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Holiday Travel Insurance- cheap travel insurance for » Holiday Travel Insurance

2009-07-30T18:17:00.000+07:00

Holiday Travel Insurance

Holiday Travel insurance is insurance that is intended to cover medical expenses and financial (such as money invested in nonrefundable pre-payments) and other losses incurred while traveling, either within one’s own country, or internationally.

Temporary Holiday travel insurance can usually be arranged at the time of the booking of a trip to cover exactly the duration of that trip, or a more extensive, continuous insurance can be purchased from travel insurance companies, travel agents or directly from travel suppliers such as cruiselines or tour operators. However, travel insurance purchased from travel suppliers tends to be less inclusive than insurance offered by insurance companies.

Holiday Travel insurance often offers coverage for a variety of travelers. Student travel, business travel, leisure travel, adventure travel, cruise travel, and international travel are all various options that can be insured.

The most common risks that are covered by Holiday travel insurance are:

* Medical expenses
* Emergency evacuation/repatriation
* Overseas funeral expenses
* Accidental death, injury or disablement benefit
* Cancellation
* Curtailment
* Delayed departure
* Loss, theft or damage to personal possessions and money (including travel documents)
* Delayed baggage (and emergency replacement of essential items)
* Legal assistance
* Personal liability and rental car damage excess

Some travel policies will also provide cover for additional costs, although these vary widely between providers.

In addition, often separate insurance can be purchased for specific costs such as:

* pre-existing medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes)
* sports with an element of risk (e.g. skiing, scuba-diving)
* travel to high risk countries (e.g. due to war or natural disasters or acts of terrorism)

Common Exclusions:

* pre-existing medical conditions
* war or terrorism - but some plans may cover this risk
* injury or illness caused by alcohol or drug use

Usually, the insurers cover pregnancy related expenses, if the travel occurs within the first trimester. After that, insurance coverage varies from insurer to insurer.

Holiday Travel insurance can also provide helpful services, often 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that can include concierge services and emergency travel assistance.

Typically travel insurance for the duration of a journey costs approximately 5-7% of the cost of the trip.

wikipedia

Holiday Travel Insurance- cheap travel insurance for » Holiday Travel Insurance

2009-07-30T18:10:00.000+07:00

Holiday Travel Insurance- cheap travel insurance for » Holiday Travel Insurance

Anyer-Carita Diserbu Wisatawan

2008-12-27T21:05:00.000+07:00

Serang, Kompas - Menjelang Tahun Baru, ribuan kamar di sejumlah hotel di sepanjang Pantai Anyer hingga Carita habis dipesan. Tidak seperti pergantian tahun sebelumnya, akhir tahun ini tingkat hunian hotel di pantai barat Banten melonjak hingga di atas 90 persen.

Berdasarkan pantauan, Jumat (26/12), jalan menuju pantai wisata Anyer dan Carita mulai ramai. Begitu pula tempat parkir sejumlah hotel di kawasan itu mulai penuh. Pantai hotel yang biasanya sepi juga sudah ramai dikunjungi wisatawan.

Pelat nomor kendaraan yang ditumpangi sebagian besar datang dari wilayah Jakarta, Tangerang, Bogor, Lampung, dan sekitarnya. Kendaraan mulai memadati kawasan Anyer dan Carita sejak Kamis sore.

Tingkat hunian sejumlah hotel pun mulai meningkat. Jika pada malam Natal tingkat hunian hotel rata-rata masih di bawah 40 persen, Jumat kemarin meningkat hingga di atas 50 persen.

Di Hotel Patra Jasa, misalnya, kamar yang terisi sudah mencapai 80 persen. Begitu pula di Hotel Jayakarta dan Marbella, tingkat hunian untuk Jumat malam sudah mencapai 60 persen. Bahkan, semua kamar di Hotel Nuansa Bali sudah terisi sejak Jumat sore.

Sekretaris Perhimpunan Hotel dan Restoran Indonesia (PHRI) Banten Agus Santoso memastikan bahwa kondisi tersebut akan terjadi hingga malam pergantian tahun nanti. "Secara umum pariwisata di Anyer dan Carita sudah mulai membaik. Tingkat hunian hotel hingga malam tahun baru bisa di atas 90 persen," kata pria yang juga General Manager Hotel Patra Jasa Anyer.

Untuk malam tahun baru, ribuan kamar hotel di Anyer dan Carita sudah habis dipesan. Salah satunya kondominium Lippo Carita yang sudah habis dipesan sejak bulan November lalu. "Khusus untuk tahun baru, sudah full booking," tutur Didi, pengelola Lippo Carita.

Begitu pula Hotel Marbella dan Sangiang di Anyer, semua kamar sudah dipesan wisatawan untuk menikmati malam pergantian tahun.

Menurut Santoso, tingginya tingkat hunian di kedua hotel itu mendongkrak tingkat hunian di hotel lain di sekitarnya. PHRI optimistis okupansi hotel pada malam tahun baru akan mencapai 90 persen lebih.

Tarif naik

Tingginya pemesanan selama libur tahun baru praktis membuat tarif hotel terdongkrak. Sejumlah hotel menaikkan tarif 10 persen hingga 50 persen dari tarif sebelumnya.

Namun, kenaikan tarif itu juga diikuti dengan penambahan paket pelayanan, seperti hiburan, dan pemberian cendera mata.

Meskipun tarif hotel naik, banyak wisatawan yang tetap berniat menghabiskan pergantian tahun di sejumlah hotel di Anyer dan Carita. Bahkan, tidak sedikit dari mereka kesulitan memesan ataupun mendapatkan kamar hotel.

Salah satunya Heni, warga Kota Serang yang mencari kamar hotel untuk kerabatnya yang akan berlibur ke Anyer. Sudah tiga hari keliling mencari hotel, tetapi ia belum dapat juga. Kebanyakan sudah habis dipesan untuk malam tahun baru.

Jalan rusak

Namun, para pelaku pariwisata di Banten mengeluhkan kondisi jalan menuju Anyer dan Carita yang rusak di beberapa tempat. Berdasarkan pantauan, kerusakan jalan mulai terlihat setelah memasuki Jalan Raya Cilegon- Pasauran, tepatnya di Kecamatan Ciwandan, Kota Cilegon.

Kerusakan jalan membuat para pengendara harus berjalan pelan saat melintas menuju Anyer. Kondisi itu membuat para wisatawan merasa kurang nyaman. Para pengelola hotel dan restoran berharap pemerintah segera memperbaikinya. (nta)

kompas.com

Klungkung Bali Regency

2008-12-03T22:29:00.002+07:00

Klungkung is the smallest region in the district compared with other districts in Bali. Klungkung regency covered approximately 315 km2 and divided into four sub-districts.

Even the small region, Klungkung covered of Nusa Islands, consisting of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan..

Located on the borders Gianyar, Baling and Karangasem, Klungkung people relies on agriculture.

Before the eruption of Mount Agung disaster, the Gunaksa region become the best producer of rice in Bali with Tabanan.

Viewing from the area covered of the district, it is hard to believe that Klungkung in the past was the central government Bali Kingdom.

In fact, Bali drive from Gelgel Klungkung when reached in the golden era of government "Dalem Batur Enggong" in 15th century.

After the rebellion Patih girl Maruti, central government and then moved to Klungkung in government Dalem Dimade.

In the beginning Dutch colonial period in Bali, Klungkung when the government Tjokorda Istri Kania a woman is the guardian king Dalem, because heirs are still young, the decisions to conduct resistance against the Netherlands is set by agreement paswara astha negara in Klungkung.

Destiny can not be denied, after Jagaraga War, the War of Buleleng, and Puputan Badung War, the War of, in 1908 Puputan Klungkung war ensure that the full power of the Dutch colonial in Bali once cut off the chain of kings in Bali.

Although no longer holds political power in government, Ida Idewa Agung Geg, one of the heirs of the kingdom who safe from from Puputan War, was set to become Dalem Klungkung.

As the center of the kingdom in the past, causes in Klungkung developing of art and craft, which refers to the cultural and religious life.

Tihingan village is famous of making gamelan, the Village Budaga known as the creator of the device ceremonial brass and bronze, Satria village known as tedung local craftsmen and clothing shrines apparel.

In addition, the Village Kamasan famous with paintings classic puppet, that is not solely the form of paintings, but also with religious susastra.

Kamasan village, about four kilometers in the southern city of Klungkung, also known as the village craftsmen produce silver trophy and other devices that are commonly used in the implementation of the ceremony.

Batu Klotok (Stone Klotok)

Klotok Beach located 5 Km from the city Semarapura to the south.

Tempat ini sangat menarik untuk dikunjungi karena dilatarbelakangi pemandangan persawahan dengan Gunung Agung yang nampak di kejauhan dan hamparan laut di depannya.

This is a very interesting place to be visited because of the field rice scenery with Mount Agung visible in the distance and the spread of the seaview.

Visitors also can see and enjoy the scenery is very interesting when the ceremony Melasti activities.

Gelgel Village

Gelgel village is located 3 Km from Semapura city toward the South, near the village of Kamasan.

Visitors can witness the ritual activities conducted during the three days, starting on Monday the day after Galungan (which is called the Pamacekan Agung).

The village is also famous for handicrafts woven cloth Songket and to be characteristic of this village.

Kamasan village

Kamasan village popular with the silver, carvings bullet cover, gold and paintings of the traditional puppet.

The handicraft art, silver, gold, paintings and bullet cover and traditional painting puppet this closely related apart for religious ceremonies

Goa Lawah (Bat Cave)

Very interesting place to visit because of the strategic location on the beach with seaviews and the islands of Nusa Penida in the distance,

On the beach sometimes tourists can witness the ceremony and activities can also see the bat hang on in the edge of cave.

Area Nusa Penida (Nusa Penida Area)

In the area of Nusa Penida, there are several places of recreation and water tourism.

Water Recreation Area is very interesting to be enjoyed by tourists, the maritime plants area with a very beautiful coral reefs and various species of colorful fish.

Suana

Besides white sand beaches and the beautiful hills, in Suana also found that called Giri Putri Cave.

This cave is located in the Karangsari Village Suana, less than 5 km in the east village Batununggul.

Only at the time of entry into the cave only difficult, but after we crawl up to 3 km in the cave we will find spacious room in cave.

Many of stalagnit and stalaktit, also found The holy springwater.

This cave is penetrating to the west, and there is a cave mouth wide enough to witness the scenic hills.

Karang Bolong

This objects can be witnessed from the Nusa Penida Desa Sakti.

the Karang Bolong scenery can see precisely is very beautiful, can also enjoy the white sandy beach Penida and the surrounding scenery.

in Nusa Penida can be see the spring water that is close to the beach.

Lembongan Beach and Jungutbatu

This beach is also white sandy, clear seawater with various types of colorful fish.

beautiful coral reefs and variegated, so clearly visible like beautiful seawater park.

Various interesting attractions can also be done by the tourists, for example, a banana boat.

In the afternoon can be witnessed how the beautiful sunset scenery.

From Jungutbatu and Lembongan, the tourists can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery in Nusa Ceningan, with the bridge above the sea, which connects between Lembongan and Ceningan.

The Tukad Unda area

Tukad Unda area located 38 km from the city of Denpasar to east, there is a recreational activity rafting / Rafting.

Recreational rafting place has long Rafting 9 km and have approximately 22 obstacles.

For tourists who like rafting recreational, please come to Tukad Unda area and please try to shoot the cascade.

Kerta Gosa and Park Gili

Objek wisata Kertha Gosa dan Taman Gili (Balai Kambang) pada jaman dahulu merupakan bagian dari Puri Semarapura Kerajaan Klungkung yang dibangun pada abad 17.

Objects tour Kertha Gosa and Park Gili (Balai Kambang) in the past was a part of Puri Semarapura , Klungkung Kingdom was built in the 17th century.

In the west this building, there is a gate that is known by the name "Pemedal Agung" is the main gate of the Puri Semarapura.

The three historical buildings are located in one area, In the city Semarapura approximately 40 km east city of Denpasar, passed by the lane of traffic toward Besakih, Goa Lawah, Candi Dasa and the object of tourism Kertha Gosa / Gili Park can continue to the Kamasa village which is located 2 km south towards a village that is famous for silver, bullet carvings, gold and paintings of traditional puppet.

The third attraction of this building because of historical relics from the Klungkung kingdom with ornaments admiring carved.

In addition, the building Kerta Gosa and Gili Park, on ceiling roof decorated with paintings of traditional Kamasan very artistic, describes the philosophy of Hindu culture.

Besides, the Park Gili / Balai Kambang as a building using traditional Balinese architecture built over the base giant turtle to the East, the above pond surrounding the statues of the deity of one party and the giant on the other hand, each group tried to get Life Amertha fertilizer.

Kertha Gosha

As a former Balinese kingdom, if the fair Klungkung has more reliquiae, which is currently to be a tourist attraction.

One is Park Gili Kerta Gosa, cultural relics kingdom Semarapura Klungkung.

Kerta Gosa is a building (Bale), which is part of the building Sumapura Palace complex and has been built around the year 1686 by the first Klungkung empire, namely Ida I Dewa Agung Jambe.

Kerta Gosa consists of two buildings (Bale), namely Bale akerta and Bale Kambang.

called Bale Kambang because the building is surrounded by pond the Park Gili.

The uniqueness Kerta Gosa with Bale Kambang on the ceiling is decorated with traditional painting style Kamasan (a village in Klungkung), or style of puppet that is very popular among the Balinese.

since 1930 and was replaced and made at the top of plasterboard and made accordance with the original image is still intact and up to now.

As a cultural relics Palace Semarapura, Kerta Gosa and Bale Kambang used to adjudicate the matter and the place where religious ceremonies, especially yadnya cut the teeth (mepandes) like child king.

The functions of the two buildings closely related to the education function through puppet paintings that is displayed on the roof the building.

These paintings are a series of stories that take the key themes, namely Swargarokanaparwa and parwa Bima Swarga which gives instructions punishment karma Phala (the result of good-bad deeds done for human life) and sprinkle return to the world because of the act and sins.

Monumen Puputan Klungkung (Klungkung War Monument)

The monument is a historical occurrence Puputan Klungkung War between King's Klungkung battle against Dutch soldiers on 28 April 1908.

The monument is located in the heart of the city Semarapura, precisely in the north building Kertha Gosa and Park Gili.

The monument was built based on the Balinese architecture Lingga Yoni exists, the inside have the statues of the king who killed on the Puputan War, supported by the story dioramas around the Puputan Klungkung, this monument building is very interesting to visit.

Kusamba Beach

Kusamba beach as tourism object that is very interesting to visit, located about 7 km to the east of the city Semarapura.

Besides that, this beach is a beach where the fishermen and also the produce of a traditional salt.

We can see every day the fishermen are looking for fish and sea salt farmers who are making salt on the coastline.

Fishermen's canoes lying in the coastal line below the palm tree, also huts making salt in a row along the coast, the scenery is really interesting for those who came to the beach.

For tourists who are visiting Bali, this object tour is ideal for selected as one tourist destination

Resort Prima Coolibah, Cipanas - Jl. Raya Puncak Km 85 Kav. 332 Puncak - Puncak Cipanas - - Indonesia - Puncak Bogor - indonesiatravelonline.com

2008-11-30T08:39:00.001+07:00

The Villa’s 23 cozy guest room are nicely decorated and equipped with amenities that are a necessities to our guests. The room have views toward the mountain or the beautifully landscaped garden, a breathtaking views not to be missed.

Services in your Room

Television
Satellite TV
Telephone
Air Conditioning
24 hour Room Service

Hotel Facilities:

Executive Suites, Deluxe, and Standard Rooms
Coffee Shop & Room Service
Home Theater & Karaoke
Meeting Rooms
Drugstore
Swimming Pool
Tennis Court
Children Playground
Gazebo BBQ Garden
Fishing Pond

Meeting room

The villa has 2 meeting rooms for your convenience to a successful and productive result.

The villa’s meeting rooms can accomodate up to 50 people for company’s training, meetings or get together.

Traditional dairy farms survive in East Jakarta - indonesiatravelonline.com

2008-11-30T08:28:00.000+07:00

Traditional dairy farms survive in East Jakarta - indonesiatravelonline.com

Rossa celebrates her music career with concert - indonesiatravelonline.com

2008-11-30T08:27:00.000+07:00

Rossa celebrates her music career with concert - indonesiatravelonline.com

Mola mola hunting in Bali - indonesiatravelonline.com

2008-11-30T08:25:00.000+07:00

Mola mola hunting in Bali - indonesiatravelonline.com

Regency proves how transparency leads to wealth

2008-11-28T19:15:00.001+07:00

Former bureaucracies have stubbornly resisted supplying the public with government information, but a number of regional governments, including the Lebak administration in Banten, are reaping rewards for their openness.

Lebak Regent Mulyadi Jayabaya told public officials attending a discussion in Jakarta on Thursday his administration had increased regional revenue seven-fold and investment by 35 times since it enacted an ordinance requiring government agencies to ensure the public had easy access to information.

Formerly a businessman, Mulyadi said he knew the plight investors had to go through in applying for business permits.

"At local government offices today people can see a board hanging on the wall, displaying the number of permits required to establish a new business and the price list and where the money flows," Mulyadi said.

The initiative proved fruitfull. Investment skyrocketed to Rp 6 trillion this year from Rp 168 billion in 2004, while regional revenue climbed to nearly Rp 80 billion from Rp 10.7 billion in 2004.

"Transparency has bolstered investors' trust in the local economy," Mulyadi said.

"I used to be a businessman, so I learned to establish policies that do not burden the business sector."

Under Regional Ordinance No. 6/2004, the public is allowed to monitor regional budgets, including spending and revenue.

The bylaw requires all public officials in the regency to provide all information requested by members of the community without exception.

Officials who hide information or charge money to share it will receive a six-month suspension.

The bylaw on transparency inspired the drafting of a bill on public access to information that was passed by the House of Representatives in April this year.

However, a debate continues to be waged over a section of the bill that allows state secrets to be withheld from the public.

The government is drafting regulations to implement the law, which will be ratified in 2010.

Director General of Communication Services and Information Dissemination at the Information and Communications Ministry, Freddy H. Tulung, said the government regulation would determine how long the government was allowed to withhold secret information as well as the compensation for individuals whose rights to see information had been denied.

"The principle of the law is maximum access but limited exemptions. So, there are still some areas of information that the government considers secret," he told the forum.

The government is now familiarizing the law with government officials and the public.

"Though, we must admit that changing a paradigm is hard because people, especially government officials, maintain a feudalistic way of thinking," Freddy said.

"By giving the public access to information, it will accelerate efforts to prevent corruption and nepotism and promote good governance."

Krisis Global Juga Hantam Industri Pariwisata Dunia

2008-11-21T21:04:00.000+07:00

JAKARTA, SELASA - Badan PBB untuk pariwisata (UN-WTO/United Nations World Tourism Organization) memperkirakan pertumbuhan pariwisata global akan menurun. "Karena krisis keuangan global diperkirakan akan berlanjut sampai 2009, UN-WTO memperkirakan persentase laju pertumbuhan kunjungan pariwisata global akan berada di kisaran 0 - 2 persen," kata Staf Ahli Menbudpar (Menteri Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata) Thamrin B Bachri melalui pesan singkat dari China, Senin (17/11).

Thamrin berpartisipasi mewakili Indonesia pada International Conference on Revitalization of Tourism and Confronting Crisis di Chengdu Propinsi Sichuan, Cina yang diprakarsi oleh UN-WTO dan CNTA (China National Tourism Administration) dari 15 November - 19 November 2008.

Mengutip UN-WTO, Thamrin mengatakan padahal persentase pertumbuhan kunjunan pariwisata global pada empat bulan pertama tahun 2008 sudah mencapai rata-rata 5,7 persen. "Bahkan pada bulan Mei 2008 terjadi peningkatan permintaan mencapai 7 persen. Namun mulai Juni, Juli, Agustus 2008 pertumbuhan menurun 2 persen sehingga untuk 8 bulan pertama 2008 rata-rata pertumbuhan dunia 3,7 persen," katanya.

UN-WTO memperkirakan pertumbuhan pariwisata dunia akan terus melambat sekitar 2 - 3 persen sampai dengan Desember 2008.

Dalam konferensi internasional tersebut, kata Thamrin, ada hasil-hasil penting yang perlu ditindaklanjuti oleh Indonesia yaitu bahwa pembangunan pariwista hendaknya dilihat secara seimbang dari dua sisi yaitu optimalisasi dampak positif pariwisata dengan peningkatan jumlah kunjungan wisatawan asing dan wisatawan domestik, serta meminimalisir bahkan mereduksi dampak negatif pariwisata misalnya menyiapkan program antisipasi dampak pemanasan global dari sektor pariwisata.

Selanjutnya, kendatipun pariwisata dunia diperkirakan akan mengalami krisis sebagai akibat berlanjutnya krisis keuangan dunia, lanjut Thamrin, namun agenda-agenda yang terkait dengan global warming dan pembangunan pariwisata yang berbasis pelibatan masyarakat harus tetap dilaksanakan. "Ini himbaun UN WTO kepada negara-negara anggotanya," katanya.

Kompas.com

Krisis Global Hantam Bali

2008-11-21T21:00:00.000+07:00

KUTA, JUMAT - Kunjungan wisatawan dari 10 negara pasar utama pariwisata Bali ke Pulau Dewata anjlok akibat krisis global. Hal itu terlihat dari pembatalan pemesanan kamar hotel sejak sebulan terakhir hingga masa pergantian tahun ini yang mencapai 40 persen. Pemerintah daerah dan kalangan pelaku pariwisata setempat khawatir, kondisi kepariwisataan di pulau itu sepanjang tahun 2009 akan suram.

Kepala Dinas Pariwisata Bali I Gede Nurjaya dalam pembukaan pameran pariwisata Pulau Kalimantan Borneo Extravaganza 2008 di Kuta, Badung, Bali, Jumat (21/11) mengungkapkan, 10 negara itu adalah Jepang, Australia, Taiwan, Korea Selatan, China, Malaysia, Inggris, Prancis, Amerika Serikat, dan Italia. Selama ini, kedatangan wisatawan negara-negara itu memberi kontribusi lebih dari 30 persen dari seluruh wisatawan mancanegara ke Bali. Total asal negara yang datang ke Bali tercatat 184 negara.

Kondisi ini mencemaskan, karena Bali pernah mengalami dampak buruk akibat anjloknya wisatawan pascapeledakan bom tahun 2002 dan 2005. "Krisis global telah terlihat dampaknya secara langsung termasuk di Bali, seperti halnya imbas yang terjadi di sejumlah negara maupun daerah lain di Indonesia, khususnya di sektor lain," kata Nurjaya.

Nurjaya mengungkapkan, jumlah kunjungan wisatawan mancanegara (wisman) hingga Oktober lalu sudah mencapai 1,6 juta orang atau naik sekitar 23 persen dibanding periode yang sama tahun sebelumnya. Namun akibat dampak krisis global, dikhawatirkan pertumbuhannya akan makin turun dan target mendatangkan 1,9 wisman sulit tercapai . Apalagi dalam bulan-bulan ini sedang masa sepi wisatawan.

Jakarta Post

Objek Wisata Pendidikan di DIY Perlu Dikembangkan

2008-11-20T22:30:00.001+07:00

YOGYAKARTA--MI: Objek wisata pendidikan di Provinsi Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY) perlu lebih dikembangkan agar menarik dikunjungi wisatawan pelajar yang jumlahnya setiap tahun selalu meningkat.

"Di Provinsi DIY terdapat sejumlah kampus terkenal yang bisa dijadikan objek wisata pelajar," kata Ketua Yayasan Widya Budaya Yogyakarta Widi Utaminingsih.

Kampus perguruan tinggi terkenal seperti Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), dan Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI) bisa menjadi objek wisata menarik untuk dikunjungi siswa sekolah.

"Apalagi di Yogyakarta setiap liburan sekolah selalu didatangi ribuan pelajar yang datang dari berbagai wilayah di Indonesia. Potensi ini mestinya tidak disia-siakan karena bisa menjadi kekuatan pariwisata di daerah ini," katanya.

Selain itu Yogyakarta juga memiliki puluhan museum yang bisa menjadi objek wisata pendidikan bagi wisatawan pelajar. Jika dikelola dengan baik diyakini museum akan mampu menarik minat siswa sekolah.

Museum jangan hanya dikesankan sebagai gudang menyimpan barang rongsokan, tetapi harus dikelola lebih menarik sehingga dapat menggerakkan minat wisatawan untuk mengunjunginya.

Sementara itu Kabag Operasional Monumen Jogja Kembali (Monjali) Kabupaten Sleman, Beny Sugito mengatakan monumen yang dikelolanya sejak awal memang fokus pada wisata pendidikan. "Siswa SD hingga SMU bahkan mahasiswa bisa datang sekaligus menggali informasi di Monjali," ujarnya.

Monjali merupakan museum perjuangan perlawanan merebut kota Yogyakarta dari tentara Belanda yang digambarkan dalam diorama perang gerilya. Di dalamnya juga ada koleksi peralatan perang pada zaman mempertahan kemerdekaan terutama di wilayah Yogyakarta. Setiap liburan sekolah ribuan pelajar dan mahasiswa mengunjungi Monjali yang berlokasi di jalan lingkar utara tersebut.

Widi menambahkan Pemprov DIY perlu mengembangkan objek wisata berbasis pendidikan agar wisatawan tidak jenuh mengunjungi daerah ini. "Yayasan Widya Budaya Yogyakarta yang selama ini aktif mengembangkan pariwisata berbasis pendidikan, studi pengembangan budaya dan pariwisata berbasis potensi lokal siap membantu pemerintah daerah," katanya. (Ant/OL-03)

Objek Wisata Loksado Miliki Daya Pikat Luar Biasa

2008-11-20T22:28:00.001+07:00

welcometoborneo.wordpress.com

BANJARMASIN--MI: Objek wisata alam Loksado di Kabupten Hulu Sungai Selatan (HSS) Kalimantan Selatan masih memiliki daya pikat luar biasa dan masih laku dijual kepada wisatawan mancanegara.

Kepala Dinas Pariwisata Kalsel, Bihman Mulyansyah mengatakan di Banjarmasin, Selasa, kesimpulan tersebut diperoleh dari hasil penelusuran yang dilakukan perwakilan seluruh perusahaan maskapai penerbangan di Kalsel bersama 20 anggota Asita ke Loksado beberapa waktu lalu.

Dari hasil perjalanan yang dilakukan oleh masing-masing perwakilan maskapai penerbangan yakni Garuda Indonesia, Sriwijaya, City Link, Batavia Air, Mandala, Lion Air, dan seluruh anggota Asosiasi Pariwisata cabang Kalsel, menyatakan Loksado masih sangat potensial untuk dijual.

"Sengaja kita melibatkan seluruh perusahaan penerbangan dan Asita, karena perusahaan tersebut sangat potensial untuk membantu promosi pariwisata. Dari hasil perjalanan tersebut, Dinas Pariwisata berharap akan mendapatkan masukan, prospek pariwisata Loksado dan lainnya di Kalsel dan apa yang harus dibenahi," katanya.

Apalagi seluruh infrastruktur di Loksado yang dulunya rusak dan terbengkalai, kini sudah diperbaiki oleh pemerintah daerah. Selain itu, juga ada penambahan sarana dan prasarana lainnya, yang sudah cukup memadai. "Tinggal dilengkapi dengan beberapa pernak-pernik budaya dan adat istiadat khas daerah setempat yang harus juga ditampilkan dan dipelihara," katanya.

Masa keemasan Loksado beberapa tahun lalu sempat meredup dan kurang diminati wisatawan lokal maupun manca negara karena kurangnya perhatian dari pemerintah daerah maupun provinsi mengembangkan dan menggali potensi yang ada.

Akibatnya beberapa fasilitas yang dibangun menjadi tidak terawat dan hancur sia-sia. Kini menyambut Visit Indonesia Year 2009, seluruh fasilitas tersebut dibenahi dan siap untuk kembali dipromosikan ke berbagai negara, kerjasama dengan beberapa daerah dan instansi terkait baik itu penerbangan maupun Asita.

Selain Loksado saat ini wisata alam Lembah Kahung yang merupakan wisata alam yang akan dijadikan primadona baru setelah Loksado dan wisata pasar terapung, juga mulai dilakukan pembenahan berbagai infrastruktur dan promosi.

Untuk kepentingan promosi pihaknya akan melakukan atraksi wisata berupa lomba bamboo rafting dan lombang lanting paring di Danau Riam Kanan.

Acara tersebut sebagai langkah awal promosi dan pengenalan wisata Lembah Kahong. Tentang potensi wisata di Kabupaten Tanah Laut (Tala) seperti Gunung Kayangan, hanya untuk konsumsi wisatawan lokal.

Yang sudah terlanjur terkenal di mancanegara adalah wisata Loksado dan pasar terapung, "Itu potensi yang kini menjadi konsentrasi kami," tambahnya. Media Indonesia (Ant/OL-02)

Bird paradise at Pulau Rambut

2008-11-18T20:08:00.001+07:00

Not all of us know about the bird sanctuary in North Jakarta. Well, it is not exactly in Jakarta, but off the mainland on Pulau Rambut, an island to the north. You can get there in less than half an hour by fishing boat from Tanjung Pasir, Tangerang.

However, because it is a wildlife reserve, the island is not open to the general public. Its use is restricted to conservation, scientific research, education, and guided tourism.
Visitors who want to visit this island should request a permit from the Jakarta Office of the Natural Resources Conservation Center.

Mangrove and wetland forests cover two-thirds of the total area. Its abundant vegetation and location make this island an ideal habitat for sea birds.

Forty-nine bird species have been identified as inhabitants of Pulau Rambut whose total bird population numbers about 40,000. Most are cormorants, egrets, and herons. Some species are classified as rare or endangered and are protected by law.

The best time to visit is from March to September. Beside enjoying the nice weather, during this period visitors can watch birds feeding their chicks with freshly caught fish. At present only one observatory tower is available, which can accommodate about 10 to 15 observers.

In addition to birds as its main attraction, visitors can also observed other wild animals, including fruit bats (Pteropus vampyrus), hanging upside down in the trees and monitor lizards called biawak moving sluggishly along the forest floor.

source : Jakartapost

HATI HATI MAKAN DI PINGGIR JALAN YA

2008-11-18T16:05:00.000+07:00

UUUEEEEKKKKK....

Adakalanya kita harus berhati-hati apabila memutuskan untuk makan di pinggir jalan, sekedar menepikan mobil untuk mengisi perut. Mungkin ini perlu diketahui. Juga untuk kawan2 yang sering ke lapangan.

Hati-hati... ...kelihatannya seperti daging ayam....

TIKUS!!!!

Dibakar utk menghilangkan bulu...

Dicuci sebelum dimasak....

Dipotong-potong sehingga menyerupai

potongan daging ayam......

Persiapan utk di goreng....

Sebelumnya diberi bumbu....

Siap di santap....

weeckkk....

Mirip daging ayamê¿®aaaaaaaaaannnnnnnn

Waspadalah.. ..waspadalah. ..

Kadisbudpar Mengaku Tak Tahu, Setahun Tanpa Mesin, Pos Petunjuk Wisata Mubazir

2008-11-18T07:48:00.001+07:00

Semarapura (Bali Post) -
Keberadaan pos pemandu/petunjuk wisata di kawasan Goa Lawah, Pesinggahan, Dawan menuai kritik masyarakat sekitar. Pasalnya, lebih dari satu tahun bangunan pos yang berdampingan dengan pos jaga polisi itu tak berfungsi. Karena belum ada mesin petunjuk wisata.

Warga menyayangkan, tidak ada tindak lanjut dari pihak terkait (dalam hal ini Dinas Pariwisata Klungkung) mengenai persoalan tersebut. Sehingga, bangunan berukuran mini itu seolah hanya pajangan yang menyesakkan tanpa arti. Untuk apa membuat bangunan, tetapi tidak difungsikan. Kawasan Goa Lawah ditata tujuannya agar kawasan terkesan lengang dan nyaman, ini malah diisi bangunan tak berguna, kritik warga setempat.

Anehnya menurut warga, mesin pemandu wisata justru ditempatkan di ruang tersembunyi di Kantor Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata (Disbudpar) Klungkung. Kenapa tidak mesin itu saja yang dipindahkan ke situ (Goa Lawah). Sehingga ada manfaatnya. Bangunan terpakai, wisatawan yang datang ke Klungkung, khususnya Goa Lawah juga merasa terbantu, tambahnya.

Dimintai konfirmasi di tempat terpisah, Minggu (16/11) kemarin, Kadisbudpar Nengah Wijana yang mengaku masih di Makassar untuk urusan dinas membenarkan ada bangunan yang untuk pemandu wisata di kawasan Goa Lawah. Namun, dia mengaku tak bisa berkomentar banyak, karena tak tahu pasti soal bangunan dan kelengkapan pemandu wisata tersebut. 'Bangunan dan kelengkapannya merupakan bantuan dari pusat (Departemen Pariwisata),' ujarnya.

Dikatakan, dirinya sering menghubungi pusat menanyakan kapan mesin pemandu yang di Goa Lawah datang. Namun, oleh pusat dia diminta bersabar. 'Namanya juga bantuan, ya, kami hanya bisa menunggu,' sebutnya seraya menambahkan, terkait pemindahan mesin pemandu yang ada di Disbudpar ke Goa Lawah, itu tidak memungkinkan. Karena sistemnya berbeda. Yang di Disbudpar dirancang indoor, sedangkan di Goa Lawah outdoor, tambahnya. (kmb20)

Sumber: Balipost

Tourism future bright despite travel warning: Minister

2008-11-17T00:04:00.001+07:00

The Minister of Tourism and Culture Jero Wacik expressed optimism Thursday that the future of Indonesia's tourism remained bright despite a number of countries issuing travel warnings following the recent execution of three terrorists.

"Tourism conditions in Indonesia remain stable, particularly in Bali," he said.

Several countries, including Australia -- one of the largest contributors to tourist numbers -- has warned its citizens against traveling to Indonesia following the execution of Amrozy, Ali Ghufron and Imam Samudra.

The three were convicted terrorists responsible for the 2002 bombings of two popular night spots in Kuta. The blasts killed 202 people, mainly foreigners, and injured hundreds of others.

Jero said there were fears the executions would destabilize the country's security, but counterterrorism forces had managed to maintain stability.

Jero said he was confident that the travel warnings would not significantly affect the flow of foreign travelers into Indonesia, and denied they had triggered cancellations and a reduction in visitor numbers.

"Please check those facts. From which countries did these cancellations occur? Based on the report I received, everything is still going well," he said.

A small decline in tourist numbers over a one or two day period was normal, he said, but those instances should not be used to measure the overall conditions.

Citing official data, Jero said the number of foreigners visiting Bali was still around 6,000 tourists per day, exceeding the average of 4,500 visitors.

"This year the average soared to 6,000 and even 6,400 tourists per day. These are very good numbers," he said. Jero said this proved Bali was still a very attractive destination for holiday-makers.

From January to August 2008, 1,298,046 foreign and domestic tourists visited Bali, a monthly increase of around 10% compared to the same period last year.

"We think the numbers will remain at a high level, or even increase," Jero said.

Indonesia's receives the most tourists from Japan, Australia, Russia and Malaysia.

Source : Jakartapost

Integrated spiritual tourism at Mt. Selok, Srandil

2008-11-17T00:01:00.001+07:00

Mount Selok in Karangbenda village, Adipala district, Cilacap regency, Central Java, comprises more then 126 hectares of land and rises 150 meters above sea level.

Located along Cilacap's coastal area, the mountain is a perfect lookout spot to view the waves of the South Sea breaking on the foothills below.

About one kilometer to the east of Mount Selok, stands Mount Srandil. Although the two mountains are relatively of equal height, Mount Srandil comprises less than half the land area that Mount Selok does.

In the past, mounts Selok and Srandil make one tour package that blends the amazing beauty of the mountains and the sea. In addition, these two mountains are also very popular as places for Kejawen (Javanese) spiritual pilgrimage.

Unfortunately, the two mountains are now barren as most of the large trees that were once found there were felled illegally between 1999 and 2000. The mountain areas are no longer green and cool and only a number of caves and graves that the pilgrims hold sacred are left.

Mounts Selok and Srandil have been closed as tourist sites since the year 2000. The Jakarta Post, accompanied by a staff member of the local district government, toured the area to observe the many tourist facilities that had been damaged and neglected.

A number of bathrooms and a prayer house in the location were found in disrepair and looked like ghost houses. The paved road crossing Mount Selok area was also in a very condition.

"Given the present condition, we are trying to change the tourist concept at Mount Selok and Mount Srandil so that the two mountains will be the centers of integrated spiritual tourism," Budi Santoso, the district head of Adipala, told the Post recently.

According to Budi, the local administration could easily develop Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu and Kejawen spiritual tourism at these two mountains.

"Kejawen spiritual tourism has been very popular for a long time. Islamic and Buddhist spiritual tourism is less popular but the potential for such development is great," Budi said.

At the top of Mount Selok, he added, was the grave of Kyai Somalangu, one of the disciples of Prince Diponegoro. This, he said, made it an appropriate place for a Islamic spiritual tour site.

He said former president "Gus Dur" once went on a pilgrimage to the grave. "This is evidence that Kyai Somalangu was not just anybody," Budi said.

Buddhists, he added, could visit Padepokan Biksu, or a Buddhist monk dormitory, which is also located at the top of Mount Selok, about 2 km from the grave of Kyai Somalangu.

Built two years ago, the Buddhist dormitory is frequently visited by people from Cilacap and other surrounding areas.

The gateway leading to Padepokan Jambe 7 at Gunung Selok was inaugurated by former president Soeharto in 1979. It was here Soeharto went to meditate. (JP/Agus Maryono)

At the gateway to Mount Selok, a temple can be found where followers of Hinduism can perform their religious services.

"This mountain area is a center for Kejawan spiritual tourism. The most popular site is Padepokan Jambe 7, which was built by former president Soeharto in 1979. Soeharto often went to meditate there," said Budi.

There was also Padepokan Jambe 5, he said, which Mayangsari, a famous singer from Purwokerto, was also known to visit for meditation.

Since the demise of president Soeharto, Padepokan Jambe 7 had been neglected, Budi said, adding the local administration wished to once again open it up to the public.

Besides Padepokan Jambe 5 and Jambe 7, there are also caves that are popular among pilgrims, especially on certain days such as Kliwon Friday and Kliwon Tuesday, and in the month of Syura on the Javanese calendar.

These caves, or goa, include Goa Rahayu, Goa Naga Raja, Goa Bolong, Goa Paku Waja, Goa Putih, Goa Grujugan, Goa Tikus, Goa Lawa and Goa Kaendran.

Meanwhile, the grave of Kyai Somalangu, which is located on a former Japanese fort, is usually visited by people from Kebumen, Central Java.

The introduction of spiritual tourism in Mount Selok, Budi said, could restore its position as an alternative tourist site.

Karangbenda village head Umar Said, who is also a community elder in the Mount Selok area, confirmed that Mayangsari had visited the area for meditation purposes.

"Yes, Padepokan Jambe 5 was the special meditation place for Mayangsari," Umar Said said.

When the Post met the gatekeeper of Padepokan Jambe 7, Toto, he confirmed that Soeharto performed his meditation there together with his master, the late Romo Diyat.

"Yes, Romo Diyat built the Padepokan Jambe 7 meditation site in 1979. Until now, it has never been open to the public," said Toto, who lives in a house located behind Padepokan Jambe 7.

Toto said that behind his house, which he inherited from his grandfather, also a gatekeeper, there used to be a helipad.

"Now it is in disrepair as it has not been used for quite some time," he said.

Budi said the local administration would need the participation of investors to develop the two mountain sites into spiritual tourism centers.

Among other things, the roads leading to the two mountains must be resurfaced to attract more visitors, he said.

Source : MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "www.thejakartapost.com" claiming to be Jakartapost.com

Rihanna Batalkan Konser

2008-11-14T08:50:00.003+07:00

Promotor Mengalami Kerugian Miliaran Rupiah

KOMPAS/TOTOK WIJAYANTO / Kompas Images
Pekerja, Kamis (13/11), membongkar panggung yang sedianya akan dipergunakan oleh penyanyi asal Amerika Serikat, Rihanna, pada Jumat (14/11), di Istora Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta. Rihanna menunda konsernya karena khawatir dengan kondisi keamanan di Indonesia.

Jumat, 14 November 2008 | 03:00 WIB

Jakarta, Kompas - Ancaman bom dari orang-orang iseng membuat surut Rihanna (20), penyanyi R&B asal Barbados yang populer lewat lagunya, Umbrella. Hari Jumat (14/11) ini ia membatalkan konsernya di Jakarta. "Ada larangan berkunjung ke Indonesia," demikian isi surat yang dikirim manajemen Rihanna.

Pembatalan ini membuat Showmaster, promotor konser Rihanna di Jakarta, kelabakan. "Kami menerima surat pembatalan itu satu hari sebelum konser. Mereka membatalkan tanpa konsultasi dulu dengan kami," kata Troy Reza Warokka dari Showmaster, Kamis (13/11).

Showmaster menggelar jumpa pers terkait pembatalan konser album Good Girl Gone Bad ini. Jumpa pers digelar di depan panggung yang sudah disiapkan untuk Rihanna. Karena Rihanna batal pentas, panggung itu satu per satu dipreteli.

Rihanna adalah penyanyi R&B asal Barbados yang tengah naik daun. Sejak tahun 2005, ia sudah mencetak tiga album berjudul Music of The Sun (2005), A Girl Like Me (2006), dan Good Girl Gone Bad (2008). Beberapa lagunya seperti Umbrella dan Unfaithfull menjadi hit di dunia.

"Manajemen Rihanna di New York menjanjikan Rihanna akan tampil di Jakarta awal tahun 2009.

Akibat pembatalan itu, Showmaster memperkirakan kerugian mencapai miliaran rupiah. Kerugian itu mencakup sewa gedung, promosi, sewa peralatan, membayar kru dan lain-lain.

Kembalikan uang tiket

Pihak Showmaster berjanji akan mengembalikan uang tiket yang sudah dibeli penonton. Kata Troy, penonton bisa menukarkan tiket di tempat pembelian semula mulai Senin (17/11). Uang pembelian tiket akan dikembalikan penuh tanpa potongan.

Konser Rihanna adalah konser yang ditunggu-tunggu banyak orang di Jakarta. Buktinya, 6.000 tiket terjual habis. Bahkan pada minggu pertama sejak penjualan tiket dibuka, menurut Troy, tiket untuk kelas festival A dan VIP langsung terjual habis. Tiket festival A dijual dengan harga Rp 1,25 juta dan VIP Rp 2,5 juta.

Menanggapi adanya penilaian bahwa Jakarta rawan bom, Direktur Reserse Kriminal Umum Polda Metro Jaya Komisaris Besar Muhammad Iriawan, yang dihubungi semalam mengatakan, "Itu hak mereka menilai seperti itu. Yang percaya itu tidak cermat," katanya.

Menurut Iriawan, tidak satu pun ancaman bom belakangan terbukti. Polisi tidak menemukan satu pun barang bukti yang menguatkan tuduhan bahwa Jakarta rawan ledakan bom teroris.

Polisi bersikap serius menghadapi ancaman bom meski kemudian yang terungkap cuma "lucu-lucuan" saja. (IND/WIN)

Batik museum preserves Yogyakarta tradition

2008-11-14T08:41:00.001+07:00

Slamet Susanto, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta

A new museum and study center inside the Yogyakarta palace complex is helping to preserve the region's batik tradition by educating a new generation of people about this important cultural heritage.

The batik on exhibit in the museum, which was recently opened by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, was donated by the palace and members of the public.

Sri Sultan said during the museum opening that it was important to preserve the art of batik, which he described as conveying important ethical and aesthetic lessons. He also said batik was closely associated with life; people are wrapped in batik when they are born and when they die.

Batik is also an expression of life and man's place in the universe, as depicted on the gawangan (wooden frame on which fabric is hung).

The bandul (fabric weight used in the batik-making process) represents the heart, and the lancing wax is the gem of one's soul. Each item used in the batik-making process batik equipment has its own significance.

The 150-square-meter museum contains batik cloth dating back as far as hundreds of years, as well as new pieces donated by the palace and the public. The museum also houses batik paraphernalia, such as canting (small dipper used to apply wax in the batik process) and different types of wax.

There is a large selection of canting and wax, in all different sizes and shapes, according to their function.

Kote wax, for instance, functions as a cloth whitener and protector, tembok wax blocks parts of the design that will be white later, biron covers the first color applied during the dying process and gondorukem is used as a mixture in wax to produce fine etchings.

A piece of batik with a parang barong motif and tassels at its ends, worn by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono VIII during his coronation in 1921, is also exhibited at the museum.

Upon entering the building, visitors will be amazed by the sheer variety of the motifs on display. There are about 60 modern pieces of batik in various patterns, including parang, cuiri, truntum, ceplok, sido mukti and sido luhur.

The art of batik has developed over the course of centuries, since the era of the Hindu and Buddhist empires, as can be seen in batik motifs in a number of ancient temples, such as the Sewu and Prambanan temples.

Batik has gone through extraordinary changes over the centuries, and today batik designs have been incorporated into hotels, shopping malls and government buildings, and batik has become part of the national dress.

Museum exhibits rare West Java batik

2008-11-14T08:38:00.000+07:00

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Wed, 11/12/2008 10:45 AM | City

TOO SEXY FOR BATIK: Models present modern batik clothes at the opening of the West Java Batik Exhibition at the Textile Museum in Central Jakarta on Tuesday. The museum organizes the two-week exhibition to promote West Javan batik. (JP/Nani Afrida)

Batik took to the catwalk Tuesday in a flashy display of modern fashion during the opening of the West Java Batik Exhibition at the Textile Museum in Central Jakarta.

"I thought batik only came from Central Java. I never heard of West Java batik before," said a visitor to the exhibition, which is being held until Nov. 23.

West Java Batik, based on a tradition dating back to 1430, is not as well known as batik from Solo, Yogyakarta and Pekalongan.

"Only a few people know that West Java has its own traditional batik, which comprises the history and philosophy of the region in its beautiful motifs," said Dyah Damayanti, the head of the museum.

The exhibition, titled "West Java Tradition", displays about 100 various kinds of batik from several areas in West Java, such as Tasikmalaya, Ciamis, Garut, Cirebon, Bandung and Indramayu.

"In some West Java areas, batik is already extinct, like batik Ciamis," Dyah said.

West Java Batik features motifs derived from the Sunda culture, which was influenced by both Hindu and Islam as well as cultures from China, India and the Netherlands.

Among the most recognizable of the West Java batik motifs are buketan galang gasi, parang kembang, lunglungan, urang ayu and mega mendung.

West Java batik is different from Central Java batik because of its use of vibrant colors like green, red, orange and blue.

Antique batik fabrics are on display at the exhibition, including a rare 300-year-old banner from Cirebon that features Arabic calligraphy.

"We hope that this event will inform visitors that Indonesia has many places with a unique batik style," Dyah said.

The fashion show featured the designs of several prominent batik designers and producers in Indonesia, such as Danar Hadi, Komar, Tiga Putri and Warna Alam Roso.

The exhibition is the result of a scenography workshop held in cooperation with the Dutch government. (naf)

Textile Museum
Jl. KS Tubun No. 4
Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta
Opening hours:
Tuesday - Thursday, Saturday - Sunday
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Friday
9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Monday and public holidays: closed

Tribe lives in poverty, isolation in protected forest

2008-11-13T08:42:00.000+07:00

Paser regency, East Kalimantan, is home to an indigenous tribe called the Paser Muluy. The group lives in a settlement, isolated on the higher plains of the Gunung Lumut Protection Forest, in Muluy hamlet, Suan Slutung village, Muara Komam district.

A majority of them live in absolute poverty as they only depend on non-timber products from the forest for a living, such as honey, rattan and resins.

Seasonally the group tills an area which has been designated as customary farmland.

They lead a life far from civilization, located hundreds of kilometers from Tanah Grogot, Paser regency's capital.

Residents have to walk through rough terrain as far as 18 kilometers to the main village of Suan Slutung for medical treatment as there is no community health center in the hamlet.

"The road was opened by timber companies. We usually use herbs from the forest to treat the sick. The community health center is too far away," said Paser Muluy tribal chief Jidan during a recent meeting facilitated by Kawal Borneo Community Foundation, a Kalimantan environmental group.

"Besides, we don't own vehicles. If our wives are going to give birth, the village midwife will attend to them. We don't have the means for treatment or for delivery."

The tribe has been living in the area for the past 13 generations. Their numbers are small, as there are only 25 families, or 120 people living in the village.

They are completely deprived of their basic rights to education and healthcare. Most, if not all of them, are not well versed in the Indonesian language.

They claim to have received no attention from the government. Its government-sponsored illiteracy eradication program has been running ineffectively.

The village's only education facility is an elementary school with a status of visiting school which has 26 pupils.

Only two assistant tutors teach students from the first to sixth grades. The school was set up in 2002, but there were no teachers for two years.

Lessons began in 2004 -- the reason why some of the first 2008 graduates are 18 years old.

"Our children can't pursue their studies to the next level after graduating from elementary school because we don't have money to send them to schools outside the village," Jidan said.

Based on observations during the meeting with the Paser Muluy tribe, around 20 local youths said they have never had the chance to gain a formal education. Most of them have no means to earn a regular income.

"Since early September we haven't been able to earn a living because there has been no honey. To survive, we depend on help from our relatives or neighbors," said resident Jidan.

The village is not connected to the power grid. Its only source of light comes from a micro-hydropower plant donated by the Padi Indonesia Foundation.

"However, because of the recent landslide it is out of order. We plan to work together to repair it," said another resident, Ngunsang.

Residents can only pin their hopes to survive on the sustainability of the Gunung Lumut Protection Forest. They claim 18,000 hectares of the forest as customary forest.

"The forest is our life and soul. The government should understand this and pay attention to this issue and not try and separate us from the forest by relocating us to the lower reaches of the river," Jidan said.

The three-by-four meter houses inhabited by the Paser Mulut tribespeople are part of assistance received from the Paser regency social office. Their daily water supply comes from the river or wells.

The government plans to relocate the tribe to the lower reaches of the area and designate the forest as a national park, Jidan said.

Besides farming, the village women make pleated bamboo or rattan utensils for their own use and sometimes are able to sell them to visitors.

However, don't expect to get there by public transportation. During the wet season, only four-wheel-drive vehicles are able to reach the village. Counselors from the Paser Traditional Community Foundation often have to stay the night in the middle of the jungle because their motorbikes got stuck in the mud and there is no one to help.

"I feel like crying when my motorbike gets stuck in the mud," said Iwan Himawan, a counselor.

The Paser Muluy tribespeople were living in the Gunung Lumut Protection Forest before the government designated it as a protection forest in 1982.
Jakarta Post

Sol Elite Marbella Hotel Anyer

2008-11-12T08:01:00.001+07:00

Deskripsi

Sol Elite Marbella Anyer, dibangun diatas lahan seluas 10 Ha pada tahun 1994 dengan jumlah kamar 580 unit.

Sol Elite Marbella Hotel, Convention dan Spa, merupakan satu-satunya hotel berfasilitas bintang lima di Anyer, yang dikelola oleh Sol Melia, Spanyol.

Sol Elite Marbella menghadap Selat Sunda, Anyer, propinsi Banten, dan dapat diakses sekitar 90 menit dari Jakarta lewat tol Jakarta-Merak. Sol Elite Marbella merupakan tempat peristrahatan dan rekreasi yang sangat esklusif dengan nuansa Mediteranian. Ketenangan, kemewahan, dan keramah-tamahan yang diberikan membuat Sol Elite Marbella merupakan lokasi utama tujuan wisata di Banten.

Type
Studio
Deluxe Suite
Executive Suite
Master Suite
Presidential Suite

Fasilitas

    * 3 Kolam Renang
    * 3 Restoran
    * Diskotik/lounge
    * 4 Lapangan Tenis
    * Ruang Serba guna
    * Lapangan Bulutangkis
    * Jogging Track
    * Jetsky
    * Boating Sailing
    * Ruang Fitness
    * Spa

Lokasi
Jl. Raya Karang Bolong Km.135
Desa Bandulu, Anyer-42466
Ph: (0254) 602345
Fx: (0254) 602346

Bounty Hotel Bali Reviews

2008-11-12T07:47:00.001+07:00

The Bounty lives up to its expectations and comments from various travel sites. Yes it does have a 24 hour pool bar and 24 hour DJ. You can sleep as well, the noise stays pretty central to the main pool, they shut the second one after some point at night.

The hotel is in between the main street on the beachfront and Legian Road, about a 10 minute walk in either direction to get to them. The place is surprisingly big for its location, has two pools with swim up bar and loads of lounge chairs, 5 internet terminals (20k for 20 mins), a restaurant I never saw anyone in and is laid out with 3 levels of rooms surrounding the pools. I had the top level so there wasn't much noise from people walking by as you'd get on level 1.

I was the only non-Aussie in the entire place, which had I'd guess 150 guests at the time. Most people were travelling in groups of 10-15 it seemed, but you could meet people easy enough. There is also a tour desk where you can jump in on booked tours if there is room so check that out.

I couldn't get one of the cheap rooms so I had a supreme room which was massive, far more than necessary and amounted to close to $50/night. You can get smaller rooms which I'm sure are just as good for less.

If you want to be right near the beach and are looking for more relaxation than non stop party this might not be the best spot for you. Some people never left the pool bar, I mixed it up with the beach and the clubs/pubs on Legian Road and enjoyed my time.

The 24 hour room service comes in handy with pretty good food for cheap when you make it back from the clubs.

travbuddy.com

Bali to host world junior wushu event

2008-11-12T07:25:00.000+07:00

JAKARTA: Bali will host the world junior wushu championships next month with Indonesia looking to shape up for international competitions beyond.

The organizers are expecting athletes from 54 countries to participate in the event, which will run from Dec. 7 to 14. Medals will be offered in 22 events, according to a press release on Monday.

"There will be more participants in Bali than they had in Beijing two years ago when only 40 countries took part," IGK Manila, chairman of the organizing committee, said.

"Hopefully the event will be a chance to rehearse ahead of the 2009 SEA (Southeast Asian) Games in Laos and 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou," he said.

According to deputy chairman of the Indonesian Wushu Association, Agus Susanto, Indonesia will field 8 sanshou and 11 taulo athletes. The sanshou athletes have been preparing in Surabaya since September, while the taulo group has made Medan their training camp, under the supervision of a Chinese coach.

The Surabaya camp has been working particularly on the athletes' stamina, which, according to Agus, has been their weak point.

"They already posses good skills, they just need to shape up physically. We see they have made significant improvement in Surabaya," he said. -- JP

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