During the coming Idul Fitri, the Borobudur Temple Park expects an increase in visitosr of 10% compared to last year.

According to the Head of the Borobudur Temple Park, Pujo Suwarno, ten days after 2009 Idul Fitri, the number of temple visitor amounted to 200.000 persons. “Consequently, 10 days after the coming Lebaran, it is expected to increase to 220.000 persons,” he said yesterday.

Meanwhile this Ramadhan, there is a sharp decrease of domestic tourists. “Up to 50%,” he said. Foreign tourists’ visits remain stable.

Located 500 m from the edge of the highway connecting the city Jonggol and Cianjur District, exactly 71 km from Bogor at an altitude of 200-500 m above sea level, with a temperature of 25o C-30oC. Captive Deer began in 1993 with a total of 104 fish, consisting of the type of Java deer (Cervus timorensis), Bawean Deer (Axis kuhlii) and Spotted Deer (Axis axis), each of which was imported from the ranch Upas, Blitar, Surabaya and Bogor.

THOSE WHO’VE NEVER BEEN TO BALI MUST WONDER why we’d run this article, especially since the island has become synonymous with terrorist attacks in this part of the world. The others, who’ve experienced Bali in all its splendour, know why it’s imperative this article runs – it’s too much a natural and cultural treasure to omit, or to let fall into the fears of what may someday resurface. Bali is one of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Just eight degrees south of the equator, its 5,700km surface ranges from volcanic mountain ranges in the interior and terraced paddies in the foothills, gently tapering to its alluring urban nightlife and oft-storied beaches, and then surrounded by coral reefs that give rise to a wealth of surfing and diving opportunities.

The Balinese people are descendants of a prehistoric race who migrated from mainland Asia, first settling Bali in around 2500BC. The first historical record of human inhabitation is evidenced by potsherds (circa 100BC) with Brahmi inscriptions from the Indian Hindu people. Later came the Hindu Majapahit Empire (1293 – 1520AD), who founded a Balinese colony in 1343AD. Europeans first discovered Bali at the turn of the 17th century, with the Dutch establishing a Dutch East India Trading Company outpost soon after. Some fierce colonial wars soon followed, resulting in the Dutch governors retaining relatively little influence over the island’s religion and culture. After Japanese occupation in World War II, Bali became part of the Republic of East Indonesia, and then part of the United States of Indonesia in 1948. 

Some 3.57 million people live on the island. Unlike most of Indonesia, 92% adhere to Balinese Hinduism (a combination of local beliefs and Hindu influences). The remainder of religious beliefs include Islam (5.7%), Christianity (1.4%), and Buddhism (0.6%). Balinese and Bahasa Indonesian are the most widely spoken languages. As is English in tourist areas. International tourism began in the 1920s, and Bali quickly became renowned for its scenic beauty, arts and crafts, the highly developed Balinese dance, and of course, the famous Balinese massage. Its economy once firmly rooted in agriculture (primarily rice cultivation), Bali became more and more dependant on tourism as the 20th century wore on. And all too abruptly, the ‘Bali bombings’ of 2002 and 2005 occurred, and a significant sector of its people faced a sharp decline in tourism. While those who’ve never visited adopted pre-conceived visions of war-torn dangers, those who’ve been before (including myself) lamented for its people.

The Expat’s mission is to promote Malaysia and the region, and to provide you the best of what SE Asia has to offer. While everyone has heard Bali’s newsworthy horrors, these events are in no way representative of the island’s people or culture.

The words that best describe the ‘true’ Bali are serenity, peaceful, quiet, and content – which is why such tragedies THOSE WHO’VE NEVER BEEN TO BALI MUST WONDER why we’d run this article, especially since the island has become synonymous with terrorist attacks in this part of the world. The others, who’ve experienced Bali in all its splendour, know why it’s imperative this article runs – it’s too much a natural and cultural treasure to omit, or to let fall into the fears of what may someday resurface. Bali is one of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Just eight degrees south of the equator, its 5,700km surface ranges from volcanic mountain ranges in the interior and terraced paddies in the foothills, gently tapering to its alluring urban nightlife and oft-storied beaches, and then surrounded by coral reefs that give rise to a wealth of surfing and diving opportunities.

The Balinese people are descendants of a prehistoric race who migrated from mainland Asia, first settling Bali in around 2500BC. The first historical record of human inhabitation is evidenced by potsherds (circa 100BC) with Brahmi inscriptions from the Indian Hindu people. Later came the Hindu Majapahit Empire (1293 – 1520AD), who founded a Balinese colony in 1343AD. Europeans first discovered Bali at the turn of the 17th century, with the Dutch establishing a Dutch East India Trading Company outpost soon after. Some fierce colonial wars soon followed, resulting in the Dutch governors retaining relatively little influence over the island’s religion and culture. After Japanese occupation in World War II, Bali became part of the Republic of East Indonesia, and then part of the United States of Indonesia in 1948. 

Some 3.57 million people live on the island. Unlike most of Indonesia, 92% adhere to Balinese Hinduism (a combination of local beliefs and Hindu influences). The remainder of religious beliefs include Islam (5.7%), Christianity (1.4%), and Buddhism (0.6%). Balinese and Bahasa Indonesian are the most widely spoken languages. As is English in tourist areas. International tourism began in the 1920s, and Bali quickly became renowned for its scenic beauty, arts and crafts, the highly developed Balinese dance, and of course, the famous Balinese massage. Its economy once firmly rooted in agriculture (primarily rice cultivation), Bali became more and more dependant on tourism as the 20th century wore on. And all too abruptly, the ‘Bali bombings’ of 2002 and 2005 occurred, and a significant sector of its people faced a sharp decline in tourism. While those who’ve never visited adopted pre-conceived visions of war-torn dangers, those who’ve been before (including myself) lamented for its people.

The Expat’s mission is to promote Malaysia and the region, and to provide you the best of what SE Asia has to offer. While everyone has heard Bali’s newsworthy horrors, these events are in no way representative of the island’s people or culture. The words that best describe the ‘true’ Bali are serenity, peaceful, quiet, and content – which is why such tragedies was an exercise is luxury and serenity (Cinta Villa is a rental property from Alun-Alun Resort Sdn Bhd. For more information about this stunningly beautiful villa – featured on p.38 of our September 2005 issue – contact Alun-Alun Resort at 03-2273 6728 or visit www.alun2resorts.com). Elsewhere, you’ll find excitement and cultural enrichment. Everywhere, you’ll find friendly people. Don’t worry if you accidentally step on one of the many offerings of flowers, glutinous rice, and salt in bamboo leaf trays. Don’t worry if you handed money to your taxi driver with the wrong hand.

And most definitely, don’t worry about what may happen. What may happen seems the antithesis of Bali. Relax. Stretch out on the beach. Enjoy the sunrise. Explore the interior. Return a smile. Breathe in the sea air. Revel in peace. Rejoice in the gamelan music and the shadow puppet show. Melt into the massage. Take in the beach, the lush greenery, the moment, the quiet, the dance, the excitement and the calm, and those golden, calming sunrises. Don’t give in to your misplaced fears, for you’ll miss the whole point of your stay.

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Magibung is usually held to celebrate one’s Balinese birthday to show the solidarity. After following the ritual, the person who celebrates his/her birthday and relatives will sit encircling a big plate of rice and eat it together. It is simply to say that this habit is an integral part of Hindu in Bali. Yet, in fact, Muslim in East Bali adopts it as a necessary ritual on Idul Fitri.

A long time ago, in 1692 when Karangasem was under the reign of Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, neighboring Lombok’s predominantly kingdoms were conquered by him. The migration of Hindus to Lombok and vice versa was conducted as a mark of close relationship between Karangasem and Lombok. In this eastern part of Bali, young Muslim played important role to make Karangsem Kingdom powerful because they were recruited as soldiers.

In that time, Karangasem was a reckoned empire that would like to expand its territory while at the same time they needed to defend themselves from other’s empire attack. There were so many wars faced by Karangasem. Thus, the King wanted his troops strong and united. He, then, announced magibung as a method to strengthen soldiers’ esprit de corps as well as an easy way to count the numbers of soldier.

Until nowadays on Idul Fitri Hindu and Muslim in Subagan Village and surroundings will walk down the streets, bring food, fruits, and many things to the mosque. There, a communal feast is held in the mosque following Sholat Ied. The presence of mosques in eastern part of Bali is the result of the attempt arouse by King to fund the building of mosque. No wonder that Muslims in this area until today is still loyal to Karangasem royal’s family. Even they are participating when the royal family organizes a sacred festival to sound the temple’s sacred gong.

This reality invites many researchers to come to Subagan Village and surroundings to conduct a research about harmony and tolerance amongst different religions. Since 1692 until 2010, Muslim and Hindu in East Bali still live together in harmony and peace though it is a fact that they have different faith and opinion oftentimes. Hindus in this area even address Muslim with “Nyama Selam” means Muslim Brothers and Sisters as they have became a big family.

The heavens really opened up, and water, the equivalent of Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls and probably a few hundred other waterfalls combined, fell upon the earth. Or to be less dramatic about the whole thing – it rained like there was no tomorrow.

The day had been hot. As was the day before, when we first arrived in Yogyakarta, Java. The sun was scorching, so we were really caught unawares by the downpour.

My friends and I had just left the “cooling” foothills of Kaliurang, which is in the shadow of the famous and still active Mt Merapi. We had hired a car for 10 hours for the “princely” sum of Rp 350,000 (RM 125). While you can easily get most taxi drivers to take you around Jogja (as the locals affectionately call the city), their rates tend to be higher.

We were heading to Pramba­nan, one of Jogja’s leading historical lights, at the end of the day when it got wet suddenly. What was supposed to take about 40 minutes, tops, ended up taking much longer.

But I took comfort from an old Indian belief that says if it rains, you are being blessed by the gods. And after all, we were heading towards a majestic temple complex built in the 9th century for the Hindu gods.

Prambanan, 18km east of Jogja, is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia and one of the largest in South-East Asia. When we finally arrived at our destination, the rain had eased to a slight drizzle but the sky was still overcast. Entrance prices for Pramba­nan and the two other historical monuments that come under the same administrative authority — namely Borobudur and Ratu Boko — are substantially different for locals and foreigners.

For Prambanan and Borobudur, you have to pay US $15 (RM 50).

Tip: If you go after 5pm, the ticket you obtain can be used for the next day as well. So you can enjoy sunset and night views for the day, and return the next morning to see the sunrise.

A lot of restoration work has gone into Borobudur and especially Prambanan which suffered extensive damage after the May 2006 earthquake in Java. In fact, many of the inner temples are still out of bounds to visitors because they are not structurally safe.

One highlight is the Rama­yana show at night which is staged against the backdrop of a spectacularly lit temple (tickets are priced between Rp 75,000 and Rp 250,000; RM 27 and RM 90).

As we came within sight of the imposing peaks of the temple, it started to rain again. We took shelter at the very small security post that already had three security guards squeezed inside. Soon, many laughing and drenched kids from a school tour, as well as tourists, also tried to cram their bedraggled selves in there.

A local guy who was peddling umbrellas nearby did brisk business that evening!

When the rain eased off, we decided to make the best of our time there. The weather did not distract us from the magnificent surroundings. It was quite awesome to see the black clouds hovering over the many-tiered temples, which rose to 47m at the highest point. It took our breath away.

That tallest structure is dedicated to Shiva (the Destroyer).

The complex is dedicated to Trimurti, the god triumvirate of Shiva, Brahma (the Creator, whose temple is on the left of Shiva’s) and Vishnu (the Sustainer on the right). And all around the Big Three are hundreds of smaller temples.

We decided to climb up Vishnu’s temple, the only one of the three open to visitors. It was a good thing that it only started pouring again after we had reached the top. Either we were plain lucky or we were now protected by one of the gods!

Later, as the rain became a drizzle, we dashed for our vehicle. All visitors are required to take the very long circular route to the exit but, with the inclement weather, the guards took pity on us and allowed us to take the much shorter direct route.

When we were in Borobudur the day before, we had to take the longer official route. Even though our transportation was within sight, we had to sweat our way out of the premises via a path overgrown with weeds and shrubs.

Ah, Borobudur.

I was apprehensive about visiting the place because I had been to Angkor Wat, and everyone says it makes Borobudur seem somewhat ordinary.

I needn’t have worried, though. Borobudur still impressed. Sure, it is nowhere as extensive as Angkor Wat but it has a certain chaRM  of its own.

This 9th century Mahayana Buddhist monument has six square platfoRM s topped by three circular platfoRM s, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The main dome located at the centre of the top platfoRM  is surrounded by 72 Buddhas.

Borobudur was restored between 1975 and 1982. The temple is 40km northwest of Jogja, and the view you get from the top is incredible. The whole valley sprawls below it as you take in the fantastic 360° view. There were many visitors when we were there but not too many. We still got that sense of calm and peace at the top.

What is sad, though, was that the repeated warnings coming through the loudspeakers — telling visitors not to climb over the statues and stupas — went unheeded.

The sunrise here is said to be spectacular, so much so that many people actually put up at the expensive, park-run Manohara Resort on the grounds of Borobudur just to catch a glimpse of it.

Our next stop was Kaliurang, and the ride there is said to be quite scenic. Unfortunately, I was drowsy, so I missed much of it. When we arrived at the foothills of Plawangan Hill, we were told that there was a small park within, so we ventured forth and found ourselves greeted by a troop of macaques and a rather pathetic trickle of water down the slopes of the hill in the foreground — their “waterfall”.

In order to get a good view of nearby Mt Merapi, we had to take a path up the summit of the hill. It was a trek of about a 1.5km or so. So up we went, huffing and puffing, until we reached a dilapidated watchtower that had three levels of platfoRM s.

We gingerly ascended, and when we reached the top, we saw that the peak of Merapi was totally covered in clouds. Drats!

To overcome this disappointment, I indulged in retail therapy the next day at the famed Malioboro Street. Batik, T-shirts, kitsch souvenirs, spices, silverware — you can get it all here. The quality is good and, more importantly, the goods can be had for a steal (you need to bargain, though).

If you want air-conditioned comfort while shopping, then head for Plaza Ambarrukmo (the locals call it Amplaz), a mall that would not be out of place in KL. There are other attractions in Jogja city itself, like the Kraton (the Sultan’s palace), the museums, the buildings left behind by the Dutch, and the food. I didn’t get to explore all of Jogja and its surrounds, so I see myself going back.

Hopefully, the clouds would be so nice as to get out of the way next time!

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Kintamani, which is located in Bangli regency, is one of the favorite choice of tourist attractions, both domestic and abroad.Generally, in almost any travel agent or tour operator in Bali, Kintamani included in the itinerary (travel route) after visiting the Moon Stone (Barong Dance), or Sukawati Ubud tourist area as a shopping center.

Kintamani offers a fresh atmosphere of the hills with temperatures around 18 degrees Celsius, much like air in Bedugul. The main attraction of the area is the scenery of Mount Kintamani and Lake Batur. Mount Batur is a mountain that is still active and the second highest after Mount Agung at Besakih. The atmosphere is best when enjoyed lunch dishes while enjoying the beauty of the lake and mountains which give off smoke friendly.

Interested to know more about Kintamani? Also a time to yourself to visit Trunyan located near the lake. But you have to cross by boat to get there by traveling less than 20 minutes. What is interesting and unique is the way the funeral locals definitely different from the norm in Bali. Corpse propped against a tree without buried. But it’s unique because the body does not produce odors neutralized by the smell of fragrant wood called incense.

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In this excerpt from our latest Bali & Lombok guidebook, we have hunted down the fresh, the revamped, the transformed, the hot and the happening. Here are a few of our favourites:

1. Kerobokan, Bali’s food hot spot
The foodiverse on Bali has shifted to Kerobokan. Superb new restaurants include Biku, an artful, casual cafe; and Sardine, a fantasy of seafood.

2. Fast boats to the Gilis
It seems there are as many fast boats between Bali and the Gilis as there are dolphins in the ocean on the way. New connections to these three island paradises include Nusa Lembongan and Amed.

3. Bukit, not just for surfers
Already home to world-famous surf breaks, the Bukit Peninsula is becoming the place for a break, period. Funky new hotels perch near groovy beaches at Bingin and Balangan.

4. Gili T, not just for backpackers
Hotter than hot, Gili Trawangan has a great new restaurant, Kokomo (which breaks the backpacker shackles of the island’s past), along with one of Asia’s best freediving centres, Freedive Gili.

5. Eat, Pray, Love mania
It seems every tour operator is trying to get in on the act spawned by Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling book. Meanwhile, some of Bali’s traditional healers (known as balian) are available for hype-free consultations.

6. New shopping spots
East of retail meccas Seminyak and Kerobokan, a gaggle of new stores lines a meandering string of streets, including Steven’s (dusty treasures from across Indonesia) and Wijaya Kusuma Brass (brass accessories for furniture and your home).  Some of Bali’s best housewares can be found here.

7. Sunset stroll, take one
A new walk along the sand links Seminyak’s club-lined Jl Abimanyu to Jl Double Six in Legian. At sunset, grab a seat and a cheap beer (an ice-cold Bintang will set you back around US$2) along this stretch of beach.

8. Sunset stroll, take two
Nusa Lembongan’s long beach has a fab new seawall walkway that’s ideal for a mosey before a meal at the hip new hotel-restaurant Indiana Kenanga.

9. Hidden luxury
The south coast of the Bukit Peninsula is used to surf-tossed drama, but big waves are nothing compared with the splash made by the lavish new Alila Villas.

10. Art with strings attached
Bali’s great tradition of puppets now has a museum worthy of the characters. The Setia Darma House of Masks and Puppets, south of Ubud in Mas, is spectacular.

11. Surf by day, sleep memorably by night
Alligator hunters once stalked the river nearby, but that’s one of the least colourful aspects of Pondok Pitaya, a guesthouse facing the increasingly popular surf break at Balian Beach. The work of hilariously creative Michael Canada and family, the complex combines vintage Indonesian buildings (including a 1950 Javanese house and an 1860 Balinese alligator hunter’s shack).

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People don’t go to Semawang in Bali’s Sanur to party until dawn, as one does in Kuta, or have a cultural immersion, as one does in Ubud. Instead, visitors head there to experience peace and quiet, wade in the ocean and watch the sun rise and set.

According to the “Lonely Planet” guidebook, Sanur’s tranquility is one of the reasons why it has been nicknamed Snore and is a favorite destination for expat retirees.

While Sanur certainly lives up to its nickname, what turned out to be a surprise was the quality of the food on offer.

I initially did not expect much when I first arrived in Sanur for dinner, having just come from Ubud.

Even though I was famished, I decided to put my hunger in check and size up the smattering of restaurants offering Western fare and seafood along the stretch of beachfront.

None appealed to me until I came across the quirkily named Komilfo.

The restaurant was right smack in the middle of the Semawang strip adjacent to the Hyatt, with candles flickering invitingly on each
table. The place was already crowded and the diners seemed to be enjoying their food.

I ordered a pork chop, which cost Rp 65,000 ($7.50), and a Coke for Rp 9,000. While the pork chop came with a side salad, I also asked for a serving of steamed rice to complete my meal.
The chop was cooked perfectly — golden brown on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside.
It was so good that I wanted one more, but decided to save room for dessert instead.
I ordered a vanilla coupe, which turned out to be just vanilla ice cream with whipped cream on top. It made for a refreshing end to a hot day, but wasn’t really anything special.

The next day, I resolved to relive the previous night’s meal sans dessert.
This time around, I ordered chicken cordon bleu. The chicken, crisped to a crunch and complemented by a cream sauce, did not disappoint.
I still wished that I ordered the pork chop, however.

There was only one more meal left before I had to be at the airport.
And it was the Hyatt’s Pizza Ria open-air Italian restaurant, also located on the beach, that managed to charm the rupiahs out of my tightly guarded wallet.

I convinced myself that a food splurge was justified for my last relaxing night of solitude.

I found myself ordering one of the set menus of bruschetta and lasagna (Rp 150,000 before tax and other charges) and a Rp 35,000 glass of Coke.

The bruschetta was crispy in all the right places and had the perfect balance of tomato, olive oil and other spices.
It all but disappeared from my plate in record time.
Then came the lasagna, which was absolutely divine.
It was served piping hot, with the tomato sauce and the cheese quietly gurgling as the dish was placed in front of me.

I still think about the food I had in Sanur. There is no doubt that I would be happy to retrace my culinary footsteps there someday.

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Indonesia’s Mount Merapi is the nation’s second most active volcano and has great spiritual significance for those living on its fertile slopes.

Merapi, which means “Mountain of Fire”, typically has small eruptions every two to three years, and larger ones about once every 10 to 15 years.

Its last major eruption was in 1994, when 66 people were killed. It also spewed smoke and lava in 2001 but no major eruption followed.

Located about 400 kilometres (250 miles) east of Jakarta in Central Java province, it looms over the Kedu plain and provides rich, bountiful soils for the thousands of people living around it.

Merapi holds particular significance for the Javanese as it is one of four places where officials from the royal palaces of Java’s Yogyakarta and Solo make annual offerings to placate the spirits of ancient Javanese mythology.

Superstitious Javanese believe that a volcano’s eruption is the result of spirits being angered by not receiving sufficient offerings or by a disrespectful attitude among the people living on its slopes.

Traditional beliefs hold that Merapi will only erupt after certain omens, some of which appear in dreams, leaving many residents reluctant to leave without them becoming apparent.

A new lava dome has been rapidly forming at the peak of 2,914-metre (9,616-foot) Mount Merapi, growing 75 metres in two weeks. The volcano was put on “stand-by” status one month ago.

Scientists predict that the dome’s collapse will spew red-hot lava as well as deadly nuees ardentes, a geological term for clouds of volcanic gases, ash, and dust, reaching temperatures up to 500 degrees Celsius (930 degrees Fahrenheit).

Local authorities in the four districts around the volcano have already banned climbing near Merapi’s peak, halted sand mining operations at its foot and warned people living higher on its slopes to be prepared for evacuation weeks ago.

Temporary shelters and vehicles have already been prepared for the evacuation, with several thousand people evacuating voluntarily but many returning to their homes.

Indonesia lies on the so-called Pacific Rim of Fire, where the meeting of continental plates causes frequent seismic and volcanic activity. The nation is home to more than 120 active volcanoes.

In August 1883, the biggest natural phenomenon ever seen on earth took place when after lying dormant for 300 years Indonesia’s Krakatoa volcano burst to life, showering debris on Java and Sumatra islands and killing about 36,000 people.

The noise of the eruption reached Australia and territories located more than 4,000 kilometers away, while waves reaching up to 40 metres laid to waste nearby islands and were felt as far away as the English Channel.

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Carita is a lowland forest located close to Carita Beach Tourist Destination. This area has a wealth of natural resources potential. Biodiversity of flora and fauna and its natural panoramic beauty is an important attraction for tourism development in the region Pandeglang.

Some tree species that found here are the Teak (Tectona grandis), Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), African Mahogany (S. khaya antoteca) and bungur (Lagerstromia speciosa). There are also experimental plantation forest research institute that is developing bud cuttings meranti (Shorea reprosula) and Shorea selanica.

Some animal are Carita Tando (Petaurista elegans), wild boar (Sus vitatus), long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), langur (Tachypitechus auratus), lizard (Varanus salvator) and python (Python sp).

There’s also a Part of bird species, including the alap-alap (Falco moluccensis), eagle (Spilornis cheela) and type of other smaller birds. Often seen flying fox.

Tourism Potential
Based on potential and existing field conditions in the area Carita, the nature tourism activities that can be done is as follows:
   1. Nature tourism (land) that is a picnic to enjoy the beauty of nature, cross country, photo hunting, camping and other tourism types.
   2. Tourist; which include fishing and boating in coastal waters.
   3. Scientific tourism; is an ideal location for the study of flora and fauna.

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