IndonesiaEquatorialEmerald

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Komodo National Park : Into The Heart of The Dragons

Real dragons spurt no fire, have no need to fly and cast no magic spells. And still, one look from them might render you speechless. These komodos, the real life dragons, are a sight indeed. Gigantic, the lizard-like creatures are about two or three meters in length. They can easily weigh about 165 kilograms. Despite of their sheer size and appearance, they are not active hunters. What makes them intimidating is the fact that they are a patient predator. In the wild, they stalk a victim, usually a weak or injured one. One bite and that's what it usually takes. After following the victim for a while, sometimes up to several days' time, the komodos will devour the dying prey.

The Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is an endangered species which can only be found in the Komodo National Park (KNP) in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Because of the unique and rare nature of this animal, KNP was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.

The park includes three major islands, Komodo, Rinca and Padar, and numerous smaller islands together totaling 603 km2 of land. The total size of Komodo National Park is presently 1,817 km2. Proposed extensions of 25 km2 of land (Banta Island) and 479 km2 of marine waters would bring the total surface area up to 2,321 km2.At least 2500 Komodos live in this area. Large dragons are usually three meters long and weigh up to 90 kg. Their habitat has beautiful panoramic views of savannas, rain forests, white beaches, beautiful corals, and clean blue seas. In this area, you can also find horses, wild buffalo, deer, wild boar, snakes, monkeys, and various types of birds.

KNP has a rich and amazing underwater sea biotica. Divers claim that Komodo waters are one of the best diving sites in the World. It has fascinating underwater scenery. You can find 385 species of beautiful corals, mangrove forests, and seaweeds as a home for thousands of fish species, 70 types of sponges, 10 types of dolphins, 6 types of whales, green turtles and various types of sharks and stingrays.

Or you can do some diving activities in Komodo Island.

Source : Visit Indonesia

Friday, June 10, 2011

Borobudur, the Biggest Buddhist Temple in the 9th Century

at 11:53 PM

Who does not know Borobudur? This Buddhist temple has 1460 relief panels and 504 Buddha effigies in the complex. Millions of people are yearning to visit the buildings included in this World Wonder Heritages. No wonder, for the architectural and function as a place of worship, Borobudur is attractive heart.

Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga, one of the kings of Old Mataram Kingdom, Dynasty descendant. Based Kayumwungan inscription, an Indonesian named Hudaya Kandahjaya revealed that Borobudur is a place of worship was completed on 26 May 824, almost a hundred years from the time the construction. The name of Borobudur, as some people means a mountain having terraces (budhara), while the other says that Borobudur means monastery on the high ground.

Borobudur-shaped building with staircase punden consists of 10 levels. Height 42 meters before it was renovated and 34.5 meters after the renovation because the lowest level is used as a drag. Six lowest level of a square and three levels on top of a circle and one of the highest levels of Buddhist stupa facing to the west. Each level represents the stages of human life. In accordance madhhabs Mahayana Buddhism, every person who wants to reach the level as the Buddha had to through every level of life is.

The base of Borobudur, called Kamadhatu, symbolizing human beings that are still bound by lust. Four levels above referred Rupadhatu symbolizes man who had to break free from lust but still bound manner and form. On this terrace, Buddha effigies are placed in open space. Meanwhile, three levels above where the Buddhist stupas are laid in holes called Arupadhatu, symbolizing man who has been free from lust, appearance, and shape. The top part is called Arupa symbolizes nirvana, where Buddha is residing.

Each terrace has beautiful relief panels showing how skillful. Relief that will be read coherently when you walk in a clockwise direction (towards the left of the entrance of the temple). The relief panels tell the legendary story of Ramayana. In addition, there are relief panels describing the condition of society at that time. For example, relief of farmers' activity reflecting the advance of agriculture system and relief of sailing boat representing the advance of the voyage who was based in Bergotta (Semarang).

All relief panels in Borobudur temple reflect the Buddha's teachings. Hence, this temple functions as educating the media for people who want to learn Buddhism. YogYES invites you to surround each of the narrow alleys of Borobudur for to understand the philosophy of Buddhism. Atisha, a Buddhist from India in the 10th century, had visited the temple that was built 3 centuries before Angkor Wat in Cambodia and 4 centuries before the Grand Cathedrals in Europe.

Thanks to visiting Borobudur and armed with a script from Serlingpa Buddhism (one of the king of the Kingdom of Sriwijaya), Atisha was able to develop Buddhism. He became head Vikramasila monastery and taught Tibetans of practicing Dharma. Six manuscripts of Serlingpa was condensed into a core course called "The Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment" or better known by the name Bodhipathapradipa.

One of the questions still unanswered about Borobudur is how the condition around the temple was built and why the temple was found in the buried state. Some say Borobudur initially stood surrounded by a swamp and then buried by the eruption of Merapi. Calcutta is essentially the inscription reads 'Amawa' means sea of milk. The word is then interpreted as lava of Merapi. Some other says that Borobudur buried by cold lava of Merapi.

With all the grandeur and mystery that is, only natural that many people from all world penjru include borobudur as a place worth visiting in his life. Besides enjoying the temple, you can walk around to the villages around Borobudur, like Karanganyar and Wanurejo to view the activities of local crafts. You also can go to the top watu Kendil to be able to view a panorama from the top of Borobudur. Why wait? No need to worry about an earthquake May 27, 2006, because of Borobudur is not affected at all.

Script: Yunanto Wiji Utomo

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Bukittinggi : The Most Relaxing City in All Sumatra

at 8:13 PM

Nestled in the highlands north of Padang in the Agam valley, the town of Bukittinggi or ‘high hill’ is West Sumatra’s cultural center. While Padang may be the modern commercial and administrative hub, Bukittinggi is a bustling market town.

Although it is less than a degree south of the equator, Bukittinggi has a refreshingly cool climate due to its elevation – over 900 meters above sea level. While it rains here often, this is not enough to deter travelers who come to enjoy what many claim is the most hospitable city in Sumatra.

The town also has an alternative name, Tri Arga, which refers to the three majestic mountains that shape the regions fortunes.

Many visitors come to Bukittinggi to visit the remarkable Sianok canyon where giant rock cliff faces, rugged trees which grow on top and the dramatic surrounding mountains make this canyon a spellbinding view.

This is an ideal place to go if you want to get beyond the average tourist trail. Compared to other spots in Sumatra, Bukkitinggi only receives a handful of visitors that use the town as a base for nearby hikes or to take cultural tours to the Minangkabau highland.

Taman Safari : Where Wild Animals Roam Free

at 8:09 PM

If you like to observe wild animals like tigers, lions and crocodiles in their native habitat, then Taman Safari Indonesia is just for you.

Taman Safari Indonesia or the Indonesian Safari Park is a conservation center as well as a modern zoological garden with various collections of flora and fauna. In this Park, you will not only enjoy the beauty of it‘s nature, but also interact directly or watch the animals wander around freely. Visitors can also travel in this conservation area using their private car or a provided bus through these amazing wild habitats.

In Indonesia, Safari Parks are available in three provinces; Taman Safari I in Cisarua Bogor, West Java, Taman Safari II in Mount Arjuna, Prigen, East Java, and Taman Safari III (Bali Safari and Marine Park) in Serongga Gianyar, Bali. Among these three tourist sites, Taman Safari I in Bogor is the most famous site for domestic as well as foreign tourists. It was built in 1930 and previously called Radio Safari Garden and Taman Safari Televisi Indonesia. It is also a buffer zone for Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park and is situated 900 to 1,800 meters above sea level.

Taman Safari has a collection of animals from nearly all over the world and local animals such as komodos, rhinoceros, bisons, sun bears, white tigers, elephants, anoa, etc. There are more than 2,500 animals in Taman Safari Bogor with hundreds of species currently being maintained.

Upon entering Taman Safari Bogor, visitors will notice sensational shady trees and cool weather from Mount Gede Pangrango. It will certainly attract you to start your adventure in open nature.

Using cars, you will enter various habitats of tame and wild animals such as tigers, lions, komodo, bears and crocodiles. Although you are not allowed to get out of your car or open your door or window, you still can see the animals activities closely. Traveling with your children in this location will certainly be unforgetable. Don't forget to take pictures of these amazing animals.

After watching animals in their habitats, you can take your children to enjoy various animal attractions performed by orangutangs, dogs and even goats. These attractions take about half an hour. You could also visit the bird park, animal education show, reptiles, baby zoo, elephant and horse riding, safari trek, and wild-wild west exhibits.

If your children like to see cowboys in action, then you could take them to the Wild-Wild West. It is a show in a cowboy-like setting. Especially if it's your children's first time to see Asian cowboys.

Another interesting venue to see is Baby Zoo, where you could cuddle animal babies and take their pictures. After visiting such venues, you could eat at one of the food vender stands. Before going home, don't forget to buy souvenirs.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

10 Miracles in Indonesia

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Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temple in the world. This temple was built when Samaratungga - king of the dynasty ruling dynasty in Central Java. This temple is considered one of the seven wonders of the world. Borobudur temple is located in the village of Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java. Borobudur Temple is very large and consists of blocks of large stones with a very majestic architecture.

Komodo Island

Komodo Island is situated in a strait between the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and Sumbawa in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). Komodo Island there is the world's largest lizard, the Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis). Komodo is believed to be remaining dinosaur ancient animal that is still alive. long Komodo dragon can reach 3 meters with a weight can reach 140 kg. On the island of Komodo also have waters that include the magic underwater world. Sea bottom waters of Komodo is the best in the world, at sea level emergence dry lands are hilly coral. Very worthy of islands included in the list of wonders of Komodo in Indonesia.

Lake Flores

The lake is the world known as one of the nine wonders of the world. The lake is located in three colors Kelimutu, Flores, NTT. There were three adjacent lakes but with different colors. Crater Lake is Tiwu Ata Polo (red lake), Tiwu Nua Muri Kooh Fai (green lake) and Ata Tiwu Mbupu (blue lake). Lake Flores is the only lake in the world in which the water can change at any time, from red to dark green and maroon, dark green to light green, blackish brown to blue sky. This natural phenomenon is a miracle.

Jayawijaya and Carstensz Peak

The peak is also listed as one of the top seven continents (Seven Summit), which is phenomenal and the target of mountaineers around the world. Jayawijaya Peak National Park is located in Laurentz, Papua. The peak was covered by eternal snow. Eternal snow on the Peak Jayawijaya is one of three fields of snow in the tropics which are in the world.
In our country it traversed the equator, Indonesia witnessed snow on certainly something that is impossible to be understood. Carstenz Pyramid (4884 masl) is one of those snowy peaks. The highest peak in Southeast Asia and the Pacific is located in the Sudirman Mountains series. Peak is famous not only because of the high, but also because there is a layer of snow on the peak.

Prambanan Temple

Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple in Southeast Asia. Prambanan temple is located on the border of Central Java and Yogyakarta. This temple was built in about the year 850 AD. The architecture is very grand and there are temples large and small in this temple complex. There's also a legend that the temples are only made in one night alone by his supernatural powers as a condition to marry Bondowoso Loro Jonggrang. But not because of the legend of Prambanan included in this list but due to a dazzling world of architectural excellence.

The island resort of Bali

This island is one of the most beautiful island in the World. Bali Island is the world's best tourist island. Tourist resorts on the island of Bali like Kintamani, Kuta Beach, Lake Batur, Goa Gajah, Tampaksiring, Bedugul, Tanah Lot and so forth. The island is included in this list because many of the most amazing places with architecture and the natural beauty of this island which has also been recognized worldwide.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is one of five volcanic mountain complex located in the Tengger Mountains in the ocean sand. The attraction of this mountain is a mountain that is still active. Sightseeing Mount Bromo is a natural phenomenon with a specificity of natural phenomena that are not found elsewhere is the presence of craters in the middle of the crater (in the creater creater) with a stretch of sea sand that surrounds it.

Tana Toraja

Toraja South Sulawesi lies. Tanah Toraja is very unique, especially in terms of burial. The corpses are not buried, but placed in caves in the rock. The bodies are accompanied by statues that depict the people who died. Here there are graves in the rock. One form of grave is the grave stone that is made at the top of the cliff at the height of the rock. According Aluk To Dolo animistic beliefs among people of Tana Toraja, the higher the place they laid the sooner his spirit met with God or heaven.

Mount Karakatau

The eruption of Mount Krakatoa never shake the earth. This volcano has erupted on August 26, 1883. Explosion is very powerful and also cause a tsunami that killed about 36,000 people.
Krakatau eruption voice to be heard in Alice Springs, Australia and the island of Rodrigues near Africa. Mount Krakatau in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Even the dust is said to get to outer space. Although Krakatoa was not as dangerous as it used to be (hopefully) but its history is one of the natural wonders of its own.

Lake Toba

Perhaps many do not know that Lake Toba was once a volcano. The lake is located in the former crater of the world's largest Supervolcano. Mount Toba eruption is estimated at 73 thousand years ago. The eruption was recorded as the largest volcano eruption that affects climate worldwide.

Source : Google.com