Because of its easy access, the Mount Gede-Pangrango National Park with its spectacular panorama is a favourite site with visitors. Located in the province of West Java this Park encompasses the peaks of Mt. Gede, Mt. Pangrango. Around these peaks are tea plantations, recreation parks, waterfalls, hot springs, lakes and accommodation facilities within the park as around its periphery. The Park was declared nature conservation area in 1889, although prior to this the Cibodas Botanical Gardens was already established here in 1830, where cinchona (quinine) and coffee were first cultivated to become Java’s most prominent exports in the 19th century.

Most notable about the Gede-Pangrango Park are its three very distinct ecosystems: a sub-montane ecosystem (1,000 m to 1,500 m altitude), a montane ecosystem (1,500 m - 2,900 m) characterized by large tall trees, and a sub-alpine ecosystem (2,400 m. and higher), characterized by grassy meadows where the Java edelweiss grows in abundance. It also has a savanna as well as marshland ecosystems.

In 1977 UNESCO declared the Gunung Gede-Pangrango National Park a Biosphere Reserve.

Today the Gunung Gede-Pangrango National Park covers 15,196 hectares that include Cibodas, Cimungkat, the Gunung Gede-Pangrango Reserve , the Situgunung recreation area, and the forests on the slopes centered on two volcanoes. These are Mt. Gede, (2,958m ) with its gaping crater and fumaroles, and Mt. Pangrango (3,019 m). The two are connected by a high saddle at 2,500 m above sea level.

Getting There

The main entrance to the Gede-Pangrango Park is through a trail located next to the main gate of the Cibodas Gardens. Cibodas lies just off the main Jakarta-Bandung mountain route pass the Puncak, at Cipanas, some two hours from Jakarta, when traffic is sparse. On holidays and weekends expect the Bogor-Puncak route to be jammed with Jakarta vacationers.

To obtain your Permit and a map contact the Forestry and Conservation Office:

Jalan Raya Cibodas,
Cipanas 43253, Cianjur, West Java.
Tel.: 62-263-512776, Fax: 620263-519415
Email: tngp@cianjur.wasantara.net.id.

Getting Around

Since the 19th century, the Gede-Pangrango area has been a living laboratory for researchers. The trail on the south-eastern slopes was found by Sir Thomas Raffles in 1811, although the earliest recorded climb of Mount Gede was by C.G.C. Reinwardt in 1819.

Among many points of interest in the park, Bodogol Conservation Education Center offers wide variety of interests. Hanging twenty-five meters above ground, a canopied walkway is one of the park’s best attraction although extra precaution should be taken at several points in which the walkway’s condition has deteriorated.

Because of the high rainfall here during the rainy season, the Park is closed between December through March when heavy fog and clouds cover the peaks and strong winds prevail especially during February and March. Best time to visit and make the exhilarating climb to the craters is during the dry season between June through September.

Temperatures vary on average around 18°C at Cibodas, cooling down quickly to 10°C at the mountain peaks. When you intend to climb to the peak make sure that you wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes because in the evenings temperatures can be freezing cold.

To Do

Edelweiss grow in a field known as the alun-alun Suryakencana, located to the north of Mt. Gede. It takes some six-hours hiking from Cibodas.

The view from the Summit and crater of Mt. Gede is stunning both at sunrise or sunset. From here one can see Mt. Krakatau and Sumatra, and below the towns of Cianjur, Sukabumi and Bogor. Here are three active craters – the Lanang, Ratu and Wadon craters, united in a single complex at an altitude of 2,958 m. The craters are a five-hour hike from Cibodas.

There are four types of primates in this Park, including the Java Gibbon which is endemic to Java, the Surili which lives around the Cibodas waterfall but is rarely seen as it is shy, the long-tailed macaque monkeys and the Javan langur. There are also leopards, wild dogs and wild boars.

The Park boasts a wide variety of bird species, 251 of the 450 species on Java inhabit this Park, including the Javan hawk eagle and the owl.

The Biru Lake, situated at 1,575 m located at 1.5 km from the entrance at Cibodas is a favourite picnic spot. The blue colour comes from the a blue algae with which this lake is covered.

The 50 m high Cibeureum Waterfall, where three separate streams plunge over a cliff, is located 2.8 km. from Cibodas. Here is a red moss that is endemic to West Java. Watch Arjuna butterflies sip salty mud at the water’s edge.

Thermal springs are found around two-hours hike from Cibodas, while camping grounds and accommodation can be found at Mt. Putri and Selabintana.

Lake Tondano is a famous tourist destination in North Sulawesi province. It is located 600 meters above sea level and covers an area of 4,278 hectares (or about 10,571 acres). This lake is situated in Remboken village, or some 3 kilometers from Tomohon city or some 30 km from Manado city.

This lake looks like a bird nest as it is surrounded by mountains of 700 meters high, namely Lembena, Kaweng, Tampusu and Masarang. This lake covers three sub-districts, namely Eris, Kakas and Remboken. By the lake side, you can see clearly Mount Kaweng.

Lake Tondano has a famous tourist object called "Sumaru Endo" Remboken, and Tourist Resort of Bukit Pinus (from Tondano toward Toliang Oki). From this lake side (Toliang Oki), you can see pass Lembean hill to see the beauty of Maluku Sea (on its east), particularly Tondano Pante area in Kombi sub-district, in Minahasa district. Entry fee to this tourist object is Rp 4.000 plus insurance and toilet service.

Getting There

It will take about one hour from Tomohon city to this tourist object through winding roads. To reach this destination, you may take your own car or a public transportation from Manado or Tomohon.

Getting Around

Visitors can travel around the lake by boat for only Rp 50.000 (about 5 US Dollar) but the boat usually waits till it has 10 passengers.

When you are in the middle of the lake, you can see a small island called Pulai Likri. Unfortunately, you cannot reach the island because the boat has its own route to follow. In addition, you can also see the local community fish for Nike fish using nets that look like a spoon with two bamboo sticks on both sides.

Several bamboo buildings stretching out into the lake are suitable for relaxing while enjoying the lake water.

To Do

Local government of North Sulawesi province delegated the authority to manage this tourist destination to private sectors in 2003. At present, this object is called Sumaru Endo and has various facilities such as bungalows, swimming pools and restaurants. In addition, you can also find car rental services, rental swimming equipment and boats to take you around the lake. Hiking near the lake is also fun as it has cool weather.

To Eat

Local inhabitants usually sell their small Nike fish to make fish balls, waku-waku bolanga, or grilled fish. You can enjoy Nike dishes in restaurants or food stalls around the lake.

You either come to Bali to be entertained or to relax. For the romantic atmosphere and fabulous nightlife, beaches in Bali offer a mixture of excitement, adventure and pleasure. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, then Ubud is the place for you.

Enriched with culture and verdant vista, Ubud offers a respite from humdrum of your busy life. In the past it was just a small village, but now this place has grown bigger. Ubud seeks to pamper the visitors—in body and soul. Fine dining restaurants and spas here will delight and relax the senses. A walk near the paddy fields will leave a lasting impression, and the sight is fantastic enough to make you want to hold your breath.

The best way to observe traditions and culture of Balinese is through mingling with the locals and watching their day to day routine. In this relatively small place, you can visit the temples and villages, relatively unchanged. Shown on the upper left is a traditional ritual you can find almost daily. (Image source: Yves Picq, Wikimedia Commons.)

Art galleries are also abundant. Pieces of art are waiting to be explored and appreciated, who knows you might find the perfect painting or statue to grace the blank spot in your living room?

Getting There

Various transportations from all over Bali are available. If you decide to visit Ubud right from the airport, you can hail a prepaid cab but the fee might be quite hefty. You can take a regular taxi or rental car to this place. Public transportation like bus can also take you here.

Getting Around

Since Ubud is relatively small, you can explore it on foot or hire a bicycle/motorcycle. Bear in mind that due to hilly terrain, you should ask locals first which places are more comfortable explored on foot, by bicycle, motorcycle or even car.

Taxis are available but they are considered somewhat of a rare species. If you prefer traveling by car, use “taxis” in the shape of private vehicles with drivers, they usually can be found in the street corner.

On the right: entrance to Ubud. (Image credit: っ,Wikimedia Commons)

To Do

This region is filled with history and culture. Many remnants from the old kingdom of Bali can be found here, and unique crafts and arts are waiting to be discovered. Known for its tranquility, Ubud offers several natural retreats. The lush, green view and cool atmosphere makes morning and afternoon stroll pleasant.

You might be interested in doing some sightseeing in the remnants of Bali kingdom. Tirta Empul is nearby, only 15 km away. Here you can see Tirta Empul temple. About 8 km away is Pejeng, here you can visit the museum and temples. When you’re around why not complete your trip by visiting archeological sites in Bedulu? It’s only 3 km away.

Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), shown on the upper right (credit: China Crisis, Wikimedia Commons), is also worth visiting. Located about 1 km from Teges, legend says that it was created from a giant’s fingernail. It probably was first utilized in 11th century, during Majapahit occupation of Bali. Dutch archaeologist rediscovered this place in the 1920s but the bathing area was not found until in the 1950s.

It’s interesting to note that the entrance of this cave is carved in the shape of a demon-like creature. Statue of Ganesh adorns the inside. Bathing pools with water still gushing out can be found nearby, and some say the water will help you look younger.

Ubud is the perfect place to indulge in watching cultural events and performances. Kecak, Legong and Barong dances are performed weekly.Ramayana and Mahabharata ballets, gamelan (orchestra made of traditional music instruments) and wayang kulit (traditional Indonesian puppets from leather). The picture on the right (source: Jack Merridew,Wikimedia Commons) shows Ngaben, the traditional way of cremating the departed.

Too tense and caught up in everyday world? Indulge yourself in the spas around Ubud, with exotic spices to tease your senses and relaxation is the ultimate goal.

Adventurous folks might want to try white water rafting in Sungai Ayung. Many outdoor activities are available as well, contact the local tour agencies. While your spouse relaxes in the spa, you can pump your adrenaline and enjoy a different way to relieve your stress!

The artist in you just yearns to come out of the surface—so take some art classes and courses in Ubud! Ever wondered how batik is done, and how rare masterpieces can be created? Or perhaps you’d love to design and create your own silver jewelry? Learn them here. For those who are more interested in culinary skills, cooking classes are also available.


FESTIVAL & EVENTS
Ubud is the home of Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (www.ubudwritersfestival.com) where book enthusiasts, namely writers and readers around the world gather and share their experiences and of course, stories. It’s usually held in October every year.

To Stay

Many inns to star hotels can easily be found here. Posh accommodations are available who prefer luxury above all else. Modest inns or even homestays are available to the ones who would live to view Balinese daily life.

To Eat

The Monkey Forest Street and Jalan Hanoman provides many choices of restaurants, from western cuisine to Balinese dishes.

To Buy

For keepsakes, make sure to visit South of Ubud. You can find hundreds of craft shops offering art products and handmade souvenirs, especially from stone and wood. If you’re planning to stay for a while you can ask the artists to custom made your order. If shopping is your middle name, then Pasar Seni (Art Market), Jalan Raya Ubud, Monkey Forest Street, Jalan Hanoman and Jalan Dewi Sita must be included into your itinerary.

While there, why not visit Monkey Forest Sanctuary? The sanctuary's home to hundreds of long-tailed monkeys, with a beautiful temple at its center.

SENGGIGI BEACH and RESORT Lombok Indonesia

Senggigi, named after a princess in local legend, is the main tourist center in Lombok and the most developed tourist area. The resort area about 10 Kilometers north of Ampenan, and about 20 minutes drive from the Lombok international Airport. Nowhere near as large or as busy as its Bali conterparts, Senggigi is a great base for exploring the rest of the island. The pace is very laid back, with activities centered around the beaches and day trips to places of interest, which are all with in ferw hours drive from the town. At night dine in the many restaurants catering to all tastest and budgets, listen the live music at the cafes or Bars or dance the night away at the night clubs.

Senggigi is the large bay that forms the center of Senggigi, with the main road running parrarel to the beach, and large resorts occupying the space between. The beach provides picturesque views of Bali's Agung Mountain to the west and stunning sunsets with the volacano silhouetted on the horizon. Senggigi reef, off the Senggigi Beach hotel has good coral for snorkelling and in the right conditions, some decent surf breaks.

The main road in Senggigi is lined with small shops, Restaurants, Bars, Travel agencies and Night Clubs. There are couple of supermarkets, numerous ATM's and Money Changers, Post office and all as ussual tourist facilities. Senggigi is a relaxing place to stay, with a good range of luxury hotels and resorts, as well as mid range and budget accommodations.

The Art Market Senggigi, is located between the Santosa Villas & Resort and Sheraton Hotel. There are numerous small stalls selling handicrafts and souvenirs from aroun Lombok, as well as T-shirts, sarongs and clothing similar to Bali's markets. On the beach, line up restaurants and cafes are nice place to catch the ocean breezes during the day, orr to dine at night watching the lights of the fisihing boats accross the ocean.

How to Get to Senggigi

There is a few alternatives to get to Senggigi Resort

• Coming from Lembar Harbor, you can go straight to Senggigi by Shuttle Bus or Taxi available on call for 24 hours.

• If you are coming by Plane, ask for Airport Taxi services, they will drive you to the hotel as your destination.

• Public transportation or Bemos are available from 06 am to 05 pm.

Stay at Senggigi

There are various range of hotels that you can choose to stay at Senggigi, From Deluxe five star Hotel resort to simple home stays, such as Senggigi Beach Hotel, Purimas Boutique Hotel and Resort, Intan Lombok Village Hotel and Resort, Sheraton Hotel and Resort, Pool Villa, Raja’s Bungalow, Ellen Hotel, Ray Hotel, Senggigi Reef Resort, Bukit Senggigi Cottage, Holiday Resort Lombok, and many more, for details infromation about the Senggigi accommodations please click Senggigi Hotels List.

Dinning and Entertainment

There is various Restaurant and Café to choose at the town of Senggigi Such as, Happy Café with there famous Live band at night, Papaya Café with Live Music, Bumbu Café, Marina Café with Live music, Sunshine Restaurant, Naga Restaurant, Taman Restaurant, and etc. these Restaurant served a selection food from Indonesia cuisine to International cuisine.

What to Do & See

• Swimming off the beach is safe.

• Canoe hire is available on the Senggigi beach.

• Surfing

• Wind Surfing

• Snorkeling

• Take a walk to Batu Bolong Temple (Hollow Rock Temple)

• Sunset

• Water Sport ( Jet Ski, Paraglaiding/Parasailing, and Banana boat)

• Sea Kayaking

• Learn To Surf with adventure Lombok Surf School

Angkringan Lik Man, Spending Your Night in Yogyakarta with Kopi Joss

Do you know a famous place in Yogyakarta where university students, cyber communities

such as bloggers and chatters, journalists, artists, pedicab drivers, and even hookers get relax and involved in a warm conversation? When you studied in this student city, where did you usually hold a discussion with your friends about your paper's themes of tasks? One of the places you mention must be angkringan Lik Man that is located at the north of Tugu railway station. It is understandable since the place is famous with Yogyakarta communities. No formal rules apply in this place but tolerance where people are willing to shares space, for example, and to aware of each other's feeling.

YogYES invites you to enjoy the nuance of angkringan Lik Man as many other people has experienced as well. From Malioboro Street, you can walk northwards until you reach an alley right to the north of Tugu railway station. If you turn left, you will directly find this famous place on your left side. To identify it, just look at two big containers connected with a bamboo, brazier with burning charcoals, and rows of neatly arranged glasses.

Angkringan Lik Man is legendary because the seller is the first generation of the angkringan sellers in Yogyakarta most of whom come from Klaten. Lik Man or uncle Man whose original name is Siswo Raharjo is the son of grandpa Pairo, the first angkringan seller in Yogyakarta who has been running this business since 1950s. The stall with angkringan concept that used to be called 'ting ting hik' was inherited to Lik Man in 1969. Since then, other angkringans mushroomed in Yogyakarta.

When you arrive in this angkringan that starts to open at six o'clock in the evening, you can order hot or cold drinks. The favorite beverage is Kopi Joss, coffee served with hot charcoal plunged in it. The superiority of such coffee is lower degree of caffeine after being neutralized by the charcoal. Such finding was resulted from a research done by some students of Gadjah Mada University who often hang around there.

The main menu is sego kucing that consists of some rice and stirred-fried tempe and tiny sea fish cooked with chili. Other food such as fries and fried jadah (made of sticky rice) are also available. The delicious sego kucing is sold at 1,000 Rupiah per portion. Sego kucing that is served warm goes well with fried tempe or others like skewered quail's eggs. It does not have to spend much money to taste delicious menu.

Most of the foods can be served warm if you want them to be. Just ask Mr. Man to warm them on the charcoal for a while. Some side dishes such as mendoan (tempe fried with flour), filled tofu, sweetened tempe, chicken head, and of course jadah are more delicious when they are grilled before being served. Usually people eat sego kucing on banana leaf as the packaging of it. Otherwise, you can ask for plates to put more than one portion of sego kucing.

Two seat arrangements are available for you to enjoy your meals. If you want to seat near the seller in order for you to chat with him or to ease you add some more dishes, you would better sit beside the brazier. However, if you want to be able to have a chat with your friends, it is better for you to sit on the mat spread on the pavement across the street. The spread of the mat reaches as long as 100 meter. So, don't worry of shorting of space!

Text: Yunanto Wiji Utomo
Photo & Artistic: Singgih Dwi Cahyanto