Travel and Tourism

If we want to travel and know the history of the world, Machu Picchu could be our alternative tourist destination. Machu Picchu is one evidence of amazing ancient human civilization. Machu Picchu is located in the mountains with altitude 2450 meters above sea level, precisely in the Urumamba Valley, 80 km north of Cusco, Peru State.

Machu Picchu means Old Mountain in Quechua language, which is sometimes called the Lost City of the Inca. Machu Picchu is the most famous symbol of Inca Empire that ever existed in the ancient South America. Location of Machu Picchu was a secret and remote, in the mountains near the precipice, as a form of natural defense.

Construction of buildings in Machu Picchu proves that ancient human civilization has advanced. Machu Picchu was built by the ancient Inca architectural style with walls of polished stone. The main building is Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun and Three Window Room. These places are sacred area of Machu Picchu. There are thousands of very high value artifacts that found there. The central building of Machu Picchu has the classical architectural style with stone wall which is neatly arranged.

Incas were recognized in the world as the best in terms of buildings, including irrigation. Irrigation system was built to bring water from the holy spring to each house in turn. Because the structure of state land in Peru earthquake prone, then the construction of buildings in Machu Picchu built without mortar. The stones were arranged till they can move a little but did not collapse. Design of doors and windows are trapezium-shaped with a certain slope so that spared from the earthquake. How the Inca people can put a large stone blocks on top of the mountain remains a mystery until now.
Now some of the artifacts used for research in order to know more about the history of the Inca tribe. Machu Picchu is estimated to include the generation of the 9th Inca who ruled in the mid-15th century.

Dubai is one of the states in United Arab Emirates called with Emirate of Dubai.  United Arab Emirates as the third biggest oil producer in the Gulf Area after Saudi Arabia and Iran, consist of 7 emirates, namely Abu Dhabi (capital state), Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman,Umm al-Qaiwan, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah.  Dubai has an area of 83,100 square km and called as The State of Black Pearls.

Dubai has a number of landmarks or a global characteristic, which reminds us similar to the story of Babel Tower, a development of city tower that was built with the ambition to reach the sky. Some of phenomenal and spectacular works in Dubai were:

a.    The Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is one of the biggest and the best mall or plaza in the world.

b.    Burj Dubai
Burj Dubai is the tallest building in the world, surpassing the height of KVLY-TV tower at North Dakota, United States.  Burj Dubai development value is about 1 billion U.S dollars and was designed with a height more than 800 meters and 169 floor covering.

c.   Palm Island
Palem Island is an artificial island called The Palm and was built at the offshore area.

d.    The Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab is a hotel as tall as Eiffel Tower in Paris that reached 321 meters in height and the most luxurious and the first seven-star hotel in the world.  The cheapest room is 9,000 dirham or 2,700 U.S dollar per day and the most expensive room is 60,000 dirham or 18,000 U.S dollar per day….!!

e.    Falconcity of Wonders (FCW)
Falconcity of Wonders is a city area with the concept of mini world that was brought into the Dubai Emirate.  In FCW there was a luxurious residential complex with replica of the most famous and amazing architecture places in the whole world like Egyptian Pyramids, Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal in India and Pisa Tower in Italy.

How Wonderful it is…. !!

For hundreds of years, the residents of Wukirsari village in Imogiri, Yogyakarta, have produced fine pieces of batik, passing on the ancient skill from generation to generation. On May 27 last year, the village was devastated when a massive earthquake hit the region. Many residents lost their homes and most of their possessions in the disaster.

However, the earthquake failed to dampen the local’s spirit, with batik makers quickly working to restore their shattered economy and rebuild their lives.

We worked in the batik industry before the earthquake, but now we do everything ourselves, including drawing, dyeing and selling pieces of batik,†said Muqoyaroh, 50, head of the Berkah Lestari batik cooperative in Karangkulon hamlet, Wukirsari, a kilometer northeast of the Mataram royal cemetery in Imogiri.

Muqoyaroh said four months after the disaster, approximately 150 batik makers from the Karangkulon, Giriloyo and Cengkehan hamlets decided to set up the cooperative. Read more…

Lumpia Semarang is a kind of food like ‘rollade’, with ‘rebung’ or bamboo sprout, egg, chicken meat and shrimp in its inside.  The cuisine of Lumpia is a mix between Chinese and Indonesian cuisine because the first maker of lumpia was a Chinese who getting married with Indonesian.  The main base material of ‘lumpia skin’ is a mixture of wheat flour and eggs which fried thinly.  Lumpia can be served with a sauce that made from brown sugar, garlic, cayenne pepper, salt and starch flour..

Gado-gado is Indonesia’s food which is made from a mixture of several types vegetables.  The vegetables used in two form, have been boiled and uncooked one.  The boiled vegetables were cabbage, cabbage flower, long beans and beans sprout. Meanwhile, uncooked vegetables were selada and cucumber.  All vegetables were sliced, mixed and served with peanut sauce, boiled eggs, fried tofu, crackers or emping melinjo and also fried onion topping.  This food is like vegetable salad.

Bika Ambon is typical cake of Medan, North Sumatera Indonesia.  The main base materials of this cake were sago flour, eggs, sugar and coconut milk.  Distinctive skill is required in making this cake because the uniqueness that we can find out in Bika Ambon.  There were like bubbles inside of cake that has been cooked.

Empek-empek is typical food of Palembang, South Sumatra Indonesia.  The main materials of this food are meat of tenggiri fish, sago flour and eggs.  Meanwhile, the main materials of sauce or ‘cuka’ are brown sugar, garlic, vinegar and ebi or dried shrimp.

Rendang is original food of Minangkabau, West Sumatra Indonesia.  The main base material of this food is beef.  Something that makes this food special is the way to cook and the ingredient.  Many kind of ingredient is used such as cayenne pepper, onion, hazelnut, ginger, a lot of coconut milk and various spices.  Not only that, it  also take several hours to make this food due to achieve the delicious rendang.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the Five Great Palaces, built by Joeson Dynasty (1392-1910). Four others are Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung, Chaggyeonggung and Gyeonghuigung.  The Five Great Palace is The Culture Monument which is the most be admired and the most visited by tourists in Korea.

Gyeongbokgung Palace
The meaning is Palace that be blessed by Heaven.  This palace was built in 1395 as the main palace of Joseon Dynasty.  On the front yard, there is a wide range of paving stones.  Standing in the middle, a building called Geunjeongjeon, place where the emperor holding the government, meetings, receive foreign guests and the ceremony of inauguration.  On the side yard of Gyeongbokgung, there is a pool with glorious pavilion. This pavilion is used if the emperor makes a reception.

Meanwhile, the back yard is a place where the concubine living. In here, there is a pool with a small island in the middle and the beautiful building called Hyangwonjeong standing there.

Changdeokgung Palace
Built in 1405, Changdeokgung is a palace where the family of the emperor was living.  Part of the palace that most famous was ‘Secret Yard’ located on back yard.  Tours at Changdeokgung must be guide by travel guide except on Thursday in April to November.  The tour take in 1 hour 20 minute, with 3000 won cost or about $ 3.

Changgyeonggung Palace
Built by the fourth king of Josoen Dynasty, King Sejong (1418-1450), dedicated for his father, King Taejong.  This palace was often used for the residence of empress and concubine.  During the Japanese colonialism (1905-1945), this palace is used as the zoo and botanical garden.

Deoksugung Palace
This palace is ever be the main palace for The Great Han Dynasty (1897-1910).  Deoksugung appears as the center of modern history of Korea in 1897.  Inside of this palace, there were two western -style buildings namely Seokjojoen and National Art Museum of Deoksugung.  Both of these buildings were made from stone, not wooden, like other palaces.  These buildings were built by The Great Han Dynasty as effort to modernization.

Gyeonghuigung Palace
In the past, this palace was the second palace where the emperor lived in emergency condition.  During Japanese invasion to Korea, the Japanese school was moved to this palace.

And then… how important of these palace for Korean people ?

“These buildings were the ‘gate’ between us and our ancestor as the founders of this nation that bring us at now on.  That’s why the government is willing to spend much cost for their renovation and conservation.”

Barbados Surfing conditions are ideal for any level of surfer.  Barbados is almost guaranteed to have surf somewhere on any given day of the year. Coral reefs practically encircle Barbados’ coastline giving the island the Caribbean’s most consistent surf conditions with swells all year round.   You can find point breaks and reef breaks on the island, rights and lefts.  To cap it all off you can travel to anywhere on the island in 45 minutes or less.

Check our list of hotels that are popular for the surfers who visit the island
Whether you are a beginner or advanced surfer there is something here for you, also available are surf lessons and surf tours.  Even the most advanced surfer know that there is nothing like local knowledge of a break.  Zed is the man to talk considered by many to be one of the top and most knowledgeable surfers on the island he can organize a surf tour for you to suit your skill level.

The premier Surf Spot in the island is the Soup Bowl, which is like a magnet, if there is swell out there the Soup Bowl will catch it.  The east coast boasts the most powerful and biggest waves. Sitting on the eastern coast of the island this is where the Atlantic unloads it’s power.  With an offshore wind this is the spot every surfer dreams of riding.  Careful this is an advanced spot and should not be taken lightly.

The north and west coasts of Barbados have some great spots as well, like Mullins, Sandy Lane, Batts Rock and Tropicana to name a few, but these only go off with a north swell.

On the South there are breaks like South Point, Freights, Brandons and Surfers Point.  Check our listings of Surf Breaks for more information on these and other beaks on the island.
The warm waters of the Caribbean and laid back lifestyle of the people coupled with the stunning tropical scenery make this a surf destination well worth your time.  Beware many who make the trip return again and again and again……..

While Barbados has swell all year the best time for solid ground swell is from October to March when waves can range anywhere from  2 to 12 ft in the north and east of the island and 2 to 8 ft for other breaks.  This is also the time for the West to cash in on north swells. From April to September the surf is between 2 to 6ft, coupled with lighter winds,  especially in the summer this can make for near perfect glassy conditions – ideal for a great surfing vacation.

Matahari Island
Located on the Macan Besar Island in the northern part of Jakarta Bay, which is situated approximately at 6° South/106° East, the Matahari Island Resort can be reached either by sea or by air. The Sea crossing by cruiser can be done in 1,5 hours. Helipad are provided for Helicopters.
Topography : Central plateau at approx 2,5 meters above sea level, along the centre of the island. Good quality sand, width at 3 to 5 meters. Beachfront : Right around the whole island, with the southern and western part being ideal for beach activities. Marine life : Well developed, Clearwater with visibility at 10 to 15 meters depth offering exceptional view of colorful tropical fishes and coral

Alam Kotok Island
Alam Kotok offers a chance to holiday in the untouched island habitat of the exotic ” Thousand Island” just 90 minutes from Jakarta. This peaceful tropical atoll has been kept in its original pristine state, the flora and the fauna undisturbed by cozy cottages tucked amongst the foliage, looking out to sea. Here the only sounds are the wind in the trees, birdsong, and the gentle waves lapping the shore. Discover the gentle rhythm of island life, diving the colorful coral reefs, swimming and wandering at leisure.

Ayer Island
In ancient times, this island (Pulau Ayer) was the private recreational retreat of the former kings of the Thousand Island. The first President of the Republic of Indonesia also used it as his private vacationland many years ago. Today, this intimate and tranquil island with its secluded trees and beautiful beach has been dubbed ” Mutiara Kepulauan Seribu ” or ” Pearl of the Thousand Island “. Located only a short, 30 minutes boat trip from Marina, Ancol Jakarta, this enchanting island resort offering many kind of entertainment, recreational, water sport facilities beside unique accommodation with a total of 45 floating as well as on land cottages. Each cottage is fully air-conditioned and has its own bedroom, telephone, fridge, private bath, living room and terrace.

Everybody dreams of taking island holidays.  There are islands all over the world, each offering it’s own cultural experience and natural wonders.  Many spots for island holidays are still unspoiled and secluded, while others are lively and exciting.  Island holidays offer a real diversion from your everyday life.

In south Asia, you can take beach holiday in Indonesia.  There were thousands islands in Indonesia but some of them didn’t prepared yet for world tourism, thus they were still ‘virgin’.  The most famous island for world tourism is Kepulauan Seribu (Thousands Island).  Kepulauan Seribu means a’ Thousands Island’ consisting of almost 128 small island located in the Bay of Jakarta in the Java Sea.    Most of these islands are inhabited and can be reached in about 2 hours. The surrounding reefs are home to a wide variety of fishes, making Pulau Seribu Marine Resort an ideal spot for diving.

It is a resort that supported by the island beautiful landscape environment, for facilities of the luxuries traditional style cottages, crystal clear water, white sandy absolutely non pollution beach. It is an experience for you and your family or even to your business relations to ride the bicycles around enchanting environment, ride the jetsky in the crystal clear water, swim in the extra large swimming pool adjacent to the club house and the children playground, enjoy the exciting fishing spot with a traditional or a modern fishing boat, and feel the natural beauty of 9-hole golf course designed by international golf course architect. It is a perfect and a complete hide away from the daily hustle bustle of city life.  Some of Islands in Kepulauan Seribu are : Bidadari Island, Pelangi Island, Matahari Island, Alam Kotok Island, Anyer Island and Bira Besar Island.

Bidadari Island
For several years of conduction Pulau Bidadari Resort has become one of the marine tourism destinations in Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Island) which the people are very interested to visit it and as a national tourism asset.
The closest location with Marina Ancol beach with the distance less than 15 km. it take 20 minutes by speed boat, arriving at safety, silent and lonely place which is ideal for forgetting the crowded of tha capital city Jakarta.
The natural environment which keeps the ecosystem. combination between natural forset and sea, offers a special marine natural atmosphere. Any kind of recreation activities have been provided for a whole day. Supported by accommodation facilities, special building cottage with Menado ethnic, floating cottage with fishing settlement, meeting room, restaurant, bar, souvenir shop, Cherokee, Discotheque, billiard and exciting sport facilities, volley beach, table tennis and much more which may be conducted during enjoying recreation.

Pulau Bidadari is very steady place for family vacation, recreation of the company employee and meeting or other activities which can be done in fun relation.  And one unique facility which is offered as the only one in Indonesia is outbound training or team building chalange matra bahari (sea bases) located in kepulauan Seribu.

Pelangi Island
Pelangi island is located among the thousand island lie off Jakarta’s Northern Coast about 70 kilometers from Marina, Ancol ‘yacht’ harbour and can be reached by speed boats around one and a half hour trip. Densely covered by lush palm and pine trees which is surrounded by watch sandy beach in the middle of silver clean blue water will make this green tropical Pelangi island an ideal gateway to enjoy the sea, sand and sun.

The road from Makassar or Ujung Pandand to Toraja runs along the coast for about 130 km’s and then hits the mountains. After the entrance to Tana Toraja you enter a majestic landscape with giant gray, granites and stones and blue mountains at a distance after passing the market village of Mebali. They form a sharp contrast with the lively green of the fertile, rain-fed terraces and the rusty read of the tropical laterite soil. This is Tana Toraja, one of the most splendid areas in Indonesia.

Tana Toraja has a specific and unique funeral ceremony which is called Rambu Solo. In Tana Toraja, dead body is not buried, but it is put in Tongkonan for several times, even can be more than ten years until the family have enough money to held the ceremony. After ceremony, the dead body is brought to the cave or to the wall of the mountain. The skulls show us that the dead body is not buried but just put on stone or ground, or put in the hole.The funeral festival season begins when the last rice has been harvested, usually in late June or July, and lasts through to September. Read more…

There is just something about the ocean breeze and salt spray that makes a holiday on an island something you won’t soon forget.  Because islands can be found in every ocean and near every continent, island holidays can vary widely.  You can lay on a beach or watch whales, study botany or shop native craft stalls.  It’s all up to you when you plan your island holidays.

North American islands include the Canadian east coast islands of Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.  Island holidays to these areas will be filled with unspoiled natural beauty, cool, comfortable temperatures, and whale watching expeditions.

South of these regions is the little island of Bermuda off the eastern U.S. coast.  Bermuda is surrounded with hundreds of square miles of reef formations, making snorkeling an interesting activity there.  For the less adventurous, you can ride around in a glass bottom boat and view the beautiful undersea world.

Heading on south, we find the Carribean islands.  These have long been popular spots for tourists.  Here the beaches are white and sandy and the weather is very warm.  Up in the interior of these islands, you can find a wide variety of birds and other wildlife.  Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Barbados, the Virgin Islands, and many other spots make lovely island holidays.  Each island has it’s own unique flavor and feel.

Europe has islands of all types nearby which make great spots for island holidays.  Visit the isles of Greece and you will see clear seas, quiet beaches, olive groves, and the simple life.  Corfu is the choice of those who like up-to-date restaurants and shopping, while Lefkas is popular with wind-surfers and sailors.  The Portuguese island of Madeira boasts beautiful weather and one of the lowest crime rates in the world.  The Canary Islands, off the coast of Spain, are a popular tourist spot for Europeans.