Meteorology agency cancels tsunami warning

The Meterology and Geophysics Agency (BMG)canceled a tsunami warning for Indonesia, two hours after a powerful earthquake hit Sumatra's Bengkulu province at 6:10 p.m.

Big earthquake hits Sumatra

A powerful quake measuring 7.9 struck near Indonesia's Sumatra island on Wednesday triggering tsunami warnings in Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Sri Lanka, officials said.

Indonesia's Global TV reported that several buildings in Padang, the capital of West Sumatra had collapsed, while Metro TV reported that some buildings had caught fire.

Indonesia's Meteorological agency said via an sms alert that the earthquake's epicentre was 159 km southwest of Bengkulu, which is in south Sumatra.

Residents in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand also felt the quake and some buildings were evacuated, which struck at just after 6 p.m.

Budi, a police chief in Bengkulu, said on Indonesia's Elshinta radio that he felt a strong quake. "People panicked and tried to save themselves," he said.

He added that he heard a report that a three-story building had collapsed.

One resident in Bengkulu told Reuters that it was difficult to assess the damage because there had been a blackout.

"There's a blackout. The quake was very strong and I rushed out of my house. I don't know if there's any damage because it's dark," Edi Santoni, 38, told Reuters by phone.

Widyastuti, a 23-year-old IT worker in Jakarta who was in one of Bank Indonesia's offices in central Jakarta, said: "After praying I felt the earthquake. I panicked, threw away my shoes and ran through the emergency exit."

Related:

• Meteorology official: more victims could be in Bengkulu, Indonesia, after strong quake

• FACTBOX - Earthquakes and magnitude

• Tsunami warning after quake hits Sumatra island

• Small Tsunami Hits Indonesian Town

YTL extends wellness portfolio in Bali

Following the recent expansion of its spa portfolio in Malaysia, YTL Hotels and Resorts has opened a residential spa retreat on the north-east coast of the Indonesian island of Bali.

Surrounded by a black sand coastline, the Spa Village Tembok is located in a secluded area, accessible by road from Denpasar Airport.

The spa concept, as in all YTL developments, has been designed to embrace the location’s indigenous philosophy and culture.

Treatments honour Balinese traditions, combining the therapeutic properties of local ingredients with the healing practices of the area in an environment designed around twin themes of recovery and self-discovery.

The Tembok development has a total of 31 guest rooms, comprising 27 standard rooms, two suites and two private villas.

Indonesia to begin Ramadhan on Thursday

Muslims in Indonesia, the world's most populous Islamic-majority nation, are to begin the holy fasting month of Ramadhan on Thursday, a religious affairs ministry official said.

"The minister officially announced last night that the first day of Ramadhan falls on Thursday," said Nursiyah, a ministry official said Wednesday.

The announcement was made at the end of a meeting with representatives of major Islamic organisations here to hear their views and calculations regarding the start of the fasting month, she was quoted by AFP as saying.

Islamic astronomers observed the moon at numerous locations across the sprawling archipelago nation last night but did not sight the new moon.

Ancient Indonesian 'batik city' seeks to shed extremism image

Solo, Indonesia - The ancient Central Java city Solo is a quaint city that remains famous for Javanese batik and other fabrics, despite being considered a hotbed for regional terrorism.

The former capital of the powerful Surakarta principality under the Dutch, who during the 18th century controlled a significant part of Java, has recently been associated with radical Islam and the Indonesian terrorist network known as Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), which has killed hundreds of Westerners in hotel and nightclub bombings.

But Solo is actually a stronghold of peaceful, time-honoured Javanese beliefs and a site where foreign influences and eclectic local elements have become one.

In the city centre lies the traditional batik production district of Laweyan, where during the early 1970s, up to 90 per cent of its 2,500 residents were batik makers.

'Laweyan at once became a 'batik master,' and achieved its glorious era in early 1970s,' said Achmad Sulaiman, a leading batik maker.

In Javanese, batik means 'to dot.' It is a traditional textile working process involving the use of wax to cover fabric in patterns, thus controlling the areas affected by dying. The multi-coloured textiles are used to make traditional clothing including shirts and dresses, artwork and drapery.

By Sukino Harisumarto

The Seen and The Unseen – Ubud Writers and Readers Festival

Worlds Literati Gather in Bali's Hills Sept. 25 – 29, 2007 at Fourth International Ubud Readers & Writers Festival.

(9/9/2007) 'Sekala-Niskala' or The Seen and The Unseen is the theme adopted for the Fourth International Ubud Writers & Readers Festival where participants will be wooed with four days of inspiring discussions, performances, literary lunches and readings in one of the world's most beautiful settings.

Discussions on world religions, mysticism and the power of the paranormal will grace the stage alongside other global issues will be explored in keeping with the theme, Sekala-Niskala/The Seen or Unseen.

Sekala-Niskala is the Balinese principal that holds that we all live equally in two worlds; the seen or conscious world Sekala and the unseen or psychic world Niskala.

Join like-minded writers and readers for four days and nights of intimate interviews with authors from all corners of the globe, as the unseen becomes the seen and more. Enter Egypt with writers from one of the world's most ancient lands, hear tales of life from the home of the Arabian Nights with Somaya Ramadan and Iman Mersal. UK writer, Patrick Gale, author of "Notes from an Exhibition" will lead you into the realms of troubled families and distorted relationships.

Indonesia's near neighbor of India will lead a captivating journey through one of the most mystical countries on earth. 2006 Booker prize-winning author, Kiran Desai will share her inspiration for her award-winning novel, "The Loss of Inheritance", while acclaimed author, journalist and former UN diplomat, Shashi Tharoor, will challenge with his thoughts on literature, leaders and world peace. Richard Flanagan, one of the most exciting voices in contemporary Australian literature will discuss his best-selling novel "The Unknown Terrorist."

Indonesian poets and writers will also be in attendance, alongside Asian voices from Singapore and the Philippines. Malaysian author, Tan Twan Eng, long-listed for the 2007 Booker-prize, will discuss Penang in the 30's and compare notes with Canadian award-winning writer, Madeleine Thien with her novel "Uncertainty."

From across the seas, Hagar Peteers from the Netherlands will stir listeners with her words and, on the home front, the enigmatic Cok Sawitri will leave the audience breathless with her haunting performance poetry.

There will be sessions and workshops on the craft of writing for passionate readers and writers. Celebrate the written word at the free nighttime events and partake in literary shenanigans into the early hours of the morning at the Casa Luna Festival Club.

The 2007 Festival explores new frontiers with writers from the South Korea, East Timor and Sweden. They will join award-winning writers, poets, playwrights, filmmakers and performers from Indonesia, Asia, Australia, England, Canada, France, United States, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and beyond in an unforgettable exchange of culture and ideas.

More information: Fourth International Writers & Readers Festival

© Bali Discovery Tours. Articles may be quoted and reproduced if attributed to http://www.balidiscovery.com. All images and graphics are copyright protected.

Betawi festival recalls the birth of Indonesia-Chinese acculturation

The annual Betawi Festival opened Friday in Situ Babakan, South Jakarta, with musical performances and dances that recalled the strong Chinese influence on native Jakarta culture.

One striking performance featured gambang kromong music that accompanied seven artists performing a traditional Betawi dance.

While the dance was Betawi, the song was Chinese, symbolic of the Chinese influence on the Betawi and their artistic traditions.

During the opening night of the festival, a choir from the Chinese-Indonesian Women's Association presented two songs. The first was a traditional song, Keroncong Kemayoran, while the other was a Chinese song titled Jasmine.

Indonesia expands tourism market to eastern Europe

Come rain or high water, Indonesia in the end still manages to remain a sunny paradise for tourists worldwide. Its white sandy beaches, pristine nature and rich culture are unscathed by security problems, natural disasters and even outbreaks of disease.

Yet, in today's increasingly competitive tourism sector, Indonesia can no longer afford to take for granted its ability to attract more visitors to come. Other countries, including developing ones, are polishing their own attractions -- and sometimes even "stealing" others-- to grab a piece of that lucrative market of globe-trotters.

It is against this background that the Culture and Tourism Ministry organized a promotional road show in June to keep Indonesia on the tourism map.

The three-leg tour to Ukraine's capital Kiev, Norway's capital Oslo and Italy's fashion capital Milan was intended to open up new tourist markets, reintroduce Indonesia's cultural attractions to the world, and roll out the country's latest tourism promotion strategy: promoting events at major tourist destinations.

"Since the Ukraine's political and economic reform, there are now many Ukrainians who can afford and are eager to go out and see the world," said Indonesian ambassador to the Ukraine, Alexander Laturiuw.

During a meeting with local tourism officials, Indonesian and Ukrainian officials agreed to work on visa-on arrival agreements and direct flights to increase the number of Ukrainian tourists, which by June had reached 1,400, compared to 2,939 last year. Indonesia hopes to increase the figure to 4,000 this year.

Tourism ministry set for massive year 2008

The Cultural and Tourism Ministry is gearing up to welcome an expected seven million foreign tourists next year as part of the Visit Indonesia Year 2008 program.

"We have held an introductory event, called 'Gebyar Wisata Nusantara', in a number of big cities nationwide to promote the 2008 program," Tourism ministry business director Winarno Sudjas said Friday.

"We've also participated in some tourism expos abroad as part of the promotion."

Bali to host PATA Travel Mart 2007

Bali is to host this year`s PATA (Pacific Air Travel Association) Travel Mart in the Nusa Dua resort from September 25-28, the organizing committee`s spokesperson Ika Nazaruddin said here on Saturday.

She said the momentous travel event was to be attended by around 1,500 participants from 54 countries and would thus be a golden opportunity for tourism businesspeople in Bali.

She said this year`s PATA Travel Mart, to be conducted in cooperation with Indonesia`s Culture and Tourism Ministry, would bring relief to the tourism businesspeople in the midst of listlessness due to the travel advisories issued by several countries and the flight ban to Europe imposed on Indonesian air carriers.

Meanwhile, Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik said more than 423 buyers from 49 countries, as well as 262 of 113 companies in Indonesia, would rake part in the annual event.

Bengawan Solo: immortal melody of Javanese river

In the central Javanese city of Solo, a statue of Gesang Martohartono looks over the gently flowing Bengawan Solo, or Solo River.

It was the famous Indonesian singer-songwriter Gesang, who composed the celebrated Indonesian melody "Bengawan Solo" during World War II -- when the country was under Japanese occupation.

"Bengawan Solo, this is a song of your history. People have been fascinated with this great river since ancient times, Around the source of the Solo River, there are a thousand mountains, and the river flows all the way to the sea.

There are always many merchants on board ships going up and down the river.These ships also show your history."

"I had dreamt since my childhood about writing a song of praise for the immortal Solo River," Gesang says at his humble residence in Solo, his hometown. The folk song-like melody has been etched in the minds of countless Indonesians, former Japanese soldiers, and even Dutch civilian ex-detainees regardless of their age and background.

In Tokyo, Nobuo Ikegami, 80, recalls the tune. "This song always set my mind at ease. I memorized the melody as local residents crooned the tune so often." Ikegami, then a second lieutenant, was posted to Indonesia for five years during and after the war as a member of the Imperial Guard.

In the final days of the war, university student-turned-officer Ikegami served as commander of a detainment camp for Dutch civilians in the remote village of Si Rengo Rengo in Sumatra.

After the conflict ended, he was detained as a war crime suspect because of his position as camp commander but was eventually released thanks to a witness, the late Dutch journalist Albert Besnard.

Besnard, of the Sumatra Post, had said Ikegami did not handle the detainees violently although Ikegami did not know him personally.

A historic encounter took place in Tokyo last Sept. 11 between Ikegami and a former Dutch detainee when they met for the first time in 53 years.

Noted Dutch author Rudy Kausbroek, 70, was giving a lecture at the city' s Waseda University on his bitter experience at the Si Rengo Rengo camp. As soon as he finished, Ikegami approached him.

"I was your camp commander," Ikegami said in Indonesian. "If you have a grudge against the Japanese, hit me in the face first."

The packed audience froze. "No," Kausbroek quietly replied in Indonesian. Ikegami asked, "Really?" Kausbroek told the audience, "No. He did not do any evil deeds toward us."

Kausbroek, who was born and grew up in Sumatra, was detained at the camp for about three years as a teenager along with his father.

Ikegami told Kyodo News, "I never expected to meet a former Dutch detainee more than half a century after the war.

"When I was appointed camp commander, I was prepared to give up my life at any time. Regrettably, scores of detainees died at the camp while I was the commander."

In his best-selling book, "The Dutch East Indies Detention Camp Syndrome," Kausbroek urges his fellow Dutch people to abandon their demand that Japan apologize over its treatment of Dutch detainees.

He asks his compatriots, "Don' t you think your apology demand is based on hatred against Japanese who put a stop to Dutch colonial rule in Indonesia?" He urges Dutch people to reflect on their more than 300-year colonial rule when considering the Japanese occupation.

He was visiting Tokyo to mark his book' s publication in Japanese.

After returning home, Kausbroek wrote a full-page story on the encounter with the former camp commander for the leading Dutch daily NRC Handelsblad.

Kausbroek, who speaks Japanese and Indonesian, studied modern Japanese literature after the war and according to Ikegami, particularly loves antiwar poems by the late Nobuo Ayukawa.

Ikegami says that as a sensitive teenager, Kausbroek must have been moved by "Bengawan Solo" at the detention camp.

Another former Japanese serviceman, who had stayed in the city of Solo as a member of an Imperial Japanese Army aviation training corps, thought at the time that "Bengawan Solo" was a centuries-old traditional Indonesian folk song.

Minoru Takahashi, 78, of Osaka, a former mechanic of the corps, gained comfort in singing "Bengawan Solo" whenever he felt homesick. Takahashi says he used to sing the tune with Japanese lyrics written by a fellow soldier.

Japanese veterans including Ikegami and Takahashi erected Gesang' s statue in October 1991 as a token of their appreciation.

Ikegami serves as vice president of the "Japan Gesang Fund Association" which promoted the erection of the statue.

Gesang is a self-made musician. His father owned a factory that produced batik fabric, but it went bankrupt after Gesang finished elementary school. He grew up in the gutter and became a singer of "kerongcong" -- popular Indonesian music originating from Portuguese songs.

Although he could not read or write musical notation, he composed "Bengawan Solo" on a bamboo flute at the age of 23.

At first he sang it at local wedding parties and other social functions. Two local radio stations then asked to broadcast the song, marking the beginning of its nationwide popularity.

In Japan, Toshi Matsuda, known as a "Singing Aunt," put out a recording of "Bengawan Solo" with Japanese lyrics in 1947.

Her record scored a big hit and other pop singers such as Hibari Misora, Akira Kobayashi and Harumi Miyako also included the song in their repertoire. Now most Japanese are familiar with "Bengawan Solo" as representing Indonesian music.

The Solo River, for its part, smells bad due to liquid waste from a nearby chemical factory and other plants. But children still swim there and women do their washing with the polluted water, just as they did centuries ago when the river was purer.

The zoological park where Gesang' s statue stands is now dedicated in his honor, and Gesang still sometimes sings "Bengawan Solo" in public when he is asked to do so.

COPYRIGHT 1999 Kyodo News International, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group

Source: FindArticles

World`s biggest bryophyte park in Cibodas dedicated

The Cibodas bryophyte park, part of the Cibodas Botanical Garden (KRC ) in Pacet subdistrict, Cianjur regency, West Java, and believed to be the only outdoor moss park in the world, was dedicated by Mrs Umar Anggara Jenie, wife of the Head of the Indonesian Council of Sciences (LIPI ).

Head of the KRC Vegetation Conservation Institute Holif Immamudin said on the sidelines of the dedication of the 1,500-m2 bryophyte park, which will be expanded to 2,500 m2, located between Mt Gede and Mt Pangrango, that everything in the KRC is the biggest in the world.

"With its biggest outdoor moss park in the world, Indonesia will be known as a country which is serious in plant conservation," he said.

Actually, Germany and Singapore also have a moss park, but indoor, and having only seven species, and the one in Japan has only 10 species.

He said that Indonesia is rich in biodiversity, as all the 3,000 different moss species in the world are also found in Indonesia, and 250 of them are found in the Cibodas Botanical Garden, he said.

But unfortunately, he said, the condition of one of Indonesia`s biodiversity lacked attention of the appropriate authorities, whereas moss has an important role to play in the life of human beings.

Some of the benefits of bryophytes he said moss maintains humidity of the air and land porosity, and is a water binder.

And moss of the Usnea species also has a medical potential, while a moss of the Spaghnum species is known to replace cotton, and could heal skin and eye diseases, and serve as a means for the growth of orchids. Moss of the marchantia species is known to heal hepatitis.

But all these moss species must first be clinically tested before using them as a medical drug.

The moss park is designed on the basis of a cultivated landscape.

Its strategic location makes it very easy for visitors to see it, because the moss park is only 600 meters away from the KRC entrance, and can also be reached through the Rhododendron Park and an asphalted road to Curug in Cibogo.

In the meantime, Bian Tan, program coordinator for Southeast Asia told the press that the moss species in Indonesia are the most complete in the world.

Besides, he added, as it is located in a tropical region surrounded by mountains, the air around it remains humid, unlike those in other countries like Germany, Singapore and Japan, which are located indoor.

The the bryophyte park was dedicated also on the occasion of the 154th anniversary of the KRC.

Mt. Gede Pangrango-The Rich Diversity of Mountain Forest

Gunung Gede and Pangrango are the first five parks that had distinction of launching Indonesias National Park Program. Located on Bogor, Cianjur and Sukabumi districts with cover area around 15,196 ha. It is the most accessible mountain to climb from Jakarta. By only 2 hours drive south of Jakarta and 5 " 6 hours trekking, you will find a tranquil rainforest, self guided trail and a spectacular view of West Java from the peak.

The national park consists of twin volcanoes: Gede 2958 m above sea level (asl) and Pangrango 3019 asl. The two summits are connected by a high saddle known as Kandang Badak, 2400 m asl. The mountain slopes are very steep and are cut info rapidly flowing stream, which carve deep valleys and long ridges.For those fortunate enough to stand on the summit of Mount Gede in clear conditions the view is spectacular. Some people, including, it is said, Raffles, have claimed to be able to see the Java Sea to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. Occasionally climbers with very good eyesight or maybe imagination " have sighted Sumatra on the west! Mount Pangrango is less scenery, but more rich in flora than Mount Gede.

More information from the Ministry of Forrestry: Taman Nasional Gunung Gede
Pangrango

Dive Guide to Indonesia

Whether scuba diving (snorkeling ) or deep-diving with breathing equipment, or exploring a reef it is an unforgettable experience. Indonesia's smaller islands are often surrounded by reefs, and many are inaccessible and still undeveloped as far as marine tourism is concerned. The single exception is Pulau Putri in the Thousand Islands, northwest of Jakarta. Other good places: Pulau Peucang and Panaitan off Java's westernmost peninsula in the Ujung Kulon Reserve; coral reefs off the Tangkoko Batuangus Reserve in North Sulawesi; Pulau Kasa near Ambon in Maluku, off the Bali Barat Reserve, in Bali. The Riau archipelago also offers some excitement to divers of a different kind: coral reefs are here combined with the interest of exploring sunken ships and wrecks from World War II.

The Riau Archipelago
The wrecks which dot the Riau waters, so close to Singapore, are strictly World War II vintage, but they still have an air of mystery. Many were sunk by the Japanese in 1941. Riau is easily accessible by boat from Singapore, from Pekanbaru in SUMATRA or from Pontianak in West Kalimantan. Good beaches and coral can be found near Bintan island, but for divers and coral enthusiasts lor historians, archaeologists or anthropologists, for that matter ) there are also endless opportunities to explore the whole Riau archipelago. The islands are small and close to one another, and the wrecks are usually in shallow waters. Island hopping is easy and inexpensive. Boats in Tanjung Pinang are easily available.

Pulau Peucong and Pulau
Panaitan Both of these sizeable islands are part of the Ujung Kulon nature reserve, and lie just off Java's western end. Peucang has two rest houses, a permit to enter the reserve and rest house accommodation must be obtained at the Nature Conservation Directorate's Head Office in Bogor, or the local office in Labuan. Both islands are reached via Labuan, a town on Java's west coast where there are fishing boats. It's wise to make firm arrangements for return trips at the same time, and to make some allowances for bad weather. No food is available on the island, but the reserve wardens on Peucang (in radio communication with the Nature Conservation office in Labuan ) will provide visitors with water, bedding, cooking facilities, and guides. There is good snorkeling and diving all the way around Peucang, with many ledges to explore on the northern reef. More spectacular are the "under water cliffs" of Tanjung Layar where the new and old lighthouses are perched on. Tanjung Layar is only a short boat ride from Peucang and well worth the trip. Spear fishing is not permitted within the reserve.
Panaitan Island is uninhabited. Day trips to the southern beaches, about 1 hour from Peucang are recommended. Panaitan has extensive reef platforms, particularly attractive to explore on foot at low air pasang tides.

Kepulauan Seribu
Kepulauan Seribu or the Thousand Islands is a group of small Islands scattered in the Bay of Jakarta. Actually a total of 110 islands, they are within easy reach from Jakarta by boat or chartered aircraft. Several islands have been developed as tourist resorts or for recreational purposes, where there are bird and marine sanctuaries. The northern part of these islands have been zoned as a national marine park to preserve its underwater resources and beauty.

About 90 km from Jakarta is the Pulau Putri, Pulau Pelangi, Pulau Melintang, Petondan which have upmarket accommodation, restaurants, a dive shop and boats for hire. Nearby, the islands of Melinjo, Papa Theo and Sepa have been developed for divers and budget tourists. Transport is available by private speedboats, inter - island ferries or charter flights which land on a grassy strip on Pulau Panjang. The scenery among so many green islands as well as the coral is beautiful. Bookings can be made with Pulau Putri Paradise in the Setia budi building 1, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said. There are also other agencies which offer sailing and diving tours.

Photo by Carlos Olmo/vagamundos

Bali
Good skin diving areas among the reefs are off the coast of West Bali and those near Padangbai in eastern Bali, and at Nusa Lembongan on Nusa Penida, the large island off Bali's southeastern shores. There is also a wreck, that of the S.S. Liberty, only 40 metres oh the beach at Tulamben, near Kubu. Fish sheltering in the wreck make them so tame that they will flock to divers.

Komodo
Komodo is unique because it offers two totally different marine environments. In the north we experience the warm clear waters that flow from the Flores and Banda seas. Typical of most tropical locations throughout the world. The hard coral reefs are extensive and in pristine condition. To the south, we encounter cooler waters that flow from deep in the Indian Ocean. It is not unusual to encounter whales, whale sharks, mantas, sunfish and other planktonic feeders during dives on the southern sites. Upwelling, caused by deep ocean currents colliding with the continental shelf force an endless supply of planktonic food towards the surface resulting in a rich coral gardens and an exceptional quantity of marine life. The confluence of these two distinct marine ecospheres is responsible for the remarkable diversity found in the waters of Komodo.

The waters that surround the island are turbulent and teeming with unparalleled marine life. A marine reserve, it is largely undocumented and remains largely unexplored. During our last voyage to Komodo we discovered several additional world class dive sites which were added to our list of many. The dives boasted schooling hammerheads and large schools of pelagic fish.

North Sulawesi
Within easy reach from Manado, North Sulawesi, are good beaches and coral reefs, and plenty of speedboats or sailboats for hire. Rent a boat to go to the nature reserve of Tangkoko Batuangus. The corals are exceptional and accommodation can be found in Batu Putih village. Beach landings are not uniformly easy, depending on the time of the year.

The Directorate General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation (PHPA ) has an office in Manado. A permit is necessary to enter the Tangkoko Dua Saudara Nature Reserve. The coral reefs which ring the islands of Bunaken are among the most spectacular in Indonesia and have been rated by internationally experienced divers as on a par with some of the great reefs of the world. The marine population is among the densest of Indonesia and is of unequalled variety. Along the dramatic drop-offs, riddled with grottos, fissures and arches, downward visibility extends to 30 metres or more and the contours of the reef formations offer limitless diving opportunities for snorkels and scuba enthusiasts. The islands can be reached within half an hour by motorized outrigger from Malalayang Beach, the jump-off point south of Manado. Malalayang Beach has a dive-master with licenses from both the Indonesian and Sub aquatic Sport Association (POSSI ) and the Paris-based Confederation Mondiale des Activities Subaquatiques (CMAS ). Scuba equipment can be hired there, but it is advisable to bring along personal items such as depth gauges and decompression tables. Both are of particular importance, as there is a decompression chamber in Manado.

Maluku
Ambon has to be considered from the marine enthusiast's point of view, more as a jumping off point than as a destination, since it is accessible by air and lies in the heart of many interesting island groups. For the adventurous and the self sufficient, the underwater islands of Maluku are magnificent.

There are about a thousand island islands in the region, and most have excellent beaches, reefs and seascapes, almost anywhere less than a day's journey away from the population centers. The snorkeling is superb. Boats easily available for hire. Pulau Pombo and Pulau Kasa are two small island-marine reserves near Ambon. Best time of the year is from September to March. Spells of rough weather can be expected between April and July. A word of caution is necessary: some corals are very fragile and break under flippers. Some sting badly, like the yellow-tipped fire coral. On sandy reef platforms, watch out for the long back spines of the sea urchins. Several small islands in this archipelago are still uninhabited.

Banda Neira
Southeast of the islands of Maluku is the small group of islands of Banda, the original nutmeg island. Banda Neira offers crystal clear water, full of coral gardens and tropical fish. There is a small hotel where diving gear is available. The island of Banda Neira is seeped in history, starting from 1312 when the first Portuguese arrived on its shores, followed by the English and the Dutch, all eater for the golden nutmeg trade. Some of the remnants of this period still remain. Banda Neira is an hour's flight from Ambon.

Ichthyology
Indonesia is rich in ornamental fish species, which are exported to the United States, Japan and Europe. Among these beautiful marine aquarium fish species are the Amphiprion, the Dascyllus, the red colored Labrida and the Gorisaygula found plenty in the waters around the Bali Strait. The Balistoides niger, is found in abundance in North Sulawesi. Apart from fish, the waters around many islands, especially in the more virgin areas in the eastern parts of the archipelago, offer a rich variety of conches and shells and one of the world's most beautiful conches, the so called "Glory of the Sea". In waters around nature reserves, however, the collecting of fish, shells and other objects of marine life is prohibited.

Surfing
Indonesia is ideal for surfing all year round. Some areas are the best by strong shore hugging currents which, while not bothering the experienced surfer, make them unsuitable for beginners and swimmers. Java's southern coast is longer than California's Pacific coastline. Long sandy beaches separated by rocky headlands or occasional peninsulas are plentiful where conditions are excellent for surfing. A good place for beginners, but still satisfactory for the more advanced is the beach near Batu Keras, west of the nature reserve and local resort of Pangandaran. Small but steady right-handers roll in over a sandy bottom.
Source: Dive Guide

Bukit Bangkirai a rainforest wonderland

Imagine an orchid forest with more than 45 different species including dancing and dragon scale varieties, sambas breeding deer, flying fox, short- and long-tailed macaque birds, wild boar and 40-meter-high, 150-year-old bangkirai trees.

A forestry student's dream come true and a native bird-watcher's paradise. And now it's accessible to those of us without hiking boots.

This is one of the world's most beautiful virgin conservation forests -- and it is at Jakarta's front door, in East Kalimantan.

It is the Bukit Bangkirai forest and conservation parkland, located in Samboja district, Kutai Kartanegara regency.

There are three roads that lead to this incredible 1,500-hectare wonderland as well as wide-ranging accommodation to suit just about anyone.

Bukit Bangkirai forest is internationally recognized yet still one of Indonesia's best kept tourism secrets.

Nurni Sulaimana, The Jakarta Post, Kutai Kartanegara

Indonesian island an unspoiled alternative to Bali

As the tropical monsoon clouds roll in, obscuring the towering volcanos along the Bali coastline, the pristine neighboring island of Lombok seems a world away from Indonesia's premier tourist destination.

In fact, it almost is.

This unique isle lays to the east of one of the sharpest fissures in nature, the so-called Wallace Line that cuts through the Indonesian archipelago and divides the flora and fauna of Asia and that of Australia, Papua, New Zealand and other Pacific islands.

Recent developments on the island have seen an increase in accommodations of an international standard, such as the Oberoi, the Sheraton Sengiggi, the Holiday Inn and the Novotel hotels. Officials say the lack of air links has been the main factor hampering tourist growth. ''If they could only get direct flights from places like Perth and Kuala Lumpur, Lombok could position itself as the second beach resort in Indonesia,'' Kaul said.

Singapore's Silk Air operates the only international flight to the island. There are also daily flights from Bali, which is just a half-hour away by air.

In contrast to Bali's tourist hustle and bustle, Lombok offers a view of the old Indonesia, with its dense forests, traditional thatched villages, empty beaches and bygone transport - the ubiquitous ''dokar'' carts pulled by sturdy Sumbawan ponies.

Source: The Register Guard

Mount Rinjani is an active volcano in Indonesia on the island of Lombok. It rises to 3,726 m, making it the second highest volcano in Indonesia. The first historical eruption occurred in September of 1847. The most recent eruption of Mount Rinjani was on 1 October 2004. The 6 km by 8.5 km oval-shaped caldera is filled partially by a lake known as Segara Anak. The eruptions of 1994, 1995, and 1996 have formed a small cone in the center of the caldera and lava flows from these eruptions have entered the lake. (Photo and commentary by Kelly Cheng)

My Life In Travel: Lisa Butcher

Interview by Sophie Lam, excerpts:

First holiday memory?

I grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia, so our holidays were spent on Bali, in the days before it was spoilt. I went with my mum and brothers and we used to stay in losmens, which are basic village huts. We used to give offerings to the locals; it's a very spiritual place. I also remember watching the smoke coming out of Krakatoa.

Best hotel?

Any of the Amanresorts. I've been to a couple – in Bali and Morocco – and they're to die for. My dream hotel is the Amanresort in Bora Bora, French Polynesia, where the rooms are perched over the sea. I'd love to go there on a romantic trip. I also love taking my kids to the Celtic Manor Resort in South Wales, because it has a great golf course.

Best meal abroad?

Every meal I have eaten in Thailand. Growing up in the Far East, I've developed a love for that kind of food. I always come back looking quite plump, because all I want to do when I'm there is eat.

Best Western International Expects to be Largest Hotel Chain in Asia by 2010

Best Western International, already the fastest-growing hotel chain in Asia, has its sights on becoming the largest hotel chain on the continent within three years.

Over the next six months, Best Western will sign 17 new hotel contracts in China, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand, among other countries, and is on pace to have more than 200 properties by 2010. The chain's Asia presence has expanded from just six hotels in 2001 to 106 today.

-- Indonesia. Four hotel contracts will be signed in the next six months.
The chain also is operating or developing hotels in Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Israel and Bahrain, with plans to expand in the Middle East.

Best Western selects areas for development based on economic indicators, technological infrastructure and the education and income levels of the population.

Air France, Qantas eye travelers to Bali

Air France vice president for Asia Pacific Jean-Louis Pinson said Wednesday that the carrier would launch a service between Bali and Singapore based on a code-sharing agreement with Qantas Airways.

The partnership will commence Sept. 11, Pinson told The Jakarta Post, in what he said was an opportunity to explore the possibility of opening up more routes to Indonesia.

Nusa Dua Fiesta 2007

4-Day Celebration of Culture, Sports, Music, Food and Fashion at Nusa Dua October 18-21, 2007.

(9/1/2007) Presented a "Celebration of the Balinese Lifestyle" – the Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC) have announced the dates for the Nusa Dua Fiesta 2007 as October 18-21, 2007 centered at the Peninsula Island at Nusa Dua.

The Peninsula, covering 5 landscaped hectares on a promontory in the Indian Ocean, offers an attractive venue for the four days of activities including culture, fashion, food, arts, sports, music and exhibitions. Designed to appeal to an audience of all ages, Fiesta 2007 will present traditional arts performances from Bali as well as other provinces across the Indonesian archipelago. The event will also showcase the talents of renowned Balinese musicians including Balawan & Batuan Etnik, a wortld-famous Balinese guitarists backed up by his ethnically-inspired band.

"Besides demonstrating what the Nusa Dua has to offer, we would also like to take the opportunity to promote Bali to the world. The inaugural Nusa Dua Festival was first held in 1996 and over the ensuring years we have aspired to create different themes so that tourists can experience something unique at every event," said I Made Mandra, President Director of the BTDC.

Nusa Dua is one of Bali's best-known as tourist areas and home to famous resort and attraction brands including, Club Med, Bali Desa Suite Nusa Dua, Kayu Manis Private Villas & Spa, Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, The Westin Resort, The Laguna Resort & Spa, Melia Bali Villas & Spa Resort, Grand Hyatt Bali, Inna Putri Bali Hotel Resort & Spa, Ayodya Resort Bali, Novotel Nusa Dua Hotel & Residence, Swiss Grand Bali Hotel, Amanusa, Bali Golf & Country Club, Bali Collection & Entertainment Complex, Bali Lawn Bowling, Matsuri Restaurant, Victus Life, Museum Pasifika, and Bali Eye. All share a common 300-hectares site set in magnificent tropical gardens replete with a championship 18-hole golf course.

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Russian Tourists to South East Asia

Edward Grigoriev, Department of Tourism market representative in Russia and CIS, said outbound tourists from Russia reached 6.4 million in 2006.

In Southeast Asia, Thailand remains the most popular destination for Russian and CIS tourists, he pointed out.

Indonesia came in a far second as a Southeast Asia destination for the Russian market with 23,000 arrivals in 2006, he said.

Malaysia, which started its promotion efforts two years ago, had 9,000 arrivals from Russia and CIS. Aside from these three countries, the Philippines would also compete with Goa in India, the Caribbean islands, Maldives and Vietnam, Gregoriev said.

The Russian tourists spend about $2,000 on airfare and would be willing to spend the same amount during their stay here, Gregoriev added.

The activities Russian tourists would like to do include sightseeing at historical places, nature parks or island hopping; spa and wellness treatment; diving; and shopping, he said.

Film Review: Opera Jawa

A traditional Indonesian tragedy is reworked into a visually stunning musical in Opera Jawa. Setio and Siti are an arty couple whose marriage is tested by jealousy and the lust of Ludiro, who's after Siti. Meanwhile Ludiro is also bullying local business owners. Old-fashioned dance moves combine with edgy modern routines and stunning costumes, but the lyrics of the songs seem to lose something the translation.

Opera Jawa is certainly a feast for the eyes: the carefully-lit set is often graced with elegant sculptures and props. The more surreal segments have a conceptual feel: later scenes cut to strange wax hanging corpses - symbolic no doubt, but also staged like a Turner Prize exhibit. The score is equally out-there, often using clashing sounds to communicate discord.

Director: Garin Nugroho

Writer: Aramantono , Garin Nugroho

Stars: Martinus Miroto, Artika Sari Devi, Eko Supriyanto, Retno Maruti, Jecko Siompo Pui

Genre: World Cinema, Musical

Length: 119 minutes

Cinema: 07 September 2007

Country: Indonesia

Opera Jawa is out in the UK on 7th September 2007.