Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Natural Beaches in Yogyakarta - Indonesia

At the south of Yogyakarta, you will meet beaches. The closest beach is Parangtritis which offers the fun of riding along the beach by horse cart or ATV. There are also natural beaches in the Gunungkidul region; like Baron, Siung, Sadeng, and Sepanjang Beach. It kind a different with Northern Yogya which full of historical and cultural icon that already explain at last article, Travelling In Yogyakarta - City of Culture in Indonesia 
Although we cannot expect a mature beach resort like Bali or blue-blooded such as Thailand, the natural beaches in Gunung Kidul - Yogyakarta still worth a visit, especially for travelers with special interests.
Congot Beach and Glagah Beach 
Located in Kulon Progo district, approximately 40 km from the city of Yogyakarta. This beach can be reached by private car or by public transport buses – lines from Yogya to Purworejo until the intersection Glagah. From this intersection, visitors who do not bring their own vehicle can request services "motorcycle taxi" to deliver to that location. For hiking lovers, travel that distance by foot is a healthy and exciting journey. Local Government has built this beach area with various facilities such as recreational parks, fishing pond and campground. You also can enjoy river attraction at this place, sports fans can get a rowing facility. Congot beach is about 1.5 kilimeter from Glagah beach, both beach has been associated with paved roads.

Glagah Beach is a natural tourist attraction that has several features compared with other beaches in Yogyakarta, even in Indonesia. Sandy beach plus a breakwater to provide a beautiful panorama for tourists. Another specialty Glagah owned beach is the lagoon that divides the coastal area into two areas that are still covered by grasses and other marine plants and sandy areas that relate directly to the beach. Tourists can wander along the lagoon by boat tours available at the lagoon mouth. Also in the coastal region there is an agro tourism for dragon fruit, so that the tourists can see directly the process of cultivating and picking dragon fruit.
Glagah Beach also offers a variety of tourist attractions, both regular and temporary, like a kite festival, motocross, ceremonies, and performing arts area.
To enter the region Glagah Beach, visitors will be charged levies Rp 3,000 per person. In addition, visitors will also be subject to two kinds of parking fees, at a counter charges and the location of the parking lot. In the booth fees, visitors who use motor bike Rp 1,000; car Rp 3,000 and Rp 5,000 for buses. To levy parking, if you use two-wheeled vehicle, you can park in the area by paying a levy Glagah Beach parking Rp 2,000 and Rp 5,000 for four-wheel vehicles. As for the bus and truck parking fee of Rp 10,000.
Trisik Beach

This beach is located approximately 37 kilometers from the city of Yogyakarta and can be reached via Palbapang. From the intersection Palbapang is then turned in the direction to Srandakan, then proceed to Brosot area along Progo bridge around 600 meters. From Brosot area, travel along the 5 miles to the Trisik beach, can be achieved by local transport called ANDONG (cart drawn by a horse). Trisik Beach also can be reached by bus to the coast. Trisik Beach is an attractive tourist area, especially for the angler fish, because the Gunsario river (canal) located in areas inhabited by many big fish.
Parangtritis Beach
Parangtritis is the most popular beach in Yogyakarta. Good management makeParangtritis beach clean and beautiful while still always crowded visit. Not only beach scene just presented, but we also can see the landscape rocks, mountains, etc..
When we walked south toward the coast, we’ll see a wide stretch of ocean. If you want to see a different view, we could walk to the east, there would appear green grass covering the mountains on the east coast beaches. When the water receded, there is a stretch of rocky reefs. Parangtritis has its own myth. believed to have a unified trinity of Mount Merapi, Palace, and Parangtritis. There is a myth that Parangtritis coast became a meeting between the Panembahan Sunan Kalijaga when finished ascetic. Once satisfied with enjoying the natural scenery, you can go to the grave of Bela Belu sheh many pilgrims visited the kliwon Tuesday.
As a natural tourism area, Parangtritis has equipped itself with the lodging-inns and restaurants, as well as various recreational facilities such as swimming baths, camping grounds and others. Attractions that can be visited include:
·          Wedang Beach: A mineralized hot springs that never dry all year, which is often used to cure skin diseases.
·          Parang Kusuma: Facilities that have been many such inns, mosques, restaurants and toilets.
·          Gambirowati Highlands : it is one plat that has spectacular views over complex Parangtritis beach and into the surrounding sea. This place can be reached along the road from the direction of Parangtritis to Panggang and Langse Cave which is an uphill road to the hills. Gupit hill that is on this road, often used as a place to start / jumping of hang gliding sports lovers.
Ngrenehan Beach
Located in the Kanigoro village in Saptosari district, approximately 30 km south of the Wonosari city. A shore of the bay surrounded by limestone hills stretch and has a spectacular panoramic view with white sand. Tourists can watch the activities of fishermen and enjoy sea food or take a souvenir of fresh fish.
Pantai Baron
Baron beach is quite unique and has many food vendors are available, making it suitable to take a break while enjoying a seafood meal that we can buy directly in the local fish auction place. Baron become centers of local fishermen, because of the uniqueness of this Baron beach at fence two karst cliff on the left and right into the bay. Most of the fisherman have completed their boat with engine so it can reach a wider sea. The uniqueness of others, there is a path from a stream originating from underground springs that are attached to the shoreline, so there are areas blend of fresh and salt water. Among teenagers and scouts often camping activities in this place, besides cross-country activities into the hills surrounding the bay beaches.
Kukup Beach 
Is located in the Kemadang Village in Tanjungsari District, about 1 km east of Baron beach. Sloping white sandy beaches and there are trails that cut through the hills until the Coastal Baron and a Coral Island connected by bridge. From the top of Coral Island, we can see a wide stretch of beach and very beautiful with ornamental fish in the sea water which many found in this area and very attractive tourist
Drini Beach
Drini Beach, another object, is still characterized by the same coral beach with clear sea water, in this place we used to play down the hill there is lots of coral there, looking for marine animals that are trapped in shore reefs, or reefs along the hallway that seemed to be a shield from the fierce waves south sea. Called Drini because in coastal locations there were grows Drini tree which believed  that the wood work for an antidote to venomous snakes. Apparently there is Sepanjang beaches that rarely visited, and at a certain time become a place of sea turtles landed to lay eggs, making this area as a conservation of sea turtles.

Krakal Beach
Krakal Coast is the region's most beautiful beaches, among the entire stretch of beach along the island of Java. This beach will be built into the coastal and tourist settlements, especially foreign tourists, similar with Nusa Dua Resort in Bali island.
Sundak Beach
Sundak mean Asu (dog) and Landak (hedgehogs). Sundak named because, in this region there is a spring inside a cave in a limestone cleft. The discovery of fresh water used by the locals this is due to a dog fight is chasing a porcupine that go into this cave, so that the origin of the name Sundak beach.
Wedi Ombo Beach
Another beach that we visited. But the location was separated with aboves others beach. Wedi Ombo or in the Indonesian is Pantai Pasir yang Luas, wedi is Pantai Pasir (sand) and  ombo mean Luas (wide). Bay beach of white sand area, which is visible from a far mowing. I think this beach is not inferior to the beach in Bali, very exotics when sunset or before sunrise. Around the coast there are Gremeng beach, Jungwok beach and Kalong Island, the island with thousands of bats that nest on the island. 
Way back to Yogyakarta after the morning visiting various coastal location, does not let go the opportunity to stop at a location before the bend of Semar butt, namely Bukit Hargodumilah or Bukit Bintang (star hills). Locations that have a view of the city of Yogyakarta, a very beautiful time of the sunset, see the fairy light flickering in the distance the city of Yogyakarta.  If during the day from this place can be seen Sindorodan Cleft Mountain, also of Mount Merbabu and Merapi.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Cheap holidays – Low on Cost, Big on Fun!

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Everyone loves taking holidays. Cheap holidays are not just for couples, families can really get some fantastic cheap holidays to the same destinations for just the same value.

Everyone loves taking holidays, they are a chance to get away from it all and experience a new country and culture and recharge your batteries. Sometimes though it can be difficult to budget for a holiday and that is why so many people are now taking cheap holidays all over the world. When you go on a cheap holiday you are getting exactly the same holiday as those people who have booked at the same resort and hotel – but at a higher price than you paid.
One of the main reasons that cheap holidays are available is that often as the departure date for the holiday gets closer not all of the places on the holiday are booked. This means that travel agents reduce the cost of the holiday in order to sell it, and this is where you can really get yourself a bargain, with some holidays reduced to less than half price. It is possible to get bargain holidays to anywhere in the world, you just need to be patient and watch out for the type of holiday that you want. You also need to be quite flexible to really be able to benefit from a cheap holiday as some of them are quite last minute and are reduced in the few weeks or even days before the departure date.
A Cheap holiday is not just for couples, families can really get some fantastic cheap holidays to the very best destinations all around the world which means that you can have a fun packed holiday and still have money left over. So why not keep an eye out for a cheap holiday which is perfect for families and have the holiday of a lifetime at much less than the full price?
Finding cheap holidays is actually easier than you would think, you don’t have to spend hours trawling the internet to find them, it is easy to find one as you walk down your local high street. Travel agents all advertise their bargain holidays and there are new holidays added every dayFind Article, so the next time you are walking past a travel agents take a look at what is on offer and you could be astounded.
Cheap holidays are also the perfect way to book onto a holiday that you might not usually go on. Doing this can give you some amazing experiences that you want to repeat that you wouldn’t normally go for due to the price. Imagine what it would feel like to be on a holiday of a lifetime to a far flung corner of the world knowing that you haven’t broken the bank to get there. This is exactly what will happen to you when you book yourself onto a cheap holiday.
So for a holiday that is low on cost but big on fun you need to try out cheap holidays. One thing is for sure once you have taken one you will be hooked and want to look out for amazing bargains every time you want to book a holiday.
Author : Martin Shane Jones is a Travel Writer in the UK

Cheap Freight - The Secrets to Getting Cheap Air Fares

Cheap Freights are easy if you keep these 8 tips in mind. Airlines aim to make as much money as possible. They are not going to put the cheap air fares out front, so you need to know how to find those gold mines yourself.
There are basically 8 rules I use on a regular basis when booking flights to be sure I get to my destination the cheapest way. These are tips that every person can easily use, frequently cutting the price in half you pay.
1. Make your reservation as early as possible. At least 14 days in advance. After this time, the air tickets can easily more than double in price and cheap air fares may not be available.
2. Be flexible with your travel time. Changing the day or the time of day can drastically reduce the price of your air flight. The best day to fly on is Wednesday, which is also the best day to book the flight on. The cheapest time to fly is early morning or late evening.

3. Fly during the off-season. Prices are a direct result of supply and demand. As demand goes down, prices go down as well, benefiting flyers.
4. Shop all the airlines. This is the most possible using a couple of key air travel websites. Being able to check all the airlines side-by-side can make it really easy to get those cheap air fares you're after.
5. A stopover instead of a direct flight can result in huge savings.
6. Membership in some clubs like AAA can get you discounts.
7. Look into air travel packages. Purchasing your air travel, hotel, and rental car through the same place usually gives a massive discount. Using a bigger air fare website will allow you to get both cheap air fares and cheap hotels in the same place in moments.
The prices on air fares are a direct result of competition, inventory, and demand. Competition is the airlines competing with each other. Inventory is how many seats are left open on a given flight. Demand is how many people are looking for air travel tickets.
8. By choosing the least-crowded flights that are the least in demand, you get the cheap air fares you want. It's really that simple.
As you can see, there are many ways to get better prices. If you use a good air fares website and choose the best days and times to fly, you can often get cheap freight and save a hefty amount of money in the process. Most of this is easier in practice for the well setup sites to compare all the airlines side-by-side. The cheaper prices stick out like a sore thumb. There are also many hidden deals also that don't get as known, so I have done the leg work to find you the best site to book everything from cruise ship vacations to cheap hotels to cheap air fares, all in one place. Also I have tracked down running specials on the cheap air fares, some as nice as 50% off the prices of the cheap air fares giving you deals that simply can't be beat.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Planning Your Holidays? Get Useful Tips!

What types of holiday celebrations do you want? For example: Do you want to have an immediate family only holiday affair or an extravaganza including immediate and extended family plus a few friends? Once you've thought everything through and decided on the type of holiday gathering you would like, you can then start making your plans.
If you are ready to get a head start on organizing yourself, your family and your holiday check lists, then keep reading:
I use a holiday card list that I derive from saving names and addresses from holiday cards my family has received in past years. I created a simple, computerized list that is easy to edit and print onto address labels. Be sure to stock up on stamps so that when you have your cards signed, stuffed and addressed you can affix a stamp to them and make one, simple trip to the Post Office.
There's nothing like getting a HUGE credit card bill in the mail at the start of the New Year. Many of us tend to want to be generous when shopping for holiday gifts. While your generosity will be appreciated at gift giving time, keep in mind that it is very easy to succumb to "impulse buying" and go all out on your holiday shopping. While your intentions may be good, your pocketbook may be singing a different song. Set a budget and stick to it - your bank account will thank you for it after the start of the New Year.
Wrap your gifts and place nametags on them immediately after you bring them home, then store the gifts in a secure spot. This will cut down on those late night wrapping sessions that I am sure we ALL have experienced a few times, if not every year.
If you will be cooking during the holidays, it is important to plan your meals ahead of time. Be sure to stock up ahead of time on all the necessary non-perishable baking ingredients such as flour, sugar and spices. Create a list of your holiday menus and a list of the ingredients you will need to prepare each of those meals. Also, try to think of a few dishes that can be prepared ahead of time and then frozen as an extra timesaving measure
This is one of my favorite tips. Be sure to enlist the help of your family or friends. Sit down and discuss what needs to be done then ask for volunteers. If no hands are raised, simply assign small tasks to each of them. Whether it is arranging for a babysitter so that you can escape for a child free day of shopping, passing the shopping list onto another family member or friend so that they can pick up the items for you, or letting the children decorate your home. Be sure to get the whole family involved in the holiday preparations so that you will not be overwhelmed.
Author: Mike

How to Find Fun at Home During the Holidays

All too often, the holidays are times when families don't spend enough time at home. This may sound ridiculous because holidays are supposed to be centered around the home and the family unit. Nevertheless, with shopping and everything else needing to be done at the holiday time, it can be difficult for families to find things to do at home.
The truth is that the average family must make an effort to stay home and find things that are fun to do at home. When you do stay in more, you will realize your family is happier and not nearly as stressed out! Use these tips to help spur your memory and figure out exactly what you can do this holiday season.
Family Traditions
One of the easiest ways to have fun at home during the holidays is to participate in family traditions. Many families have certain activities they do each holiday season. Some will help decorate the house with holiday decor together. No matter what you do as a family, you can guarantee that spending time together and in your home will make you feel great this holiday season. If you don't have any specific family traditions yet, you can always make this season the one where you create some great ones. There are no rules on this front, so just be creative and have fun!
Music 
Another way you can have fun at home during the holidays is by getting in the holiday mood. One of the best ways to get into the holiday mood is by playing music. Playing holiday music in your home may sound a little ridiculous to you. However, the sound of the holiday music can bring out the bonding in everyone. You can play board games with your family while listening to holiday music and eating holiday cookies. Your kids will love it!
Parties
If you love to entertain, having a party is also a great way to have fun at home. You can throw a big bash, or only have a few friends over for appetizers and eggnog. Having a holiday party is perfect because your home is likely already decorated. So, all you need to do is pick up a few food choices and make some phone calls. Of course, if you want, you can always just create a small holiday party for your children and your spouse. You can sip eggnog by the tree and sit on the floor reading stories all night. Anything you can do to help your family develop great holiday memories is a good thing.
So make an effort to stay home more this holiday season. Find things that make your family happy and try them. You just might find that you would rather stay home than go out!
Author: Jaci Rae 

Five Tips to Keep Families Healthy and Strong - Even with Challenging Children

The holidays are notorious for putting a strain on even the healthiest of families. Schedules fall out of sync, stress builds with added expectations to be available to friends and extended family members, and tens of thousands of people seem to come out of hiding, making roads and shops unbearable. This does not include the stress from the unpleasant realization that in all likelihood, children are not going to get every toy they see on television. 

To help you through the holidays, I am listing five tips that are applicable to all families, not just those with special needs children. 

1. Ensure that all family members have adequate respite. 

Parents cannot be at their best without having a break once in a while. The same is true for children. Find some way that every member of your family can get rejuvenated. Perhaps your children would like some 1-1 time with you, playing a game, doing a sensory activity, or just taking a walk. Parents may need to call in a babysitter way in advance to get some time alone together, but use this time to build your relationship instead of holiday shopping or going to another party. 

2. Eat dinner together

Eating dinner together is a healthy habit throughout the year. It is a time for your family to stay connected. Dinner does not need to be elaborate, the time together is most important. 

3. Nurture your relationships. 

While this is the focus of the holidays, nurturing relationships does not need to be made through elaborate parties. It may also be the reality that you can not possibly reach out on a personal level to everyone. If that is the case, prioritize the people that you want to connect with this year and give a call, or write a personal card. Perhaps you invite some of them out to coffee instead of sending a card. 

4. Live in the moment

There is much beauty to be found at this time of the year. Yet, the most beautiful aspects are also the easiest to miss when we are frantically shopping, sending cards, or trying desperately trying to make our house the best decorated on the block. Instead, try to notice the day to day development of your child and their sense of wonder.

5. Appreciate the little things in life

If you take some time off during the holidays, try to appreciate all that your family has. Appreciate too all that you have given your child. You may have given your child with special needs an opportunity to realize his or her full potential; an opportunity that was rare only thirty or forty years ago. Lastly, try to appreciate everything your child with a disability has given to your family. Maybe it is patience, empathy, an appreciation for humanity, or something else.

Author : Christoher R. Auer

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Travelling In Yogyakarta, City of Culture in Indonesia


Yogyakarta is located about 500 km east side from capital city of Indonesia. Yogyakarta is famous for its lively culture and surrounded by talented artistic people. It is also well known for traditional Javanese culture and fine arts; puppet shows, songs, poetry, drama, batik etc. Many of Indonesia well known artistic is born in Yogyakarta. Not only Yogyakarta famous for its culture and art, it is also known as student city since it have many university and also know as 2nd Indonesia tourism city after Bali. Average temperature is tropical temperature, so it will be good if we visit to Yogyakarta at dry season from February until September.
Yogyakarta have many interesting place to be visit. As the centre of Kraton (Sultan Palace), when visiting Yogyakarta, don't forget to pay visit to The Sultan's Square. For you who like past inheritance, there are many Buddhist temples; Candi Sambisari, Candi Kalasan, Candi Sari, Candi Prambanan and the biggest temple is Borobudur temple. For you who like to go to beach, there are many good beach and lots of art gallery can be visited in Yogyakarta.
Other than the festival, there are a lot to be seen in Yogyakarta:
-         Tugu Monument
-         Benteng Vredenburg
-         Kotagede
-         Imogiri
-         Kotabaru
It would be called visiting Yogyakarta without seeing the Wayang Kulit show (Javanese shadow play, which will be accompanied by Indonesian traditional music).

To travel, you can travel with “Becak “, which allows having natural sight seeing of the city itself while riding in it.

There is various food can be found in Yogyakarta with various delicious taste; ranging from spicy to sweet, and its not expensive! So eat all you can. Some of the famous dish:
-         Ayam Goreng
-         Gudeg
-         Rujak Ice cream
-         Nasi Langgi
There is also a famous festival held in Yogyakarta. It is art and cultural festival that is organized every 2 years is call “ Jogja Biennale”.  It aims to enhance the world's recognition of the city Jogja and its arts. Jogja Biennale has turned into the festival that local people and tourist keenly waiting for. The festival allows the artists to expose their artistic talent to the world, and bring the talented artists together.
You see, there are so many interesting places to visit in Yogyakarta. For a moment let we explore about temple in Yogyakarta.

Candi Borobudur (Borobudur Temple)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It's located about 50 km north west of Yogyakarta and one of remarkable monument in Indonesia, a splendid work of art and the largest Buddhist temple in the world.
Borobudur, or Barabudur, is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist monument near Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. The monument comprises six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. A main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.
The monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The journey for pilgrims begins at the base of the monument and follows a path circumambulating the monument while ascending to the top through the three levels of Buddhist cosmology, namely Kāmadhātu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness). During the journey the monument guides the pilgrims through a system of stairways and corridors with 1,460 narrative relief panels on the wall and the balustrades.
Evidence suggests Borobudur was abandoned following the 14th-century decline of Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms in Java, and the Javanese conversion to Islam. Worldwide knowledge of its existence was sparked in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, then the British ruler of Java, who was advised of its location by native Indonesians. Borobudur has since been preserved through several restorations. The largest restoration project was undertaken between 1975 and 1982 by the Indonesian government and UNESCO, following which the monument was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Borobudur is still used for pilgrimage; once a year Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument, and Borobudur is Indonesia's single most visited tourist attraction

Prambanan / Candi Sewu (Sewu Temple)

The Prambanan temple is the biggest and a most beautiful Hindu temple about 20 minutes from Yogyakarta city. This magnificent Shivaite temple derives its name from the village where it is located. Locally known as the Loro Jongrang temple, or the temple of the "Slender Virgin" it is reputed to be the biggest and most beautiful Hindu Temple in Indonesia. 17 kilometers east of Yogyakarta, the temple is believed to have been built by King Balitung Maha Sambu in the middle of the ninth century. It has about one thousand of temple located in one place. Based on people story, it was made by man who would engage beautiful lady, but the lady asked the man to build one thousand temples before morning. So the man builds these one thousand temples in one night. Well whether you believe or not, this place is interesting place to visit

Candi Sari (Sari Temple)

Also named Candi Bendah is a Buddhist temple located at Dusun (hamlet) Bendan, Tirtomartani village, Kalasan, Sleman regency, Yogyakarta was build on around 8th century . It is located about 130 meters north east from Kalasan temple or about 13 km from Yogyakarta. This temple was a two story building with wooden beams, floors, stairs completed with windows and doors; all from organic materials which now are decayed and gone. It is strongly suggested that the original function of this building was a vihara (Buddhist monastery), a dwelling place for monks. The temple's name Sari or Saré translated as "to sleep" in Javanese also confirmed the habitation nature of the building. It have Nine stupas at the top with two rooms beneath, each believed to be places for priests to meditate.
Well, actually at least there are five famous temple located around Yogyakarta. Those temple is place that we should be visit when we go to Yogyakarta. For next, we will take a look another interesting place in Yogyakarta for vacation.
Almost forget the accommodation. There is a lot hotel can be found in Yogyakarta. If you are looking at 5 star hotel, it’s available from International brand such as Hyatt Regency Hotel Yogyakarta, Sheraton Mustika Resort & Spa Yogyakarta to 4 star Novotel Hotel Yogyakarta and 3 star Ibis Malioboro Hotel Yogyakarta. There is also local hotel rating from 5 star Melia Purosani Hotel Yogyakarta to 2 star Istana Batik Ratna Hotel Yogyakarta. Compare the price of the above hotel and search for many more hotels in Yogyakarta.

Great Places to Visit on Your Holidays in Indonesia

Indonesia is a very interesting country to visit and makes for an ideal holiday. Its diverse range of culture and beautiful scenery draw back holiday makers year after year. There are some fabulous holiday homes to rent in Indonesia with some stunning holiday villas by the beach. You can also rent self catering holiday apartments and use them as a base to explore this wonderful country. 

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world and comprises five main islands of Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Irian Jaya and a group of thirty small archipelagoes. It has more than 17,508 islands. Indonesia is a multi-ethnic country with over 300 ethnic groups inclusive of Malay and Polynesian people. The diverse culture of the country has resulted in an opulent and wealthy culture and heritage, which makes it a tourist's delight.


 

One among the must see places in Indonesia is the Borobudur temple. It is believed that the temple's name originated from Sanskrit - Vihara Buddha Uhr. It was built in the eighth century and is located in Magelang. It is situated on a hill, overlooking distant hills and sprawling green fields. The temple is built with grey andesine stone and has seven terraces. The great Stupa of the temple is 40 meters tall and the walls are extensively sculpted.


Lake Toba is a beautiful centerpiece of the north Sumatra Lake. The exquisite scenery and the pleasant climate, in the surrounding areas make it a popular tourist attraction in Indonesia. It is the largest lake in South East Asia and it measures 100 km in length. Resultant of a volcanic explosion, the lake's surrounding landscape is fertile. The island of Samosir is located on the centre of the lake and the culture and tradition of the amiable tribe, Toba Batak attracts tourists from all over the world.

 
Tana Toraja is yet another attraction. Rantapeo, a major attraction of the place, is located in the north eastern part of Ujung Pandang. Rantepeo is located 700 meters above sea level and offers a pleasant climate. The entry point of Tana Taroja is a traditional boat-shaped gate. Tana Toraja has cliff graves and two villages, named Lemo and Londa. Londa is considered as one among the oldest sites of hanging graves of local nobility. Toraja has many excellent craft shops for the shopping buffs.


Krakatau volcano is another major tourist spot in Indonesia. The volcano erupted in the year 1883 and is one of the most catastrophic natural events, which is etched in history. The entire region surrounding the volcano was engulfed in darkness. The volcano disappeared, soon after eruption and resulted in the formation of small islands in the area. One of the volcanoes in the area is called Anak Krakatau or the child of Krakatau, which is a young and active volcano. Boat trips to the volcano, allows tourists to get a closer look at the young volcano.


Mt. Tangkuban Perahu is a must see sight in Indonesia. The volcano is filled with many places for sight seeing and exploring. It is an interesting spot and the mount is famous for its distinct upturned boat shape. The panoramic view of the mount and the forests is a delightful experience. The peaceful mountain erupted in 1969 and Kawah Ratu is the main crater or the Queen's crater, as its name suggests.

Indonesia is a culturally rich country with a picturesque setting. The predominantly Muslim country is a place where people from different religions co-exist. The diversity of the cultures makes it traditionally and culturally rich. The friendly people of the country, year long festivities and innumerable tourist spots make Indonesia a great tourist destination.

It is no wonder that holiday makers love Indonesia so much and many choose to rent holiday villas and self catering apartments. By renting holiday home accommodation in Indonesia you are able to use them as a base to explore this amazing country. There are some great holiday villas with swimming pools that can be rented direct from their owners.

Author : Andrew Gibson is MD of Direct Holiday Bookings. (With additional pictures from Blog owner)

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Cheap Holidays - Ways to Save Yourself Money

It's true - holidays aren't cheap. After the collapse of the global economy everyone's finding it difficult to find the time and money for an affordable holiday. With our tips, however, you should be able to save time and money. First of all, be sure to choose the best dates for your holiday. Try to keep away from school breaks and peak periods throughout the summer at popular tourist areas. Going on holiday outside of peak times can save a lot of money and hassle.
Would you pay a couple of hundred dollars for a microwave meal and a movie? No? Then why should you pay that amount extra for exactly that with a premium airline? Economy and budget airlines have grown fast to become major players in the airline industry. You can save massive amounts of money by flying with budget airlines while still enjoying practically the same service as you would with a premium airline. After all, a plane's a plane!
Scraper websites can be used to get even more big discounts off of flights. Don't just pay what the airline says! Use one of the many popular flight scraper sites to compare the prices of lots of different airlines and find out which offers the best price for exactly the same service. There are big bargains to be had, so don't just take the first price you're given. Read up on the airline's reviews and history, too, so you know exactly what kind of service to expect.
The savings don't stop with the flights. Once you've chosen your accommodation, use another scraper - this time, a hotel scraper to find the best possible prices and deals for the hotel in which you want to stay. You can compare the prices from many different brokers and agents and find the best possible deal for the period of your holiday. Why should you pay more than you have to? There are massive savings to be had, so have them!
Now you've got your flight and your accommodation sorted. But the money saving doesn't end there! Pick up the phone and give the operators a call and be prepared to haggle for an even better price. You'd be amazed at some of the discounts that are available if you only ask. After all, what have you got to lose? It'll only cost you a phone call and the worst they can do is say no. At best, you could save even more valuable money.
Author : Mark Thomas Walters Platinum Quality Author

A Beginners Guide to Cheap Holidays

Cheap holidays are more popular than ever now due to the current economic climate.  With this in mind here is a beginner’s guide to cheap holidays that can help you to get the holiday you want at a vastly reduced price.
If someone says to you "Cheap holidays" what do you  instantly think of?  Is it a grubby 2  star apartment in the middle of nowhere or a relaxing holiday that is just what  you are looking for?  Anyone who has  never been on a cheap holiday before might be a little concerned about booking  one (especially if they have heard some of the 80s horror stories about them)  but there really is no need to worry.  Thankfully  times have changed, and so have the cheap holidays that are now on offer.  With this in mind here is a beginner's guide  to cheap holidays that can help you to get the holiday you want at a vastly  reduced price.
Cheap holidays are often offered by travel agents as the departure gets nearer and the full quota for the holiday has not been met. If  you are prepared to wait a little you could get up to 50%, or sometimes even  more off the price of a holiday to destinations all over the world.
Cheap holidays don't mean cheap accommodation or resort.  Holidaymakers who take advantage of low price holidays experience exactly the same holiday as those who pay full price for the same holiday.
Be prepared to do a little research when you are looking for cheap holidays, most travel agents will want you to book full price holidays  and try to steer you towards them. However, if you have a limited budget for your holiday stick to your guns and you will be able to find a holiday that is  perfect for you and your bank balance.
If you are quite adventurous you could even book time off  work, pack your suitcase and head down to your local travel agent or go online  and see what cheap holidays there are which depart in the next few days. Doing  this can get you some amazing discounts – but you need to be ready to go  literally anywhere in the world as there is no saying which cheap holidays will  be available. So if you are looking for a particular type of holiday this might  not be the best option for you.
Set a budget for the amount that you are looking to spend on cheap holidays and stick to it. If you go way over budget your cheap holiday  might not work out to be as cheap as you had originally planned.
If you don't find anything suitable at firstPsychology Articles, keep trying. Cheap holidays become available at a moment's notice and sometimes you have to  keep looking to find the best holiday deal for you.
Remember that cheap holidays give you exactly the same as a  full price holiday and no one knows that you got your holiday cheaper than they  did – unless you want to tell them that is!
So now that you have a little more information on how to  look for and get cheap holidays the only thing left for you to do is grab your  suntan lotion.
Author : Martin Shane Jones is a Travel Writer in the UK.