Lombok, Nusa Tenggara

Mt. Rinjani

With divine beaches, the majestic Mt Rinjani and spectacular marine life to discover, the island of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara has no shortage of attractions both in and out of the water. It’s little wonder then that Lombok is the most popular destination in West Nusa Tenggara.

Come here to surf the massive breaks on the south coast. Challenge yourself with a trek up steep volcanic peaks. Hire a bike and cycle through lush evergreen rice paddies. Whichever way you choose to spend your time you won’t be disappointed with the spectacular natural beauty on offer here.

The biggest resort area on the island is Senggigi, a township positioned on a sweeping bay that provides magnificent views of a blood red sunset over neighboring Bali. The view of this spectacular sunset is best enjoyed relaxing with a drink at one of the seafront restaurants.

Other visitors to Lombok choose to spend their time on one of the three Gili islands, secluded tropical islands of stunning beaches and luxury surrounds.

The native people of Lombok are the Sasaks. Lombok is also home to a minority of Hindu Balinese, as well as smaller numbers of Chinese, Javanese, Bugis and Arabs.

Some Sasak’s abide by Islam Wektu Telu beliefs – roughly translated as ‘Three times prayers’ (as opposed to five times daily prayers in Islam). Wektu Telu is a unique religion that blends Islam with old traditions and beliefs, and is found only in North Lombok.  The people who practice this are Muslims but also practice their traditional rituals.  One such ceremony is Nyiu, that takes place 1000 days after someone has died. The relatives of the deceased offer material goods like clothing, toothbrushes and food so that the deceased person will be pleased in heaven.

Other religious festivals take place at the beginning of the rainy season (October to December) or at harvest time (April to May) with celebrations in villages all over the island.

Sasak culture places importance on strength and physical prowess and many of the local customs reflect this. Peresehan is one of these local traditions and involves a fight between two men using long rattan staves and small rectangular shields made from cow hide.

Music and dance is important in Sasak culture. Traditional dances are performed during important ceremonies. These range from a former war dance, such as the Gendang Beleq (big drum) to the popular Cupak Gerantang which tells a story of love and romance. 

Pelabuhanrantu, West Java's

The Palabuhanratu area, a favorite weekend surfing destination for expatriates and a growing number of Indonesian surfers based in Jakarta, is the most crowded of West Java's surfing grounds due to sheer ease of accessibility. Most of the surf pounded beaches in the Palabuhanratu resort area-also called Samudra Beach are just that: pure beachpound, featuring vicious riptides and big walls of water with nowhere to go. Most surfers skip this non-directional stuff and head a few kilometers due west to the sleepy fishing and rice-growing village known as Cimaja, or Cimaja Beach.
 The Cimaja break, a right that rises off a rocky reef, is reached by walking about 300 meters from the main road through beachfront sawah (rice paddies). This spot is consistently surf able because it has a solid and angular rock bottom perfectly attuned to south and southwest swells rising out of the Indian Ocean. Its rights peel off in front of a cobble-stone and boulder strewn beach that clatters like a series of giant castanets every time a wave set rolls in.
Here down below are some information for surfing at Cimaja.
Spot information for surfing at Cimaja (globalsurfer.com):
Type of break: pointbreak
Type of wave: occasionally barreling wave
Direction: right hand
Bottom: rock
Average lenght of ride: 100-200 meter lenght
Suitable for: intermediate level

Detailed information:
Crowd level: normal crowd
Best tide: mid
Ideal board size: 6'2-6'4 Thruster
Ideal wind direction: east

Wavesize & wetsuit:
Spring - Summer - Autumn - Winter
Good: 4' - 6' - Overhead: 6'- 8' - Ok : 2'- 4' - Ok : 2'- 4'
Boardshorts - Boardshorts - Boardshorts - Boardshorts

Uluwatu, 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".

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 (>8 feet) 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 beautifu
l final tube. The length is around 300 meters.
Temple: less surfed. Two waves in fact ("Outside temple" and "The Bombies"). Only for experts because the water is very shallow. For them, it is a incredible tube when it works.

Sumbawa, West Nusa Tengarra

Home to renowned surfing spots, the rugged island of Sumbawa in West Nusa Tengarra is a remote yet beautiful place. Located to the east of the more famous Lombok island, Sumbawa is just waiting to be discovered. It may take longer to reach but once you get to Sumbawa you’ll be rewarded with excellent surf and incredible views.

This island is best known for its waves, sandy beaches and wild terrain. With great surf and spectacular coral reefs, the majority of travelers to Sumbawa come to surf and dive.

The slogan of Sumbawa tells you all you need to know about this island. B E S A R stands for Bersih, Elok, Sehat, Aman Damai, Rapi (Clean, Beautiful, Healthy,and Neat).

As this is a rural destination Sumbawa lacks the tourism infrastructure of nearby resort islands like Lombok and Bali. Visit here if you have a thirst for adventure and want to get a truly authentic experience of local culture.

The pace of life in Sumbawa is slow. Local people are predominantly Muslim but traditional beliefs and practices also continue to influence daily life.

There are two main cultural groups on Sumbawa, the Tau Samawa in the west and the Dou Mbojo in the east. In parts of Sumbawa, traditional ways of living continue today. Many of the ritual events of old ways are still performed such as water buffalo racing and berempuk – a ritual boxing match. 

Parangtritis, Yogyakarta

Parangtritis. Escape from the city for a while and take the short drive from Yogya to the mystical Parangtritis beach where dramatic jagged cliffs meet a glistening volcanic black sand beach. Located around 28 km (17 miles) from Yogya this is the ideal distance to come for a day trip to take a break out of the city and soak up the roar of the waves and the astounding atmosphere. Here you’ll see some incredibly green lush hills set against the backdrop of a raging ocean.

With raging surf and salty sea breezes it will be hard not to feel rejuvenated and refreshed as soon as you arrive here. At night, the star light on the silvery-black dunes give the beach a mystical feeling, and it won’t be hard to understand why there are many local myths about this area. This whole region is filled with beaches, caves, lakes, paths and gravesites, each with their own mystical story.

What makes Parangtritis particularly special is that it is not only an enchanting holiday spot, it’s also a sacred place. According to legend, when you come here you are entering the domain of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, Queen of the Southern Ocean who is not known for being welcoming to newcomers. For this reason the Javanese will not wear green, especially yellow-green around here as it’s believed that this attracts the Queen.

People here hold great respect for the power of the Queen. Each year at Parangkusumo, 1 km. west of Parangtritis, the Sultan of Yogya makes ceremonial offerings to the Queen, believed to be the Sultan’s mystical consort. Other Javanese may also give offerings when they are asking the Queen for aid, guidance or blessings.

Nias, west of the island of Sumatra

Nias, Located west of the island of Sumatra in the Indian Ocean are a chain of islands, running alongside Sumatra but separated from the mainland by a deep trench, they include the islands of Nias, Simeulue, the Mentawai islands and Enggano. Few early trading ships dared to approach these islands because of their forbidding appearance, veering instead to the ports of Padang and Bengkulu in Sumatra.

At over 5,000 square kilometers, Nias is the largest of those islands. It is 130 km long and 45 km wide, lying 125 km off Sumatra’s west coast.

This far-flung island with rugged terrain, fiercely independent people and a distinct hierarchical culture is a unique destination having remained largely resistant to outside influences for centuries.

Today Nias is most famous for stones and surf. Stone jumping (lombat batu) is a phenomenon where local young men jump over stone walls up to two meters high while the surf here is famous the world over for massive breaks and awe inspiring swells. Australian surfers in search of the perfect wave were among the first to "discover" Nias and the island is now home to the Indonesian Open surfing Championship at Lagundri beach.

This is an ancient land. While no one knows exactly how long people have lived on the island, according to Nias legend life originated at the Gomo River where six gods descended and began the human race.  This is why Nias people call themselves ono niha or ‘children of the people’. From Central Nias people moved North and South developing distinctive languages, customs and art in each region.

Traditionally Nias villages are ruled by a chief who heads a council of elders. Society is hierarchical with the aristocratic upper caste at the top, followed by the common people, and below them the slaves.

The people here have a reputation for fierceness and a militaristic culture which is one of the reasons Nias has resisted the impact of foreign influences for so long.  The warrior culture of Nias goes back for centuries when local villages would band together in coalitions and declare war on each other. Inter-village warfare was fierce and furious, provoked by a desire for revenge, slaves or human heads.

Along with being warriors, the people of Nias are traditionally farmers, cultivating yams, maize and taro. Pigs were considered a mark of social status and the more pigs you had, the higher your status in the village.

Throughout its history, the Chinese, Portugese as well as Arab traders have all explored Nias. The island became known as a source of slaves with the Acehnese, Portuguese and Dutch all probably having bought slaves from here at one time or another. In fact, up until the 19th century Nias’ only connection with the outside world was through the slave trade.

The Dutch assumed control of the island in 1825. Despite a century of contact and conflict with the outside world, Nias traditional culture today remains remarkably intact. The population of the island is spread over more than 650 villages, many of which are inaccessible by road.

Gunung Sitoli is the capital city of Nias with most of the islands tourist facilities concentrated there.

Nirwana Golf Resort, Bali

Putt your way to the Nirwana Golf Resort in Bali as you swing your view to the breathtaking horizon. Golfing in Indonesia is more than just a relaxing sport, as it brings colors to your vacation, leisurely pastime, or a business meeting. Slip this fun and stylish sport within your social function agenda.

Kintamani, Bali

Kintamani, which is located in Bangli regency, is one of the favorite attractions of tourists both domestic and foreign.

Generally, in almost any travel agent or tour operator in Bali, Kintamani included in the itinerary (travel route) after visiting the Batu Bulan (Tari Barong), or Sukawati Ubud tourist area as a shopping center.

Kintamani offers a fresh atmosphere of the hills with the air temperature around 18 degrees Celsius, much like air in Bedugul. The main attraction of the region is a view of Mount Kintamani and Lake Batur. Mount Batur is a volcano which is still active and the second highest after Mount Agung at Besakih. The atmosphere is best when enjoy lunch while enjoying the beauty of the lake and mountains which give off smoke friendly.

Interested to know more about Kintamani? Also a time to yourself to visit Trunyan village located near the lake. But you have to cross by boat to get there by traveling approximately 20 minutes. An interesting and unique is the way local residents funeral will be different from the norm in Bali. The corpse was propped on a tree without buried. But that unique body odor is not due neutralized by the smell fragrant wood called Menyan.

Malioboro, Yogyakarta

Malioboro, Jalan Malioboro is the name of one of the three-way streets in the city of Yogyakarta, which stretches from Tugu Yogyakarta up to the intersection of Post Office in Yogyakarta. Overall Mangkubumi consists of Prince Road, Jalan Malioboro and Jalan Jend. A. Yani. This road is the axis of Imaginary Lines Sultan's Palace.

There are several historic objects in the area three roads include Tugu Yogyakarta, Tugu Station, Great House, Market Beringharjo, Fortress and Monument Vredeburg Oemoem attack March 1.

Jalan Malioboro is very popular with the street vendors who peddle crafts typical jogja and Lesbian stalls at night selling food jogja typical warm and well-known as a gathering place of artists-artists who often express their capabilities like playing music, painting, hapening art, mime and others along this road.

Goa Pindul, (Yogyakarta) Indonesia

Goa Pindul. In this very unique location beside the cave is situated in a village culture where traditional culture and art in this village is still very well preserved, including the presence of prehistoric tombs, this cave is in great demand by tourists who want to enjoy the beauty beneath the surface of the soil by following the flow of the river flows underground to sehingg tires in very safe and attractive. This location is surrounded by the rural people who peddle fresh fish seeds and fresh fish that is ready to be burned or fried.

Wakatobi, SE Sulawesi, Indonesia

The first thing the average person when you hear the name pronounced Wakatobi is, "Well, where is it?" In fact, if we try to find with Google search engine, directly posted about Wakatobi 225 000 themes, both Indonesian and foreign language. Indeed Wakatobi already very popular in foreign countries, especially after the Expedition Wallacea from Britain in 1995 mentions that the area in Southeast Sulawesi is very rich in coral species. There, there are 750 from a total of 850 species of coral in the world.
Until now, even on the island of Hoga, one small island in the Wakatobi, Wallacea Expedition institutions still place a research institution that is always visited by enthusiasts from various countries.
For the scope of Indonesia, Wakatobi is the name of the district which consists of four main islands, namely Wangiwangi, Kalidupa, Tomia, and Binongko. So, Wakatobi is an acronym for the name of the four main islands. Before December 18, 2003, the islands called Tukang Besi Islands and is still part of Buton District.
So, Wakatobi is a paradise for diving enthusiasts. Until now, there are 29 diving points on offer to anyone who would come there. Want to know where a spectacular dive in there? There, its point name is Mari Drunk. Kidding? Not. The name of the place did it and anyone who comes to a point near the island Tomia it would be drunk for its beauty.

Borobudur Temple, (Magelang) Indonesia

Borobudur Temple
Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga, one of the kings of Old Mataram Kingdom, Dynasty descendant dynasty. Based Kayumwungan inscription, an Indonesian named Hudaya Kandahjaya revealed that Borobudur is a place of worship was completed on 26 May 824, almost a hundred years from the time the construction. The name of Borobudur, as some people means a mountain having terraces (budhara), while the other says that Borobudur means monastery on the high ground.
Borobudur-shaped building with staircase punden consists of 10 levels. Height 42 meters before it was renovated and 34.5 meters after the renovation because the lowest level is used as a drag. Six lowest level of a square and three levels on top of a circle and one of the highest levels of Buddhist stupa facing to the west. Each level represents the stages of human life. In accordance madhhabs Mahayana Buddhism, every person who wants to reach the level as the Buddha had to through every level of life is.
The base of Borobudur, called Kamadhatu, symbolizing human beings that are still bound by lust. Four levels above referred Rupadhatu symbolizes man who had to break free from lust but still bound manner and form. On this terrace, Buddha effigies are placed in open space. Meanwhile, three levels above where the Buddhist stupas are laid in holes called Arupadhatu, symbolizing man who has been free from lust, appearance, and shape. The top part is called Arupa symbolizes nirvana, where Buddha is residing.
Each terrace has beautiful relief panels showing how skillful. Relief that will be read coherently when you walk in a clockwise direction (towards the left of the entrance of the temple). The relief panels tell the legendary story of Ramayana. In addition, there are relief panels describing the condition of society at that time. For example, relief of farmers' activity reflecting the advance of agriculture system and relief of sailing boat representing the advance of the voyage who was based in Bergotta (Semarang).

Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat (Yogyakarta), Indonesia

Keraton or in the original language is called Karaton is located in downtown Yogyakarta. Karaton means a place where kings and queens live, or in other words that mean the same Kadaton.

In learning about Javanese culture, this sense has a very deep philosophical meaning. Architecture of this palace is Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono I own, which is the founder of the Sultanate Ngayogyakarta. His expertise in the field of architecture appreciated by Dutch scientists - Dr.Pigeund and Dr.Adam who regard it as the "architect of the civil Pakubuwono II Surakarta".

Kraton Yogyakarta was founded in 1756 by Prince Mangkubumi (Hamengkubu lane I) as the center of the kingdom Ngayogyakarta. At first, the location of the Palace is now a swamp area called Bannerman Pacethokan, which later developed into a pesanggrahan Ayodya.

Ubud (Bali) , Indonesia

Ubud, located in Gianyar regency, offers arts and cultural attractions for visitors.

Since the tourism boom in Bali, Ubud area was berkembangan become the center for the arts in Bali handicrafts ranging from wood carvings, gold and silver handicrafts, paintings and other art. Local cultural life of Bali is still maintained strong here.

Not surprisingly, in the Ubud area much used as a place to learn the art for the main foreign tourists. They live here and the day-to-day filled with learning interaction with local residents.

Desa Mas, Ubud area, known as a center for producing wood carvings that is second to none. Almost along the road and the house you will see carved in the form of Balinese art galleries.

Another case with Celuk village known as gold and silver craftsmen, also a favorite place to get souvenirs.

In the travel or tour route, trips from Ubud you can proceed to visit Kintamani