Showing posts with label tourism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tourism. Show all posts

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Bedugul, Botanical Garden

Botanical GardenThe Bali Botanical Garden (Indonesia: Kebun Raya Bali) is a large tropical botanical park in Bali, in the Bedugul region, in the village of Candikuning, Baturiti district, in the Tabanan region in the highlands. Trays in the center of Bali, about 56 km from the city of Denpasar.
Bali Botanical Garden Bedugul, formerly known as Eka Karya Botanical Garden, is located at an altitude of 1250-1450 m above sea level and covers an area of ​​157.5 hectares.
The average temperature in Kebun Raya Bali is 17 to 25 ° C during the day and 10 to 15 ° C at night and the humidity is between 70 and 90%. Since the weather is difficult to predict, it is recommended that you always make warm clothes, umbrellas or raincoats.
To get to the Botanical Garden of Bali, it is advisable to take a taxi, a car, a motorbike or a tourist bus as public transport is not suitable due to an irregular timetable.
Other attractions near Bali Botanical Garden or Bedugul include Ulun Bratan Danu Temple, Beratan Lake and the Bedugul Fruit and Vegetable Market.
The Bali Botanical Garden is a unique place on the island of Bali that combines botanical research, crop protection, education and recreation. Here we can relax and enjoy the beauty and tranquility by getting to know the benefits of many plant species, eg. B. plants for medicine, plants for ceremonial purposes (material to bring sacrifices in the Balinese Hindu religion) and other tropical forest plants and bird life.
History Botanical Garden Bali - Kebun Raya Bali
The history of the Bali Botanical Garden began with the idea of ​​Prof.Ir. Kusnoto Setyodiwiryo, Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Research Center, who also heads the Indonesian Botanical Gardens, and I have founded Taman (the head of the Environmental Conservation Council) to organize the organization a branch of botanical gardens. The foundation of Java in this case is Bali.
Built from 1955 to 1958 on the provincial government of Bali, the authorities of Bali officially offer the establishment of the Bali Botanic Gardens to the Council of the Environmental Research Center.
According to the agreement, the exact location of the botanical garden covers 50 hectares of forest and the reforestation of Candikuning, right next to Batukau Nature Reserve. Immediately on 15 July 1959 opened the botany teacher "Eka Karya" the Botanical Garden. Ir. Kusnoto Setyodiwiryo, Director of the Institute of Science Research Centers Implementing the Decree of Principal Level 1 Bali, January 19, 1959, No. 19 / E.3 / 2/4.
This botanical garden is dedicated to the collection of gymnosperms (coniferous plants) from around the world, as these species can grow well in botanical gardens. Much of the first collection came from the Bogor Botanical Garden and the Cibodas Botanical Garden, including Araucaria bidwillii, Cupresus sempervirens and Pinus masoniana. Podocarpus imbricatus and Casuarina junghuhniana are other native plant species in this region.
Since its inception, the development of the Eka Karya Botanical Garden in Bali has been a difficult situation, with the change of management between the Bali Regional Forestry Service and the botanical garden management itself.
The Botanical Garden of Bali is operated twice by the Provincial Forestry of Bali from 15 July 1959 to 16 May 1964. And after the events of G 30 S / PKI (1966-1975), the gardens are managed directly through the botanical garden. Staff of the garden itself for two periods, from May 16, 1964 - December 1965 and from April 1, 1975 to today.
The Botanical Garden "Eka Karya" in Bali has undergone eleven changes of direction from 1964 to today with various innovations. Under the direction of I Gede Ranten, B.Sc (1975 - 1977), the Botanical Garden reached 129.2 hectares. The expansion was approved by the President of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences Prof.Dr.Ir. inaugurated. Tubagus Bakhtiar Rifai on April 30, 1976 and was characterized by the planting of the plant Chamae cyparis obtusa.
Bedugul Botanical Garden, Bali, Indonesia



Friday, February 15, 2013

Bedugul Lake in Bali, Indonesia

Bratan Bedugul, Bali - Indonesia, the second largest lake in Bali, where the temple of Lake Beratan (Pura Ulun Danu Bratan).
Lake Bratan (also called Beratan or Lake Danau Bratan) is located in the Bedugul area, village Candikuning, Baturiti District, Tabanan Regency Bali, about 55 km from Denpasar, and is located at an altitude of ± 1240 m above sea level, temperature of Beratan lake (Bedugul) at night ± 18 ° C and day ± 24 ° C
Bratan Lake covers an area of ​​about 375.6 hectares with an average depth of 22 to 48 meters and an area of ​​about 12 kilometers. The Beratan is the second largest lake in Bali after Batur Bratan Lake is very important as the main source of irrigation in the center of Bali.
Bedugul LakeBratan Lake is one of the 20 most beautiful lakes in the world (Source: www.huffingtonpost.com). It is known as the destination used by many international and domestic travelers. The coolness of the mountains with stunning views of the lake, the temple and the mountains and away from the noise of the city, make this place a popular destination and recommendable place to visit in Bali.
It also offers high quality accommodation such as hotels, villas, restaurants and water sports such as parasailing, canoeing, water skiing. On the eastern shore of Lake Berataner, Catur is the mountain (Balinese, formerly Pucak Mangu), a beautiful place for walking. In the vicinity of Lake Bratan you will also find interesting sites such as Kugun Raya Eka Karya, the market for fruit and vegetables Bedugul, Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (Ulun Danu Beratan Temple) at Bratan Lake, Bedugul, Bali - Indonesia
The Ulun Danu temple, also called Pura Ulu Danu, is located on the shore of Lake Bratan. The Ulun Danu temple, built at the beginning of the 17th century, serves to worship the majesty of God for the sake of the graces of fertility, prosperity, human well-being and well-being for the durability of the universe.
The Ulun Danu temple is very beautiful when the weather is nice in the morning, when the sun rises and the mist covers some of the mountains. The reflection of the Ulun Danu temple is beautiful from the Beratan lake. This moment is therefore very popular with tourists and photographers to capture their precious moments.









Thursday, February 14, 2013

Bali Water sport

The Bali Water Sports Tour is a program of Balinese activities that offers a wide range of maritime activities with great challenges, exciting activities and entertainment on the Bali Islands. It offers various water activities, motorized or not, and brings you an unforgettable experience to enjoy fun activities on the beach or in the sea. The Bali Water Sports Tour offers a fantastic sea experience for those who enjoy the exciting Bali Water Sports Tour program: Snorkeling, Parasailing, Jet Skiing, Donut Boat, Water Skiing, Flying Fish, Banana Boat, Wakeboarding, Low Glasses Boat, Ocean Walker, scuba diving and Turtle Islands tour with reasonable prices. To ensure guests a pleasant stay, all water sports activities in Bali are carried out with high quality safety equipment and health insurance. Just enjoy the exciting watersport activities of Bali of your choice.

Water sportThe Bali Tour Company, in combination with nautical activities and sightseeing, offers two different experiences in the combined tours we offer. We have many water sports together and excursions like: Bali Water Sports and Uluwatu Tour is an excellent experience for practicing water sports activities. Visit the Uluwatu Temple, the Bali water sports and dinner tour is an unforgettable experience. Have a seafood dinner and enjoy it. The Bali Water Sports and Ubud Tour is a popular combination to enjoy the water sports adventure and visit the tourist destination Ubud. Bali Water Sports and Tanah Lot Tour is an excellent experience for water sports and visiting the famous Tanah Lot Temple.
If you are looking for fun, the Bali Water Sports Tour is the perfect place !!! If you want to get wet, you will find your own level of water sports with Bali Golden Tour. Our water activities in Bali bring you as close to the water as you like!



Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Anggi Gita and Anggi Giji Lakes

Sightseeing lake is always interesting to visit. Because, in addition to having a strong feel of nature, calm lake water can also bring peace to those who are nearby. In addition, a wide range of activities around the lake is very pleasant as the boats, fishing, and others also made the lake more interesting sights to visit. This is also true for a pair of unique sights of the lake, the lake Anggi Gita (female) and Lake Anggi Giji (male), located in the district of Manokwari, West Papua Province.


Anggi Gita Anggi Giji lake

According to the story in circulation, tourism Anggi Lake and Lake Gita Anggi Giji are two lake formed from a pair of men who had once lived in the mountains of Arfak. But, of course, the story is a myth as well as myths about the creation of a mountain or a lake in Indonesia in general. The unique tourist attraction is a pair of lakes that although both lakes are only separated by a towering mountain, but the lakes are different colors. Sightseeing Lake Anggi Gita has a clear blue color, while the attractions of Lake Anggi Giji has a black color. It is strange is not it? However, they still offer a beautiful natural shades typical of New Guinea, making it both an object of the best travel destination well worth visiting.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Table Mountain in Manokwari West Papua

Besides Raja Ampat be featured icon for best travel destinations in West Papua, there is also the nature of Table Mountain, located in the middle of the town of Manokwari. Referred to as Table Mountain, as the peak natural park looks flat like a table. Flat scenery intended obtained from a set of trees with height and density is almost the same level, so that when viewed from a considerable distance it would look like a flat table.
In addition to be used as a place of recreation, natural park of Table Mountain also serves as protection forest. Various flora of tropical forests with a unique shape ready to pamper the patrons who were in the sights. So, it is not wrong if many travelers are more curious to see Table Mountain natural wealth, than to enjoy the atmosphere because forests are still beautiful, visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful view of the city of Manokwari of peak height.


Mountain Table

Travel mini style located in the middle of Manokwari. Interesting enough to be enjoyed as the region has a natural beauty that is not less beautiful tropical.

Referred to as the Table Mountain because at its peak, when seen from a distance would look like a flat table surface. This is because nearly all trees have equal height.

Park is a fun place for family recreation. Nonetheless, this park has a function other than as a Religious Tourism in West Papua, which is a protected forest with a variety of tropical flora unique characteristic.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Ubud Resting Place in Bali


Ubud resting place
Ubud is a resting place in Gianyar district, Bali island, Indonesia.


Why Ubud?

Ubud is located in the heart of Bali - geographically and metaphorically - in the cooler central highlands. For centuries this royal city was the artistic, cultural and spiritual epicenter of the island. Here you will find a Bali "more authentic". Here the inhabitants cling to deep-rooted Hindu traditions, omnipresent in ornamental ceremonies and eroded temples. However, Ubud is becoming one of Bali's most popular travel destinations and is a popular Asian epicenter for yoga, spa and wellness - a holistic hole that radiates regenerative energy.

Find your feet

Ubud is a series of scrambled old villages. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance of the densely populated center. The main road Jalan Raya Ubud, which runs from east to west, is impaled by the monkey forest road and leads south to the tourist magnet of the monkey forest. These isolated streets are full of guest houses, cafes, restaurants, craft shops and galleries. The most remarkable contours of Ubud are traditional villages, rice terraces jade green - the most expensive of Instagram perspective, such as Tegallalang (10 km north) - and rugged river valleys in the rainforest, there are including Sayan, where resorts offer spectacular views of the gorge . To the east, the landscape is dotted with venerated archaeological sites and Hindu temples easily accessible by car.

A comfortable bed

Regardless of budget, most accommodations are influenced by Balinese aesthetics and traditions and compete for the best outlook for rice fields. Komaneka (www.komaneka.com) is a collection of quality resorts in Ubud, all focused on art and Indonesian heritage, but with a good price (4,840,000 rupiah [Dh1,362] including breakfast and tourist tax) and family - Komaneka at Bisma is the star and offers modern and discreet luxury in the hills (the hotel has an elegant stay in the trees), a stone's throw from the center of Ubud. Former Chedi Club Tanah Gajah (www.ghmhotels.com/en/tanah-gajah) lies on a sleepy farmland. In a beautifully landscaped garden surrounding the 20 suites and villas, the spa and outdoor restaurant (one suite costs 55 rupees 554,180 Indonesian [Dh 1559] per night, including breakfast, butler service, afternoon tea dinner, cocktails at sunset and taxes included.

Meet the locals

Ubud, translated as a Balinese medicine, has naturally become a hotbed of healing and spirituality, with an exceptional number of local holistic healers and practitioners of alternative medicine. Organize a private meeting with an authentic Balian to complete the alignment of the spring and the chakra.

Reserve a table

Ubud offers a wonderful restaurant scene and trendy café culture - but at an affordable price - with Bali's leading gastronomy, dedicated to raw food and farm-to-table philosophy, with local organic products. Mega-popular since 2013 (reservation is essential). The modern European cuisine of Locavore (www.restaurantlocavore.com) includes almost all Indonesian products in multi-course tasting menus from Rs. 665,500 (Dh187). Carefully composed dishes are mini-works of genius, such as raw lamb with marinated fennel and seaweed cream. Duck is the special dish of Ubud, especially Bebek Betutu, a smoked duck dish with herbs and banana leaves, which is slowly baked. At Bebek Tepi Sawah (www.bebektepisawahrestaurant.com), a paradise garden restaurant with pavilions with a thatched roof overlooking the rice fields, you can try the specialty of the house based IDR127.500 (DH36) or other dishes on basis of duck.

customer

Retail is inspired by local crafts. The art market in Ubud on Jalan Raya Ubud offers transport memories all-in-one, wood carving lumber batik fabrics (negotiations in itself). Buy for better decisions and better prices at the source in the surrounding craft villages that specialize in this craft. Visit the village of Sukawati for an excellent art market. Threads of Life (www.threadsoflife.com) helps Indonesian rural communities to maintain a weaving tradition on the web.

What to avoid

The crowd that is the victim of its own popularity, Ubud's center can be flooded with visitors and traffic, especially in high season (July and August) and annually at three festivals.

Do not miss it

Early morning hikes in Ubud rice fields and farmland - better with a local guide; A few traditional herbalists and healers practice Bali Herbal Walks (www.baliherbalwalk.com) to determine the medicinal properties of native plants and ancient rice cultivation. Ubud is the best for traditional Balinese music and dance under the stars, which are often performed in important cultural sites such as the Royal Palace. Ubud's excellent art is reflected in the abundance of high-quality art museums; Various, such as the famous Neka Art Museum (www.museumneka.com), are installed in garden pavilions without crowds.


Saturday, February 9, 2013

Asmat Tribe

Asmat is the name of a tribe of the largest and most famous among the many tribes in Papua, Irian Jaya, Indonesia. One of the things that made the Asmat tribe well known is the result of traditional wood carving is very typical. Some ornaments / motifs that are often used, and the main theme in the process of sculpting a statue made by the Asmat tribe is the theme of the ancestors of their tribe, commonly called mbis. But do not stop there, often also found ornaments / other motif that resembles a boat or wuramon, which they believe to be a symbol of the boat that brought the spirit of their ancestors in the underworld. For the Asmat tribe of natives, wood carving rather a manifestation of the way they perform rituals to commemorate the souls of the ancestors.


Asmat tribe house

Asmat tribe spread out and inhabit the sea around the coast and the mountains Arafuru Jayawijaya, with a fairly heavy considering the terrain occupied area is wilderness, in the life of the Asmat, a stone that we usually see on the streets was very valuable to them. In fact, the stones can be used as a dowry. All of that is because the places that set up a live Asmat swamps making it very difficult to find stones street which is very useful for them to make axes, hammers, and so on.
Asmat population in general have distinctive physical characteristics, black and curly-haired. Her body is quite high. The average height of the Asmat women around 162cm and height 172cm men reach.
One thing that enviable lifestyle of indigenous tribes asmat, they feel he is a part of nature, that is why they are very respectful and keep the natural surroundings, in fact, around the tree of life where they are considered to be a picture of himself. The trunk describe arms, head pieces depict and describe the roots of their feet


Asmat tribe

Asmat people daily work surrounding environment, especially for foraging, hunting and gardening in a way, which is still using the traditional method and simple enough. Asmat cuisine unlike our cuisine. Special dishes for them is sago worm. But everyday they just grilling fish or meat of animals hunted.




Friday, February 8, 2013

Gampingan Temple

Gampingan templeReading the Book of Nirvana in the temple
Not all temples have a distinctive beautiful relief because generally only decorated by statues and reliefs that are common in almost all temples. One of the beautiful relief is typical  Gampingan temple , a temple was accidentally discovered by a brick craftsman in Gampingan Village, Piyungan, Bantul in 1995. Despite its small size and was no longer intact, the temple was still rich in charming relief.

One of the reliefs that can be found in this temple are animal relief at the foot of the temple. Relief animal looks so natural that can be known animal species depicted. Quite rare temples have such relief, at least just Mendut and Prambanan are known to have a similar relief. All relief is decorated with tendrils background, ie padmamula (lotus plant roots) are believed to be the source of life.


Looks kind of animal is a bird that dominates. There is relief that crows seem to have a large beak, sturdy body, the wing inflates upward and fan-shaped tail. There are also reliefs depicted woodpecker has a crest on its head, beak rather long, pointed wings and do not inflate. In addition, there is also a rooster that had a chest swelled and fluffy wings down.

Making reliefs of birds in large quantities in this temple relates to community belief in the power of birds. It is believed, the bird is a manifestation of the gods as well as the messenger of the gods or nature nirvana. Birds are also associated with absolute freedom achieved after successful man left the world, a symbol of the human soul separated from his body.

Relief animal that is often described is a frog. The community believed that the frogs have supernatural powers that can bring rain, so the frog is also believed to increase productivity, the rain brought frogs could improve crop yields. Frogs often emerge from the water also symbolizes the renewal of life and resurrection to a better direction.

Until now, the relief still leaves the question of whether a fable (animal story fairy tale to children) as Mendut animal or picture that deliberately to show purposeful. The question arises because the description of the animal in the temple was not found in books containing fables, such as the Jataka, Sukasaptati, Pancatantra and derivative versions.

The temple was probably built between the years 730-850 AD is believed to be the temple of the god Jambhala (God of fortune, the son of Lord Shiva). It was based on the discovery of Arca Jambhala when extracting. Jambhala described as being in a state of trance, her eyes closed while sitting cross-legged. The body was decorated by iconographical elements (asanas) which has the form of a lotus leaf symbol are 8 pieces as chakras in the human body.

Figure Jambhala in this temple is different from those in other temples. Generally, Jambhala other temples depicted with wide eyes staring devotees accompanied with a variety of ornaments that symbolize wealth and luxury. It is believed, based on the depiction of these different motivations worship, not to invoke prosperity but guidance in order to achieve true happiness.

Visiting the temple was going to lead us to rethink about the path we have taken to achieve happiness and prosperity. Relief dominated by animals that live in the surrounding environment could be the realization of local wisdom that era in representing a message of nirvana: to prosper and avoid disaster, people should maintain harmony with nature. So what? You are interested in visiting one of the best travel destinations ?

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Lorentz National Park

Lorentz National Park is representative of the complete ecosystem for biodiversity in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Lorentz National Park is the best travel destinations for you. This area is also one of the three regions of the world that have glaciers in the tropics. It stretches from snow-capped mountain peaks (5,030 m asl), to stretch out to the coastal waters with mangrove forests and borders the Arafura Sea waters. In this stretch, there is a spectrum of ecological stunning alpine vegetation of the region, sub-alpine, montane, sub-montane, lowland, and wetlands.

In addition to having a very high biodiversity, there are also some specific and unique presence in the Puncak Jaya glaciers and rivers that disappeared several kilometers into the ground in the Valley Balliem.

A total of 34 vegetation types including swamp forest, river, sago forest, peat forests, coral sand beaches, rainforest land flat / slope, rain forest on the hill, Heath forests, mountain forests, grasslands, and lichens.

Plant species in this park include palm (Nypa fruticans), mangroves (Rhizophora apiculata), Pandanus julianettii, Colocasia esculenta, Avicennia marina, Podocarpus pilgeri, and Nauclea coadunata.

The types of animals that have been identified in the Lorentz National Park as many as 630 species of birds (± 70% of the bird in Papua) and 123 species of mammals. Bird species characteristic of this national park there are two types of cassowary, four megapodes, 31 species of doves / pigeons, 30 types of parrots, 13 species of birds of shrimp, 29 species of birds honey, and 20 endemic species such as long-tailed bird of paradise (Paradigalla caruneulata) and quail snow (Anurophasis monorthonyx).

Animals such as mammals recorded long snout pig spines (Zaglossus bruijnii), pig snout short spines (Tachyglossus aculeatus), 4 types of possum, wallaby, bobcat, and tree kangaroos.
Lorentz National Park designated as a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO and Natural Heritage of ASEAN by the ASEAN countries.
Iguana from papua

This national park has a high biodiversity and cultural diversity supported awesome. It is estimated that culture 30,000 years old and is the residence of tribal Nduga, Western Dani, Amungme, Sempan and Asmat. Chances are there are more people living in the remote wilderness that has not entered into a relationship with modern humans.

Asmat sculpture famous sculpture skills. According to belief, the tribe is identical to the forest or the trees. The trunk symbolizes the human body, its branches as arms, and the fruit as a human head. The tree is considered as the lives of their ancestors. Asmat community system that respects the tree, it applies also to the rivers, mountains and others.

Lorentz designated as a national park in 1997, so the facility / facilities for the convenience of visitors is still very limited, and not all objects and natural tourist attraction in this park have been identified and developed.

Season to visit: August s / d in December each year.


Sunday, February 3, 2013

Queen Boko Palace

Queen Boko
Queen Boko Palace, grandeur in Peaceful Hill

Queen Boko Palace is a magnificent building which was built during the reign of Rakai Panangkaran, a descendant of Sailendra dynasty. The palace was originally named Abhayagiri Vihara (meaning monastery on a peaceful hill) was built for seclusion and to focus on the spiritual life. Being in this palace, you can feel the peace as well as see the sights of the city of Yogyakarta and Prambanan temple with the background of Mount Merapi.

This palace is located 196 meters above sea level. Of 250,000 m2 area of ​​the palace is divided into four, namely central, west, southeast, and east. The middle section consists of the main gate building, tennis, Combustion Temple, pond, sacred terrace and Paseban. Meanwhile, the southeast part includes the verandah, Hall-Hall, 3 temples, ponds, and a princess complex. Complex of caves, Buddhist Stupa, and ponds located on the east. While the western part consists only of the hills.


If you enter from the gate of the palace, you will go directly to the center. Two high gate will welcome you. The first gate has three entrances while the second has 5 doors. If you are careful, the first gate will be found the word 'Panabwara'. Said that, based on inscriptions Middle Wanua III, written by Rakai Panabwara, (descendants of Rakai Panangkaran) who took over the palace. The purpose of writing is to legitimize the power of his name, give 'power' so it is more majestic and gives a sign that the building was the main building.

About 45 meters from the second gate, you will see a temple made of white stones so called Candi White Stone. Not far away, you will also find Combustion Temple. The temple is a square (26 meters x 26 meters) and has 2 terraces. As the name implies, the temple was used for cremation. Besides the two temples, a sacred terrace and pool will be found later if you walk about 10 meters away from the temple burning.

Well of mystery will see when walking to the southeast of Temple Burning. That said, the well was called Amrita Mantana meaning given holy water spells. Now, the water is still often used. Local people say, well water can bring good luck to the wearer. While Hindus use it for Tawur grand ceremony the day before Nyepi. Water use in the ceremony is believed to support the goal, which is to purify ourselves to return the earth and its contents at initial harmony. We recommend that you visit Prambanan temple the day before Nyepi day to see the ceremony.

Stepping into the eastern part of the palace, you will see two caves, a large pool measuring 20 meters x 50 meters and a Buddhist stupa that sits quietly. Two caves were formed from sedimentary rock called breccia stones. The cave, which is over the so-called Cave Men (Gua Lanang) while under the so-called Cave Women (Gua Wadon). Right in front of Gua Lanang there is a pool and three stupas. According to a research, it is known that it is Aksobya stupa, one of the Buddhist Pantheon.

Although founded by a Buddhist, it has Hindu elements. It can be seen with the Linga and Yoni, Ganesha statues, and gold plate that reads "Om Rudra ya namah swaha" as a form of worship of the god Rudra is another name of Lord Shiva. The existence of Hindu elements proved religious tolerance that is reflected in architectural works. Indeed, when the Rakai Panangkaran are Buddhists coexist with the followers of Hinduism.

Few know that this palace is witness of the early triumph in the land of Sumatra. Balaputradewa chance to flee the palace before the Sumatra when it was attacked by the Rakai Pikatan. Balaputradewa rebelled because they felt as the number two in the Ancient Mataram Kingdom government due to  Rakai Pikatan marriage Pramudhawardani (brother Balaputradewa. Following his defeat and fled to Sumatra, then he became king in the kingdom of Sriwijaya.

As a heritage building, Queen Boko Palace is unique among other relics. Other buildings are in the form of a temple or shrine, the name implies it shows characteristics of a place to live. It is shown from the façade and roof pillars made of wood, even though we can only see remains of the stone building. The palace, then you will get more, one of them very beautiful sunset scenery. Because of its beauty so it is fitting that this place be the best travel destination for you.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Pawon temple


Pawon temple located 1.5 km to the west of Mendut temple and to the east of the Borobudur temple, is also a Buddhist temple. When examined in detail in relief, it is the beginning of the reliefs of Borobudur.

Many people think Pawon is a tomb, but after investigation it turns out the place to store weapons Indera king named Vajranala. This temple is made ​​of volcanic rock. Judging of the art building is a combination of art and buildings of ancient Javanese Hindu India. Pawon located right on the axis of the line connecting the Borobudur and Mendut.

The possibility of this temple was built to Kubera. The temple is located on the upper terrace and the stairs are a bit wide. All the parts are decorated with stupa (dagoba) and outer walls with symbolic images. It's interesting isn't it when the place to be the best travel destination  for you?

pawon temple yogyakarta

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Plaosan Temple

Plaosan, Twin Temples in Yogyakarta

After visiting the Prambanan temple best travel destinations, you should not miss to visit other temples are just as entertaining. Drove to the north as far as 1 km, you will see Plaosan, a temple built by Rakai Pikatan to the queen, Pramudyawardani. Located in the Village District Bugisan Prambanan temple architecture is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist.

Plaosan complex is divided into two groups, namely Plaosan north and Plaosan South. Second temple has a rectangular patio that is surrounded by a wall, which shaped meditation substation in the west and the stupa on the other. Because of the similarities, the visible Plaosan north and Plaosan south  is almost the same shape when viewed from a distance so far now Plaosan can also often referred to in twins temple. It's interesting if Plaosan temple is a tourist destination best for you.

Building Plaosan north has a central courtyard surrounded by a wall with the entrance on the west. At the center of the page there is a hall measuring 21.62 mx 19 m. In the eastern part of the pavilion, there are 3 pieces of the altar, the altar north, east and south. Preview Amitbha, Ratnasambhava, Vairocana, and Aksobya found in eastern altar. Stupa Samantabadhara and Ksitigarbha figure in northern altar, while Manjusri picture found in western altar.


Plaosan temple
 North Plaosan Temple



Plaosan south also has a pavilion in the center surrounded by 8 small temples are divided into 2 levels and each level consists of 4 temples. There is also a picture Amitbha Tathagata, Vajrapani with vajra attribute Utpala Prajnaparamita is considered the "mother of all Buddhas". Some other pictures can still be found but not in place of the original. Figure Manjusri according to a Dutch scientist named Krom is significant also found.

Part Bas reliefs of this temple has a unique picture of men and women. There is a man who is depicted sitting cross-legged with his hands and figures he worshiped with vara mudra hand and a vase at the foot of a man surrounded by six smaller ones. A woman was pictured standing with vara mudra hand, while there are books around him, pallet and vases. Krom argued that the figures he was the picture of her patron supporter of the two temples.

The entire complex has 116 stupas Plaosan ancillary and 50 ancillary temples. Ancillary stupas can be seen on all sides of the main temple, as well as ancillary temples are smaller. When walking to the north, you can see the open structure called Mandapa. Two inscriptions can also be found, the inscription on the gold coins in the north of the main temple and an inscription written on a stone in the first row Perwara.

One of the characteristics Plaosan terrace surface is smooth. Google Chrome is different temple terrace terrace other temples built in the same period. According to him, it is related to the function of the temple at the time suspected to save the canonical texts of Buddhist monks. Another suggestion that came from the Dutch scientists, if the number of priests in the area a little then maybe porch was used as a temple (Buddhist temples).

If you look around the temple, you will know that Plaosan actually a vast temple complex. It can be seen from the perimeter fence along 460 m from north to south and 290 meters from west to east, as well as interior fence consisting of trenches along 440 m from north to south and 270 meters from west to east. Trenches that make up the interior of the fence can be seen by walking eastwards through the middle of this historic building.

Plaosan temple
South Plaosan Temple

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Sambisari Temple

 
For 21 Years Stringing "Puzzle" Sambisari
 
On the morning in 1966, there was a rare occurrence experienced by a farmer named Karyo Winangun in their fields. When you're swinging a hoe into the ground. Spade hit a big rock. Having seen the stone apparently has carved on its surface. Karyowinangun and residents are surprised by the presence of stone blocks.

Department aware of any archaeological findings come soon and the next set of rice acreage Karyowinangun as ancient sanctuary. Carved stone found was supposed to be part of the temple were probably buried under rice acreage. Excavations carried out ended up finding hundreds of other boulders with ancient statues. And true enough, the stones were indeed a component of a temple.
 

Hose 21 years later, finally able to enjoy the beauty of the temple. The temple building that stands majestically named Sambisari  Hamlet, Village Purwomartani, Kalasan District, Sleman, 10 kilometers from the city center of Yogyakarta. You can reach by driving through the Yogya-Solo cross to find signposts to this temple. Next, you just turn left follow the flow path.
 




candi sambisari




When your view towards the center of the temple area, it just looks as if the roof stone structure plays only a few meters above the ground. You might be wondering, is it true that small just Sambisari? After the close, then we got the answer. Apparently, Sambisari is 6.5 meters lower than the surrounding area.

Samisarbi probably built between the years 812-838 AD, probably during the reign of Rakai Garung. The temple complex consists of 1 parent and 3 temples temples companion. There are two fences surrounding the temple complex, the fence has been restored completely, while the other one is only displayed little fence to the east of the temple. Still as a barrier, there are 8 pole phallus scattered in every direction of the wind.

The main temple building is unique because it has no base like other temples in Java. Foot of the temple also functions as a base so it is parallel with the ground. The foot of the temple left plain, without any reliefs or decorations. Various decorations are generally in the form of new simbar found on the body to the outside of the temple top. The decoration was fleeting as batik motifs.

Climb the stairs of the main temple entrance, you can find an ornament of a lion is in the mouth of makara (animal magic in Hindu mythology) that open. Figure makara in Sambisari and an evolution of the form of makara in India which could be a combination of elephants with fish or crocodile with a bent tail.

1 meter wide corridor will be met after passing through the last step of the main temple entrance. Walking around it, you will find three niches each containing a statue. On the north side, there is a statue of Goddess Durga (Shiva's wife) with 8 arms, each holding a weapon. While on the east side there is a statue of Ganesha (son of Goddess Durga). On the south side, there is a statue of Agastya with aksamala (beads) were worn around the neck.

Entering the main chamber of the main temple, we can see the phallus and yoni is large enough, roughly 1.5 meters. Its presence indicates that the temple was built as a place of worship of Lord Shiva. Phallus and yoni in the main temple chamber is also used to make holy water. Typically, water is poured on the linga and allowed to flow through a small ditch on the yoni, and then collected in a container.

Exit the temple and head west, you can see the three ancillary temples (companion) facing the opposite direction. There are allegations that these ancillary temples intentionally built without a roof for when the excavation was discovered the roof rocks. The temples have ancillary central square pedestal decorated with dragons and Padmasana (lotus flower) spherical convex on it. Chances are, Padmasana and pedestal used as a statue or offerings.

When you have been content to enjoy the beauty of the temple, you can go to the information. Some photos depicting the Karyowinangun field before the temple excavated and initial conditions when found can be found. There are also photographs of the excavation and reconstruction of the temple that lasted for tens of years, including photographs of other objects found during the excavation, in the form of bronze statues that are kept in the Archaeological Heritage Preservation Hall.

Sambisari beauty that now we can enjoy is the result of hard work of the archaeologist for 21 years and will be the best travel destination. The temple was originally like a giant puzzle, piece by piece sustainability reassembled after another glorious cultural heritage of the past.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Tara Temple

Tara Temple, the oldest Buddhist Heritage in Yogyakarta

Borobudur is always called a lot of people when talking about the building of Buddhist temples. In fact, there are many types of Buddhist temple located in Yogyakarta, one of which is closely related to the Borobudur Temple Tara. The temple is located in Kalibening, Kalasan was built by the same drafter Borobudur, the Rakai Panangkaran. Because of its location in the Kalasan, the temple is better known as Kalasan.

Approximately completed in 778 AD, the temple Tara became the oldest Buddhist temple in Yogyakarta. The temple was built as a tribute to the marriage of the Sanjaya Dynasty Pancapana by Dyah Pramudya Ward of Sailendra dynasty. Besides as a wedding gift, the temple is also a response to the proposal between the king to build another shrine to the goddess Tara and convents for priests.
 

Tara Temple building shaped square base with each side measuring 45 meters high and 34 meters. Tara Temple building is vertically composed of three parts, namely temple foot, temple body and temple roof. The foot of the temple is a building that stands on a square stone base and a wide stone. In that section there is a staircase with makara ornament at the end. Meanwhile, around the foot of the temple there are ornate tendrils coming out of a pot.

At the center of the temple juts out. Parts of the outer surface of the temple there is a room that is decorated figure of the god who holds a lotus flower in a standing position. The southeast has a space in which there is a throne decorated with motifs backed lion standing on the backs of elephants. The room can be entered from the viewer who is on the east side.

Octagonal temple roof and consists of two levels. There is a Buddhist statues depicting humans are on the first level while the second level there are statues depicting Buddha Yani. The highlight of the temple  square symbolizing Semeru summit with ornate stupas. At the border of the body with the roof of the temple there is a temple flower Khayangan bodied creatures dwarf called Gana.

If you look at the detail of the temple, you will also find beautiful reliefs on the surface. For example, relief gods trees and clouds and their occupants Khayangan being played sounds. The residents Khayangan it brings fiddle, clams and camara. There is also a picture of the flower buds, leaves and tendrils. Relief at Tara Temple is distinctive because it is lined with ancient cement called Brajalepha, made from the sap of certain trees.

Around the temple there are stupas with about 4.6 m totaling 52 pieces. Although stupas were no longer intact because it was impossible assembled parts intact, you can still enjoy it. Visiting temples history of the temple is known by the lettered inscription Panagari, you will increasingly recognize the greatness of Rakai Panangkaran had even built a shrine in Thailand.

The temple is also a proof that in the past there have been attempts to reconcile religion with one another. Evidently, Panangkaran Hindu temple built on a proposal Tara Buddhist monks and dedicated to the well Pancapana Buddhist. The temple is also the one that became a shrine that inspired Atisha, a Buddhist from India who had visited Borobudur and spread Buddhism to Tibet. From the brief urain Tara Temple is one of the best travel destinations deserve your visit.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Ijo Temple


Ijo Temple, Temple of the Top Located in Yogyakarta

ijo temple yogyakarta
Down the street to the south of Queen Boko Palace complex is an exciting journey, especially for cultural tourism lovers. How not, the temple there were scattered like mushrooms in the rainy season. One of them that has not been the talk is Ijo Temple, a temple which is located at the high among the other temples in Yogyakarta. Ijo Temple this could be the best travel destinations.

Ijo Temple was built around the 9th century, on a hill known as the Green Hill Gumuk Ijo that height is 410 m above sea level. Because of its height, it is not only the temple but also can enjoy the natural scenery below such as terraces in the agricultural areas with a steep slope. Although not a fertile area, the landscape around the temple is very beautiful to enjoy.


The temple complex consists of 17 building structures that are divided into 11 terraces. The first terrace the yard leading to the entrance is a terrace staircase stretching from west to east. Building on the patio to be a fence-11, eight pole phallus, the four main temple building, and three ancillary temples. The laying of the building on each terrace based on kesakralannya. Building on the highest terrace is the most sacred.

Encountered various forms of art since the entrance of the building belonging to this Hindu temple. Right at the entrance there is a motive when makara with dual heads and some of its attributes. Motif and attributes that can also be found in Buddhist temples indicate that the temple was a form of acculturation Hindu and Buddhist culture. Some temples have similar motives when makara among others Ngawen, Plaosan and Sari.

There is also a statue depicting the figure of women and men who floated and lead to certain side. The figure may have multiple meanings. First, as suwuk to mngusir demons and second as a symbol of unity of Lord Shiva and the Goddess Uma. Unity is interpreted as the beginning of the creation of the universe. Unlike the statue in the temple of Prambanan, natural style of the statues in Ijo temple not lead to eroticism.

Towards the temple building ancillary to-11 on the terrace, there is a place like a tub of fire sacrifice (homa). Right at the top of the wall behind the tub, there are air holes or vents shaped parallelograms and triangles. The pit is a mirror of society that worships Hindu Brahma. Three ancillary temples show respect for the people on the Hindu Trimurti, Brahma, Shiva, and Whisnu.

One of the works that the mystery is two inscriptions located on the terrace of the temple at the ninth. One of the inscriptions is coded with the writing Guywan F or Bluyutan meaning place for hermitage. Another inscription is made of stone measuring 14 cm high and 9 cm thick load of spells that are predicted to be a curse. Mantra is written 16 times and include a legible is "Om Sarwwawinasa, Sarwwawinasa." Could be, the second inscription closely with the occurrence of certain events in Java at the time. Are the events? Up to now not well known.

Visiting this temple, you can find beautiful scenery that can not be found in other temples. When faced west and looked down, you could see the planes taking off and landing at the airport Adisutjipto. The view could be found because of a Thousand Mountains where the temple stands a boundary eastern airports. Because of the existence of temples in the mountains anyway, Adisutjipto airport runway can not be extended to the east.

Every detail of the temple presents something meaningful and invites the audience to reflect on that trip will not just be having fun. The existence of many great works of art without the name of the author show a Javanese community that is more emphasis on the morals message carried by a work of art, not the maker or the splendor of his artwork.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Mendut Temple


Mendut Temple, http://best-travel-destinations.blogspot.com/Mendut temple located 3 km to the east of the temple of Borobudur. Mendut temple a Buddhist temple built in 824 AD by King Sense of Sailendra dynasty. In the Mendut temple there are 3 big statue.

Cakyamuni who was sitting cross-legged with the position of the hand turning the wheel of dharma.
Awalokiteswara as Bodhi Satwa help humanity
Awalokiteswara an Amitabha statue that is above the crown, Vajrapani. She is holding a red lotus flower is placed in the palm of the hand.
Maitreya as the future savior of the human

There is a story for children on the walls. The temple is often used to celebrate the Vesak ceremony every May on the night of the full moon and visited by pilgrims from Indonesia and abroad.

The temple is older than Borobudur temple. Its architecture is rectangular and has entrances on top of the ladder. The roof is also square and terraced, there stupa on it. How do you want to see this temple as the best travel destinations?

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Prambanan Temple

Prambanan, the World's Most Beautiful Hindu Temple

Prambanan is incredibly beautiful building built in the 10th century during the reign of two kings, and Rakai Pikatan and Rakai Balitung. Towering 47 meters (5 meters higher than Borobudur temple), the foundation of this temple has fulfilled the desire to show Hindu triumph in Java Island. The temple is located 17 kilometers from the city center of Yogyakarta, among an area that now functions as beautiful park. This place is the best travel destinations.


Hinduism prambanan temple
There is a legend that Javanese people always tell about this temple. Once, a man named Bondowoso who loving Jonggrang. Because of his love, Jonggrang asked Bondowoso make 1000 temples with statues in one night. The request was nearly fulfilled Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice and make a big fire that created an atmosphere like the morning. Bondowoso who only completed 999 statues cursed Jonggrang into the statue-1000 because he felt cheated.


Prambanan temple has three main temples in the primary yard, namely Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva. The three temples are a symbol of Trimurti in Hindu belief. The three temples were facing east. Each main temple has accompanying temple facing to the west, namely Nandini for Shiva, Swan to Brahma, and Garuda for Vishnu. In addition, there are two temples wedge, 4 color temples and 4 corner temples. In the second there are 224 temples.

Entering the Shiwa temple located in the middle and the highest building, you will find a room 4. One main room contains Shiva statue, while the other 3 rooms each containing a statue of Durga (Shiwa's wife), Agastya (Shiva's teacher), and Ganesha (Shiva's son). Durga is touted as the statue of Roro Jonggrang described in the legend above.

In the Wisnu temple is located in the north of Shiwa temple, you will only see one room containing a statue of wishnu. Brahma temple is located south of Shiwa temple, you will only find one room with a statue of Brahma.

Quite attractive accompanying temple is Garuda temple that is located near the Wishnu temple. This temple keeps a story of half-bird human being named Garuda. Garuda is a mystical bird in Hindu mythology, who was gold, white face, red wings, beak and wings like eagles. It is estimated, the figure is Hindu adaptation of Bennu (means 'rises' or 'shining', usually associated with the god Re) in ancient Egyptian mythology or Phoenix in Old Greek mythology. Garuda succeeded in saving his mother from the curse of Aruna (Garuda's handicapped brother) by stealing Tirta Amrita (holy water of the gods).

The ability to save that which was admired by many people until now and used for various purposes. Indonesia used it to sign the country. It is said that Garuda Pancasila symbol creator for inspiration in this temple. Other countries also use it to sign the country is Thailand, with the same reason but adaptation forms and different appearance. In Thailand, Garuda is known as Krut or Pha Krut.

Prambanan also has panels of relief describing the story of Ramayana. According to experts, the relief is similar to the Ramayana story is revealed through oral traditions. Another interesting relief is Kalpataru tree that the Hindu religion is considered as a tree of life, sustainability and environmental compatibility. In Prambanan, relief Kalpataru tree depicted lions flanking. The existence of this tree makes experts consider that the people of the 9th century had wisdom to manage its environment.

Just as the figure of Garuda, Kalpataru is now also used for various purposes. In Indonesia, Kalpataru became a symbol of Forum for Environment (Walhi). In fact, some scientists in Bali to develop the concept of Tri Hita Karana for environment conservation by seeing Kalpataru relief in this temple. The tree of life was also found in the mountains that used to open the puppet arts. A proof that the relief panels in Prambanan has worldwide.

If careful, you can also see various birds relief, this time a real bird. Bird reliefs at Prambanan are so natural that biologists can identify their genus. One was relief of the Yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea) that invite questions. Why, the bird was actually found only Island, an island in the Java Sea. Then, what kind it was once abundant in Yogyakarta? The answer please find out for yourself. Because, until now no single person who can solve the mystery.

Well, there are many more that can be extracted at Prambanan. You can not get tired of course. If it was finally exhausted, you can relax in the garden around the temple. Interested? Come soon. Since September 18, 2006, you are able to enter the zone 1 Prambanan although not yet entered into the temple. The damage caused by the earthquake on 27 May 2006 is being repaired.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Borobudur

Borobudur, the biggest Buddhist temple in the 9th century

Who does not know Borobudur? This Buddhist temple has 1460 relief panels and 504 Buddha effigies in its complex. This temple is best travel destinations in yogyakarta. Millions of people hoping to visit the buildings included in this World Wonder Heritages. Not surprisingly, since architecturally and functionally, as the place of worship, Borobudur is attractive.
 
borobudur templeBorobudur was built by King Samaratungga, one of the king of the ancient Mataram kingdom, descendant of Sailendra dynasty. Based on the inscriptions Kayumwungan, an Indonesian named Hudaya Kandahjaya revealed that Borobudur is a place of worship that was completed on 26 May 824, almost one hundred years since the beginning of construction. The name of Borobudur, as some people means a mountain having terraces (budhara), while the other says that Borobudur means monastery on the high place.

Punden terraces Borobudur-shaped building comprises 10 levels. Height 42 meters before being renovated and 34.5 meters after the renovation because the lowest level is used as a barrier. Six lowest level of a square and three levels above and a circular highest level of Buddhist stupa facing to the west. Each level represents the stages of human life. In accordance schools of Mahayana Buddhism, every person who wants to reach the level of Buddha must through every level of life is.
 
The base of Borobudur, called Kamadhatu, symbolizing human beings that are still bound by lust. Four levels above referred Rupadhatu symbolizing human beings that have set themselves free from lust but still bound manner and form. At these levels, a statue of Buddha placed open. Meanwhile, three levels above where the Buddhist stupas are laid in holes called Arupadhatu, symbolizing human beings that have been free from lust, appearance, and shape. The top part is called Arupa symbolizes nirvana, where Buddha is residing.
 
Each terrace has beautiful relief panels showing how skillful. Relief that will be read coherently when you walk in a clockwise direction (towards the left of the entrance of the temple). In the reliefs of Borobudur tells of a legendary story, the Ramayana. In addition, there are relief panels describing the condition of society at that time. For example, relief of farmers' activity reflecting the advance of agriculture system and relief of sailing boat representing the advance of the cruise, who was based in Bergotta (Semarang).
 
All relief panels in Borobudur temple reflect Buddha's teachings. Hence, this temple functions as educating the media for people who want to learn Buddhism. We invites you to surround each of the narrow alleys of Borobudur in order to understand the philosophy of Buddhism. Atisha, a Buddhist from India in the 10th century once visited this temple that was built 3 centuries before Angkor Wat in Cambodia and 4 centuries before the Grand Cathedrals in Europe.
 
Thanks to visiting Borobudur and having Buddhist manuscripts from Serlingpa (King of Sriwijaya), Atisha was able to develop Buddhism. He became abbot Vikramasila and taught Tibetans of practicing Dharma. Six manuscripts of Serlingpa was condensed into a core doctrine called "The Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment" or better known as Bodhipathapradipa.
 
One question that is still unanswered about Borobudur is how the condition around the temple was built and why the temple was found in the buried. Some say Borobudur initially stood surrounded by a swamp and then buried by the eruption of Merapi. Calcutta is essentially the inscription reads 'Amawa' means sea of ​​milk. The word which is then interpreted as Merapi lava. Some other says that Borobudur Merapi cold lava buried.
 
With all the grandeur and mystery that is, only natural that many people from all arround the world  include Borobudur as a place worth visiting in his life. Besides enjoying the temple, you can walk around to the villages around Borobudur, like Karanganyar and Wanurejo to see the activities of people make crafts. You can also go to the top watu Kendil to Borobudur panoramic view from the top. Wait what? No need to worry about an earthquake May 27, 2006, because of Borobudur is not affected at all.