Borobudur Temple

Borobudur is the biggest Buddhist temple in the ninth century measuring 123 x 123 meters. It is located at Magelang, 90-km southeast of Semarang, or 42-km northwest of Yogyakarta. Borobudur temple is the one of the best-preserved ancient monument in Indonesia that are most frequently visited by over a million domestic as well as foreign visitors. It also had been acclaimed by the world as a cultural heritage main kind. The architectural style has no equal through out the world. It was completed centuries before Angkor Wat in Kamboja. Borobudur is one of the world's most famous temples; it stands majestically on a hilltop overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. Borobudur is built of gray andesite stone. It rises to seven terraces, each smaller than the one below it. The top is the Great Stupa, standing 40 meters above the ground. The walls of the Borobudur are sculptured in bas-reliefs extending over a total length of six kilometers. It has been hailed as the largest and most complete ensemble of Buddhist relieves in the world, unsurpassed in artistic merit and each scene an individual masterpiece.

Borobudur temple built in the eighth century by the Cailendra dynasty, is believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit words "Vihara Buddha Uhr" the Buddhist Monastery on the hill. Borobudur is a terraced temple surmounted by stupas, or stone towers; the terraces resemble Indonesian burial foundations, indicating that Borobudur was regarded as the symbol of the final resting place of its founder, a Syailendra, who was united after his death with the Buddha. The Prambanan temple complex is also associated with a dead king. The inscription of 856 mentions a royal funeral ceremony and shows that the dead king had joined Shiva, just as the founder of the Borobudur monument had joined the Buddha. Divine attributes, however, had been ascribed to kings during their lifetimes. A Mahayana inscription of this period shows that a ruler was said to have the purifying powers of a bodhisattva, the status assumed by the ruler of Shrivijaya in the 7th century; a 9th-century Shaivite inscription from the Kedu Plain describes a ruler as being "a portion of Shiva."
The Borobudur was in danger of collapsing as its stone statues and stone cancer, moss and lichen affected bas-reliefs. But, the monument has been completely restored and was officially opened by the President on 23rd February 1983. The restoration took eight years to complete, funded by the Government of Indonesia with aid from the UNESCO and donations from private citizens as well as from foreign governments.
The visitors have the option of going by taxi or public bus to reach this temple. Public transportation is available from the bus terminal. From that point visitors can hire becaks or horse carts, or walk the rest of the way to the monument. A large parking area is available not far from the monument, so private cars and buses can park in this area.

BUNAKEN NATIONAL PARK

What visit to North Sulawesi is complete without one day to view the spectacular coral gardens of the Bunaken Marine Reserve. Declared a Marine Park in 1991, it is acknowledged as one of the top dive sites in the world. It is about 40 minutes drive from the resort to one of the dive centers or to the central harbor, where a motorized outrigger canoe or dive boat will whisk you to Bunaken Island in about 45 minutes. Bunaken National Park is Marine Park with the most various species in the world. The fascination under water life in water territory of this a real Bunaken national park varieties, specific, on unique, and exotic, make this area as the beautiful North Sulawesi tourism and grow as one of famous marine park tourism object in the world. It is because of this location nearness with Manado city that only about 6 km from the downtown area, or from Tongkeina in Pisok foreland even only 3,5 km. Access to this location also very fluent, can be gone through speedboat within 20 up to 60 minutes. The Reserve comprises of the Bunaken Islands, Siladen, Nain and Montehage, the dive and snorkeling sites are numerous and diverse. The drop off wall at Liang Cave in particular is rare in the world and described by enthusiasts as spectacular with caves, gullies and caverns harboring an immense wealth of marine life. Brilliantly colored fish dart amongst the vibrant coral and the water is clear and warm. It is ideal for the first snorkels or experienced who divers alike.

Prambanan Temple

Prambanan temple is located some 17 kilometers from Yogyakarta. One can not miss the temple because it is only 100 meters off the main road.
This 47 meters high Hindu temple was built by Sanjaya Dynasty in the 9 th century. It consists of three courtyard. The main temple is located in the inner courtyard and surrounded by several small temples called "Perwara" temples. Some of these were contributed by local chieftains as a token of their acquiescence to the king.
As Hindu temple, the main temple has three shrines, dedicated to the Hindu Trinity; Ciwa, Whisnu, and Brahma. Each of this shrines facing to a smaller shrines for their vehicles. The cow Nandi is the vehicle of Ciwa, the destroyer god, and eagle Garuda is the vehicle of Whisnu, the creator god, and the swan Angsa is the vehicle of Brahma, the guardian god.
Entering the main temple from the north, one will find a statue of a very beautiful princess, Roro Jonggrang. According to the legend, Roro Jonggrang was daughter of King Boko who was cursed into a statue. The legend says that a young powerful man named Bandung Bondowoso wants to marry Roro Jonggrang. Since she does not love him, Roro Jonggrang tries to avoid the marriage by asking for Bandung Bondowoso can build a thousand temples in one night. Having supernatural power, Bandung Bondowoso was almost successfully finishing the task. But Roro Jonggrang still tries to prevent the good work. She ask the maidens east of the village of the temples to burn the hay and pound the rice, so that cause the situation like dawn and time for sunrise. When the cook begin to crow, all the supernatural being flee because they think the dawn has come. Being unable to control his anger, Bandung Bondowoso curses Roro Jonggrang into a statue that now complete the temple.
Relief depicting the heavenly creatures were carved around the foot of the Civa temple symbolizing the cosmic system. Entering the temple from the south and walking around the sub base of the temple with the main shrine on your right (Pradaksina) one will see the whole relief of the Story of Ramayana. The story ends at the relief carved on the balustrade of Brahma temple. The story of Kresnadwipayana which tells the childhood of Prabu Kresna, can be seen on the balustrade of Whisnu temple.
From May to October, at full moon The story of Ramayana is usually presented in the evening from 07.30 pm. to 09.30 pm. As a traditional dance the dance is performed on an open air stage to the west of the temple.

Candidasa Beach ( Bali )

Located 85 km north-east of the airport, Candidasa is a relaxing beach area close to cultural treasures like Pura Besakih ("Bali's Mother Temple") While the beach is not one of Bali's best, the tranquility of Candidasa has attracted a number of exclusive hotels like the Amankila and the Chedi. Candidasa is most often compared to Kuta as Kuta was some 20 years ago. The comparison has some merit -Candidasa is a small village with few inhabitants on the beach with a several- mostly inexpensive hotels that cater to the more adventurous tourists looking for a more laid back atmosphere to explore the cultural heritage of Bali. Being some 85 km from the airport ensures some tranquility, however as more people discover that there is quite a bit to see and do in Candidasa the area is developing rapidly with many first class hotels now sprouting up.It was a calm small fishing village, but since five years ago, it built with a dozen of losmen (house to stay), hotels and restaurants, and many travelers prefer Candidasa, calmer than Kuta, cheaper than Sanur, and the best place to stay and to explore the oriental part of Bali. It is especially popular among the submarines but the main problem is the beach has erosion as quickly as the new hotels were built.

MERAPI VOLCANOE (YOGYAKARTA)

Merapi volcano is one of the world's most active and dangerous volcanoes. It contains an active lava dome, which regularly produces pyroclastic flows. It has been active for 10,000 years. This fire mountain remains one of the most active and dangerous volcanoes in the world. It can be seen from its name; Merapi from Javanese word 'Meru' means 'Mountain' and 'Api' means 'fire'. The internally giant smoking Mount Merapi is one of the active volcanoes that found in Indonesia. It is presenting its peaceful and sleepy dense forest.

Beyond this, there lies a vast deserted land with its deep and steep valley spread out among the mountain hills where sibilant pines and wild grass make out the dominating vegetation, all presents a very exciting panorama. Merapi is located about 30 km north of Yogyakarta, a city with a population of 500,000. It is tall (2.8 km or 1.7 miles high) and has steep slopes. The top of the volcano sometimes has a normal crater, but usually a broad mound of pasty lava (called a dome) fills the crater. The dome plugs up the volcano, making it difficult for other lava and ash to escape. A broad gouge funnels lava and ash flows from the top of Merapi to the south slopes of the volcano.

During its resting time of volcanic activities, it will enable those who have much interest in mountaineering to have fun and to make them more acquainted with the flora of its tropical rain forest. From the observation post located on Plawangan hill that can be reached through the forest resort of Kaliurang, we will see the incredible sights of molten rocks oozing over the rim, sometimes accompanied with hot lava pouring out regularly and leaving a long trail of smoke.

Amazing East Borneo (East Kalimantan) II (Samarinda)

SAMARINDA REGENCY

Samarinda is the capital of the East Kalimantan province on Kalimantan Island. The city is lies on the banks of Mahakam River. As well as being the capital, Samarinda is also the most populous city in East Kalimantan with population of 562,463 in 2000 and used by many as a gateway to the more remote regions of the province such as West Kutai, Kutai Kartanegara and East Kutai. To reach these areas usually involves travel by river as the most efficient means. An airport, 'Temindung' and a port are the transportation facility in Samarinda, however, there are plans to relocate both the airport and port soon.

Samarinda's population includes Chinese; Banjarese, who are native to the southern part of the island; Kutais, who are native to the area around Samarinda; and Manu Muslims.

Samarinda is big in timber production, but the main reason to come here to explore the Mahakam River and visit the Dayak tribes that live on the banks of the river. Isuy Bay is located on the shores of Jempang Lake. There is a longhouse craft center and tourist hotel. Dance performances are regular happenings, especially when groups of tourists arrive. 'Mancong' is another longhouse, where you can stay. It's a bit touristy as well. If you have time on your hands, you should head for Melka, which is some 30 hours by boat, but it has a great orchid reserve.

Samarinda is wood industrial estate in East Kalimantan as well as important port town. The location is not far from Balikpapan but the city that populates about 500 thousand men, has different situation from Balikpapan City. For tourist, Samarinda is good place to start the journey to hinterland, fringe Mahakam River. Most of the resident in Samarinda is Banjarese from South Kalimantan, so that Banjar langua has often heard in conversation here. Banjar Language is the primary language in Samarinda. Besides Banjarese, the second of the biggest public group in Samarinda is Kutai and other society that come from other area. Most of Samarinda City region is located in north of Mahakam River. In the riparian of this Mahakam has stood a Raya Darussalam Mosque that becomes one of characteristic or symbol of Samarinda City. Mostly the important white collars and hotel reside in north of the river.

• SAMARINDA SARONG
  In south region of Mahakam River or also called 'Samarinda Seberang', about 8 Km from the downtown, in Bung Tomo Street, there is center of Samarinda Sarong crafting. This sarong crafting had brought by people who come from Sulawesi and Bugis tribes. Almost in every countrified Bugis tribe in this detectable place is sarong worker Samarinda. Weaver being applied the workers is traditional equipment called 'Gedokan'. The product that being yielded for one sarong has finished till three weeks time.
• TANAH MERAH WATERFALL
  The location of Tanah Merah Waterfall is about 14 Km from Samarinda downtown, precisely in Purwosari orchard, north Samarinda district. This tourism place has compatible calm for family recreation because equipped with wide park area; ancient verandah palace to took a rest, booth, open stage and others. To reach this place can join with others public vehicle of Segiri Market - Siring River route.
• PAMPANG CULTURE TOURISM AREA
  
  Pampang area which is located about 20 Km from Samarinda city is interesting culture tourism area to see Dayak Kenyah tribe. This culture tourism object can be gone through using motor vehicle through Samarinda - Bontang roadway. The fascination, which can be witnessed in this place, is Lamin or Dayak tribe customhouse and dance and Dayak Kenyah custom ceremony, what performed every Sunday noon up to evening.
  

Amazing East Borneo (East Kalimantan) I

East Kalimantan is the widest province in Indonesia, broadly region is about 245237,80 Km2 or about one a half point of Java Island and Madura or 11 % from Indonesia region wide total. This province abuts on direct with neighboring state, that is Sabah and Serawak, East Malaysia. Based on the government region, this province is divided into 4 municipal administrations, and 9 regencies and 122 Districts, 1347 villages and 191 sub-districts.

East Kalimantan Province has 13 Regencies and Cities : Berau Regency, Bulungan Regency, Kutai West Regency, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, Kutai East Regency, Malinau Regency, Nunukan Regency, Pasir Regency, North Penajam Paser Regency, Balikpapan City, Bontang City, Samarinda City, Tarakan City.

East Kalimantan Resident in 2004 amount to 2.750.369 men in 2005 East Kalimantan residents is predicted amount to 2,8 million men. It is compared to region wide, East Kalimantan Province has low density, that is mean about 11,22 men per Km2. The main result of this province is mining products like oil, natural gas, and stone smoldered. Other sector being grow is agricultural and tourism.
East Kalimantan has some tourism objects such as : Derawan Archipelago in Berau, Kayan Mentarang National Park, Batu Lamampu Beach in Nunukan, The Crocodile Breeding in Balikpapan, The Deer Breeding in Penajam, Dayak Pampang Kampong in Samarinda, Amal Beach in Tarakan city

Sanur Village Festival August 25 – 29, 2009

The Balinese village among the first to welcome tourist visitors in the 1930s continues its proud tradition of gentle hospitality by hosting the 4th Sanur Village Festival August 25-29, 2009.

Pledged by its organizers to be "bigger and better" than last year's successful festival, a "Marine" theme for 2009 will celebrate the beaches and ocean that form nature's boundary for Sanur and a central element in the life of the people of the beachside community.

Conceived and driven by the indigenous residents of Bali, the Sanur Village Festival will once again provide five action-packed days of traditional performance, parades, music, food exhibits and water sports activities.

More detailed information on the program promised as the date of the festival draws near.

Natuna Archipelago

Natuna is not among the most visited tourist destinations in Indonesia, and the access to these remote islands are not so straightforward. Natuna can however offer unspoiled beaches and a landscape and a culture that is absolutely worth a visit. The islands are known for lovely woven textiles and their traditional dance. The Natuna islands are spread over a wide area, located in the South China Sea between east and west Malaysia, Kalimantan and Singapore. The main groups of islands are Anambas to the west, Natuna, south Natuna and Tambelan.

None of the islands has much facilities for travelers, but this is an excellent destination if you like to explore areas outside the main "tourist highway". One of the largest natural gas fields in the world has been found here, The Natuna gas field in the North and South Natuna archipelago is believed to have 222 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in reserve, 46 trillion of this can be recovered. In the future the Natuna Natural Gas Project will be very important for Indonesia's economy. We can only hope that the oil and gas industry will not have too negative consequences for the environment here.

Natuna Besar
Natuna Besar (or Ranai) is the largest and northernmost of the islands and also one of the northernmost points in Indonesia. Here you can find lovely corral reefs and a large variety of fish. The population are relatively small, but some people have been moved here by the government from other islands in Indonesia and grow products like peanuts and peas. Gunung Ranai, the highest mountain in the Natuna archipelago at 1.035 m, is located on this island. There are some great areas for diving here, the waters of the South China Sea around the island can offer an unique underwater world, the coral is normally found within five to ten meters below sea level and 50 to 750 meters from the shore. Smaller islands like Senoa to the northeast can also offer white beaches and coral reefs, Panjang to the northwest is known for the protected green turtle, and can be reached by boat from Natuna Besar in 30 minutes. Totally there are about 20 small islands surrounding Natuna Besar.

The main island can be reached by boat from Jakarta, a three day journey, by boat (Pelni) from Tanjung Pinang on Bintan, or by air from Batam. Natuna Besar has an airport with regular arrivals of smaller airplanes.

South Natuna
Located between Natuna Besar and the Kalimantan mainland, the main islands here are Serasan, Panjang and Subi. The islands has a strong surf and impressive scenery.
The Tambelan islands
The southernmost group of islands are Tambelan, east of Kalimantan. These can be reached by boat from Pontianak (about 6 hours) or from Tanjung Pinang (about 16 hours). Turtles are probably more common than people here, and the islands have plenty of beaches to offer the occasional tourist. This may have been the first Dutch territory occupied by the Japanese during WW2, but it was more likely Anambas who first were visited by Japanese soldiers.

The Anambas Islands

Anambas is a group of islands midway between Singapore and Natuna Besar. The main islands are Matak, now a base for oil exploration, Tarempah and Jemaja Andriabu. The population are sparse, mainly simple fishing folk that are the descendants of the once mighty Bugis people. The main source of income is from sea products and coconuts. The islands has become a popular destination for divers from Singapore, the best known sites are the underwater reef systems of Tokong Malangbiru island, the submerged Acasta Rock, the disused Udang Oil Rigs and the wrecks of the sunken vessels "Seven Skies" and "Sara-D". The closest sites can be reached in a half-day's boat ride from Singapore, while the Udang Oil Rig to the northeast is about one and a half day away. Tours with boats where you can live onboard are arranged from Singapore, it is almost impossible to reach these isolated sites on your own.
There are still many unexplored islands in the Anambas archipelago, and you may very well be one of the first tourists who have visited some of them if you like to explore the unknown. A Pelni ferry leave from Tanjung Pinang on Bintan twice a month to all the main islands in Natuna, the first stops are Letung and Tarempah in Anambas. There may also be other boats and cargo vessels leaving for the Natuna islands which accept passengers. Once a week there is a flight from Batam to Tarempah.

Tarempah on Tarempah island is a tiny town with only one scruffy and small guesthouse, you can hire a local fishing boat here for a reasonable price and explore the surrounding area. Tarempah island was probably the first Dutch territory attacked by the Japanese during WW2. The Tarempah village was heavily bombarded and most of it destroyed, 40 civilians were killed and 100 wounded, the remaining villagers were evacuated to Tanjung Pinang on Bintan. Anambas were occupied by Japanese troops on 26th of January 1942 and used as an advanced naval base, the rest of Natuna were probably occupied shortly afterwards.

Mentawai Island: the Ultimate Diversity of the Hidden Paradise

Located in the middle of Indian Ocean, 150 km and takes 9 hours trip from Padang, West Sumatra-Mentawai glowing with all the nature spirits and make it an extraordinary escaping spot from a hectic life. Mentawai is the natural habitat for 16 endemic species, and some of them categorized as endangered species e.g. Simakobu monkey (simias concolor-eat leaf as primary food). The present life of Mentawai people categorized as the legacy from Neolithic era and they have a strong believe in nature spirit, for their life strongly affected by nature. They believe that nature is the center of life. All the genuine attributes make Mentawai a perfect place to gain cultural experiences, here you will notice a very fascinating and indigenous culture, like traditional cloths, art, music and the way of life. The entire culture attributes strongly reflects their respect to nature.

Tattoo is one of the most important symbol for Mentawai people, its reflect maturity, manhood and status. The art of this body painting inherit from their ancestor. The tattoos ink naturally made from leaf. Among the surfers, Mentawai is the best place to fill their demand for challenges and natures beauty. The beaches offer one of the highest wave in the world, 3 to 4 meters, totally challenge your gut. Once you grounded your self in this hidden Paradise Island, next you will paddle out to the worlds best surf. Dont call your self Surfer if you havent ride Mentawais waves said most of the surfer to expressed their surfing experiences in MentawaiThere are four ultimate diving spot here in Mentawai ,Siberut, Sipora, Pagai Utara (north Pagai) and Pagai Selatan (south Pagai). You can find great waves here year round, but the best waves are during dry season, March to October. Make sure you have the gut to explore all the glassy waves, because the best way to entitled your surfing experiences remarkable is through finding your own.

Tourism spots deserted as Bali celebrates Galungan

Various tourist spots in Bali were deserted Wednesday as much of the island's Hindus observed the religious holiday of Galungan, which celebrates the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil).

Only a handful of overseas tourists were seen swimming and sunbathing along Kuta Beach in Badung regency, while local tourists milled along the beachfront.

There were no lifeguards on standby at their post, with most celebrating Galungan and those on duty busy patrolling the beach.

A similar atmosphere prevailed at Sanur Beach in Denpasar, as well as at the high-end Nusa Dua tourism enclave and Tanjung Benoa Beach in Badung regency.

"It's always like this. It gets really quiet during Penampahan *a day before Galungan* and Galungan," Ratna, the manager of a travel bureau on Segara Beach in Kuta, told Antara news agency.

"Tomorrow *Thursday* on Umanis Galungan, there will be more people."

Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika has declared a three-day holiday from Tuesday to Thursday to allow residents to celebrate Galungan.

Indonesia named Asia's second best travel destination

Indonesia ranked second in the Go Asia Award in the ‘Best Travel Destination’ category behind Thailand and ahead Malaysia, the Foreign Ministry reported Friday.

The award was given by German tourism institution Go Asia, which invited travel agents from all over to participate in the voting process, on Wednesday in Berlin.

Go Asia also gave awards for Asia's best tourism organizations or tourist boards, airlines and tour operators. The Go Asia initiative was founded in 2003 in order to enhance marketing in German-speaking regions. T

Sapta Nirwandar, the Culture and Tourism Ministry’s director general of marketing, said Friday that the award was a proof that tourism, which contribute US$7.5 billlion to the country's income, was able to stand out even during the global economy downturn.

“We have to keep working hard in taking the economic downturn as a chance to boost our tourism,” he said.

Sapta said that the number of German tourist visiting Indonesia had increased by 22.6 percent in 2088 compared to the previous year.

Jazz Meets Marine Cuisine At the Black Cat

Jakarta's Black Cat jazz supper club has plenty to celebrate for its second birthday this month: mouth-wateringly authentic Cajun/Creole cuisine, unrivalled musical talent - and all that jazz, of course.

Black Cat has concreted its position as the premiere live jazz venue in the city, with oozy tunes every night of the week, plus a legendary 'open-mic' night every Monday. Nestled upstairs in the ubèr-stylish Plaza Senayan Arcadia, overlooking Senayan's luxurious shopping district, Black Cat's décor is shadowy and cosy while still being sleek, and is infinitely enhanced by the unrivalled sexiness of its grand piano.

"We want to make it intimate so there is no space between the musicians and the people. You feel close to them," says Black Cat's newly appointed manager, Tonny Nursanto.
"Jazz is the music of truth, of honesty. Jazz is freedom. When you listen to it, without knowing it you can feel tears coming from your eyes."

His words ring true when we are treated to their Wednesday night special, the Idang Rasjidi Trio. Idang's talent is unassailable.

"Jazz is the most revolutionary music in the history of the world," he says.

"Music teaches us how to listen. It teaches us how to be honest. I feel what I play and I play what I feel I love jazz and I love this club and I love playing here."

And it shows.

But top-notch entertainment is not all that Black Cat boasts. Our appetizer, the Charlie Parker Cajun calamari, was perfectly crumbed and crispy, and was followed by two equally delicious signature dishes, namely the Wynton Marsalis Jambalaya, a delicious blend of chicken and beef chorizo sausage and tomato sauce in a rice palif, and also the Sonny Rollins Seafood Gumbo – marine cuisine at its best.

Black Cat can attribute their menu's success to their chef who worked in a New Orleans restaurant prior to Black Cat.

"He preserved authentic recipes and brought it all here!" says Tonny.

The drinks list has an extensive range of dangerously delectable drinks, as well as a range of New Orleans and Hennessy City cocktails to stick to the theme. This month is a special month for Black Cat not only for its anniversary, but also for the Java Jazz Festival in March. Artists from the festival have been known to 'pop in' to Black Cat after the shows. However, in the true spirit of jazz, Tonny says Black Cat doesn't plan too far in advance.

"Every song we perform is not rehearsed. Jazz is where 'impromptu' comes from – it's a celebration of freedom. In here, you never know what's going to happen," he insists.

Culinary Event Marks Friendship Between Two Great Nations

Al Faisaliah Hotel, A Rosewood Hotel and Garuda Indonesia Airline are proud to announce the opening of an Indonesian Food and Culture Festival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, (18th to the 27th of March 2009) at La Brasserie restaurant of Al Faisaliah Hotel. This event marks the 60th anniversary of Garuda Indonesia Airline. Costas S. Gavriel, Director of Sales and Marketing at Al Faisaliah Hotel, a Rosewood Hotel, commented: " The Indonesian festival will be inaugurated on the 17th of March by the Indonesian ambassador and senior officials of Al Faisaliah Hotel, A Rosewood Hotel and Garuda Indonesia Airline. The Food Festival will be held daily from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm during the 10 days period of the festival." Guests of the festival will have the chance to win a holiday in Indonesia offered by Garuda Indonesia. "This gift consists of 2 return tickets from Riyadh to Indonesia with hotel accommodation for 7 days to the lucky winner", said Muhammad Harry Khairuddin, Garuda Indonesia Marketing and Sales Manager for Central and Eastern Provinces. Al Faisaliah Hotel, A Rosewood Hotel is an ultra-luxury masterpiece in downtown Riyadh, featuring a 24 hours a day full butler service to all it's guests, exceptional outstanding quality, unparalleled service and unsurpassed attention to detail – the hallmarks of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. The hotel has recently announced a ‘new' multimillion dollar expansion to be ready by the end of 2009, seeing the existing 224 rooms and suites grow to 330 units. Gavriel added: "During the Indonesian Festival five internationally acclaimed Indonesian chefs will bring to the Riyadh Community and visitors dishes and flavors of authentic Indonesian cooking."

Strong friendly relations between the two nations
The close ties of Indonesia with Saudi Arabia stem from the friendship and the economic cooperation between the nationals of the two countries. Both countries are united by the religion of Islam. Indonesia was ranked 17th in the Kingdom's exports reaching SR 11,484 million in 2006. Mr. Sintoyo, Commercial Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Saudi Arabia, commented that "The main exports of Saudi Arabia to Indonesia are crude oil and gas, and petro chemical products. Main Indonesian exports to Saudi Arabia include automotive and spare parts, rubber tires, plywood, electronics, textile, and crude palm oil. The volume of Indonesian exports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was US $944 million for 2007, whereas the volume of KSA Exports to Indonesia was US $ 3.3 billion for 2007." Saudi Arabia owns refineries in Indonesia, and has joint Saudi Indonesian Construction projects in the Kingdom. In terms of manpower, the number of Indonesian workers in KSA is almost one million.

AMAZING BROMO

Mount of Bromo represent one of the target of tourism in East Java. This natural Place Tourism located in National Park of Bromo Tengger Semeru in eastside Malang town, East Java. Its visitor not merely local tourist, even a lot come from outside country. With typical view make competent Bromo become the target of tourism. Any kind of idiosyncrasy of Mount of Bromo ?

Cool, so you to feel moment first time you go out from car. Temperature here reach 10 degree even until 0 moment degree Celcius before morning. Hence, You shall draw up cool clothes, hat, gauntlet, sock, cloak to overcoming it. But, if you forget the supply, there is many roundsman offering its merchanidise in the form of hat, gauntlet, or cloak.
Ordinary visitor visit this area early on day with a purpose to rising seeing of sun. To see it, you have to take a ride Mount of Pananjakan representing highest mount in this area. Field which must pass by to go to Mount of Pananjakan represent heavy field. To go to hillside of Pananjakan, you have to pass area looking like desert able to make you being lost. Moment have to take a ride Mount of Pananjakan, narrow;tight road;street and many blind turning of course require skilled drive high. For that, many visitor chosening to rent car of hardtop ( of a kind jeep car) piloted by local society. Local society coming from tribe Tengger friendly with all visitor.
Until above, there is many shop providing warm tea or coffee and bonfire to heat body at the same time await sunrise time. There is also warm clothes lessor shop. Witnessing sunrise it is true represent interesting event. Its proof, all visitor volunteer await since five o'clock morning face eastside in order not to lose this moment. You even also can't always see this event, because if cloudy sky, apparition of this sun not seen clearly. But, fair sky moment, you earn to see sun circle which first of all only as small as marble, big slow and finally form intact circle and ilume so that we earn to see view of mounts exist in this area. For Example, Mount of Bromo, Mount of Batok, or Mount of Semeru representing highest mount in Java.

Find Tropical Heaven in Derawan Island, East Kalimantan

Welcome in beautiful tropical archipelago in area of Kalimantan, Derawan Island. A island with sea surface of green and blue gradation chromatic which make surprise, soft sand carpet, coconut tree line in coastal area, with small forest in the centre of island growed by kinds of plant type and animal and also natural beauty under charming sea. No wonder if this island can occupy third sequence to the as location dive to have world level and make this island as dream island to all diver. Very easy to reach this beautiful island. You can be direct fly during more or less 3 hour go to Balikpapan by using plane of Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta or Denpasar. From Balikpapan, You still have to fly to go to Tanjung Redeb dive one hour by taking a ride plane of KAL Star, Deraya or DAS. Besides, Tanjung Redeb also can reach from Samarinda by using plane or from Tarakan by using motorboat. Since year 1993, Derawan Island managed by PT.Bhuni Manimbora Interbuana by providing facilitys like cottage, Equipments dive, Speedboat and restaurant. Besides, there are also lodging managed by surounding citizen, like Danakan, Derawan Lestari I, II & III. Lodging of HAMS and of Yogie Mas provide room;chamber at the price of about Rp.45.000 until Rp.100.000 / night.

CALENDAR

Java Jazz Festival ( March, 6 - 8, Jakarta )
One of the stage of biggest jazz in the world is Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival which is on this year is again performed. Some big name to attend to jerk podium is Matt Bianco, David Garfield, Brian Mcknight, Peabo Bryson and of Jason Mraz. Daily Ticket price at standard class equal to IDR. 350.000,-


Galungan ( March, 18, Bali )
In nature of spiritual Bali society, Galungan represent one of the all important day, victory symbol of dharma ( benefaction ) to the adharma (eveil ghosts). Penjor-Penjor will decorate in whole angle of Land Deity accompanied with devoting of beautiful offerings contain multifariously of flower, cake and fruit. (benefaction) of


Bumi Khatulistiwa Cultural Festival (March, 21 - 23, Pontianak - West Kalimantan)
Do not far from downtown of Pontianak, we can meet equator imaginary line spliting earth become two shares - north and south. Earth Equator of Cultural Festival celebrate unique position of Pontianak in map of earth through treat various traditional artistry, crafting goods stock, traditional athletic tournament, and also young man contest and equator girl.