LOMBOK ISLAND

PLACES OF INTEREST


SENGGIGI BEACH
Senggigi Beach is to Lombok what Kuta Beach is to Bali. It is the most popular and becomes the tourist centre of the island. However, it is incomparable to what Bali is now, if anything, Senggigi Beach resembles the idyllic Kuta Beach in its heyday many years ago when it was beautiful beach, flanked by some losmens ( low-cost family-run pensions ) and restaurants.
Senggigi Beach is set in tropical greenery where palm trees are grown, and it is located in mountain background with scenic spectacles. Of an eye view, it is almost no property like three-four-five star hotels are standing there, it looks so quite and peaceful. It has beautiful beaches; fascinating sunset and coconut palm trees are completing the dream of a holiday land. Then in the afternoon, and even at early morning as you turn your eyes off the Lombok Strait there would be hundreds of sailing boats on their way to fishing and home after their night in the ocean. All these are what Senggigi Beach is for you.

THE LESSER ISLANDS OF LOMBOK
Lombok has lots of smaller islands, which are sparkling along its coastal boundary. To the north, Gili Terawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, are the favourite islands providing white sandy beaches, clear crystal water, beautiful marine life, and colourful coral and fish.
More islands are located to the southwest of Lombok, namely Gili Nanggu, Gili Genting, Gili Gede, Gili Layar, Gili Poh, Gili Lampu, Gili Sudak and many others, are all unspoilt islands. Some islands are also located off the south coast and the eastern tip of Lombok.

PURA MERU
Pura Meru is the largest Hindu Temple in Lombok and it is dedicated to the Trimurti, the Hindu Trinity of Brahma, Shiva and Wisnu. The Pura symbolises the universe and has three courts. The first one is the hall with 'Bale Kul-Kul' a wooden bell beaten to call the Hindu people from the surrounding areas to ceremony. The second court is provided with two buildings where people may arrange their offerings such as fruits and flowers. The innermost is the centre court where three Merus and thirty-three smaller shrines are available. It is located in Cakranegara, and it was built in 1720.

MAYURA
It is one part of the Royal Court of the former Balinese Kingdom in Lombok and was built in 1744. It is situated close to Pura Meru in Cakranegara. The house in the middle of a large pond is called 'Bale Kambang' or the Floating House and was both a court of justice and a place of meeting for the Hindu Lords.
At the Bale Kambang some hajj-like-statues were put representing the good co-operation amongst the two larger communities, the Sasak-Moslem and the Hindu-Balinese.
In the attempt to rule Lombok, a Dutch colonial expedition came to Mayura to enforce their authority - General Van Ham the leader was killed here together with all of his men. His grave can still be seen at Karang Jangkong, Cakranegara.

MANDALIKA MARKET
This market is the re-present of the old Sweta Market. Proportionally as to what Sweta Market was, Mandalika Market remains the largest public market of Lombok complete with all of its uniqueness. All kinds of Lombok product can be found here. Varied Lombok crops, fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, clothes, kitchen utensils, agriculture-tools, almost anything, all arrange on its own stall and row depending on the sort of good to be sold. The grocers come from different part of the island and that also makes this market so interesting. Take your chance on listening them communicating one to another using our Sasak Language, you will be amazed - there are about 30 dialects of Sasak Language used on the island.
Mandalika Bird Market is located nearby; displaying various species rarely found nowadays, many are almost on the verge of extinction. This is an easy place to observe the bird treasury from the still existing faunas of West Nusa Tenggara Province.

NARMADA
Narmada was a summer palace for the Royal Family of King Anak Agung Ngurah, was built in 1727. It is a good place to spend some time after the hectic life of town, having beautiful gardens and an artificial lake made for ritual purposes.
A sacred spring water called 'Tirta Amerta Padmawangi' or more well-known as 'Water of Eternity', is believed to have the effect of keeping one fresh and young, can be found at the centre of the Palace. A holy temple lies at the top of the area is dedicated to Shiva and is called Pura Kalasa.

SURANADI
The mountain resort, Suranadi, offers great freshness and is suitable as a recreational area. It has plenty of spring water and has a cold watered pool. The surrounding forest offers an opportunity to wander and enjoy the quite atmosphere of tropical greenery. In the outside yards of the hotel, exist the eels, which have been sanctified and may not be caught. Suranadi lies at some six kilometres from Narmada.
Sesaot walking site can be found at two kilometres north of Suranadi. Golong Golf Course lies within ten minutes drive to the south. Also, Suranadi produces various kinds of fresh fruits - some fruit stalls are available just near-by the entrance of Suranadi Hotel. Suranadi is an ideal spot to have fun, sport and relaxation as well.

KARANG BAYAN
A traditional village situated at some seven kilometres north of Narmada, whose people still practise the unique Sasak tradition and life-style. Some note that the people still follow the faith of Moslem Waktu Telu, a belief resulting from the influence of Hinduism on Islam.
An old mosque can still be found in the centre of the village, and is preserved in the original construction style. Sekepat or Sekenem pavilions are found mostly at the front of the local's traditional houses functioned as meeting places or guest receptions. And a Rumah Adat (traditional house) where the head of the village lives, is located at the centre of the village, and is regarded as symbols of unification of the entire area.

LINGSAR
Lingsar Temple is the most unique and holy temple found only on this fertile land of Lombok. It belongs to both the Hindu and the Moslem Waktu Telu. Some may consider this uniqueness is odd, but here it is natural and is regarded as the re-present or symbol of harmony amongst these faithful people.
There are two main praying places, one named Pura Gaduh erected for the Hindus, and Kemalik for the ones following the faith of Moslem Waktu Telu.
An artificial war called 'Perang Ketupat' held once a year somewhere between October to December - may be interpreted in various ways. One might say as thanks giving ceremony, or a ritual to bring rain and good harvest. Ketupat is boiled rice wrapped with palm leaves and is used as the weapons instead of arrows, keris dagger or spear.

PURA GUNUNG SARI
Heroic patriotism remains alongside the history of Perang Puputan (suicide attack) as the last battle between the Dutch General, Van der Petter, with his troops and the King of Lombok Anak Agung Nengah with his followers (November 22, 1894). The battle, fought on the hill of Gunung Sari, was ended by the defeat of the King. A temple, known as Pura Gunung Sari, was erected on the hilltop as the witness of the tragedy. It is four kilometres from Mataram to the north.

BATU BOLONG
As its name implies, Batu Bolong is marked by a large rock with a hole in it. The Pura (temple) on top of the rock, looks across Lombok Strait to Bali where Mt. Agung towers over the horizon spiking the sky, is where the Hindu people come to make offering at certain time. The story told, is that, a long time ago one beautiful virgin was cased into the sea from the top of the rock; that is why, people say, the pura was built on the spot, and why many sharks petrol the water below to protect the holy place. When the weather is fine and the sky is clear, Batu Bolong is one of the best places to witness the amazing sunset of Lombok.

MT. PENGSONG
Approximately 6 kilometres to the South of Mataram lies Mt. Pengsong that offers visitors with scenic landscapes of it's surrounding. In fact this object is provided for the energetic, as we have to climb up to the top (in approximately ten to fifteen minutes) for the best rewards. Rice paddy fields, the surrounding villages and the entire towns of Ampenan, Mataram and Cakranegara can be viewed from this top. Besides when the weather is sunny day and the sky is clear, if you view to the West across the Lombok Strait there lies Mt. Agung of Bali. Some photography opportunists frequently took this spot for the best Lombok sunset. This place is regarded one of the sacred places for the Hindus, therefore on the very top of this hill was built one holy temple with few shrines. Some also note that the monkeys that live in this area was said to be the protector of this holy place.

GETAP
Getap Traditional Blacksmith Village is located at one kilometre to the South of Cakranegara. Manual labours such as pounding and hammering, blowing coal-fire with traditional air pump, heavy-sweats and the noise of bang-bang, are apart of daily routines to be found in this village. Some said that the people who become the blacksmiths of this area has been rewarded this particular job by the former Balinese King of Lombok. This talent then was inherited to the following generations. In the old time these people used to produce war-supplies, but mostly nowadays they produce all kinds of agriculture tools and daily utensils for family-houses. One thing we proud of these people are that most of them become the re-cycle agents of any wasted metal materials of cars and industries. This is in agreement to our views on environment sustainity.

THE WEST NUSA TENGGARA MUSEUM
This museum is the biggest one found in this province preserving artefacts and various historical items of Lombok and Sumbawa. Nowadays it houses over one thousand of precious items and the many Royal belongings of Bima, Dompu, Sumbawa Besar, Selaparang of East Lombok, Pejanggik of Central Lombok, Cakranegara of West Lombok, Bayan and Sembalun of North Lombok. The collections also include 1239 manuscripts conveying the ancient history of the area, written on lontar (dried palm leaves), barks of tree, and bamboo in ancient native language. This museum is located on Jalan Panji Tilar Negara in Ampenan.

SEKARBELA VILLAGE
Sekarbela Village is to Lombok what Celuk and Mas Village are to Bali. It is the centre of silver and goldsmith of Lombok. Nowadays, as this island is getting more popular with its pearl productions, hence the village is better known as the pearl centre. People can easily buy pearl jewelleries in silver or gold bounding; plenty of jewellery-shops line the main roadsides of this village. It is located at some two kilometres from Mataram to the South.

RUNGKANG
This village is one of the handicrafts centres of Lombok. Many kinds of Lombok handicrafts are produced in this village, such as the various items of woodcarvings, boxes of plaited elephant-grass, woods, bamboos and barks of trees. Antique souvenirs also can be found, such as old Lombok keris-daggers, antique weavings of various origins, porcelains etc. Visitors can easily shop and buy those things at the many souvenir-shops and handicrafts-centres of this village. It is located at some two kilometres from Cakranegara to the North.

THE LOMBOK KUTA BEACH
This beach is very popular in Lombok, besides it is the best beach found on this island. The local Sasak legend said that one beautiful Princess named Putri Mandalika (Princess Mandalika) had found her tragic faith here. She was so perfect and the kind of loveable woman by all of her people. There were some Princes deeply felt in love to her and all insisted on marrying her. She was so confused, but then The Almighty God gave her a solution for which she obeyed in her devotion and for her love to all of her people. Shortly it is said she was transformed into sea-worms of the local language is called 'Nyale'. One annual ceremony is held here on Kuta Beach, and this become inseparable tradition of the local Sasak people. To remind on her, some locals named the beach as Putri Mandalika Beach. Some hotels and bungalows now are available in Kuta Beach. It is about 60 kilometres from Mataram to the South.

BANYUMULEK, PENUJAK AND MASBAGIK
Pottery is the speciality of these villages. In the old time of Lombok most of the daily utensils were provided by nature combining with a simple process of creation. The clay soil was transformed into kitchenwares, and any sort of construction of facility necessary to support the watering systems for town and field. The people of the villages have created the pottery for many years and most seem to possess natural talent as well as the motivation to keep the tradition of pottery making alive.
It is worth witnessing these creations and mingling with the people will offer many enjoyable moments. While little kids are forming strange figures and their parents are spending their farm-off-time on simple looms, are the best moments for watching people at work along with the process, constantly in progress of teaching skills to the young.

LABUAPI WOODCARVING VILLAGE
There are lots of woodcraft centres in Lombok, but it's apparent that Labuapi village has the biggest productivity. The village itself has approximately 42 units of industry centre and accommodate 350 workers with product capacity of 24.900 pieces annually. There are various items produced here. Wood-masks, seashell decorated boxes, indigenous Lombok statues, wood-plates, and the many kinds of wall decoration of wood etc. The interestsants may include the visit to this village in half-day or full-day sightseeing.

SUKARARA VILLAGE
One might wonder that Indonesia's weaving art form is so various and distinctively from island to island, and even from village to village. The Lombok traditional weaving at Sukarara Village will impress you with its beautiful motives and designs. Glance at very young girls cleverly playing the threads and the wooden looms, creating patterns using figures of the moon, flowers, dragons, etc.
The tradition amongst the local Sasaks is that weaving is considered an essential talent that a woman should possess as much as the ability to grow and process rice, however, the local Sasak men are as much the weaver as the women.

PUJUT, RAMBITAN AND SADE VILLAGE
Pujut, Rambitan and Sade Village are the most interesting Sasak traditional villages where most of the inhabitants practise and maintain their traditional and cultural values. The Sasak villages exist mostly on sloping hills, with the people living on farm produce and the rising of cattle. Rice and corn, their annual crops, can be cultivated only during the rainy season, with most families keeping animals such as chicken, goats, cows and buffaloes for the food the offer during the summer season.
Sasak villages are distinctively marked by grass-roofed-houses symmetrically constructed on wood frames and most with bamboo-walls. Bale is the construction for a living house, built with a single room functioning both as a sleeping room and kitchen. Lumbung is a curve-like construction functions as a rice store. Most Sasak houses are built with a lumbung and some also include sekepat or sekenem, construction which functions as guest reception or meeting place.
Pujut, Rambitan and Sade Villages are located in the southern part of Lombok, some sixty kilometres from Mataram.

BELEKA AND LOYOK VILLAGE
These villages are situated in central and east Lombok, and both are featuring craftsmanship of a high standard. The rattan handicraft of Beleka Village and bamboo handicraft of Loyok Village offer quality and artistic design. Woodcarvings are also available in Beleka Village. The interestsants may have a wander through these villages in a full-day handicrafts tour.

TETEBATU, LOANGGALI, TIMBENUH AND LEMOR
These mountain resorts are situated in East Lombok featuring greenery and breathtaking views. Tetebatu provides walking paths through sawah (paddy field) and ladang (dry field) heading to preserved forest where communities of black-monkeys and rare species of birds can be seen. The art performance at Loanggali will impress you throughout the whole set of traditional dances acted by the locals. Timbenuh highland offers a vantage point from which half of Lombok with its panoramic views can be observed, and also the scenic spectacles, which extend across the Alas Strait to Sumbawa Island.
On the way to Lemor you will pass the grave of Rajah Selaparang the King of the first Moslem Kingdom of Lombok and that one of his daughter Princes Dewi Anjani, the Empress of all refined creatures inhabiting Mt. Rinjani, Lemor then awaits your discovery.

SEMBALUN
It is an isolated village, situated at more than a hundred kilometres to the north of Mataram, located in the middle high-land, surrounded by mountains, with the towering peak of Rinjani Volcano offering an endless beauty in the background. The village stands still, on its own, complete with its unchanged traditions performed in every aspect of daily life.
To become one of the gateways to climb Mt. Rinjani, this village provides mountain climbers some simple home-stays, porters and tourist information centre.

BAYAN
Having been made the base for trekking to Segara Anak Lake, Bayan Village is more popular than its neighbouring village, Sembalun. However, within the District Bayan some interesting objects can be found here and are still little known due to less publicity. Mesjid Bayan the 16th century old Moslem Mosque which is protected and preserved as part of the cultural heritage of Sasak people, Sendanggila Waterfall which is said to be connected to the crater lake of Rinjani Volcano, and Senaru Traditional Sasak Village the last village passed before ascending the Rinjani Mountain, all those are featuring unspoilt uniqueness.

RINJANI VOLCANO
The majestic pinnacle of Mt. Rinjani dominates the panoramas of Lombok. This island's highest peak (3726 metres) is seen from anywhere in Lombok. Some consider that Rinjani Mountain is sacred place; therefore it is common to observe the ritual practices made by the people on the lakesides or at certain places around the Crater Lake. This magnificent mountain has become the highlights of Lombok tourism and long has attracted visitors or climbers from both Indonesian and international tourists. Nowadays various facilities have been created to ease the climbers in accessing the volcano. Trekking tour guide and mountain porters have been provided with sufficient skills and knowledge's through training programs held by local government and some affiliated NGOs. There are two-access points to trek this mountain, ones may take Sembalun for the best access in ascending the mountain peak, and others may take Senaru access point to catch for Segara Anak Crater Lake. And ideal duration for this trekking tour is three days and two nights for Senaru - Base Camp III - Segara Anak Crater Lake return, and four days three nights for Sembalun - the Summit - Segara Anak Crater Lake - then return via Senaru Village.

TAJUNG LUAR
Tanjung Luar Village is well known for its quality fresh fish and it supplies the fish consumption of mostly the entire area of Lombok, consequently it is named the largest fishing village on the island. Fishing enthusiasts are recommended to fish here for the best catches. Barracuda, big tuna, stingray, sharks are favourite sea dwellers to be found off the coast. Just at near-by Tanjung Luar, a large traditional salt-farm with piles of crystals, and the farmer's simple kilns for further process, are observable during the drive to the village.

Trace-The-Past (Japanese Memorial Objects)
The island of Lombok is also preserving memorial objects in form of the Second World War ruins. Although most people will not spend most time for a moaning ceremony, but some would trace back what the-left-of-the-past. There are number of places spread-apart secluding the island, at Gili Terawangan, at Bangko-Bangko, at Tanjung Ringgit, at Lembah Sempaga, at Gunung Sari and many others which were hidden along with the history gone-by. Due to the distance, which extend in between each memorial object, at least two or three days tour is required to cover all of the destinations.

SURF-LOMBOK-WAVES
The most of Lombok south coasts offer the surf-seekers challenging waves of various grades. We have spotted out four surf-points, which are highly recommended for our surf lovers. Within the Lombok Kuta Beach we reserve two points, namely Gerupuk that provides neutral waves, and Aik Guling provided mostly for the left-handed. Several kilometres to the West of Kuta Beach we have found Pengantap desert point that provides various grades of attractions, but it is ideal only during the periods of June, July, August, December and January. Our next attraction is at Ekas Beach that reserves challenging waves and reef-break-point, reachable by boat or by land from Kuta Beach in approximately one and half hour cruise.

SEGARA RIVER - RAFTING (new)
An international standard river rafting now has taken place on over 8 kilometres long of Segara River, near Gondang, North of Lombok. A well-experienced rafting operator known as Lombok Inter Rafting operates this new attraction in Lombok, and it has made years of studies towards the establishment. The rafting location, the Segara River, is set amidst the tropical greenery of rain forest secluded by dense woods and ridges. The trip to the start point is also no less attractive as it passes through heartbreaking trails into woods and valleys. All rafting facilities of international standards are provided, including life insurance.

LOMBOK GOLF COURSES
There are two 18-hole golf courses have been developed in Lombok. Namely Rinjani Golf Country Club, which is located in Peresak Village, near Narmada, 30 minutes drive from Mataram or 45 minutes from Senggigi; and Lombok Golf Kosaido Country Club, which is located in Sire Beach, approximately 45 minutes drive from Senggigi or Mataram. Both courses offer international standard services, complete with golf club and restaurants. You can just come and play, compete with your friends for joys and funs, or exercise your skills by challenging the course's obstacles for your future championship.

Pangandaran Beach

Pangandaran Beach

Small mainland peninsula with a national park with beaches and stunning scenery to rival the beaches of Bali on the south coast of Java. Pangandaran is one of Java's best-kept secrets as far as international tourists are concerned, but has been extremely popular with locals for along, long time. A small fishing town, it possesses one of Java's finest beaches and Pangandaran Nature Reserve teems with wild buffalo, barking deer and monkeys. The people are very friendly, this combined with the idealize surroundings make this a great place to spend a few days relaxing island-style. Pangandaran is halfway between Bandung and Yogya, about 5 hours by bus from Bandung and 8 hours from Jakarta.

This is the second beach resort area on the Indian Ocean after Pelabuhan Ratu. The site is 223 from Bandung and 400km from Jakarta. The trip by car or bus is recommendable because the road conditions are good. However, if we prefer to take the train, get into Bandung-Yogyakarta Express train and get off at the Banjar railroad station about 4 hours later. From here it will be another 50 km by bus to Pangandaran. The beach is called Penanjung, where most of the cottages and hotels are located, however, of modest ratings. Nothing luxurious should be expected. Pangandaran is especially of interest to nature lovers, as there is a wildlife reserve in the vicinity where wild birds and other indigenous animals live about freely to be enjoyed by visitors. In Pangandaran visitors will like fine white beaches, blue ocean and fine seafood. Twelve kilometers before arriving at Pangandaran visitors will see a huge rock on the beach, which is called Karang Nini.

Another place of special interest for nature lovers is a forest Conservation Park, close to the camping ground, which has basic facilities suitable for the younger set. Somewhat further out, west of Pangandaran, driving 23 km on the way to Parigi, lays Batu Hiu, meaning Shark's Rock, a coastal rock that has the shark shape.

Puncak, Taman Safari, Jatiluhur Dam at West Java

Taman Safari

The wildlife conservation is located in Cibeureum village, Cisarua. Taman Safari Foundation owns the land in Taman Safari, which is also the management of the tourism object. Facilities in Taman Safari are bus, artificial lake, water cycling, canoe, swimming pool, mini train to see African style village, Bird Park, go cart, children playground, windmill, circus, merry-go-round etc.

Animals from all continents roam freely in this 35-hectare park, 75-km southeast of Jakarta along the Jakarta-Bandung route. Among the animals kept here are some comparatively rare species such as anoas, rhinos, giraffes, white tigers and European, American and Asian bears. Adjacent to the park is recreational grounds with a swimming pool, tennis courts, an artificial lake, waterfall and children's playground and amusement park. There are also restaurants and cafeterias.

Taman safari is a drive through zoo and amusement park and is open every day. On the way from Bandung to Taman Safari we have to pass Puncak, do not try to do this on Sunday or public holiday because we can end up in a big traffic jam, because Puncak is a very popular spot for people from Jakarta. Normally, it take 3,5 hours from Bandung to get to Taman Safari.

Puncak

Between Bandung and Bogor in the mountains lays Puncak, a cool area, which is very popular. People from Jakarta spend their weekend and on public holidays from the heat and busy streets of the capitol of Indonesia to Puncak. Bandung to Puncak takes about 3 hours drive. Puncak Pass area has long been the foremost weekend retreat for Indonesians capital city residents. The cool, fresh air, and the magnificent view offer a calm, fresh and peaceful feeling. In the afternoon, sunsets from the top of the pass can be quite spectacular.

Puncak Pass is one of interesting destination in the West Java Province. It is located in the south of Jakarta and can be reached by an hour journey. Puncak is an ideal place for weekend, as well as a good location to find a fresh mountain air. Besides, many attractions can be found nearby, such as the Bogor and Cobodas Botanical Gardens; the Gede Pangrango National Park; the Plantations and the Safari Park.

Puncak Indah consists of three districts: Ciawi, Megamendung, Cisarua. The area is familiar with its fresh air and beautiful panorama. From Ciawi to Cipanas, there are many bungalows, hotels, motels, restaurants, and other tourism facilities. Tourisms object in Puncak is Lido Park, which is located in Cigombong village/Wates Jaya (km. 21) Rd. Ciawi-Sukabumi, Cijeruk. Facilities that are provided in Lido Park ara restaurant, cottages, swimming pools, camping grounds, and other facilities for lake recreations. Gunung Mas XII Plantation, which is located in Rd. Puncak, Cisarua district. It offers panorama with hilly panorama, which could only be found in Puncak. Activities that could be done are tea walk and seeing the making of the tea from the picking of tea until the tea is ready to serve.

Jatiluhur Dam

Purwakarta is a part of West Java, a small district with its beautiful scenery of Jatiluhur Dam. It is located 9 kilometers from Purwakarta, is known as Juanda Dam, which could accommodate 3 billion cubic of water from Citarum River. Situated halfway between Jakarta and Bandung, this dam was originally built with French technical assistance in the 1950's to generate electrical power for the region. It is the first multipurpose dam in Indonesia. It now provides irrigation to the surrounding Arabic land and a fishery industry has been developed as well. It is now being developed for tourism and provides convenient facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, a camping ground, and speedboats for water skiing and cottages. The reservoir is huge, the scenery tropical, the air crisp and cool.

In the dam, there are six turbine units with installed capacity of 187 megawatts and could generate electricity of 1,000 million kilowatt ours per year. Besides, the dam functions to feed water to irrigation channel of 242,000 hectares of farming land provide raw water for drinking water, as fishery and as flood control.

Grama Tirta is a place where we can enjoy our holiday doing various kinds of outdoor sporting activities. Enjoy a morning walk at Jatiluhur Dam, inhaling the crisp fresh air. Let the cool morning dew on the grass and melodious songs of bird greet in each morning. Catch a glimpse of our Morning Glory and its breathtaking beauty will inspire us to new heights.

For those who love water sports and recreation, 8,300 hectares dam with its year round crystal clear waters, will be difficult to resist. Climb into a paddleboat to explore the Jatiluhur Dam, or just sit back and relax in a motorboat to experience the great outdoors. And if speed and challenge are what we are looking for, the fleet of jet skis will propel the tourists to all corners of the lake.

Asides from its function as hydro power plant, Jatiluhur dam also has a number of recreation facilities including hotels, bungalow, bar and restaurant, tennis court, billiard, camping site, swimming pool, meeting room, water sport recreation center, playground etc. Water sport recreation center includes rowing, surfing, water ski, boating and shipping. In Jatiluhur dam, there is a Ikan Keramba Jaring Apung or Keramba Fish Floating Net activity, that could become a distinguished activity in the dam. In the daylight or at night, we can fish with peace and eat roasted fishes.

Ciater, West Java

Ciater Hot spring

Ciater Hot Spring is a nice park with small pools in which we can sit or swim. The streams and pools are fed by warm mineral springs, which are created by the heat from nearby volcanoes. About 30 minutes from Tangkuban Perahu crater. Ciater is pretty little place in the middle of huge tea estate. Its main attraction is the Sari Ater Hot Spring Resort; the pools are probably the best of all the hot springs around Bandung. We can enjoy swimming in warm sulfurous water pools that can heal rheumatism and skin problems. Here we can swim in warm mineral water pools, good for healing skin problems. Ciater hot spring is one stop place for entertainment and relaxation. Ciater is located in Lembang, a green, lush place. The water contains iodium and sulfur, well for curing skin ailments and rheumatism. Equipped with tennis courts, restaurants, and camping area, Ciater is a good way to retreat from every day's life.

Ciater is another area with tea plantations and hot springs, eight km northeast of Tangkuban Perahu. The place also has a tea factory. Ciater is a good starting point for hiking, and has some accommodation.

Pelabuhan Ratu, West Java

PELABUHAN RATU

Pelabuhan Ratu is a lovely holiday resort, visited by holidaymakers from Jakarta and Bandung. The site is only three-hour drive from either city through cool mountain villages with picturesque sceneries. Pelabuhan Ratu - Cisolok is a 15 km stretch of breathtaking beauty with hills, mountains and very wide sandy beaches everywhere around, set against the deep blue Indian Ocean. Right next to stretches of white beaches, visitors will find thick tropical forests on rolling ahills. Taking walks uphill enables the visitor to look down on the horseshoe shape of the bay's coastline, whereas at night hundreds of afishermen's boat-lamps are seemingly competing with the star-studded sky above, which is both enchanting and romantic. There is one four-star hotel, Samudera Beach, about 6 km from Pelabuhan Ratu, but several other smaller hotel and cottages are available at moderate rates.

At this virgin stage, this area represents unspoiled beauty in a typically tropical setting with hospitable inhabitants. Because of its proximity to Jakarta, more tourists visit this area from the capital than those from Bandung. Moreover, the highways to and from Pelabuhan Ratu have recently been greatly improved to assure the visitor of a smooth ride to enjoy the sceneries that pass even well. Good for taste, swimming, sun bathing and surfing.

The picturesque fishery village, more than 50 kilometers southwest of Sukabumi, is home to the mysterious goddess of the South Sea, Nyai Roro Kidul. The legend tells that the sea in Karanghawu would have taken her, 14 kilometers to the west. Pelabuhan Ratu ('seaport of the queen') is located in a wide bay, which has had the name 'Wijnkoopsbaai'. During the weekends this village is overloaded with visitors from Jakarta. It's not advised to take a bath in the domain of the goddess, and especially not in green clothes. Green is the favorite color of Nyai Roro Kidul and wearing it is an invitation for her to take that person to the depths of the ocean.

Bandung, West Java

BANDUNG

Bandung is the capital of West Java in Indonesia. Bandung is 180 kilometers southeast from Jakarta. Although it has a population of over two million the pace of city life is slower than Jakarta's. Today Bandung has a population of 2 million people, Bandung area an estimated 4 million. Bandung is situated on a plateau 768 meters above sea level with a cool climate throughout the year. Bandung is the most European city of Java. The raining season starts in Bandung a little bit earlier, then the rest of Indonesia. Normally the raining season in Indonesia is from October till May, the peak of the raining season is in January. The dry season is from June until August, temperature is then 25-30 degrees Celsius during the day. In the morning, the sun is almost shining every day, but in the afternoon many times it gets cloudy, for sunbathing we have to wake up early from 6.30 the sun is already there. In the evening when the sun is down the temperature has drops. The average temperature in Bandung is 22 degrees Celsius; the weather is pleasant all year round.

There are short drives up to the mountain resorts of Lembang and the Bosscha Observatory, and higher to the volcanic crater of Tangkuban Perahu, the only crater in Java accessible all the way by car as far as its rim. It is an awe-inspiring sight of emanating sulfur fumes. Descent into all the volcano's 12 craters is only possible with the aid of an experienced guide, because of the presence of suffocating gases at certain spots.
Just a 15 minutes drive from Tangkuban Perahu is a hot springs resort. Here we can swim in warm mineral water pools, good for healing skin problems. The resort provides visitors with a bar, restaurants, tennis courts and cottage style hotels overlooking a beautiful mountain-scope.

In Bandung, try to see the "Wayang Golek" wooden puppet show and hear the "Angklung" bamboo orchestra, as well as the classical Sundanese gamelan and dances. Several institutes of higher education are located here, including the country's prestigious Bandung Institute of Technology.

HISTORY
In 1488, the area now named Bandung was the capital of the Kingdom of Pajajaran. During colonial times, the government of the Dutch East Indies built a supply road connecting Batavia (now Jakarta), Bogor, Cianjur, Bandung, Sumedang and Cirebon. This event was very important for the growth of Bandung. In the 1930s the Dutch East Indies government planned for Bandung to become the capital of the Dutch East Indies due to its location, however World War II disrupted these plans.

It is not known exactly when Bandung city was built. However, contrary to the beliefs of some the city was not originally built by the orders of Daendels, the Dutch East Indies Governor General, but by the orders of 'Bupati' R.A. Wiranatakusumah II. The Dutch colonial powers built wide tree-lined boulevards, villas, gardens, and fountains, earning Bandung the nickname of "Parijs van Java", the Paris of Java, in the early 20th century. Many of these structures survive to today, and can be seen along the road leading to the Dago area north of the city.

After Indonesian independence, Bandung was named as the provincial capital of West Java. Bandung was the site of the Bandung Conference which met April 18-April 24, 1955 with the aim of promoting economic and cultural cooperation among the African and Asian countries, and to counter the threat of colonialism or neocolonialism by the United States, the Soviet Union, or other imperialistic nations.

Tangkuban Perahu Mountain, West Java

Mount Tangkuban Perahu

Tangkuban perahu is a volcano, 25 kilometers north of Bandung direction of Lembang. Its location is in between Sagalaherang village, Sagalaherang district, Subang regency and Cikole village, Lembang district, Bandung regency. This is Bandung's most famous tourist volcano just 28 km north of the city. This volcano offers many places to see and explore. Whether we look into the huge crater or hike down into it, stroll through the forest on its slopes, or simply enjoy the splendid panoramic scenery. Mt. Tangkuban Perahu is an interesting destination that everyone in the Bandung area is fond of visiting. When seen from Bandung, Mt. Tangkuban Perahu has a distinctive shape, like an upside down boat. Tangkuban Perahu means, in fact, "up-turned boat" This peculiar shape has stimulated the fantasy of the Sundanese people from early times as expressed in the Legend of Sangkuriang. Geologically, Mt. Tangkuban Perahu has played a significant role in the development of Parahyangan highlands. Eruptions have contributed immensely to the hills north of Bandung through lava flowing into the valleys and hardening into rock, thus forming big cliffs over which waterfalls leap. Likewise, mud flows have formed a semi-circular cone of gentle gradient (what geologists call "a fan"), which is now a mass that blocked the valley of the ancient Citarum River near present day in Padalarang (some 18 km west of Bandung), this caused a lake to form covering the whole Bandung plain.

Tangkuban Perahu is a volcano with three craters into which areas tourists can walk through. These three craters are: Kawah Ratu ("Queen Crater"), Kawah Domas ("Domas Crater"), and Kawah Upas ("Upas Crater"). Tourists can go down into the Domas Crater where exist many hot geysers in which they can boil eggs. Though the mountain appears peaceful, mild eruptions occurred in 1969, when Kawah Ratu spewed ash and barrages 500 m high. As recently as September 1992 it was closed to the public for a few days because unusually high seismic activity leads volcanologist to fear a new eruption. On the mountain's northern flank is an area called Death Valley, so named for its frequent accumulation of poisonous gases. On a reasonably clear day, from Kawah Ratu, the main crater, we can see not only the mountain range to the east, with Mt. Bukittunggul as its highest peak (2,209 m), but also two other in a northeasterly direction. The lower and nearer one is Mt. Tampomas (1,684 m) just north of Sumedang some 40 km away. To the right and about 90 km away is Mt. Ciremai close to Cirebon on the north coast. At 3,078 m, Mt. Ciremai is West Java's tallest mountain. At the foot of Mt. Tangkuban Perahu we see the Ciater tea plantation covering the rolling hills. Farther to the left are the northern coastal plains of Java, and on an extremely clear day we may even be able to see the Java Sea beyond.

Kawah Ratu, which means "Queen's Crater", is today just a big gray hole, which sometimes has a pool of water at its center. Poisonous gases sometimes accumulate in Kawah Ratu, thus making it somewhat of a risk to descend to the crater floor. Beyond the saddled shaped depression on the far side of Kawah Ratu is the still active Kawah Upas, the oldest crater on the mountain. On the very far western cliff we see a spot where all vegetation has been destroyed by constantly rising sulfurous vapors. On the crater walls, note the various layers of material consisting of rock, sand, and pebbles. Overtime, new craters have formed again and again in a rather consistent shift from west to east. The most well known of these is the Domas crater, but also there are other smaller ones in jungle on the mountain's northeastern flank. Facilities in Tangkuban Perahu Crater are comfortable parking area, souvenir kiosks, and restaurants.