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10 Famous Buddhist Temple in The World

Buddhism takes as its goal the escape from suffering and from the cycle of rebirth: the attainment of nirvana. There are between 230 million and 500 million Buddhists worldwide. An overview of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world.

Dragon Village at Tasikmalaya, West Java

If you are tired of life in a metropolitan city with its sky scrapers, you should take a few days off to stay in the Dragon village within Neglasari village, Salawu sub-district, Tasikmalaya, West Java. This 1.5 hectares village is still 'green' and not influenced by modernization..

Exotic Dieng Plateau

The name ‘dieng’ which literally translates as ‘abode of the Gods’ says all you need to know about this collection small ancient temples set in the remarkable volcanic landscape of the Dieng Plateau.

Living in the shadow of Indonesia's volcanoes

All hell is about to break loose, but Udi, a 60-year-old farmer from the village of Kinarejo on the Indonesian island of Java, will not budge. Not even though a mere three miles (five kilometers) separates the smoldering peak of Mount Merapi from Kinarejo.

National Geographic : Merapi Eruption

Nationalgeographic.com Smoke rises Monday from Indonesia's Mount Merapi, one of the world's most volatile and dangerous volcanoes.

March 23, 2009

Sulawesi Island

Until a few yeara ago, one of Sulawesi's main attractions that draw visitors is the beautiful land and unique culture of the Torajans. But Sulawesi has more to offer, from the north till its soutern tip.
An amazing variety of flora and fauna share a fabulous tropical setting of rugged mountains, virgin rainforest, lush paddy fields, highland lakes and pristine beaches. Virgin reserves provide a protected habitat for its indigenous species, such as the anoa (drawrf buffalo) and babi rusa (pig deer), the Maleo, black monkey and the smallest species of monkeys, the Tangkasi. The region has also earned the population as a diver's paradise with a mindboggling array of coral formations and a multitude of marine life found in the waters that offer the best possible marine adventure to be had.

Islands of the blacksmiths
Wangi-wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia
and Binongko are four islands on Sulawesi's southeastern coast known in short as Wakatobi. These islands are home to the Bajo, nomadic sea gypsies that live in the open sea, at one with the elements, on pongkas (covered boast) and stilted houses.
In the past of Wakatobi was better known as the blacksmith's islands because they were mainly occupied by iron-working artisnas who worked on the repairs of Dutch ships. Although Wakatobi is now famous world-wide as prime diving and snorkeling destination, there are other attractions in store. A one-hour ride in a speedboat from Wanci on Wangi-wangi will take you to Anano island where giant turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs. Wakatobi also offers whale and dolpin watching, ussualy sperm whales, spinner and bottle-nose dolphins.

A haven for underwater explorations
Famous Bunaken Marine reserve in the north is a low crescent-shaped coral island ringed by a steep fringin reef with a dense population of fish, coral and deep underwater gullies adn valleys. Large around the Banggai Archipelago in Central Sulawesi support a tremendous variety of marine life, such as hard and soft coral, reef sharks and turtles, schools of jackfish, tunas and other species. It is also the habitat of the endemic ornamental fish called the 'Banggai Cardinal fish'. In the lembeh Straits there are World War 1 shipwrecks and unusual black sand bottoms, while the Togean Islands host major reef formations (fringing, barrier, patch and atoll).

Megalithic Valley in Lore Lindu
The Napa and Besoa Valleys in Lore Lindu near Palu, Central Sulawesi, contain megalithic sites that back thousands of years ago. Huge stone urns, pillars and statues are scattered throughout the valley. Although still open to debate, the stone carvinegs and monumenrs are believed to be ancestor workship.

The long drive from the lowlands to the mountain stronghold of Tanaopens up a breath-taking new world. The rugged mountains and verdant valleys are home to a people whose love of religious spectacle is equaled only by their hospitality. With majestic panoramas, captivating villages and dramatic ceremonies, Tana Toraja is the undisputed highlight of any journey to Sulawesi.

March 15, 2009

Kalimantan Island, The second's largest Island in the world

Formerly known as Borneo, Kalimantan is the world's second largest island. The North and North-western part of the island are the East Malaysian state of Serawak and Sabah, with the newly independent state of Brunei Darusalam between them.

The rest of the island is part of Indonesia, divided into four provinces - East Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan and South Kalimantan.

The tremendous outspread of jungles and wilderness, which are so rich in natural resources as timber, gas, oil and coal as well as scenic beauty - are comparable to that of a continent alone. Focal point for most visitors is the mighty Mahakam river, which meanders through thousands of kilometers through one of the worlds largest tropical rainforests, from its head water near the center of the island.The twenty main Dayak tribes - once feared as headhunters have their homes in this river basin, A remarkable varieties of plants and animals life including the famous fresh water dolphins which often accompany boats along the river make a visit to Kalimantan an enthralling venture to a different world. In year to come the Mahakam river trips are most likely to have a more modern outlook with modern crafts and all possible amenities. Unfortunately under such circumstances the Dayak village would have last their primitive charm, and a cliche scene of souvenirs shops would cluster along the riverside.

The time to take your Mahakam river trip is now...!! we hesitate to say that this tours are designed for the vigorous and adventurous visitors, but those taking these tours should be prepared for a degree of un-sophistication. River crafts have usually only one toilet on board, and sleeping accommodation is on the thin mattress, with blankets provided. If you are prepared to put up rith a little roughing up for a few days you will be guaranteed the adventure of your life time.

Tanjung Puting reserve, 415.050 hectares is situated in an ecologically diverse area of wetland, lowlands, swamp and hardwood rain forest. Borneo and Sumatra are the only places left in the world where Orang Utans (the man of the forest) still survive in their natural habitat.

EAST KALIMANTAN

Welcome to East Kalimantan, One of the Provinces in Indonesia often called "The Equatorial Pearl " because of its abundant natural wealth. The area also offers amazing natural beauty. By going along the river or trekking in the rain forest, I am inviting you learn about the remote world of the original culture of Dayak tribes and their life style as a harmonious unity with the surrounding nature in the hinterland .

We offer you an attractive adventure arrange through our tour packages with the concept of "Back To Nature" in mind, and you will be guided by our experienced guides. You will be able to obtain coloufull photographs but also you will have unforgettable deep impressions of your stay with us in Benua Etam Kalimantan.

read more about East Borneo/Kalimantan Highlights

WEST KALIMANTAN

West Kalimantan is bordered on the north by Serawak, East Malaysia, on the south by Java sea and Central Kalimantan and ranges east from the Natuna sea to meet the province of Central and Eastern Kalimantan. West Kalimantan, as one of the member of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philipina East Asean Growth Area ( BIMP-EAGA ) has rich potency and opportunities that can be offered to private sector for supporting the economic development of West Kalimantan.

A four Governor from 4 provinces in Kalimantan created deal among them and yielded agreement the they agree to construct Trans Kalimantan in order to connect their province. Although the connecting road is still inappropriate condition, those roads have already connected among the capital city. Trans Kalimantan has been offered by West Kalimantan to Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam. Indonesia ( West Kalimantan ), Malaysia ( Serawak and Sabah ) and Brunei Darussalam agree to construct the road which are connecting the country and named it "Pan Borneo Highway".

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SOUTH KALIMANTAN

The town of Banjarmasin, the capital city of South Kalimantan is very charming place. It is cross by waterways. There is never end activity on the river. Overladen rice barges, almost awash are towed in snaky chains. There are hawker or merchant in their tiny sampan offering their ware such as fish, fowl, or fruit and vegetables of the garden. This unique floating market is one of the most interesting and colorful sigh of South Borneo. Everyday early in the morning, no later than 7 o'clock, unusual activity starts taking place on the floating market. The crust of the canal traffic, people selling, buying and those who just come to see it, all is traffic, and several traffic of 'water-polices' are seen a top launches trying to direct and keep the water traffic going.

read more about South Borneo/Kalimantan Highlights

CENTRAL KALIMANTAN

Welcome to Central Kalimantan and Tanjung Putting National Park. This special part of Indonesia is of great fascination to all who visit the culture is the vast waterways. The flora and fauna are all interesting and worthwhile.

No where else on earth will one discover such a lovely and unique place by visiting Tanjung Putting National Park. You will bio diversity it and be captivated by nature stemming enriched by the spirit of the people of the region and those all remain substantially wild and nature. As the great apes, Orangutan are among human kind's closest living relative in the Animal Kingdom. And you will be entering the realm of pre historic wonder of nature.

read more about Central Borneo/Kalimantan Highlights

March 9, 2009

Java Island

Java (Indonesian: Jawa) is an island of Indonesia and the site of its capital city, Jakarta. Once the centre of powerful Hindu kingdoms, Islamic sultanates, and the core of the colonial Dutch East Indies, Java now plays a dominant role in the economic and political life of Indonesia. Home to a population of 130 million in 2006, it is the most populous island in the world, ahead of Honshū, the main island of Japan. Java is also one of the most densely populated regions on Earth. If the island was a country, it would be the tenth most populous in the world, just ahead of Japan.

Formed mostly as the result of volcanic events, Java is the 13th largest island in the world and the fifth largest island in Indonesia. A chain of volcanic mountains forms an east-west spine along the island. It has three main languages, and most residents are bilingual, with Indonesian as their second language. While the majority of Javanese are Muslim, Java has a diverse mixture of religious beliefs and cultures.

Etymology

The origins of the name 'Java' are not clear. One possibility is that early travellers from India named the island after the jáwa-wut plant, which was said to be common in the island during the time, and that prior to Indianization the island had different names. There are other possible sources: the word jaú and its variations mean "beyond" or "distant". And, in Sanskrit yava means barley, a plant for which the island was famous. Other source states that the "Java" word is derived from a Proto-Austronesian root word, meaning 'home'.

Outsiders often referred to Java and the neighboring islands by the same name, or used names inconsistently for different islands. For example, Marco Polo refers to neighbouring Sumatra as "little Java".

Geography


The mount and crater of Tangkuban Parahu in Bandung, West Java
Java lies between Sumatra to the west and Bali to the east. Borneo lies to the north and Christmas Island to the south. It is the world's 13th largest island.
Java is almost entirely of volcanic origin; it contains no fewer than thirty-eight mountains forming an east-west spine which have at one time or another been active volcanoes. The highest volcano in Java is Mount Semeru (3,676 m). The most active volcano in Java and also in Indonesia is Mount Merapi (2,968 m). See Volcanoes of Java. Further mountains and highlands help to split the interior into a series of relatively isolated regions suitable for wet-rice cultivation; the rice lands of Java are among the richest in the world. Java was the first place where Indonesian coffee was grown, starting in 1699. Today, Coffea arabica is grown on the Ijen Plateau by small-holders and larger plantations.

The area of Java is approximately 132,000km2. The island's longest river is the 600 km long Bengawan Solo River. The river rises from its source in central Java at the Lawu volcano, then flows north and eastwards to its mouth in the Java Sea near the city of Surabaya. The island is administratively divided into four provinces (Banten, West Java, Central Java, and East Java), one special region (Yogyakarta), and one special capital district (Jakarta).

History

The chain of volcanic mountains and associated highlands running the length of Java kept its interior regions and peoples separate and relatively isolated. Before the advent of Islamic states and European colonialism, the rivers provided the main means of communication, although Java's many rivers are mostly short. Only the Brantas and Sala rivers could provide long-distance communication, and thus around their valleys supported the centres of major kingdoms. A system of roads, permanent bridges and toll gates is thought to have been established in Java by at least the mid-seventeenth century. Local powers could disrupt the routes as could the wet season and road use was highly dependent on constant maintenance. Subsequently, communication between Java's population was difficult.

Demography

Java is by far the most populous island in Indonesia, with approximately 62% of the country's population, and is the most populous island in the world. With 130 million inhabitants at 1026 people per km², it is also one of the most densely-populated parts of the world. If it were a country, it would be the second-most densely-populated country of the world after Bangladesh, if very small city-states are excluded. Approximately 45% of the population of Indonesia is ethnically Javanese.
Since the 1970s the Indonesian government has run transmigration programs aimed at resettling the population of Java on other less-populated islands of Indonesia. This program has met with mixed results; sometimes causing conflicts between the locals and the recently arrived settlers.

Ethnicity and culture

See also: Culture of Indonesia and Music of Java
Despite its large population and in contrast to the other larger islands of Indonesia, Java is comparatively homogeneous in ethnic composition. Only two ethnic groups are native to the island — the Javanese and Sundanese. A third group is the Madurese, who inhabit the island of Madura off the north east coast of Java, and have immigrated to East Java in large numbers since the 18th century. The Javanese comprise about two-thirds of the island's population, while the Sundanese and Madurese account for 20% and 10% respectively.

Four major cultural areas exist on the island: the kejawen or the Javanese heartland, the north coast of the pasisir region, the Sunda lands of West Java, and the eastern salient, also known as Blambangan. Madura makes up a fifth area having close cultural ties with coastal Java.
In the southwestern part of Central Java, usually named the Banyumasan region, a cultural mingling occurred; bringing together Javanese culture and Sundanese culture to create the Banyumasan culture. In the central Javanese court cities of Yogyakarta and Surakarta, contemporary kings trace their lineages back to the pre-colonial Islamic kingdoms that ruled the region, making those places especially strong repositories of classical Javanese culture. Classic arts of Java include gamelan music and wayang puppet shows.

Java was the site of many influential kingdoms in the Southeast Asian region, and as a result, many literary works have been written by Javanese authors. These include Ken Arok and Ken Dedes, the story of the orphan who usurped his king, and married the queen of the ancient Javanese kingdom; and translations of Ramayana and Mahabarata. Pramoedya Ananta Toer is a famous contemporary Indonesian author, who has written many stories based on his own experiences of having grown up in Java, and takes many elements from Javanese folklore and historical legends.

Languages

Languages spoken in Java (Javanese is shown in white)
The three major languages spoken on Java are Javanese, Sundanese and Madurese. Other languages spoken include Betawi (a Malay dialect local to the Jakarta region), Osing and Tenggerese (closely related to Javanese), Badui (closely related to Sundanese), Kangeanese (closely related to Madurese), and Balinese. The vast majority of the population also speaks Indonesian, generally as a second language.

Religion

More than 90 percent of Javanese are Muslims, on a broad continuum between abangan (more nominal or syncretic) and santri (more orthodox). Small Hindu enclaves are scattered throughout Java, but there is a large Hindu population along the eastern coast nearest Bali, especially around the town of Banyuwangi. There are also Christian communities, mostly in the larger cities, though some rural areas of south-central Java are strongly Roman Catholic. Buddhist communities also exist in the major cities, primarily among the Chinese Indonesian. The Indonesian constitution recognises six official religions. (See Religion in Indonesia.)
Java has been a melting pot of religions and cultures, which has created a broad range of religious belief. Indian influences came first with Shivaism and Buddhism penetrating deeply into society, blending with indigenous tradition and culture. One conduit for this were the ascetics, called resi, who taught mystical practices. A resi lived surrounded by students, who took care of their master's daily needs. Resi's authorities were merely ceremonial. At the courts, Brahmin clerics and pudjangga (sacred literati) legitimised rulers and linked Hindu cosmology to their political needs.

Islam, which came after Hinduism, strengthened the status structure of this traditional religious pattern. The Muslim scholar of the writ (Kyai) became the new religious elite as Hindu influences receded. Islam recognises no hierarchy of religious leaders nor a formal priesthood, but the Dutch colonial government established an elaborate rank order for mosque and other Islamic preaching schools. In Javanese pesantren (Islamic schools), The Kyai perpetuated the tradition of the resi. Students around him provided his needs, even peasants around the school.
Pre-Islamic Javanese traditions have encouraged Islam in a mystical direction. There emerged in Java a loosely structured society of religious leadership, revolving around kyais, possessing various degrees of proficiency in pre-Islamic and Islamic lore, dogma and practice.The kyais are the principal intermediaries between the villages masses and the realm of the supernatural. However, this very looseneess of kyai leadership structure has promoted schism. There were often sharp divisions between orthodox kyais, who merely instructed in Islamic law, with those who taught mysticism and those who sought reformed Islam with modern scientific concepts. As a result, there is a division between santri, who believe that they are more orthodox in their Islamic belief and practice, with abangan, who have mixed pre-Islamic animistic and Hindu-Indian concepts with a superficial acceptance of Islamic dogma.

A wider effect of this division is the number of sects. In the middle of 1956, the Department of Religious Affairs in Yogyakarta reported 63 religious sects in Java other than the official Indonesian religions. Of these, 35 were in Central Java, 22 in West Java and 6 in East Java. These include Kejawen, Sumarah, Subud, etc. Their total membership is difficult to estimate as many of their adherents identify themselves with one of the official religions.

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