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.

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

Uluwatu the most famous wave of Bali

Uluwatu is the most famous wave of Bali. There is always some swell here so it's also always crowded. The spot offers several waves which are working with different swells and tides:

The Peak: best at mid and high tide. Closes out at low tide. In front of the cave. it's the most consistant. Short and powerful waves, tubes. The take off is moving. It works from 1ft to 8ft. The most crowded. One of the sections closes more than the others.

Racetracks: 100 meters further. fast wave, a lot of sections with easy tubes. Best at low tide and at 6ft. Can hold bigger swell. On the right tide and the right swell, "The Peak" connects with "Racetraks" (you need to be a good tuberider). Over 10ft, Racetracks breaks until "The Corner".

Photo:www.baliwaves.com

Inside Corner: best at mid and low tide with a 6ft swell. At first, it's a fun wave and the final bowl is a tube. Don't do a cutback just before the bowl! Take plenty of speed, stay high in the face and trim. You will pass the tube.

Outside Corner: the REAL Uluwatu. Works only with big swells (>8ft) and at low tide. The lower is the tide, the better is the wave. Take at least a 7' board. It is a succession of long walls good for carving and, sometimes, a beautiful final tube. The length is around 300 meters.

Temple: less surfed. 2 waves in fact ("Outside temple" and "The Bombies"). Only for experts because the water is very shallow. For thoses,it is a incredible tube when it works.

Spot information for surfing at Uluwatu (globalsurfer.com):

• Type of break: reef break
• Type of wave: hollow barreling wave
• Direction: left hand
• Bottom: coral

  Photo:www.baliwaves.com

• Average lenght of ride: long
• Suitable for : expert level

Detailed information:

• Crowd level: a big crowd
• Best tide: mid
• Ideal board size: 6'8-7'4 Mini gun
• Ideal wind direction: south-east

Wavesize & wetsuit:

• Spring - Summer - Autumn - Winter
  Overhead: 6'- 8' - Ok : 2'- 4' - Overhead: 6'- 8' - Overhead: 6'- 8'
  Boardshorts - Boardshorts - Boardshorts - Boardshorts
  

Getting There

To reach Uluwatu from The Ngurah Ray International Airport by using Taxi, rent car/motorcycle or using travel agent. Its about 1 hour drive.

Where to Stay

There are many accommodations from Warung (warung in a traditional caf), motels, hotels until Villa. The range price in $5 until $ 2000 for 1 day. If you stay in warung you just pay for the meals.

Moving Around

Photo:www.baliwaves.com

There are many surfing spot near Uluwatu such as: Padang-padang beach, Dreamland beach, Bingin beach, Impossible beach.

Dining Guide

Various restaurants and cafes throughout Uluwatu, from cheeps price to a luxury restaurant.

Souvenir Tips

Sea-related products, such as items made of seashells, corals and t-shirt, etc.

Other Things to See or Do

There is Temple near the beach, its one of the best temple in Bali called Uluwatu Temple. In the Temple you can see a lot of attractions such as:Watching traditional Bali dace performance, Watching Sunset (very good view from Uluwatu Tample).

Travel Tips

• A good hat and water-proof sun-screen.
• Basic first-aid kit, antiseptic dressing, etc.
• Sand-shoes and thongs.
• Board-shorts, t-shirts, 1 pair light-weight, long-pants and long-sleeve wind cheater.
• Two towels and sun-glasses.
• Personal toiletries, after-sun cream, insect repellent.
• Walkman, camera, handy-cam and books.
• Booties, 2 surf-boards.
• Light-weight wet-suits, rash-vest, gate helmet and spare leg-ropes.

Sources

• Baliwaves- www.baliwaves.com
• Surfing Indonesia, periplus action guide.
• Global Surfer- www.globalsurfers.com

TOLIRE LAKE, Maluku: A Walk to Remember

Tolire Lake, Ternate. Photo: Michael Sjukrie

Tolire lake covered 5 acre and 50 m depth located 10 km from the main city, Ternate and reachable by bus or Ojeg (ojeg: rented bike) depend on the mode of travel (if you manage your travel individually/couple, you better take ojeg, otherwise, for those who wish to travel in a group, hiring bus would be perfect). Tolire lake stated in the deep crater of Mt. Gamalama, the highest mountain in North Maluku with highest peak is 1715 m above sea level.

The relaxing and oozing view of Gamalama mountain, the crystal clear water of the lake, the luscious green view of the forest, the enchanting sounds of chirping birds and the lovely smile of Ternates people, all bounding together make this place glowing with beauties

Getting There

Lot of eager visitors questioned this simple-easy-issue. Dont worry, all you have to do is prepare your packs and then take flights.

• From Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport flight toward Hasanuddin Airport, Makassar (it takes you 3.45 hours). Dont forget to have SARABA in the airport (SARABA is local beverage)
• Take 30 minutes flight from Hasanuddin Airport to Sultan Baabullah Airport, Ternate.
• You are getting close to Tolire Lake and Gamalama Mountain. Be patient during 10 km trip by hired-bus (US$28, rate subjected to US$1=Rp. 9019,- January 10th, 2007).
• For individual traveler, use ojeg (rented bike drives by owner), costs Rp. 10.000,-/hours

Where to Stay

You can stay in non-star hotel owned by local people, installed with Television and air-conditioning

Moving Around

You can acces the lake using hired bus if you wish to travel in a group, while "ojeg" will be the perfect choice for individual traveller.

Dining Guide

• SARABA : made from coconut milk, brown sugar and ginger
• Sagu : local food made from sago palm
• Durian: a very famous fruit in Indonesia with strong aroma. You can buy it along Tolire Lake and it costs you Rp. 5.000,-
• Bagea: traditional cake made from sagu, crispy and a bit salty. And the best way to enjoy it is with sweet black tea
• Makron: made from sagu (sago) mix with almond
• Nasi Jaha: made from submerged rice in coconut milk-put in bamboo stick-grilled in charcoal

Souvenir Tips

You can buy various souvenir in Pasar Gamalama or in the middle of Ternate town, traditional food, local handicrafts and etc. Make sure you know how to bargain the price to get the best price

Other Things to See or Do

After an extraordinary experience at Gamalama Mountain and Tolire Lake, dont forget to visit other places of interest which located near by the lake. Make sure you dont miss these:

• Small Tolire Lake
• Ngade lake
• Sultan Baabullahs grave
• Old forts as the legacy of Portuguese
• Sulamadaha Beach
• Gamalama market
• If you are not tired enough, found your self in Saturday night pub crawl and count 1-2-3 step for the POCO-POCO (line dancing focused on food-step)

Travel Tips

• Throwing small stone using slingshot to the lake (you can buy the stone from the kids who sale it Rp.1.000,- for 5 stones). What is unique about this? Many visitors claim when I throw it to the lake, its never touch the water, Believe it or not! Thats how they told their experiences.
• Bring your sweater or jacket
• Bring your camera/handy cam because you wont let your self miss all the beauties, the lake, the mountain and the people as well
• Dont bathing in the lake. Local people believe, if somebody bathing in the lake, something bad will happen. While the visitors said, it's way too cold.

Do You Know? Facts about Ternate

• Famous for various spices
• Place for many historical building as the legacy of Portuguese and Netherlands in the past

Gorontalo, the Pieces of Paradise on the Equator

Hidden Paradise on the Equator. There are just so many things that make Gorontalo perfect for holiday, the beauty of its nature, the culture and not forget to mention, the friendly people. General information about Gorontalo, stated at North Sulawesi. Mountains, hills, shore line are the main characteristic of Gorontalo and it makes the island perfect for marine tourism.

Most of diving site take you just a few minute from town, Diving in Gorontalo mean diving within the richness of biodiversity, health and unique coral and reef

Lot of beautiful place could be found here, Tomini Bay famous for under water habitat and undefined creatures. There is several number of unsettled small islands. Tomini Bay is a heaven for divers, because the geographic position of Tomini Bay itself, which is crossed by the equator line, has naturally presented various kinds of sea creature inside.

Desa Olele or Olele Village is well known as the wild diving spot among world class diver. Olele beach is a gate to underwater paradise. The amazing beauty of underwater life on this area has been recognize and proofed by the enthusiasm of the divers who come to Olele beach. The divers called Olele as Traffic Jam dive spot.

In Tomini Bay and Olele Beach, you can find some or maybe the most amazing and diver creature such as:

• Olele Beach

  Lumba-Lumba hidung botol (torsiops trancatus)
• Giant Reef (Petrosia Sp.)
• Angkutan Kota (City Transport " small car) also available
• School of Gobi Fish (Bryaninops erythrops)
• Salvador Dali reef (Petrosia lignose)
• Kipas Laut Biru (Acanthogorgia Sp.). There are only 3 acanthogorgia Sp. In Gorontalo
• Anemon Koralimorf (Discosoma Sp.)
• Nemo
• Ikan Behang (plectorhinchus chaetodonoides), some people call it cha-cha fish caused they dance and swim around the coral.
• Blenni (Escenius Caeruliventris)
• Cardinal Fish, damsel, platax pinnatus, scorpaenopsis, oxycephala, goropa fish, butterfly fish, pusillus, cockatoo fish, Randal fish, parapterois hetururus, Bothus Sp " half face fish, frog fish, celebes
• Not forget to mention that Gorontalo is the Kingdom of Nudibrancia

• BLENNI (ESCENIUS CAERULIVENTRES)

  Seahorse and pigmy seahorse

There are just too many creatures to be named in Gorontalo, Just come, wear your suit and experience the Pieces of Paradise on the Equator.

In your spare time, go cruise with the fisherman and catch/fishing your own fishes.

Getting There

• Jallaludin airport is the entrance for the visitors who use the airplane service (located approximately 15 km from the town of Gorontalo)
• Flight from Sukarno Hatta Air Port-Jakarta " Jallaludin Air Port, Gorontalo (Filght served every day, please check the exact schedule to your airline services)
• For visitors who use sea service, Gorontalo has 3 harbors, Anggrek Harbor, Kwandang Harbor and Crossing Harbor

Where to Stay

During your diving, you can stay at Gorontalo Resort
If you stay within the town, these hotels might be fit your requirements:

• Quality Hotel Gorontalo

  Olele Beach

  
  Jl. A. Yani Kota Gorontalo
  Phone: (0435) 822222, Fax (+62435) 821111, www.choicehotelsindonesia.co.id
• Saronde Hotel
  Walanda Marmis Street
  Phone: (0435) 824144
• Yulia Hotel
  Ahmad Yani Street
  Phone: (0435) 828395
• Wisata Hotel
  23 Januari Street
  Phone: (0435) 821736
• City Hotel
  Basuki Rahmat Street
  Phone: (0435) 822437
• Krawang City Hotel
  Basuki Rahmat Street
  Phone: (0435) 822437
• Citra Hotel
  Merdeka Street
  Phone: (0435) 821249

• NUDIBRANCIA

  Melati Hotel
  Gajah Mada Street
  Phone: (0435) 821853
• Wisata Leato Hotel
  Leato Street
  Phone: (0435) 824144
• Sumber Ria
  Budi Utomo Street
  Phone: (0435) 23888
• Budi Utomo Hotel
  Budi Utomo Street
  Phone: (0435) 821564
• Mutiara Hotel
  Andalas Street
  Phone: (0435) 825778
• Imam Bonjol Hotel
  Imam Bonjol Street
  Phone: (0435) 826240

Moving Around

• Within the town, Trans Sulawesi is a land acces that connected the province in Sulawesi
• Mini bus
• To access the diving spot you can use rented car/bike, then take a boat toward your spot preferences
• For those who use dive companys services, they'll arrange your activities (transport, meals, lodging) the moment you arrived at Gorontalo
• Take a ride with Bentor, support by motor bike machine, for one or two passenger only. Dont worry with the rain, cause Bentor installed with veil

Dining Guide

• Within the city, its easy to find any kind of food you want to have for your meal, international menu and traditional menu are available. Make your order, and youll find your meal rich in spices.
• Seafood lover will be pleased here
• Perkedel ikan nike (nike fish). Mashed nike fish mix with flour and spices, then fried
• Pepes Ikan Nike. Fresh nike fish mixed with certain spices, wrapped with banana leaf then baked or some prefer it grilled.

Souvenir Tips

• Kerawang: one of Gorontalos traditional cloth materials, which made by hand (man cloth and woman cloth for all ages). Althought Kerawang made by hand but is doesnt look like a hand made at all. Its a Must to buy and make sure its on your list
• Ornaments of intricate carved wood are common in all the district

Other Things to See or Do

• Wreck of Japanese Cargo, Tjendrawasih Ship
• Sail with the fisherman
• Sentinels: Best of the Best in Diving
• Fishing
• Potanga Pool with natural cool and fresh water-directly comes from the mountain spring
• Otanaha Castle was the protection and defense of the Kings of Gorontalo
• White sand of Leato
• Limboto Lake
• Ayuhulalo Waterfall
• Boalemo Beach
• Bolihutuo Beach
• Bajos Tribe Village

Travel Tips

• The best diving season runs from November to April
• You can experienced the encounter with dolphin (torsiops truncates) around February to April

Tourist Office:
Jl. Diponegoro No. 1
Gorontalo 96115 Phone:
(0435) 821763 Fax: (0401) 821763

MERAPI : One of the World’s Most Active Volcanoes

The Best Season to Visit:
May to September every year.

Bukittinggi, The Most Relaxed Town in All Sumatra

Bukittinggi is one of the loveliest, friendliest, most relaxed town in all Sumatra. This town is situated more or less 930 meters above sea level.

Bukittinggi, formerly named Fort De Cock by the Dutch, has a cool climate and is surrounded by three volcanoes: Tandikat, Singgalang and Merapi. In the outskirts of the town is the Ngarai Sianok canyon, a canyon separating Bukittinggi from Kota Gadang, 12 km away overland. Kota Gadang is renowned for its fine silver filigree and hand embroidery.

A center of attraction is the town's clock-tower, topped with a horn- shaped roof and referred to by the people as Jam Gadang. It overlooks the market square and the city's magnificent surroundings.

Also worth visiting is the Museum which is a Rumah Gadang, a traditional extended family house built in the 19th century. There are dance performances at the museum's open stage every Sunday and on public holidays. Night dance performances are at Sliguri. It is also worth seeing the bullfights at Padang Lawas (6 km south of Bukittinggi) every Tuesday at 5.00 p.m.

From Jakarta International Airport to Minangkabau International Airport in Ketaping it will take about 2 hours, after you arrive you can use Taxi or Bus to Bukittinggi.

There are various Inns and Hotels in Bukittinggi, If you are looking for a star hotel, theres Novotel Coralia Bukittinggi with a grand view of the beautiful Anai valley, while Lima's Hotel, Hotel Asia and Hotel Denai are classified locally as 'superior hotels'.

• Simpang Raya, Jl Muka Jam Gadang. This large, popular restaurant has good-quality Padang food plus a basic Indonesian menu with soup, rice or noodle dishes.
• Under the Bridge Restaurant, Jl A Yani. This is a slightly up market travelers' restaurant serving steaks, pasta, pizza, apple pie and chocolate cake.

Moving Around
You can move around the city by Taxi, Bus or rent a car. Theres also a horse carriage or sado provide a colorful charming transportation to move around through the town.

Other Things to See or Do

• Watching one of the landmarks of the city, the Bukittinggi Big Ben or known as Jam Gadang. Also.

• Make nice trips in the environment like to the Harau nature reserve, the Pagaruyung Minangkabau palace and Lake Singkarak.

Souvenir Tips
As a tourist center, Bukittinggi boasts a multitude of craft,souvenir, jewelry, and antique shops. Many craft village lie within an hour ride from Bukittinggi.

Shopping

• Lively Pasar Atas (Upper Market), just south of the clock tower, is lined with stalls and shops selling everyday goods and souvenirs. Nearby, Sumatera,
• Jl Minangkabau 19, has a huge range of textiles from Sumba and Irian Jaya and king sticks from North Sumatra.

Travel tips

• Though the horse carriage is far more expensive than the 'ojek', it is very popular with the locals, especially since it can carry whole families.

• The tourist office is at Jl Syech Bantam 1 (Mon-Thurs 8am-2pm, Fri 8-11am, Sat 8am-12.30pm; tel 0752/22403), near the clock tower.
• Tours: Many places offer one-day local tours to traditional villages, the Pagaruyung palace and the Harau Canyon.

Dining Guide
Good varieties of restaurants are situated on or close to the city. But, since youre in West Sumatra who is known with the spicy foods, we suggested you to try some Padang dishes like Rendang and Soto Padang. Here are some of restaurants around the city: Where to StayGetting There

Delightful Taman Safari Park, Cisarua

A free-roaming tiger in Taman Safari

Taman Safari is full of surprises and wonder. More than 2,500 animals from 271 species roam freely in this area. Where else in Indonesia you get to observe wild animals in their habitat?

Getting There

Cisarua is located near Puncak, a relaxation spot for most Jakartans. About a couple of hours by car from Jakarta, you can reach this park by renting a car or joining a tour. Alternatively, you can also rent a car from Bandung.

Other Things to See or Do

• Visit Baby Zoo where you can pat the cubs of lions, tigers, and others.
• Stay overnight so that you can explore this park to your heart's content.
• Take pictures with the baby animals in Baby Zoo.
• Visit recreational area and amusement park.

Dining Guide

Taman Safari has its own dining areas. You can also bring your own food.

Where to Stay

Peacock is only one of the many species of birds in Taman Safari

Taman Safari provides lodgings for visitors who are keen in exploring this park. Caravan Camping Ground, Bungalow, or Safari Lodge are ideal places for you to stay. For rates and info, click here

Souvenir Tips

Taman Safari related items are sold in this park. Children and adults might be interested in having their pictures taken with the animals in Baby Zoo.

Moving Around

You'll explore this site by riding a car (or a bus).

Travel Tips

• Those who are interested in the animals nightlife might be interested in Taman Safari's program called Night Safari. You'll be able to view the nocturnal animals, such as tigers,

  Gibbons

  lions, and so on.
• Join a tour to get a cheaper ticket.
• Stay overnight if you want to explore Night Safari.
• Prices for lodgings vary on weekdays, weekend, and National Holidays. It's best to make a reservation first.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah - Exploring Indonesia in One Day

Province Pavilions

Attractions

Transportation

1. Inns and hotels in and around Jakarta
2. Graha Wisata Remaja. Ideal for teenagers and those with limited budget. It is within walking distance to small restaurants, cable car station, pool, and several museums. Have overtired legs? The terminal for transportation is nearby. The shuttle cars there will transport you to other attraction within the park that you desire.
3. Padepokan Pencak Silat. This accomodation equipped with meeting rooms.
4. Desa Wisata. Mainly for young people in groups. This place sometimes hosts several meetings, events, and seminars. You can rent the cottages for more privacy. Food abd beverages is available to order. An open theater is also available.

1. TMII is quite huge, consisting of more than 100 hectares of land. If you don't have much time, join a tour. That way, you'll save money and time. (You'll get a discount if you travel in a group)
   
2. If you want to explore this site fully, it is best if you spend the night within this area.

1. Take a trip on the cable car. You'll be able to see TMII from the top a delightful experience.
2. Watch Indonesia movies at Theater Imax Keong Emas.
3. Visit several museums in this area.
4. Visit the parks orchid garden and bird park.

BALI BIRD PARK

Find yourself at the Bali Bird Park to witness the largest and finest collection of Indonesian birds in the world plus fantastic birds from Africa & South America.

Encompassing two hectares of botanical landscape, the park provides sanctuary to almost 1000 birds of 250 different species.

Our innovative approach towards the display of rare and tropical birds has progressed from traditional exhibits to that of showcasing mixed species in their natural habitats & in large walk in Aviaries and free range throughout the park.

The park accommodates an amazing display of flora with more then 2000 tropical plants including 50 varieties of palms alone and attracting numerous butterflies.

Incorporating a breeding, research and veterinary facility within the complex, the park has a high success rate in the captive reproduction of exotic birds such as the Bird. of Paradise and Hornbill.

Join us for an adventure that has no boundaries as we take you on a journey across the Indonesian archipelago, Latin America and South Africa.

The park is divided into regions that recreate the natural habitats of our birds, complete with indigenous plant life and traditional artefacts for authenticity.

Experience the original Jungle birds of Bali and encounter the world's rarest bird, the Bali Starling.

Discover the exotic birds of Papua and one of the most comprehensive collections of Bird of Paradise in the whole world.

Travel to Far East Indonesia, home to an amazing array of birds as well as the extraordinary Komodo Dragon, a giant carnivorous lizard which is a direct descendant of the dinosaur and rarely seen in captivity.

See the fantastic Javan Hawk and Serpent Eagles - & listen to the sweet sounds of Java's song birds echoing through the foliage.

Visit the deep jungle and misty mountain ranges of Sumatra for rare and strange endemic birds.

Venture to other tropical continents to view our collection of South American exotics such as the Scarlet Macaw and Toucan, witness the Congo Grey Parrot and other birds of the African Savannah.

See Cassowaries, Cranes, Storks & Pelicans and many more birds as they wander freely living and breeding uninhibited throughout the park.

Stroll within the boundaries of our giant walk-through aviaries that replicate the natural eco-systems of the Bali Jungle and Papuan Rainforest.

Pathways and bridges are carved through the dense foliage where only filtered sunlight manages to penetrate the canopy of greenery overhead.

Several vantage points have been strategically positioned to catch glimpses of free flying birds as they follow their survival instincts of foraging for food, nesting and mating.

These protected enclosures safeguard rare species from outside predators, whilst still exposing them to the various aspects of living in the wild.

Within 2 hectare of Balinese landscape and a free range birds, Bali Bird Park is a popular place for :

• arranged a special program for family gatherings
• corporate program
• group arrangements
• student group special education
• other creative competition such as photo shooting
• painting
• drawing or
• annual gathering

Bali Bird Park plays a key role in protecting and conserving Indonesia’s endangered wildlife.
The Park have successfully bred many species, including the rare Pesquet’s Parrot and numerous Bali Starlings. We accommodate more than 40 species of protected Indonesian birds in the park, a growing number of which are now breeding successfully under the care of our staff.

The staff are proud of their new additions some of which can be seen in their incubators through the observation windows of the laboratory & nursery building.

Bali Bird Park - Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir
Singapadu, Batubulan - Gianyar - Bali
Telephone: 62 361 299352
Fax: 62 361 299614
E-mail: sales@bali-bird-park.com, Website: www.bali-bird-park.com

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