Baliem Valley - Papua

Once you read or give it a deeper study to Danis way of life, dont be surprise that you may find your eye lifting or forehead wrinkling. Why? Because the Dani is uniquely amazing.

The Dani men and women sleep separately in different honai (Danis traditional house). The men sleep grouped in one honai, while the women and children slumber in another honai. As descended from their ancestor, sex is taboo for the women after giving birth, for 2 or 5 years, as the result the Dani generated healthier kids since the women focus on babysitting the kids during the most important phase of growth. This situation makes the men vulnerable to polygamy, its a true fact of life that the Dani men are allowed to have more than 1 wife or as many as he can afford. A man should give 4-5 pigs to the girls parent he wants to marry. For Dani men, his social status are initiated by the number of wives and pigs he has.

Another remarkable custom of Dani is that women will amputate their finger when their relatives die, hence doesnt be surprise when you see women with missing finger.

To enhance the quality of your experience in Baliem Valley, guide is essential since there are no clear maps or signage initiated for visitor. The guide will help to lead the track, communicate with the local people and in advance, the guide will inform the tourist about local dos and donts.


Flying might be the only way to access the Baliem Valley through Wamena. Here are some alternatives on carrier from Jayapura to Wamena: (For further info, ask the officers at Sentani Airport Information Center).

*Trigana Air Services provide daily flights into and out of Wamena. Spot the Trigana Air Service Offices at Sentani Airport terminal and Wamena Airport terminal.
*MAF
* AMA
*Yajasi
*Manunggal Air
*Hercules carrier provide by Indonesian army (TNI)

To access Baliem Valley, you can rent car or public bus from Wamena.


For those who are adventurer and cultural observer in heart, stay and mingle with the Baliem Valley people is possible, just make sure your guide booked it before your visit. Go Show? Affordable.

If the first alternative is way too extreme, you can stay at hotels at Wamena:

*Wamena Hotel at Jl. Homhom 61
*Srikandi Hotel at Jl. Irian 16
*Pondok Wisata Putri Dani at Jl. Irian 40
*Nayak Hotel at Jl. Gatot Subroto 63
*Hotel Syah Rial Makmur at Jl. Gatot Subroto 45
*Hotel Anggrek at Jalan Ambon 1
*Baliem Pilamo Hotel at Jalan Trikora
*Baliem Valley Resort (3 star resort), www.baliem-valley-resort.de


Would you mind if we say ON FOOT? Healthy foot and fit body? Absolutely. Through trekking, you can witness traditional ceremonies, traditional markets and the people of Dani.


There is no restaurant inside the Baliem- Valley, a guide could bargain the Dani people to provide simple meals. Its stoutly advised, that the visitor bring their own meals and snack during the trekking. Meals and snacks can be found in grocery store at Wamena


*Souvenir can be easily found on the valley and buy the crafts directly from the Dani people.
*Stone blade is a major favorite for the tourist
*Sekan: rattan bracelate
*Noken: made from trees bark
*Head and arm necklace
*Jogal: grass skirt
*And other head decorations


*The captivating Baliem Fiesta is held on August around 10 - 17 August every year. The festival performs traditional dances, pig races, ancestral fighting and races. Today, Baliem Fiesta is one of the main reasons why tourists visit Papua. Its a magical Fiesta says most of the tourist.
*Join the large and busy local market at Sinatma.
*Spotting mummies at Kurulu Village.

*Guide is needed to explore the valley
*Dont forget to bring the copy of your Surat Keterangan Jalan
*Best time to visit is between March and August
*If you travel during the rainy season, be prepared with cold weather equipment
*Ask your guide about Dos and Donts in the Baliem Valley

Foreigner must obtain a travel permit letter or known as Surat Keterangan Jalan to get the access into the interior part of Papua. You can obtain the Surat Keterangan Jalan at main town police station such as Jayapura, Merauka, Timika, Biak, Nabire, Monokwari and other main city. The permit of lasts will depend on your request, from 1 week until 1 month or even longer. Please prepare copies of your passport, recent photograph and list of places you wish to visit. Its easy to get the Surat Keterangan Jalan, because the officers are friendly and helpful.

Tangkuban Perahu Volcano Crater

Tangkuban perahu is an active volcano, it is located 25 - 30 kilometers north of Bandung direction of Lembang. Mt. Tangkuban Perahu is an appealing destination that is fond to visit. The name translates roughly to "overturning of (a) boat" or "overturned boat" in Sundanese, referring to the local legend of its creation. The huge crater is an astonishing view and we could explore the crater around two hours. The sulphur fumes still emit from the crater though it is not particularly active.

Where to stay
There are numerous hotels covering every budget case around Bandung city. But if you have the intensity to stay longer near Tangkuban Perahu, there are numerous hotels in Lembang (North Of Bandung) and experience the ambience of country side whilst breathing a clear air which is hard to persue in the city.

Dining Guide
Restaurants and warungs are scattered around Tangkuban Perahu. But if you want to experience a different vibe there are various eating places around Lembang.

What to do
• Sight seeing
• Trekking
• Photographing
• Hiking to the edge of the crater to view the hot water springs up-close,
• Boiled some eggs cooked on its hot surface of the hot springs

Tips
• Not everyone could stand with the fumes of the sulphurs, handkerchief are suggested to cover your nose and mouth
• Do not hesitate to resist the sellers offered if you are not interested.
• It is suggested that you bring a jacket/sweater to avoid cold temperature
• Try to go early as possible because around noon the mist start to roll in through the trees

IJEN PLATEAU : Known for its Sulphur Mining

Ijen is actually a complex of stratovolcanoes near Banyuwangi in East of Java. Kawah Ijen (Ijen Crater) is the center of attraction, which contains a nearly 1 km wide, turquoise-colored, acid crater lake.
Kawah Ijen is also the site of a labor-intensive sulfur mining operation in which sulfur-laden baskets are hand-carried from the crater floor. The weight of the sulfur stones carried by the labor shoulder can reached up to 80 kg. Coffee, cocoa, clove and rubber plantation surrounding the area of the Ijen Crater, which was established by Dutch colonial government is still run very well and can be visited. A trip to Ijen Crater starts from Bondowoso or Banyuwangi where many tourist information and facilities are available.

How to Get There:
Ijen Plateau is usually accessed from the town of Bondowoso and Banyuwangi. Pos Paltuding, the starting point for the hike to Kawah Ijen, is 64 km from Bondowoso. The starting point can also be reached from Banyuwangi with 4WD vehicles.

Photo by Patmawinata
The Best Season to Visit:
April to October every year.

Contact:
Global Adventure
Jl. Harinjing 102
Kediri – Jawa Timur
Ph. (0354) 391163,
Fax. (0354) 394312
Mobile: 081334684918,
085649629900
Email: globaladventure@indo.net.id
www.globaladventureindonesia.com

GUNUNG RINJANI NATIONAL PARK : One of the Best Treks in Southeast Asia

Gunung Rinjani National Park covers an area of 41,330 hectares on the northern part of Lombok. The peak of Gunung Rinjani reaching up to 3,726m dominates the landscape.

Gunung Rinjani National Park offers the beauty of the volcano, the Segara Anakan Crater Lake and the challenge of climbing the mountain. There are also guided village tours which provides a glimpse of local culture and the opportunity to meet the locals.

How to Get There :
Senaru and Sembalun Lawang Villages are The two starting points for excursions into the park as well as for climbing Mount Rinjani. Senaru Village can be reached within three hours drive to the north from Mataram, while Sembalun Lawang Village is approximately a four hours drive to the east of Mataram.

The Best Season to Visit :
August to December every year.

Contact :
Gunung Rinjani National Park Office
Jl. Erlangga 88, Mataram
Lombok - Nusa Tenggara Barat
Ph. (0370) 627764
Email: tngr@indo.net.id

BALI, a Global Gorgeous Sanctuary

In today's world where fast-paced western materialistic society and worried thinking tends to dominate, there remains a haven. This haven is a temple of our "global" village, which has been protected and preserved for hundreds of years. This "sanctuary" is Bali.

The Balinese continue to protect and maintain the sanctity of this island of Gods and Goddesses. Whatever madness and terror is besieging humanity around the world, it is important to know that we all have a place, a retreat where the majority of the Balinese population sacrifice a tremendous amount of time and energy in "holding this sacred space".

Bali remains our protected temple, which allows us the possibility of relaxing and releasing the materialistic mind, and entering the inner chambers of your own heart. The beauty and artistry is obvious. The fluidity and humor of the people delight the senses. Drop down a little deeper and you feel a new burst of creativity awakening in your own life, a taste of pure soul consciousness. The opportunity to drink deeply of the elixir of this culture will always be defended and protected by the Balinese. They have provided the space and style to fit all persuasions and the Balinese have more than ever demonstrated their ability to be gracious hosts to a global clientele.

Naturally, Bali is a global safe haven to such a beautiful landscape and vivid culture. It is not surprising the island is filled with inspired artists and performers. Its culture is a unique combination of spirituality, religion, tradition and art. It seems that almost every Balinese is a devoted artist, spending 'free time' applying skills and images which have been passed down from generation to generation and grasped from a very young age. Expressed through beautiful and intricate paintings, extraordinary carvings, superb weaving, and even in rice decorations that cover the myriad shrines found in public areas, in paddy fields or in homes, the island is alive with art and religious homage. Many tourist attractions have a religious origin.

When you come to Bali, free your mind for a time, study, observe and tune in and you will be re-inspired, your creativity opened, and brought to a place of peace within your own being.

INACRAFT 2008 - The Biggest and The Most Complete Exhibition of Gift and Houseware

INACRAFT to be held on April 23-27, 2008, attain the age of ten years. In spite of annual event, it has many experiences and improvement for the future to be full of challenges.

From the first INACRAFT in April 1999 through the ninth, INACRAFT has indicated its own acteristics a right showcase for promoting handicraft products for entrepreneur/ exporter/ craft men from Indonesia and handicraft producing countries within Asia. Moreover, INACRAFT has been well known by domestic and overseas buyers as an exhibition to be necessarily visited to find high quality and favorite handicraft product. The 10th Jakarta International Handicraft Trade Fair (INACRAFT 200) will be held on:
• Date : April 23 - 27, 2008 Opening Hours : 10.00 am - 09.00 pm
• Exhibition Hall : Hall A & B, Lobby A & B, Cendrawasih Hall, Plenary Hall, Assembly Hall & Main Lobby Balai Sidang Jakarta Convention Center, Jakarta - Indonesia
• Hall Area : ± 24.080 M2 (gross)
• Focused Products : Indonesian Handicraft (Gifts, House wares & Fashion Product)

Exhibited Products
• Gift Item
Ballpoint & Wooden box, Candy jar, Woven blanket throw, Key accessories, Lighter box, Jewelry box, Small photo frame, Cigarette box, Aromatherapy, Stationery item, etc.
• House wares, Home & Garden Decorative
Artificial flower, dried flowers, ceramic flowers vase, candle holder, lighting lamp, wood carving, ornament, craft silver, table cover embroidery, cushion cover, place mate, embroidery bed cover, Wooden furniture, rattan furniture, fiber furniture, coconut furniture, bamboo furniture, garden furniture, A kitchen wares, basket wares, table wares, bathroom wares, carpet, painting, candle, glass item, natural stone, pottery, bird house & accessories, umbrella, wind chime, doormat, garden ornament, plan terrace set, self watering hanging planter, garden bridge, garden statue, etc
• Toys & Game
Wooden toys, soft toys, game board, inflatable toys, toys box, footballs, jigsaw puzzles, education games, etc
• Jewelry
Gold jewelry, silver jewelry, pearl jewelry, shell jewelry, precious stones, etc
• Batik
Painting batik, Printing batik, Stamped batik, Silk, etc
• Fashion Garment & Embroidery
Fashion embroidery garment, Moslem dress, Indonesian ikats, Indonesian songket, Indonesian ulos, Hand oven fabric, etc

Product Zoning
• Main Lobby & Plenary Hall : Gifts & House wares, Toys & Games, Miscellaneous Crafts
• Hall A : Fashion, Embroidery, Batik, Jewelry & Accessories
• Assembly Hall 3 : International Hall/ Export Hall
• Hall B & Lobby B : Dinas, Pemkab & Pemda, Dekranas and Dekranasda
• Lobby A : Sponsorship

Supported
• National Agency for Export Development, Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia
• Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia
• Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia
• State Ministry for Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises of the Republic of Indonesia
• State Ministry for State Owned Company of the Republic of Indonesia
• Asean handicraft Promotion and Development Association (AHPADA)
• Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association (IECA)

MRA Bali International Triathlon

(Balidiscovery) Indonesia's MRA Group has signed on as the main naming sponsors of the Bali International Triathlon set for Sunday, June 29, 2008.

The three-year agreement between Bali International Triathlon (USA) and MRA (Mugi Rekso Abadi Group) means that the more than 34 companies operated by the Indonesian group have entered into a marketing alliance that will showcase their wide range of products via the popular international sporting competition held on Bali's Jimbaran Bay.

The MRA Group

Among MRA's diversified areas of business are:

Media Division

• Cosmopolitan Magazine • Spice Magazine • Cosmo Girl Magazine • Harpers Bazaar • Good Housekeeping • Auto Car • Trax • Bali & Beyond Magazine • FHM • IP Entertainment (Impresarios and Artist Agents) • Men's Fitness Magazine (To be Launched in 2008)

Broadcast Division

• Hard Rock FM • Trax FM Radio • Cosmopolitan FM Radio • I-Radio FM • Media Network Indonesia

Retail & Lifestyle

• Bulgari Jewelry • Bang and Olufsen • Vision Home Entertainment

Food & Beverage Division

• Hard Rock Café • Haagen Dazs Ice Cream

Automotive Division

• Ferrari Maserati • Harley Davidson

Hotel & Property Division

• Bulgari Hotels & Resorts (Indonesia)

MRA Bali International Triathlon

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay will serve as "race central" for the MRA Bali International Triathlon on June 29, 2008. The Olympic distance event is the only international-caliber triathlon held in Bali.

Jimbaran lies on the western side of Bali's narrow southern isthmus, located on a sweeping bay that curves from the southern side of the airport to the bushy headland that borders the Four Seasons Resort. The event is comprised of a 1.5-kilometre swim in the warm waters of the bay, a 40-kilometre bike ride from the edge of Jimbaran Bay through hilly paved roads to Nusa Dua looping back to Jimbaran, and a 10-kilometre mostly-flat run on paved roads through Jimbaran and Kedonganan villages ending with a beach finish at the Four Seasons Resort Jimbaran Bay.

In its inaugural year, the event attracted more than 150 athletes from 16 countries. This year, athlete participation is slated to increase significantly with the event also expected to attract a large number of spectators to watch the race and partake in the music and festivities at "race central." On Saturday, June 28th, the day before the race, the Four Seasons Resort will be the meeting venue for the athlete briefings. In the evening, this setting on the Indian Ocean will be the venue for the athletes' high carbohydrate Pre-Race Dinner, designed and prepared exclusively for the occasion by the Four Seasons' world-acclaimed chefs.

To welcome the athletes, The Four Seasons has dedicated all of their 7 elegant Private Estates to providing housing for the participants and their families. Located along the beach and just steps away from the start and finish lines, the Private Estates have been specially priced for race participants.

Official Hotels

The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bali and Intercontinental Bali Resort are serving as the official hotel partners for the MRA Bali International Triathlon.

A Truly Balinese Event

Spiritualism dominates every aspect of daily life on the Hindu island of Bali with the MRA Bali International Triathlon also includes a bike blessing Prayasita ceremony in addition to a Majaya Jaya ceremony to bless and ensure the spiritual protection of all the participants and to neutralize any demonic forces. A Pemangku priest will conduct the ceremonies, using special offerings including fruit, yellow coconut juice, grains of rice, sandalwood powder and young coconut leaves tied with white thread and Chinese coins. Further adding to the special character of the event, Balinese musicians and sarong-clad race marshals will be stationed along the race course to guard and entertain the racers as they pass through traditional villages.