Sacred Attractions in Luang Prabang Laos

Historical Tourist Attractions in Luang Prabang, Laos which is Sacred

     Luang Prabang is a magical gem of a city located in Laos country. This tourist place is protected as a world heritage site. Luang Prabang, located in northern Laos, was once the capital of the Kingdom of Laos. In this city there are many good tourist attractions and are characterized by Laos. Travelers can explore the city's long streets, visit the night markets and take a boat ride.

Luang Prabang is well kept, clean and rich in knowledge and culture. This tourist spot is known for its beautiful architecture. The specialties can't be found anywhere else. If you like animals, please pay a visit to the elephant sanctuary in this place.

There also are many cultural heritages worth visiting. UNESCO recognized Luang Prabang as a world heritage site (UNESCO World Heritage) in 1995.

Luang Prabang's natural beauty is also recommended as one of the tourist attractions in Southeast Asia, even though there are no beaches in this city. As one of the countries in Southeast Asia, Laos is a visa free country. Here are 5 tourist spots in Luang Prabang that you can visit.

                                                           Image Source: wikimedia.org

Phou Si Mountain

Phou Si Mountain or Mount Phusi has a unique appeal to tourists. The location is not far from Luang Prabang city center. It is enough to walk to get to this mountain, you don't even need to climb, because there are stairs that can be climbed to the top.

There are 300 stairs that you must pass to get to the top. Fatigue will pay off, because you will see a very beautiful panorama of mountains, forests, and rivers. Apart from that, tourists can also enjoy a clear view of the entire city of Luang Prabang and the Mekong River.

This mountain has a history and is considered sacred by local people. Entrance fee to this mountain is 30,000 Kip per person. The best time to come to this mountain is in the morning to see the sunrise, or in the afternoon to enjoy the view of the sky as the sun goes down.

Mekong River

The Mekong River is the pride of the people of Luang Prabang, so you have to enjoy the beautiful scenery on this river. How to enjoy this river by taking a boat to visit a paper-producing village, and Park Ou Cave. Don't miss to taste the typical Laotian food on the banks of the Mekong River.

Kuang Si Waterfall.

Kuang Si Waterfall is very clear and turquoise green in color. The scenery around it is also very beautiful, because it is surrounded by dense forests. There is a bridge in the middle of the waterfall, so it is possible to take a closer picture. The shape of this waterfall has steps. Do not miss the activity of swimming in clear water like a natural swimming pool. However, to achieve this beauty takes a struggle. The tourists must hike for 15-20 minutes.

Entrance fee is 20,000 kip. This tourist location is open from 8 am to half past 6 pm. The area of this waterfall has been laid out nicely so that visitors can pass it easily. What's interesting about this place is that visitors can see bears, because there is a bear rehabilitation center near the entrance.

Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is a limestone cliff and rice field located between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, on the Nam Song River to be precise. The most interesting place is Tham Poukham with a striking blue lagoon. This place is suitable for couples who want their honeymoon.

You can swim in the lagoon. Don't miss the limestone cave above the lagoon, as you'll see the golden statue of the sleeping Buddha, along with the unique rock formations.

Wat Xieng Thong

Wat Xieng Thong is Luang Prabang's largest temple. This temple is an important symbol in Laotian history. The architectural characteristics of this temple are identical to those of Laos in the 16th century, which can be seen from the intricate mosaic patterns, beautiful carvings on the walls, rare Buddha statues, and a 12-meter-high chariot.

Wat Xieng Thong was once used as the coronation site of the kings of Laos. This temple is the site of annual celebrations in Luang Prabang today. There was no significant construction in this temple, because it was left in its original form, only renovated on the roof and given gold leaf gilding. There are ornate mosaics in this temple such as a beautiful glass montage of the tree of life on the back wall. There is also a wheel of dharma depicted in gold on the ceiling of the Temple.

Wakatobi Indonesia, a Paradise for Marine Tourism

The Attraction of Wakatobi, a Tourist Paradise in Eastern Indonesia

    Wakatobi is the perfect place for travelers, if you want to vacation on a quiet island away from the hustle and bustle. Tourist destinations in the country of Indonesia have a variety of stunning natural beauty.

Wakatobi is located in the province of Southeast Sulawesi, this area is also included in the Wakatobi National Park area which was established in 1996.

                                                             Image Source: wikimedia.org

This tourist spot has a million tourist charms, from the beauty of underwater tourism, coastal tourism, historical heritage, to cultural arts.

Wakatobi in 2016 was determined by the government as one of the ten priority tourism destinations in Indonesia.

Data from the Wakatobi National Park shows that Wakatobi is worthy of being a priority tourism destination. Of the 820 types of corals in the world, 750 species of corals (90%) of them are in Wakatobi.

Wakatobi is one of the world-class dive sites, a world class diving site. Many diving locations and dive tour operators are ready to pamper tourists to enjoy an underwater paradise.

                                                                         Wakatobi Resort

In Wakatobi there are also Bajo tribes, who spend almost their entire life on the sea. The uniqueness of their cultural customs has an extraordinary attraction for local and foreign tourists. The unique potential of marine tourism and culture led Wakatobi to be designated as the 8th Earth Biosphere Reserve in Indonesia by UNESCO in 2012.

Wakatobi has four islands with captivating beauty, namely Binongko, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Wangi-wangi islands. This archipelago is one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world.

Hunt for Local Creative Products

When traveling to Wakatobi, make sure you hunt for local souvenirs. This tourist spot has a lot of quality local creative products, ranging from culinary to handicrafts.

Wakatobi has a distinctive woven fabric which is a cultural heritage. Many villages produce woven fabrics with their respective characteristics, one of which is Pajam Village.

Since ancient times, women in this village have been taught how to weave from generation to generation. Woven fabrics from Pajam Village are identical with stripe motifs for women and plaid for men.

It takes three stages to make this fabric, starting from the 'purunga' stage (the process of winding the thread). Then, it is continued with 'oruri' (rolling the thread on the board). Then the thread is woven into a cloth.

You can also buy other local products, such as silver handicrafts, silk motifs, home decor knick-knacks, and a variety of delicious culinary delights.

Wakatobi's Underwater Beauty

Wakatobi has 750 coral reef species from a total of 850 species in the world. With an area of 1.39 million hectares, Wakatobi has 50 dive points.

                                                               Wakatobi's underwater

This destination has become one of the most popular diving spots for tourists.

The clear sea water makes it easy for you to see the rocks and fish under the sea.

Seeing the expanse of coral reefs and colorful fish swimming around can create a peace of mind in itself. There are also sea stars with large sizes lined up on the white sand.

Exploring Wangi-Wangi Island

Wangi-Wangi Island is a gateway to the beauty of the ocean in Wakatobi. This island has various forms of coral reefs, from flat, sloping, concave, steep, to cave-like shapes.

When you dive here, you'll see a 90-foot bottomless view. The island which is familiarly called by local residents as Wanci Island also has a public bathing attraction with clear blue water.

Its name is Kontamale Baths, which has a variety of pools with different water depths. The panorama offered is also captivating, because this tourist spot is located between the Karang Wanci and Sombu caverns.

Bajo Tribe

Still on Wangi-Wangi Island, in Mola Village, there live people who have quite unique habits and lifestyles. They are a Bajo ethnic group who believe that they are direct descendants of the sea.

The Bajo people can survive months at sea without food or modern equipment. In fact, they can live on soppeks (wooden boats) instead of in traditional floating stilt houses.

                                                                         Suku Bajo

With the help of local guides, you can have the experience to tour the canals where they live. You also get to experience firsthand how they live.

Over time, now the Bajo Tribe have begun to live a more modern life. They export the marine wealth of Sulawesi to China for the sake of turning the wheels of the economy. The Bajo tribe also can speak Indonesian well, although previously they could only use the ancient Bajo language.

6 Must-Visit South Korean Tourist Attractions

The Most Famous Tourist Attractions in South Korea

      South Korea is well-known as a developed country with very rapid economic growth. The country of Ginseng also provides many unique tourist spots and is thick with local culture. 

South Korea is one of the most popular tourist destinations for many people. This Ginseng country has many interesting tourist attractions that you can enjoy. For those of you who are planning a vacation to Korea, or just to add it to your bucket list, it never hurts to find out about the famous Korean tourist attractions and must-sees.

                                                          Image Source: wikimedia.org

Nami Island

If you like watching Korean dramas, of course you are familiar with this one tourist spot. Nami Island is famous for the beauty of the rows of trees that have a different face every season. During cherry blossom season, Nami Island will be pink and full of cherry blossoms. When it's winter, Nami Island will be pure white and filled with snow.

Jeju Island

Jeju Island is located in South Korea and has an exotic nature. The island is often used as a shooting location for Korean dramas and movies. Jeju Island is referred to as the Island of the Gods because it has open natural beauty, ranging from mountains, waterfalls, cliffs, meadows, and wildflower fields. On this island, there is also Mount Hallasan, which is the oldest and highest Mount Merapi in South Korea. This mountain is often used as a place for tourists to climb.

Yang Dong Traditional Village

The next most famous tourist attraction in South Korea is Yang Dong Traditional Village. If you want to know the life of traditional South Korean society, you can visit Yang Dong Traditional Village.This village is a UNESCO world heritage site. The Yang Dong Traditional Village reflects the typical Confucian aristocratic culture and buildings of the Joseon Dynasty. Uniquely, in this village the upper class people live on higher lands, while others live on lower lands.

Namsan Seoul Tower

Namsan Seoul Tower is a famous landmark of the city of Seoul and a lot of romantic spots. One of the romantic spots is a love lock that can be attached to the fence, then the key is thrown away, as a sign of eternal love that cannot be separated. Namsan Seoul Tower also has museums, restaurants, and shops that can be reached by cable car.

Starfield Coex Mall

This mall is a luxury shopping center in the elite Gangnam district, as well as the largest underground mall in Asia. You really have to go to Starfield Coex Mall, because it's an instagramable place. There is a library that contains many books that will be aesthetic if you photograph here.

Myeongdong Street

Myeongdong Street is a must-visit for makeup and skincare lovers. On Myeongdong Street there are various well-known cosmetic brands in Korea, such as Nature Republic, Innisfree, Etude House, or Tony Moly which can be obtained at affordable prices. Myeongdong Street also has a row of typical Korean street food, such as tteokbokki, bungeoppang, odeng, etc. You can find a lot of halal street food at Myeongdong Street.

In fact, there are still many tourist destinations that must be visited in Korea. However, the row of tours above are the most famous and must-visit tours if you are in Korea.

Kelimutu Lake, Exotic Natural Tourist Attraction

Kelimutu Lake, East Nusa Tenggara, Tourist Attractions in Indonesia That are World Famous

 

      In addition to Lake Toba, Indonesia's world-famous lake tourism destination is Lake Kelimutu. This lake is a volcanic lake which is located at the peak of Mount Kelimutu. To reach this beautiful lake, you must do hiking first.
The specialty of this lake located on Flores Island is the view of the lake with three colors, namely: green, white and blue. Every year, this exotic lake is always visited by foreign tourists.

The mainstay of tourism in East Nusa Tenggara is not only about Komodo National Park. Because in this province there is also Lake Kelimutu, which is included in the area of ​​Kelimutu National Park. The national park consists of hills and mountains, with the highest peak being Mount Kelibara which reaches 1,731 masl.

The area of the national park is 5356.50 hectares, consisting of 241 forest boundaries. This forest borders Kelimutu National Park with 24 villages located in 5 sub-districts in Ende Regency. The lake itself is at the peak of Mount Kelimutu which has a height of approximately 1,631 meters above sea level.

History of Lake Kelimutu

One of the most iconic places of the Kelimutu National Park is the lake. Historically, this beautiful lake was discovered in 1915 by B. Van Suchtelen, a Dutch military commander. At that time Suchtelen told local residents about the lake at the peak of Mount Kelimutu.

Suchtelen mentions that there are three lakes on top of this mountain, which have different colors. Residents who heard this at first did not believe it immediately, because the three colors of the lake mentioned by B. Van Suchtelen were the same as the colors of the Dutch flag.

Then the local residents proved themselves about the existence of the lake. The beauty of the lake is then summarized in a painting belonging to Y. Bouman, which was created in 1929. Since then, the name of the lake on the top of the mountain has become increasingly popular and has attracted a lot of attention from tourists.

The name Kelimutu is taken from the combination of two words namely "keli" and "mutu." Keli means mountain, and mutu means to boil. So that literally, the name Kelimutu can be interpreted as boiling mountain. However, the name Kelimutu is actually the name of the mountain, while the lake above the mountain has its own name.

The three lakes on top of Mount Kelimutu have the names Tiwu Ata Mbupu or Ata Mbupu, Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai, and Tiwu Ata Polo or Ata Polo. These lakes originate from phreatic eruptions that occurred in the past. Although it has its own name, this destination is known as Lake Kelimutu.

Myth of Kelimutu Lake

Almost every natural destination in some places always has a legend or myth that lives in society. It is said that Kelimutu lake which is on the top of this mountain is the place where the souls of the dead reside.

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This belief arises because the lake in the Kelimutu National Park can change color. Lake Tiwu Ata Mbupu is believed to be a place for the souls of parents who have died. Then Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai became a place for the souls of the young people who had died.

Meanwhile, Tiwu Ata Polo is believed to be a place for the souls of evil people who have died. Tiwu Nuwa Muri Koo Fai is the lake that changes color most often. If it is based on local people's beliefs, this is probably because the lake is a place for the souls of young people. So that it is still unstable and affects the color change of the water in the lake. Meanwhile, in the local language, tiwu itself has the meaning of lake. This is why every lake in this national park has a name with the prefix tiwu in its name.

Best Things to Do in Ko Lanta Thailand

Koh Lanta: Must-Visit Beach Destinations When in Thailand

     Maybe Phuket and Bangkok are two locations that cross your mind when you want to travel to Thailand.

If you choose to explore the Southeast Asian region, perhaps visiting Thailand can be an option. If you want to shop and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the capital, Bangkok is certainly a great choice, but if natural beauty and tranquility are two things you need, Koh Lanta is the perfect destination.

                                                             Image Source:  Wikimedia.org

By air from Bangkok city center to Krabi for approximately one hour and then 90 minutes drive to the accommodation, Koh Lanta is an island in this country that has welcomed tourists since thirty years ago. Even though it has been a tourist destination for three decades, it seems that this island has never changed, from the beauty of the coast without footprints, to the shady forests that are home to the macaque monkeys.

Koh Lanta offers an authentic experience of the culture and natural beauty of White Elephant Country. Maybe when the taxi drivers in Bangkok hear the name Koh Lanta as your destination, they will not escape the question of why you are visiting there, but the best experiences of a country are well preserved on the island.

Like all secret destinations in every country, apart from changes in modern lifestyles including tourism which often sacrifices the conditions of the natural environment, it has its own way of maintaining its authenticity. This is also done by the local community, who jointly maintain the natural conditions of Ko Lanta, so that it is in good condition for future generations.

Now, tourists are looking for more experiences in tourist sites that are rich in natural beauty and in good condition.

Koh Lanta is an island in the Krabi Province, in Southern Thailand, which is well known for its diving spots. There are many exclusive vacation resorts with stunning beach views on this island that are ready to pamper every traveler who visits it.

Ko Lanta is a group of 52 islands in the Andaman Sea, most of which are uninhabited. There's no airport on Koh Lanta; You will need to fly to the nearest airport in Krabi City before continuing your journey by land and boat to the island.

Although far from tourist attractions in general, a series of resorts on Koh Lanta will treat you with friendly service and the enchanting nature of the surroundings. The location is remote, but accommodating tourists is what makes Koh Lanta the best retreat to relax amidst nature.

The beaches in Thailand are amazing, including Ko Lanta which was named one of the ten best islands in Thailand by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. The white sand is really fine, and the calm waters are perfect for swimming. The complete view of this archipelago consisting of forests, hills, cliffs, and caves and beaches really refreshes the view of travelers who enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Koh Lanta.

Compared to the more popular Phi Phi Island, Koh Lanta's atmosphere is much more relaxed, as the beach area is less crowded with tourists. Consisting of a group of islands, tourists vacationing on Koh Lanta can use the services of a chartered boat that leans on the pier, to take you around the islands.

December, January and February are ideal months for relaxation on Koh Lanta because of the pleasant weather. Swimming, diving, snorkeling and kayaking are among the most popular activities you can do here. You can also stop by the fishing villages and mangrove forests which are interesting to explore.

Way Kambas National Park, Lampung, Indonesia

Way Kambas National Park Protects Endangered Animals

       Way Kambas National Park Lampung was designated as the 36th ASEAN Heritage Park area, on 25 July 2016.

Way Kambas National Park is located on the southern tip of Sumatra or 110 km from Bandar Lampung, and is one of the first and oldest National Parks in Indonesia. The National Park occupies 1,300 square km of coastal lowland forest around the Way Kambas River on the east coast of Lampung Province.

                                                          Image Source: Wikimedia.org

Way Kambar National Park was established in 1985, initially built as an elephant training center, later converted into an elephant conservation center.

This National Park is a tourist destination specially made to preserve the elephants., because apart from being a sanctuary for about 200 Sumatran elephants, this national park is also known as a place for their training. Way Kambas was founded by the Dutch government in 1937 until now it is still maintained as a National Park. On weekends, attractions that you can enjoy, for example, are ball matches between elephants.

In addition to elephant conservation, there is also a Sumatran rhino conservation and Rhino Sanctuary facilities. Unfortunately, to be able to see the Sumatran Rhino, visitors must have a special permit. Travelers or ordinary tourists can not see the natural captivity of this Sumatran rhinoceros.

Way Kambas is not only a place of conservation for Sumatran elephants, but also other rare animals, such as the Sumatran rhino, sun bear, Sumatran tiger, sambas deer, deer, golden cat, but also several other animals that are endangered.

Way Kambas National Park has become a proud tourist spot in Lampung, especially since it is located in East Lampung District, Labuhan Ratu District, this location can be reached within 4 hours driving from Bandar Lampung City.

Its strategic and easy-to-reach location is a place for education and recreation for the people of Lampung and tourists outside Lampung.

The infrastructure is adequate and improvements continue to be made on every side of the Way Kambas National Park.

Every year the Way Kambas National Park holds an annual event known as the Way Kambas Festival.

Way Kambas National Park is open to the public starting at 08.00 WIB - 18.00 WIB.

Tourists only need to pay the entrance ticket for Rp. 7,000 per person and Rp. 10,000 for four-wheeled vehicles.

After being at the Way Kambas National Park location, visitors can try to ride an elephant by paying a retribution fee of IDR 20,000 for a round which is 50-100 meters away.

Tourists will pass through green meadows and also lots of tall trees while enjoying the cool and natural atmosphere. Visitors can capture the moment of riding an elephant by taking photos or recording them with the elephants and handlers.

For those who want to go around the river with a motorboat, you can take a tour package. The motorboat can accommodate 6 people.

You will be invited by the elephant handler to go around the Way Kambas forest area and see wildlife in the wild. For the price of tour packages offered starting from IDR 750,000 to 1,500,000 depending on how far or near the forest the trip is.

Bunaken Marine Park, Manado North Sulawesi

Bunaken National Park, Amazing Underwater Nature in Manado 

      A popular tourist destination in Indonesia abroad is the Bunaken Marine Park, which is located in the Bay of Manado.

Bunaken has become one of the tourist attractions because of the beauty of its underwater garden which is difficult to find in other countries.

Visiting Bunaken Marine Park, travelers will discover the beauty of life in the sea that makes your eyes can't stop looking at it.

                                                           Image Source: Wikimedia.org

Bunaken is a national park that has been designated by the Indonesian Minister of Forestry in 1991 as a tourist attraction. Bunaken has a location that is representative of the Indonesian tropical aquatic ecosystem. Consisting of ecosystems of mangrove forests, seagrass beds, to coral reefs and terrestrial or coastal ecosystems.

In this marine park there are 13 types of coral reefs which are dominated by marine rocks.

In addition, the most interesting sight is the presence of steep vertical coral reefs that soar down as deep as 25-50 meters. you will see 91 types of fish that are in it.

Bunaken Marine Park has become one of the tourist destinations for tourists, especially sea lovers.

Moreover, this favorite Indonesian tourist spot for foreign tourists provides facilities for scuba diving with the best 20 dive points, where divers can swim on the seabed with a variety of amazing marine life.

The island in it is indeed rich in flora and fauna, where Bunaken National Park has 13 genera or genera of living corals with a predominance of fringing reefs and barrier reefs. There are about 91 species of fish that live in these waters, such as the gusumi horse, from yellow tail to ila gasi.

Tourists who come to enjoy Bunaken underwater tourism are not only local tourists, but also foreign tourists. This proves that tourism in Indonesia has a world appeal.

In Bunaken Manado there are also many marine tourism activities that tourists can do. From diving, snorkeling, sunbathing and swimming. There is also a diving center named Dragonet, and was once the secretariat for the Sail Bunaken event. The place is on Kalase beach, precisely on the outskirts of the city of Manado. Sail Bunaken itself broke the MURI record with more than 2000 divers participating in the flag ceremony at the bottom of the sea.

Meanwhile, the owner of the Dagonet Diving Center employs a dive instructor who is already certified as SDI or Scuba Diving International. Dragonet offers scuba lessons for beginners. For example, visitors or novice divers learn the basics of diving for 15 minutes, and will be invited to gradually up to 45 minutes at depths of up to 6 meters. This assistance from the Diving Center will certainly make it easier for tourists to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world from Bunaken Marine Park.

Why is Bunaken Marine Park called heaven on earth? It's because the divers can find about 20 dive spots. 12 of them can be found in Bunaken Island. In fact, the uniqueness of the dives here is the visibility that can reach 20 meters. This condition indicates that the water is very clear.

Mergui Archipelago, Beauty Myanmar's Treasure

Mergui Islands, The Best Place To Escape From Social Media

      The Mergui Islands are also known as Myeik Islands or Myeik Kyunzu; (in Myanmar language): The Mergui Islands are located in southern Myanmar, and are part of the Tanintharyi Region. The islands are sometimes known as the Pashu Archipelago because the Malay people there are known as Pashu. (Wikipedia.org)

This archipelago is a group of islands that are still virgin in the Andaman Sea tropical forest. You can stay at hotels around these islands, then enjoy the sensation of kayaking.

Interestingly, here you can still find gypsies who live on ships. They hunt for pearls all day.

The Mergui Islands are in the waters of Myanmar. The beach and water are clean and clear. The beach is overgrown with vegetation that can make your body at peace with the sun.

Geologically, the islands of the Mergui Islands are composed of limestone and granite. The islands are covered by dense tropical vegetation, in the form of rainforests, and the coastline consists of sandy beaches, rocky land, and mangrove swamps in places. In offshore areas there are many expanses of coral reefs.

The Myeik Archipelago in Myanmar has beautiful scenery. The underwater panorama is majestic too. When the sun starts to set on the horizon, and you turn on your cell phone, you just realize that there is no cell phone signal.

The resort in the Mergui Islands has a gazebo, a place to enjoy the evening breeze, with light from solar power. Its power is obtained from the sun during the day, and is used at night.

The lighting in the room is an LED lamp and a fan to cool the room. The wind blowing from the Andaman Sea broke through the partition. The breeze makes your eyes heavy and you can quickly fall asleep.

Without a cellular and wifi connection, it feels awkward, but it's also a blessing. Now you can make your body comfortable in a completely relaxed atmosphere.

The waters around the island are serene, making kayaking a pleasure. In the afternoon, swimming can be the choice of travelers. The water is warm and calm, will make your body feel fit after swimming.

Its unspoiled conditions make the islands and surrounding waters rich in a rich diversity of flora and fauna, making them popular as a diving location, with a variety of endangered animals such as whale sharks and dugongs.

This area is also a migration destination for cetaceans, and the "Whale Bay" east of Kanmaw Kyun Island is home to a wide variety of whales, such as bryde whales, blue whales, tropical bottlenose whales, rope-toothed whales and killer whales. There are also various dolphins and dolphins.

The Mergui Archipelago is known to be the least visited part of Myanmar. But now the archipelago consisting of more than 800 islands is being beautified, to receive tourists. The coral reef is still virgin with sharks surrounding it.

A trip to Mergui is not only difficult to access, but also expensive. Reportedly, several bays on the island are waiting for investors to be developed into luxury resorts.

Prambanan Temple, A Historical Place in Indonesia

Explore the Beauty of Prambanan Temple 

      Prambanan Temple is one of the biggest and grandest temples in Jogja, which is a favorite destination for tourists when visiting Yogyakarta.

The location of the Prambanan Temple is quite unique, the Prambanan temple complex is located in two regencies and two provinces at once. The courtyard of this temple complex is located in the district of Sleman, Yogyakarta, while the main gate is in the district of Klaten, Central Java.

                                                          Image Source: wikimedia.org

In 1991 together with the Borobudur temple, the Prambanan temple was confirmed by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

There are 240 temples in the temple complex in total. With three main temples known as Shiva temples, Brahma temples and Vishnu temples or also known as Trimurti temples.

Standing firmly on the north side of the Yogyakarta-Solo highway, every driver going to Yogyakarta or Solo can definitely see the splendor of the Prambanan temple. As if it has its own charm, the beauty of the reliefs and the architecture of the building inherits its unique characteristics like other Hindu temples.

History of Prambanan Temple

Prambanan Temple is one of the biggest Hindu temples and has high architectural value. At first, the construction of this temple was aimed at rivaling the Borobudur temple which is a Buddhist temple. And Sewu Temple which is located quite close to the Prambanan temple complex.

A number of researchers considered that the construction of the temple was related to the return of the Sanjaya dynasty to power. The Sanjaya dynasty is believed to be a follower of Hindu teachings who led the Ancient Mataram Kingdom. The construction of this temple was first carried out around the year 850 AD by Rakai Pikatan. Then it was refined and continued by King Lokapala and King Balitung Maha Sambu.

According to the Siwagrha inscription, in 856 AD, the Prambanan temple was built as a form of respect and glorification of Lord Shiva, who is one of the Trimurti gods. Siwagrha itself in Sanskrit has the meaning 'House of Shiva' or 'The Realm of Shiva'.

On an ongoing basis, the Prambanan temple building was perfected by the successors of the King of Medang Mataram such as King Daksa and Tulodong. The addition of temple buildings was carried out continuously until there were hundreds of temples surrounding the main temple of Trimurti.

At the time of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom, this temple was considered a majestic and sacred place. At that time many religious events such as Hindu rituals or ceremonies were carried out in the temple complex.

The collapse of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom caused the Prambanan temple to be abandoned and abandoned. In 1733 the temple was found by a Dutch citizen named CA Lons. When it was first discovered, the temple building was in an unkempt state for hundreds of years.

This is believed to be the result of natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which destroyed the buildings within the temple complex. In 1918, the restoration of the temple was carried out regularly until now, in order to maintain the preservation of the building which is a heritage of the Hindus.

In addition to the origin story of the construction of the Prambanan temple which is found in the Siwagrha inscription, there is also a legend that is believed by the local community as the story of the founding of the Prambanan temple. The story begins when in Java there are two kingdoms that are side by side, namely the Pengging Kingdom and the Baka Kingdom.

The kingdom of Pengging is a prosperous kingdom, led by Prabu Damar Maya who has a son named Bandung Bondowoso. Meanwhile, the Baka Kingdom is led by Prabu Baka, who is a giant. However, Prabu Baka had a beautiful daughter named Roro Jonggrang.

The prosperity of the Pengging kingdom made Prabu Baka intend to dominate the kingdom, then all of Prabu Baka's soldiers were ordered to attack the Pengging kingdom. War was unavoidable, as a result, many people from the kingdom of Pengging died, starved, and lost their property.

Not wanting the incident to drag on, Prabu Darma Maya ordered his son Bandung Bondowoso to confront Prabu Baka, thanks to his supernatural powers, Bandung Bondowoso managed to kill Prabu Baka. After defeating Prabu Baka, Bandung Bondowoso also turned to attack the Baka Kingdom and finally the Baka Kingdom was successfully controlled by Bandung Bondowoso.

This is where the meeting between Bandung Bondowoso and Roro Jonggrang started. Seeing the beauty of Roro Jonggrang, Bandung Bondowoso was captivated and intended to marry Roro Jonggrang. However, the proposal was rejected by Roro Jonggrang, because he did not want to be married to the person who killed his father.

Although his application was rejected, Bandung Bondowoso did not give up hope to marry Roro Jonggrang. With all the seduction and coercion, finally Roro Jonggrang accepted the proposal but on one condition, namely: he asked to make a thousand temples in just one night.

Bandung Bondowoso asked for help from the jinn to complete the construction of the temple, and Bandung Bondowoso was able to complete 999 temples in a short time. Hearing that the construction of the temple was nearing completion, Roro Jonggrang tried to thwart Bandung Bondowoso's efforts.

Roro Jonggrang then asked the ladies and gentlemen of the village to burn straw and pound rice to represent the early morning. The efforts of Roro Jonggrang succeeded in tricking the genies who helped Bandung Bondowoso, so that they fled in fear, thinking the sun would soon appear.

Bandung Bondowoso, who knew this was a fraudulent act by Roro Jonggrang to thwart his efforts to build a thousand temples, was furious and angry. Bandung Bondowoso with all his anger cursed Roro Jonggrang to be the thousandth temple, to complete the 999 temples that have been completed. The story is also the origin of the Prambanan temple, also known as the Roro Jonggrang temple.

Sentani Lake, When Nature Combines with Culture

The Beauty of Sentani Lake in Papua, Indonesia 

        Sentani Lake is one of the mainstay of tourism in Papua. In addition to Raja Ampat, a trip to Lake Sentani can be a tourist choice in Papua. Moreover, Lake Sentani's location is close to the airport. The access to Sentani lake is also easy.

                                                         Image Source: Wikimedia.org

Lake Sentani is located in the south of Jayapura Regency, has an area of 9,360 ha, the depth of Lake Sentani is about 70 meters below sea level.

Lake Sentani lies between Jayapura Regency and Jayapura City, covering 24 villages. Sentani Lake is an integral part of the Cycloops Mountains nature reserve.

The name Sentani was given by a Christian Pastor BL Bin around 1898, which means "here we live in peace". With that, it is hoped that this place can bring peace to everyone who lives in it.

Lake Sentani is not just a natural attraction, but a cultural tourist spot, where you can watch the Lake Sentani festival which is always held once a year.

The Lake Sentani Festival is a festival or you could say a people's party that is always held once a year, namely every June.

The festival is usually held in the Kalkota area, on the banks of Lake Sentani. Where you will witness the display of culture and art from the local area.

For example, the Isosolo Dance, which became the opening dance of the people's party. Isosolo dance is performed on a boat that has been decorated in such a way.

Next, you will witness a typical Papuan war dance, which is followed by a traditional ceremony to crown Ondoafi or the indigenous leader of Sentani.

Don't miss out on enjoying Papuan culinary delights, which are lined up side by side with Papuan handicrafts.

The Legend of Lake Sentani

There is a story that is still a mystery whether it is fact or just a myth.

The people of Papua New Guinea in ancient times made long journeys on the back of a dragon.

The trip was carried out to find a new area to be used as a residence, and then settled there.

However, because the journey was very far, it finally made the dragon that was ridden exhausted and shot down into a large lake.

The dragon drowned to death, but some of the residents who rode the dragon survived and they had to stay in the part of the dragon that had emerged to the surface.

The dragon's head became the island on the east side, the dragon's tail became the island on the west side of the lake, and the dragon's body became the island in the middle of the lake.

Lake Sentani Tourist Attraction

Around Lake Sentani there is a village that has the characteristic of a colorful dock, named Kampung Yoboi.

Yoboi Village is located above Sentani Lake, you won't see land here. The most interesting thing about this village is the colorfully painted dock.

Yoboi Village is also known as "Sago Village", because in the forest around Yoboi Village there are 20 types of sago trees and it is the area with the most sago plants in Indonesia.

                                                                       Yoboi Village

Lake Sentani's biodiversity is quite diverse, ranging from flora to fauna. Existing flora include:

Matoa trees, areca nut trees, and eucalyptus trees.

While the fauna inhabiting Lake Sentani include:

Tilapia Fish, Red Rainbow Fish, Lohan Fish, and Alum Fish.

Even in ancient times, Lake Sentani was also inhabited by the Freshwater Saw Shark, which is now extinct.

How to Get to Sentani Lake

From the airport, Sentani Lake takes about 15 minutes, making it very easy for those of you who come from outside Papua.

If you depart from Jakarta, it's faster to use an airplane. Although it can also be done by using sea transportation. When you arrive at Sentani Airport, you can rent a vehicle to go to the location of Lake Sentani.

Usually Sentani Lake is open every Monday to Sunday, for 24 hours non-stop. However, the best time to visit Sentani Lake is in the morning and afternoon.

To enter Sentani Lake is free, if you want to visit the villages around Lake Sentani, you have to use a boat by paying IDR 10,000 per person for one way.

Derawan Island, Paradise in Kalimantan Indonesia

 Derawan Island, Beautiful Natural Scenery at the Eastern Edge of Kalimantan, Indonesia

     The beauty of nature in Indonesia is indeed enchanting. Starting from Sabang to Merauke, each island in Indonesia has its own beauty. One of them that is quite attractive to tourists is Derawan island, which is located in East Kalimantan.

The location of the Derawan Islands is in Berau District, East Kalimantan. But you can pass from two main gates: through Tarakan or Berau. So it's up to you whether you want to linger on the plane or speedboat. Both promise ease and efficiency in terms of time and cost.

                                                         Image Source: Wikimedia.org

It is said that this island is a hidden paradise that has an attraction. The beautiful and natural coral reefs, with clean white sand and clear blue sea water, really spoil the eyes.

Derawan Island is never empty of tourists, both from local to international, many are interested in enjoying the beauty and beauty of the underwater scenery that is on Derawan Island.

Derawan Island has become one of the best tourism potentials in East Kalimantan.

Initially this village was an administrative village, but the concept changed to become a tourist village. This demands local villagers to always maintain cleanliness. Maintaining the sustainability and cleanliness of nature, of course, makes Derawan Island look very natural.

In 2005, the Indonesian government has registered this tourist area as one of the UNESCO world heritages, because of the beauty of the sea scenery. This area is also often referred to as Pristine Island, which is a place where its beauty is still maintained.

How to Get to Derawan Island

To get to Derawan island, you don't have to worry about transportation problems. This beautiful island can be easily accessed by air, land and sea. So you can adjust the trip according to your budget.

By Land

For the land route, it is often used by local tourists who live on the island of Kalimantan. Usually they will prefer to use the bus or rental car. You can also use this route after arriving in East Kalimantan and then continuing the journey to Derawan Island. The trip can be started from the city of Palangkaraya-Banjarmasin-Balikpapan-Samarinda-Tanjung Radeb-Tanjung Batu, and finally on Derawan Island.

Airway

For tourists who come from outside the island of Borneo or outside Indonesia, of course it will be very easy to use the air route and arrive at Derawan Island. After landing in Balikpapan by plane, continue the journey through Berau / Tarakan, and then cross to the destination island by using a Speed Boat.

If you choose the Berau route, from Sepinggan Airport, Balikpapan, you will continue by plane to Berau. Then from Kalimarau Airport, continue by car to Tanjung Redeb, the capital of Berau, about 2 hours. Then from there, it is continued by speedboat for 30 minutes.

Derawan Island is Not Too Wide, So Tourists Can Get Around

Not only enjoying the underwater beauty, you can also walk around while seeing the natural scenery that is on this tourist island. Derawan Island has beautiful beaches that are still virgin, as well as clean white sand.

Because the island is not so wide, you can walk around while watching the natural Derawan. While sitting relaxed on the beach, you can also chat with friendly Bajau Tribe residents.

When you come to Derawan island, don't miss to visit Sangalaki Island by boat. on this island, you will find turtle breeding and beautiful beaches,, the best time to visit this island is in the afternoon, because you will see a beautiful sunset.

The facilities available on Derawan Island are also very complete. Starting from restaurants, cafes, and even fun and exciting water rides. Here you can try canoeing, banana boats, sailboats, and other water games. Of course, this will make you more satisfied to enjoy your vacation in Derawan.

Paro Taktsang Bhutan, Tiger's Nest Temple

Paro Taktsang Monastery, Tiger's Lair Converted to Worship Places

      Most of the travelers who visit Bhutan specifically visit the temples that are on high. Taktsang Palphug Monastery, famous as the tiger's nest temple. The building gets its name from Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have landed here on a flight on a tigress from Tibet.

                                                             Image Source: Wikimedia.org

Originally, it was just a cave where Guru Rinpoche spent time meditating to cleanse himself. This temple has been around for years and is a tourist destination. If travelers are planning to take a hike to the temples, what should be done is to leave early and bring a guidebook, in order to avoid the crowds.

For Buddhists, Paro Taktsang is a temple that serves as a place of worship. It is situated on a steep cliff with a height of 3,120 meters, making it one of the most extreme temples in the world.

Built since the 14th century, Paro Taktsang has several sacred caves decorated with Buddha images (Bodhisattvas). The nickname Tiger's Nest was given because this temple has a large tiger statue which is housed in the Hall of a Thousand Buddhas.

Paro Taktsang consists of four main temples and is surrounded by residential areas, located close to the valley and decorated with a thick expanse of pine forest.

The word Taktsang means the tiger's lair, while the word Paro comes from the name of the valley where this sacred temple stands

This place of worship in Bhutan has a beauty that can pamper your eyes. The temple, whose real name is Taktsang Palphug, has become a cultural icon of Bhutan, as well as the most famous tourist destination in Bhutan.

This monastery became a meditation place for Padmasambhava, who was one of the teachers who spread Buddhism in Bhutan.

Padmasambhava meditated there for 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days and 3 hours. Padmasambava was a Brahmin empire who spread Tantric Buddhism through Bhutan and Tibet in the 700s.

People around the paro valley have great respect for tigers because of the story of Padmasambhava's closeness to a tigress.

The tigress is the embodiment of Padmasambhava's wife when fighting against the forces of evil.

It is said that when Padmasambhava died in Nepal, his body was surprisingly returned to Paro Taktsang

His followers believe that Padmasambhava is still alive today and is regarded as the guardian spirit of Bhutan.

How to get to Paro Taktsang

To reach the Tiger's Lair was much more difficult. You have to hike for two hours from the valley floor. This place is located at about 3048 meters above sea level. After a two-hour hike, you'll immediately face the entrance to the Tiger's Nest, a rock overlooking a vast ravine, with a monastery on the other side.

Underneath there is a canyon thousands of meters deep. You need to be careful because the road to Paro Taktsang has to be faced with a ravine on the side next to you.

Entering the monastery, you have to step again up some stairs. There are 3 temples inside. Even though you are tired, you will see an incredible cliff view. When you go deeper, you will come across a cold cave where Padmasambabva was meditating.

So, are you challenged to visit this tiger's den monastery? Prepare your stamina to go uphill. Don't forget to prepare money as well.

Lake Toba, A World Class Tourist Destination

Exciting and Unforgettable Lake Toba Tourism 

     Lake Toba is one of the priority tourist destinations set by the Ministry of Tourism and the Creative Economy of Indonesia. The North Sumatra tourism icon was chosen, of course, for strong reasons.

Lake Toba has an area of ​​approximately 1,145 square kilometers, and a depth of 450 meters. This natural tourism destination is actually more similar to the ocean. Not surprisingly, Lake Toba is the largest lake in Southeast Asia and one of the deepest lakes in the world.

At the location of this Lake Toba tourist attraction, travelers and visitors can enjoy kayaking or canoeing by choosing three types of cruising routes: Tongging-Silalahi lake, Tongging-Samosir or North Circle.

Not only enjoying water tourism, visitors can enjoy the cool and cool air on Lake Toba through glamping activities (luxury camp) at The Caldera Toba Nomadic Escape which is located in Sibisa, Ajibata District, Toba Samosir Regency.

Its stunning natural scenery has made Lake Toba designated by UNESCO as the Toba Caldera.

The Legend of Lake Toba

Lake Toba Tourism is a lake that comes from the largest volcanic eruption in North Sumatra, Mount Toba.

This lake tourist site has become a tourist spot in Medan that must be visited thanks to the beauty of the lake, the legend, and the process of its formation.

According to Wikipedia, before becoming a vast lake, this area was a fertile mountain area. The volcano then erupted about 74,000 years ago.

After the eruption, formed a basin as deep as 450 meters and an area of 1,145 square kilometers. This basin then becomes a lake.

When viewed from the area and depth of the lake, this natural lake site is like an ocean with an island in the middle. The island which is located in the middle of this lake is Samosir Island. This island is inhabited and becomes the 'home' of the Toba people. The land on this island is very fertile so that it is easy to produce many types of useful plants.

The area of the lake waters is very clean because the local people really keep this area in order to keep it sustainable and beautiful.

The visiting tourists are asked to maintain cleanliness. One of the efforts to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of the lake is by providing a trash can.

The local community also always maintains the balance of ecosystems, both terrestrial ecosystems, including on Samosir Island, and ecosystems in lake waters.

With these efforts, from the past until now, this tourist area is very fertile. Yields continue to be abundant. Likewise, the catch of freshwater fish.

Lake Toba Tourist Attractions Facilities

Almost every day hundreds of tourists fill this lake attraction. To support the convenience of tourists, this lake tourist spot has been equipped with a myriad of facilities.

One of the facilities that is quite crucial is the hotel. Quite a wide selection of hotels around Toba. Ranging from ordinary class hotels to 5-star hotels.

Vehicle parking area facilities are also provided. The parking area here is very wide, so that it can accommodate dozens of tourist buses.

There are many souvenir shops for those of you who want to buy Toba specialty goods. The price is quite cheap and you can get a discount if you buy in bulk.

There is also a gazebo facility that is provided for visitors who want to enjoy the beauty of the lake in a comfortable place.

If you are hungry or maybe thirsty, there are several references to the nearest Medan culinary center which is famous for its delicious cuisine.

Interesting Facts about Potala Palace in Tibet

 Unique Facts about Potala Palace, the Grand Palace in Tibet

      The Potala Palace is a building considered a landmark and icon of Tibet. This building is a huge palace which consists of many houses, towers, chapels, etc. The Potala Palace is the tallest palace in the world, and is known for its unique and spectacular architectural style, making it recognized as one of the most beautiful architectural buildings in the world.

                                                         Image Source: Wikimedia.org

The Potala Palace, located in Lhasa, Tibet, was once an imperial palace, seat of government, and monastery, and is now one of the most popular tourist destinations for tourists. This building also holds various interesting historical facts to discuss.

Potala Palace has two main parts: the red palace and the white palace. Both have their own functions.

The White Palace was built earlier and was used for the offices of the Tibetan Government, meeting halls, and the residence of the Dalai Lama.

The Red Palace is used as the house of prayer for the Dalai Lama and is dedicated to Buddhist learning activities.

Although at first Potala Palace was built with the reason of 'love', but as it developed it became more of a spiritual place. Once upon a time, the Potala Palace was an imperial palace, monastery, and seat of government—unlike now, where it is generally visited to pray.

Built by the 5th Dalai Lama

The construction of the Potala palace began in 1645 on the orders of the 5th Dalai Lama named Lozang Gyatso, this spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism decided to build the palace due to its unique location.

The location is also considered perfect for use as the center of government, because of its location right between the monastery of Drepung, Sera, and the city of Lhasa.

Inside the building of the Potala Palace is the stupa of the 5th Dalai Lama with a height of 14.85 meters, which is plated with 3,721 kg of gold, and gems adorn the stupa, such as pearls, coral, amber, and agate. The stupa of the 5th Dalai Lama is the most luxurious and most valuable.

No Building Can Be Taller Than The Potala Palace

The Potala Palace is built 117 meters above the mountain, with impressive zigzagging steps. When you take a walk around the city buildings of Lhasa, you will not find any buildings taller than the top of the Potala Palace.

In order to preserve the unique atmosphere surrounding the palace, a ban has been imposed on building buildings over 21 meters high. This is a sign of respect for the holy site. Therefore, you will not see a skyscraper that towers above the palace.

It took 48 years to finish the entire palace

Just like other magnificent buildings, the Potala Palace took years to complete. The main structure of this building took about 3 years to complete, but for the whole building to the interior took a total of 45 years.

This means that the new palace was actually completed in 1694 CE, or 12 years after the 5th Dalai Lama's death. That is, the 5th Dalai Lama was unable to see the palace he had ordered it to be built.

Potala was the residence of the 10 Dalai Lamas for 317 years

In 1642, after the 5th Dalai Lama had built the Potala Palace, he transferred his government to the palace. Since then, the Potala Palace has served as the Dalai Lama's residence, government office, and important place for religious activities.

However, after the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959, the Potala Palace became much more like a museum. In total, the Potala Palace has been the residence of 10 generations of the Dalai Lama over a period of 317 years.

Travel Destinations in Tibet That Will Amaze You

Tibet's Best Tourist Attractions 

      The majority of the people in this area are devout Buddhists. In the past, this area was known to keep various mysteries because only certain people could enter it. However, now this area is open to the public.

Tibet is geographically located on a plateau, and this plain is the highest plateau in the world. That is why Tibet is known as the roof of the world. Tibet once closed itself from the reach of tourists, now this autonomous region located in China has begun to open up to the world. Although the number of tourist visits is still limited. The Tibetan population is minimal, making tourists who vacation here really enjoy their vacation.

Tibet has a distinctive animal that can only live in this area. They are Yak and Dri, the two animals are almost the same as cattle, but cows are typical of Tibet. Yak is a term for male animals, while Dri is a reference for female animals.

These animals are able to carry loads that weigh up to 50 kg and can walk as far as about 5000 meters with cold temperatures of -30 degrees. Besides having the advantage of carrying loads, these animals are also often used to plow the fields. The milk can be expressed and the meat can also be eaten, the skin can also be used.

These are some of the interesting places in Tibet that you can enjoy

                                                            Image Source: Wikimedia.org

Namtso Lake

Clean, clear and beautiful, a brief description of the beautiful lakes in Tibet. One that attracts attention is Namtso Lake. Located in Lhasa, this lake is dubbed as a heavenly lake, because its beauty is still maintained naturally. The average tourist spends time enjoying the beauty of this lake by riding a yak before sunrise or sunset.

Kailash Mountain

In order not to violate the sanctity of the mountain, climbers are not allowed to climb all the way to the top. Mount Kailash is considered a sacred mountain by Hindus and Buddhists alike.

According to Hindu and Buddhist scriptures, around this mountain there are ancient monasteries and caves where the holy sages live. It is said that only lucky people can see this cave appearance.

Lulang Forest

Like in a fairy tale, this forest is a complete composition with the appearance of mountains, glaciers, rivers, and small villages. Not only vegetation, here you will hear the chirping of birds with their melodious voices and horses running around. It really makes you feel like in a fairy tale. The beauty of it can make you stunned and don't want to go home.

Yangpachen Hot Springs

In addition to being used as a geothermal power plant for the Lhasa area. Yangpachen hot springs are also crowded with tourists who want to take the time to soak in this natural hot spring.

Moreover, the background of the Yangpachen hot spring is a mountain range with a white blanket at its peak. Make travelers feel at home in the bath.

The Great Yarlung Tsangpo Canyon

Listed in the list of the largest and deepest canyons in the world, the Yarlung Tsangpo Great Canyon is a magnificent beauty. Especially in this canyon there are rare and unique plants and animals. You can see wildlife such as yew and zoraptera insects in this canyon.