One of the foremost cultural centers of Java, Yogyakarta or Yogya as it is called will keep visitors enthralled with its inherent charm and diverse cultural entertainment and attractions. Gamelan music, classical and contemporary Javanese dances, the wayang kulit leather puppet theater and other expressions of traditional art will keep the visitor spellbound. Local craftsmen excel in…
Rajah Empat – king of the Asian Coral Reefs
In South East Asia, there is the so-called ‘coral triangle‘, a region of high species diversity comprising Indonesia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. Right smack at the middle of this triangle is a cluster of Indonesian islands called Rajah Empat (Four Kings) Located in the Southern most region of Indonesia’s West Papua Province, Raja Empat is truly one of the…
Papua, the Indonesian Side
Papua (formerly known as Irian Jaya) is a mountainous wilderness, wrapped in 400,000 sq km of almost impenetrable forest. A land of knife-blade peaks (many permanently snow-capped), 250 designated cultural subgroups, 500 languages and negligible infrastructure, Papua is one of the planet’s last truly wild places, a vast region where tribal ways survive largely intact and…
Lampung, Indonesia – culture and history
The City of Lampung is strategically located and easily accessible, particularly from Jakarta. Bandar Lampung, its capital, was formerly two separate towns, Tanjungkarang and Telukbetung. In the course of development these towns spread out to one another to become one single city. Agriculture remains the main source of livelihood for its residents, from farming, fishery and plantations. Clove, coffee and…
Java’s National Parks, Indonesia
Except for a few famous landmarks, Java is comparatively less visited than its more popular neighbor, Bali. This however doesnít mean that it doesnít have its own unique attractions up its sleeve. For one thing, visitors to Java will not find themselves short of green corners to visit and explore. A tour of the national…
Irian Jaya, Indonesia
The jungles are among the deepest and most impenetrable in the world. Five thousand-meter high snow capped mountains plunge deep into floors while small glacier lake rivers cut through dark forests until their sluggish, crocodile infested mouths disgorge the water into the sea. So hey, unless theyíre Indiana Jones, visitors to the province had better…
Indonesian Wildlife and Nature Tours
With more than 17,000 islands (17,508 to be exact) visitors to Indonesia can only expect the wide and marvelous array of flora and fauna that every island has to offer. Being mainly of mountainous terrain, a lot of Indonesia’s terrestrial animal population is endemic; living on just one particular island or area. There have been…
Observing Indonesian Customs and Courtesies
Every different country has their own customs and traditions, which must be observed and respected particularly by tourists who would not wish to be thought of as “rude.” A few guidelines to follow when visiting Indonesia The Indonesian culture is based on honor and respect for the individual. Letters begin with Dengan Hormat “with respect“….
Idyllic Pulau Weh, Indonesia
And they thought theyíd just be there for a dayÖ The island of Pulau Weh, located off the northernmost tip off the Indonesian region of Sumatra just off the coast near Banda Aceh, has seduced many a day-tripper into staying and setting down roots in its tranquil and idyllic shores. More popularly…
The Dieng Plateau, Indonesia
At an altitude of 2000 meters, the Dieng Plateau provides very cool and pleasant weather. This may be of no special importance to visitors from cooler climates but in a South East Asian country, such a place can mean a respite from the normally hot climate. There are also some very interesting temples, beautiful scenery,…