Friday, January 4, 2008

Visit Indonesia Year 2008

Top 10 Bali Green Choices

Bali Barat National Park
Almost the whole of Bali's western tip, an area of over 750 square kilometers, has been baptized as a conservation area. The park boasts open savannahs, rainforests, mangrove swamps, coral reefs and a deer island off the north coast. The park is a sanctuary for a wide range of animals, especially for the endangered bird, the Bali Starling. Although most of the park is not accessible to the public, there are a number of trails open to the sightseer. 'Pu¬lau Manjangan', home to the rare Java Deer, can also be visited and offers great diving and snorkeling. Get your ticket at the National Park Headquarters in Cekik, about three kilometers south of Gilimanuk.

Bali Bird Park (Taman Burung)
Taman Burung houses more than a thousand birds from allover Indone¬sia. One of the park's objectives is to try and breed endangered species; the Bali Mynah for example. If ornithology doesn't interest you much, you will be impressed by the two hectares of tropical gardens.

Bali Bird Park (Taman Burung)
Indonesia's only Butterfly Park helps study, breed and preserve many kinds of butterflies from all over the Indonesian archipelago. JI. Batu¬karo, Sand a Wanasari, Tabanan Regency.

Elephant Safari Park in Taro . . . .
Nowhere else in Bali can you awaken to awe-inspiring views of Suma¬tran elephants starting their day, from your very own balcony. All of the twenty-seven magnificent creatures were rescued from deforestation in Central and Southern Sumatra to live in this internationally acclaimed sanctuary where the meaning of "Respect for the animals is the most important thing." is sincere and obvious. Bali Adventure Tours Office:
JI. Bypass Ngurah Rai, Pesanggaran.

Blahmantung Waterfall
Dropping from a hundred meters, this waterfall is no less than spectacu¬lar, especially during the rainy season. Be prepared for a bit of a trek up a steep, and at times rough, track to get there. Near Pupuan, West Bali.

Sangeh Monkey Forest
This forest of approximately six hectares, near the village of Sangeh, is filled with vast nutmeg trees that can grow up to forty meters in height. The main attractions here are the hordes of Balinese monkeys that in¬habit both the trees and the temple on site. Visitors should be aware that the monkeys are attracted to shiny objects, so cameras and jewellery are to be left behind or well hidden under clothes before setting off to explore.

Ubud Monkey Forest
This forest is smaller than the one in Sangeh but the monkeys are just as wild. Therefore, take care of your belongings.

Botanical Gardens (Kebun Raya Eka Karya, Bedugul)
Established in 1959, these gardens cover over 120 hectares on the slopes of 'Gunung Pohon' (Tree Mountain). The gardens contain a huge collection of trees, nearly 500 varieties of orchids and a rich bird popula¬tion. The gardens boast a herbarium and library.

Taman Buaya & Reptil (Reptile & Crocodile Park)
This park houses not only four of the famous Komodo Dragons but also a large collection of crocodiles, lizards and snakes within lovely tropi¬cal gardens. 'Feeding time', snakes, a magic show and even crocodile wrestling add to an unforgettable experience.
Werdhi Bhuana, near Mengwi.

Gitgit Waterfall
Not far from the main road, Gitgit is an impressive 40 meter waterfall that gushes into a deep pool. Swimming there is wonderfully refreshing; although a local legend has it that couples bathing in the pool together will eventually separate...
10 kilo meters south of Singaraja.

Source: Gude to Bali by American Express

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Dieng Plateu



Dieng Plateau, is a marshy plateau that forms the floor of a caldera complex on the Dieng active volcano complex, and is located near Wonosobo, Central Java, Indonesia.

It is the site for eight small Hindu temples from the 7th and 8th centuries, the oldest Hindu temples in Central Java, and the first known standing stone structures in Java. They are originally thought to have numbered 400 but only 8 remain. The Dieng structures were small and relatively plain, but stone architecture developed substantially in only a matter of decades resulting in masterpieces such as the Prambanan complex and Borobudur. The name "Dieng" comes from Di Hyang which means "Abode of the Gods" [1] Its misty location almost 2000 m above sea level, and its mists, poisonous effusions and sulphur-coloured lakes make it a particularly auspicious place for religious tribute. The temples are small shrines built as monuments to the god-ancestors, rather than as a convenience to man.

Part of General Sudirman's guerilla campaign during Indonesian War of Independence took place in the area

This list is of all identified candi found within the immediate area of the main plateau.

  • Candi Abiyasa
  • Candi Arjuna
  • Candi Bima
  • Candi Darawati
  • Candi Dvaravati
  • Candi Gatotkaca
  • Candi Pandu
  • Candi Parikesit
  • Candi Puntadewa
  • Candi Magersari
  • Candi Nakula
  • Candi Sadewa
  • Candi Sembadra
  • Candi Senjaka
  • Candi Semai
  • Candi Srikandi
  • Candi Wachthamer