Beyond Bali

Tana Toraja, fascinating culture and ancient traditions

2010-11-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

Tana Toraja Regency (Torajaland, Land of the Toraja or Tator) is a regency (kabupaten) of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, home of Toraja ethnic group people. The local government seat is in Makale, where the center of Toraja culture is in Rantepao. But now, Tana Toraja has been divided to two regencies that consist of Tana Toraja with capital is Makale and Toraja Utara with capital is Rantepao.
Tana Toraja boundary was determined by the Dutch East Indies government in 1909. In 1926, Tana Toraja was under the administration of Bugis state, Luwu. The regentschap (or regency) status was given on October 8, 1946, the last regency given by the Dutch. Since 1984, Tana Toraja has been named as the second tourist destination after Bali by the Ministry of Tourism, Indonesia. Since then, hundreds of thousands of foreign visitors have visited this regency. In addition, numerous Western anthropologists have come to Tana Toraja to study the indigenous culture and people of Toraja

Tana Toraja (Toraja Land), a unique mountain are in the northern part of South Sulawesi, is one of the places in Indonesia which leaves a lingering im pression on the traveller's mind long after they have returned home. It is famous for its unique fascinating culture and ancient traditions, and is one of the world's rare treasures.
Most interesting are the grand burial ceremonies lasting for days with ceremonial dances and sacrificing of animals. The Torajan lay their dead to rest in graves and tombs in accordance with the tradition. These tombs are chiselled and carved in steep cliffs, stretching up dozens of metres. People have access to these tombs by climbing up bamboo ladders. In some of these tombs they put wooden effigies of the dead.
There are many of such graves in different mountains. Two cliffs graves easy to reach are LEMO and LONDA. There are many other interesting sights in Toraja. Like typical Toraja villages PA'LAWA, SIGUNTU, MARANTE' and NANGGALA where you can see the Torajan houses. The houses are beautifully decorated with carvings of geometric designs, and with buffalo horns that indicate the status and wealth of the family. You can also see how the Torajan make lovely handicrafts or traditional weaving in KE'TEKE'SU and TO'BARANA. This unique culture, the scenic beauty, lovely climate and gentle people are the main reasons for Toraja to gain prominence as a tourist destination in spite of its distance from any major airport and the long journey that has to be made.

Gunung Rinjani (Mount Rinjani)

2010-11-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

Mount Rinjani is a mountain located on the island of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. Mountain which is the second highest volcano in Indonesia with an altitude of 3726 m above sea level and located at a latitude of 8 º 25 'latitude and 116 º 28' BT is a favorite for mountain climbers Indonesia for its beautiful scenery. This mountain is part of Mount Rinjani National Park which has an area of approximately 41,330 ha and this will be proposed the addition to be 76 000 ha to the west and east.
Administratively, the mountain is located within the territory of three districts: East Lombok, Central Lombok and West Lombok.

Topography

Mount Rinjani with the highest point 3726 m above sea level, dominating most of the views of the northern island of Lombok.
In the west there is a caldera cone Rinjani area of about 3,500 m × 4800 m, extending west towards the east you. In the caldera have Segara Anak (ocean = sea, lake) area of 11 million sq m with a depth of 230 m. The water that flows from this lake to form a very beautiful waterfall, flowing through a steep ravine. In Segara Anak numerous carp and tilapia that are often used for fishing. The south side of this lake called Segara Endut.
On the east side of the caldera there are New Mountain (or Mount Barujari) which has a crater measuring 170m × 200 m with a height of 2296-2376 m above sea level. This small mountain last active / erupted since May 2, 2009 and during May, after also previously erupted in 2004. [2] [3] If the eruption in 2004 claimed no lives, eruption in 2009 which has already claimed lives of 31 people indirectly , due to flash floods in the crow (River) Tanggek due to the insistence of lava into the Segara Anak. [4] Earlier, Mount Barujari ever recorded erupted in 1944 (and establishment), 1966, and 1994.
In addition to the crater of Mount Barujari there are also others who have erupted, disebutGunung Troupe.
Ascent
Mount Rinjani Located on the island of Lombok, to reach this mountain, you can use a direct bus from Jakarta to Mataram, after arriving in Mataram you go to the village Sembalun or can also use the vehicle to the village Senaru setempat.atau using the flight from Jakarta, Surabaya and Denpasar headed to the airport Selaparang Mataram - Lombok.
Rinjani has panaroma best among the mountains in Indonesia.Each year (June-August) visited by many nature lovers from local residents, students, nature lovers.
The average air temperature of 20 ° C, the lowest 12 ° C. Strong winds are common at peak in August.
Besides the peak, a place that is frequented ly, a lake situated at an altitude of 2,000 m. above sea level. To reach this location we can climb from the village or village Senaru Sembalun Lawang (two nearest entry point at an altitude of 600m asl and 1.150m above sea level).
Most climbers begin ascent of the route Sembalun and end the climb in Senaru, it can save a 700m altitude. Route Sembalun rather long but flat, and the weather is hotter because it is through the scorching savanna (cold temperatures, but direct solar radiation burns the skin). solar thermal barrier cream is recommended.
From Route Senaru incline without pause, but soft because of the weather through the forest. From both these locations on foot takes about 7 hours to the lips of the ridge at an altitude of 2.641m asl (arriving in Plawangan Senaru or Plawangan Sembalun). In this place overlooking the lake, or to the outside is very nice. From Plawangan Senaru (if rising from the direction of Senaru) down to the lake through the steep wall to a height of 2000 meters above sea level) that can be taken within 2 hours. On the lake we can camping, fishing (Carper, Mujair) are aplenty. Lombok residents have a tradition to visit the puppies immediately to soak in hot tubs and fishing.
To reach the top (of the lake) had to walk up the west wall and climb as high as 700m-high ridge 1.000m taken Dlm 2 stage 3 hours and 4 hours. The first stage towards Plawangan Sembalun, the last camp to wait for the morning. Summit attack is usually done at 3 o'clock dawn to find the beautiful moments - the sunrise at the top of Rinjani. The trip to the Peak classified tolerable, because climbing the lip of the crater with a margin of safety is mediocre. Medan sand, stone, soil. 200 meters final height should be reached with difficulty, because one step forward followed by a half step down (fallen rocks gravel). Create a highlander - this place is the most challenging and unpaid preferred because rough terrain with beautiful natural scenery. Mount Agung in Bali, Mount Ijen-Merapi in Banyuwangi and Mount Tambora on Sumbawa clearly visible when the weather is nice in the morning. To climb Rinjani no tools required, just stamina, patience and "passion".
The entire trip can be achieved in the program three days and two nights, or if you want to see two other objects: Cave New Finger Milk and mountain (Mount Rinjani child with a new crater in the middle of the lake) need an additional two days of travel. Logistics preparation is necessary, but fortunately everything can be obtained in a nearby village. Tent, sleeping bag, eating utensils, food and whatever is needed (including radio communications) can be rented from the homestay, homestay village that flourished in Senaru.

Candi Borobudur (Borobudur Temple)

2010-11-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

Borobudur is the biggest temple in Indonesia. Borobudur temple is located in Magelang, Central Java, in addition to being a bustling tourist attraction visited, also a center of worship for Buddhists in Indonesia, particularly in every celebration of 'Waicak'. This is consistent with the meaning of the name of 'convent in the hills ".Currently established as one of the Borobudur World Heritage by UNESCO.
Borobudur was built around 800 AD or the 9th century. Borobudur was built by the followers of Mahayana Buddhism during the reign of Syailendra Dynasty. The founder of the Borobudur Temple, King Samaratungga originating from or dynasty Syailendra dynasty.

The possibility of this temple was built around the year 824 AD and was completed around the year 900 AD during the reign of Queen Pramudawardhani who is the daughter of Samaratungga. While the architects who contributed to build this temple according to stories passed down through generations named Gunadharma.

Borobudur own words based on the first written evidence that was written by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, Governor General of the United Kingdom in Java, which gives the name of this temple.There is no written evidence that older who gave the name of this temple of Borobudur. Only one of the oldest document showing the existence of this temple is Nagarakretagama manuscript, written by the Mpu Prapanca in the year 1365. In the book was written that this temple was used as a place of Buddhist meditation.
Meaning of the name Borobudur "abbey in the hills", which comes from the word "coal" (temple or monastery) and "beduhur" (hills or high ground) in Sanskrit. Therefore, in accordance with the meaning of the name Borobudur, then this place since long ago used as a place of Buddhist worship.
This temple for centuries no longer used. Then, because of volcanic eruptions, most of the buildings covered Borobudur volcanic soil. In addition, the building is also covered with various trees and shrubs for centuries. Then the building of this temple began forgotten in the time Islam arrived in Indonesia around the 15th century.
In 1814 when the British occupied Indonesia, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles heard of the discovery of huge archaeological objects in the village of Magelang district Bumisegoro. Due to great interest of the history of Java, then immediately ordered Raffles HCCornelius, a Dutch engineer, to investigate the discovery of the location was a hill covered with shrubs.
Cornelius assisted by about 200 men cut down trees and remove shrubs that covered the giant building. Because the building is already fragile and could collapse, then report to the Raffles Cornelius invention includes several images. Since the discovery, Raffles was awarded as the man who started restoration of Borobudur temple and got the attention of the world. In 1835, the entire area of the temple has been unearthed. The temple is kept restored in the Dutch colonial period.
After Indonesian independence, in 1956, the Indonesian government requested the assistance of UNESCO to examine the damage to Borobudur. Then in 1963, out of the official Indonesian government's decision to conduct the restoration of Borobudur temple with the help of UNESCO. However, this restoration was only really started to be done on August 10, 1973. Process new refurbishment completed in 1984. Since 1991, Borobudur designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO or the World Heritage
Borobudur temple is located in Magelang, Central Java, about 40 km from Yogyakarta. Borobudur has 10 levels consisting of 6 levels of a square, circular level 3 circular and a main stupa as a peak. At every level there are several stupas. Altogether there are 72 stupas in addition to the main stupa. In every stupa there are statues of Buddha. Ten levels of Buddhist philosophy which describes the ten levels of Bodhisattva who must pass to reach the perfection of the Buddha in nirvana. This perfection symbolized by the main stupa at the top level. Borobudur structure when viewed from above form a mandala structure depicting Buddhist cosmology and human thinking.
On the fourth side of the temple there is the gate and stairs to the level above it like a pyramid. This illustrates the Buddhist philosophy that all life came from rocks. Stone later became the sand, then into plants, then into the insect, then become wild animals and pets, and the last to be human. This process is known as reincarnation. The last process is to be the soul and eventually into nirvana. Each stage of enlightenment in this life processes based on Buddhist philosophy is illustrated in reliefs and statues in the whole temple of Borobudur.
This huge building just a giant pile of stone blocks which have a total height of 42 meters. Each stone connected without the use of cement or adhesive. These stones are only connected by patterns and stacked. The base of Borobudur temple is about 118 m on each side. The stones which used approximately 55,000 cubic meters. All the stones are taken from the river around the Borobudur Temple. The stones are cut and then transported and connected with a pattern like lego game. All without using glue or cement.
Meanwhile, relief began to be made after the completion rocks stacked and connected. Reliefs found on the temple walls.Borobudur has different relief 2670. Relief is read clockwise. This relief illustrates a story that I read it starts and ends at the gate to the east. This shows that the main gate of Borobudur temple facing the east like most other Buddhist temples.

Vesak celebration at Borobudur
Every year on the full moon in May (or June in leap years), Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the Borobudur Temple.Vesak is celebrated as the day of birth, death and the moment when Siddhartha Gautama obtain the highest wisdom to become the Buddha Shakyamuni. The third event is called Vesak Trisuci.Vesak ceremony focused on the three Buddhist temples by walking from the Mendut Pawon and ends at Borobudur.
On the eve of Vesak, particularly during peak moment of full moon, Buddhists gathered around Borobudur. At that time, Borobudur is believed to be the gathering place of supernatural powers.According to belief, during Vesak, the Buddha will appear visible on top of a mountain in the south.

Currently, Borobudur has become a tourist attraction which attracts many tourists both local and foreign tourists. In addition, the Borobudur Temple has become a holy place for Buddhists in Indonesia and became the center of the most important annual celebration of Vesak Buddhist.
Borobudur be one proof of the greatness and human intelligence has ever made in Indonesia. Borobudur become major attractions and culture in Indonesia besides Bali and Jakarta. After visiting the Borobudur, you can also visit the surrounding villages such as Karanganyar which has some interesting attractions

Gunung Kelimutu and Danau Kelimutu

2010-10-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

Gunung Kelimutu (Mount Kelimutu) is a volcano located on the island of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. The location of this mountain village precisely in Pemo, District Flores, Ende. This mountain has three crater lakes on top. The lake is known as the Lake of Three Colors because it has three different colors, namely red, blue, and white.Even so, the colors are always changing over time.
Flores is a combination word of "keli" meaning mountain and the word "quality" which means to boil. According to local belief, the colors on the lake Flores has the meaning of each and have a very powerful natural forces.
Lake or Tiwu Flores in the top three sections corresponding to the color - the color that is in the lake. Blue lake or "Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai" is a gathering place for the souls of young people who have died. Lake of the red or "Tiwu Ata Polo" is a gathering place for the souls of the dead and as long as he lived always commit a crime / magic. While the lake is white or "Tiwu Mbupu Ata" is a gathering place for the souls of parents who have died.

The third area of the lake of about 1,051,000 square meters with a volume of 1292 million cubic meters of water. Boundary between the lake was a narrow stone walls prone to landslides. This wall is very steep with 70-degree angle. Lake wall height ranges from 50 to 150 meters.
Earlier this area was originally discovered by Van Such Telen, a Dutch citizen, in 1915. Its beauty is widely known after Y. Bouman describes in his writings in 1929. Since then the foreign tourists started to come enjoy the lake known as anchor for the local community. Those who came not only the lover of beauty, but also researchers who want to know the natural occurrence is very rare.
Regions Flores has established a National Natural Conservation Area since February 26, 1992.

Komodo Island

2009-07-07T01:41:00.000-07:00

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.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.

Geography :
Location South East Asia
Coordinates 8.55° S 119.45° ECoordinates: 8.55° S
119.45° E
Archipelago Lesser Sunda Islands
Area 390 km²
Highest point ()
Administration
Indonesia
Province East Nusa Tenggara
Demographics
Population c. 2000
Density people/km²
Ethnic groups Bugis, others
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.

The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is a species of lizard that inhabits the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang, and Gili Dasami, in central Indonesia.[2] A member of the monitor lizard family (Varanidae), it is the largest living species of lizard, growing to an average length of 2–3 meters (approximately 6.5–10 ft) and weighing around 70 kilograms (154 lb). Their unusual size is attributed to island gigantism, since there are no other carnivorous animals to fill the niche on the islands where they live, and also to the Komodo dragon's low metabolic rate.[3][4] As a result of their size, these lizards are apex predators, dominating the ecosystems in which they live.[5] Although Komodo dragons eat mostly carrion, they will also hunt and ambush prey including invertebrates, birds, and mammals.

Mating begins between May and August, and the eggs are laid in September. About twenty eggs are deposited in abandoned megapode nests and incubated for seven to light months, hatching in April, when insects are most plentiful. Young Komodo dragons are vulnerable and therefore dwell in trees, safe from predators and
cannibalistic adults. They take around three to five years to mature, and may live as long as fifty years.
They are capable of parthenogenesis, in which viable eggs are laid without fertilization by a male.Komodo dragons were discovered by Western scientists in 1910. Their large size and fearsome reputation makes them popular zoo exhibits. In the wild their range has contracted due to human activities and they are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. They are protected under Indonesian law, and a national park, Komodo National Park, was founded to aid protection efforts.

The Komodo dragon is also known as the Komodo Monitor or the Komodo Island Monitor in scientific literature, although this is not very common.[1] To the natives of
Komodo Island, it is referred to as ora, buaya darat (land crocodile) or biawak raksasa (giant monitor).

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lombok Island

2009-07-07T01:38:00.000-07:00

The island of Lombok is located east of Bali island and can be easily accessed by air or by sea. The simple pleasure of sunshine, white sandy beach in quieter settings, unique culture, friendly people and eco-adventure tours makes Lombok a perfect getaway for individual travelers, honeymooners, families or those who look for a total relaxing holiday.
Lombok is an island in West Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia. It is part of the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands, with the Lombok Strait separating it from
Bali to the west and the Alas Strait between it and Sumbawa to the east. It is roughly circular, with a “tail” to the southwest, about 70 km across and a total area of about 4,725 km² (1,825 sq mi). Lombok in Indonesia language and local Sasak people has different meaning. In Sasak Language Lombok mean Straight and in Indonesia language meaning is Chili.

Lombok is much more tranquil and quiet than Bali but still has the same tropical climate and beautiful beaches. Rock climbing, diving and trekking are the main activities but this doesn’t mean you can’t just relax next to your hotel pool. There are a number of beach huts and resorts to choose from and most are geared towards the diving community.