty, especially when watching the scene when dusk before sunset. I still remember well, a number of tented food vendors lined along approximately one kilometer off the coast Losari. To the extent that there was nicknamed as "the world's longest dinner table." Dish that is served is very diverse, but most are dominated by seafood and grilled fish.

One of the distinctive and unique dishes at Losari is Banana Epe '. These foods baked in the form of raw bananas and sauce are made flat and then given a red sugar water. To add flavor and enjoyment, the seller usually add durian in brown sugar sauce mixture earlier. This is my favorite food while enjoying the cool evening breeze caressed the body.

Currently stalls offering seafood tent has been moved to a place in front of the home office of Mayor of Makassar, which also still be around Losari.

After enjoying the twilight, with only about 5 minutes walk from Losari, you will find hawker centers "land anging Mammiri" in Laguna Beach. Starting soup konro, coto Makassar, Brother soup, soup pallubasa, pallu mara and grilled fish, banana Epe, ice green bananas, pallubutung, seafood, meatballs, fried rice, dried noodles and capcai can be found on hundreds of carts that hung in there . The price was relatively cheap, ranging from Rp 5,000 to Rp 12,500 per serving.

Photo credits - Ayu Ambong

Oh yes, if he could, do not forget to enjoy the unique trishaw Makassar along the shore. Means of transportation which is almost rare these still can we meet there. Feel the thrill ride tricycles with a paddle wheel of the "Daeng" while enjoying a soft breeze blows that hit from the front.

Bergeliat Losari not only in the evening. Every Sunday morning, along the Road Comforter is right on the beach, crowded by people who exercise, ranging from jogging, gymnastics, cycling or simply to the streets to enjoy the fresh morning air. Various snacks and variety of traditional foods available, such as chicken porridge, green bean, empek-empek Kilkenny, pallubutung ice, ice green bananas, soto ayam, gado-gado vegetable or rice cake. For those of you who will try not to break the bank in deeply, enough to $0,1 to $1 once serving for each dish breakfast this morning.

Not too difficult to reach Losari because this place is included in the center of Makassar. A number of public transport across the lane road on the fringes Comforter Losari. Since its renovation in 2006, becoming Losari primp, the more clean and beautiful, as one of the mainstay iconic tourism Makassar.

6 Typical Festival in Indonesia

6 Typical Festival in Indonesia
Translation: Fadlie

Indonesia is often referred to as the sleeping giant of Southeast Asia, and the epithet was indeed appropriate. With more than 18 thousand islands, this archipelago has a remarkable diversity of what you can see or do while on vacation there.

Modernization brings a wide range of development (some say excessive development) to Jakarta, while the Bali tourism back to life after being destroyed when a bomb blast 2002. There are also mountains such as Borobudur Bromo and the mystical to search various types of attractions, as well as the 6000 inhabited islands.

Not surprisingly, Indonesia offers the festival a very distinctive feature of their culture, reflecting the ethnic diversity and traditions from various parts of the archipelago. You will find that diversity in these six uniquely Indonesian festival, ranging from the celebration of art, batik, dance and ceremony. If possible, you can witness one of the festival during his visit to Indonesia!

Krakatau Festival
Krakatau Festival is an annual festival held in Lampung, was held to celebrate the volcanic island of the same name, Krakatoa. Mount Krakatoa erupted in 1927, the eruption was then produce a new small islands, named Anak Krakatau.

During the festival, visitors can enjoy variety shows like Carnival Tuping (Carnival Mask Lampung), elephant and various dances from Lampund and surrounding cities. End of series of events is a visit to the volcanic island, was still active but was sleeping soundly. For a while!

Bali Arts Festival
One of the largest annual celebration of art and culture in Indonesia, Bali Arts Festival is always packed. During the month, various art performances, exhibitions, and other cultural activities will take place in Bali, offering dance, music and beauty of their culture.

Celebrations famous attractions such as traditional dances that have been almost forgotten, traces of the remote areas of Bali, food, handicrafts, as well as new creations from dance schools in Denpasar and contemporary choreography of national and international artists.

Solo Batik Carnival
Since time immemorial, batik tradition has always had very strong roots in Solo. Kotadi Central Java has made it even batik as an icon and identity, an accurate picture of a city famous for its beauty and subtlety of his kingdom
behavior. Solo Batik Carnival was held to reinforce that tradition, and to promote batik on national and international scale.

This event is a combination of ceremonies, fashion shows and carnivals, all using batik as a theme. There will also bazaar that offers a variety of unique batik and souvenir Solo.

Solo International Ethnic Music Festival
One of the latest festival of Solo is the Solo International Ethnic Music (Siem) Festival, which focuses on performances and celebration of ethnic music. This event is a unique platform for collaboration between modern and ethnic music, local artists and
international.

The long list of performers including artists Minangkabau, Riau, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Papua, Kalimantan, and even foreign artists from Japan, Australia, India, New Zealand and many others.

Gerebeg Mulud
In the Java language, meaning gerebeg Mulud crowd and is one calendar month name in Java. The celebration, also known as Sekaten, to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. The procession lasted all day and 'featuring' two gamelan performances which paraded toward the grand mosque.

In the evening there will be a market in the northern city to add a festive city, the perfect place to try different foods Java and Yogyakarta as well as to hunt for souvenirs.

Baliem Festival
Papua typical festival has its roots in the beliefs of local tribes that the war not only conflict keuasaan and interests, but also a symbol of fertility and prosperity. Since 20 years ago, local governments have stressed the importance of peace between the tribes who fought to prevent retaliation and prolonged loss of life. So Baliem Festival is an event that was held to replace the war between the tribe.

As you may have guessed, the main event is a war between tribes. Imagine more than 20 different tribes each with 30 to 50 people wearing traditional clothing, carrying spears, bows, arrows and machetes! There are also performances and a host of other attractions, such as local traditional games, dances, as well as local cuisine.

Beautiful Sea in Indonesia

Title: Beautiful Sea in Indonesia
Translation: Fadlie

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.

Photo credits - jensen_chua & Roro Fernandez

Bintan Island, 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.

Photo credits - tjhinn & Ria Qorina Lubis

Thousand Islands, 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 Hunchback, 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!

Photo credits - Gage Batubara

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.

Photo credits - degi

Derawan Island, East Kalimantan
About 50 miles from Cape Redeb, Berau regency, East Kalimantan, 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.

Photo credits - smulan77 & thejerk

Komodo Island, Flores
The 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.

Photo credits - Saylow's & whitecat-singapore

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.

Photo credits - naturemandala & Erwin Kodiat

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!

Photo credits - CW_Ye

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.

Delighted at Bantimurung

Author: Emery Taufik Gobel
Translation: Fadlie

Geographically Bantimurung tourist attraction has an area of 6619.11 km2 Entering reach this region, we will be greeted by a large gate with a giant butterfly, followed by a jumbo-sized statue of an ape. This indicates Bantimurung is the original habitat of butterflies and monkeys.

Photo credits - TEMPO Zulkarnain

Waterfalls falling slowly through the rock from a height of 15 meters and a width of 20 meters presents a unique natural feel. In addition to beautiful natural scenery, waterfalls are also used by visitors for bathing activities or just to feel the splash of cool mountain water.

In the vicinity of the waterfall, there is a basin-basin of the river commonly utilized visitors to swim. On the left there is a waterfall tour road and permanent seating that lined the road with a river, canal from the waterfall. Usually visitors who come simply to capture a panoramic picture waterfall. To the right of the waterfall, there is a fairly flat area to gather with family to hold a mat while enjoying the scenery. Visitors can also sit under shady trees or bathing in waterfalls.

Photo credits - TEMPO/Ayu Ambong

Bantimurung Nature Park is generally wavy to hilly. Limestone rock forming the steep hills on either side of river. Flat region located in the south, where the presence of waterfalls and ponds. Other flat area that has quite interesting panorama is located in the northern part of nature tourism park, can be reached through the path of a waterfall. Vegetation contained in Bantimurung Nature Park is a mountainous rain forest type dominated by family Liniaceae, among others; pink rain (Eugenia sp), jabon (Anthocepalus cadamba), pala-pala (Mangifera sp), palm (Arenga pinnata), centana (Pterocarpus indicus) and others.

Photo credits - TEMPO Zulkarnain

Besides enjoying the charm of Bantimurung waterfall, there are other attractions around the region that dream cave and cave rocks. Goa Dreams is one of the mainstream. Inside the cave are stalactites (the stone reliefs that formed from water droplets and suspended over the ceiling cave) with a collection of beautiful crystals. Bening and able to reflect light. All around the lamp is lit so that beautify the atmosphere in the cave. This is what makes it a cave called a dream because when he was in it, as though we are in a dream.

To get to the Batu Cave stamina required of the prime even though the manager had made the steps as high as 10 meters. Travels quite a distance and could only be reached by walking about 20 minutes. But after arriving, all the fatigue soon paid off with beautiful scenery and a small waterfall that is so beautiful. Not to mention the beauty inside the cave with stalactite and stalagmite 30 meters down the hall.

Photo credits - TEMPO Zulkarnain

In 1856 - 1857, Alfred Russel Wallace spent most of his life in Indonesia to examine the various types of butterflies, including the butterfly Bantimurung. According to Wallace, Bantimurung is The Kingdom of Butterfly because it found a variety of rare butterfly species which are rarely found in other areas. Various species of butterflies found in the region, among others, from family Saturnidae, Nocturnidae, Spingidae and Nyphalidae. Butterfly species according to experts exist only on Bantimurung Nature Park. According Matimu (1977) and Ahmad (1998) in National Park Management Plan Book Bantimurung-Bulusaraung (2006), there are 103 species of butterflies are found there, and distribution of commercial species of butterflies such as Papilio blumei Troides haliptron and are the two types endemic species that have very narrow distribution, which is only in forested habitat on the riverside.

To keep the butterfly from extinction, local governments create breeding in this location, and of course the main attraction for tourists who visit. In addition to breeding, there is also a butterfly museum as information and data center butterflies that live in the wild Bantimurung. Before you go home do not forget to buy souvenirs Bantimurung beautiful butterflies that have been preserved in a glass frame with the amount varied. By-by can be displayed on the walls of the house as a memorial and a sign that you've visited the "Kingdom of Butterflies" at Bantimurung.

Photo credits - TEMPO Rully Kesuma

To enjoy the coolness and beauty Bantimurung, visitors only need to pay a ticket levy of IDR 5000 for adult and IDR 3500 for children. For those of you who want to linger here, available lodging facility with a price range between IDR 40,000 to IDR 60,000 plus television facilities in it. (Crush $ 1 = IRD 9150)

Congratulations slammed in Bantimurung moodiness!

Heaven in Bulukumba

Author: Emery Taufik Gobel
Translation: Fadlie

Memories of it still feels sticky in my mind. At that time, in 1993, I along with my friends one force in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Hasanuddin Makassar exotic trips to the beach located at the southern tip of South Sulawesi province, precisely in the District Bonto Bahari, Bulukumba.

Photo credits - Tempo/Fahmi Ali

Our entourage set off by renting a bus from Makassar. Bira beach is located about 40 km from City Bulukumba, or 200 km from Makassar. The journey from Makassar to the City Bulukumba can be reached using public transportation such as cars Kijang, Panther or Innova at a rate of USD 35 thousand. Furthermore, from the City Bulukumba to Tanjung Bira can be reached by car pete-pete (microbus) with rates ranging between USD $1. Total travel time from Makassar to Tanjung Bira around 3.5 to 4 hours. The entrance fee to the location of USD 5000/orang Bira Beach. Schedule flight to Makassar from the big cities in Indonesia quite often, so it is not difficult if you're interested in visiting this tropical paradise at Bulukumba.

Once there, I immediately felt the warmth of the beach. The smell of the exhaled sea breezes and white sand beaches, clean and soft like flour instantly made me fall in love at first sight on the beach destinations of foreign and local tourists to this holiday.

Photo credits - Tempo/Fahmi Ali

As evening approached, together with my friends, I play ball on the white sand accompanied sunlight that slowly fade into place peraduannya. The beauty of twilight that was stunning from the coast where we stand. I chuckle in awe watching the stunning natural beauty. In the distance, the sun sink slowly menyemburatkan orange light is refracted out at the expanse of sea. Saw two fishing boats sailing in the distance, the more increase the contrast of beauty.

Tanjung Bira Beach tourist area has various facilities such as restaurants, lodging, villas, bungalows, and hotels with rates starting from USD $11 d to $65.5 per day. In this place there are also diving and snorkeling equipment rental rates to USD 3.3 For visitors who completed a swim at the beach, provided the public bathrooms and fresh water to clean the sand and sea water are still stuck in the body.

For visitors who want to tour around beaches, bike rentals available rates to USD $7. In coastal areas there are also the ferry port are ready to take visitors who want to travel to the island Selayar submarine.

At night, I do not spend time enjoying the night at Blue Beach with down it barefoot. The sensation feels different when dilangkahkan feet above the soft sand while enjoying the waves hit the beach. After that we stopped at a restaurant, and there we ate voraciously seductive dinner dishes, grilled fish and seafood dish typical Bulukumba.

In the morning, when the sun friendly greeting and a bright light bouncing in the clear blue sea, I was immediately tempted to swim and spend more time enjoying the charm of this paradise in Bulukumba. Some of my friends chose to dive and see the beauty of coral reefs all over the coastline this Bira. It is very pleasant!

Well, you are also interested to enjoy the charm of this exotic beach?

Central Java Grand Mosque

Author: Emery Taufik Gobel

Translation: Fadlie

When you visit Hyderabad, time to stop in Central Java Grand Mosque which is famous for its architectural beauty and splendor. Located in Jalan Gajah Raya, precisely in the Village Sambirejo, Gayamsari District, the city of Semarang. Phenomenal Mosque which was inaugurated by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on November 14, 2006, was built in 2001 and can accommodate no less than 15 thousand people. When inaugurated, the President signed the stone inscriptions as high as 3.2 m and weighing 7.8 tons, located in front of the mosque. The inscription is made of natural stone that comes from the slopes of Mount Merapi.

Photo credits - Ceppi Prihadi

Mosque complex consists of an area of 7669 m2 main building and courtyard area of 7,500 m2. Unique blend of Javanese architecture, the Middle East and Rome reflected slick from the mosque which is also the attractions of integrated educational, religious, educational centers, and centers of Islamic syiar activity. Just look at the ornaments on the bottom of the pole mosque use motif like tumpal, untu stinky, kawung, and machete-parangan.

There are six giant hydraulic umbrella that can open and close automatically, adopted from the Prophet's Mosque in Medina City. When the umbrella in the courtyard is developed, it will be able to accommodate more pilgrims, at least half of the capacity of mosques. On the walls of the mosque contained a carved beautiful calligraphy. Ornaments nuances of Italian architecture was also touch on some parts of the mosque. The main building of the dome roof, fitted on the outside four minarets (towers) which pointed to the sky tower

Photo credits - Ceppi Prihadi

A replica of a giant drum made by the students Mangunsari Alfalah Islamic School, Jatilawang, Banyumas, West Java, also adorn the mosque. Not only that, you also can find a giant Koran (Mushaf Al Akbar) measuring 145 x 95 cm Hayatuddin handwritten work, a calligrapher from the University of Science and Science Al-qur `an from Wonosobo, Central Java.

Around the mosque there are other supporting buildings, among them: the auditorium on the right wing side of the mosque that can accommodate approximately 2000 people. The auditorium is usually used for exhibitions, weddings and other activities. Left wing of the mosque there is a library and office space for rent to the public. In addition, there are also various kinds of entertainment facilities such as water fountains, children's playground, and train a rabbit that can deliver visitors revolves around the mosque complex.

Photo credits - Ceppi Prihadi

One of the privileges of this mosque is the tower Asmaul Husna (Al Husna Tower) with a height of 99 m. Tower can be seen from a radius of 5 km, is located at the southwest corner of the mosque. In this tower, visitors can enjoy views of the city of Semarang, including passing a passing ship and docked at the Port of Tanjung Emas through binoculars view available. Oh yes, if you want to use these binoculars have to pay rent USD 5000. As for the ride to the Tower, subject to ticket USD 3000/orang (between the hours of 08:00 to 17:30) and rose to Rp 4000/orang (17:30 to 21:00 hours). In this tower, exactly on the 18th floor also features Muslim Cafe. What is interesting is the cafe floor can rotate 360 degrees for 15 minutes so you can enjoy the charm of the city of Semarang range of heights while eating food.

To enter the area of this beautiful mosque was not charged. Please enjoy the exoticism of the mosque in Central Java community pride is by exploring every corner. You'll pass magnificent gate called Al Qanathir. The gate that has a 25 pole as a symbol of the prophet in Islam as a supervising people. At the gate, there are two sentences Iafaz calligraphy carvings creed.

To get to the mosque, it only takes about 15 minutes travel time from the square of Semarang. If riding a motorcycle speed between 40-60 km / hour, you only takes about 15 minutes. Or distance is about 800 meters from the Soekarno-Hatta Arterial Road which is the way the protocol.

Congratulations religious tour to the Grand Mosque of Central Java!

Disasters Reveal beautiful Lake

Author: Emery Taufik Gobel
Translation: Fadlie

Incomplete feel if you visited the North Sumatra did not stop for a moment to Lake Toba, volcanic lake which is the largest lake in Indonesia, and even Southeast Asia. Exotic charm vast expanse of the lake like a sea with shady trees and hills, charming. The lake, measuring 1700 square meters with a depth of approximately 450 meters and lies 906 meters above sea level, in the middle of the lake there is Samosir Island became the object of not less interesting excursions.

Photo credits - Arie Basuki/Tempo

During his visit in 1996, Prince Bernard of the Netherlands even expressed his admiration for the beautiful panorama of the lake. "Sell me name to this lake. I can not describe how beautiful Lake Toba, "he says enthusiastically.

There are seven districts around the lake, namely Simalungun, Toba Samosir, North Tapanuli, Humbang Hasundutan, Dairi, Karo, and Naidoo who has a wonderful natural panorama and a tourist destination location. Generally, tourists enjoy the beauty of Lake Toba Parapat in Simalungun and Tuktuk Siadong on Samosir Island.

It is estimated that Lake Toba explosion occurred at about 73 thousand-75 thousand years ago and is a super volcano eruption (super volcano) the most recent. Bill Rose and Craig Chesner from Michigan Technological University estimate that volcanic materials spewed out of the mountain as much as 2800 km ³, with 800 km ³ of rock Ignimbrite and 2,000 km ³ of volcanic ash which is expected in the wind to west for two weeks.

Photo credits - Agung Chandra/Tempo

Dust volcanic wind had spread to half the earth, from China to South Africa. Explosion occurred during the week and throw the dust up to 10 km above sea level.

This incident caused mass death and, in some species, also followed by extinction. According to some DNA evidence, this eruption also reduced the number of people to about 60% of the total human population of the earth at that time, which is about 60 million people. The eruption was also contributed to the occurrence of ice ages, although the experts still debate.

After the eruption, the caldera formed which is then filled with water and became what is now known as Lake Toba. Pressure upward by magma that has not come out cause the emergence of Samosir Island. While enjoying the beauty of this lake, you might not imagine that the charm of the place comes from the catastrophic volcanic eruptions that brought fear and horror at the time.

Travel overland to Lake Toba, precisely to Parapat, takes four to five hours from Medan. Available bus or travel directly to Parapat. The route through the Lubuk Pakam, Cliff High, and turn toward Siantar. Along the way, we were treated to a panorama of palm oil and rubber plantations.

When using the train, from Medan select a route to Siantar. From here the journey continues by bus to Parapat. Left sails through one hour.

Photo credits - Agung Chandra/Tempo

For a place to stay and stay longer to enjoy the beauty of Lake Toba, there are many hotels and inns. In Parapat, there are at least 900 hotel rooms of all types, ranging from four star to homestay, in Tuktuk also not different. Both in Parapat and Tuktuk, tourists can instantly enjoy the lake from the rim. Rates for hotels in Parapat Tuktuk and varied, according to typical tourists who come. Starting from $2 - $54 per night depending on the type of hotel.

A travel companies even offer to enjoy the beauty of Lake Toba from the air, ie use paragliding. Each traveler was given the opportunity to fly using the paragliding from the mountains Tongging, Karo District, North Sumatra. For tourists who want to try paragliding will be accompanied by an experienced instructor, but of course determination can fly or not depends on weather conditions and wind.

Not only that, enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunset you can enjoy from the coastal lakes. From the Karo highlands on the north, the lake looks elongated beauty viewed from Sikodonkodon. However, there is only one resort here. On the west side, views of the lake and the island of Samosir can be perfectly seen from the Tele. There is a viewing post at an altitude of about 1,000 meters from sea level to enjoy the sunset on Lake Toba.

Ocean Sand Mount Bromo

Author: Emery Taufik Gobel
Translation: Fadlie

The existence of Mount Bromo with sea sand has been quite phenomenal long been known as one of the leading tourist destination in Indonesia. Mount Bromo is one of the mountain on the Tengger Mountains.

Photo credits - Rhamadian Qadafi/Portaltiga

With a height of 2392 meters above sea level, beautiful panoramic views emitted when the natural charm that will never-ending. Mount Bromo is derived from Sanskrit which means god Brahma or a major and are located in four regions, namely Probolinggo, Pasuruan, Lumajang, and Malang.

The attraction of Mount Bromo crater special is in the middle of the vast sea of sand that stretches around the crater of Bromo, white smoke. Mount Bromo mesh body shape between valleys and canyons with the caldera or the sea of sand covering some 10 square kilometers.

Mount Bromo has a crater with a diameter of ± 800 feet (north-south) and ± 600 meters (east-west). While the danger area of a circle with a radius of 4 km from the central crater of Bromo. The height of the relatively "low" for the size of the mountain to make the trip to Mount Bromo is relatively easy.

Photo credits - Rhamadian Qadafi/Portaltiga

From the top of the volcano is still active, you can enjoy the vast expanse of ocean sand, and watched the towering majesty of Mount Semeru reaching for the sky. You also can look beautiful sun went out of peraduannya or otherwise enjoy the dim twilight of the ridge Bromo.

To view them, you have to climb Mount Pananjakan which is the highest mountain in the region. Terrain that must be traversed to get to Mount Pananjakan quite heavy. To reach the foot of Mount Pananjakan, you have to go through desert-like area that can make you get lost. When the need to climb Mount Pananjakan, narrow streets and many sharp turns, of course requires a high driving skill.

For that, many visitors who choose to rent a car hardtop (a type of jeep) driven by the community. Surrounding communities come from the Tengger tribe was friendly with the visitors. Up above, there are many shops serving coffee or tea and a fire to warm themselves while waiting to tebitnya sun. There are also stores that rent warm clothing.

Photo credits - Rhamadian Qadafi/Portaltiga

Watching the sunrise is an interesting event. Evidence, the visitors are willing to wait since 5 am facing the east so as not to lose this moment. You also do not always able to see this event, because if the cloudy sky, the appearance of the sun is not seen clearly.

However, when the sky is clear, you can see the roundness of the sun first of all just as small as a match pins, slowly enlarge and eventually form a full circle and give information so that we can see the views of the mountains in this region. Among others, Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, or Mount Sumeru which is the highest mountain in Java.

The history of the formation of Mount Bromo and the mountains around it originated from the existence of Tengger Mountain (4,000 meters above sea level) which is the largest and highest mountain at that time.

Then came the massive eruption which created a caldera with a diameter of more than 8 kilometers. Material volcanic eruption is now transformed into a sea of sand, the material is said to have covered by water. The volcanic activity with the advent of the hall lead to the formation of magma new mountains such as Mount Bromo, Mount Widodaren, Gunung Batok, Gunung Watangan, Mount Chairs and Mount Semeru.

Photo credits - Rhamadian Qadafi/Portaltiga

Bromo does have its own uniqueness compared to other mountain panorama. In the vicinity of Bromo until the peak does not exist other than green plants shrubs. Mount Bromo is still contained in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is also the only conservation area in Indonesia, which has a unique form of sea sand area of 5250 hectares.

To reach the foot of Mount Bromo, you can not use the vehicle. Instead, you must hire a horse with a price of USD 70 thousand, or if you feel strong, you can choose to walk. But, it should be noted that walking is not easy, because of the scorching sun, a far distance, scattered dust can make the journey harder.

From the foot of the mountain was phenomenal, you have to climb the ladder whose numbers reach 250 stairs to see the crater of Mount Bromo. Arriving at the top of Bromo, you can see the crater of Mount Bromo that emit smoke.

You can also glanced down and saw the sea of sand with a temple in the middle. After lingering at the top, if travelers are feeling hungry, at the bottom of the Bromo there are stalls offering warm, instant noodles, mineral water and cheap snacks. .

Besides watching the beautiful panorama offered by the Bromo-Semeru, if you come at the right time, then you can watch Kesodo ceremony, which was held by Tengger society. This ceremony usually begins at midnight to early morning every full moon around 14 or 15 in Kesodo [tenth] according to the Javanese calendar.

Photo credits - Rhamadian Qadafi/Portaltiga

Kesodo ceremony is a ritual to invoke the abundant harvest or decline the request for reinforcements and cure various diseases, in particular by offering offerings and threw it into the crater of Mount Bromo. When the procession took place, other Tenggerese rollicking down the cliff of the crater and the offerings being thrown into the crater, as a symbol of blessing from the Almighty.

There are a few tips that need your attention now to the region of Mount Bromo, among others, Have a look in the dry season, not the rainy season, so you will get a perfect view of the moment. Prepare cold protective clothing, such as the guard house, slayer, scarves, gloves, jackets, and do not forget the shoes because the weather is quite cold here. Also take glasses to shield from dust while in Segoro Wedi sand. Do not be in the crater of Bromo on top at 9 am to avoid the risk of poisoning.

There are four main gate to enter the Bromo Semeru national park areas are: Village Cemorolawang if through the Probolinggo, Pasuruan Village Wonokitri with lines, Ngadas Village and Village of Malang path is the path Lumajang Burno.

The route can be taken is as follows:

• Pasuruan-Cafes-Tosari Dowo Wonokitri-Bromo-use cars with a distance of 71 km,
• Malang-Shack-Tumpang Klakah Jemplang-Bromo-use cars with a distance of 53 km
• Malang-Purwodadi-Nongkojajar-Tosari-Wonokitri-Penanjakan about 83 km

Enjoy the exotic beauty of Mount Bromo!

Flower City of Tomohon

Tomohon is a hill resort located some 22 kilometers east of Manado, the capital city of North Sulawesi province. Tomohon consists of 35 villages in five sub-districts, namely West, East, Central, South and North Tomohon.

Its land contour, cool weather and fertile soil encourage the local community to cultivate various kinds of flowers and vegetables. This city is known as a producer of flowers. When in season, the flower gardens of the local inhabitants look very beautiful.

Annually the Tomohon Flower Festival is held here in June and July. During this event, watch the flower floats parade through the town. A flower tournament is also held during this Festival where participants from 94 cities in Indonesia take part at the Inspiration Hill.