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Bali, “The Second Home of Australians”

Bali has been reputed as one of the best holiday destinations in the world. The beauty of its natural panorama is not only the main factor that people flock to Bali. The uniqueness of its culture, the climate, and friendliness of Balinese have been contributed to the booming visits to the island of Gods.

From the data taken by Badan Pusat Statistik Provinsi Bali (Statistic Department of Bali), at least there are ten countries which have become the loyal customers / regulars of Balinese tourism. According to the chief of this department, I Gede Suarsa, Australia stays on the top position in supplying foreign tourists into Bali, followed by other big countries like Chinese and Japan.

During 2011, the amount of Australians who spent their holiday in Bali was reaching 788,664 people. Meanwhile, the newest data analyzed from the period of January – August 2012, it was noted that Australia supplied 627,793 tourists or 33.03 percent from the total of foreign tourists who visited Bali at that time. According to I Gede Suarsa, “That amount shows that there is increasing number of the Australian tourists visiting Bali if it is compared to the same period (January – August) in 2011. Significantly, the amount of the increase is 25.23 percent from the last period which recorded 501,326 tourists.” It was concluded that the increase is not only caused by the better condition of Australian economy, but also by the conducive condition of Bali, the proximity between Bali and Australia, and also the easiness of getting on air transportation.

Australia ranks first from the list of top 10 countries supplying the most tourists to Bali. Most of them came through Ngurah Rai Airport using flight service directly from their country. It was also found that 12,446 tourists came through cruise ships.

I Gede Suarsa added that Australians keep coming to Bali because they treat Bali as their second home. It means that Australians feel comfortable staying in Bali, whether it is because the factor from the island itself or the factor that these Australians who want an escape from the routines in their country. This condition makes this commonwealth country contributes more than a third of the total foreign tourists visit to Bali.

Meanwhile, China stays on the second position as the most tourists contributor, after Australia. They recorded an increase reaching 39.12 percent, followed by Japan 9.24 percent, Malaysia 20.76 percent, South Korea 26.56 percent, and Singapore 23.21 percent. The number of French tourists also increases to 12.23 percent, while British increases to 42.07 percent and American 31.10. The country that has decreasing visit is Taiwan 1.02 percent from 89,528 tourists to 88,612 tourists.

The Main Reasons of High Visit Number from Australian Tourists

There are some reasons that makes Bali still become the best holiday island for the Australians. In general, this fact is influenced by geographical position of Bali and Australia, also the uniqueness that Bali offers not only for Australians but also other countries. This two general factors play important role in keeping Australians coming to Bali. Below, it is explained some reasons / factors that may contribute to this fact.

Geographical Position

The proximity between Bali and Australia could be said as the main reason for the Australian tourists preferring to visit Bali rather than other holiday destinations. It will only need around 3-7 hour flying depending on the departure location. With that short trip, a lot of time will be saved especially for them who does not have a long holiday.

Climate

The warm climate of the dry season in Bali is the favorite of every tourist including Australians. Even though there is rainy season during December until March, the temperature of Bali is still warm ranging from 20 until 33 Celsius degree. It will be still fine for the tourists as they come to Bali to enjoy this kind of temperature that they did not feel in their country. Moreover, the rain usually comes at the night, so in the morning till afternoon, tourists could go anywhere they like.

Historical Values

Bali with its unique and ancient civilization is an attractive destination for every tourists. Here, a lot of historical and religious buildings or temple could be easily found since it has been integrating in the Balinese life. The old temples which were built thousand year ago are still maintained well. From here, tourists could spend their holiday and learn history at the same time.

Culture and Custom

World has acknowledged the politeness and friendliness of Balinese towards everyone, which have been inherited from their ancestors over generations. The care that the Balinese shows even for the strangers also becomes a thing that the Australians found very comforting. It is very different from the culture of the westerns or Australians where people hardly care each other. Besides that, the traditional culture that Bali possessed gives a unique experience of holiday for them.

Price

As one of the world’s favorite holiday destinations, the cost to spend holiday in Bali is still in the category of affordable. It is supported by Long Haul’s survey report which shows that Bali is in the third position for the cheapest holiday destinations in the world, after Sri Lanka and Vietnam. Moreover, Australia stays in the second position of the most expensive holiday destinations, below South Korea. Thus, this factor must be also becomes a consideration for the Australians to spend holiday in Bali rather than in their own country.

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It could be concluded that as a world class holiday destination, Bali offers a great advantage for the Australians tourists. Unique and classy holiday, affordable price, and short trip to reach the island; the Australians may not need to think twice if they are asked for their favorite holiday destination. Most of them will choose Bali, because Bali is the Australians’ second home.

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Unique Pink Sand Beachs in Indonesia

Have you ever imagine a beach with pink sand? Maybe you will say that such a thing could only be seen in a fairytale world. However, pink sand beach really do exist. This unique beach could be found in these two locations in Indonesia.

Pink Beach, Komodo Island

pink beach komodo islandKomodo Island is well-known for the “nest” of komodo dragon and its reputation as one of the world’s seven wonders. However, now the visitors of this island could also visit a unique beach called pink beach. As the name suggests, Pink Beach has pink sand along its coastline. The pink color is caused by the mixture of white calcium carbonate and the bright red skeletons of dead organ pipe corals which grow under its waters.

Pink Beach also has various kind of amazing sea biota and coral reef. There are thousand kinds of fish and 70 kinds if sponges live in this area. Visitors could go diving and snorkeling, to enjoy the beautiful panorama of underwater life.

This beach is not really popular amongst the tourists who visit Komodo Island. Thus, the condition of this beach is very natural, peaceful, clean, and well maintained. When you decide to visit this beach, you will be accompanied by an officer of Komodo National Park to ensure your safety, because some komodo also live around the beach. But, do not worry because these komodo rarely attack human and reputedly komodo never attack local residents, so you are totally safety when you are accompanied by these officers.

From the distance sand in this beach looks normal, white and clean. However, as you get closer and closer, the pink hue of the sand will be more visible. When the bluish wave flows on top of this sand, the contrast will even be more clear. Indeed, the beauty of this pink beach will be perfect when it is shone by the direct sunlight.

Tangsi Beach, Lombok

tangsi beach at lombokAlthough some beaches in Lombok like Senggigi and Gili Trawangan area have been famous for the tourists, actually they still do not know that there is a beautiful virgin beach with its pink sand called Tangsi beach. This beach is located in East Lombok Regency, Jerowaru sub district. Tangsi Beach is on the rise, because in the past not many people know about this hidden gem. Even, the local people does not really aware that this beach could become a good tourism object. Recently, a mass media exposed its potential so that people flock to visit this beach.

Geographically, this beach is located in the southern top of Lombok Island. To reach this beach, hard trip must be faced since the road heading to this beach is broken. The asphalt road got quite big holes in some areas. From Mataram city, it will need two hour driving until you get this place. Surprisingly, there is no retribution or entrance ticket in this beach, because the area of this beach is a new attraction and not yet maintained by the local government.

On the both side of this beach you will see two tall hills surrounding the area. Tangsi Beach is in the form of a basin flanked by hills. The natural and peaceful situation of the beach is actually the best attraction for some foreign tourists.

Like Pink Beach in Komodo Island, Tangsi Beach main feature is the pink sand that it has. This color is formed by the small pieces of red corals which grow under its water. This beach is really a new tourism object that not many people visit this beach, even in the weekend. However, as the time goes by, the visitors of this beach keep increasing. Maybe, the number will increase significantly if the government try to optimized this beach potential by providing a good access and tourism facilities. Besides that, near the beach there is also a cave which was used for military basis by the Japanese army in colonial era. Many people said that if we explore this cave it will guide us to cross the hill and arrive in the new beach behind this hill.

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The cleanliness and nature of this beach is still good. There are no inorganic litters found around the beach. This natural state of the beach surely must be maintained, to make the tourists feel comfortable. Moreover, the tourism potential in the form of peaceful atmosphere and uniqueness that this beach offers could be utilized to benefit the government and of course the local residents itself.

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Hotels

Ananta Legian Hotel – Legian

Ananta Legian Hotel is located strategically in the center of Legian where various cafe, bars, shops, and entertainments are surrounding. Just 30 minute drive from the airport, you will be able to immediately enjoy the famous Legian Beach in the back of the hotel, just about 5 minute walk. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or surfing. Meanwhile, in the front of the hotel there are so many shops like boutiques, local handicrafts, restaurants and cafe.

Ananta Legian Hotel offers you a charming and relaxing atmosphere. Every single detail of the hotel elements has been created to be able to balance the artistic and simplicity side. Besides that, the hotel has been designed to give inner serenity, luxury, quality, charm and tranquility. This hotel offers 175 rooms specially designed for the guest to be able to overlook the tropical garden and pool. Feel the different sensation of dining, in an excellent restaurant and rooftop bar. The unique feeling of the breeze from the sea, splashing sound of the waves and beautiful cool colors of nature is priceless.

The restaurant is designed with the balance of contemporary art and the old traditional Balinese style. A wide selection of cuisines from Western, Asian to the Local Indonesia Food is available for you to choose. Besides that, a 24 hours in room service for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, sandwiches or your favorite drinks is at your service.
Ananta Legian Hotel also provides its guest with a classy meeting venues which combines work and relaxation. 3 up-to-date meeting rooms that offer the perfect environment for banquets and inspirational meetings are ready to use. With the assist of professional staffs, your formal event will be appreciated and remembered. Have a memorable stay with Ananta Legian Hotel with a great value and a great hospitality.

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Geger Beach, Nusa Dua

geger beach nusa duaGeger Beach is one of the charms that attracts so many tourists to visit this beautiful island of Bali. Not like the other beaches in Bali which are commonly crowded with so many people, this beach is still natural and quiet. Its sparkling white sand lies to several hundred meters combined with turquoise water, splash of the waves, and peaceful atmosphere creates such a panorama of dream tropical beach. The natural and peaceful situation of Geger Beach is caused by the small amount of shops, restaurants, or café, and the absence of noisy discotheques around the area totally different from other popular beaches like Kuta, Legian, or Seminyak.

Another cause is the location of this beach which is a bit hidden, far away from the main road which is the main contributor of the sound pollution in Bali. The true tranquility and beauty of winding reefs in its coastal area make a very romantic atmosphere, plus the rolling calm wave with bluish water complete that atmosphere especially for the couples. It is no wonder that Geger Beach has become one of the favorite places in Bali where new couples want to spend their honeymoon phase. Usually, these couples spend their time together by lying down on the sand, sunbathing in the warmth of Bali’s tropical sunlight whilst enjoying beach panorama.

Besides sunbathing, other activities that could be done in this beach are swimming and fishing, especially when the waters is receding. The reefs which are pointed out from the water looks like a bridge for the visitors to explore the sea deeper and enjoy the captivating underwater scenery under the shallow waters. Geger Beach is also a favorite spot for the surfers. This beach has a calm but challenging waves which are good for the beginner until professional surfers who wants to feel the fun of riding the wave. In the middle part of the ocean, the waves is quite big which is very suitable for rushing the surfers’ adrenaline. Whether in the morning or in the afternoon, the water of Geger Beach always feels warm which makes the tourists reluctant to leave the beach.

In this beach the tourists could also see a seaweed farming area managed and cultivated by the local residents around the beach. Many activities could be done here, like watching the harvesting process, drying the seaweed, or observing the farm itself.

nusa dua geger beachBesides all of those uniqueness, Geger Beach still has a uniqueness to offer, that is camel safari along the coast. You do not need to go to Egypt to feel the sensation of riding camel, because here the camels are ready to take you walking around. The only difference is these camels will not take you crossing a burning sandy desert, but a beautiful sandy beach. In exploring this beach, some routes are already provided by the administrators of the beach, so you do not need to worry that you may get lost. This camel safari usually take 1 hour to enjoy, which will be one of the most unique experiences in your life. Actually, now Geger Beach is also completed with some facilities like masseur, venders, souvenirs shops, and some restaurants. Tourists could try various selection of seafood in these restaurants.

Location

Geger Beach is located in the southern part of Bali Island, exactly in Peminga village, Sawangan, Nusa Dua. Even a bit hidden, this beach is not too hard to find. From Kuta, you could follow the main road heading into Nusa Dua. In the last traffic light before the gate heading into Nusa Dua Tourism Area, an exclusive complex owned by Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC), just turn right. If you find a sign written “Pantai Geger”, do not follow it.

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Actually, that access could take you to the beach but the condition of the road is not good. Big holes and pieces of reefs spread along the road make your trip hard and uncomfortable. So, just follow the main road until you find Nikko Hotel. Around 500 meters from this hotel there will be a small bridge. Just turn left right before this bridge and around 200 meters from there you will be welcomed by the beautiful panorama of this beach. So if you are looking for a peaceful and beautiful beach to visit in Bali, do not miss Geger Beach. Moreover, you could find a unique camel safari here. An attraction that you will rarely find anywhere in Bali.

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Sempu Island, a Piece of Paradise in South Malang

Sempu Island is a tropical small island located in the southern part of Java Island. This island is registered in the area of Malang Regency, East Java. Now, Sempu Island is declared as a wildlife sanctuary/conservation area by the government of Indonesia. Surprisingly, there is no brackish spring found in this area, even though the island is small and surrounded by ocean. Sempu Island has an area of approximately 877 hectare which is adjacent with Sempu Strait (Sendang Biru) and surrounded by Indian Ocean in the south, east, and west side. Sempu Island could be reached from Malang through Sendang Biru Beach. You could contact the local fishermen to rent their raft or boat and to get a permission/license to cross the strait into this beautiful island.

The splash of the wave, soft sand, and thousands of blinking stars will complete your vacation in Sempu Island with an unparalleled romantic atmosphere. So many people have been attracted to the charm and beauty of this uninhabited small island. From the city of Malang, it will need 4 hour drive to reach Sendang Biru, the crossing point of Sempu Island. You can use your own personal vehicle or public transportation because the road heading to that area, is relatively in good condition. The trip for 4 hours will not be boring because the amazing landscapes of towns, rice fields, and teak forests are very enjoyable to see.

After that 4 hour trip, you will arrive in Sendang Biru dock. Here, you will be required to register you and your trip mate to the office of Local Forestry Service which is located on the end of the dock. This process must be done because Sempu Island is a conservation area which is very important to keep from any possible threats, including irresponsible visitors. Indeed, the aim of this registration is to note or record you as the visitor of the island and then it could be used as evidence if in any case there is something wrong in the island related to the visitors. Sempu Island is a conservation area thus no buildings or residents could be found there. However, the travelers or tourists could still visit this island as long as they keep the preservation and cleanliness of this island.

This 877 hectare island has many interesting destinations like Kembar Beach (“kembar” means twin) and Segara Anakan which is the most famous part from Sempu Island. Segara Anakan is a beautiful lagoon which was created naturally by the ferocity of South Ocean’s wave. Natural and full of beautiful panorama, this place is a piece of paradise on earth. This beautiful lagoon has pretty white sand and clean turquoise water. Segara Anakan is a lagoon which is located behind Indian Ocean, separated only by towering reef walls. To get into this Segara Anakan, you must go on foot (trekking) for about 2 hours or more, depending on the field mastery or soil’s moisture. In the dry season, the trip would be easier because of the solidness of the soil stepped on and also the clarity of the pathway. In the rainy season, it will take longer time than usual, because you will face muddy soil and unclear pathway which also cause by the mud. However, all of your hard effort and tiredness will be paid off when you arrive in Segara Anakan. The beauty of the lagoon could be enjoyed all time; morning, afternoon, and night. In the morning until afternoon, the best activity would be playing water and swimming around the lagoon. The weather may get hotter, but the water temperature in this lagoon will still be cool. It is caused by the lush forest and caves which surround the lagoon, keeping the water temperature cool. Meanwhile, at night you could lit fire and enjoy the sensation of the nature’s peaceful atmosphere.

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Because uninhabited, the island is not provided with electricity. Light could be created from bonfire or lighter. Lying on the soft sand whilst watching the thousands of blinking stars will be a perfect way to close the day. Also, enjoy the total peace of the island without any disturbance of machine sounds. However, in the weekend you will rarely found the total quiet situation because you will get companies from the other visitors; not bad at all though.
To visit this amazing island, besides using personal vehicle from Gadang to Turen you could go on bus with only Rp 5000. After that, from Turen to Sendang Biru it will cost Rp 15000. For the boat rent, you will get various prices around Rp 100,000 until Rp 200,000. That price has already included pickup service in the next day. The trip crossing into the island will only take 5 minutes. Actually, those amounts are nothing compared to the amazing experiences that you will gain in this island.

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Hotels Popular in Bali

Pelangi Bali Hotel & Spa – Seminyak, Badung

Pelangi Bali Hotel and Spa is located in the wonderful area of Seminyak. Around this hotel, you will be able to easily reach Seminyak Beach, Legian Beach, and Seminyak Square. Besides that, Kuta Beach and Kuta Galeria Mall should also be easy to acces from this hotel.

Pelangi Bali Hotel and Spa offers comfortable and luxurious rooms with patios facing beautiful gardens. The wide hotel lobby give you an impression of Balinese atmosphere and show a balance of local culture and modern architecture. All superior rooms offer a nice room with marble Floor. The rooms have self controlled air conditioner with mini bar, coffee or tea maker, free high speed internet through Wi-Fi, and high definition television with international channels. Besides that, waters and loaded refrigerator are free to be enjoyed. On request facilities like hair dryer, ironing equipments, and IDD phone are also available.

Pelangi Bali Hotel & Spa also provide you with a complete spa services, swimming pool, and health club. Free high speed internet accesses are also available in the public places. The business and meeting facilities in this hotel are available to be utilized, including halls and high quality audio visual equipments. Café, side pool bar, and lounge bar are also provided for your comfort. The staffs would be glad to assist you in organizing wedding ceremony, business event, and tour arrangement. The other facilities could also be enjoyed, like children pool, fitness centre, and sauna. You could use the free shuttle service which will take you around this hotel or shopping centers. Parking space and valet parking are also available in this hotel. Experience Bali with Pelangi Bali Hotel and Spa, because “the beauty of Bali alone is enough to refresh your spirit”

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Barong Dance

Barong dance is a Balinese traditional dance which is inherited from pre-Hindu culture that existed in the past. This dance tells the story about eternal fight between the virtue (dharma) against the evil (adharma). The virtue is symbolized by Barong, a mythological creature which has four legs, and looks like a lion with golden armor. Meanwhile, the evil is symbolized by Rangda, an evil witch whose face is scary with long pointed out canines and fiery tongue. Some people say that, the word “Barong” is derived from word “bahruang” which means “beruang” (bear), a mythological animal which is believed possessing magical power as the virtue guardian.

Actually, there are various kind of Barong dance usually performed in Bali, whether in a show or in a traditional ceremony. The example of them are Barong Ket (the most common barong), Barong Bangkal (boar), Barong Gajah (elephant), Barong Asu (dog), Barong Brutuk (made from dried banana leaves) , and Barong-barongan. However, amongst those kind of Barong, Barong Ket or Barong Keket is the one which is often performed in front of the tourists since this Barong has the most complete costume and story. Usually, the Barong that you could see in a show is not the one that is sacred by the Balinese, but the Barong that is specially made solely for the behalf of a show.

Barong Ket costume usually describes the mixture of lion, tiger, or ox. Its body is decorated by many ornaments made from leather, small pieces of mirrors, and furs made from the fiber of pandan leaves. Barong is played by two dancers or usually called “bapang” which one of them take the front position playing role as the head as well as front legs, and one of them in the back position playing role as the back legs and tail.

In a glance, Barong Ket is a bit similar with Barongsai which is usually performed by the Chinese. However, the story performed is completely different. Moreover, in Barong story, there are some other characters like monkeys (friends of Barong), Kunti, Sadewa (the son of Kunti), Rangda, and the subordinates of Rangda.

The uniqueness of Barong dance is in the comical elements combined with mythological elements which are mixed into an art performance. The elements of comedy are usually inserted in the middle of the performance to evoke laugh from the audience. In the opening part for example, the monkey which accompanies the Barong on the stage, makes funny gestures and actions.

Meanwhile, the mythological elements come from the source of the story which is taken from pre-Hindu tradition when Barong was believed as the guardian of virtue. Mythological could also be seen from the costume of Barong which is made from woods taken in mystical places like cemetery. Besides that, Barong dance performance is usually interspersed with Keris Dance. Keris dance also contains mystical aspects in it, because in this dance a group of people try to stab themselves with keris (Balinese dagger), but surprisingly those sharp daggers could not penetrate their body.

Barong dance could be watched in some locations in Gianyar Regency, like in Dalem Ubud Temple starting at 7.30 pm and some stages in Batubulan Village starting from 9.30 am.
To be able to watch this performance, you must go to Batubulan or Ubud. From Denpasar, Batubulan is approximately 10 km and could be reached by 20 minute driving whether using personal vehicle or public transportation. Meanwhile Ubud is about 25 km and could be reached by 50 minute driving. Besides that, for your convenience you could also use travel agency service to watch Barong dance show. Usually, every travel agencies in Bali has fix schedule of Barong dance show in Batubulan and Ubud, and they could easily provide you with the pre-ordered ticket.

The entrance ticket for this show usually costs you Rp 50.000 – Rp 80.000 per person. With that price, you will also get a story guidance in the form of books or pamphlet available in various language like Bahasa Indonesia, English, French, Italian, Japanese, and Mandarin.

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After watching the show, you do not need to rush back to go to other places because there are so many attractive places located in both Batubulan and Ubud. You could buy some souvenirs or arts sold in the shops along the road of the two villages. Some tourists attractions like zoo, temples, art markets, and monkey forests are located near the location.

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Hotels

Melia Bali – Nusa Dua

Melia Bali is a five star hotel offers a unique and exotic resort combined with tropical comfort of Bali Island. This hotel is located on the beach of Nusa Dua, which is one of the prestigious area in Bali and also an excellent location about 11 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport. 24 acre area of lush tropical garden was transformed into a gorgeous resort with a great lagoon swimming pool winding throughout the grounds.

The location is also very strategic, it is situated in an area full of entertainment and pleasure. In a walking distance, some interesting places like Bali Collection, shopping center, restaurants, entertainment malls, and museum, even it is very near with Bali International Convention Center and Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center.

The hotel provides 494 elegant accommodations which each of them offers a luxurious and state of the art room with teakwood and jewel-toned furniture. A great dining experience is available in the five star restaurants within a tranquil area of the beachside and tropical garden. Wide range of cuisines selections are available, from Asian, Mediterranean, Balinese and Indonesian specialties, fresh seafood, until authentic Japanese cuisine and also a 24-hour coffee shop.

Ten private villas are arranged in the peaceful area apart from the rest of the resort with beautiful tropical gardens, private pools, outdoor dining, outdoor showers, and many more. A selection of non-smoking rooms is also available for your comfort.

Melia Bali also has implemented an Environmental Management System which meets the requirements of the EarthCheck Company Standard, like reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, ecosystem conservation and management, give preference to products & services of local origin, and so on. Melia Bali is really a unique sanctuary of exotic beauty and tropical comfort.

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The Grandeur of Borobudur

borobudur world seven wondersBorobudur is widely known as one of the world’s seven wonders. This Buddhist temple has 1460 relief and 504 stupa in its complex. Many people dream of visiting this great ancient building because of the captivating architectural design and function as worshipping place.

Borobudur actually is a name of a district in Magelang Regency, Central Java. It has gotten world reputation because of the existence of Borobudur Temple which is the biggest Buddhist temple as well as the grandest stupa complex in the world. Located 42 km southwest of Yogyakarta, Borobudur could be reach by either public transportation or personal vehicle. Besides the temple, Borobudur area also has other tourism potentials which spread in many places.

Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga, one of the famous king of Mataram Kuno Kingdom; the descendant of Syailendra Dynasty. According to Kayumwungan inscription, an Indonesian named Hudaya Kandahjaya stated that Borobudur was a worshipping place which was finished in 26th of May 824, almost a hundred year after the beginning of its construction. The name Borobudur itself, based on arguments of some people means “a terraced mountain” or called budhara, meanwhile other people said that Borobudur means “monastery on a high place.”

Borobudur is a building in the form of terraced pyramid, consists of 10 levels. Its height is 42 meter before renovation, thence became 34.5 meter after renovation because the lowest level of this temple sunk underground and then used as the foundation. The lowest six levels are rectangular and three levels above them are circular, and the highest one level is in the form of Buddha Stupa facing west. Every level symbolized the stages of human life. According to the schools of Budha Mahayana, every human who wants to achieve the level of Buddha must go through those stages of life.

The lowest part of Borobudur is called Kamadhatu, symbolizing humans who are still bounded by lust. Four levels above it, there are Rupadhatu which symbolize the humans who could free themselves from the lust but still attracted by appearance and form. In these levels, Budha statues are put without covers. Meanwhile, three levels above where Buddha are put inside / covered by perforated stupa are called Arupadhatu, symbolizing the humans who are free from lust, appearance, and form. The highest level which is called Arupa symbolizes the Nirvana, the place where Buddha resides.

Every level has some beautiful reliefs proving that Borobudur is truly a masterpiece. This relief will be readable if you see it in clockwise direction (left side from the entry of the temple). In its reliefs, Borobudur told a story about a legendary epic, Ramayana. Besides that, there are also some reliefs which show the condition of the society at that time. For instance, relief about farming activities which shows us about the advancement of farming system and relief of sailing ship which is the representation of the shipping advancement centered in Bergotta (Semarang) at that time.

The whole reliefs which exists in Borobudur reflecting Buddha’s teachings, so this temple is a suitable place for people who want to learn Buddhism. Atisha, a Buddhist from India in the 10th century, had come to this temple which was built 3 centuries before Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and 4 centuries before the Great Cathedral in Europe.

buddha stupa facing westBy visiting Borobudur and Buddhist texts he got from Serlingpa (one of the king of Sriwijaya Kingdom), Atisha could develop Buddhism. He was chosen to be the leader of Vikramasila Monastery and taught the Tibetan to practice Dharma or the truth. Six scripts made by him also were summarized into core of a teaching called “The Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment” or usually known as Bodhipathapradipa.

Questions that still unanswered about Borobudur until now is how the condition around the temple when it was built and how this temple could be found buried underground. Some theories stated that Borobudur was built around a swamp and then sunk caused by the eruption of Merapi Mountain. It could be concluded according to Kalkutta inscription written ‘Amawa’ means milky ocean. This word then was interpreted as Merapi’s lava.

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With its grandeur and mystery, so many people from around the world really want to visit Borobudur. Even some world celebrities like Richard Gere and David Beckham with his family taking their time to see Borobudur a few years ago. Besides visiting the temple, you could also take a tour to the villages around Borobudur, like Karanganyar and Wanurejo to see the process of creating handicrafts done by the local craftsmen. You could also go to the top of Watu Kendil to observe the panorama of Borobudur from high place.

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Tenganan Pegringsingan, a Surviving Balinese Ancient Village

Tenganan Pegringsingan Village is locaed in Karangasem, about 3 hour drive from the capital of Bali, Denpasar. On the way heading there, you will go through beachside road with beautiful panorama around it. Tenganan Pegringsingan is very famous for its “kamen” (Balinese sarong), unique culture, and tradition.

Kamen Gringsing

kamen gringsingKamen Gringsing is a kind of kamen which is highly rated in Bali because of its beauty, materials, and complicated making process. In this village you can find kamen gringsing easily but also with a high price. That price is actually quite reasonable since the coloring process of this traditional cloth could takes years until finish. There are three dominant colors in every kamen; red, yellow or white, and black. The color of red is made from the root bark of a noni tree; yellow is from hazelnut and black is from a kind of grass. Gringsing is derived from word “gring” means “ill” and “sing” which means “not,” so it could be said that the meaning of gringsing is “not ill.” This meaning is also related to balance of universe elements symbolized in the kamen. Yellow is for symbolizing air, meanwhile red is for fire, and black is for water. If one of these elements in human body is disturbed, illness will occur. It means that human should also keep the elements of nature to balance the “health” of the universe.

Reject the Levy

tirta empul entry ticketBack then, when Tenganan Pegringsingan began to attract a lot of tourists, Karangasem Government suddenly imposed tourism levies from this village. Extortions from various parties at that time were firmly rejected because it was imposed without villagers’ agreement as the owner of the village.

When it was the time for depositing levy, the government sent a message for the headman of village, but it was replied by again a firm rejection stated that the villagers did not accept that kind of unilateral policy. It did not stop there, the unsatisfied government called the headman into their office to ask further about the matter.

However, the headman which was the representative of the village did not budge. When the government stated that the levies were an obligation and were based on local regulations, he simply asked back to the government asking what contribution had the government given to the village; nothing. Until now, the villagers of Tenganan Pegringsingan still free of extortions and levies because they firmly fight for the right of the land they own.

Heedless of Caste

desa tenganan tidak mengenal kasta baliThe uniqueness of this village is their heedless of caste. Even though now caste is not really important anymore, Balinese society actually still use this social system, inherited from the ancient kingdom era. However, in Tenganan Pegringsingan they do not use this social system or it could be said that all of the villagers have equal social status.

Moreover, the residents of this village have a bit different tradition from the other Balinese. When Bali celebrates Nyepi and the entire island is in total silent, the residents of this village do their activity normally. For them, the meaning of Nyepi is peace, a day for self reflection. They will do their routine like cooking, weaving Gringsing, vending, or farming normally but without noise. However, the difference that they practice is actually respected by the other Balinese. Indeed, this is the real practice of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) which becomes the motto of Indonesia.

Every inch of the land, from the house, forest, farm, or rice field is owned by the village not personal. This is the main rule of this village. For a new couple, a house is already provided for them. They will be given 3 months to be independent, away from their parents. After that, they would be asked to choose a place or land around the village to stay and live their new life.

With this pattern of land owning, Tenganan Pegringsingan Village is free from outsiders’ intervention. Privatization from outsiders is totally forbidden which makes the originality of the village is well maintained. In this village, forest or land is not for sale for anyone because it is the property of their village and they must conserve it.

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If you visit Tenganan Pegringsingan, you will find the form of true Balinese village; the houses are arranged neatly, the paths of the village are clean, and the people are polite. You will also see the buildings of this village are still made from dirt and the surroundings are very natural. Children’s rides like seesaw or ferris wheel is made from wood. Visiting Tenganan Pegringsingan is like coming back to ancient Bali; a unique experience that you will not get in the other places.