Indonesia's tourism to emphasize eco-cultural attractions in 2011

Indonesia’s tourism is to be promoted in 2011 with emphasize on the country’s eco-cultural attractions in the hope it will draw 7.3 - 7.6 million foreign visitors, a tourism ministry official said.

"After considering various factors, we have decided to promote the country’s eco-cultural’s attractions in 2011," Esty Reko Astuty, director of promotions at the Culture and Tourism Ministry, said here Monday as reported by Kompas.com.

One of the premier tourist destinations to be promoted by the ministry next year would be the National Komodo Park in West Nusatenggara which was a finalist in the new seven wonders of nature competition.

The result of the new seven wonders of nature selection process would be announced on November 21 next year, and therefore it was considered appropriate to emphasize nature tourism, including the National Komodo Park, in 2011, she added.

"Environmental issues, including climate change, will be raised under the ’eco-cultural’ theme," Esthy said.

Eco-friendly tourism, she added, was chosen by the guests due to the tourism paradigm switchr from mass tours to alternatives related to enironmental sustainability.

"Moreover, the ministry will also establish a program to visit museums and we expect the program cold be accommodated under the eco-cultural theme," she said.

Esthy added, the theme would also provide space for the Indonesia tourism which is eco-friendly and showing cultural values.

Menjangan Island, Bali’s Best Kept Secret

Located about 10 kilometers north of Gilimanuk Harbor in northwestern Bali, Menjangan is a 175-hectare island, which is part of the West Bali National Park.

The journey from Denpasar to Labuhan Lalang, a small traditional port that connects tourists to Menjangan Island, takes around four to five hours.
We arrived at the port around 4:30 p.m. and although we felt exhausted after hours of driving, we decided to get on the boat immediately so as not to miss the sunset.
It cost us around Rp 300,000 ($33) to go to the island on a traditional boat. The boat, which can fit up to 10 people, can wait around three to five hours while you and your friends explore the island.

Bowo’s promise of undiscovered beauty proved true. When we finally arrived on the island 30 minutes later, there was only one boat tied to a small dock and several foreign tourists hanging out on the beach.
Besides its natural beauty, the island is also home to a unique species of deer, called Menjangan, for which the island was named.

Those wanting to soak up a bit of culture as well as sun can visit some of the Hindu temples on the island, including Kelenting Sari and Segara Giri.
There is also a large statue of Ganesha, the Hindu god with a human body and an elephant head, which was recently erected on the island.

Bowo and I decided to spend an extra Rp 150,000 on two snorkeling masks and two pairs of fins.
Bowo assured me that going to Menjangan Island wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the beauty of its coral reefs and fish.
Accompanied by our guide, Bowo and I were in the water within minutes.
You don’t have to dive very deep to be immersed in Menjangan’s marine beauty.
As I was floating in the water, I could clearly see the coral reef and a plethora of colorful fish.
Not wanting to let me miss anything, Bowo eagerly pointed out each interesting thing he saw.
At one point, he showed me a group of small yellow fish with black and blue stripes.
The best moment came after our swim, when we decided to simply lay on the pure white sand, look straight at the sun and do nothing.

Bowo assured me that it was the best way to enjoy the sunset.
‘I want to go to the most beautiful beach in Bali, a place that most tourists still don’t know about.’

Full article by Tasa Nugraza Barley

Related:

• Bali tourism agency launches coral restoration project
• Buleleng: Beautiful vistas aplenty

The Ayu Kintamani Jalan Puri Bening, Toya Bungkah

Located on the shore of picturesque Lake Batur, The Ayu Kintamani is blessed with enchanting view with Mount Batur and Mount Abang stand majestically on the background. The Ayu Kintamani is a private luxury villa that is the only 5 star villa accommodation around Kintamani region. The Ayu Kintamani offers luxurious and comfortable accommodation combines with state of art amenities and top class services.



The Ayu Kintamani provides top class facilities and services including money exchange, airport transfer, valet parking, 24 hour attendance, 24 hour room service, in-villa massage and laundry service.

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Bali’s foreign tourist arrivals to surpass target

The Bali chapter of Central Statistic Agency (BPS) forecast that the foreign tourist arrivals to Bali would surpass the 2010 target of between 2.3 and 2.5 million as more than 2.1 million foreigners have visited the island from January to October.
Agency head Gede Suarsa said there were usually at least 220,000 foreign tourists visiting Bali every month and the agency had yet to count the November foreign tourists arrivals.
“We should also remember that December is a peak season, thus tourists on the island would surely increase,” he said.
As many as 1.96 million foreigners visited Bali in 2008. The number increased by 13.26 percent to 2.22 million last year.

Villa Leha Leha

It is luxurious without being pretentious, that the guests will easily find famous beach or cultured village of Sanur, it is Villa Leha Leha. Nestled on the edge of a steep sided valley of Ayung river in Sanur village, this property is 5-10 minute drive to legendary Sindhu Beach. The guests of Vila Leha Leha will be more or less 30 minute far away from Ngurah Rai International Airport, crowded Kuta and classy restaurants in Seminyak. However, Sanur offers tourist attractions as best as Seminyak or Kuta. Shaded by leafy trees, this villa is a good place to relish tropical holiday.

The awesome Bose sound system will never stop entertaining the guests with the guests’ favorite songs. Besides this magnificent villa has loyal staff that will assist the guests in discovering fabulous facilities such as: one large swimming pool, living area (equipped with satellite TV, VCD, DVD, and Bose sound system), IDD telephone, office (with computer and wireless internet connection), games galore, BBQ facilities, book library, Ford Everest with preferred driver, and many more during spending holiday in this villa

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Number of foreign tourists in Jakarta up in October

The number of foreign tourists in Jakarta increased 22.16 percent in October to 158,469 visits from 130,542 visits in the previous months, based on the record from three entry points: Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Halim Perdanakusumah Airport and Tanjungpriok Airport.

The number is also higher compared to the same period last year with an increase of 29.74 percent.

Jakarta Central Statistics Agency (BPS) chief Agus Suherman said that this significant increase was due to the approaching Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Agus predicted that the increase would continue in November and December.

He said that the number of foreign tourists in October was the third increase in the last four years.

The top five visitors in October came from Asia: Malaysia with 20,089 visits, followed by China with 16,333 visits, Singapore 13,978 visits, Japan with 11,185 visits and South Korea with 7,377 visits.

BPS also recorded that the occupancy rate in hotels increased to 59.04 percent in October from 48.41 percent in September.

Villa Pushpapuri

Enter Villa Pushpapuri and discover the most secluded sanctuary with finest view of mountain, rice field, ocean, even more neighboring island which is the best for holiday. This Bali villa occupies the beachfront area in traditional village named Ketewel in Bali’s south-east coast, 10-minute drive from the vibrant Sanur and 40 minute journey from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Unlike Seminyak which has many internationally acclaimed restaurants, bars, shopping area, and other attractions, the area of Ketewel has only a small selection of restaurants. However, for the surfer and people who fond of horse riding, the nearby stables and beach will make the guests possible to do it.

Pushpapuri Bali private villa boasts tastefully furnished 4 air-conditioned bedrooms. The 2-storey master suite comprises the master bedroom in ground level and study with DVD room in the upstairs. The master bedroom house king size four-poster bed, mosquito net, built-in daybed, LCD satellite TV, DVD player, en-suite bathroom, Jacuzzi, and private open-air walled courtyard. The upstairs study has a great view of mountain, ocean, beach, and neighboring island. In the meantime, the main guest bedroom has the similar features to master bedroom but without Jacuzzi. The other two bedrooms are dedicated to children with bright color theme. One bedroom house twin beds while another is furnished with queen size four poster beds.

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Green Spirit Bali of Sudaji: A Sanctuary For Peaceful Soul

Bali exudes massive spirit that can’t be described through words. And even more when you visit a village in Buleleng regency named Sudaji. This is what Ketut Susanna Zanzan realized very well that he built spirit sanctuary preserving the local value and environment. A sanctuary for contemplation and peace at heart. A Sanctuary named Green Spirit Bali.

Along the road to get this sanctuary, you will be easy to see the greenery on right and left side of the small road. Sudaji is renowned for its fertile soil that any plant can grow well there; or it seems stone will probably grows to be a lush tree. And the pleasant weather makes the trip going so enjoyable. After passing Banjar Dukuh’s hall, you will see the Green Spirit Bali, tucked away on the right side.

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A Relaxing Javanese Massage Experience

Let’s face it. We live in a fast-paced world. As a result, we experience far more stress than ever before. Most of the time, this stress manifests itself in various physical aches and pains.

One way of relieving stress is by having a massage. It is said that there are hundreds of different types of massage techniques. One of the more popular one in Indonesia is the traditional Javanese massage.

For hundreds of years, the Javanese have used traditional massage to ease muscle and joint pain. This is believed to help improve blood circulation, as well as stimulate the body’s natural regenerative process.

When it comes to getting an authentic Javanese massage in Jakarta, one of the better places to go is the hotel spa at the Marriott Mayflower Executive Apartments.

“Most of our guests request the massage,” said Siska, who is one of the Mayflower’s senior spa therapists.

“They usually come, complaining of fatigue and muscle pain and when they leave after the massage, they usually say that they feel much better.”

The luxury spa, located on the 28th floor of The Indofood Tower in Sudirman, boasts comfortable locker rooms for male and female customers, a steam room, a sauna, and four treatment rooms, each equipped with individual showers.

“You’re advised to enjoy the steam and sauna facilities prior to the massage,” said Desi, who was going to be my spa therapist for the day.

“The heat will loosen up your muscles and prepare your body for the massage. It will also open your pores so you can absorb the oil treatment.”

Olive oil is usually used for Javanese massage. However, customers may also opt for relaxing lavender or sweet-smelling strawberry aromatherapy oils to be used instead.

The treatment rooms are warm and cozy. Desi invited me to take a seat in front of a bronze basin containing floating rose petals and bright yellow gerberas. I was told to immerse my feet in the warm water.

The treatment reminded me of mandi bunga (flower bath), an ancient Javanese ritual where water is believed to transfer the positive energy of the flowers to the bather for rejuvenation.

Full article by Sylviana Hamdani