The Komodo Islands: Diving & Visit the Dragon

The islands of the Komodo Dragon: Rinca & Komodo Islands are part of the complex of 175 islands (about 90% unhabitant), situated 200 nautical miles east of Bali, between the islands of Flores and Sumbawa. Both above and below the sea Komodo represents a unique range of geological and biological diversity. On shore it is an amazing museum diorama of the Mesozoic era dry tundra and reptilian supremacy. Komodo's symbol of international fame its dragons, the world's largest living lizard.

In the sea it's vibrant color and exotic life will enchant divers and snorkelers alike as endless schools of fish ride the waterways rushing up from deep sea vents, below them the seabed is covered with a thick carpet of florescent corals and marine invertebrates, an underwater photographers paradise.

The waters that surround the island are turbulent and teeming with unparalled marine life. A marine reserve has recently been established and this reserve is largely undocumented and remains unexplored. Komodo National Park was established in 1980. It was declared as a Man and Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site in 1986. KNP includes three major islands - Komodo, Rinca and Padar and numerous smaller islands together totaling 41,000 ha of land contains 132,000 ha of marine waters.

The corals in Komodo National park are pristine, with Mantas, sharks, turtles, dolphins, dugong, many pelagics, to the tiny pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, frog fish, you name it we've got it. The sites vary from gentle easy coral slopes to heart pounding adrenalin rides, from the warm waters of the Flores Sea in the north to the chillier waters down south in the Indian Ocean, the underwater terrain is so varied with sheer cliff walls, pinnacles, sandy flat bottoms, underwater plateaus, slopes, caves, swim-throughs, channels, all with varying colours, sizes and types of coral both hard and soft.

DIVE SITES:

Bidadari Island

Angel Steps, huge towers of stone, encrusted with hard and soft corals, covered in nudibranchs, small caves and overhangs make this a very interesting and beautiful site, Dusky sharks, humphead parrot fish are among the bigger creatures we see here. Cathedral Coral, a gentle slope covered with table corals of every colour and schooling fish, a towering spire of coral with a small cave at it's base is the home to some huge lobsters.

Sabolon

*Sabolon kecil a slope on the east side of this tiny island, with two underwater mounds at the southern end with fields of garden eels and sea pens, schools of round bat fish are often seen coming quite close for some nice photography.

*Sabolon Besar steep slopes off the southern and western sides of the bigger island, fabulous coral coverage and a good chance of spotting Scorpion leaf fish.

*Sebayur kecil walls and slopes of every kind of coral you can imagine, wide variety of marine life to be seen at this site, mantas often seen.

*Tatawa Besar slope with soft coral garden changing to hard coral along the slope, lots of shoaling fish, rainbow runners, fuseliers and often turtles and black tip sharks.

*Tatawa Kecil (current city) as the name implies, this site is washed by very strong currents, which is why this site is among the many world class sites in the Komodo National Park, schools of pelagic fish patrol the waters, best dived at slack tide.

Batu Bolong
A little further west from current city a small rock outcrop with a hole through it is the surface mark of another world class site, only to be dived at slack tide or with a current not long from stopping or starting to run, these giant slabs of rock which disappear into the depths are an amazing sight to see, covered with every form of marine life and patrolled by giant trevally, Napoleon Wrasse, sharks and turtles with schools of barracuda sweeping in to check out the divers.

Diving the Komodo National Park provides some fantastic conditions:

*WATER TEMPERATURE: 20 - 28 Degrees Celsius (68-85 F) , cooler water is experienced on the southern sites. Full 3mm wetsuit & hood is recommended. More active people will prefer a sports suit in northern sites.

*VISIBILITY: 10 - 50M year round. Traditionally clearer water on northern sites.CURRENT: Komodo experiences a strong tidal flow. Not all sites are affected by current. Drift diving is excellent, however during spring tides some sites are impossible to dive. Particular attention is placed on diving the correct sites at the most suitable time to ensure optimum conditions, in accordance with the preferences of the group.

*NIGHT DIVING: The night diving in Komodo is breathtaking. The sheer beauty, color and diversity of life makes it a must see for all divers.

*WALLS: There are numerous walls to choose from. Both drift and static wall dives are offered.

*CANYONS: Huge chasms drop thousands of meters, fringed by extraordinary coral gardens.

*CRITTERS: Found in all locations, however we do offer special sites for encountering unusual marine species.

*OTHERS: Seamounts, fringing reefs, gutters, muck, and sandy locations are also found in the archipelago.


Getting There
By daily flights from: Bali - Labuan Bajo/Komodo Airport - Bali (each 1.5 hours)

Where To Stay
You can contact the above tour operators for more information. You can also plan to stay in Bali, and spend a whole day for visiting Komodo Island.


Moving Around
On foot. If you join a tour, the tour will see to everything? including the transportation.

Dining Guide
Traditional restaurants and small cafes.

Souvenir Tips
Wooden carving resembling komodo and other animals.

Other Things to See or Do

*Fishing

*Snorkeling in Komodo has one of the world's most famous snorkel sites (Pink Beach)

*Dragon walks

*Nature walks

*Hiking

*Beach-combing.


Travel Tips

*Guide Book : Diving Indonesia (a guide to the world's greatest diving), Periplus Action Guide, Kal Muller.

* More Information about Diving in Komodo Islands you can contact: Adventure Indonesia, Jakarta Office-Wisma 31 Kemang, 3rd Floor, Jl Raya Kemang 31, Jakarta 12730. Phone: 62-21-7182250, 7182256, Fax: 62-21-7180438.

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.