Shasa hotel

Shasa hotel - Specially designed Hydro-Therapy spa pool. Extra large Hillside and Seaside swimming pools amidst coconut trees. “Shasa” spa treatment. Gym with private locker rooms
Seaview lobby encompassing the tropical nature. Kids club, Business center, Water sports. facilities such as kayaking and fishing. “The Z” Restaurant & Bar Pool Bar

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Indonesia is the Amazing Islands

Republic of Indonesia is a country composed of 17,508 islands, about 6,000 of which are inhabited, with a population of over 200 million (wikipedia: population in July 2008 is 237,512,352).

At 1,919,440 square kilometers (741,050 sq mile), Indonesia is the world's 16th-largest country in terms of land area. Its average population density is 134 people per square kilometer (347 per sq mile), 79th in the world, although Java, the world's most populous island, has a population density of 940 people per square kilometer (2,435 per sq mile).
A tropical climate with an average annual temperature from 18 until 27 degree Celcius with a high humidity. The rainy season lasts from November to April, when the dry season begins. Indonesia has a three zona time, that is divided in west zona (the time is GMT plus 7 hours), middle zona (the time is GMT plus 8 hours) and east zona (the time is GMT plus 9 hours).
Indonesia is located between two continental (Asia and Australia) and between two ocean (Hindia Ocean and Pacific Ocean).
Comprising more than 300 ethnic groups speaking 200 distinct languages and dialects, the Indonesian population exhibits incredible diversity in its linguistic, cultural and religious traditions. The Republic of Indonesia administration is divided into 33 provinces.

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Ubud - The Real Balinese Town on The Island

If you visit no other place on the island than Ubud, you will be amply rewarded, for this is the most Balinese of towns and is so different from all the others.

This is due to The Tjokorde Gde Putra Sukawati, Ubud's royal prince. Fearing the dilution of Balinese values and attitudes seen elsewhere on the island, he's done his very best to keep such toxic influences out of Ubud.
You won't find billboards here, nor a night-market, cinema, sidewalk sellers, wheeled food stalls, or dodgy cafes, bar and massege parlours. It's a real breath of fresh air after to the over-the-top "anything goes" commercialism found elsewhere on the island.
Ubud has always been uniquely special. Little more than a village 70 or 80 years ago, nevertheless it was a center of fine art - painting, sculpture, carving and the other decorative arts.

In the 1920's and 1930's noted artists from overseas came and visited. Many stayed and influenced local artists. These days Ubud is still known as the island's artists colony, but it is much more than that.

You'll find the cream of design here - in paintings and handcratfs, in fashion, in jewellery, glassware, photography, batik, the list goes on. It's also the acknowledged yoga, meditation and new age center.

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Tepi Sawah Restaurant and Villas

Tepi Sawah Restaurant and Villas is the combines accommodation with Balinese culture, ultimate privacy, a friendly atmosphere, together with excellent, personalized service. This villas in located near by the rice paddies so this villas is named "Tepi Sawah". This villas is easy to reach from the center of Ubud town.

Tepi Sawah Villas
The interior of this villas is so unique, decorated with selected paintings and artifacts by Ubud's famous artists. Combined with modern facilities the indoor bathroom and outdoor shower blend seamlessly with exotic tropical landscape. The room decoration of Tepi Sawah Villas is so romantic, it's suitable for the couple that just married and being get the honey moon in Bali.

Tepi Sawah Restaurant
Enjoy a wide selection of cuisine, ranging from contemporary western and innovative Indonesian or Balinese specialties while share the joy and satisfaction with other, to feel a wonderful experience of having a meal at the corner of the rice field, while viewing the rice paddies and the wave of the coconut tree leaves, as well as listening to the various tiny little bird singing in a very fresh atmosphere within the environment of the real Bali's Village in the perfect setting in Tepi Sawah Restaurant. This restaurant is very popular among public policy maker, Indonesian celebrities, top executives, and of course customers from all over the world as the best place for enjoying Crispy Duck and Fork Ribs Balinese style in Ubud. The competitive advantages of this restaurant are: good location and atmosphere, good food and drinks, good service, and above allvery good value for money.

A heaven which is tremendously beautiful at night time of romantic Candle light dinner for two in the special pavilion by the pool, served course by course with your personal waiter overseeing all in details. Fragrant arrangements of flowers and candles grace your table.

The tipe of Tepi Sawah Villas:
- Batuan Villas
- Taman Villa
- Padang Tegal Villa
- Peliatan villa
- Ubud villa
- Campuhan Villa

Facilities:
* Nyoman Sumerta Fine Art Gallery (also for public)
* Tepi Sawah Restaurant (also for public)
* Mesari Gift Shop
* Main Swimming Pool
* Tepi Sawah Spa
* Bale Banjar Restaurant
* IDD; Cable TV
* In Villa Safe Deposit Box
* Laundry and Dry Cleaning
* Parking Space
* Butler and Room Cleaning Service
* Coffee and Tea Time
* Courtesy Call
* Transfer; Shuttle Sevice
* Guest Activities
* Free WIFI Internet Connection

This Villas is recomended for Honeymoon.

For more information, visit: www.tepisawahvillas.com
Contact and address:
Jl. Raya Goa Gajah, Br. Teges, Peliatan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Phone : 62-361-970388
Fax : 62-361-970377
Email : sales@tepisawahvillas.com

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Goa Gajah at Ubud

Goa Gajah, known in English as the Elephant Cave is the cave that build in the 9th Century, this important archeological site dates from the same period as Borobudur Temple in Java built. It is uncertain whether its origins are Buddhist or Hindu. It was mentioned in ancient Javanese writings as the home of a Buddhist priest. However statues of the Hindu god Ganesha who takes the form of an elephant (hence the name) are to be found here. The site was excavated in the 1950's and a bathing temple unearthed. Goa Gajah has been added to the Tentative List.

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Temple at the Kemaro Island: Legend of Eternal Love

PALEMBANG-SOUTH SUMATERA
Kemaro Island is a tiny delta of Musi River, located about 6 kilometers downstream of Ampera Bridge, Palembang, South Sumatera. There is a Chinese Temple (It's name is Vihara (Kelenteng) Hok Tjing Bio) on it. Kemaro Island lies at the industrial areas of Fertilizer Plant PT Pupuk Sriwijaya (at Sei Lais Street, Kalidoni). It's about ten kilometers from Palembang, Kemaro Island is a popular recreation site in the middle of Musi River. On the island there is a Buddha temple that often visited by Buddhists to pray or to visit the graves. Beside that, there is also mean of foretelling one's life and marriage. A great religious event Cap Go Meh is held in Kemaro Island every Chinese New Year.

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Komodo Island

Komodo Island (area 390 km²) is the National Park was to conserve the unique species Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) and its habitat. Komodos, the real life dragons, are a sight indeed. Gigantic, the lizard-like creatures are about two or three meters in length. They can easily weigh about 165 kilograms. Despite of their sheer size and appearance, they are not active hunters. What makes them intimidating is the fact that they are a patient predator. In the wild, they stalk a victim, usually a weak or injured one. One bite and that’s what it usually takes. After following the victim for a while, sometimes up to several days’ time, the komodos will devour the dying prey. This island is located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. Komodo Island is located at coordinates 8°33′S 119°27′E / 8.55°S 119.45°E in Lesser Sunda Islands, East Nusa Tenggara Province.

The National Park is includes three major islands, Komodo, Rinca and Padar, and numerous smaller islands together totaling 603 km2 of land. The total size of Komodo National Park is presently 1,817 km². Proposed extensions of 25 km² of land (Banta Island) and 479 km² of marine waters would bring the total surface area up to 2,321 km².
Komodo National Park was established in 1980 and was declared a World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1986. The park was initially established to conserve the unique Komodo Dragon, first discovered by the scientific world in 1911 by J.K.H. Van Steyn van Hensbroek. Nowaday, Komodo National Park is promoted to the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

As well as being home to the Komodo dragon, the Park provides refuge for many other notable terrestrial species such as the orange-footed scrub fowl, an endemic rat, and the Timor deer. Moreover, the Park includes one of the richest marine environments including coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, seamounts, and semi-enclosed bays. These habitats harbor more than 1,000 species of fish, some 260 species of reef-building coral, and 70 species of sponges. Dugong, sharks, manta rays, at least 14 species of whales, dolphins, and sea turtles also make Komodo National Park their home.

Transportation and Accomodation

Ranger's Houses - Komodo Island

The new renovated ranger's houses in eco style accommodation, with modern facilities featuring with private bathroom, limited electric power supply, dining. Only few step to the beach of Lohliang. Ranger's houses becomes an alternative accommodation offer to visitors whom for some reasons are not able to sleep on boat.

Puri Komodo Resort - Batu Gosok
Sets on the northwest tip of Flores island of Indonesia, this location well known with Batu Gosok, secluded peninsula. 250.000 square meters of land hideaway guaranteed to thrill snorkelers, divers and adventurers. A magnificent secluded cove with over 1.000 meters of white sandy beach and a wooden jetty protruding 450 meters into the coral rich turquoise waters. Opulent sea gardens in colors of purple, yellow, blue and fuchsia blend with brightly colored tropical fish drifting aimlessly amongst the coral.

Bajo Komodo Eco Lodge
Has developed environmentally friendly buildings with the use of solar power for hot water, an extensive rain water storage system, and the use of a biological sewage treatment plant where all waste water is returned to the gardens through irrigation. The Bajo Eco Lodge is under control of Iniradef non profit organization where to participate in developing the human resources on the area and also building the natural environment conservation. This program have fully accepted by locals.

Boat Accommodation from Labuan Bajo
Simple boat sleep on the deck with set mattresses, fit for a small group up to 4 peoples only, meals freshly cooked on board, mineral bottled water supplied, simple toilet.

Boat Accommodation depart from Bima
Larger boat with cabin, dining facilities and standard safety equipment available for those who are travel to Komodo via Bima. Although it takes you over 7 hours on water - the facilities promises on the boat better enough compare to those who are start from from Labuan Bajo.

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VOTE NOW: KOMODO AS A NEW 7 WONDERS UNTIL 11-11-2011

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ROMANCE IN BALI AT FOUR SEASON RESORT JIMBARAN

ONE BEDROOM VILLA

What's included in this package :
Alluring. Magical. Sensuous. The ideal setting for a romantic interlude At Jimbaran Bay Hidden amongst the lush tropical foliage of a terraced hillside, the 147 spacious villas at Four Seasons Resort at Jimbaran Bay lead down to the beach. Each one bedroom villa has three Balinese style pavilions for living, bathing and sleeping with a private plunge pool. 2,000 square feet of sheer luxury.
Details of your Romantic Interlude :

• Round trip airport transfers with a representative from the resort to ensure a smooth welcome and departure.
• Five nights stay at a king villa with private plunge pool and outdoor shower set in lush tropical gardens.
• Tropical fruit, handmade chocolates and a bouquet of orchids in your villa on arrival.
• Daily a la carte breakfast for two persons at the Resort’s main restaurant or in your private dining area.
• Pamper yourselves with a Lulur body elixir treatment, designed specifically for couples. The simultaneous, relaxing Balinese massage is enhanced with traditional herbs and spices followed by a soothing soak for two in a bath infused with flowers.
• A romantic candlelit dinner for two in the privacy of your villa, served course by course by your personal waiter. Fragrant arrangements of flowers and candles grace your table and plunge pool.
• Complimentary use of health club facilities and sporting equipment
• Floral Bath on arrival

EXTENSION NIGHTS ARE INCLUSIVE OF ROOM & BREAKFAST

More info about this hotel, click here



The package rate is based on per person and valid until Sep 25, 2009

Package Name	Single Occupancy	Double Occupancy	Triple Occupancy	Action
Romance in Bali at Four Season Resort Jimbaran (at One Bedroom Villa)	USD 5,506	USD 2,753	NOT AVAILABLE	BOOK

The additional night rate is based on per person and valid until Sep 30, 2009

Package Name	Additional Night
	Single Occupancy	Double Occupancy	Triple Occupancy
Romance in Bali at Four Season Resort Jimbaran (at One Bedroom Villa)	USD 798	USD 399	NOT AVAILABLE

Source: baliwww.com

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The Grand Bali Nusa Dua Hotel

Accommodation

The Grand Bali - Nusa Dua is a 63 room resort offering panoramic views of the garden or our twin pools. The guestrooms feature air-conditioning, IDD telephones, satellite television, stereo system with CD player (suites and villas only), safety deposit box, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar, hair dryer, private balcony or terrace with ceiling fan, electronic key card and spacious marble bathrooms with bathtub and separate shower stall.

Grand Deluxe
Our hotel boasts the largest 52 square meter, standard, deluxe rooms in the Nusa Dusa area. Tastefully decorated and with great views of the pool or garden, each room offers spacious bedroom and sitting areas. Enjoy the elegant marble bathrooms feature a large bathtub and separate shower stall with luxurious towels and amenities. Private terraces on some ground floor Deluxe rooms allow guests direct access to the twin swimming pools.

Grand Suites
Featuring a large 85 square meter bedroom and living area, these elegant suites include a terrace with a comfortable seating arrangement or traditional Balinese "day bed" for relaxation. Some suites also enjoy a large sun deck, private jacuzzi, and well-appointed dining area for entertaining in style and privacy.

Grand 1 and 2 bedroom(s) Villa with Private Pool
For the ultimate vacation, The Grand 2 bedroom Villas set a new standard of luxury. The 200 square meter premises offers an abundance of space with bedroom quarters set in a thatched-roof Balinese bungalow. Villas enjoy outdoor living areas with seating and dining facilities surrounded by lush tropical gardens, fountains, and a private swimming pool.

Dining Facilities
The Restaurant
Overlooking the gardens and swimming pool area, our restaurant serves a selection of the finest Asian and international cuisine. Choose from an extensive buffet or our a la carte menu. Two large traditional garden pavilions are available for intimate fine dining.

Lounge Bar
A charming and friendly hotel bar serving a wide variety of drinks and light snacks. Open from 10 a.m. until 12 a.m.

This hotel is so quite and private so it's recomended for the place to Honeymoon.

For more information:
visit www.thegrandbali.com

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Rafting in Bali; Sport, Adventure and Tour

Rafting in Bali is spectacular experience on the great water rafting with amazing panorama of riverbank and surrounding area. Bali offers you a chance to join this exciting water adventure. The river rapid will bring you on the fun experience during your vacation in Bali.

There is some rafting trips in Bali:

White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting Adventure is one of the great water adventures tracing the wild nature of riverbank full of fun, safe and exciting experience. Accompanied by professional and experience river guide to pass the attractive and challenge rapids class two, three and four such as: Ayung River Rafting Trips.

Ayung River Rafting
Ayung River (Class II-III) rafting trips bring rafters close to rainforests, rice paddies, and steep gorge walls. This is a good family rafting trip.
The River Ayung is the longest and largest river in Bali, and white water rafting was first introduced in Bali along this river. To experience rafting on the river Ayung’s west side is amazing, for besides the enjoyment of challenging rapids, the panorama of this beautiful, intact nature area is highlighted by the appearance of wild animals along the rafting route such as big bats, black monkeys, magpies and more.
Time:
07:30 -14:00
Includes:
- Air conditioned vehicle transfer from/to hotel.
- Buffet lunch.
- All safety equipment.
- Hot shower and changing room, towels
- Insurance.
Excludes:
- Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, insurance etc.
- Other service not mentioned on this program.
Remark:
- Child rates applied for Children between 2 and 12 years old.
Price (01/04/09 - 31/03/10) (minimum 2 pax):
US $ 53 (Adult)
US $ 44 (Children)

Telaga Waja River Rafting
You can try Telaga Waja rafting (Class II-III) because flowing below Mt. Agung, river trips on the Telaga Waja offer class II-III white water. Rafters will see both tropical and open valley environments on short half-day trips.
Another exhilarating product within the Sobek adventure portfolio is one that will simply take your breath away. Meeting the same strict safety and service standards delivered on Sobek’s Ayung River rafting experience, the Telaga Waja put simply, will challenge you and your guide every step of the way!

The thrilling Telaga Waja adventure begins in the foothills of the sacred Mount Agung, after an in-depth safety and equipment briefing by Sobek’s experienced guides. From the time you drop into the first set of rapids, your heart will be racing and your adrenalin pumping.

In a continual spray of white clear water, you will rush past steep banks and ancient hanging trees, whilst rafting straight through cascading waterfalls of cold natural spring water. The Sobek guides will give you instruction and work with you to safely navigate the raft through torrents, twists, tight turns and inclined rapids.

Over head obstacles, narrow gorges and breathtaking views of terraced rice plains all along the way will give you an appetite for your final challenge! The Water Dam! Hold on, Take a deep breath, and down you go!

The Sobek Telaga Waja experience is a fantastic experience from start to finish. From the moment you put on your Life Jacket and Helmet and take a tight grip of your paddle to the very second you finish your last taste of the delicious mouth watering buffet, this really is thrills all the way!
Time:
07:30 -15:00
Includes:
- Air conditioned vehicle transfer from/to hotel.
- Buffet lunch.
- All safety equipment.
- Hot shower and changing room, towels
- Insurance.
Excludes:
- Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, insurance etc.
- Other service not mentioned on this program.
Remark:
- Child rates applied for Children between 2 and 12 years old.
Price (01/04/09 - 31/03/10) (minimum 2 pax):
US $ 53 (Adult)
US $ 44 (Children)


Melangit River Rafting
Melangit River Rafting Trips (Class IV) is the great adventure tracing The Melangit River is very conveniently located for people visiting Bali’s capitol city Denpasar. Steep cliffs and cascading water mark this as the most challenging and technical Bali River rafting trip.

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Value Added Tax (VAT) Refund for Tourist

The Indonesian Government has provided a new tax facility for the international tourist that visit to Indonesia. This facility has provided for value added tax (VAT) refund if someone, who is international tourist (in here is called: Tourist), to claim back VAT on goods purchased in any store that registered as a "VAT Refund for Tourists" participant that located in Indonesia.

Who is eligible for a VAT refund?
Any foreign passport holder who is:

1. not an Indonesian citizen or not a Permanent Resident of Indonesia, who lives or stays in Indonesia no longer than 2 (two) months (calender month) since he/she arrived in Indonesia;
2. not a member of an airline crew.

How to claim the VAT refund?
Accompanied baggage (goods)
To be eligible for VAT refund:

1. Goods must be purchased from with "VAT Refund For Tourists" label across Indonesia by showing your passport, and you must have a valid tax invoice (a tax invoice attached with one payment receipt) from the shop.
2. Goods which are excluded are as follows: food, beverage, tobaccao products, guns and any explosive goods (materials), any goods that are prohibited to be taken onto an aircraft.
   
3. A minimum amount of Rp 500,000 (five hundred thousand rupiah) of VAT in one valid tax invoice from a shop with the same purchasing date.
4. Goods are purchased within 1 (one) month before departing Indonesia.

VAT refund payment options
VAT refund can be given in cash or by transfer payment.

1. Given in cash with Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) currency only if the amount does not exceed Rp 5,000,000 (five million rupiah);
2. Through transfer payment, when the VAT refund is in excess of Rp 5,000,000 (five million rupiah), the refund will be by transfer. The passenger should provide bank account number, account name, address, bank routing number, designated bank for transfer and requested currency for the VAT refund. The transfer will be done within 1 (one) month of receipt of application for VAT refund.

Exceptional Circumstances
If the amount of VAT refund is more than Rp 5,000,000 (five million rupiah), however, the passenger does not want to be refunded by transfer, then the amount of Rp 5,000,000 will be refunded in cash and the balance of VAT is not refundable.

Claim Procedure
The VAT refund can only be claimed at the airport on the date of the tourist that want to be claim the refund departure and must follow these steps:
Option #1: Claim VAT Refund before Flight Check-In counter
1.Submit the application for VAT refund to the Directorate General of Taxes (DGT) officer at the airport;
2.Submit both copies of the original valid tax invoice ( a tax invoice attached with one payment receipt);
3.Show passport, airline ticket and goods purchased;
4.Receive VAT refund in cash or through transfer to the Tourist's bank account;

Option #2: Claim VAT Refund after Flight Check-In Counter
The same steps are applied for this option, however, instead of showing airline ticket the Tourist need to show his/her international boarding pass to the DGT officer.
This option is applied for the passanger who carries on his/her purchased goods as hand baggage. If the goods are oversized or aviation security measures prevent he/she from taking his/her goods on board the aircraft, then he/she have to claim his/her VAT Refund at VAT Refund Counter before Flight Check-In counter as stated on option #1.

Attention:
To get a better service, please ensure that The Tourist allow enough time to complete his/her VAT Refund claims procedures on the day of his/her departure.

Where are the VAT Refund counters located?
VAT Refund counters are located before and after flight check-in counter in selected Indonesian international airport.
Currently VAT Refund Counters are available at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (at Jakarta) and Ngurah Rai International Airport (at Bali).

This regulation is take effect at 1 April 2010.
source: taxlearning.blogspot.com and Directorate General of Tax of Indonesia

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Puncak, Bogor: The Pinewood Resort & Spa

The Pinewood Lodge, Organic Farm & Boutique Spa is the most exotic place for holidays and relaxing …

A retreat-type resort situated at the foot of Mount Pangrango and Mount Gede at 1150 meters above sea level at Cisarua-Puncak, about 2 kilometers from Taman Safari and Gunung Mas Tea Plautation.

The resort has 35 rooms including 2 seminar rooms which can seat approximately 70 persons and 30 persons with Mediterranean architecture (Country Style) and an exotic view. Hence, all of color-therapy rooms have different colors, style and interior designs. This resort have 5 room types which are 23 standard rooms (Morning Glory),1 deluxe room(Japanese Room), 4 junior suite.
rooms (Arabian, Chinese, Australian, and African Room), and 3 suite rooms (Indonesian, American Holland Suite Room). You can also treat your body with
massage and spa packages at our boutique spa which have organic spa products and qualified spa therapists.

As for new honeymoon package, this resort have cooking class, simple yoga activity, a couple spa package, candles light dinner and the other activities that a couple whether young or old couple can enjoy their wedding anniversary or first honeymoon for a new bride.

You can enjoy privacy with family & friends in a place, nestled among the so many pine, damar, and cinnamon trees.
It really gives you that breathtaking feeling of being somewhere in a very quiet and cozy village...

Honeymoon Package:
The Romantic getaway features two nights Accommodation in The Pinewood Lodge, Organic Farm & Boutique Spa. A bottle of bubbly & keepsake wine glasses, A couple spa package with the aromatherapy Exotic essential oil, set up candle light dinner With a romantic music and other Complimentary goodies that you can get more...
Rate for 3 days 2 nights:
- IDR 4.600.000 Nett in Suite Room
- IDR 4.300.000 Nett in Junior Room
- IDR 3.800.000 Nett in Deluxe Room

Location:

The Pinewood
Taman Safari – Cisarua- Puncak
Jl. Gandamanah, Desa Tugu Selatan-Cisarua-Puncak
Telp (+62 251)256 432 - 256 776
Fax (+62251) 256 433

Jakarta Sales Office
Jl. Industri Raya 13, Gunung Sahari - Jakarta
Tel(62-21) 600 6448, 624 5473
Website: www.pinewoodhotelspa.com
Email: sales@pinewoodhotelspa.com

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Rindik: Traditional Bali Music Instrument

When you arrive in Bali, you will likely be welcomed by the soft and soothing sound of rindik. For most of the visitors, the sound of this musical instrument is the first Balinese music they encounter.

The moment of initial contact of the visitors with lovely sound of rindik takes place something like this visitor are sitting in a restaurant or entering a hotel lobby designed in neoBalinese style. While they savor the succulent food or admire the elaborate architecture some sort of background music can be heard. The sound of Balinese traditional bamboo instruments they hear is not a recording but instead is being played live by two or three musicians in one corner of the room or staged on an open bale at the edge of the locale. Were you to look in that corner you would see two musicians, which are gently beating out notes on the rindik sometimes accompanied by the third one plays the bamboo flute (Bali language = suling). The soft and gentle bamboo sound is quite lovely, yet can easily be ignored; you can hear it virtually everywhere in Bali, it is perfect Balinese background music.

Rindik is a Balinese bamboo instrument usually played in a quartet, 2 on Rindik and 2 on flute. Rindik is a set of ten xylophones of different lengths and sizes made of bamboo tubes suspended in a wooden frame. It is played by striking the xylophones with long handled rubber headed mallets. There are two types, each tuned differently: lanang (higher, or “left”) and wadon (lower, or “right”). Rindik is traditional pentatonic scale, called Selendro (saih lima). Some rindik have simple wooden frames, painted with single color, usually green or red. Some of them have elaborately painted wooden frame, with a picture of demon’s head or entangled creepers. Here's a little piece of Rindik Music from YouTube. This music is called 'Paksi Ngelayang' or 'Hoovering Bird' in English.

Rindik is played for dancing and entertainment rather than ceremonies. Balinese usually play the rindik as a welcoming music for the guests in a wedding ceremony. Rindik sound softer, sweeter and quieter than bronze ensembles of metal gamelan. The combination of two rindik and a flute is considered excellent for all occasion. The rindiks and the flute all perform the same melody, the flute playing the melody in sustained notes and the rindiks (bamboo pitched percussions which are unable to sustain notes) playing repeated notes. The melody is decorated with an intricate and rhythmically interlocking melody yet very relaxed and atmospheric.

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KENCANA VIP HOTEL

If you visit to Baturaja, South Sumatera and find the hotel that near by the center of city, Kencana VIP Hotel can make the other choice. This Hotel is located at Jl. Pahlawan Kemarung No. 58 Baturaja, South Sumatera, Indonesia. This hotel can be contacted by Phone: (+62 735) 327083 and Fax: (+62 735) 321360

Here it is unfortunately not yet possible to book online. This accommodation Purnama Hotel would be glad to welcome you soon. The correct data depends on the update of the information through the management and cannot be guaranteed.

This hotel has no rate defined.

Room Rates 2010
Superior Room; the Publish Rate is Rp 300.000
Deluxe Room; the Publish Rate is Rp 350.000
Suite Room; the Publish Rate is Rp 500.000
The above rates are subject to 21% tax and service and subject to change withour prior notice

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Punti Kayu Forestry

Punti Kayu Forestry Tourism is conservation forestry that located at Palembang, South Sumatera.
This site is accessible by public vehicles easily, located about 7 kilometers from the central town at Jalan Sudirman KM. 7 and covers about 50 Ha area. It has been stated as conservation forest since 1998.
Punti Kayu Forestry Tourism is divided into 4 (four) zone: Recreation zone with its Swimming pool, mini zoo, sport center, and hall; conservation forest zone; Camping ground zone; and lake zone.
This forestry park is growth by many shady and leavy tropical tress such as pine and spruce, also as home of groups of monkey. Inside the forest there are small lake facilitated with boats and bridge that makes idyll panorama. Any recreation facilities are prepared too, such as swimming pools, mini zoo, kids fun arena, camping ground, fishing pond, sport center and many others. The Punti Kayu management also offering any packets of out-bond activities and makes the area become flowers and plants center.

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Berastagi, A Lovely Tourist Town

Berastagi is a lovely tourist town in the Karo highlands on the way from Medan to Lake Toba. It is situated at an altitude of 1300m and with the setting of by two volcanoes, Mt.Sinabung and Mt.Sibayak. At Gundaling Hill you can see a clear view of those two volcanoes.

The area is known for its cool climate, orchids, flowers, vegetables and fruits and the most famous of which is the "Marquisa" or known as passion fruit which is commonly made into a refreshing fruit-drink. The local markets are swarming with activity and scenes from traditional Karo life. Days are extremely pleasant and nights can be quite cool.

After arriving on Polonia - Medan International Airport, you can use taxi or tourist buses to reach Berastagi. Its located 66 km from Medan, the capital city and will take around two hours drive.

At Gundaling Hills, theres a pleasant colonial-style hotel with a golf course, as well as a range of other star and non-star hotels and accommodations.

Just same like the other Sumatras regions, it served spicy foods. Its worth to try local dishes like Chicken Rice, Medan KweTyaow and others. If you like to drive to Medan, you will find Merdeka Walk. It is the first Tensile Structure (Alfresco Outdoor Concept) in Indonesia and the hottest place to hangout in Medan City with cafes, restaurants, exhibition and entertainment.

You can move around the town by local transport that form of the horse-drawn called sado. Also you can rent a bike from Villa Flores Restaurant.

There are a number of attractions in the town itself, including three markets: the photogenic general market, which takes place five times a week (not Wed or Sun) behind the bus station; the daily fruit market, which also sells souvenirs, to the west of the roundabout, and the Sunday market, which takes place every other week on top of Gundaling Hill and attracts such novelty acts as the teeth-pulling man (Rp200 per tooth) and the snake charmer.

You will find some fine examples of traditional Karo Batak architecture in the villages around Berastagi. The best known is Lingga Village, 15 km from Berastagi.

The wide main street is covered with restaurants and hotels, souvenir shops, and the central market attracts farmers from all over the area. You may buy some souvenirs here, like Batak Ulos-hand woven cloth from Medan, rattan plaitwork, hand-printed batik, paintings, carvings or try to buy Marquisa fruits and bring it home with you!

You better avoid come on Sunday, because many day trippers from Medan come to Berastagi to climb Mt.Sibayak

Days are extremely pleasant and nights can be quite cool. Equipped yourself with simple, warm and comfortable clothes.

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Kuta Beach, The Most Dynamic Places in Indonesia

Once a lonely village on the road from Denpasar toward the Bukit Peninsula, Kuta is now a thriving tourist resort, popular mainly among the young. It owes its claim to fame owes to two factors: its beach (originally Bali's best) and the sunset. The beach front is now host to many hotels, except for Legian and Seminyak, where much of the social scene is now centered. The main shops are located along Legian street.

Kuta has become one of the most dynamic places in Indonesia. It is a place to encounter new ideas and lifestyles and a place to experience all manner of pleasures. It is a popular beach for surfing although, currents make it less suitable for swimming. Life guards are on constant duty during the day. Kuta faces the West, offering beautiful sunsets.

The popular Kuta Beach, overlooking the Straits of Bali, attracts foreign and local water sport enthusiasts and sun worshippers. Throngs flock to this 1.5-kilometer stretch on weekends. The period April to September/October promises favorable reef and beach breaks, enabling surfers to take to the waves. Amateurs should stick to the milder beach breaks for safety reasons. You can also swim here--make sure you do so only within the designated area--or just join the carefree sunbathers. Wandering hawkers and guides offer their wares and services, while others provide a relaxing massage for a reasonable fee.

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Around Bali

Bali, the fabled “Island of the Gods”, has been enchanting visitors for centuries with its rich cultural traditions and spectacular panoramas. Bali offer many things, from lofty, mist enshrouded volcanoes and cool mountain lakes down through terraced rice fields to a golden strand lapped by azure waters, every square inch of Bali offers a fresh and unforgettable image.

No less enchanting are its people, some 2,7 million souls whose artistry and piety are recognized throughout the world. Balinese Hinduism, a complex fusion of Indian cosmology, Tantric Buddhism and homegrown mythology, is the primary faith of Bali’s inhabitants, and so deeply woven into the fabric of their daily lives that the line between the spiritual and the material is blurry at best.

Those of you keen on delving into the island’s fascinating culture will have plenty of opportunities, as colorful ceremonies and traditional performances occur with the regularity of sunrise. Most hotel offer nightly dance shows of one form or another, tailored to tourist audiences but none the less exquisite. The hill town of Ubud, the island’s premiere arts centre, also has a full schedule of performances, and the nearby stonecutter’s village of Batubulan is famed for its Barong lion dances.

The shoppers among you will find Bali a treasure house of handicraft and fine works of art. The Balinese are incredibly gifted artists and craftsmen, and their material creations are imbued with the same sense of wonderment with which they regard their universe. Stone and wood carvings, traditional and modern paintings and intricately designed jewelry in gold and silver are readily available in shops and galleries throughout the island.

As or recreations, there is no shortage of options. Nature walks, horseback riding, diving, surfing, even bungy jumping and white water rafting await the adventurous in Bali.

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Jakarta’s Old and New

Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, is a vibrant patchwork of old and new. Formerly known as Batavia, the foremost spice enter port in Southeast Asia. The Old Dutch quarter of Kota is steeped in the city’s illustrious past and, at the old harbour of Sunda Kelapa, vintage clippers and schooners which one plied the valuable spice trade routes can still be seen.

As if to testify to the historical significance of the city, Jakarta has 13 museums, some of which are devoted entirely to painting, pottery, puppets, textiles, and stamps. The National Museum is well known for its archeological collection while the historical development of Jakarta can be traced in the Jakarta historical Museum (Puppet Museum) stages regular performances of the traditional wayang golek (three dimensional) and wayang kulit (shadow) puppet show art forms.

Jakarta’s past reliance on trade remains in its profusion on markets to handicraft and bric-a-brac. Other places of interest include the Monas (the National Monument), the Merdeka (Independent) Palace, the Fatahillah Square, Istana Negara (The State Palace). Taman Mini Indonesia or “Indonesia in Miniature” is an absorbing cultural theme park showcasing the country’s attractions in one place. It includes mock villages in the widely different architectural styles to be found in Indonesia.

Still on subject of theme park, The Ancol Dreamland, located in the northern part of the city, is Jakarta’s answer to Disneyland. The recreation area is a sprawling leisure and theme park with an art market, a marine park, and a Fantasy Land.


For a taste of paradise islands, Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands) is just a few kilometers out of the Bay. These dreamy, palm fringed havens easily accessible by boat from Jakarta Bay are a perfect gateway from Jakarta Bay are a perfect gateway from the city scene.

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