Sabtu, 19 November 2011

Bunaken Island Resort


  • In 1993 when Frank Feyns, the dutch owner of the Bunaken Island Resort came for the first time to Bunaken Island, he immediately fell in love with the beautiful landscape, the nature and the native people liv ing on the island.


  • In 2007, Frank then bought this wonderful piece of land and started to create and realize his life's dream. By now, two grand villas, six spacious bungalowshave been built and restored in the famous Indonesian Minahasa Style; presenting a fabulous island resort, yet being carefully embedded into the natural environment. 
  • Based on our mission to protect and revitalise both the natural environment and the community in which we live, a very unique eco-resort has been created on this amazing island in the middle of "paradise", as we like to call it. 
  • The Bunaken Island Eco-Resort (BIR), is fringed with the spectacular powder-white Liang Beach (the only long sandy beach) protected by a stunning clear lagoon, shelterin g one of the world's richest and best diving coral reef, being only a few fin-kicks into the sea. 
  • Being a smaller-sized and to the detail arranged resort, the BIR is more then other resorts, able to offer you a very special and to your individual needs tailor-made exclusive diving, snorkeling and sun/beach vacation. So you definately want to come back, over and over again.

Senin, 14 November 2011

RAJA AMPAT ISLANDS WEST PAPUA INDONESIA



Vacation in Raja Ampat




Raja Ampat casts a spell on all who visit – scientists, photographers, novice divers and crusty sea-salts alike. This group of majestic islands, located in the northwestern tip of Indonesia’s Papuan “Bird’s Head Seascape,” lies in the heart of the coral triangle, the most bio-diverse marine region on earth.



 
 
 As stunningly beautiful above water as it is below, Raja Ampat (which literally translates as “The Four Kings”) has a startling diversity of habitats to explore. Each of these – from the stark wave-pounded slopes that drop away beneath the karst cliffs of Wayag and Uranie to the deep, nutrient-rich bays of Mayalibit, Kabui and Aljui to the “blue watermangrove” channels of Kofiau and Gam to the plankton-rich upwelling areas of Misool and the Dampier Strait – are home to unique assemblages of species that, when taken together, add to produce the most impressive species lists ever compiled for a coral reef system of this size.

Marine tourism, as a sustainable alternative to overfishing, mining, and logging, has the potential to play a key role in the conservation of Raja Ampat’s spectacular underwater realm, while also creating real benefits for the local communities. This website was designed as part of a larger effort to support the growth of sustainable marine tourism in Raja Ampat and the conservation of these magical islands.

Please explore this site to find information on breathtaking diving opportunities, travel logistics, Raja Ampat’s new tourism entrance fee (which directly supports conservation and community development), and the tremendous conservation effort taking place in Raja Ampat. 

Diving & Snorkeling In Paradise





  • Discover Bunaken Island, one­ of the world's top diving destinations with its colourful and unspoiled coral gardens; warm crystal-clear blue water and "home fo­r more fish species than even the Great Barrier Reef" (International Oceanographic Institute, 2006). 

  • Whether you want Discover Scuba Diving, enroll to an Advanced Diver Training, go diving on you own or you just want to do snorkeling at Liang beach, or go on a day diving trip, we can help you find the right dive experience or diving course to suit your needs. 

  • Especially for "Macro Diving Fans" all five islands of the National Marine Park are highly recognized and treasured by diving  experts all over the world.

  • The town Manado hosted the  World Ocean Conference 2009 & Coral Reef Triangle Initiative in Manado. Especially environmental & sustainable tourism issues were discussed, in order to conserve the unspoiled paradise composed of high diversity and rare corals and fish species. One example is the „Coelacanth“ an ancient fish, which scientists so far believed had gone extinct with the dinosaurs. 

  • Our well trained and  friendly English, German & Dutch speaking staff will happily assist and guide you to share with you responsibly this underwater beautiful paradise. 

  • Also for our swimming and snorkeling guests, we are more than fortunate to offer you, only being few meters in front of the resort's beach, a stunning coral reef drop-off, which allows you to experience nearly a full diving experience. This can be found only on very few diving spots around the world

  • Sabtu, 12 November 2011

    Melia Purosani Hotel Yogyakarta

      

    Jalan Suryotomo no. 31, 55122 Yogyakarta

    Very good, 8.1
    10Score from 44 reviews
           

    Situated beside Malioboro Shopping Centre in the heart of Yogyakarta, Melia Hotel features a freeform outdoor pool and a spa. Spacious rooms provide cable TV channels. Free parking is offered.

    Melia Purosani Hotel Yogyakarta is 900 metres from The Sultan’s Palace and 9 km from Adisucipto Airport. The Temple of Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is 42 km away.

    Spacious rooms each have minibar and tea and coffee-making facilities. Some have a balcony with pool, garden or city views. Each also has a sofa and an en suite bathroom with a bathtub.

    Guests can enjoy an energising work out in the fitness centre and relax at Yhi Wellness spa with a body treatment. A children’s playground is available for little ones.

    Five dining options await guests in the hotel. Light snacks can be enjoyed at Parangsari Poolside Restaurant while Ching San Chinese Restaurant specialises in Cantonese and Szechuan dishes. Drinks can be enjoyed at Soka Lobby Lounge and Pub Med.

    Hotel Rooms: 280, Hotel Chain: Meliá Hotels & Resorts.

    Bali Kuta Resort by Swiss-Belhotel

      

    Bali Kuta Resort by Swiss-Belhotel
    Jl. Majapahit No. 18, Bali, 80361 Kuta

    Good, 7.210Score from 85 reviews
    Bali Kuta Resort offers air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen cable TV a 3-minute walk from lively Legian Street and Kuta Square. It features an outdoor free-form pool with loungers set within tropical gardens. Free Wi-Fi is available.


    Opening out to a private balcony, rooms are fitted with dark wood furnishings and tea/coffee maker. Heated showers can be found in the attached bathroom.

    Bali Kuta Resort by Swiss-Belhotel is within a 5-minute walk from Kuta Beach and a 10-minute drive from Seminyak. It is a 15-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

    For leisure, staff can arrange relaxing spa treatments and massages. The resort also provides free parking.

    Overlooking the outdoor pool, Pink Pepper Restaurant serves hearty Indonesian and international dishes. There is also a lobby bar and room service.

    Hotel Rooms: 267

    La Villais Exclusive Villa & Spa

       


    La Villais Exclusive Villa & Spa
    Jalan Pangkung Sari Br Taman, Bali, 80361 Seminyak

    Very good, 8.510Score from 191 reviews
    “ Staff is simply great. They were all the time trying to improve our stay at the hotel. Villas and the private swimming pool are very nice.”
    Fernando, Dublin  

    Exclusive stays await at La Villais, which features modern Balinese-style villas with private pools and free Wi-Fi. A 5-minute stroll from Seminyak Square, it offers free parking and area shuttles to Kuta and Pentitenget Beach.

    A 15-minute walk from numerous dining options, La Villais Exclusive Villa & Spa is a 20-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

    Featuring modern dark wood furnishings, well-appointed bedrooms that open out to views of the private pool. Luxurious villas have a fully furnished kitchen and large bathrooms with over-sized windows. A flat-screen TV and iPod docking station are included.

    Guests can enjoy relaxing massage therapies at Adella Spa or lounge in the afternoon sun by the outdoor pool. Friendly staff at La Villais can attend to business and travel needs.

    Featuring Indonesian specialities, Membon Restaurant offers hot meals and light refreshments with views of the pool. Room service is available.

    Hotel Rooms: 35


    Puri Wulandari - A Boutique Resort & Spa

      


    Puri Wulandari - A Boutique Resort & Spa
    Desa Kedewatan, Bali, 80571 Ubud 
    Superb, 9.210Score from 35 reviews

    “ The architecture was exquisite in keeping with the Balinese style. I loved my villa, the outside shower, the sinken bath, the area outside the bedroom for relaxing, the his and hers vanity units and the pool. I couldn't speak more highly of the villa. The gardens surrounding the hotel were absolutely beautiful. ”
    Andrew, Gold Coast  


    Relaxing stays await in spacious 5-star villas at Puri Wulandari with private pools and personalised service. Surrounded by Ubud’s tropical forests, guests enjoy privacy, luxurious spa treatments and free Wi-Fi.

    Featuring fine wood furnishings and 4-poster beds, open-concept villas open out to soothing views of greenery. They have a dressing room, comfortable lounge area and traditional outdoor showers.

    For leisure, there is a beauty salon and tour desk that helps with sightseeing arrangements. Other facilities include a library with a wide selection of books, DVDs and CDs.

    Car transfers to and from the airport are available. Puri Wulandari - A Boutique Resort & Spa also provides a shuttle 4 times daily to Ubud.

    Specialising in Italian fare, Legong Terrace offers breakfast and light meals. Scenic views accompany international dishes at Janger Restaurant while Barong Cocktail Bar is ideal for an after-meal drink.

    Hotel Rooms: 34

    Bali Emerald Villas

      

    Bali Emerald Villas
    Jl. Karang Sari no 5, Bali, 80228 Sanur

    Very good, 8.410Score from 94 reviews

    Bali Emerald Villas boasts luxurious villas nestled within tropical landscapes. They offer spacious layout including a private pool, a semi-open living room and ample living areas.

    Emerald Bali Villas provides air-conditioned villas complete with a fully equipped kitchen, dressing rooms and a dining area. They are provided with a flat-screen cable TV and DVD player for guests’ entertainment.
    Select rooms open up onto the pool.


    Located a 5-minute walk from Sanur Beach, water activities available at the The Emerald Villas are snorkelling, scuba diving, jetski and sailing. Other facilities include billiard tables.

    Guests can enjoy relaxing massages, facial and body treatments in the comfort of their villa. Professional concierges are available for booking tours, activities and transport.

    Desiree’s Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine, Asian and Indonesian dishes and offers live entertainment. Villas provide 24-hour security, personal butler and laundry services for convenience.

    Hotel Rooms: 55


    KOMODO-FLORES, Indonesia’s latest Exciting Destination

    “We don’t want our clients to fly over ten hours from Europe just for a two-day visit to Komodo, said Heinz Hirter, European tour operator on a fam trip to Flores,as he captured the warm hospitality of the people at the traditional village of Belaraghi on Flores island. “Komodo is surely spectacular, but they (their clients) also need other attractions”, he continued.
    Heinz Hirter and 10 other operators from Europe and America were in Flores last October in search of new destinations and tourist attractions.

    Kelimutu and Komodo are the highlights of Flores for the time being, but out there are still a lot of attractions that can be introduced to tourists which can also help raise the welfare of the people of Flores through Tourism” said Ruedi Nuetzi, Asia’s program director of Swisscontact who invited 10 leading tour operators from Europe and 5 from Indonesia to join the Familiarization Trip (Fam Trip) he initiated to find new attractions.
     There are a lot of attractions that deserve to be introduced to the world in order to reduce the burden on the Komodo National Park, which has risen rapidly in popularity but has also become physically threatened by the sudden increase of visitors, said Nuetzi as the group on tour met the heads of each district Tourist Office.

    A number of accommodations in Maumere, Moni, Ende, Bajawa and Ruteng are really liked by tour operators who agreed that their clients will enjoy staying at clean, well maintained, and friendly hotels and guesthouses.”Clean bathrooms, fans or air conditioners, warm and friendly staff, -  that will be enough. Add Wi-fi availability, that would be perfect” said John Hessing, Dutch tour operator who specialized his tour packages for those with hearing disabilities.
    “We have been sending guests to Indonesia on a regular basis. The package I prepared attracted much attention. I prepared for my clients to stay 22 days in Flores, and I’m convinced that this tour package is very interesting” said Ruud Jansen, travel consultant for a tour operator in the Netherlands.
    “The scenery here is spectacular! This is what we need to compose a tour package. Kids and everyone here are always waving and smile joyfully to greet visitors” said James Jeske, tour operator from the U.S.A
    Although some local tourist offices were concerned that their regions would only become a one day-transit place, all tour operators convinced them that this will not be the case.
    Most important for their clients is that destinations must keep the authenticity of the attractions, find other highlights in their areas, and inform them about this so tourists can stay much longer.  “Instead of staying for just one day, tourists can stay for 10 days if it can be filled with various activities and attractions” said Hank at the cool town of Ruteng, West Manggarai.

    Kamis, 10 November 2011

    Paris Hilton Kagumi Keindahan Bali


    Begitu mendarat di Bali, aktris, model, bintang reality show, dan sosialita asal Amerika, Paris Hilton mengungkapkan kegembiraaannya. Melalui time line akun Twitter miliknya, Paris Hilton mengungkapkan kedatangannya di Pulau Dewata pada Rabu malam, 9 November 2011. Ia mengungkapkan kegembiraanya karena merupakan kunjungannya yang pertama di Bali.

    "Just landed in #Bali! So excited to be here for my first time! I've been wanting to come here forever! This is going to be amazing! #YES!" ungkap pewaris jaringan hotel Hilton dan bintang film House of Wax itu membocorkan.

    Ungkapan Hilton tersebut lantas menjadi sebuah kejutan dan bahan perbicangan di situs microblogging terutama bagi penggemarnya di Indonesia. Tidak disebutkan di hotel mana Paris menginap tetapi melalui akunnya ia mengutarakan kekagumannya pada keindahan panorama, hotel, massage, dan spa Pulau Bali. Seperti yang tertera dalam akun twitternya seperti dibawah ini:

    "Wow! Love the hotel I'm staying at here in #Bali. Absolutely incredible, total paradise right on the beach. So beautiful! Loves it!".

    Just had the best massage & now laying out by the pool w/ @CheyCheyTozzi. Laughing & loving life! So much fun to have girl time together!

    I love #Indonesia! #Bali rocks! True Paradise! So happy and relaxed! :) #YES!

    I've traveled to some of the most beautiful places on Earth, but #Bali is one of the most incredible places I've ever been. Love it! #YES!

    Kedatangan Paris Hilton ke Indonesia selain berlibur adalah untuk menghadiri pembukaan Rob Peetoom HairSpa Bali pada Kamis (10/11/2011) malam yang berlokasi di kawasan Kerobokan Bali. Rob Peetoom merupakan penata rambut ternama asal Belanda. Paris datang sebagai tamu karena merupakan teman pemilik tempat tersebut.

    Bali semakin mendunia setelah digunakan sebagai lokasi syuting film “Eat, Pray, Love” yang dibintangi Julia Roberts. Bukan saja artis Hollywood yang terlena keindahan Bali, terakhir pembalap dunia MotoGp 2010,  Jorge Lorenzo (24) juga  terpikat dengan Bali, bahkan berencana membeli rumah pribadi di Bali.

    Rabu, 09 November 2011

    Accomodation if You Trip to Indonesia

    Do you dream to sleep in a “hip” but not too expensive hotel? To wake up in a coffee plantation? To experience a lifestyle that recalls the golden age of travel in the 1930s? Indonesia makes it possible with some extraordinary hotels, resorts and villas.

    Over the last decade, many international chains invested and continue to invest in Indonesia as a sign of confidence for the tourism potential of the country. Hotels in Indonesia have even set trends over the world. The luxurious “Balinese style” with its intensive use of precious wood, its combination of natural material like cotton or rattan, its balanced integration of art pieces and its refined spa experience has spread to the rest of the world. Bali today continues to set trends in the industry with some of the most lavish hotels on earth. Travellers will however find more and more unique properties in other parts of Indonesia. You will find a selection of hotels which are exceptional in any standards. The list is not exhaustive and they are many more to discover during your next trip.

    Jakarta: trendy living at affordable prices
    If you expect the best of international chains, they are all there in Jakarta: Hilton, Hyatt, Mandarin Oriental, Meridien, Mercure, Nikko, Shangri-La or Sheraton and more… However, one of the new emerging markets is today boutique design hotels. Two properties are a must for trendy urbanites: the Alila Jakarta is a haven of relaxation and contemporary style with its minimalist modern lines and its collection of art. All the rooms are large, well lighted and equipped with free internet access. And surprisingly, rates start as little as US$ 90 for this four-stars property, a great bargain! For budget conscious but trendy travellers, the Sparks hotel is a new option. The eight-storey building has been designed as a three-star boutique hotel in modern “youthful” architecture, located in the heart of Chinatown. Travellers can even choose the colour of their rooms in three different shades (blue, green or purple) and will enjoy the funky bathroom! Prices start from US$ 60…

    Yogyakarta: living like a Sultan
    The development of Yogyakarta and its region has a major tourist destination ignited a boom of boutique hotels offering extraordinary experiences to travellers. The hotel “Rumah Semang », 20 minutes away from the city centre, is a former Javanese Palace dating back to the XVIII° century and reconverted into an exclusive boutique hotel surrounded by a traditional garden. Only six rooms are available to experience the life of a Royalty!

    An hour and a half away from Yogyakarta, stay in the midst of a coffee plantation at the Losari Coffee Plantation Resort and Spa, surrounded by a tropical garden and facing eight volcanoes. 26 deluxe villas build in traditional Javanese style with antique furniture surround a magnificent colonial house, which used to be the property of the coffee plantation owner. Antique furniture equips each of the villa and special spa products are available in the bathroom. An octagonal swimming pool with surrounding terrace, part of a Hammam complex, is the perfect spot to admire the amazing mountain scenery. The Java Green Restaurant proposes a healthy lunch card featuring ingredients from Losari’s own organic gardens.

    Closer to Borobudur, relax your mind facing in exclusivity the beauty of the majestic temple at the Amanjiwo. Opened in 1997, the limestone-made resort reproduces the layout of the Borobudur temple with its central dome reminiscent of a stupa. The hotel has 36 suites set in pavillion with 15 having their own swimming pool. Swimming , relaxing and facing a sunset over one of the most beautiful buddhist monument in the world is not anymore a dream…
    http://tourism.jogja.go.id

    East Java: recalling the past
    For nostalgic travellers of a by-gone era, East Java offers colonial style hotels. In Surabaya, the Mandarin Oriental Majapahit is a landmark and symbol of the wealth of Indonesia’s second city and has been delighting guests for almost a century. With its white arcades, its opulent art deco rooms, its interior gardens, the hotel is a living memory.

    An hour and a half away by road, Malang, nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, used to be the cool retreat during the summer for retired Dutch planters, civil servants and wealthy residents of Surabaya. The city is the perfect host to the Tugu Malang hotel. The property looks like a museum as it is home of one of the finest antiques collection in the country with some of its objects regularly exposed at the National Museum in Jakarta. In this quiet atmosphere, guests of the Tugu Malang can enjoy the beauty and serenity of their rooms, all furnished with authentic antics following a classical style. One of the hightime at the hotel occurs in the afternoon when old ladies pour special blend Javanese coffee to guests accompanied by traditional Javanese cakes made in the hotel's own bakery.

    Bali: spiritual living
    In the Island of Gods, the Conrad Bali Resort and Spa on Tanjung Benoa Beach is a haven of high style and luxury, a soulful blend of contemporary Balinese sense of harmony and serenity. Here travellers experience the art of living according to the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana. This concept takes its root in the principles of a quest for harmony and balanced relations between the Humans and God, the Humans and their environment and among Humans themselves. The Conrad Bali will plunge the visitor into a world of smiles, with people that are refreshingly natural in their approach and genuinely friendly. The Spa uses traditional Balinese products in a refined atmosphere.

    In the heights of Ubud Village, the Maya Ubud Resort and Spaoffers a singular unexpected experience. The hotel location is already an amazing discovery: The Maya Ubud Resort is set in 10 hectares of hillside gardens, stretching 780 metres, high above two river valleys. The elegant and peaceful retreat is the place to enjoy Bali in all of its diverse activities: learn to cook Balinese, lift your spirit with the Reiki, an ancient system of Natural Healing, relaxed with your beloved in a private spa pavilion located beside the swirling waters of the Petanu river, have a private bicycle ride in surrounding villages. Plunge into the two pools set amidst the forest green, overhanging the river valley and at the riverside. It is then easy to forget that any world exists outside of Maya Ubud.

    Lombok, living in a village
    The Lombok’s Novotel Coralia is an impressive architectural masterpiece built in the style of a traditional Sasak village, one of the ethnics living in Lombok. The magnificent property stays on the shores of a crystal blue lagoon. The hotel is surrounded by tropical gardens where bungalows are located. The hotel has also traditional rooms decorated with coconut wood.

    Sumbawa, living in luxury under tents
    It might be a remote area from East Indonesia but the Amanwana in Sumbawa Besar, West Sumbawa, is one of the most stunning hotels in the country. Built like a nature camp, the hotel is located in a secluded cove on the island’s west coast surrounded by tropical forests. The hotel has 20 luxury tents offering the most comfortable stay with air conditioning, king size bed, a large bathroom, all decorated with exquisite pieces of Indonesian art. A restaurant and bar are located in an open air pavilion facing the sea. Guests have the possibility to explore the island and practice snorkelling and windsurfing.

    Indonesian Culture an History

    With a fascinating, colourful and sometimes tumultuous past, Indonesia is a place of rich and diverse culture. In the seventh century, the Buddhist empire and the Hindu empire were struggling for supremacy. In the thirteenth century, the Hindus faced a strong challenge from Muslim forces south of the Malay Peninsula. The Hindus slowly lost ground and eventually retreated to Bali, where they remain today. The remaining islands became Muslim, and several sultanates were established.

    The first Europeans to arrive in Indonesia were the Portuguese in the sixteenth century, who broke the Islamic hold on Indonesia. However the Portuguese were eventually displaced by the Dutch who continued to rule until World War II and the invasion by the Japanese. Sukarno, who saw Japan as a possible force of liberation, led the Indonesian revolutionary nationalist movement into a four year war of independence from 1945 to 1949 that ended in victory.

    Indonesian independence was in a state of turmoil until Sukarno unified power in 1957. In 1965 an attempted coup against Sukarno again saw Indonesia move into turmoil. General Suharto led the army to restore order and initiate a purge of communists. Suharto eventually replaced Sukarno as Presidency bringing in a time of economic development and stability.

    In May 1998, Suharto stepped down from presidency and B. J. Habibie assumed this position. In the parliamentary elections held in June 1999, Megawati Sukarnoputri, the daughter of Sukarno, received the highest percentage of votes. Subsequently, in the October 1999 presidential elections Megawati failed to win, and Abdurrahman Wahid, from the National Awakening party, became the country's first democratically elected president. In July 2001, Wahib was removed from office and Megawati became president. September 2004 was the first time that Indonesians were able to elect a president directly and Megawati lost the presidency to Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the candidate for the Democrat party.

    Although most Indonesians are either of a Polynesian or Malay descent, the country comprises over 300 ethnicities with minority populations from countries such as India, China, Persia, Arabia, Holland, Portugal, England and Spain.

    Although Indonesia is primarily a Muslim nation, Hinduism (particularly in Bali) and Christianity also have a significant presence. The most common language spoken is Bahasa Indonesia, however there are a number of other languages and dialects spoken, including English and Dutch.

    Indonesia Tourism

    Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago with over 17,000 islands. The country stretches 5,100 km along the equator between Australia and Asia and is bordered by the Pacific and Indian Oceans at the Equator. Few countries in the world could match Indonesia’s diversity of population with some 490 different ethnics living together. With a fascinating, colourful and sometimes tumultuous past, Indonesia is a place of rich and diverse culture. Indonesia is "Ultimate in Diversity".

    Visit Indonesia is delighted to make available to download the full colour 24 page Invitation to Indonesia brochure series.

    To download click on the title name listed below:


    NB:  These are PDF files and may take some time to download.

    Selasa, 08 November 2011

    BALI

    Bali Island, the perfect holiday destination for all ages offers something for everyone. Bali offers not just various customs but also various "adrenalin pump" parks. Many exciting amusements are available in Bali, with something new opening all the time. The number of offshore and inland attraction are on the rise because many tourists want them. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. After white water rafting that has gained popularity in Bali, comes offshore rafting or ocean rafting. The more adventurous sort of amusement has now become an alternative sport for tourists. Meanwhile white water rafting is still a popular activity with trips on Ayung, Telaga Waja, Unda Rivers, etc. The tourists can refresh their mind by watching beautiful scenery along the route. Those are not enough, some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas.

    Bali is small island, just 140 Km by 80 Km and lies between Java, the most highly populated and influential of all the islands, and Lombok, one of the quieter and moderately slower paced islands. Like many islands, Bali has developed a world of its own. It not only captures what is special about Indonesia but also has a uniqueness of its own.

    WEST NUSA TENGGARA

    The Wallace Line, named after 19th century naturalist, Alfred Russell Wallace, marks a point of transition between the flora and fauna of Western and Eastern Indonesia and acts as the Western boundary of West Nusa Tenggara, which includes Lombok Island and Sumbawa. Lombok is noticeably different to its close neighbor, Bali. The northern part of the island is mountainous and lush with tall trees and shrubs. The South on the other hand is arid and covered by savannas. Large Asian mammals are absents and replaced instead by large numbers of marsupials, lizards, cockatoos and parrots. The difference becomes more pronounced as one moves further east where dry seasons are more prolonged and the land is dry and bush-like, and so in many areas corn and sago are the staple food, instead of rice. At first Islam time come to these islands in the 16th century, four Hindu Kingdoms co-existed in apparent peace what is now called West Nusa Tenggara and is still the religion embraced by those in the west of Lombok, which are primarily Balinese. Lombok experienced strong Balinese influences in the past, but has still retained a unique identifies. The indigenous people of Lombok, the Sasaks, are predominantly Moslem and have a strong, distinguished tradition, as do the people of neighboring Sumbawa. Soft white sand, virgin beaches are typical in Lombok, where the motto is 'You can see Bali in Lombok, but not Lombok in Bali'. Famous for its 'tenun ikat' hand-woven textiles, the island has exceptional charm and its relatively undiscovered, except for Senggigi City, which becoming a major resort area. Regulars shuttle flights from Bali and Surabaya as well as ferries provide excellent transportation links within the islands of the province as well as with the rest of the country.

    Batam Miliki Studio Film Terbesar di Asia Tenggara

    JAKARTA: Studio film terbesar dengan luas 10 hektare dibangun di Nongsa, Batam, untuk mendukung industri kreatif di bidang film.
    "Infinite Studio yang berada di bawah Infinite Frameworks Group ini  diproyeksikan akan menjadi studio film yang terbesar untuk kawasan Asia Tenggara," kata Menteri Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif Mari E Pangestu, Senin (7/11).

    Batam dipilih menjadi lokasi studio karena letaknya yang strategis, diapit oleh Malaysia dan Singapura, katanya.

    Mari mengatakan, Indonesia dengan panorama alamnya yang unik memiliki potensi sebagai lokasi pembuatan film-film kaliber internasional. "Karena itu, pemerintah akan mendorong agar lebih banyak lagi para produser film internasional membuat film di Indonesia karena mendukung promosi pariwisata nasional," ujarnya.

    Menurut dia, Infinte Studio di Batam yang dibuka, senin (5/11), tersebut, bisa menjadi awal dari diproduksinya film-film Indonesia yang berkualitas di Indonesia. "Selain itu adanya studio ini akan menjadi nilai tambah dan daya tarik tersendiri bagi kemajuan dunia pariwisata nasional," katanya.

    Direktur Perfilman Kementerian Pariwisata Ekonomi Kreatif Syamsul Lussa menambahkan pihaknya akan memasukkan Infinite Studio dalam program promosi kementerian pariwisata dan ekonomi kreatif agar lebih banyak film asing yang diproduksi di Indonesia.

    Studio tersebut  menawarkan berbagai fasilitas yang komprehensif untuk produksi film mulai dari replika kota yang bisa disesuaikan dengan setting film yang akan dibuat, dua panggung dengan ukuran masing-masing 14,000 sqf dan 30,000 sqf,  workshops ("art department and prosthetic workshop"), studio animasi, hingga fasilitas pasca-produksi termasuk efek visual.

    Pemilik Infinite Studio, Mike Wiluan mengungkapkan studio ini akan mulai beroperasi penuh pada akhir November ini. Film Indonesia yang berjudul Dead Mine akan menjadi film perdana yang diproduksi di tempat tersebut.


    http://www.mediaindonesia.com/read/2011/11/08/274550/126/101/Batam-Miliki-Studio-Film-Terbesar-di-Asia-Tenggara

    Festival Sriwijaya: Mewarnai Serunya SEA Games XXVI di Palembang




    Festival ini digelar untuk memperingati hari lahir kota Palembang sekaligus mengenang kejayaan masa lalunya yang membanggakan. Biasanya acara meriah ini diadakan bulan Juni tetapi tahun ini digeser ke November 2011 bersamaan dengan perhelatan SEA Games XXVI di Palembang dan JakartaFestival Sriwijaya direncanakan berlangsung pada 11 November 2011 di kota Palembang.
    Dalam festival ini akan dipamerkan produk-produk unggulan Sumatera Selatan dan pentas seni daerahnya. Anda dapat juga melihat Tari Seribu Tangan yang mencerminkan kisah proses masuknya agama Budha pada masa Kerajaan Sriwijaya. Ada pula Tari Gending Sriwijaya yang dibawakan sembilan penari dan mencerminkan 9 sungai yang ada di Sumatera Utara. Tarian ini juga menggambarkan kebesaran Sriwijaya dahulu dan mereflesikan perilaku masyarakat Sumatera Selatan.
    Dari tahun ke tahun penyelenggaraan Festival Sriwijaya memiliki nilai strategis untuk pembangunan di Sumatera Selatan sekaligus ajang promosi pariwisata dan potensi alamnya. Penyelenggaraan festival ini terus membesar dan ramai tiap tahun yang diikuti karnaval budaya dari 15 kabupaten/kota se-Sumatera Selatan.

    Untuk informasi lebih lanjut silakan hubungi alamat berikut:

    Kantor Pariwisata
    Dinas Pariwisata Sumatera Selatan
    Jl. Demang Lebar Daun Kav. IX, Palembang,
    Telp. (62-711) 356661, 311345, 357348
    Fax. (62-711) 311544
    Website : www.sumsel.go.id
    E-mail : info@diparss.go.id
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