where to adventure travel in indonesia

Although the wily jungles of Indonesia are slightly tamer than the days of the Borneo headhunters, there are still many options for the modern day thrill seeker. Whether trekking in the jungles and mountains of the vast archipelago, diving in some of the most biologically diverse waters in the world, or visiting with some of the few remaining tribal groups in the world, Indonesia can still live up to its unfettered past.

From the snow capped peaks of Papua to the smoking volcanoes of Java, Indonesia presents any trekker with a wide array of choices, regardless of skill level. The further a field you plan to go, the more valuable you will find using a tour agency to arrange your trip. Tour agencies often get better deals on national airline tickets and can arrange for transportation and accommodation in areas where such amenities are scarce. Papua, the easternmost province of Indonesia, is unfortunately experiencing periods of civil unrest, so be sure to get updated information if you plan to set off there. The snow covered Carstensz Pyramid, locally known as Puncak Jaya, is the highest mountain in Papua. Please note - the trek up Carstensz Pyramid is for the experienced climber. For those looking for something challenging, but without the need for carabineers, try the third highest peak in Papua, Trikora Mountain. Indonesia requires all trekkers in Papua to obtain a climbing permit, usually arranged by your tour company. Trekking can be combined with a visit to one of the few remaining tribal groups on the island to experience first hand the wonder of what it means to live off the land.

If you like diving, the blue waters of Indonesia, teeming with marine life of all shapes and colors, are not to be missed. Some of the best diving in the world is found in Indonesia and options come in all price ranges, from a quick dip off the coast of Bali to a two week liveaboard that will take you to areas otherwise inaccessible. Among the most popular dive spots for those wanting easy access, as well as beach resorts, is Bunaken Island off the coast of North Sulawesi. Bunaken has suffered some damage to its coral reefs from blast fishing, but much is still alive or recovering through the efforts of local conservation groups. If you prefer a liveaboard, there are many operators to the Komodo Islands, Sulawesi's Wakatobi and Lembeh Strait, Flores, and Alor, to name a few. Shop around for the best price and definitely check up on the company or you might find your accommodations less than desirable. Once you get in the water though, expect to be awed by teeming barracudas, colorful cuttlefish, and mantas.

For the eco-tourist, the options are endless. From orangutan spotting and jungle trekking in Kalimantan to Komodo Dragon watching on the shores of Komodo, options vary by budget and time frame. The orangutan population continues to dwindle every year and some of the money garnered from eco-tourism goes to support foundations and local groups that work to save them. Although the number of visitors is limited each year, tour companies can arrange a visit to the famous rainforest study area of Tanjing Putting National Park and Camp Leakey in Kalimantan (formerly Borneo). A visit to the Ministry of Forestry's feed station might earn you the chance to interact with the orangutans directly. Accommodation and transportation are best arranged beforehand as flights can vary throughout the year. Another popular ecotourism destination is Komodo National Park which includes the three large islands of Komodo, Rinca, and Padar as well as several smaller islands. A visit to this area can be combined with a dive trip as the waters in the reserve are home to an estimated 900-1,000 marine species. The Komodo Dragons themselves, giant monitor lizards, are relatively easy to spot, but you're guaranteed to find them safely with the help of a guide. Accommodation in the National Park is rustic, but the staff is friendly and the food is decent. Foregoing the beaches of Bali may not be easy for some, but the treasures of the other Indonesian islands are not to be missed.

Alex Smith maintains and manages the Cheap Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com

Situated in the eastern part of Bali, Nusa Dua is a 741-acre enclave that envelopes numerous upscale resorts and 5-star hotels for distinguished travelers. And in this neighborhood of sophistication and luxury, indulgence takes all forms of shapes and sizes.

Glorious Accommodations

Located 40 km from Denpasar, Nusa Dua is most famous for its lavish hotels and resorts. Here, splurging on accommodations is a given and a welcome treat for some. Most hotels have all-inclusive facilities and services that you would not want to go outside at all. Usually incorporating serene and captivating atmospheres built on natural accents and distinctive décor, the mesmerizing comforts of such accommodations here are always worth every penny.

Cozy lodgings in Nusa Dua come in different types to suit the needs of every visitor. Whether you'll be traveling with family, friends, or loved ones, you'll surely find the right type of accommodation for your stay. From well-appointed suites to exclusive Bali villas, you'll never run out of elegant options. And upscale or not, you can also get great value for your money when you chance upon a special promo, like The Bali Khama's latest promotional package.

The nightlife scene in Nusa Dua may not be as colorful as its neighboring beach locales, but if you're staying at one of its posh hotels, you wouldn't need to worry. Entertainment and amusements in the area include fine dining restaurants and exclusive bars, perfect for romantic evenings or even just a casual drink with a couple of friends.

A World of Rejuvenation

Another staple in the Nusa Dua neighborhood is its collection of health spas and wellness centers. Whether independent or housed within the walls of hotels, spas here are known for providing a wide selection of soothing, revitalizing, and beautifying treatments. These include everything from authentic Balinese massage and facials to scrubs and sauna services. Surely, one cannot go without a visit to such sanctuary for the senses.

Exhilarating Diversions

With the pristine beaches just close by, water sports and other engaging activities are never too far behind. A favorable destination for surfers in between October to April, the shores of Nusa Dua offer the perfect place to ride the gigantic waves. It is also an ideal spot for other adventures such as snorkeling, jet skiing, scuba diving, fly fishing, and even the leisurely banana boat rides. If you want to stay dry, the surrounding area is just right for tennis and squash games. Or if you want, you can arrange a round of golf at the Bali Golf and Country Club.

For more information on The Bali Khama, check out this website of the Bali hotel.

Kara Ochoa is a web copywriter with over 3 years of experience in SEO and Search Engine Marketing. She frequently writes about travel and announcements by accommodation providers such as hotels and resorts, and on how these releases affect the travel and hotel industry.

People are extremely biased. For some reason, Indonesia has the image of being a dangerous place to visit. Some cite political violence and terrorism, while others seem to think that erupting volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis are just daily natural occurrences there. While it is true that as a huge and socio-politically highly diverse nation Indonesia is very complex, and in its growing pains has experienced its share of misery due to politically instability, I would like to point out strongly here that not only is Indonesia a safe place to visit, but that its people are warm and friendly and are not yet jaded by greedy tourism as other countries can be. On the charge of terrorism in Bali and Jakarta, it is true that it occurred and no one can excuse it or lessen its tragic effects. However, for Indonesia, it is an anomaly, not a serious danger.

Simply put, Indonesia is one of the last places on earth where you can see, well, the earth itself at its very finest. Two things that people rarely mention in reference to Indonesia are the fact that much of it remains an amazingly pristine garden of eden the sights of which would astound you beyond belief and that sadly this garden like all the other pristine areas of the earth, is disappearing rapidly under the axe of man.

How could anyone not want to see Indonesia? It is home to the world's largest flower, the world's the largest butterfly, birds that defy imagination, and another massive flower that is carnivorous and is capable of digesting a baby monkey. Multiply the above by a thousand and you may get an idea of the natural tapestry of Indonesia. The bed upon which this quilt of life rests is parallel in majesty to the life it supports. Gorgeous mountains and volcanoes, sheer breathtaking cliffs and peculiar islands, turquoise seas and hidden lagoons, Indonesia has a monopoly on natural beauty that you will not find anywhere else.

This article was written by Dinah Jackson who enjoys writing about science, travel and Pokemon. Check out the brand new online Pokemon magazine. We have information about Pokemon Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott and many other characters. Hundreds of magazine articles that you can read for free. Plus tons of news about upcoming Pokemon plushie, pokedolls, charms, boosters, figures, deck boxes and thousands more Pokemon products from the Japan Pokemon Centers.

Are you curious about Bali? Have you heard others talking about staying in Bali luxury villas? Do you wonder what it would be like to slip away from your everyday life and enjoy a stay in a private villa in a luxurious seaside destination like Bali? If so, there are five Bali facts that you may feed your curiosity just a little. Whether you ever get to visit or not, these facts will give you an idea of what it is like to visit this exotic destination.

1. Bali is much more than a surfing destination.

Bali definitely has the reputation for being a haven for surfers, but that is not all there is to this are of Indonesia. You can do other things in the ocean, such as explore the islands or go out for a snorkeling adventure to these the underwater wildlife.

You can also find other forms of adventure that have nothing to do with the ocean. Go for a hike through rice fields, explore the rough lands surrounding the volcanoes, or take plunge with bungee jumping. Many visitors also enjoy the many temples, the celebrations and festivals that are always going on, and the street dancers and musicians.

2. Bali does not have to be an unsafe place to travel, despite what you may have heard.

Some think of Indonesia as an unsafe place for tourists, but this is not true. Many people are able to visit this portion of Indonesia without any problems at all. The trick is to educate yourself on the different areas of Bali, and stick with activities and destinations you know are safe. Use common sense, and you will find Bali an enjoyable place to vacation.

3. Bali can be experienced through cheap hotels, or through beautiful private villas.

You can get a different view of Bali depending on your budget. If you are looking for an affordable vacation spot, then you will enjoy the lower priced hotels and other rentals available throughout Bali. You can find some great deals in areas that have been built up for tourism, such as Ubud.

If you are looking for something more exclusive and classy, then you will get a different view of Bali through a Bali luxury villa. These villas are in prime locations, and they offer the finest amenities for those who can afford to pay. For example, you may enjoy a massage by the ocean or you may have the private services of concierge to show you where to go, call you a private cab, or help you book private guided tours.

4. Some of the restaurants in Bali are just as exclusive and delicious as high class restaurants you love back home.

You can find some treats on the streets of Bali, but there are also some upscale restaurants that can give you a taste of higher quality Indonesian foods. If you love food, you might want to explore some of the best restaurants and plan to visit them all while in Bali.

Book your stay in a Bali luxury villa, but then make sure to venture out of the private villas to explore everything Bali, Indonesia has to offer.

A stunning Luxury villa for rent for your honeymoon or holiday. Beautiful clifftop villa with breathtaking views.

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The content is our own opinion and does not necessarily reflect the views of Bali Karang Kembar Estate.

BALI

We flew to Denpasar Bali from Kuala Lumpur with a Malaysia Airline special. We obtained a Visa On Arrival. Expect a long wait in line as all the planes seem to arrive at the same time. The hotel we had booked on the internet met us with a complimentary transfer. We had flown to Bali to obtain an onward flight to Flores to take a boat to see the Komodo Dragons. We spent 3 days in Bali and were less than impressed. The beaches have dirty looking sand and were covered with rubbish washed ashore. The shops all seemed to sell the same unremarkable touristy junk. We know people who rave about Bali and go there every year; we can only assume they have never been anywhere else to compare it with.

FLORES

Our hotel gave us the best airfare to Flores. We flew to Labuanbajo on Flores and stayed at the Bajo Komodo Eco Lodge. It was lovely, spacious with a pool and quiet. There is a fantastic restaurant next door. We took some walks and played soccer with the locals and bought cold drinks from a home shop. It is out of the town centre and you need to take transport (motor bikes, vans or hitch a ride on a trailer). I was starting to feeling very ill (dizzy and nauseous when I stood up) and just wanted to rest.

All travel agencies will organise your boat trip to Komodo Island to see the dragons. Shop around and compare prices against what they offer and what is included. We opted for a 2 day/1 night tour. The 3 day/2 night tours only included more snorkelling. People we met on these tours wished they had taken the 2 day/1 night tour instead. There are open deck boats versus cabin boats. We chose the open deck boat, where we slept on mattresses on the canopy covered deck. We found this was much better than being stuck in a stuffy small cabin. Compared to the cabin boats we appeared to have more deck room. Despite still not feeling well we left for the dragon islands.

KOMODO & RINCA ISLANDS

We left Labuanbajo at 8am and there was just Gavin and I, the captain, deckhand and cook on the boat. We went to Rinca Island first where we paid our National Park fee which also covers Komodo Island (so keep your ticket safe). We saw quite a few dragons in our walk with the ranger. After leaving Rinca we went to an area called Coral Gardens to go snorkelling. We have never seen so many different and beautiful coloured corals. The boat then took us to see the huge mangrove bats that leave at dusk. We dropped anchor for the night. We were joined by lots of other tour boats.

The next morning we headed to Komodo Island. The ranger took us into the forest where we came upon a huge dragon which he started to poke with a stick as he said he wanted to get better photos for us! We told him it was fine, after all these creatures eat meat! Lots of the dragons hang around the compounds especially where the kitchens are, hoping for meat scraps.

The boat took us to another island for some more snorkelling which was quite poor. We arrived back at Labuanbajo around 4pm. We stayed at a hotel in town as we were deciding whether we would take a tour to the other end of the island and fly back to Bali from there. In the end as I was still ill we decided to fly back to Bali from Labuanbajo.

To read about our further adventures in Indonesia, please read Indonesia - So Much More Than Just Bali (Part 2)

Name - Elwynn Jones

Website - http://roughitinerary.com

Since 1999 my husband Gavin and I have travelled to 53 countries. Our shortest trip was 5 days and our longest was 7 months. We travel independently and map out a rough itinerary (hence our website name), as we know that our plans will change due to weather, local circumstances or finding out about other attractions not listed in the guide book. We have created this website to share our knowledge, experience and other details we have learnt along the way.

If you love to surf and want to visit Bali, you are about to step into what could be the most memorable surfing trip of your life. Many people come to Bali year after year because of the amazing people, stunning scenery, and of course mile after mile of amazing swells and waves. Before you head to Bali, you need to be aware of two places:

• Uluwatu Temple

• Suluban Beach

Uluwatu Temple is one of the oldest temples in Indonesia and sits on the cliffs up above the ocean. It offers amazing views out to the ocean, sunset, and surrounding beaches. It is also used by surfers down on the beach who learn rather quickly to direct themselves in the waves according to the direction of the temple.

This is a Hindu temple erected as a worshipping ground to the "spirits of the sea." It has become a hot spot for visitors to Uluwatu and a legend to all local surfers. While you are in Uluwatu, Bali you cannot leave without visiting the temple at least once.

There are also raves held at the temple and along the beaches anytime there is a full moon. The raves held inside the temple will be a lot calmer than those found on the beaches, which may be more ideal for many travelers who want to experience this exciting form of Indonesian full moon celebration.

One of the best beaches to stay at in the Uluwatu area is Suluban Beach. There are amazing cliffs running along the beach with comfortable villas nestled in the cliffs which can be rented at reasonable prices. The surf is always hot on this beach, with many tourists enjoying the atmosphere created by the mix of enthusiastic travelers and the locals who happen to be excellent surfers as well.

You can find Suluban Beach at the Pecatu Village and will find it to be one of the more peaceful, relaxing beaches in Uluwatu. While there are great surfing opportunities here, you will also have the chance at other recreational activities out on the water. That makes it a great place for families or groups to visit, since some can surf while others enjoy snorkeling and other adventures that aren't quite as risky.

This area of Bali is known for being a hot spot for more advanced surfers, so keep that in mind when you determine who comes along for the trip. Beginners or those who are not quite comfortable on more dangerous waves may not feel comfortable hitting the water with the expert locals who have been living on the waves their entire lives.

Of course, there are other adventures to be explored on Suluban Beach, so those who decide the waves are too much can always find other things to do. Even just walking along the beach and enjoying the scenery is quite the experience in this area of Bali.

Suluban Beach is close to the Uluwatu Temple, so that is of course another exploration that you should make while visiting the beach and staying in the cliff villas. If you want to relax from the stress of your daily life and hit the waves, then Suluban Beach is an excellent destination for a vacation.

Looking for bali villa rental for your honeymoon or holiday? Check out Suluban Cliff Bali Villa with stunning oceanview here.

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A neighbouring island of Bali, Lombok, Indonesia is now attracting more tourists for its pristine beaches and affordable attractions. For tourists who would like to avoid the throngs of people and commotion when vacationing in Indonesia, then Lombok is definitely the place to be.

Lombok's pristine white beaches, especially those in the Island's southwestern area, are quieter than Bali's busy coasts. Kuta, different from Bali's Kuta, offers pure white sands to visitors. There are also islands in the northwest that are attracting more visitors for its simplicity and serenity. The three Gili Islands have been a destination for backpackers for its simplicity, however, more tourists are discovering the paradise getaway.

Desert Point or Bangko-bangko is a great place to surf. Both beginners and experienced surfers can enjoy the waves in south coast. Tourists can always try snorkelling to see the beautiful reefs. Sea kayaking is also another activity to enjoy. There are even some traveller's lodges that offer visitors an introduction to fishing.

Aside from the coast, locals and visitors can enjoy the northern and mountainous part of the tropical haven. There are also mountain villages to visit and one of the popular places to visit in Lombok is Mount Rinjani. Mount Rinjani is a gigantic 12, 000 foot volcano. Often, there are two-day trek scheduled and guided by the locals for adventurous locals and tourists.

Aside from the sceneries and natural wonders of the island, visitors can always enjoy food and festivities in the island. The word "lombok" translates to chilli. If you have a thing for spicy food, then make sure that you try local dishes with sambal, a spicy condiment made from Lombok chillies.

Lombokalso has several festivals, especially that there is diverse mix of ethic and religious groups. One of the most colourful celebrations is the Bau Nyale, also known as the Sea Worm Festival. During the celebration, locals commemorate the story of the princess who refused to enter a political marriage. Marine or sea worms are caught, roasted and eaten.

For souvenirs, there are numerous shops in the island. Local textile and fabric like sarongs and woven items are great for taking home. There are also figurines and local pottery available. Some of the best potteries can be purchased in Penujak, Masbagik and Banyumulek. Tourists can easily find money changers in the island. Credit card can be used is some establishments.

There is also a museum, temple complex and several tourist hot spots to visit. Tourists don't have to worry about travelling around the island, since transportation is readily available. Visitors can also rent cars and motorcycles.

Reaching Lombok, Indonesia is not difficult since the city of Mataram, also the capital city of the island, has an International Airport. There are also ferry trips from Bali going to the island.

R. Meester is a writer for Bali land property (TORTOR Property) in Bali. They are a leading property sales and holiday villa rental company in Bali operating since 2003 offering good priced land, house, villa properties and holiday villa rentals in Bali Seminyak Kerobokan Canggu Sanur and more places in Bali. Bali Property and Lombok Property.

The chance to dive in Indonesia, the country at the heart of the world's marine biodiversity, is always a privilege. The thought of the dragons of Komodo Island and the amazing dives sites in its surrounding waters also fills me with awe. So you can imagine my delight at the chance to board the new Indonesian liveaboard, the Seven Seas, on a trip around Indonesia's best loved national marine park.

I arrived late September and, after a night in Bali, checked-in for my morning flight to Labuan Bajo, Flores. Such flights mean you can concentrate all your dive time within the park, instead of spending 2 or 3 days getting to and from Bali and diving (in my opinion) inferior sites. The flight with IAT was on a little twin propeller plane which, to my eternal relief, handled the flight well and was a steady as any jet. On board were a mix of locals, divers and other tourists gazing down as we soared over the ever-changing coastline and shimmering seas. I was glad to see my face amongst them, kissing the tortoise shell.

On arrival at Labuan Bajo's little airport, I was met by a representative of Seven Seas who took us the 15 minutes from the airport to the jetty. The guests introduced themselves in the minibus and chatted excitedly about what the next few days had in store for this group of disparate individuals, united only by a shared love of the underwater world.

The first sight of our home for the next few days was impressive. Standing tall and proud in the harbour was this elegant, burgundy schooner. A beautiful Indonesian sailing ship with a pronounced bow, belying the hull's original cargo purpose. The crew, all clad in Seven Seas burgundy t-shirts, helped us on board and greeted us with smiles and welcome drinks. We were shown to our cabins below deck. I had a cabin with twin beds and, as with all, an en-suite bathroom of a standard you would be lucky to find in a hotel, complete with excellent piping hot power shower.

We set off from Labuan Bajo for our itinerary around the northern section of the Komodo National Park. I had memories of the Southern section on a previous trip where water temperatures had dropped to the teens. However, I was pleased that on this trip we would be diving mostly in the north. The diving, as promised, was excellent. The one thing that seems to stand out in Komodo is the sheer colour of the reefs. Where else can you find such a riot of yellow, blue, green, red, brown and pink all in the one spot?

The Diving in Komodo

Of course diving Komodo is such a varied experience that it cannot really be said to be about one thing. There are also great numbers of fish in the right spots. One of my favourite dives was 'Fishbowl' where, in addition to shark and ray sightings and myriad little reef fish, there were also big numbers of snapper, sweetlips, trevally and fusiliers. When such fish biomass is set against the vibrant hues of Komodo's reefs surely there are few other locations which offer so much.

Night dives are another feature of Komodo which must be emphasised. One evening we slipped away on the Seven Seas' excellent tender (which has the type of simple but effective seating arrangement that should be copied by all dive tenders) to a spot above a dive site known as 'Spanish Dancer'. In the dark of night a fantastic number of nocturnal creatures were scuttling and slithering over the reef, including highlights such as slipper lobsters (my first sighting) and of course the eponymous Spanish Dancers, whose mid-water dance illuminated by our spotlights provided a breathtaking moment.

Pillarsteen was another highlight for me given its incredible topography with all manner of caves, swim-throughs and chimneys. This felt like a real adventure with the divemaster leading the way into seemingly dead-end fissures in the rock only to be followed by a snake of excited divers emerging out of the other side into the sunlight. As a change from focusing on all the colour and fish, Pillarsteen proved a very popular addition to our cruise.

Komodo Dragons

A land excursion near Komodo Island

Of course if you mention the word Komodo to most people, the first image they will have in their mind is that of the legendary dragon. Seven Seas' Komodo trips include a day's visit to the island where you can get up close with these enormous reptiles. We chose the 2 hour walk option, which took us inland away from the ranger station and onto higher ground, in search of dragons in a more natural habitat. Walking along through the dry sparse vegetation onto viewpoints from where you can gaze all around, and know that you are standing on Komodo Island, is a special thought. Sadly we did not see any large dragons on our trek. However on the way back we did spot a few juveniles scurrying around in the undergrowth. The island itself is a popular spot with divers and non-divers alike so you are likely to meet other travellers there. If you are on board the Seven Seas you can expect to see plenty of jealous glances into the bay when other people realise you are on the large proud burgundy sailing ship standing head and shoulders above the other vessels at anchor.

The Ambience

Mark Heighes, one of the owners and one of Indonesia's best known characters in the diving community, was our cruise director and throughout the trip kept us entertained with funny stories and also engaged us with interesting information about the park and the efforts to preserve its environment.

Every night we would sit around after one of the tasty and varied meals that we were treated with, and chat about all manner of subjects. The guests were such a mixed bunch that mercifully we were spared the 24 hour diving chat and instead covered vast range of topics. On a couple of occasions we elected to pop on a DVD and all lounged in the saloon enjoying a movie on the flat screen TV and surround sound.

Possibly the best aspect of the Seven Seas is the amount of space. The A/C saloon is large and comfortable and in addition to the table and benches in the middle of the main deck, there is a lot of space on the upper deck. Above the saloon is an open sundeck area with sun loungers and tables and chairs, as well as cushioned sofa beds. In the aft section of the upper deck is a fully-covered lounging area with sofa beds in the trademark burgundy. It all adds up to comfort galore; and to couple the comfort and space above water with the variety and wonder of Komodo National Park below water, truly is a great combination.

Small Things that Make a Big Difference

Perhaps one difference between cruises on the Seven Seas and those with other Komodo liveaboards is that guests are encouraged to explore the islands rather than spending all their free time on deck. We had a trek over an uninhabited island with spectacular views and a gorgeous beach, where the sand is a few shades more red than its more famous neighbour, 'Pink (sometimes Red) Beach'. Some guests also went of for relaxing sunset kayak excursions which make magical photo opportunities. One day while moored in a quiet bay, a dugong surfaced for breath near the boat,which was followed by a kayak trip for further interaction. Dugongs however only play when they want to and this time it seems we weren't invited.

On the trip back to Labuan Bajo as we chilled out with cold beers and the setting sun cast a pink glow over the water, dolphins cavorted in our wake and I found myself more in love with Komodo than ever, and sad to be bidding it farewell.

For anyone with a love of scuba diving or an interest in nature, then this one area with Komodo dragons, manta rays, dugongs, dolphins and innumerable delightful fish and reefs, has an allure that can only be resisted for so long.

I know I will be back one day. Perhaps not for some time but I must surely revisit the magical place that is Komodo.

Gavin Macaulay is Marketing Director of Dive The World which aims to help divers find the perfect scuba diving holiday in some of the world's most exciting dive destinations. He offers opinions and advice on diving related topics based on his own experiences.

The people of Bandung are probably some of the most fortunate group of people on this earth. With its U-shaped bowl-like landscape located almost 1km above sea-level, Bandung is surrounded with large mountains with few of them classified as still active volcanoes. The temperature constantly hovers around 15-25 degree Celsius (68-77 degree Farenheit) throughout the year, the ideal temperature for most of us. Various natural factors such as the volcanic soil, high rainfall and temperate climates contributes to high level of soil fertility and perfect agricultural ground. Once labeled as Paris Van Java (The Paris of Java), Bandung is always ready to enchant every of her visitors. Here are the 5 trails you should not miss when you are in Bandung.


Shopping Trail. Since 1980s, Bandung has been famously known as the clothing warehouse of Indonesia. Today, the sprouting presence of Factory Outlets (FOs) has made Bandung popular among casual shoppers or fashionistas, and it has earned its reputation well even among foreign tourists. Large number of FOs are concentrated along Jalan Setiabudhi or Jalan Dago. If you are not running against time, then you probably want to embark on a FO adventure and drop by each shop. But if time is the essence, you probably want to drop by only one or two of them. If time permits only one place to choose from, my recommendation is the all-time favorite Rumah Mode (RM) that is located along Jalan Setiabudhi. This is probably one of the most well-known establishment in Bandung. If you happen to have lost your way, you can simply ask the traffic police for direction (just mention Rumah Mode) and they will tell you where it is. Today, RM offers more than just a fashion shopping experience. Over the recent years, it has added food outlets as part of its attraction. You can enjoy casual al-fresco dining experience with that traditional touch while giving yourself a culinary treat - from Indonesian (Mie Goreng Jawa, Tahu Mendoan and...) to Chinese to Western cuisines. The food is reasonably priced. So you can simply spend the entire day pampering your fashion and taste buds at the same time. While my job is not to promote RM, one other thing that differentiate RM from other FOs is the absence of street vendors who oftentimes will persistently follow your every step.
Nature Trail. Surrounded by mountains and highlands, Bandung offers ample outdoor trails for anyone who wants to get close to nature. Tangkuban Perahu is the most prominent volcanic mountain in Bandung and certainly a must-visit destination. If you are into skin treatment, you can buy sulfur at very cheap price. I love the batik wood that they made into multi-purpose ornament such as pencil holders, flower vase and even cigarette receptacles. But the lack of quality of guarantee always stop me from buying them. Ciater natural hot spring spa offers an intimate experience with Mother Nature. You can choose from the public pool (always very crowded), public-private pool (requires additional entry ticket) or private pool (pay for half-an-hour usage) that accommodates two persons at a time. Ciwidey is probably the best kept secret of Bandung. Unlike Dago or other parts of Bandung where tourism boom has marred the beautiful face of nature, Ciwidey has so far remained unspoiled. But this also means that you should expect less exotic dining options here. Kawah Putih is a major attraction in Ciwidey. But I was utterly disappointed during my last visit there. The entrance fee was ridiculous. On top of individual entrance fee, each car is required to pay Rp. 150,000 (15USD). Considering the minimal amount of development efforts and proper tourist informational guide, to me the fee is simply illogical. So during my last visit there, we refused to pay and turned back instead. Further down from Kawah Putih is the tea plantations. The green tea plantation offers some of the most stunning green scenery and the air is absolutely refreshing. You can also do some outbound activities such as the flying fox. The outbound provider does not appear professional with minimal equipments. Nonetheless, the idea of flying across gigantic green mattress (tea plantation) was so intriguing that it might be irresistible to not try. Do give it a shot, but at your own risk though. On your way back from Ciwidey, do remember to drop by at one of the strawberry farms. Frankly speaking, we were a little skeptical initially. But we were wrong. Strawberry grows abundantly there and they are indeed some of the best grade that we have ever come across. Adding to the joy is the fact that you get to pick your own strawberry and of course get to illegally eat them right from the tree.
Romantic Trail. I would have to agree with the fact that given the so many cool hangout places in Bandung, it would be hard to pick the best. Based on my personal experience and feedback from several of my guests, I would say Kampung Daun is probably one of the most romantic place in Bandung. The place is simply amazing and it promises to blow your imagination away. I would not try to describe the place too much here. Experience it yourself and you will know why.
Indulgence Trail. While Javanese spa is probably one of the most exploited name in the industry, I have so far not come across real Javanese spa that is well worth mentioning. Well hopefully, one day I probably might. But if you have spent the entire day hopping from one FO to the next and feel that your bone is starting to feel tired or if you are just looking to relax your stressed muscle, you can pamper yourself in one of the massage houses. Along Jalan Sukajadi, there are at least two prominent massage houses - Zen Reflexology and Yu Yuan Tang. They are situated opposite to one another. As a result, prices are very competitive. Zen Reflexology offers a slightly cheaper alternative but less privacy if you are just there to do your foot reflexology. On the other hand, Yu Yuan Tang offers royal treatment from the moment you step into it. Whether you are there for foot reflexology or full-body massage, you get your own privacy. Each room caters only for two or three persons. The price between the two massage houses are similar with Yu Yuan Tang charging slightly higher price. But overall, our past experiences tend to lead us to Yu Yuan Tang every time we are looking to pamper ourselves.
Culinary Trail. Bandung is probably best known for its street hawkers' dishes such Batagor (Bakso Tahu Goreng), Siomay, Tahu Mendoan and of course the legendary Tahu Sumedang. Do not leave Bandung before heading to either Kartika Sari or Primarasa. They are the signature souvenir of Bandung. At Kartika Sari, do not miss their Pisang Bollen (Banana Pastry) and Banana Roll. At Primarasa, do not miss their Tiramisu or Chocolate brownies.

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The author is based in Singapore. He has a passion for traveling and Indonesia is one of his favorite country destination. Harmony in Diversity - hundreds of languages, ethnics, faiths, beliefs, traditions and cultures - blend adroitly to create one of the most dynamic societies in the world. Indonesia presents an intriguing destination for holiday goers.

Indonesia Climate

Indonesia has a tropical climate with two seasons; dry and monsoon. The best time to travel is from April to October as this is the dry season. The monsoon season is from November to March, and for certain islands such as Bali, it is fine to travel during these months. The rain is generally limited to a couple of hours in the afternoon. In terms of temperature, there's little difference between the winter and summer on most of the islands, with temperatures averaging 25C-30C all year round.

Sumatra and Java

The best time to travel to Sumatra and Java is from May to September. The monsoon season lasts from November until March, with most of the rain falling in the late afternoon. It is best to avoid travelling to Sumatra during these months as the monsoon rains can be very heavy, making roads inaccessible. Temperatures average 22-29 degrees all year round.

Bali

The dry season on Bali lasts from April until September, with May, June and July being the coolest months when temperatures 'drop' to 28C. The monsoon season starts in October and lasts until March, but in between the monsoon showers you can expect clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine. The hottest months of the year are February and March, with temperatures around 30C. The best time to go on a Bali adventure tour is in the drier, cooler months from May until August, with high temperatures during the day and cooler evenings.

Nusa Tenggara (Lombok, Flores, the Gilis)

The difference between the dry and wet season is bigger here than in other areas of Indonesia. The driest months are August and September, the wettest are November and February. The duration of the dry and wet seasons varies per island. The climate on Lombok is similar to Bali, and the same goes for Sumbawa and Flores. Generally, the closer to Australia you get, the longer the dry season.

Sulawesi

Due to its irregular shape and the fact that it's on a geographical borderline, Sulawesi has two very different climates. The South-West has its monsoon season from October to March. In the North, around Manado, most of the rain falls between June and July, but the dry season lasts from August until October. Temperatures can vary significantly; along the coast it can be very hot with temperatures of around 34C, whereas the hills can be cool with a maximum around 24C, cool enough to need a jumper in the evening.

Footsteps across the rumbling volcano. Sleep in beach bungalows in Bali paradise and cycle through the rice paddies. We'll help you build your very own Indonesia adventure.

http://www.indonesiatravelplan.co.uk

Indonesia is the largest and most sprawling archipelago in the world, with more than 17,000 islands. Travelers to Indonesia on a tight schedule, or otherwise concerned with delays, should definitely take a package or escorted tour. Flexible visitors traveling independently outside the tourist areas will find that they can get by with spending very little, but accommodations are basic and transportation is slow. The following is a 13-day travel itinerary for Indonesia:

Day 1 - Arrive Jakarta.

2 - Jakarta.

3 - Fly to Yogyakarta.

4 - Yogyakarta.

5 - Fly to Bali.

6 and 7-Bali.

8 - Fly to Flores.

9 - Flores.

10 - Fly to Sumatra (via Denpasar, Bali).

11 - Sumatra.

12 - Full-day trip (with cruise) to Lake Toba.

Day 13 - Back to Jakarta to depart country.

For the travelers with less time, and interest only in Bali, I'd recommend the following 8-day trip.

Day 1 - Arrive Denpasar, Bali. Overnight in either Kuta, Sanur or Nusa Dua, depending on your interests.

2 - Depart in the morning for Ubud, stopping at craft villages along the way. Stroll through town and attend an evening dance performance.

3 - Ubud. Spend the day exploring the surrounding sites and villages.

4 - Depart in the morning for a drive to Batur Volcano and Lake, the Mother Temple and the royal baths at Tirtagangaa. Overnight in either Candidasa or Tulamben.

5 - In Tulamben, spend the morning snorkeling or scuba diving around the offshore wreck of the USS Liberty. Depart in the afternoon for Lovina.

6 - Get up early in the morning to see the dolphins.

7 - Depart Lovina. Head for Kuta, Sanur or Nusa Dua for overnight.

Day 8 - Spend the day shopping and on the beach. Visit the Uluwatu or Tanah Lot temples. Depart in the evening.

If you are able to stay longer in Indonesia, consider extending the stay in Bali one week or adding a week on the islands of Ambon and Sulawesi. Another option would be to spend 3 to 5 days on Bali, travel to Surabaya by bus (or van) and ferry, take a train to Yogyakarta (a daylong trip) and spend a few days there before flying to Denpasar or Jakarta for your departure. Other alternatives include a trip to Komodo Island; a two- or three-day trip to the easternmost major island, Papua, to see the birds and jungles and try its fabulous diving; a four-day trip to Kalimantan to visit the orangutans; or a few days on an excursion to one of the volcanoes. Most travelers see only the major islands and sights and leave satisfied. But if you have lots of time and patience, you can visit literally hundreds of other islands. Most are only seen by dedicated anthropologists, ornithologists or long-term around-the-world adventurers.

If you are planning a trip to Indonesia, visit the website: Worldwide Travel. You can easily find cheap flights to Indonesia with their flight comparison engine and save money. Enjoy Indonesia, the sleeping giant of Southeast Asia!

If you find yourself staying on long term in Indonesia, the employment market is not that hard to break into, depending on your skill set. Most expatriates in Jakarta can be found serving as various consultants, development workers, academics, and artists. While the economy continues to recover from the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s, there are many jobs available for the business savvy.

Many couples find themselves in a situation were one person is recruited to work, leaving the other to fend for themselves among the legions of "trailing spouses" that can be found in Indonesia. But don't fret - there is no better way to job hunt in Indonesia than to be physically in the area were you want to work and start networking. You will find the expatriate scene is fairly well networked and there are numerous events to begin meeting people who might be able to employ you. There are well established professional associations with open membership as well as community organizations, business associations, and sports teams. Start by introducing yourself to people you know work in your area of expertise and ask for an informational meeting - once you get on their radar, they will remember you if something comes available.

If you have any teaching credentials, or have time to earn them, there are numerous language schools that hire native English speakers to teach conversational English. Depending on the amount of teaching experience you have, you might also be qualified to teach at one of the many international schools in Jakarta. Most every Western nation has a school in the Jakarta area, but quality can vary. Be sure to do a little background research on any school you are considering to make sure they have a good reputation. If you plan on teaching English, be aware that temporary stay work permits are only granted to EFL teachers from the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. There is also a need for teachers of other languages such as Chinese, German, French, and Japanese. Information on teaching these languages is better obtained from the schools directly or from local Consulates and Embassies.

It is important to remember that the Indonesia Government would prefer to fill available positions with professionally trained Indonesians rather than expatriates, so work visas can be complicated and your job may not last long if a trained Indonesian can be found. Government policy stipulates that expats must be experts in their field. While this is not always the case, it does help if you have significant work experience under your belt. There are several types of work permits, some for research purposes only, others for short term duration, and others for those who travel extensively in and out of the country. Your company will have to justify your hire and provide you with the necessary documentation. Speaking Bahasa Indonesia will not only help you in your job search, but will also go a long way in earning the respect of government officials who you need to assist you in getting your paperwork filed.

Development and aid workers are in a good position to find work fairly quickly in Indonesia as almost all major United Nations agencies and large international Non-Governmental Organizations have offices in the country. While some are only located in areas stricken by large scale disasters in recent years, others have permanent offices in Jakarta. By signing up for both international development job sites as well as local list serves, you are bound to find something you are qualified to do. Especially if you are willing to work in areas outside of Jakarta, such as the tsunami devastated Aceh, job turnover is fairly high and openings are frequent. The most important thing to remember is that job hunting has a lot to do with timing and luck - so just stick with it and something will turn up.

Alex Smith maintains and manages the Cheap Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com

Bintan Island is famous for eco-tourism. It's an amazing destination with beautiful beaches and nature wonders. It has its own historical significance for it to be a main trading port in the South-East Asia region during 16th century. If you take your Indonesia flights this is the perfect place to learn Indonesian culture which is exciting as well as educational experience. This island has every thing that you can wish to see during your holiday. It is largest of 3,200 islands in the Riau Archipelago and the third largest of the 27 provinces in the country. The Island has a cultural mix of Malay, Bugis, Chinese and a unique tribe called the Orang Laut.

Bintan Elephant Park: This is the perfect place to get a wonderful chance of getting closer to these gentle giants. It is home to seven Sumatran elephants. Your flights to Indonesia give you the opportunity of an interactive adventure. One may take an elephant ride into the forest or feed an elephant, or simply sit back and see an elephant show that will allow you to observe their varied diet and eating habits. A tour to this place will educate you about their characteristics, food source, living habits and group behavior. The elephants here are trained well to perform different antics such as making different turns perfectly, swimming, and dancing etc.

Bintan Island Shopping: Although there are not large shopping malls but one may get pretty unique souvenirs and some big discounts at this captivating Island. Beautiful Indonesian handicrafts can be purchased here easily at discounted rates. After taking your cheap flights to Indonesia you will be finding many places at Bintan Island to go for shopping including; Bintan Ferry Terminal, Tanjung Pinang, Tanjung Uban, Pasar Oleh Oleh, The Real Bandung Factory Outlet, and Pujasera Shopping & Market.

Bintan Island Nightlife: Despite being a peaceful and small island Bintan gives many options to enjoy at night yet it is limited to pubs and bars in bigger hotels and resorts. The most popular nightly places those taking flight to Indonesia from UK or other foreign countries prefer to go are; Calypso Bar, The Pub and La Luna. As evening falls there are many trapeze shows, dance where all guest can join the dance and enjoy, fashion shows, etc. like-minded travelers, locals and future friends will find a lot of fun there. One may go for other activities at this island including adventure sports or attending events or festivals holding there.

I had a tour to Bucketing Indonesia this summer, and was just stunned to see its wonderful scenic beauty. I took my Indonesia flights with flights to Indonesia

Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago of thousands of islands, is known throughout the world for its biological diversity and Balinese beach getaways. As culturally diverse as it is biologically, the capital city of Jakarta is a melting pot of roughly 10 million people. Home to numerous expatriates from all corners of the earth, Jakarta has everything any cosmopolitan city has to offer - but you might just have to dig a little deeper to find it. While your first impression might leave you choking on fumes from the ubiquitous Metro Mini public buses that leave a trail of grey exhaust along the main thoroughfares, Jakarta quickly compensates with its high end shopping malls, excellent cuisine, and smiling faces. Known as the "Big Durian" after the notoriously stinky Southeast Asian thorny fruit, Jakarta certainly makes an impression on all who have counted themselves among Indonesia's bule gila (crazy foreigners).

If you are relocating to Jakarta, the first challenge you might find yourself up against is the hunt for accommodation. While short term needs are easily met by any of the international or national hotel chains in the city, longer term accommodation can be trickier. The decision usually boils down to a villa or an apartment. For those of more modest means, there are also communal living arrangements called kost that include a private bedroom and bathroom with shared living area and kitchen. The area in which you choose to live is usually decided by your particular needs. Families often opt to live in Jakarta's southern neighborhoods in order to have a larger house with a yard and easy access to Jakarta's international schools. Kemang is an area of town most known for its expat population and as such has numerous boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and bars within walking distance. Singles and couples often live in Kemang or opt for the more centrally located apartments that can be found in and around the central business district. Centrally located apartments are often on the higher end of rental spectrum as they offer a host of luxury amenities such as on site gym, security, and pool.

Jakarta has much entertainment to offer both young and old throughout the year. The up and coming local and international artists have made great effort to broaden Jakarta's cultural horizon and sponsor annual events such as the Jakarta International Film Festival and the Jazz Festival. Embassies and Consulates also bring in talent every month which include pianists, operatic performances, and chamber music. For athletic types, whether children or adults, there are numerous intramural teams who are very welcoming to newcomers, such as the football teams and Ultimate Frisbee leagues. If your idea of athleticism is lifting a Starbucks while you contemplate whether or not to buy that cute Kate Spade bag - Jakarta will not disappoint. With new shopping malls springing up every year, Jakarta is quickly becoming a shopping haven to rival the nearby retail center of Singapore. With numerous high end stores such as Bulgari, Valentino, and Gucci as well as moderately priced chains like the U.K.'s TopShop, there is something for everyone.

If you find yourself missing home while in Jakarta, you don't have to go far to find a taste of comfort food, whatever it might be. Be sure to check out Scusa at the Intercontinental for Italian, C's for steaks and seafood at the Grand Hyatt, and of course the place to see and be seen for Sunday brunch, Seasons Café at the Four Seasons. If hotels aren't your thing - don't worry - there are more than enough International restaurants tucked away in a neighborhood near you. Try the persistent favorite, Koi with mouth watering desserts or line up for freshly flown in mussels at Cassis every Tuesday. For consistently good Indian, try Kinara in Kemang. The newly renovated Blowfish is the trendiest place for sushi these days, and the attached club gets going by 11pm making a late dinner transition into drinks a step away. If you have a hankering for dim sum, you will not be disappointed in the consistently high quality of Din Tai Fung in Plaza Senayan Arcadia. And if you stay long enough - there are bound to many new restaurants popping up as the city's economy continues to recover.

Alex Smith has traveled extensively in Southeast Asia, has lived in Bangkok, Thailand for the last four years where he maintains and manages the Cheap Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com

As our overcrowded fishing canoe rapidly started to sink a few miles from shore I couldn't help but laugh. On board were seven souls, two Indonesians and five foreign surfers who had been toughing it out in a local village for the chance to surf some of the world's best waves. The situation was serious enough. Neither of the Indonesians, one the 'captain' and the other our 'photographer', could swim. Aside from this immediate danger the dream of our newly appointed photographer of buying new pigs to raise and sell with the modest wage we paid him looked to be sinking along with a few thousand dollars worth of camera gear. Add to this the daily politics of life in the village, which had included threats of violence against the 'captain' for undercutting his rival by 40 cents on the boat ride, and it was hard not to just try and find humor in the situation. In this part of Indonesia the threat of the unexpected is never far away, be that a dodgy boat or the menace of natural disasters that strike with frightening regularity.

The Mentawai islands sit 24 hours by dodgy local ferries off the Sumatran mainland. The area is one of the most remote and disconnected in the world, yet just happens to be a surfing mecca, home to what are the world's best and most consistent waves. Without this attraction the islands would surely be off the radar to all but the most intrepid, or those with an interest in catching a new strain of malaria.

The majority of surfers heading to the area do so by chartered boats ranging from luxury cruisers complete with helipads to shoddy local boats, most visitors having little or no contact with local villagers. In the past few years many have been using local transport to the islands and staying rough to save on the expense of a charter.

It was the second option that I and two mates had decided to take. All on tight budgets, and with pictures of perfect waves in our minds, we arrived in the Mentawai's via a ship dubbed 'Noah's Ark'. Riding the Arc was a 24 hour voyage of faith shared with various animals, the cabins teeming with cockroaches and packed with passengers on a vessel so dodgy we had our surf boards at the ready should she sink, as many had on the same route before her.

We were lucky on our crossing. The ocean like oil and the moon full, with some valuable space to stretch out and enjoy the peace that our distance from civilization afforded. Sitting on my own on the bow of the old wooden ark as night fell, listening to the constant creaks and moans of ship, the smell of captain's clove cigarettes filling the air and his slim figure silhouetted against a dim kerosine light in the cabin, rates as one of the greatest moments of freedom I've experienced. It's a rarer and rarer feeling - this one of disconnection and adventure. For a moment I forgot about recent upheavals in my life and just let go. Travel is not an achievement, for me it's nothing more than the urge to find these moments and savor them when they happen.

Day to day life in the village soon proved to be a challenge. From the outside the beach and ramshackle settlement were nothing short of idyllic, the sort of place you could imagine settling down and living simply, sipping on coconuts while the sun sets on perfect waves. It was a wise 'they' who said paradise is somewhere to visit, rather than live. The same could be said of our temporary home.

Of the few established places to stay in the village, the newest, run by a family of Sumatran outsiders, was the best choice. 10 or so surfers and assorted local family members shared the same simple building, with one bucket shower, a well and squat toilet - all in the same outhouse. The dishes were usually washed on the floor next to the toilet and food cooked in a kitchen that doubled as a sauna in the tropical heat. Whatever the bugs were that we all caught certainly found ample refuge around the place, everybody going down at some stage with fevers and muscle aches, something a little scary in an area riddled with malaria.

Politics and something of a local mafia influence soon crept into play as well. The enterprising family who had set up the home stay were the target of resentment from many of the local Mentawaians. The previous year tensions were so high that armed officers from the local police force kept an almost constant watch at the hotel (for a backhanded fee). Into the second year things had calmed down, but our hosts still chose to stay away from the center of the village for fear of reprisals for their modest success, something which cast an unfortunate air of menace about the place. This petty local politics would soon be replaced with much larger problems for the community, hundreds of lives changed in an instant by forces out of their control.

The biggest obstacle to enjoying the reason we had come, to go surfing, was the distance of the waves from the village itself. The beach spread out in a large arc from home, with the waves a solid 30 minutes walk and 20 minutes paddle away. While it doesn't sound much on paper, the tropical heat and malaria risk at dusk made for a genuine problem. Two of these trips in a day left you at serious risk of heat stroke from the equatorial sun. The other option was to get a local boat, one of a few small leaky fishing canoes, out to the waves.

This was not as easy as it might seem, as on many occasions we couldn't give money away for people to take us. There were only two outboard motors in the village, and often it was either too hot, or arguments would break out as to who was allowed to take us. One local family called the shots, threatening violence against anybody thinking about taking us out for a lower price, or declaring on certain days a free market system - usually after hours of negotiation on the beach. The relatively small amounts on offer for the boat ride were still more than a week's fishing wages for 20 minutes work. Some friends had tried to charter a boat to some distant islands, waited a week, bought supplies, finally loaded the boat and were then told the price they had paid in advance was half what was owed, the captain going fishing instead without ever looking back. I guess it's refreshing to see a place where the bumper sticker mantra 'a good day's fishing beats a good day's work' is so ardently adhered to. Some short work taking us surfing bought a week chilling out under a tree chain smoking 32mg clove cigarettes. We could only laugh, cry or walk.

A Californian surfer, one of the first to stay in the area, had the previous year befriended a local guy with an interest in photography and making some extra cash. His story was a sad one. Divorced from his wife, and largely ostracized in the village, he had for years lived a solitary existence on the edge of the cove. His hut was without power and he had just a few fishing poles to keep him busy. The good-hearted Chris had taught him the basics of his DSLR setup and our man soon came out on the small boats to take photos of the days surfing - something which ego-driven surfers are always keen to pay for. His dream was to buy a litter of piglets, raise and tend to them full time at his hut and sell them off for a large profit. With more cash came increased status and hopefully a new wife, a new life.

On one morning's outing on a fishing boat that took two hours to organize we had set out for what looked like the best waves of the season. The break here is nothing short of the mythical perfection that has surfers quitting their jobs for, or spending a years savings for a few weeks on a charter. Our excitement soon turned to something close to horror, as a small leak underneath me turned to a gush. I don't know boats, but I knew enough to see we were in trouble; 'guys we have a leak!' 'what else is new!' came the reply, until the boat started to sink. Our frantic attempts bailing water with our hands to get to shore paid off, with the last 100 meters on our boards propping up the boat and camera gear held above our heads. Saving the Indonesians was something akin to an episode of 'Bondi Rescue', a reality TV show where landlocked tourists arrive at Sydney's Bondi beach and find themselves with a new found urge to drown on national television. Instructions to stay still on our boards were ignored in place of flailing limbs amidst the special panic reserved for non swimmers lost in the open ocean. We all made it to shore safely, the leak was patched and an afternoon's surfing the reward. Some of the wave shots in this article are from that afternoon, with credit to our very professional cameraman, thankful for his life and the profits. The waves that day will always stick out as a life experience, it was as good as surfing gets in a setting difficult to describe with just words or pictures.

As time in the village drew to an end due to visa and cabin fever considerations, our photographer finally had his sum, around one million rupiah (100USD). Chris had left for California, our man crying, weeping, as he received the last of the money he needed to buy his litter. His emotion genuine, he seemed to be letting it all go after a few years of a very tough solitary existence. He was soon to have the pigs he was so certain would bring a new lease on life and was eternally grateful for the opportunity for a second chance. It was a touching moment between grown men, some escaping their complex lives at home, one simply trying to start over.

The next day we were on our way through the main town on the island for supplies, your standard items like melted chocolate and warm cans of beer. Passing by a local clothing store, a very sheepish figure shuffled out onto the road dressed in new stone wash jeans and bright white 'nik' sneakers. It was our photographer, perhaps keen for some instant retail therapy, the cost of which meant no pigs till next season. He made us promise not to tell Chris, and that next year he would not be so silly with his money. Despite his rash spending he positively beamed in his new clothes, the emperor for a day in new and impractical vinyl sneakers.

Three weeks after leaving the island a tsunami swept through the area at 2am, causing over 500 deaths and wiping out many local villages. Mother nature has blessed parts of Indonesia with natural beauty beyond comparison, but it's a canvas wiped clean by earthquakes and tsunamis more regularly than anywhere else in the world. Our home stay and village were largely spared, but we have still yet to hear the whereabouts of our photographer, his modest hut sitting right on the edge of a cove that bore the brunt of the killer waves. Life is so short, and in the end makes no more sense here than anywhere else. I hope he is OK. If he is gone I like to picture that he spent few happier days strutting around town in his new clothes, with dreams of next year's million rupiah pigs blocking the doubts and fears we all try to escape in our own ways.

If you liked this article check out my travel site Aussie Travel Advice. It's a free and independent site with over 140 pages of travel advice and links, as well as our travel blog. It's written by a former travel agent, doctor and journalist and contains the best contains the best travel advice on things like how to how to find cheap flights and more.

If you are interested in travel check out the site. It's not just for Aussies.

To see the work of an aspiring travel photographer check out my other site 'new travel image'.

Indonesia is a land of mountains, volcanoes, dense forests, attractive beaches, spectacular natural beauty, which draws the attention of various tourists throughout the year. With its glorious temples, huge mosques, museums Indonesia is a house of several magnificent Indonesia Tourist Attractions.

Attractions in Indonesia

Java- Jakarta - The capital city of Jakarta retains much from the colonial Dutch and British periods, with many fine colonial-style buildings and the recently restored old quarter. You can visit at The National Monument towers, Merdeka Square, The Central Museum, Portuguese Church, Istiqlal Mosque etc. If you want to shop, then antiques market on Jalan Surabaya and batik factories in the Karet are the perfect place for you. Throughout the island, puppet shows are staged in which traditional wayang golak and wayang kulit marionettes act out stories based on well-known legends; performances can sometimes last all night.

Sumatra- The second-largest island in Indonesia is Sumatra, which is a house of the volcanic mountain range, hot springs, unexplored jungle and extensive plantations. Bengkulu, Gedung Wani and Mount Loeser Reserve are some of the amazing Reserve forests. The popular Indonesia Tourist Attractions situated in Sumatra are, Lake Toba, Lingga village, Bukittinggi's Fort de Kock that located close to the zoo, market, a refurbished rice barn and the Bundo Kandung Museum and the most attractive beaches on the east coast.

Sulawesi- Popularly known as Orchid Island, Sulawesi is a land of high mountains, misty valleys and lakes, geysers and hot springs like Karumengan, Kinilow, Lahendong, Leilem and Makule. In the south is Bantimurung Nature Reserve which has thousands of exotic butterflies. The island has geysers and hot springs, the most celebrated of which are at Karumengan, Kinilow, Lahendong, Leilem and Makule. Torajaland is known as the 'Land of the Heavenly Kings' and its people are noted for their richly ornamented houses and custom of burying the dead in vertical cliffside tombs. Ujung Pandang, formerly Makassar, is celebrated for the Pinsa Harbour where wooden schooners of the famous Buganese seafarers are moored. Fort Rotterdam, built by Sultan Ala in 1660 to protect the town from pirates, is now being restored. Racing is a popular island activity; there is horseracing and bullock-racing and at Ranomuut there are races with traditional horse-drawn carts.

Bali- With its spectacular white beaches, verdant jungle and mountain, Bali is a tropical paradise.

The landscape of Bali 'is made up of volcanic mountains, lakes and rivers, terraced ricefields, giant banyans and palm groves and, on the coast, bays ringed with white sandy beaches. Bali is famous for its crafts and adventurous activities, which are organized on the southern beaches. The island lies a short distance from the eastern coast of Java, across the Strait of Bali. The tourist areas are in the south, around Sanur Beach and at Kuta, which lies on the other side of a narrow isthmus. The island also has thousands of temples - the exact number has never been counted - ranging from the great Holy Temple at Besakih to small village places of worship.

Lombok- It is a land of temples local handicrafts like rattan baskets and woven fabrics. Lombok is a popular tourist destination where you can visit at the Senggigi Beach, Gili Islands, Gunung Rinjani, and Desert Point well known for surfing. The island possesses one of the highest volcanic mountains in the Indonesian archipelago, Mount Rindjani,. The two main towns are Mataram, the capital, and the busy port of Ampenan; both are interesting to explore. The south coast is rocky. The west, with shimmering rice terraces, banana and coconut groves and fertile plains, looks like an extension of Bali. The east is dry, barren and desert-like in appearance. The north, the region dominated by Mount Rindjani, offers thick forests and dramatic vistas. There are also some glorious beaches, some of white sand, others, such as those near Ampenan, of black sand. At Narmada there is a huge complex of palace dwellings, complete with a well containing 'rejuvenating waters', built for a former Balinese king. At Pamenang, visitors can hire a boat and go diving, entering a clear-water world of brilliantly colored coral and inquisitive tropical fish.

Yogakartas- Capital of Java Yogakarta is the centre of educational, cultural and economic activity. You must see the premier university of Indonesia, the Gajah Mada University and various arts centers, markets, galleries, craft shops and bazaars.

Moluccan Archipelago- Also known as the Maluku Archipelago, it is made up of 1000 islands, many uninhabited and the rest so isolated from each other and from the outside world that each has its own culture and very often its own language. Halmahera is the largest island in the Moluccan group and one of the most diverse. Banda, in the middle of the Banda Sea, is often referred to as the original 'Spice Island' and is famous as a nutmeg-growing center. At present, the islands are popular for diving and snorkeling.

Nusa Tengara Archipelago- Nusa Penida was at one time a penal colony but now attracts visitors to its dramatic seascapes and beaches. Komodo is home to the world's largest and rarest species of monitor lizard, while Sumba is noted for its beautiful Ikat cloth. Mount Keli Mutu is one of Indonesia's most spectacular natural sights, famous for its three crater lakes, whose striking colors change with the light of the day. little since the Bronze Age, yet the islands' inhabitants are renowned as musicians and palm weavers. The Terawangan Islands is a small group with beautiful beaches and coral gardens. Lucipara has excellent waters for snorkeling. Bone Rate, Kangean, Tenggaya and Tukang Besi is a group of isolated islands in the Flores and Banda seas, epitomizing a tropical paradise.

Raman Verma is a travel consultant with Tour Packages India [http://www.greenglobetourism.com] . Provides detailed information on Indonesia Holiday Package [http://www.greenglobetourism.com/place_details.php?state_id=34].

Indonesia is a favorite destination for many outdoor enthusiasts back in the world of sports, from surfing to mountain climbers and scuba divers. Golfers are no exception. It offers some of the most beautiful in the world, Indonesia has become world-class golf destination moves. Here is a brief description of some of the best in Indonesia.

Bintan Indah Puri does not have a great reputation, but it is certainly one of the most beautiful courses in Batam. This course runs parallel to the sea in a moment, then winds through beautiful lakes and the next bunker.

Of course, the opinion of Bintan Lagoon Ocean around the front nine in mixed forest, with spectacular views of the South China Sea, on the back nine. Baker-Finch courses do not have a diversity of environments, such as those found in the understanding of India, but harder, tighter and more bumpy.

Climate Indonesia

Indonesia has a tropical climate with two seasons, dry and rainy. The best time to withdraw is April to October, as it is the dry season. The rainy season is from November to March, and to clear the islands such as Bali, it is interesting to disappear during these months. The rain generally small for several hours in the afternoon. In terms of temperature, there is little disparity between winter and summer in most of the islands, with an average temperature of 25C-30C throughout the year.


Nusa Tenggara (Lombok, Flores, Gili)

The inequality between dry and wet seasons is greater here than in other regions of Indonesia. Driest months are August and September, the rainiest months are November and February. The duration of the dry and wet season is different for each island. The climate is similar to Bali in Lombok, and the same goes for Sumbawa and Flores. In general, the closer to Australia, they accumulate, the longest in the dry season.

Jakarta is the largest city in Indonesia and the tenth largest city in the world. The city has a variety of attractions admire anyone to get through their lives. Buildings attract visitors and calls them to help. It is a land of many temples and mosques and buildings are new and a garden full of light, with green areas.

Ragunan Zoo

Ragunan Zoo is one of the best zoos in Indonesia with more than 3,600 species of animals. It is located in the south of the city and is visited by people from around the world. Events and some sounds beautiful, like the exhibition of animals of different species, it seems as if in a forest sincere.

This year, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism organized the visit Indonesia Indonesia incredible year with the theme. This country will give you a wonderful experience if you are a beach lover, shopaholic, lovers of ecotourism, food away, or the history of Indonesia avid remarkable.

On the flight south central Lombok, to go to the beach Nyala princess. Tract that extends uninterrupted white sand lapped by the Indian Ocean waves orderly. In Sulawesi, Indonesia has two places you should visit the sea, north of Sulawesi Bunaken and Wakatobi Southeast Sulawesi. In Papua, never miss the Raja Ampat Island. You can have the world's richest variety of species.