Gorontalo, the Pieces of Paradise on the Equator

Hidden Paradise on the Equator. There are just so many things that make Gorontalo perfect for holiday, the beauty of its nature, the culture and not forget to mention, the friendly people. General information about Gorontalo, stated at North Sulawesi. Mountains, hills, shore line are the main characteristic of Gorontalo and it makes the island perfect for marine tourism.

Most of diving site take you just a few minute from town, Diving in Gorontalo mean diving within the richness of biodiversity, health and unique coral and reef

Lot of beautiful place could be found here, Tomini Bay famous for under water habitat and undefined creatures. There is several number of unsettled small islands. Tomini Bay is a heaven for divers, because the geographic position of Tomini Bay itself, which is crossed by the equator line, has naturally presented various kinds of sea creature inside.

Desa Olele or Olele Village is well known as the wild diving spot among world class diver. Olele beach is a gate to underwater paradise. The amazing beauty of underwater life on this area has been recognize and proofed by the enthusiasm of the divers who come to Olele beach. The divers called Olele as Traffic Jam dive spot.

In Tomini Bay and Olele Beach, you can find some or maybe the most amazing and diver creature such as:

• Lumba-Lumba hidung botol (torsiops trancatus)
• Giant Reef (Petrosia Sp.)
• Angkutan Kota (City Transport " small car) also available
• School of Gobi Fish (Bryaninops erythrops)
• Salvador Dali reef (Petrosia lignose)
• Kipas Laut Biru (Acanthogorgia Sp.). There are only 3 acanthogorgia Sp. In Gorontalo
• Anemon Koralimorf (Discosoma Sp.)
• Nemo
• Ikan Behang (plectorhinchus chaetodonoides), some people call it cha-cha fish caused they dance and swim around the coral.
• Blenni (Escenius Caeruliventris)
• Cardinal Fish, damsel, platax pinnatus, scorpaenopsis, oxycephala, goropa fish, butterfly fish, pusillus, cockatoo fish, Randal fish, parapterois hetururus, Bothus Sp " half face fish, frog fish, celebes
• Not forget to mention that Gorontalo is the Kingdom of Nudibrancia
• Seahorse and pigmy seahorse
• There are just too many creatures to be named in Gorontalo, Just come, wear your suit and experience the Pieces of Paradise on the Equator.

In your spare time, go cruise with the fisherman and catch/fishing your own fishes.

Getting There

Jallaludin airport is the entrance for the visitors who use the airplane service (located approximately 15 km from the town of Gorontalo)
Flight from Sukarno Hatta Air Port-Jakarta " Jallaludin Air Port, Gorontalo (Filght served every day, please check the exact schedule to your airline services)
For visitors who use sea service, Gorontalo has 3 harbors, Anggrek Harbor, Kwandang Harbor and Crossing Harbor

Where to Stay

During your diving, you can stay at Gorontalo Resor
If you stay within the town, these hotels might be fit your requirements:

• Quality Hotel Gorontalo
  Jl. A. Yani Kota Gorontalo
  Phone: (0435) 822222, Fax (+62435) 821111, www.choicehotelsindonesia.co.id
• Saronde Hotel
  Walanda Marmis Street
  Phone: (0435) 824144
• Yulia Hotel
  Ahmad Yani Street
  Phone: (0435) 828395
• Wisata Hotel
  23 Januari Street
  Phone: (0435) 821736
• City Hotel
  Basuki Rahmat Street
  Phone: (0435) 822437
• Krawang City Hotel
  Basuki Rahmat Street
  Phone: (0435) 822437
• Citra Hotel
  Merdeka Street
  Phone: (0435) 821249
• Melati Hotel
  Gajah Mada Street
  Phone: (0435) 821853
• Wisata Leato Hotel
  Leato Street
  Phone: (0435) 824144
• Sumber Ria
  Budi Utomo Street
  Phone: (0435) 23888
• Budi Utomo Hotel
  Budi Utomo Street
  Phone: (0435) 821564
• Mutiara Hotel
  Andalas Street
  Phone: (0435) 825778
• Imam Bonjol Hotel
  Imam Bonjol Street
  Phone: (0435) 826240

Moving Around

• Within the town, Trans Sulawesi is a land acces that connected the province in Sulawesi
• Mini bus
  To access the diving spot you can use rented car/bike, then take a boat toward your spot preferences
• For those who use dive companys services, they'll arrange your activities (transport, meals, lodging) the moment you arrived at Gorontalo
• Take a ride with Bentor, support by motor bike machine, for one or two passenger only. Dont worry with the rain, cause Bentor installed with veil

Dining Guide

Within the city, its easy to find any kind of food you want to have for your meal, international menu and traditional menu are available. Make your order, and youll find your meal rich in spices.
Seafood lover will be pleased here
Perkedel ikan nike (nike fish). Mashed nike fish mix with flour and spices, then fried
Pepes Ikan Nike. Fresh nike fish mixed with certain spices, wrapped with banana leaf then baked or some prefer it grilled.

Souvenir Tips

Kerawang: one of Gorontalos traditional cloth materials, which made by hand (man cloth and woman cloth for all ages). Althought Kerawang made by hand but is doesnt look like a hand made at all. Its a Must to buy and make sure its on your list
Ornaments of intricate carved wood are common in all the district

Other Things to See or Do

• Wreck of Japanese Cargo, Tjendrawasih Ship
• Sail with the fisherman
• Sentinels: Best of the Best in Diving
• Fishing
  Potanga Pool with natural cool and fresh water-directly comes from the mountain spring
• Otanaha Castle was the protection and defense of the Kings of Gorontalo
• White sand of Leato
• Limboto Lake
• Ayuhulalo Waterfall
• Boalemo Beach
• Bolihutuo Beach
• Bajos Tribe Village

Travel Tips

The best diving season runs from November to April
You can experienced the encounter with dolphin (torsiops truncates) around February to April

Tourist Office:
Jl. Diponegoro No. 1
Gorontalo 96115 Phone:
(0435) 821763 Fax: (0401)

Indonesia's Profile

GEOGRAPHICAL

Indonesia is the world's archipelagic country, it has a total of 17.508 islands. Indonesia extends between 6 degree country, it was until 11 degree indonesia, and from 97 degree until 144 degree, also it is situated between two continents.i.e. Asia and Australia/Oceania. This strategic location has a significant influence towards its Culture, Social, Politics and Economy.
Indonesia's territory extends along 3.977 mile between the indian ocean and the pacific ocean. If the coastal area between the islands be connected, Indonesia's area would become 1.9 million square miles.
There are five large islands in indonesia, they are : Sumatera with an area of 473.606 square km, Java with an area of 132.107 square km, Borneo / Kalimantan (The third biggest island in the world) with an area of 539.460 square km, Sulawesi with an are of 189.216 square km, and Papua with an area of 421.981 square km.

GEOLOGICAL HISTORY

The islands in Indonesia was formed in the Miocene Era (12 million years BC), Palaecene Era (70 million years BC), Eocene Era (30 million years BC) and Oligacene Era (25 million years BC). With the arrival of people from Asia, Indonesia was believed to have existed in the Pleistocene Era (4 million years BC).
The islands were formed due to strong tectonic alterations in Australia and The Pacific.
Therfore, this makes Indonesia to be one of the countries that often changes its geological area in the world. The mountains in the Indonesian islands number more than 400 volcanoes, of which 100 are still active.
Indonesia suffers vibrations 3 times per day, earthquares occurs once a day, and a minimum of one volcano erupting per year.

COUNTRY FOUNDATION

Pancasila is the philosophical foundation of indonesia, which comes from two sanscrit words "PANCA" meaning Five, and "SILA" meaning Principles.
Pancasila consists of Five Interconnecting Principles:

1.	The Belief in One God
2.	Humanity which is Civil and Just
3.	A United Indonesia
4.	Wise Representation of Democracy
5.	Social Justice for Every Indonesian Citizen

Indonesia is a Democratic country which is Governed by a presidential system and pancasila constitute the Principles underlying Democracy. Democracy founded upon the Five Principles is called Democracy Pancasila.
The country's foundation was announced by President Soekarno (Indonesia's First President) at the republic of Indonesia's Independance Proclamation on the 17th of August 1945.

CANDIREJO – BOROBUDUR : A World Heritage Site

Borobudur temple is located in the district of Magelang, Central Java. It isconsidered one of the world’s wonders and has the largest and most complete ensemble of Buddhist relief in the world. UNESCO has listed the temple as World Heritage Site.
The village of Candirejo is located some 3 km from Borobudur Temple. A traditional Javanese village, Candirejo is being promoted for village tourism, portraying traditional Javanese culture and daily life through traditional houses, art performances, ceremonies, farming and local food.

How to Get There:
The temple of Borobudur and Candirejo Village can be reached from
Yogyakarta by public buses that start from Umbulharjo Terminal or by taxis
and rental cars. The distance is approximately 42 km from Yogyakarta.

The Best Season to Visit:
Almost anytime during the year, but preferably in the dry season
(April to September).

Contact:
Koperasi Desa Wisata Candirejo
Jl. Raya Borobudur Sendangsono Km3
Kabupaten Magelang 56553
Telp./Fax. 0293 - 789675
Ian : 08175414855
Email : ianmanoreh@yahoo.com

Saung Angklung Udjo

Saung Angklung Udjo (SAU) is the place where angklung and others bamboo instrument are made and played. SAU also the place where children are singing, dancing and played the bamboo instrument especially angklung. Saung Angklung Udjo (SAU) was established in January 1967, contributed by Mr. Udjo Ngalagena and his wife Mrs. Uum Sumiati Udjo.

Here you will find the Sudanese traditional bamboo musical concert performed by a small group of children with colorful and beautiful dances. See their dynamic performances and natural expression. You may not believe that the children performing in the concert are less then 12 years old. There's even a two years old child playing kendang, the Indonesian traditional drum!

Saung Angklung Udjo also present choices of bamboo art performances and traditional dances such as Tari Topeng (Mask Dances), Wayang Golek demonstration (puppet show) and many more. You could feel the sophisticated atmosphere when you experience how to play angklung and being part of our performance all at once. You can see, learn and play "The Angklung," one of Sundanese traditional musical instrument, with the colorful performances, the beautiful dances. Dance together for your memorable visit.

SAU is one of the tourism place for all family, it's attractive and adductive. And SAU is one perfectly province tourism object and important in West Java.

Contact
Saung Angklung Udjo Office

Address:
	Jl. Padasuka 118 Bandung
	Bandung
	Jawa Barat
	Indonesia
	40192

Telephone:	(62-22) 7271714
Fax:	(62 22) 7201587

www.angklung-udjo.co.id

Bukittinggi, The Most Relaxed Town in All Sumatra

Bukittinggi is one of the loveliest, friendliest, most relaxed town in all Sumatra. This town is situated more or less 930 meters above sea level.

Bukittinggi, formerly named Fort De Cock by the Dutch, has a cool climate and is surrounded by three volcanoes: Tandikat, Singgalang and Merapi. In the outskirts of the town is the Ngarai Sianok canyon, a canyon separating Bukittinggi from Kota Gadang, 12 km away overland. Kota Gadang is renowned for its fine silver filigree and hand embroidery.

A center of attraction is the town's clock-tower, topped with a horn- shaped roof and referred to by the people as Jam Gadang. It overlooks the market square and the city's magnificent surroundings.

Also worth visiting is the Museum which is a Rumah Gadang, a traditional extended family house built in the 19th century. There are dance performances at the museum's open stage every Sunday and on public holidays. Night dance performances are at Sliguri. It is also worth seeing the bullfights at Padang Lawas (6 km south of Bukittinggi) every Tuesday at 5.00 p.m.

Getting There

From Jakarta International Airport to Minangkabau International Airport in Ketaping it will take about 2 hours, after you arrive you can use Taxi or Bus to Bukittinggi.

Where to Stay

There are various Inns and Hotels in Bukittinggi, If you are looking for a star hotel, theres Novotel Coralia Bukittinggi with a grand view of the beautiful Anai valley, while Lima's Hotel, Hotel Asia and Hotel Denai are classified locally as 'superior hotels'.

Dining Guide
Good varieties of restaurants are situated on or close to the city. But, since youre in West Sumatra who is known with the spicy foods, we suggested you to try some Padang dishes like Rendang and Soto Padang. Here are some of restaurants around the city:

• Simpang Raya, Jl Muka Jam Gadang. This large, popular restaurant has good-quality Padang food plus a basic Indonesian menu with soup, rice or noodle dishes.
• Under the Bridge Restaurant, Jl A Yani. This is a slightly up market travelers' restaurant serving steaks, pasta, pizza, apple pie and chocolate cake.

Moving Around
You can move around the city by Taxi, Bus or rent a car. Theres also a horse carriage or sado provide a colorful charming transportation to move around through the town.

Other Things to See or Do

• Watching one of the landmarks of the city, the Bukittinggi Big Ben or known as Jam Gadang. Also.

• Make nice trips in the environment like to the Harau nature reserve, the Pagaruyung Minangkabau palace and Lake Singkarak.

Souvenir Tips
As a tourist center, Bukittinggi boasts a multitude of craft,souvenir, jewelry, and antique shops. Many craft village lie within an hour ride from Bukittinggi.

Shopping

• Lively Pasar Atas (Upper Market), just south of the clock tower, is lined with stalls and shops selling everyday goods and souvenirs. Nearby, Sumatera,
• Jl Minangkabau 19, has a huge range of textiles from Sumba and Irian Jaya and king sticks from North Sumatra.

Travel tips

• Though the horse carriage is far more expensive than the 'ojek', it is very popular with the locals, especially since it can carry whole families.

• The tourist office is at Jl Syech Bantam 1 (Mon-Thurs 8am-2pm, Fri 8-11am, Sat 8am-12.30pm; tel 0752/22403), near the clock tower.
• Tours: Many places offer one-day local tours to traditional villages, the Pagaruyung palace and the Harau Canyon.

AMANJIWO RESORTS, A Peaceful Resort in Central Java

Amanjiwo (peaceful soul) opened in Central Java in 1997. With clear views to 8th century Borobudur, and drawing its design inspiration from this the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world, Amanjiwo specializes in cultural excursions and experience, highlighting the influential and long-standing artistic traditions of Central Java.

Amanjiwo (which means peaceful soul and opened in 1997) is fashioned out of limestone and takes its inspiration from the surrounding culture of Central Java. The resort is located within a natural amphitheatre with the limestone Menoreh Hills rising directly behind, the Kedu Plain in front and four volcanoes "Sumbing, Sundoro, Merbabu and Merapi" gracing the horizon. Amanjiwo looks out onto Borobudur, the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world. Indeed, Borobudur is carefully mirrored in the resorts design and central dome. The view runs arrow-straight through Amanjiwos entrance and the stone corridor that neatly cleaves the resort, up the steps to the soaring, bell-shaped rotunda, down to the Dining Room, on to the Terrace, past rice fields in an unwavering line to Borobudur itself. Several kampungs (small villages) are within walking distance.

Amanjiwo is constructed from paras yogya " the local limestone. Thirty-six suites radiate outward from the main building in two deep crescents. These are rimmed by high, limestone walls set off by spider lilies and morning glory. The walls blend into the stone walkways that link the suites to the main building and the Pool Club. At the far end of the resort, in a lush tranquil setting, is the Dalem Jiwo, a large private suite with two separate bedrooms.

Getting There

• Amanjiwo can be reached by daily domestic flights to Yogyakarta and Solo either from Indonesias capital, Jakarta, or from Bali. Flights take less than an hour from either place and Amanjiwo is a one-hour complimentary transfer from Yogyakarta or two hours on the more scenic route from Solo, which passes some of the biggest volcanoes in Java. There are also several direct flights to Solo from Singapore and a thrice-weekly service to Yogyakarta from Kuala Lumpur.
• Private air charter on a six-seater Piper Chieftain is available between Bali and Yogyakarta at a cost of US$2,590 nett. The flight takes two hours and maximum load is 500kg which allows for approximately four passengers with luggage or six with only hand luggage.

Where to Stay

Amanjiwos main building is framed by 36 suites arrayed in two deep crescents. The walled suites feature terrazzo flooring, high ceilings, domed roofs and sliding glass doors opening onto a garden terrace with a view towards Borobudur. 15 suites come with private swimming pools.

Dining Guide

From Amanjiwos entrance, five steps climb to the rotunda bar, a circular salon of columns, ceiling fans and a coconut-wood bar. The Bar gives way to the arcing Dining Room, with its amber washed, silver-leaf ceiling. Indonesian and Western cuisine are both available in an open air setting. The speciality of the house is makan malam, classic Javanese offerings served in brass dishes. A Javanese gamelan orchestra performs at lunch and dinner.

Moving Around

You can move around Amanjiwo site on foot or bicycle.

Other Things to See or Do

Theres a lot of thing that you can see and do here in Amanjiwo, including:

• Visiting the city of Yogyakarta and Solo
• Trekking: Hike up the Menoreh Hills to a vantage point over the Kedu plain or the leisurely 40 minute walk through the village of Selogriyo and its surrounding verdant jungle and steep rice terraces.
• See the crowded of Market mornings in Central Java
• Watch the village dances
• Golf
• Watching the mist rise off the rice fields and densely packed coconut plantations
• Revealing the silhouettes of distant volcanoes in the distance.

Souvenir Tips

You can buy some souvenir at the resorts, or for more option, you can browse at the near city like Yogyakarta and Solo. There you can buy many local souvenirs like handicraft, textile woven, batik, sculpture and many else.

Travel Tips

• Loose and casual clothing is advisable.
• In the dry season, April to November, a light sweater may be useful in the evenings, especially in the hill country.
• Airport customs procedures are generally handled in a fast and efficient manner.
• In certain areas of Southeast Asia there is a chance of contracting mosquito borne diseases. Reasonable precautions, including the use of mosquito repellent will minimize the risk.

Fishing for potential in Tomini Bay

Jakarta Post - The neighboring provinces of Central Sulawesi and Gorontalo have agreed to develop the fishery potential of Tomini Bay.

The agreement was signed by Central Sulawesi Governor Bandjela Paliudju and his Gorontalo counterpart Fadel Muhammad during the Sulawesi Summit, in Palu on Monday.

Also attending the summit, which has been held annually since 1998, under the Coordinating Board for Regional Sulawesi Development (BKPRS), were other governors, regents, mayors and chief councilors from Sulawesi island.

Bandjela said during the signing ceremony for the agreement that the 411,000 hectare bay, which has been declared a protected world heritage site by UNESCO, had the potential to produce 330,000 tons of fish annually, as well as other maritime products such as pearls and seaweed.

"Maritime resources, including fishery resources, have yet to be developed optimally because of a lack of capital, skilled human resources and modern technology, and if the great potential can be managed professionally, the two provinces will supply their maritime products to the local market in Java and export them to Singapore," he said.

Fadel said the two provinces would promote Tomini Bay to attract national and foreign fishery investors, and agribusinesses and plantations to generate jobs for locals.

During the day-long summit, participants agreed on the importance of building the so-called Equatorial Canal, which would be centered in western Sulawesi. Once connected, the canal would connect important trade regions on the island with Singapore, the Philippines and Brunei.

Fadel, also a businessman and an influential figure in the Golkar Party, said he has lobbied Singapore and Korea's Hyundai Holding Group to take part in the canal project.

"I am optimistic the cooperation program will go in a smooth manner and will benefit Sulawesi," he said.

Chairman of the BKPRS' board of patrons, Ali Mazi, said the body has enhanced cooperation with the local administrations in Jakarta and West Java in the agribusiness and trade sectors, and with the Indonesian Export Bank to help finance the development of export commodities in Sulawesi.

Ali, also governor of Southeast Sulawesi province, said the BKPRS also was cooperating with several local non-governmental organizations to help local administrations organize exhibitions to promote the fishery, agribusiness and tourism industries on Sulawesi.

The BKPRS was initially set up by local administrations in Sulawesi in 1998 to help end the sectarian conflict in Poso that claimed at least 2,000 lives between 1998 and 2000.

Ali said the regional summit was held annually, with its main mission to help Sulawesi catch up economically with Java and Sumatra islands.

Ruslan Sangadji, The Jakarta Post, Palu

www.thejakartapost.com