LEGIAN BEACH in BALI

A few years ago Legian was a small village situated a short distance from Kuta, which has spread out so much that Legian is now part of the greater Kuta area.

Legian is a quieter alternative and with a more sophisticated nightlife scene focusing on dining-out and socialising rather than full-on partying.

WHERE TO STAY IN LEGIAN BEACH

Legian has seen extensive development over the last few years, with boutique and first class hotels like the Bali Padma and Jayakarta adding to local family-owned guest houses and hotels like the Paradiso and White Roses Hotel.

WHAT TO DO IN LEGIAN BEACH

On the beach... Legian and Seminyak have a more laid back beach style - less hustle, fewer vendors, but good facilities. You can rent surfboards, play volleyball, or just relax and take in the scene. All on the beach.

Close to the action but far enough for some down time, Legian still retains something of its village atmosphere and is easy to walk around. Good shopping, restaurants and, while nightlife is not so frantic, Legian does have its own entertainment scene around Jalan Gado-Gado.

GETTING AROUND

Legian is easy to walk around. If you can't take one step further, its easy to find an meter taxi or Bemo (a small open-air bus) Kuta is a 5 minute drive away.

NUSA DUA BEACH in BALI

Bali's most prestigious resort area, Nusa Dua is where you'll find international world - class luxury hotels elegantly lining beautiful white sands.

Quiet and exclusive with superb facilities... you really don't have to venture far from your luxurious hotel room... but if you do, the rest of Bali's attractions are within easy access. Located on the Bukit peninsula, in the southern part of Bali, approximately 10 km from the international airport.

WHERE TO STAY IN NUSA DUA

pectacular luxury resorts are the norm in Nusa Dua, with many incorporating contemporary Balinese style buildings and beautifully landscaped gardens, ponds and pool areas. Deluxe ocean view suites and stunning architecture like the Javanese Imperial Palace style at the Aston Bali are quite breathtaking.

Deluxe beachfront hotels include Bali Hilton International, The Grand Hyatt, Nikko Bali, Sheraton Laguna, Westin, Putri Bali, Melia Bali Sol, and the Nusa Dua Beach. As well as spas (the elegant Grand Mirage Resort and Spa has a thalassotherapy spa specialising in saltwater treatments) many have convention facilities; swimming pools; excellent sports facilities and a selection of restaurants, night clubs or discotheques. There are also smaller cottage style hotels.

THE BEACH

The white sand and shallow water at Nusa Dua beach is an ideal safe place for children to play in the sea, lifeguards are usually on duty.

Nusa Dua means two islands, at low tide the seabed is exposed so that two islands are joined to the mainland - great for exploring.

WHAT TO DO IN NUSA DUA

Nusa Dua is really about taking it easy and relaxing in total luxury. As most of the hotels are 5 star, every comfort is at your disposal as well as a gorgeous white sand beach.

The kind of activities on offer gives a flavour of Nusa Dua.... The Bali Golf and Country Club, an immaculately landscaped 18 hole ocean view course. The Bali International Lawn Tennis & Lawn Bowls Club next to the Galleria Nusa Dua a spacious shopping mall with boutiques and upmarket restaurants.

Close by the Chandra Koka Amphitheatre provides a venue for traditional entertainment including arts festivals like the Nusa Dua Arts and Culture Festival. Stroll to the northern end of Nusa Dua for parasailing, jetskis, snorkelling/diving trips or better still, head for Tanjung Benoa.

DINING &RESTAURANT IN NUSA DUA

Nusa Dua has a huge selection of restaurants with excellent five star dining.

Popular restaurants include the Watercourt (voted locally the Best Balinese) at the Grand Hyatt, Maguro at Nusa Dua Beach Hotel (voted Best Quick and Casual Japanese Bite) Eight Degrees South - (Best Mediterranean Seafood of the Year).

SANUR BEACH in BALI

While the rest of Bali's beaches have developed at a breathtaking pace, Bali's first beach resort remains largely unchanged.

Sanur is one of Bali's biggest traditional villages but it's also one of the most established tourist areas. Fine hotels, restaurants and modern entertainment venues compliment traditional village activities like drama and dance, so it's a good place to enjoy the delights of a tropical island and gain a real appreciation of Balinese culture and local life.

WHERE TO STAY IN SANUR BEACH

Gradual and early development has meant that Sanur has grown alongside the village, with hotels located right next door to local meeting halls and Brahmanic temples. Many hotels have expansive gardens that face the ocean in a picturesque unbroken seaside promenade.

Excellent value in all categories. Our recommendations: Bali Hyatt (distinctive rustic charm) Sanur Paradise Plaza (formerly Radisson) Sanur Beach Hotel, Puri Santrian, Mercure Sanur, Segara Village, Waka Maya Resort. THE BEACH

Hang out, sunbathe on the soft sand beach. Located on the east coast, Sanur has a coral reef that makes it ideal for snorkeling - you can even do sea-walking. While local beach restaurants and bars provide an ethnic alternative to hotel dining.

Watersports. More and more popular, both within and beyond the reef.

WHAT TO DO IN SANUR BEACH

Sanur is an important religious centre and the venue for many colourful ceremonies and traditional dances that mark the calendar each year. It's also the kind of place where exclusive hotels, boutiques and chic restaurants nestle in with the local shops and cultural centres.

Explore Sanur's shady lanes and discover traditional markets, shops nightspots and local life, especially in the late afternoon.

SANUR BEACH NIGHTLIFE

Nightlife in Sanur is pretty relaxed. It starts and finishes earlier than in Kuta. Most restaurants fill up early in the evening and apart from a few bars and the disco, generally wind up around midnight.

UBUD in BALI

In many ways Ubud is considered Bali's cultural heart. Located in the cool mountains, just one hour's drive north of the airport and the resorts of southern Bali, this traditional country town is the home of the Balinese Royal family.

Ubud is also a flourishing crafts centre. Around Ubud the surrounding villages like Camphuan, Penestanan, Peliatan and Batuan specialising in crafts and woodcarving which are sold all over the island. There are hundreds of shops selling antiques, woodcarvings, crafts, textiles, paintings and jewellry as well as some of the best art museums in the country, dozens of art studios, an excellent local craft market, and galleries selling local and international art.

Ubud's role as the epicentre of Balinese culture makes it the perfect place to see traditional Balinese dance and drama. From the early 1920's the royal family ensured that most talented teachers of dance, music and drama were brought to Ubud to entertain the King and pass on their knowledge. Dances like the Legong, Ramayana, Baris, Kecak and Sanghyang (the fire dance) are performed nightly in the village of Bona, just 15 minutes drive from Ubud. Bali's most accomplished dancers, musicians, painters and carvers live in just 10 square kilometres.

Balinese Hinduism remains stronger in Ubud than elsewhere in Bali so it's highly likely you will come across a festival, cremation ceremony or celebration of some kind during your stay. Balinese Hinduism is distinct from that of India and has absorbed the animism of Bali's pre-Hindu ancestors - inspired by the extraordinary beauty of Bali's landscapes - rice fields, mountains, river gorges, villages and ancient temples.

WHERE TO STAY IN UBUD

The outskirts of Ubud has some excellent five star hotels and luxury villas in stunning locations like the stylish Maya Resort on the river Ayung with its riverside Spa, and Alila Ubud in Payangan. Smaller local hotels and guest houses can be found discreetly situated around the town, enabling Ubud to retain its local charming atmosphere.

Hotels like the Puri Wulandari, Kupu Kupu Barong, Four Seasons Ubud, Pita Maha, Komenaka and Villa Teratai all have a uniquely Ubud flavour. SIGHTSEEING

Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest - a natural forest reserve popular with both locals and tourists. Inhabited by wild monkeys (don't even think about petting them) who will steal your camera, bananas, handbags, toupes, etc., These mischievous monkeys provide lots of entertainment. Interesting meandering paths lead to charming places like the bathing temple surrounded by lush remnants of ancient forest.

Just off the main square a lovely arched stone bridge leads to the Hindu elephant-headed Lord Ganesh overlooking a small, square, moss-covered pool where several koi swim at his feet.

WHAT TO DO IN UBUD

Go whitewater rafting down the breathtaking Agung Gorge about half an hour outside Ubud centre.

Ubud is an easy place to walk around. The main streets are lined with local shops and restaurants, studios, gift shops and galleries. Browse the art shops and take a leisurely stroll around the town.

AROUND UBUD

Peliatan: Located between Ubud and Mas, Peliatan is the traditional centre of music, and dance.

Batubulan: A small town on the road to Ubud famous for its excellent stone carvers. Workshops are located all along the roadside and visitors are welcome to see the carvers at work. Local legend states that all the men from teenagers to old men are accomplished carvers.

TRADITIONAL DANCE

Ubud is one of the best places to see traditional dance and drama accompanied by superb traditional orchestras. For information on performances, transport schedules, temple festivals, and special activities, inquire at the Ubud Tourist Information Center, across from the Pura Desa (village temple).

JIMBARAN BEACH in BALI

Located on Bali's west coast - Jimbaran offers a small secluded beach area, where tranquility and peace are the perfect antidote to a stressful world. The land gently slopes away from the beach revealing exclusive celebrity haunts hidden under a canopy of leafy tropical forest. WHERE TO STAY IN JIMBARAN BEACH Luxury five star hotels like The Intercontinental and Four Seasons resort consistently rank in the top 100 best hotels in annual readers polls conducted by the prestigious travel companies. On the hillside overlooking the sea the awesome Ritz Carlton. Coming in 2006..... the five star plus Bvlgari. THE BEACH Gentle tides, dramatic sunsets, fine seafood restaurants. No watersports available on the beach although some may be arranged with the hotels who provide equipment and boats for snorkeling trips and sea canoe excursions. WHAT TO DO IN JIMBARAN BEACH

Envelope yourself in five star luxury. Gorgeous Spas, fantastic views, ocean breezes, friendly impeccable service. You rarely need to leave the hotel - but if you do, local fishermen will be glad to take you sightseeing along the coast!

Jimbaran's other premier attraction is the local seafood market at the end of the beach. Walk along the beach to reach the market and the excellent local seafood restaurants that line the seafront. Popular with both locals and visitors, it can get very busy at mealtimes!

TANJUNG BENOA in BALI

Tanjung Benoa, or the Benoa peninsula just north of Nusa Dua, is a scenic 5 kilometres of coconut palms and fine sand. The area is the almost exclusive home of luxury hotels, private villas, fine restaurants, open air cafes and water sports facilities.

The resort has become busier over recent years with with more hotels like The Conrad Bali Resort and Spa joining impressive resorts like the Aston Bali.

WHERE TO STAY IN TANJUNG BENOA

Excellent hotels include the Novotel benoa Bali Resort, Conrad Bali, Grand Mirage, Club Bali Mirage, Ramada resort.

THE BEACH

The shape of the beach, also makes Tanung Benoa perfect for watersports with no shortage of shops catering to marine sports enthusiasts.

WHAT TO DO IN TANJUNG BENOA

Right at the tip of the peninsula is the quiet port of Tanjung Benoa, with its village like alleyways and rows of traditional fishing boats and yachts. Offshore "Turtle Island" is the site of a sacred sea temple.

Tanjung Benoa has something for everyone - especially if you're a watersports fan. Snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, water-ski-ing, power boats, banana boats and reef fishing (The reef is just 200 metres from the shoreline at the north-eastern tip).

ULUWATU in BALI

Uluwatu proper 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. Many people also use it to refer to the area south of Jimbaran. The entire area is also called the Bukit Peninsula or just The Bukit, while Pecatu (peh-CHA-tuh) refers to a small village inland.

HOW TO REACH ULUWATU A taxi from Kuta to Uluwatu takes about 30 minutes up and down winding roads and will cost about Rp 50,000 one-way. As it can be difficult to find transport, get the driver to wait for you for the trip back (figure on Rp 10,000/hour). Joining a tour can be cheaper way of getting to Uluwatu.

If you are riding a rented motorcycle from Kuta, be aware that you need an IDR (International Driving Permit). Police perform frequent checks for driving licenses on the road between Kuta and Uluwatu, especially targetting foreigners. If you can not present the necessary paperwork you will be faced with a fine anywhere from Rp20,000 to Rp300,000.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO AT ULUWATU

Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) is one of Bali's six directional temples and Uluwatu's only site of significance. Though a small temple was claimed to have existed, the structure was significantly expanded by a Javanese sage, Empu Kuturan in the 11th Century. Another sage from East Java, Dang Hyang Nirartha is credited for constructing the padmasana shrines and is claimed to have attained Moksha here. 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.

Entrance fee is Rp 3,000. As usual, you need to be properly dressed to enter and sarongs and sashes can be rented at the entrance. Guides, once famously mercenary, hassle visitors less than they used to, although they will offer to "protect" you from the monkeys, for a tip of course. Note that while you are free to walk around the temple grounds, the central courts can only be entered during special rituals.

The temple is inhabited by large number of monkeys, who are extremely adept at snatching visitors' belonging, including bags, cameras and eyeglasses. Keep a very close grip on all your belongings and stow away your eyeglasses if at all possible. If you do have something taken, the monkeys can usually be induced to exchange it for some fruit. Needless to say, rewarding the monkeys like this only encourages them to steal more. Locals and even the temple priests will be happy to do the job for you, naturally in exchange for a tip (Rp 10,000 - 50,000).

There is also a very scenic Uluwatu cave with rock formations leading into a beach close to the temple. This is a popular spot for surfers.

• Surfing — Uluwatu is a well known destination among surfing enthusiasts. Most of the surf spots are only suitable for advanced or experts.

• Kecak dance (aka "monkey dance") performances are held at the temple daily between 6pm and 7pm. Tickets for the visually spectacular if rather unoriginal show (it was invented in the 1930s) performed for tourists cost Rp 50,000.

WHERE TO STAY AT ULUWATU

Uluwatu started life as a surfer's haven. Small bungalows close to surf points where the only options for a long time. Now the area has sprouted an impressive collection of expensive villas and resorts as well. Beware false advertising though: only the most expensive "villas" are completely private and self-contained, while most share at least some facilities (eg. pool) and the cheapest ones are just clusters of bungalows.

Hotels

• Blue Point Bay Villas, ☎ +62-361-769888. Small resort with villa accommodation. Two pools, restaurant, spa. US$230-680.

• Bulgari Resort, Jalan Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, ☎ +62-361-8471000. Clifftop superluxury resort every bit as stylish as you'd expect from a boutique hotel run by a fashion label. Plunge pool, private elevator to the beach, excellent restaurants, and a price tag to match. US$1400.

• Tanah at Ulus, Uluwatu (South west in Badung Regency, near Uluwatu Temple), ☎ +61359856898 (villa@tanahatulus.com). Tanah at Ulus Family house is brand new with inground pool, 3 bedrooms, air conditioning and with a single-booking policy for complete privacy. US$120 nightly: US$700 weekly.

Private Villas

All the villas listed below are standalone and feature private entrances, accommodation and their own swimming pools.

• The Istana, Uluwatu. 5 bedroom clifftop luxury private overlooking the famous Uluwatu search break. Featured in DestinAsian Magazine's top 10 villas in Asia on two occasions, the villa has been written up in such publications as W Magazine and the New York Times. Managed by BHM - which operates some of the top villas on the island. Sleeps up to 10 people, two private pools and extensive gardens - fully staffed (private cook, maids, etc). Prices vary from US$1500-2500 per night depending on season.

• Villa Indah Manis, Uluwatu. Six bedroom private luxury villa . Managed by BHM. Fully staffed and serviced, this villa sleeps up to 12 people, features two private pools and has a pool table and dedicated private spa. Prices vary from US$600-950 per night depending on season.

• Villa Moonlight, Uluwatu. Private luxury villa featuring 4 (four) bedrooms and ocean view. Located just above Uluwatu surf beach and its world famous break. Built in 2008 to the highest standards of architecture and decor.

• Villa Pemutih (villa pemutih uluwatu).

BEDUGUL in BALI

Bedugul is an area in the central mountains of Bali. Bedugul Area is composed of 3 lakes (Bratan, Buyan and Tamblingan) and one main town (Candikuning).

HOW TO REACH BEDUGUL Bedugul is located 48 km north of Denpasar, on the main road from South Bali to the North Coast (Lovina and Singaraja). WHAT TO SEE AND DO AT BEDUGUL

The most visited places of Bedugul are:

• Ulun Danu Temple on Lake Bratan. Unique Temple on a small island on the lake.

• The Bedugul Botanical Gardens (Kebun Raya Eka Karya) with trees collection and Bali Treetop Adventure Park.

• The Traditional Market of Candikuning.

• The Bali Handara Kosaido Golf and Country Club.

• Bali Treetop Adventure Park, Bedugul Botanical Gardens, Tel.: (62)(361) 8520680. The park includes six main circuits that stretch from tree to tree, as well as nets, Tarzan Jumps, and bridges. Each run also features "Flying Fox" zip-lines of up to 160 meters, providing heart-pounding thrills to guests as they fly through the air. Two circuits are designed for young children from 4 years old.

• Bali Handara Kosaido Golf and Country Club. At an alitude of 1.142 meters above the sea level and surrounded by green mountains, crater lakes and ancient forest, the course is considered as one of the greatest golf course in the world.

• Water sports on lake Bratan. Parasailing, speedboat, jetski.

• Trekking in the mountains. Departure from the Lake Bratan or from Bedugul Botanical Gardens

• Soaking in Angseri hot springs. Angseri lies about 20km to the south. From the main market head directly south. It is well sign-posted.

WHERE TO STAY AT BEDUGUL

• Many small and affordable guesthouses in Bedugul.

• Pacung Indah Hotel, 10 kilometers before Bedugul. 8 bungalows with panoramic views.

• Bali Handara Kosaido Golf and Country Club. Up market hotel in the golf course.

CANGGU in BALI

Canggu is a district north of Seminyak that lies midway between Seminyak and Tanah Lot. It is a largely rural area that is starts a few kilometers inland and borders on the western coast of Bali.

It has dark or black sand beaches which are not particularly good for swimming but do offer some renowned surfing spots.

The area is popular place, being roughly 25 mins drive from Seminyak, with many local expatriates and many villas owned by overseas nationals are located here as well. Much of the area features quietly undulating terrain with the rice paddies that categorize much of central Bali.

To the south lies Umalas or kerobokan and to the north lies Tanah Lot.

HOW TO REACH CANGGU

Taxis are hard to find in this area and most travel tends to be by private car or motorcycle.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO AT CANGGU

The nearby Nirwana Bali Golf Course at the Le Meriden Hotel, was designed by Greg Norman, and was voted the number 1 golf course in Asia; it is situated beside the dramatic, waved-lashed sea temple of Tanah Lot just to the north.

Horse riding - Umalas offers the Umalas stables, formally named the 'Umalas Equestrian Centre’

Various activities are offered at the Canggu Club www.cangguclub.com/- Bali's first country club.

The Hotel Tugu is located on Canggu beach with the good waves for surfing. The hotel is a living museum of priceless antiques and rare cultural artifacts, and it also offers the attractions of fine dining together with the facilities of a delightful spa.

WHERE TO STAY AT CANGGU

There are a variety of small hotels and bungalow collections in this area. The most prevalent form of travel accommodation is private villas.

Private Villas

• Semarapura Villa, Cemagi, Canggu www.semarapuravilla.com. New to the market after an extensive renovation in 2008, the 5 bedroom Villa Semarapura is an expansive luxury beachfront villa, located between Canggu and Tanah Lot, 40 minutes from Seminyak on Bali’s southwest coast. This private Bali rental villa is comprised of a series of pavilions, swimming pool and ornamental ponds, leisurely spread throughout an expansive 5000 square metres (one acre and a quarter) of rolling lawns. Fully staffed and ideal for events.

• Villa Mako, Canggu www.villamako.com. A peaceful 3-bedroom retreat, complete with swimming pool and large garden, located in a quiet traditional village above a small river valley. The single-storey villa is neo-colonial in style, similar to the Dutch guesthouses of the Javanese and Malay hill stations, characterised by louvre shutters, old teak doors, and spectacular high wooden ceilings built of seasoned timbers. The eclectic interiors reflect the travels and passions of the owners, introducing Balinese and Javanese antiques, combined with a bold use of colour to create a very personal atmosphere. The villa is fully staffed and has a private swimming pool. Prices vary from US$370-490++ per night(depending on season).

• Niloufar Villa, Canggu www.niloufar-villa.com. Luxury private villa built in 2007, it blends its exceptional location with outstanding facilities, service and privacy. Embracing the trend of ‘Destination’ villas, the property has been designed to contain as many features and amenities as possible, complemented by top levels of service, intended to ensure that guests feel no need to go out for top quality dining and entertainment. The villa boasts a 17 x 5 meter swimming pool and a fully equipped gym. The meandering Buwit River borders the villa’s expansive gardens; the property is surrounded by nature and blessed with beautiful views and riverside trails. Managed by BHM www.BHMvillas.com. Five bedrooms, private pool and garden - fully staffed (private cook, maids, etc). Prices vary from US$700-1000++ depending on season.

• Simona Oasis and Spa, Canggu www.simona-oasis.com. This spectacular 5-bedroom villa with its own 1000m2 private spa rests upon a venerated spurs of land fed by a holy spring at the confluence of two rivers and is located among the ricefields, walking distance from the beach. Fully staffed, and car and driver included within.

• Umah Di Beji, Berawa, Canggu www.umahdibeji.com. Accessed via its own 150 metre driveway and bridge, the five bedroom Umah di Beji enjoys a most secluded location amongst the paddy (rice) fields. The fully staffed villa itself is set in a picturesque location, with gardens forming a natural amphitheater. Various buildings, all with traditional Balinese alang-alang (thatched) roofs, frame the gardens and house the five king-sized suites. The mature garden and numerous water features range down towards the dramatic, lava rock private swimming pool. Prices vary from US$800-1250++ depending on season.

• The Beji Private Villa, Berawa, Canggu www.villabeji.com. Built in 2007, this magnificent six-bedroom villa is bordered by rice terraces and a river, within walking distance of Berawa Beach. The property, ideal for families and suitable for disabled guests, is comprised of ten single-storey pavilions, together with one double-storey building, a 27-metre swimming pool and a series of ornamental ponds, leisurely spread throughout lush, expansive gardens. The contemporary style is restful with a fresh cool décor and modern furnishings. Recreational facilities at the villa include a tennis court and a gym. The Beji is also perfect for weddings and parties and is adjacent to its sister villa Umah di Beji www.umahdibeji.com. Prices vary from US$1100-1650++ depending on season.

• Puri Bawana Estate, Canggu www.PuriBawana.com. Opened to the market in 2008, the splendid 5-bedroom Puri Bawana Estate, complete with 30-metre swimming pool, rests upon almost 2 acres of land (7000m2) surrounded by emerald rice fields, within walking distance of the beach at the fishing village of Canggu on Bali’s southwest coast. The Estate is resourcefully integrated into the natural terraced contours of a hill. Its luxury villa is comprised of a series of thatched pavilions, housing a remarkable open living pavilion, an elevated dining pavilion, an entertainment Room, two kitchens and five bedrooms, completed by additional smaller bedroom suitable for kids or a nanny. Fully staffed and serviced by BHM www.BHMVillas.com, the Estate also boasts a membership at the Canggu Club www.cangguclub.comwhich means its guests enjoy access to the numerous sporting and social facilities featured at the country club. Prices start from USD650++ a night, and vary depending on season.

• Villa Emerald River, Berawa, Canggu www.hotcangguvillas.com. The 4 Bedrooms Vacation Villa of 620 m2 is composed of 3 different 2 storey buildings linked on the second floor by a large terrace from where guests can admire a magnificent sea view especially for the sunset. The large manicured garden features an amazing 100 m2 lava stone swimming pool surrounding the buildings dedicated to the bedrooms. Prices starting from US$450++.

KUTA BEACH in BALI

Kuta Beach bustles with tourists vendors and locals. It's the most popular beach in Bali and the island's number one party zone.

Rapid development and an influx of visitors hasn't kept the surfers away and Kuta still remains one of Bali's best surfing beaches and a great place to enjoy the beach life.

While the surfers are still part of the Kuta scene, it's the shopping, nightlife and party vibes that attracts thousands of visitors. There's a huge choice of accommodation, restaurants and entertainment; so if you want to be within walking distance of a cool beach lifestyle by day and party by night - this is place.

WHERE TO STAY IN KUTA BEACH

Over the years Kuta development has spread out - almost absorbing the neighbouring villages of Legian and Tuban which now provide a quieter alternative to Kuta central.

New hotel developments, guest houses and resorts fill every available space, yet almost all amenities are within walking distance or a short taxi ride. Seminyak, once a quiet local village, on the fringes of Kuta, has now become the smart sophisticated end, with fine dining and numerous local lifestyle shops. THE BEACH Relax.. on Bali's longest public beach. Hang out, sunbathe, eat, drink, play a game of volleyball or a challenge beach football match. Meet locals and other visitors and watch a stunning sunset over a perfect sundowner. Kuta basically offers 5 kilometres of hotels, bars, Internet cafes, juice bars, surf shops, restaurants, travel agencies and mini-marts. It can be (depending on the time of day and which end of the beach you prefer) busy and vibrant or totally chilled out. WHAT TO DO IN KUTA BEACH

Around the end of Jalan Double Six, about 15 minutes from Kuta centre is Dreamland Beach. Lots of afternoon action and ball games, with plenty of drinks stands to make new (girl) friends. No shortage of bars and places to eat with some excellent places to chill and drink like Zanzibar and Blue Ocean.

Surfing! Bring your own board or rent one from the guys on the beach. Prices vary but average around 30,000rp per hour. If you haven't surfed before its the perfect place to learn. You can get a boat ride out to the outer reef breaks of Tuban or surf mellow beach breaks in front of the Hard Rock Hotel. KUTA BEACH NIGHT LIFE uta's nightlife now extends about 7 kilometres (4 miles) north from the original village of Kuta and includes Legian, Seminyak stretching to Basangkasa. Kuta is entertainment central which means music clubs, open-air pubs, karaoke bars, very noisy discos and drag shows. It's a lively party scene to say the least and the kind of place where being single and alone - male or female is no problem whatsoever.

Kuta has a huge selection of restaurants serving both local and a wide variety of foreign cuisines.

SHOPPING IN KUTA

Shopping! Forget your Gucci's and Prada. Bali has its own designers producing one-off pieces for fashion clothing and lifestyle goods. Lots of individuality here at often reasonable prices. You'll end up with a treasure trove of interesting, fascinating and irresistible buys. Excellent for unusual clothes, jewellry, household and lifestyle items. Kuta's main street has renowned shopping, in mostly small locally owned shops. Individual styles, excellent craftsmanship and low prices.

GETTING AROUND KUTA BEACH

Kuta and neighbouring Legian and Seminyak are easy to walk around. Often you'll find yourself browsing the shops at one of town and before you realise it, you're already at the other end! Failing that it's easy and relatively cheap to take taxis. Negotiate first.

BUKITTINGGI in WEST SUMATRA

Bukittinggi is a city in West Sumatra. Bukittinggi (Indonesian for "high hill") is one of the larger cities in West Sumatra, Indonesia, with a population of over 91,000 people and an area of 25.24 km². It is situated in the Minangkabau highlands, 90 km by road from the West Sumatran capital city of Padang. It is located at 0°18′20″S 100°22′9″E / 0.30556°S 100.36917°E / -0.30556; 100.36917, near the volcanoes Mount Singgalang (inactive) and Mount Marapi (still active). At 930 m above sea level, the city has a cool climate with temperatures between 16.1°-24.9°C There are some interesting legends surrounding the foundation and naming of “High Hill” Bukittinggi. The city has its origins in five villages which served as the basis for a marketplace. The city was known as Fort de Kock during colonial times in reference to the Dutch outpost established here in 1825 during the Padri War. The fort was founded by Captain Bauer at the top of Jirek hill and later named after the then Lieutenant Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, Hendrik Merkus de Kock. The first road connecting the region with the west coast was built between 1833 and 1841 via the Anai Gorge, easing troop movements, cutting the costs of transportation and providing an economic stimulus for the agricultural economy. In 1856 a teacher-training college (Kweekschool) was founded in the city, the first in Sumatra, as part of a policy to provide educational opportunities to the indigenous population. A rail line connecting the city with Payakumbuh and Padang was constructed between 1891 and 1894. During the Japanese occupation of Indonesia in World War II, the city was the headquarters for the Japanese 25th Army, the force which occupied Sumatra. The headquarters was moved to the city in April 1943 from Singapore, and remained until the Japanese surrender in August 1945. HOW TO REACH BUKITTINGGI

Bukittinggi is located about 2 hours north-east by road from the international airport. The only way to get there is by car. But all the roads are good and smooth.

by chartered minivan

Known by the locals as "Travel" is cheapest way to get there. The approximate price is about IDR 25,000/person for one way. The vehicle is a Honda Odyssey 2.4 minivan with a capacity of 7 seats. Keep in mind that the bus driver usually waits until the chair occupation is about 75%. Once the car is "full", the minivan will depart and take the passengers to their destination.

by bus

DAMRI is the bus operator that goes to Padang (price $Rp 17.500) from there you can continue to Bukittinggi by minivan ("travel")for the price $Rp 15,000. Not recommended for those who don't want to stop at Padang.

by taxi

At BIM(Bandara International Minangkabau)-International Airport of Padang, there's an official desk where you can order a taxi. The trip price is fixed and you can't bargain. This is the better and faster way of getting a taxi. A taxi trip to Bukittinggi is $Rp 185,000. You pay 50% of the cost to the driver when getting in and the other 50% at arrival(January 2006). Recommended for small groups up to 4 people.

WHAT TO SEE IN BUKITTINGGI

In town

Bukittinggi is a small town, so these places are within walking distance with each other (15-30 minute walk).

• Sianok Canyon (Ngarai Sianok) and the Japanese Caves (Lubang Japang), a network of underground bunkers and tunnels built by the Japanese during World War II. There is a two-story observation tower that overlooks the Sianok Canyon. Ticket price: Rp4,000 (Oct 2007). During dusk you can observe megabats flying from the gorges to the forest in order to feed from the fruits on the trees. This is also a good place to get in contact with guides for tours such as to Lake Maninjau (see below) or jungle/hiking trips through the Canyon.
• Fort de Kock. A fort built by the Dutch (nothing is left, only a water reservoir is on top of the hill) and Bundo Kanduang Park. The park includes a replica Rumah Gadang (traditional house), used as a museum of Minangkabau culture (many curiosities, such as stuffed animals with two heads and six legs, model houses and traditional dresses, foreign currencies... entrance Fee an extra Rp 1000 [Oct 2007]), and a zoo with a few very sad Orang Utans, a few expired species which are still rotting in their cages, two obese bears - not exactly a example in modern animal keeping. The Dutch hilltop outpost Fort de Kock is connected to the zoo by the Limpapeh pedestrian overpass. Ticket price: Rp8,000 (Oct 2007), camera Rp100,000 (June 2008).
• House of Bung Hatta (the first Vice President of Indonesia).
• Clock Tower (Jam Gadang)

Around town=== There are two tours that hotels and tour agencies try to push, a tour to Minangkabau and another tour to Maninjau.

The Minangkabau tour will visit these places in east area of Bukittinggi:

• The King's palace in Pagaruyung
• Balimbing village with old century traditional house that is more than 350 years old
• Handcraft in Pandai Sikek
• Traditional coffee toasters

The Maninjau Tour will visit places in west area of Bukittinggi:

• Lake Maninjau
• Puncak Lawang, a place where you can see a panoramic of Lake Maninjau
• The "44 turns", forty-four numbered(!) hairpin bends up the mountain from where you can see a panoramic of lake Maninjau.

Each tour requires at least 6 hours and usually held from 9AM to 3PM (including a stop at some restaurants). In 2006, the price is ranging from Rp 100,000/pp to Rp 160,000/pp or Rp 450,000/car for up to 6 people. Hire a car is highly recommended if you're in a group of more than 4 people. Car's price includes driver, fuel, entry ticket, and parking fee. Tips aren't compulsory, lunch invitation is more than enough. For your note, most of the places require ticket and will charge a parking fee. One tour will require about Rp 40,000 only for parking and ticket entry. Another option is hiring a car and arranging with the driver to visit the places in Minangkabau and Lake Maninjau. If you are alone, it is also possible to find guides in the Sianok Canyon park who will take you to Lake Maninjau with a motorbike (ask for Parta e.g., no fixed price, he will take what you give him). In any case, depart earlier, as the tour will take all day.

The budget option to Maninjau is to take the bus (or minibus) from the bus station (get there from the Bemo station near the market) to Maninjau (35km, 2hrs by bus, 1h by minibus). Unfortunately, a tourist racket has been set up so you won't get the ticket for the Rp 6000 (Oct 2007) the locals pay. Expect to pay at least Rp.10000 (Oct. 2007). Have the right change ready; don't expect to get any from the conductor. To get back, either try to catch a minibus (Rp 10000) or a big bus (Rp 15000-20000). The big buses you have to catch in the same direction you came, since the narrow road is a one-way for lorries.

The budget option to Minangkabau is to take the Batu Sangkar public bus for Rp. 7000 (Oct 2007) and hire a motorbike (Rp. 15000 return) from there (or walk the remaining 5km) to Pagaruyung. Minibuses and buses back to Bukittingi leave from the bus terminal or may be flagged down anywhere.

The Harau Valley is a pretty gorge about an hour east of Bukittinggi comprising a valley floor of rice paddy hemmed in by shear limestone(?) cliffs. There are several waterfalls with pools (both natural and constructed) for bathing, and you can go rock climbing on the cliffs. Overnight accommodation is available at the pleasant Echo Homestay, ☎ +62 752 77 50306 (unreliable). Rp. 300,000. , which is unlikely to have many guests except on weekends. Harau is reached via Payakumbuh. Another telephone no. mobile of Pak Adek is +628126730609

If you are interested in visiting the equator, you can take a bus to Bonjol where there is a monument marking the equator built over the main road, good for photo opportunities if you are keen to stand in both hemispheres simultaneously. There's also a museum on the site which houses a few artefacts of little interest - mainly coins and banknotes. Catch the bus from the Aur Kuning bus station, minibuses depart fairly frequently. Expect to pay Rp. 10 000 as a tourist. To get back there is a bus which comes from the opposite direction (or northern hemisphere) at 5 o'clock, or alternatively you can wait at the small roadside cafe right next to the monument where locals will help you flag down a bemo which is destined for Bukittinggi (its quite difficult for non-locals to distinguish between a service bemo and a someones car, but the locals seem to know what is what.)

SOMETHING NEW!

There is the Galang Karsa Karya (the GKK). The tour organizer. They offering something different, an exploration journey to defeat the Bukittinggi's land. Taste the truly satisfaction by learning in nature, among bushes, when riding on the unsmooth wet land or when you are covered by mud or even when you get stuck in swampland. Get close to their land in a simple detail while standing on the green open field. Grateful for a day in the open air.They packages are trekking, bicycle trekking, heavy motorcycle trekking, bamboo kayakking, rafting, rock climbing, camping and paragliding. contact them at Galang Karsa Karya (the GKK). Jl. Bagindo Azischan No. 7c, Bukittinggi - 26116, West Sumatera email : masbengky@yahoo.co.id +628 16 1145796

WHERE TO STAY AT BUKITTINGGI

The top hotels in the city are the The Hills Bukittinggi (formerly the Novotel Coralia) and Pusako Hotel. Although The Hills Bukittinggi is comfortable place to stay especially for tourists from the West, the cost is at least Rp 750,000 for a night; in comparison there are many small hotels around Fort de Kock that are around Rp 120,000 that are quite nice.

Small budget hotels are easy to find. Many locals offer accommodation which are like family-owned hotels that provide a "feel at home" atmosphere. The prices span from Rp 40,000 - Rp 200,000 per room without air-conditioning. Breakfast is included. There are no lifts in these small hotels, so be prepared if your room is on the upper floors. Room cleaning is not provided everyday in some cases, so don't hesitate to ask the hotel manager if you want a daily cleaning service.

• The Hills Bukittinggi Hotel, Jl. Laras Datuk Bandaro, ☎ +62 752 35000 (fax: 62 752 23800). There are 98 rooms available in this hotel with a notable blend of Moorish and Minangkabau architectural styles. The hotel is located in the city centre, right next to the city's landmark - the Jam Gadang Clocktower.
• Hotel Pusako, Jl. Sukarno Hatta 7, ☎ +62 751 22111. From US$54.
• Hotel Royal Denai, Jl. Dr Rivai 26. From US$36.
• Hotel Grand Malino, Jl. Panorama. From US$25.
• Hotel Cindua Mato, Jl. Cindur Mato 96 (across the street from the Zoo), ☎ +62 752 21346 (fax: +62 752 22808). Around 10 rooms. No hot water. Rp65,000.
• Hotel Orchid, Jl Teuku Umar, doubles from RP75,000 (2008), clean and bright in a quiet street, near the mosque.
• Hotel Asean, Jl Teuku Umar, singles from RP60,000.
• d'enam Hotel, Jl Yos Sudarso No. 4, double with toilet RP50,000, toilet outside RP40,000, dorm RP30,000 (prices 2008); located on top of a hill close to the mosque and the clocktower, friendly and helpful staff, telp. (0752) 32240.
• Hotel Tigo Balai, Jl A. Yamin. smallish rooms but reasonably clean and nice staff. RP30,000.
• Hotel Munri, Jl A. Yamin (north end). Quite pretty well-lit rooms, nice clean building. Rooms with two beds: Rp40,000

PUNCAK in WEST JAVA

Puncak, literally translates to Peak, is a weekend getaway that has beautiful view of tea plantation. Located about 100 KM South of Jakarta, West Java, Indonesia. Puncak swarms with hotels and mountain resorts. HOW TO REACH PUNCAK Two to three hour drive from Jakarta. Take the Jagorawi toll road to Puncak. Usually heavy inbound traffic on long weekends.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN PUNCAK Taman Bunga Nusantara (Indonesian Flower Garden), Jl. Cipanas. Public park, with flower gardens from around the world, maze, giant clock and a tower. It has been created over 23 hectares with flora from around the world that will grow well in tropical Puncak. There is also a leisure park called Alam Imajinasi for the whole family, but especially children, to enjoy that exists over 7 hectares adjoining the gardens. For an additional Rp 5,000 you can travel around the gardens on the dotto train. Price: entrance fee Rp. 15,000. Taman Safari Indonesia, Jl. Raya Puncak No.601, Cisarua, 16750, ☎ +62 251 250 000 (safari@tamansafari.com, fax: +62 251 250 000). Zoo, with car safari trail that allows cars and tourist buses to see and/or feed elephants, zebras, goats, hippos and more, hiking trails, petting zoo. Buy carrots from the many vendors by the side of the road leading up to the zoo before your get there to feed to the animals. Inside the zoo there are more animals to see, shows to view such as the 'Wild-Wild West' the Lion show and the Sea-Lion Show. Ride the elephants and ponies. Rides and restaurants/food outlets. The cheapest souvenir shop you will ever find with good quality souvenirs. It is one of the biggest zoo in Indonesia. It also has accommodation in the form of caravans, traditional house or lodge. available at website. Wisata Agro Gunung Mas Tea Plantation, (On the main road on the way up to Puncak.). See how tea is processed - get to the plantation early to see the factory actually in operation. Sit in the cafe and enjoy a cup of tea before walking or driving around the tracks to view the tea growing with the mountains as a backdrop. Watch out for locals offering pony rides. Rp. 6,000; Factory tour Rp. 7,500; Guide for tour Rp. 40,000 for a group up to 15.

PRAMBANAN TEMPLE in WEST JAVA

Prambanan is a collection of massive Hindu temples (candi) built by the 10th century Mataram Kingdom, rulers of central Java and defeaters of the Sailendra Dynasty. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, in most any other country constructions on the scale of Prambanan would be quickly designated as a national symbol, but in Indonesia they are somewhat overshadowed by the even more awe-inspiring bulk of Borobudur just next door. The two sites are quite different in style though, with Prambanan being a collection of sharp, jagged pyramids instead of the vast horizontal bulk of Borobudur, and both are well worth a visit. Please note that those in charge of selling tickets to Prambanan practice race-based discriminatory pricing, with anyone who appears foreign being charged more than ten times the price of anyone who appears to be a local.

HOW TO REACH PRAMBANAN TEMPLE The nearest major city is Yogyakarta, 17 kilometers away. Solo is also within easy striking distance. By plane

Yogyakarta's airport is just ten kilometers from Prambanan. A taxi direct to the site should cost about Rp 20,000.

By bus

There are regular buses from Yogyakarta's Umbulharjo bus station (30 minutes, Rp 4000), as well as a wide variety of tour agency-operated minibuses shuttling directly to Yogya's backpacker haunts. Local buses to/from Solo are also easy to find (90 minutes, Rp 10,000).

TransJogja, Yogyakarta's newest bus service, also serves a direct route to Prambanan. The bus is air-conditioned and it costs Rp 3000 per person for a ride (as of 2008), regardless of the distance. Ask the attendant at TransJogja's bus stop for further details.

WHAT TO SEE IN PRAMBANAN TEMPLE The main site of Prambanan contains four temples scattered about a large, landscaped park. The complex is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM and entry costs a fixed US$10 (US$6 student), try to get there early to beat the heat. Guides can be hired at the ticket office, costs you Rp50.000

• Candi Lara Jonggrang, or simply Candi Prambanan, is the largest and most-visited of the temples ju st to the left of the entrance. While there were 232 temples originally built, most have long since crumbled and the main remaining attractions are the six temples of the central court, richly decorated with carved reliefs. Three of them, known as the Trisakti ("three sacred places"), are particularly important:
  • Candi Siva, dedicated to Shiva the Destroyer, is the largest of the six, rising to a height of 45 meters. There are fine reliefs of the Ramayana in its forecourt and four chambers with statues. The largest chamber, to the east, contains a statue of Shiva himself, while the south has the sage Agastya, the west his son Ganesh (the elephant-headed) and the north his wife Durga. Durga is also known as Lara Jonggrang ("Slender Virgin"), a legendary beautiful princess turned to stone (see box).
  • Candi Brahma, to the south, continues the story of the Ramayana and has a statue of Brahma the Creator inside.
  • Candi Vishnu, to the north, tells the story of Vishnu's avatar Krishna and has a statue of Vishnu the Preserver inside.
  • Opposite the three large temples are three smaller temples originally dedicated to the vehicles of the gods. Only the statue of Nandi, Shiva's bull, has survived.

• North of Lara Jonggrang is a poorly displayed museum laid out in a series of small houses connected by walkways. Explanations are minimal, but entry is free so you might as well take a look.
  • Prambanan Audio Visual, inside the museum grounds, is the park's term for screenings of a bizarre movie entitled "Cosmic Harmony", which seems to spend as much time lambasting the "industrial world" in general (and Jakarta in particular) as explaining the Prambanan site. Still, it makes for a fairly entertaining half-hour break and Rp 2,000 is not too bad a price to pay for the air-con. The film is available in several languages.

• Candi Lumbung and Candi Bubrah, two Buddhist temples, are located several hundred meters further north. They lie in ruins and are fenced off.

• Candi Sewu, a large Buddhist temple complex meaning "one thousand temples", is one kilometer north of the entrance gate and contains a large central temple surrounded by a cluster of smaller ones. The sheer size of the recently renovated and intricately decorated central temple is impressive, but the statue niches are all empty. Entrance from the east side only.

There are also several temples and historical sites outside the park.

Kraton Ratu Boko, 3 km south of Prambanan, is a ruined palace or temple of uncertain origin, located on a hilltop 200 meters above the Prambanan plain (which makes for good pictures if and only if you have a good zoom lens). Only some building foundations remain and it's difficult to make any sense of the site. Now incorporated into the Borobudur Park Authority, entry to Ratu Boko is a separately charged US$10, which seems very steep for what you get.

WHERE TO STAY AT PRAMBANAN TEMPLE The neighboring village of Prambanan has a few simple losmen if you want to spend the night, but most visitors daytrip from Yogyakarta or Solo.

TANA TORAJA in SOUTH SULAWESI

The land of the Toraja people, many notionally Christian but most in practice animist, is above all famed for their spectacular (and rather gruesome) burial rites. After a person's death, the body is kept — often for several years — while money is saved to pay for the actual funeral ceremony, known as tomate. During the festival, which may last up to a week, ritual dances and buffalo fights are held, and buffaloes and pigs are slaughtered to ferry the soul of the deceased to the afterlife (puya). The deceased is then finally buried either in a small cave, often with a tau-tau effigy placed in front, inside a hollow tree or even left exposed to the elements in a bamboo frame hanging from a cliff. Prime funeral season is after the harvest in July to October. HOW TO REACH TANA TORAJA By plane

The only airport in Tana Toraja is in Rantepao, which was closed for several years for upgrading. The airport reopened in late 2005 and Dirgantara Air Service (DAS) now operates flights three times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, departing from Makassar at 10 AM (30 min, Rp. 250,000 one way). Note that the tiny airport can only handle turboprops and has no navigation gear, so flights are often delayed or cancelled in bad weather.

By bus

Tana Toraja is a solid 300-km, 8-10 hour drive from Makassar. The cost is 80,000 Rupiah on an air-conditioned bus from Makassar to Rantepao. There is usually a morning or an overnight bus. Frequent mikrolets/bemos leave from Makassar to the bus terminal and take about 40 minutes.

By taxi or charted vehicle

A chartered car usually costs about 700,000 Rupiah one-way from Makassar. It is possible to find one for a few hundred thousand less if you can coordinate with someone who is driving in that direction. If you plan on staying for a few days and would like the return trip as well, a driver with car should cost about 400,000 Rupiah per day.

WHAT TO SEE IN TANA TORAJA

Most hotels will put pressure to hire a local guide for 150,000+ Rp a day. Although it can be expensive if you are on a budget, a guide can provide a lot of insight into the local practices and customs.

It is still possible to visit most of the famous sites and funerals on your own, although information can be hard to find from most hotel operators. Tora Tora Primitive Art Gallery has a very friendly English-speaking owner who provides free maps of the area. It is located on the main street in Rantepao.

There are many walks (1-3hrs) that pass by many different types of gravesites, including the most popular sites. Most can be reached by short bemo rides from Rantepao and do not require guides.

BINTAN RESORTS in RIAU ISLANDS

Bintan Resorts, also known as Lagoi, is the northern part of the Indonesian island of Bintan. Bintan Resorts is a colony of Singapore in all but name, full of expensive resorts and manicured lawns. Very much a family-oriented resort, there is little to do here but laze by the beach, golf and maybe dabble in water sports. The area is separated from the rest of Bintan by barbed wire, checkpoints and armed guards. HOW TO REACH BINTAN RESORTS While Bintan has a small domestic airport, virtually all travelers arrive by boat from Singapore. Bintan Resort Ferries has 5-7 departures daily from Singapore's Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani at the western tip of the Resorts. You can obtain an Indonesian visa on arrival here. The trip takes 45 minutes and costs S$47.20/33.10 one-way return peak (Fri-Sun), S$36.20/25.10 off-peak; note that it's often cheaper to buy a package tour with lodging included. WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN BINTAN RESORTS As a destination, Bintan Resorts is rather artificial and the water is a mite murky (especially in winter). Still, the beaches are much better than anything in Singapore and most of the resorts are built to a high standard. However, do not solely devote your entire vacation to the beach. Visit the town areas of Bintan especially Tanjung Pinang to savor a taste of the local lifestyle and enjoy cheap shopping and tasty local fare. Golf is popular, with several excellent golf courses charging much lower prices than in neighboring Singapore. Water sports of all sorts are also popular, although the scuba diving here is lackluster due to the poor visibility. Note that during the northeast monsoon (November until March), there is usually quite a bit of wave action on the beach. This is good for surfing and body boarding, but not good for most anything else. Spas are increasing in number and quality in Pasar Oleh Oleh, with prices a little below that in Singapore. WHERE TO STAY AT BINTAN RESORTS Budget Shady Shacks on the east side of Bintan is a small, family-run collection of wooden huts on the beach. Good value for money but extremely basic - just a mattress and mosquito net in each room, although there is an adjoining bathroom with cold-water showers and a manually flushed toilet. Perfect if you want a back to basics, away from everything break. Midrange * Nirwana Beach Club (formerly Mana Mana). Tel. +65-6339-8878, [6]. The cheapest digs in town, the chalets (beachside huts) here can fit three, offer air-con and attached bathroom, and go for S$100/74 peak/off-peak. The resort has no pool, but the beach is pretty good and this is the local hub for watersports like surfing and boating. Hosts loud beach parties on Fri/Sat only. Splurge Bintan Resorts is chock full of luxury resorts. * Banyan Tree Bintan. Tel. +62-770-693-100, [7]. The most opulent option, all accommodation here is in private villas, with jacuzzi-equipped villas going for US$350++ and pool-equipped villas for a whopping US$750++ and up (discounted rates, not rack). The kind of place for a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon. * Bintan Lagoon Resort. Tel. +62-770-691-388, [8]. Big villas available as well as well-equipped hotel rooms. The hotel owns two golf-courses, 2 swimming-pools and Alang Alang Sea Sports centre. This offers nearly every water sport excluding wind surfing.

RAJA AMPAT in PAPUA

There is a great place to dive in the off-shore of Sorong, precisely situated on RAJA AMPAT ISLAND GROUP. The Raja Ampat area of Northwest Irian Jaya is filled with islands, surrounded by reefs and inundated with fish! After 9 years in the area we have only begun to discover the natural treasures awaiting us on each dive. The Raja Ampat island group spreads out over a huge area and consists of over 610 islands. The four largest islands are Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool and are located at the Westside of the "Bird head peninsula" in Irian. The Raja Ampat has only recently been discovered by scientist to house world's richest reefs systems. The group of islands is situated on the equator, is part of Papua and counts more than 600 islands. Till this very day the area is virtually unexplored and unknown due to its size, what we do know is that it has revealed to harbor an amazing diversity of breathtaking underwater life. The first dives in this area was pioneered in 1990.

The area's reefs are covered in a diverse selection of both hard and soft corals. Most of the areas reefs are pristine, with mile after mile of perfect hard corals, drift after drift of Dendronephya (soft) corals of many species and colors ranging from brilliant red, to shocking yellow pretty pink and exotic purple. Most reef dives are very colorful.

Among, above, and on top of the corals are fish. Schooling fish, solitary fish, beautiful fish, ugly fish, large fish, small fish! Some fish that are considered to be rare in many parts of the world are abundant in the Raja Ampat area. For example, many Sargassum Frogfish are found in the floating weed in front of the dive resort.

Wobbegong Sharks are found on many dives, often lying atop perfect table corals like a fish carefully arranged by a chef on a dinner plate. The Epaulette Shark, a small shark only a foot long, is numerous and found very often on night dives in the seagrass or even on the shelf of a wall dive.

Giant Clams are found at many of our dive sites. These clams are large enough to swallow a child, but are embedded in the reef and covered with soft corals, tunicates and sponges so thick they can barely close their shells. Wai Island has a "Giant Clam Area" just off the beach.

The offshore reef sites, especially those near Kri Island are poplulated with MEGATONS of schooling fish! Many different species school in the current sometimes mixing so that a diver is surrounded by a chaotic mass of fish life. The most common to see are barracuda, jacks, bannerfish, surgeonfish, fusiliers, parrotfish and snappers. All in many species. The fish are so dense that they sometimes block the view of your dive buddy or the surface!

The Raja ampat area is not only stunning underwater. Topside, the islands have a very diverse topography with steep mountain shores and deserted white sand beaches. The area is far off the beaten track and is rarely visited by foreigners. The raw beauty of the islands will fascinate you. It's dense jungle interior is known for its many orchids and the paradise birds. Waigeo and Batanta have the Wilson's and the Red Bird of Paradise both endemic to this area, as well as abundantly present Lorikeets, Parrots, Kingfishers, Eagles and Hornbills.

RAJA AMPAT DIVING RESORTS

As you might have notice that the Raja Ampat island group spreads out over a huge area and consists of over 610 islands, there are two resort for accommodation on the Raja ampat Islands: Kri Eco Resort and Sorido Bay Resort.

KRI ECO RESORT

This is the longest established resort consists of traditional buildings over the water, along a jetty and offers traditional Papuan accommodation with excellent food and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

SORIDO BAY RESORT

The new "Sorido Bay Resort" offers western comforts in traditional Papuan setting. It is a combination of modern and traditional building methods to create a balanced and comfortable resort. This resort is built for the more demanding diver and specially the underwater photographer.

JAYAWIJAYA MOUNTAIN in PAPUA

Carstensz Pyramid, called Puncak Jaya by some, and Puncak Jaya Kesuma or only Jaya Kesuma by others, is located to the west of the central highland called Jayawijaya and Sudirman Mountains. It is the tallest mountain in Australia and Oceania. Technically this means that Carstensz Pyramid is the tallest mountain between America and the Himalayas.

Carstensz Pyramid is the highest mountain in Australia and Oceania. It is the eight summit in the Seven summits project (7 summits on 7 tallest mounatins on 7 Continets). Carstensz Pyramid is situated in west Papua (now named Papua province Indonesia). This Indonesian Province was called Irian Jaya till 2005. It lies in New Guinea, which is the world’s second largest island.

Height:

4884 m (16023 ft)

Coordinates:

S 04°04.733 E 137°09.572

Locality:

New Guinea west Papua

CLIMATE

The climate of the Carstensz Pyramid, and its nearest surroundings, are quite diverse. During the day the temperature rises from 12°C (53, 6 F), up to 37°C (98, 6°F). At night the temperature near the Base Camp decreases to k –8°C (17, 6°F). The temperature on the summit of the Carstensz Pyramid might decrease even to below –10°C (14°F). Usually it rains for several hours during the day.

HOW TO REACH CARSTENSZ PYRAMID

The first option is a several days long trekking from the north (from Illaga) via the New Zealand Pass, or from a different airport near the Carstensz Pyramid. The second alternative is a flight with a helicopter directly to the camp in Zebra Whal (3800 m, 12467 ft). The trip via Freeport of Indonesia is not possible anymore, because the management of the company refused to issue permits to climbers for passing the mine.

There are several travel agencies in the world, which organize the climbing of the Carstensz pyramid with the support of helicopters. From time to time, one of the individuals tries to organize a trekking expedition.

WHAT TO SEE AROUND CARSTENSZ PYRAMID Trekking in the Carstensz Pyramid surroundings, is some of the most beautiful in the whole world. To say the truth, we don’t know of a more beautiful place. There are tropical forests, snow covered summits, endless forests of gigantic ferns, jagged walls, alpine massive, pure rivers, sky-blue lakes, and lovely white glaciers. You can also see: - Gigantic ferns and Kembalo Plato

- The lake scenery

- The Snow Mountains and the New Zealand Pass

- Carstensz Pyramid (Puncak Jaya) and the Descent to the Lake Valley CLIMBING PERMITS For climbing the Carstensz Pyramid, you need many permits from Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, and several other permits from Jayapura, the capital of Papua province of Indonesia. Getting any of the permits is very tough. It is necessary to get a permit from BAIS – Indonesian secret police (similar to the U.S. FBI or Russian KGB), from the army, from the ministry of foreign affairs, from the ministry of tourism, from federal police, and many more. From similar authorities, it is necessary to get provincial permits in Jayapura. These permits are issued based on permits from Jakarta. Without a permit from Jakarta, you won’t get a permit from Jayapura. On the other hand, authorities in Jayapura are not obliged to issue you a permit even if you already have one from Jakarta.