indonesia-exotic-beach

Bunaken National Park, North Sulawesi

2007-07-17T06:59:00.001-07:00

A flat island about 15 km from Manado, with a friendly people. The coral reefs off Bunaken island shouldn't be missed while you are in Manado. These magnificent virgin reefs are still relatively unspoiled. The drop-off walls at Liang cove is not only rare in the world, with caves, gullies and caverns, harboring an immense wealth of marine life. Spectacular formation of reefs begin with flat at about 5 m depth. These plunge downward to form underwater vertical crevices with often reach depth on several hundred meters. On these beautiful reefs, a wonderful collection of marine life thrives.

The Bunaken reef is a chain of over 40 five star dive spots. The Marine Park is spectacular with the greatest concentration of tropical fish, coral species and world famous wall diving.
Clear, warm waters (sea temperatures usually range between 27-30 degrees C), light currents and calm seas allow easy access to the underwater attraction awaiting visitors to the five-islands of the Bunaken-Manado Tua National Marine Park which sits directly offshore of Manado. Bunaken is the standout favorite, with the highest density of schooling fish and the greatest probability to see larger species such as turtles, sharks, and napoleon wrasse. There are enough sites here to keep any diver happy for over a week without going elsewhere.

The Dive Sites :
Most diving takes place near Bunaken and Manado Tua, because of their many excellent sites. The following is representative of the diving in the area.

Lekuan Walls (I, II, III)
This long wall on Bunaken is divided into three sites: Lekuan I, II and III. Together they represent the park's best. Steep walls are marked with deep crevices, sea fans and giant sponges. The shallows are filled with fishes. The wall, often protected from stronger currents, is frequented by bumphead parrotfish, turtles, and Napoleon wrasses.
Mandolin
Mandolin has a knockout reef crest and a wall that attracts thousands of fishes like schooling fusiliers, surgeonfish, unicornfish, and bannerfish. They are acclimated to divers and are easily approachable.
Bunaken Timor
There are strong currents and lots of fishes on this long wall. The shallow reef isn't as spectacular as some but there are turtles, sharks, eagle rays, and other big fishes in the blue. Overhangs and small caves mark the wall.
Tanjung Kopi
Tanjung Kopi is a nice wall with a small school of barracuda and lots of sweetlips. Visibility in the shallows is not terrific but the numbers of fishes make up for it. Nudibranches and fire gobies are easy to spot here.
Siladen Island
Siladen has a beautiful wall of soft corals that bloom when the current is running. The shallows are nice with lots of fishes and schooling snappers.
Muka Gereja
Muka Gereja is a pretty site with thousands of fishes in the shallows and deeper canyons that lead to the wall.
Barracuda Point
Barracuda Point, on northwest Montehage, is one of the furthest sites. A school of giant barracuda are regulars along with jacks and tuna.
Manado Wreck
This 60m (200ft) long German merchant ship sank near Molas Beach in 1942. It sits upright with the bow at 23m (78ft). The ship is split near amidships back to the stern, exposing the wheelhouse and cargo holds. Dives finish up on a nearby shallow reef. Expect 10-15m (30-50ft) visibility.

Getting There

Bunaken Island is easily reached from Manado by motorized outrigger boat start from Manado harbor, Molas, Kalasey and Tasik Ria beaches. The public boats from Manado to Bunaken are leaving daily around 2 p.m (depending on tide), except Sundays, from Pasar Jengki near Manado harbor. Back from Bunaken to Manado usually early in the morning, around 7-8 a.m

Where to Stay

On the island you have the choice amongst a number of homestays, with rates starting at
Rp. 40 000 per day and person including full board. Some of the dive operations on Bunaken are offering more up-market accommodation, and even running water.

Moving Around

You can explore the land on foot. And you can use a boat to move from one dive sites to another sites.

Dining Guide

There are several of restaurants and cafes throughout Manado and the islands. Try their specialties: seafood, bubur manado and food made of coconuts!

Souvenir Tips

Sea-related products, such as items made of seashells, corals, etc

Other Things to See or Do

Diving, swimming, and snorkeling.
Walking around on the beach.
Sampling the tempting seafood cuisine.
Ornithologists and amateur bird-watchers might find visiting Tangkoko Dua Sudara Nature Reserve entertaining.

Travel Tips

Entrance tags and tickets can be purchased through marine tourism operators based in Manado and in the Bunaken National Park, or can be purchased from one of three ticket counters in Bunaken and Liang villages on Bunaken Island and on Siladen Island;
You should be aware that during the absolute peak season months July and August it usually gets VERY busy. Many of the better resorts and dive operators will not be able to accept walk-ins during that time since they are fully booked. Better make a reservation before;
Try to hire equipment from larger firms as these tend to be more reliable, but remember the responsibility of checking the equipment is ultimately yours.

Surfing at Cimaja Beach, Pelabuhan Ratu-West Java

2007-07-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

The Pelabuhan Ratu area, a favorite weekend surfing destination for expatriates and a growing number of Indonesian surfers based in Jakarta, is the most crowded of West Java's surfing grounds due to sheer ease of accessibility. Most of the surf pounded beaches in the Pelabuhan Ratu resort area-also called Samudra Beach are just that: pure beach

Photo: www.freelinesurf.com

pound, featuring vicious riptides and big walls of water with nowhere to go. Most surfers skip this non-directional stuff and head a few kilometers due west to the sleepy fishing and rice-growing village known as Cimaja, or Cimaja Beach.

The Cimaja break, a right that rises off a rocky reef, is reached by walking about 300 meters from the main road through beachfront sawah (rice paddies). This spot is consistently surf able because it has a solid and angular rock bottom perfectly attuned to south and southwest swells rising out of the Indian Ocean. Its rights peel off in front of a cobble-stone and boulder strewn beach that clatters like a series of giant castanets every time a wave set rolls in.

Here down below are some information for surfing at Cimaja.

Spot information for surfing at Cimaja (globalsurfer.com):

Type of break: pointbreak
Type of wave: occasionally barreling wave
Direction: right hand
Bottom: rock
Average lenght of ride: 100-200 meter lenght
Suitable for: intermediate level

Detailed information:

Photo: www.freelinesurf.com
Crowd level: normal crowd
Best tide: mid
Ideal board size: 6'2-6'4 Thruster
Ideal wind direction: east

Wavesize & wetsuit:
Spring - Summer - Autumn - Winter
Good: 4' - 6' - Overhead: 6'- 8' - Ok : 2'- 4' - Ok : 2'- 4'
Boardshorts - Boardshorts - Boardshorts - Boardshorts

Getting There

Cimaja village and its surrounds are easily reached from Jakarta in about two and a half hours by car, just taking the highway south to Bogor, then towards Sukabumi and Pelabuhan Ratu. Once in Cimaja fishing village, it's a hike through the rice paddies, and a cautious hop across the cobblestone beach.

Where to Stay

After turning left at the intersection onto Jl Siliwangi to go into town, there are some inexpensive losmen on the right-hand side, such as Laut Kidul and Karang Naya. Most hotels in Pelabhuan Ratu charge more on the weekends and holidays.

Moving Around

Heading west for a few hundred yards, across the river, you can check out the lefts at Karang Papak, which can be working when Cimaja is a mess. Generally the temptation doesn't pay off however.

Dining Guide

Restaurants are abundant down here and the seafood is very decent. Any hawkers in Pelabuhan Ratu, as nearby the beach, don't forget try fish balls

Other Things to See or Do

Taking a rest with sunset and enjoy the breath-taking views of the bay.
Learn how to surf.
Visit Nyai Roro Kiduls room at Samudra Beach Hotel, Room 308.
Wanna go for a beauty outing? About 9 km. West of Pelabuhan Ratu theres a hotsprings and volcanic area called Cipanas (Hot River).

Souvenir Tips

In any shop of a star-qualified hotel you may find some of your preference like sea-related products, such as items made of seashells, corals, t-shirts, etc. There are also street vendors selling this souvenir too along the sea shores.

Travel Tips

For swimmers, beware of strong currents all along this stretch of coastline.
Always be wary of tide conditions and how they affect the lineup. There's a large and exposed rock that is both conveniently and precariously located in front of the take-off point.

Photo: www.freelinesurf.com
Like much of Java's rugged south coast this is prime sea urchin and rock-dance country at low tides. Beach rocks here are also very smoothing, slippery and (unfortunately) sometimes covered by sharp, skin-tearing barnacles. Proceed out and back in with caution to avoid being chopped up in the shore pound.
There is no rail or air service to Pelabuhan Ratu, so if you are budget conscious and cant afford private car services your safari will have to opt for travel on buses or minibuses that regularly commute from Jakarta to Pelabuhan Ratu via either Bogor or Sukabumi.
If youre a beginner, theres a surfing lessons at Cimaja. They would be happy to teach you with experienced surfers in the water to keep you out of harm's way. Ask the staff at your lodging for more details.
There are some surf shops & board repairing facilities in the Cimaja area, but these are limited. You will get leg ropes & wax, but not "fin keys" or "ding repair kits", sunscreens are all imported, so most shops can not now afford to carry them, so bring sufficient for you holiday.
Dont forget to bring a small first aid kit.
The on shore wind normally starts about 11 am. & drops of most afternoons 4 p.m. So both morning & afternoon surfing sessions are possible.
The dry season is the main surfing season & is approximately from April through to October while the wet season is from November through to March, while the surf is less reliable, there are still waves to be had.
The colour of "green" is said to be the very colour of the Javanese Spirit-queen. To the traditional and local custom this colour is forbidden to wear.

Dive in Banda Islands

2007-07-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

The Banda Islands are one of Indonesias top destinations for divers. Both experts and beginners will enjoy themselves here, as the diving ranges from the shallow lagoon between Banda Neira and Gunung Api to the vertical walls of Hatta Island, the most easterly in the group. The Bandas offer stunning tropical scenery, a remarkable history, friendly villages, and some of the globe's most pristine, biologically diverse coral reefs. Scuba is new here, but the pioneering divers didn't have to work hard for their thrills. The undersea world around Ambon and th

e nearby island of Saparua have top-rate dive sites. Highlights among reef walls here are the presence of large marine life - sharks, enormous turtles, schools of Napoleon Wrasse, giant groupers, tuna, rays, and huge lobsters - neighbors to generous schools of reef fish.

The Banda Islands, about 132 kilometers southeast of Ambon, consists of three larger islands and seven smaller ones, perched on the rim of Indonesia's deepest sea, the Banda Sea. Near the island Manuk, the water reaches a depth of more than 6,500 meters. Of the three biggest islands Banda, Banda-Neira and Gunung Api, the first two are covered with nutmeg trees and other vegetation. The third however, is entirely bare and highly volcanic. The seas around Banda are the site of the famous Maluku sea gardens with their bright corals and colorful fish darting through the crystal- clear waters and makes it suited to dive, snorkel or even just sightseeing.

The Banda Islands Dive Sites :

Sonegat : The nearest site for a decent dive is just five minutes by boat from the hotels. It is in the sonegat-sea arm- between Banda Neira and Gunung Api, just offshore from a little seaside house owned by Des Alwi, the Bandas most famous son. The drop off here is steep and the wall extends down 25 meters to a grey, sandy bottom. There were few fish around, but a good sized dogtooth tuna cruised by and some beautiful blue girdled and emperor angelfish.

Keraka Island: Pulau Keraka or Crab Island is just a few minutes further out, and protects the north entrance of the Neira " Gunung Api sea passage. A nice sandy stretch on the north coast is perfect for picnic. At the south shore, there are some 18 meters down a mini-wall covered with hundreds of large blue-and-yellow tunicates. To the east shore, you may see at 10 meters a good assortment of reef fish and a school of half meter long barracudas.

Sjahrir Island and Batu Kapal: Sjahrir Island or formerly known as Pisang Island (Banana Island) and Batu Kapal (Boat Stone) are just 20 minutes by boat from the hotels on Banda Neira. These two sites combine well for a morning dive, a picnic on the beach, and an afternoon dive.

Gunung Api: In May 1988, the explosion from this mountain has killed of most of the off-shore coral formations around Gunung Api, but amazingly spared many sponges. Some corals are beginning to to grow back, but by and large the seascape remains bleak. There are no walls off Gunung Api. The bottom slopes gradually to 30-35 meters.

Lontar Island: The outer edge of Lontar Island, which represents part of the rim of a sunken caldera, offers several good dive sites.

Batu Belanda: On this site, you will find many barrel and tube sponges and small caves and cracks. The fish were varied and plentiful: a school of snappers, large emperor and blue-girdled angelfish, wrasses, a large pinnate bat-fish and numerous bannerfish

Ai Island: Together with Hatta Island, this island offers Bandas best diving. Both the north coast and the south "west of Ai are ringed with flawless coral walls, which are rugged and full of caves, the kind of habitat that harbors fish.

Hatta Island: Hatta Island is about 25 km by sea from Banda Neira. Skaru atoll, a barely submerged reef a few hundred meters off the southern point of Hatta. On a coral outcrop, watch the passing parade of Unicornfish, Fusiliersm Jack Fish and Rainbow Runners, often seen Whitetip Sharks (almost 2 meters) and Dogtoothed Tuna, Napolean Wrasse, and Hawksbill Turtles.

Getting There

To Ambon :usually fly from Denpasar Bali via Ujung Pandang.
To Banda Islands :fly from Ambon by small plane/Merpati Airlines. Or you could try this one :
Flying from Ujung Pandang to Ambon. Then you'd have to wait for the ferry (once every two weeks), and stay at the Bandas for 17 days until the ferry returned.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of small, very inexpensive places to stay around Bandas that you can choose to stay with varied price and facilities

Moving Around

Many days can be spent around these lush islands. Spices are still grown here and the local people still make traditional food and snacks using these once very rare and sought after spices. Short walks to see the forts left behind by the Dutch, visits plantations of nutmeg. The trek up Gunung Api will surely leave a lasting impression with amazing panoramic views if the islands surrounding Banda Niera.

Dining Guide

There are only a few small restaurants with varied of Indonesian foods.

Souvenir Tips

Try to buy some local souvenirs here or traditional foods and snacks.

Other Things to See or Do

For non divers need not worry about boredom, beside snorkeling in the lagoon right off Banda Neira, there are tennis courts and go on a short pleasure trip around Banda Neira. For those who bring their children, they can swim in calm waters or watch the sharks, fish and turtles in two enclosures in the lagoon.

Travel Tips

Diving is possible all year round, but the monsoon may restrict your choice of dive sites from July to September,
Diving is usually comfortable, with good visibility and calm waters, but some of the dive sites are subject to conditions that make them suitable for experienced divers only,
Don't forget to equipped yourself with diving equipments, surf board and snorkel,
Try to hire equipment from larger firms as these tend to be more reliable, but remember the responsibility of checking the equipment is ultimately yours.
Bring a bathing suit and extra clothings.

Scuba Diving in Bali

2007-07-16T13:57:00.000-07:00

Bali provides opportunities for those who would like to learn scuba diving, even without theory and pool training, but also some of the best diving spots for the experienced scuba diver. At Sanur Beach you can even experience the sea life from the safety of your diving bubble with the Sea Walker. The only one in Bali - no diving experience needed.

Scuba diving courses

These are more in depth courses provided for beginners by a highly qualified instructor. Special iInternational scuba dive courses in English and Japanese are available. Includes days with an open water diving course program, also theory and practise in the pool, open water dives with all necessary gear like air tanks are ususally included. Open water certificates will be awarded to divers passing the test.

Preferred locations for Bali Scuba diving

Sanur Beach

Sanur beach is well known because of it's beautiful scenery and atmosphere. This white sand covered beach spreads, from Bali Beach Hotel to the south. This beach is facing to the east, so we can always see a beautiful sunrise. Sanur is a very nice place to enjoy marine sports activities such as : Jet ski/wave runner. parasailing, water ski, wind surfing, scuba diving etc. It's under water panorama are also very beautiful with colourful tropical fishes, soft coral, and sponges growing on the 25 kilometers of barier reef up to Nusa Dua. You can enjoy scuba diving here from 6 meters deep up to 15 meters.

Nusa Dua Beach

Nusa Dua is a beach at the south of Bali, part of Bukit Paninsula. It is call Nusa Dua because there are two Islands that are united with Bali Island, and the coast arround the Island is called Nusa Dua Beach. The beach has a very white sand and the waves are quiet in the north and bit bigger at the south. Nusa Dua is also the center of water sports activities. It's under water panorama is similar with Sanur sea, because their reef is part of the reef that lies in front of Sanur Beach.

Padang Bay

Padang Bay is located east of Denpasar, just one and half hours by coach. Padang Bay was once a small fishing village but is now a lively tourist center with small restaurants and shops strung along a white sandy beach a port for visiting cruise ships with ferries going to Lombok. However on most days, the bay is used by local ferries and fisherman in small outriggers. These same outrigger are modified with outboard motors to take divers to local sites just ten to fifteen minutes away. The area is known for it's abundance of soft corals, gorgonias and crinoids. The number and variety of nudibrances would excite divers who enjoy finding photographing them and diverse fish life and coral.

Tulamben

One hour from Padang Bay, or two and half hour from Denpasar by coach, Tulamben is Bali's most famous dive site at the base of majestic Agung vulcano. The main attraction here is the sunken Liberty Ship just off the volcanic beach. The wreck is lying 6 meters from the beach until 35 meters, it is provided an accessible and interesting under water attraction for both diver and snokelers. Arriving at Tulamben, local porter carry the dives gears down to the beach, a short swim over black sand brings you to the wreck, where you are going to meet schools of sergeant majors, battish, wrasse and other small fish. The wreck is fully ground with different varieties of clams, coral gorgonias, here you also can feed fishes. Drop off diving also offered here a few meters south side of this Ship Wreck.

Nusa Penida / Lembongan Island

One and half hour by boat from Sanur beach is the Island of Lembongan. The waters between Nusa Penida and Lembongan are subject to strong currents so the feasibility is generally excellent and the soft coral growth prolific. Along the island rocky cliffs are hard coral gardens and diversity of sea life. Most dives are drift dives and experienced boat men always watch for surficing divers. Lembongan is also great for non divers as it has excellent snorkeling in more sheltered in shore waters and cruising arround the island between dives makes a pleasant day with lunch and refreshments.

While in Bali stay in one of the recommended Bali Hotels

Mentawai islands

2007-07-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

The Mentawai Islands are a chain of about 70 islands off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. Siberut (4,030 km²) is the largest of the islands. The other major islands are Sipura, North Pagai (Pagai Utara) and South Pagai (Pagai Selatan). The islands lie approximately 150 km off the Sumatran coast, across the Mentawai Strait. The indigenous inhabitants of the islands are known as the Mentawai. The Mentawai Islands have become a noted destination for surfing.

History

In the mid-Pleistocene period the Mentawai Islands were separated from the Sumatran mainland by rising sea levels. The Mentawai people are estimated to have arrived on the islands somewhere between 2000 and 500 BCE, migrating from the north through Siberut and then moving south to Sipora and the Pagai islands.

A Mentawai village in 1895.

The Portuguese were aware of the islands early in the 17th century - a map dated 1606 shows Siberut as "Mintaon". In August 1792 John Crisp, an employee of the British East India Company, visited the Pagai ("Poggy") islands at his own expense to study the Mentawai people. His account was published in 1799, providing the first details of the Mentawai people in western literature. The Mentawai Islands officially became part of the Dutch East Indies on 10 July 1864, not having been subject to the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824. In 1901 the German Royal Missionary Society established a presence on the south coast of North Pagai island at the invitation of the Dutch colonial authorities. The first missionary was murdered, and it wasn't until 1915 that the first person was converted, with the program then being extended to other islands.

After Indonesian independence, Catholic Italian missionaries established a presence in the islands. Post-independence government policies relocated the indigenous population into villages, in contrast to their traditional dispersed house groups (uma), with the aim of promoting "development". Cultural tourism started to develop in the late 1980s, and when in the mid-1990s world-class waves were discovered by some Australian surfers, surfing tourism started to develop.

The island of Siberut was extensively logged from the 1970s after the government granted logging permits for most of the island. In 1993, the logging concessions were revoked and about half the island was declared a national park. In 2001 logging recommenced after a new logging permit was granted for an area of 500 km².

Surf trip in Mentawais, Sumatra

The Mentawai Islands lie off the west coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. They offer some of the most perfectly formed surfing waves in the world. Their virtues have been praised in surfing magazines around the world.

Here are some first impressions published in SURFER Magazine:

"Just when you thought you'd seen it all, you realize you haven't. This was my first trip to this area, and it shocked me. I've been going on surf trips for 30 years and bar none this is the richest wave field I've ever been to. You see photos of this place on the printed page and go, 'Yeah, wow!' But you have to go there to appreciate the area, how remote it is, and how beautiful and wild and how many damn surf spots there are. It's like a miracle...

"... Another thing that really struck me about this area is how pristine it all was. Most of the islands were just schoolbook fantasy scenes--palm-lined, white sand beaches with thick jungle beyond that. Sometimes there was a little hut built on the end of a point. But for the most part, nature overwhelmed any sign of man. There's something very satisfying about that."

In addition to surfing, the area offers beautiful island beach walks, and memorable contacts with the local Mentawai people, who live close-to-nature in small villages on the unspoiled islands.

Bali, the pearl of Indonesia

2007-07-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

Bali, the pearl of Indonesia

Bali is an Indonesian island located at the east end of Java. The word “paradise” is used a lot in Bali, and not without reason. The combination of friendly, hospitable people, a magnificently visual culture infused with spirituality and (not least) spectacular beaches with great surfing and diving have made Bali Indonesia’s unparalleled number one tourist attraction.
The popularity is not without its flip sides â€” once paradisical Kuta has degenerated into a congested warren of concrete, touts and scammers live on overcharging tourists, and the island’s visibility has even drawn the unwanted attention of terrorists in 2002 and 2005 â€” but Bali has managed to retain its magic.

Bali’s best-known attractions are its countless Hindu temples. There are an estimated 20,000 temples (pura) on the island. Even the smallest villages usually have at least three, but the nine directional temples (kayangan jagat) are the largest and most important. Uluwatu, at the southern tip of Bali, is easily accessed and hence the most popular, with Tanah Lot a close second. However, for the Balinese themselves, the “mother temple” of Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung is the most important of all.
There are several hot springs to be discovered in Bali. One of them, along the northern coast of the island, near Lovina, is Air Panjar where stone mouth carvings allow hot water to pass between pools which are set among a lush garden. Bali is paradise for spa lovers and all sorts of treatments are widely available, but the Balinese lulur body scrub with herbs and spices â€” traditionally performed before a wedding ceremony â€” is particularly popular. Balinese massage is usually done with oil and involves long, Swedish-style strokes. A day at any spas in Sanur, a small town on the east side of the island, is exactly what you would expect during your stay in Bali: full service treatment steeped in Balinese tradition. Take advantage of any opportunity to enjoy a spa during your stay, the cost here is at least half what you would pay in North America or Europe.
Warm waters, cheap living and reliable sets keeps Bali near the top of world surfing destinations. The southern coast, namely Kuta and the around Nusa Dua are the primary draws. Sandy beaches and a lack of dangerous rocks or coral makes the areas an attraction for beginners and more advanced surfers alike. You’ll find surf instructors lounging around the beach; a one hour lesson including board rental will cost you around $45.
Seminyak is the most upmarket of the west coast’s beaches, with high-end accommodation and mostly high-end restaurants and bars to serve its residents. The atmosphere is more rural and laid-back than Kuta, and the beach in particular is much quieter during the day. Here you must see the Petitenget Beach, a gorgeous expanse of black sand stretching in both directions as far as the eye can see. The sunsets here are famous.
Uluwatu is a small village on the west coast, south of Jimbaran, but for most visitors it refers only to the famous temple of the same name, several kilometers further south. Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) is one of Bali’s six directional temples and Uluwatu’s only site of significance. More remarkable than the temple itself is its location, perched on a steep cliff 70 meters above the roaring ocean waves. There are more steep headlands on either side, and sunsets over Uluwatu are a sight to behold.
In central Bali, 33 km from Kuta, Ubud is above all famous as a center of arts and crafts. Half (if not more) of the town seems to consist of artists’ workshops and galleries, mostly retailing cheap reproductions for tourists, but there are some gems to be found. Museum Puri Lukisan (Museum of Fine Arts), the Monkey Forest (a forest full of ravenous monkeys), Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave - a cave, whose entrance is an ornately carved demon’s mouth), Gunung Kawi (Poet Mountain - the presumed burial complex of King Anak Wungsu and his many wives), and Tirta Empul (one of the holiest temples on Bali, built around hot springs) are the recommendations here.

Bali has a huge variety of cafes and restaurants, serving both Indonesian and international food. Try the smaller local restaurants rather than touristy ones, the food is better and cheaper.

Bali is always warm, humid and tropical. The April-October dry season and November-March rainy seasons are only relative, with plenty of rainfall around the year, but the Balinese winter is cloudier, more humid and with a higher chance of thunderstorms. A more important consideration is the tourist season, as Bali can get packed in July-August and again around Christmas and New Year’s. Australians also visit during school holidays in early April, late June and late September, while Indonesians visit during national holidays. Outside these peaks, Bali can be surprisingly quiet and good discounts on accommodation are often available.

Bali is a wonderful destination with something for everyone, and though heavily traveled, it is still easy to find some peace and quiet if you like.

Indonesia Accommodation

2007-07-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

Indonesia Accommodation

Indonesia houses myriad number of hotels at various locations. Indonesia Accommodation offers a large number of budget and deluxe hotels where you can make a comfortable stay and enjoy your holiday.

Accommodation in Indonesia caters to the need of the visitors. The hotels provide numerous facilities. You can make a comfortable stay at any of the hotels. Both the budget and the deluxe and luxurious hotels in Indonesia are popular for their hospitality. The hotels in Bali are mainly categorized as budget, business, tourist, luxury, bed and breakfasts and apartment's accommodation. Some of the popular hotels in Bali are Green Garden Hotel Bali, Mentari Sanur Hotel Bali, Febri's Hotel & Spa Bali, Rama Beach Resort and Villas Gawana Bali, Novus Resort and Spa Bali and many others. The Legian Paradiso Hotel is an oasis, in the centre of Bali. The 124 spacious guest rooms offered by the hotel are comfortably decorated in traditional and contemporary style.

The hotels at Jakarta extend comfort, quality and great value for the money. The hotels here are ideal for leisure and business travelers. Some of the hotels here are Hotel Nikko Bali, JW Marriott Hotel Bali, Crowne Plaza Hotel Bali, Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta, Hotel Ibis Kemayoran Jakarta, Hotel Ibis Mangga Dua and Apartments Jakarta, Hotel Arcadia Jakarta and many others. Hotel Dusun Jogja Village Inn Yogyakarta is the first true and only boutique hotel in Yogyakarta. The Melia Purosani Hotel is another important hotel in Yogyakarta. It is always advisable to make advance booking during peak seasons when there is a popular festival. Some hotels even give discounts during special occasions or during lean seasons. The Bintan Lagoon Resort extends luxury and excitement of an integrated family resort, fringed by the unspoiled beautiful white sands of Bintan Beach.

Accommodation in Indonesia caters to all the pockets of the travelers. So, enjoy your stay here.

Grajagan (G-Land) not just as a perfect wave, but as a perfect adventure.

2007-07-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

....G-Land. G-Spot. Gee-Whiz Land!..a world famous wave that is definitely not overrated.. an awesome, overpowering arena..and, until exploitated, it will remain a prime destination of the surfing world, a place where surfers can come to live out a lo
Photo " G-Land Surf Camp"ng awaited fantasy...

- Recent comments by various surf media about G-Land, or Grajagan, a now legendary surf spot on the southeastern coast of Java. (Indonesia Surfing-Periplus Action Guide)
Exotic surf travel almost never has the kind of grace and logic that it does in magazines and movies. Beautiful, uncharted waves are out there, but its a long, tedious, sometimes dangerous job finding them. Only a few surfers ever sail out into the great unknown. This is why many people today think of Grajagan (G-Land), in southeast Java, not just as a perfect wave, but as a perfect adventure.
More than a name or a place, G-land is a haven. So close but yet so far from Bali, G-land is a magnet for swell and is definitely not overrated. The set up in G-land is simple, the relaxed atmosphere and pumping waves make for an experience like no other surf trip. Starting with the fact that its located at the edge of a jungle filled with birds, reptiles, insects and other creatures not found on the beaches of Sydney or Los Angeles.
G-Land is a long fast wave typical of most Indonesian waves, suggested surf board length at 68 " 72 Gun " unless you surf like a top 44 contender, so bring a couple of Guns and your hot-dogger for the small days or down at 20/20s. You should bring at least 2 boards, Indonesian waves are powerful and its possible to break boards, so be prepared and bring at least two boards.

Spot information for surfing at G-land (Global Surfers.com):

Type of break reef break
Type of wave fast wave
Direction left hand
Bottom coral
Average lenght of ride long
Suitable for expert level
Detailed information:

Crowd level a normal crowd
Best tide mid
Ideal board size 6'8-7'4 Mini gun
Ideal wind direction north,west,south,east